The vegetable growing industry in Russia is the main component of crop production, the development of which determines the basis of life and food security. Being the most important and indispensable products of plant origin in the human diet, for a Russian, vegetables are in third place in importance after bread and potatoes. However, according to Rosstat, the level of selfsufficiency in vegetables and food melons in the country is 86,3%, which implies the need to increase their production. To improve the situation in the vegetable growing industry, an important place is given to the issues of improving selection and seed production, since the variety and high-quality seeds are the main elements of modern zonal crop cultivation technologies. At the Federal Scientific Center for Vegetable Growing, selection and seed production of vegetable crops is moving to an innovative development path, where, along with classical methods, modern methods are used: molecular marking according to the main economic characteristics, accelerated creation of homozygous lines using doubled haploid methods, plant immunity. In recent years, various methods of pre-sowing preparation of seeds have been developed to increase their viability and germination friendliness, to obtain even seedlings without harming the ecosystem. Based on the fundamental and priority applied research of previous years, in 2022, the creation of 17 varieties and hybrids of vegetable, melon and flower crops for all potential vegetable growing zones was completed. In order to provide the industry with pure-grade high-quality seed and increase the productivity of crops through the full use of the potential of the variety, the Federal Research Center for Vegetable Growing is constantly working in primary seed production. The developed zonal cultivation technologies will allow growing domestic products in various soil and climatic conditions of the country.

Species Cucurbita pepo L., which includes marrow, squash, hard-barked pumpkin and a number of other crops, has a high polymorphism both in plant structure and in shape, size, color of the bark and fruit pulp. The color of the bark of the fruits of this species can be white, cream, yellow, green, orange with or without a pattern. Appearance can greatly influence the marketing success of new hybrids among the target audience. This is explained by the fact that there are strong regional consumer preferences regarding the color of fruits, although most often, on the shelves of chain stores, in fresh or canned form, you can find fruits of bright, saturated colors and shades. At the same time, brightly colored fruits are more often used for canning, while light-colored ones are used for processing into caviar [1]. Paris H.S. and Brown R.N. summarized the identification of more than 80 gene loci that affect fruit color in Cucurbita pepo L., some of which are multi-allelic [2]. The color of the fruit in hard-barked pumpkin depends on the presence and interaction between the loci responsible for this trait, and many other factors, including growing conditions [3,4]. In cucurbits, in different phenophases, different genes are responsible for color [5–7]. All this makes the selection of summer squash and scallop on the basis of the color of the fruit bark very difficult. Knowing the genetics of coloration can make this task easier. In this article, we tried to summarize the results of studies presented in foreign literature sources on the study of Cucurbita pepo L. genes responsible for the color of the surface of the fruit and pulp, its intensity, the presence or absence of a pattern of various colors and configurations. No domestic studies on this topic could be found.

Relevance. One of the most important tasks of agricultural production is to provide the population of the regions with vegetables at the expense of local production. Despite the social significance of the vegetable growing industry, its development in the Central Ciscaucasia at the present stage allows only half to meet the demand of the population. For the Chechen Republic, where the area of arable land is limited, the daikon (Raphanus sativus L. subsp. acanthiformis (Blanch.) Stankev.) Has a certain perspective, especially for cultivation in the summer-autumn period, after early harvesting of vegetables and field crops.Results. Under the conditions of the Chechen Republic, the maximum yield of root crops (29.0 t/ha) and marketability of 65% of the early maturing variety Sasha was obtained with a sowing time of 31.07 and a scheme of 35x10 cm. The highest yield of root crops of varieties Dubinushka, Dragon, Favorit was formed at a sowing time of 17.07 (58.1, 62.3 and 57.3 t/ha, respectively), and variety Moskovsky Bogatyr – at a sowing time of 3.07 (72.3 t/ha) at sowing scheme 70x10 cm.

Relevance. A mathematical model of the distribution of the leaf area of a cucumber plant has been developed. On this basis, it is possible to determine the area of the leaf surface of the plant without removing them from the plants. By measuring the minimum number of parameters: the length and width of the largest leaf and the number of leaves on the plant.Methods. We determined the area by two methods: using scales and by scanning the leaves in black-and-white image mode. We present here a step-by-step instruction on determining the area of the sheet in both cases: by weighing and by using graphic editor (program) for his scan file. The accuracy of determining the area is ± 2%.Results. We have developed and practically tested a system for mass determination of the area of cucumber leaves. It includes the development of a mathematical model of the distribution of leaf area by plants at the time of accounting. For practical use of the obtained formulas, it is enough to measure only three parameters on each plant: the number of leaves, the length and width of the largest typical leaf. A typicality criterion based on the ratio of the length and width of the sheet was proposed. The model coincides with the actual plant area with a typical distribution of ±5%. This allows two people to account for up to 500 plants in one working day. The proportion of plants with a typical leaf area distribution ranges from 90% at the beginning of the growing season to 80-85% at its end. This allows relatively accurate calculation of the total area in agrotechnical experiments at minimal cost. The leaves of the plant do not receive any impact and continue to grow at the same time.Conclusion. The developed method allows taking into account the area on the same plants repeatedly, at different phases of ontogenesis and in different periods of vegetation.

Tanacetum balsamita L. is a perennial rhizomatous plant of the Asteraceae family. T. balsamita is cultivated as medicinal, aromatic plants and food plant. Extract of costmary exhibits hepatoprotective, antiseptic and anthelmintic properties. The herb of T. balsamita contains essential oils and phenolic compounds. This species included in the "Biocollection of medicinal and aromatic plants of open and protected ground", Botanical garden of the VILAR. The main aim was to study the composition of phenolic compounds in the leaves of T. balsamita with application of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry. The object of the study was the leaves of T. balsamita. Samples were extracted with 1 ml of 80% aqueous acetone. An ultra-performance liquid chromatographic system with a photodiode detector and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for analysis of phenolic compounds. The UV and MS data of phenolic compounds were used for their identification or tentative characterization with application of mass spectrometry databases and data published in the literature.Results. The results obtained showed the presence in the leaves of 17 phenolic compounds. Five compounds were identified as caffeoylquinic, feruloylquinic and three dicaffeolquinic acid isomers, and two compounds as ferulic acid hexoside isomers. The leaves of T. balsamita contained also five luteolin derivatives, two chrysoeriol derivatives, and spinacetin/axillarin. Four compounds were not identified.

Relevance. Tomato is one of the most beloved and popular vegetables among Primorye residents. But in the monsoon climate, the Far Eastern Primorye has the most intense infectious background in Russia. The yield losses of tomato fruits from alternariosis annually amount to 30% or more. Losses from late blight on the background of epiphytotics in years with wet and cold summers, as observed in 2019, depending on the stability of the variety, can reach from 17 to 100%. Despite the fact that the development and use of biological means of control has recently been a priority, it is still too early to abandon chemical protection measures. High efficiency and versatility of the correctly selected scheme of application of fungicides, short processing time – all this gives a quick and reliable result in protecting tomato crops and reducing the harmfulness of the complex of diseases.Methodology. The research was carried out in 2019-2021 at the Primorsky Vegetable Experimental Station (PVES) – a branch of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in the monsoon climate of the coastal zone of Primorsky Krai. We studied the effect of chemical preparations Signum, Orvego and their tank mixture with igum + Orvego on the development of diseases, yield indicators and the structure of the tomato crop varieties Odyssey, and Fitilek. Agrotechnics of cultivation are generally accepted in Primorsky Krai for tomato culture.Results. Testing of chemical fungicides in the conditions of Primorsky Krai showed that the development of alternariasis, starting with the appearance of the first signs of damage in the first half of the growing season, effectively restrains the fungicide Signum, contributing to the preservation of the working leaf surface. It is advisable to use the tank mixture With igum + Orvego starting from the first or second decade of August, when a complex of phytopathogens develops on the leaf surface. The introduction of these two fungicides into the tank mixture leads to an increase in the biological and economic effectiveness of protective measures in the fight against alternariasis and late blight of tomatoes, compared with the standard fungicide Acrobat MC. Joint Signum Processing+Orvego, by reducing the intensity of disease development and the share of the non-commodity part of the crop, has a beneficial effect on the mass of commercial fruit and contributes to a more complete realization of the productive potential of Odyssey and Fitilek varieties.

The comparative test of experimental F1 tomato hybrids was conducted under conditions of two different types of low-volume technology (MPVI "Fitopiramida", technology of growing in mats with drip irrigation) in 2021. The conducted researches have shown that duration of interphase periods, level of yield and fruit quality depend on cultivation technology. According to the data obtained, in conditions of MPVI "Fitopiramida" all studied F1 tomato hybrids enter fruiting faster and provide higher yield compared to the technology of growing in mats, but are inferior in average fruit weight, soluble dry matter content and taste qualities. As perspective F1 tomato hybrids for "Fitopiramida" technology hybrids Ga62(2) and Ga21, submitted for registration to Gossortcommission, were identified. On low-volume technology in mats hybrid Ga27a showed the best result. A strong correlation was found between estimates of the signs "average fruit weight" (r = 0,93) and "soluble dry matter content" (r = 0,81). It is possible to conduct preliminary selections in conditions of low-volume technology in mats according to these signs. For the most reliable assessment and accurate selection of the most perspective tomato hybrids for "Fitopiramida" technology their testing on hydroponic installations is required.

Relevance. The effectiveness of seed soaking before sowing in a solution of preparations of the epibrassinolide group for the protection and preservation of seedlings of gourds from temperature stresses, increasing the yield of fruits and seeds was studied.Methodology. The objects of research were preparations Epin Extra, Epin Plus, EcoFus, Ferovit, Zircon and Siliplant, which allow to overcome the effects of temperature stresses, increase immunity, and have a stimulating effect on seed germination and plant growth of vegetable crops.Results. In the course of the studies, it was found that preparations of the epibrassinolide group contribute to a significant preservation of seedlings of gourds with prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Soaking watermelon seeds of the Tersky early variety before sowing in a solution of drugs from the epibrassinolide group ensured the safety of seedlings from 24.2 to 35.3%, while in the control variant, the death of plants was 100%. Epin Extra had the greatest anti-stress effect on watermelon. Preparations on melon showed less efficiency in protecting seedlings, 21.1-27.3% of plants survived. The maximum number of seedlings remained when using Epin Plus. It should be noted that soaking seeds in solutions of preparations of the epibrassinolide group, to protect seedlings of gourds from damage by low temperatures, is an effective technological operation that makes it possible to smooth out the impact of the stress factor.

The work is devoted to the study of statistical parameters of the linear dimensions of the seed, endosperm and embryo, variability, correlations, and the manifestation of these traits in hybrid combinations. Morphometric parameters largely determine the quality of seeds. The presence of an underdeveloped embryo determines the duration of the period of heterotrophic development of the seedling, affects germination, energy, longevity, seed response to changes in germination conditions, and, ultimately, increases the interphase period from sowing to germination. The article shows the high variability of these parameters in numerous representatives of vegetable crops - representatives of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, analyzes the causes that cause them, and predicts the potential use of this variability in breeding programs. The object of research was the seeds of various varieties of carrots, parsley, parsnips, celery, dill. Measurement of the length of the seed and endosperm was carried out using a caliper. The length of the embryo was determined using a microscope and a video eyepiece at ×40 magnification using the Scope Photo program. The experiment was repeated four times, in each repetition at least 20 seeds. The values of the coefficient of variation in the length of the endosperm and seed varied from 9 to 19%, depending on the species and cultivar characteristics. The variability of the embryo reached 18-28%. between the size of the embryo on the one hand and the length of the endosperm (0.208-0.369) and seed (0.213-0.376) on the other, weak correlations were noted, indicating the independent inheritance of these parameters. The hereditary conditionality of the variability of the embryo, endosperm and seed of carrots (50.8-86.5%) and parsnips (49.6-58.9%) is shown, which characterizes the real possibility of their breeding improvement. In the process of studying distant hybrids of carrots (the parental forms of which differed sharply in morphometric parameters of seeds), it was found that F1 hybrids for these traits predominantly showed positive overdominance (38.1%) and dominance (16.7%). According to the complex of relative parameters (indices), negative overdominance (23.8%) and dominance (4.8%) were more often noted. The results of many years of research indicate that the morphometric parameters (length of the seed, endosperm, embryo) and their ratios (indices) of seeds, like any other biological traits, are genetically determined and depend on species and cultivar characteristics. A comparison of wild-growing and varietal samples of carrots indicates that in the process of cultivation, the size of the embryo underwent significant upward changes, even in the absence of targeted selection. Therefore, when applying artificial selection in this direction, one can expect more significant results.

Relevance. Many authors note the existence of significant genotypic differences in the assimilation of nitrogen and the accumulation of nitrates by lettuce, point to the additive-dominant nature of the inheritance of the trait. The aim of the work was to evaluate the response of lettuce of various cultivars to mineral nutrition stress created against a nitrogen-deficient background (N0) and with an increased dose of nitrogen (N200).Material and Methods. In a microfield experiment on well-cultivated soddy-podzolic soil, a collection of lettuce varieties belonging to the main cultivated variety types was studied. The varieties differed in geographical origin, early maturity and morphological characteristics.Results. Differences in yield between varieties against the background of N200 were 4.5 times, and against the background of N0 – 5.7 times. Against an increased background of nitrogen nutrition, the highest yield – 2.22-2.64 kg/m2 was formed by the following varieties: All the Year, Quedlinburger Dickkopf, Berlin Yellow, Great lakes. Against a nitrogen-deficient background, Azart and Odessa Kucheryavets varieties stood out in terms of yield, which absorbed soil nitrogen better than others. The content of nitrates in lettuce plants of different varieties varied more strongly when grown on the background of N200 and ranged from 10.7 to 13.6 times (on average over 2 years – 11,2 times), on the control of N0 – 33 times. Varieties accumulating maximum NO3 under conditions of excess nitrogen nutrition were revealed. Lettuce Romaine (Lactuca romana) – 353 mg/kg and White paris cus (198 mg/kg) had a low content of NO3. The period of the maximum increase in biomass also corresponded to the maximum decrease in NO3 in plants. Power function equations were calculated to estimate the rate of change in biomass and NO3 content. The results indicate that there may be some scope for NO3 reduction in lettuce through cultivar selection or breeding.