Relevance and methodology. In order to determine the effect of near-ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 380 nm on the growth and development of a sugar beet hybrid plant, Smena was grown for 82 days under LED lighting with phytolamps and under conditions of increased UV-A intensity of the light range (an increase in the UV/PPFD ratio (0.027) compared with the control (0.0075) while maintaining the ratio of the remaining sites spectrum). The study was carried out on the basis of the digital software package "Synergotron" with a controlled internal environment.Results. An increase in the share of UV-A in the illumination spectrum leads to a significant change in the biometric indicators of plants – the aboveground biomass increases by 2.2 times compared to the control, and the mass of the underground part (root crops), on the contrary, decreases by 86.9%. At the same time, the share of root crops in the total biomass of plants decreases from 60% in the control to 30%. The morphological structure of the leaf apparatus changes: the proportion of petioles increases significantly compared to leaf blades (64.8% of petioles in aboveground biomass, whereas in the control 30%). Probably, an increase in the share of UV-A in the spectrum can favorably affect the cultivation of leaf forms of beets and other root crops. UV-A radiation leads to a change in the chemical composition of root crops, in particular, a decrease in the accumulation of dry substances (by 1.58%) and a decrease in sugar content (by 1.8%). An increase in the proportion of UV-A in the irradiation spectrum changes the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence and contributes to an increase in the maximum quantum yield of Fv/Fm, non-photosynthetic quenching of NPQ fluorescence and a decrease in the real quantum yield of photosynthesis Y(II), as well as the electron transport rate (ETR).

Timeliness. The prerequisites for the cultivation of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) in industrial plantations have led to an increased demand for high quality planting material obtained by clonal micropropagation (in vitro). Studies have been carried out on the of ex vitro growing completion of cranberry plants using different mineral fertilizers and types of light under greenhouse conditions.Methods. Ex vitro plants of a selected form of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) obtained using the clonal micropropagation technique were the objects of research. Experimental adapted cranberry plants were planted in 0.5 L containers in 'Veltorf' peat substrate with an acidity of at least pH 3.5-4.0, to which mineral fertilizers were added according to the variants: APAVIVA N15P15K15(S10) 0.08 and 0.16 g/L, Sulfoammophos N16P20(S12) 0.072 and 0.144 g/L, N12P52 0.1 and 0.2 g/L, control without fertilizer. The plants were placed under different types of light: under LED phytolamps (UnionPowerStar – 40W-T) with a photoperiod of 16 hours and under natural light (without the use of additional lighting) under greenhouse conditions.Results. It was found that during of the ex vitro growing completion of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) plants in containers, the advantage of LED phytolamps was revealed, when using them in all experimental variants on the 42nd day of growing the morphometric indicators of plant development were almost 2 times higher than in plants grown under natural light. The type of mineral fertilizers and type light significantly influenced the total length of shoots (82.9±13.74- 107.4±35.95 cm vs. 58.6±20.92 cm in control) and leaf surface area (41.1±6.46-54.1±4.67 cm2 vs. 22.9±9.63 cm2 ). Conclusion. The results we obtained contributed to a better representation of the ex vitro growing conditions of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) plants using different types of lighting (phyto-lighting with a 16-hour photoperiod and natural light – without adding additional light) and the selection of optimal doses of mineral nutrition. The best, under LED lighting, were N16P20(S12) at a concentration of 0.072 g/L and N15P15K15(S10) at a concentration of 0.16 g/L.

Relevance. For a more complete realization of the biological potential inherent in the culture and directly in each variety, in the agrotechnology used, separate elements are used that contribute to more effective plant development. This should include the use of biological preparations that are not only able to stimulate and regulate the growth and development of plants, but are also safe for the environment. In this regard, the research results presented in this paper are relevant and timely.Materials and methods. In our study, we studied the effect of pre-sowing treatment of spring wheat seeds and its (processing) aftereffect on grain quality indicators and seed sowing properties. The early-ripening variety of spring soft wheat Iren was taken as an object of research. The subject of the study is biological preparations, their effect and aftereffect during pre–sowing seed treatment on the formation of grain and the quality of the seed material of the crop.Results. Studies have revealed differences in the intensity of the effect of presowing seed treatment with biological preparations and the aftereffect of treatment on the quality indicators of spring wheat grain. The aftereffect of the drugs increased the protein content in the grain. The maximum protein content in the experiment was obtained in variant 2 (the preparation was obtained by the method of VAG based on pine needles (HS 22)) – 17.0%.The gluten content in the grain in variants of experiments 2 and 3 was formed above 32%, which corresponds to the 1st class. The maximum gluten content in the grain was obtained in variant 2 (HS 22) – 41.8% in experiment 3 (aftereffect). The vitreous content of the grain in all variants of experiments 2 and 3 is higher than 60%, which makes it possible to classify the grain to the 1st class. A higher level of grain nature was obtained on variants with the aftereffect of drugs. Grain on the variants of experiment 3: control, 3 (LP 4), 8 (Cytohumate), 9 (Lignohumate) with grain in kind above 750 g should be attributed to the 1st class.

The VIR potato doublet collection maintained at the Polar Experimental Station, includes more than 300 intervarietal hybrids created by the branch’s employees. The work on obtaining and evaluating intervarietal hybrids was carried out in the conditions of the Murmansk region from 1985 to 1999. The source material was the doublet world potato collection VIR. We selected samples: 21/8516 and 15/881. Hybrid 21/8516 was obtained by crossing medium–early and early varieties (Isna × Khibinsky early); 15/881 – by crossing medium-late and early varieties (Krostar N × Khibinsky early). The authors of hybrids 21/8516 (conditional name “Severyanin” and 15/881 (conditional name “Katerina”) are: G.D. Melnichuk, E.M. Vasilyeva, S.V. Abakshina, From 2000 to the present, work is underway to maintain and reproduce these samples. The samples differ in early maturity and yield (46,0 t/ha – from the “Severyanin”; 37,8 t/ha – from “Katerina”), large tubers (tuber weight 98-100 g from the hybrid “Katerina”), good taste, resistance to stressful environmental conditions, environmental plasticity. They can be used in addition to those grown in the Murmansk region. Candidate hybrids are recommended for cultivation in the Murmansk Region in addition to existing varieties. Currently, work is underway to transfer these hybrids to state testing and to enter them into the register of potato varieties.

Relevance. The nutritional value of gourds is quite high and is of great importance in the life of the human body. A significant point in modern melon growing is to increase yields without reducing the quality of the products obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new methods of cultivation technologies that allow obtaining stable fruit yields without reducing the quality of table watermelon products of different ripeness groups, in the climatic conditions of the Volgograd region.Material and methodology. The object of research is a watermelon of medium ripening, variety Zemlyanin, and late ripening, variety Kholodok. We studied new types of water-soluble fertilizers Fe chelate, as well as Vegetable Aquarin, by using them for soaking seeds before sowing and processing plants during the growing season.Results. The use of chelated fertilizers in the technology of growing table watermelon of medium and late ripening is an effective technique for obtaining stable yields. The use of water-soluble fertilizers, with various methods of their use, provided an increase in the yield of Zemlyanin watermelon by 2.7-27.8%, and Kholodok watermelon by 2-22.4% in comparison with the control (without treatments). The largest fruits were obtained in the variant Aquarin vegetable (plant processing) Zemlyanin variety - 6.8 kg and Kholodok variety - 8.4 kg. A comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of fruits showed that water-soluble chelate fertilizers do not have a negative effect on the accumulation of nitrates in varieties of medium and late ripening. As a result of research, a positive effect of water-soluble micronutrient fertilizers has been revealed on improving the quality of fruits, which increased the content of ascorbic acid and sugars.

Relevance. One of the priority areas of research at Heterosis Selection LLC is the creation of varieties and the development of regional agricultural technology for growing seed material of flower crops. The article represents the results of the study of intravarietal variability according to 7 structural features of marigolds (Tagetes patula L.) cv. Elena Prekrasnaya under the conditions of the Southern Urals. To develop a methodology of seed production of marigolds in the conditions of the Southern Urals, it is necessary to study a complex of morphological features and identify those that more fully contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the variety.Results. As a result of the study of intravarietal variability, it was found that the most stable traits of the variety of marigolds cv. Elena Prekrasnaya are the height of the plant, the diameter of the inflorescence, and the number of seeds in the inflorescence. Efficient selection when obtaining original seeds of marigolds cv. Elena Prekrasnaya will be when focusing on the signs of plant height and inflorescence diameter. In order to obtain high-quality seeds in the industrial seed production of marigold in the conditions of the Southern Urals, it should be kept in mind that in the period from August 20 to September 1, half of the potential seed yield ripens – 49.4%. The greatest uniformity of seed ripening (37.3% of the total yield) was noted on September 1. The harvesting of inflorescences during this period provided the production of seeds with high sowing qualities.

Relevance. Potato varieties Eurasia and Onezhskiy were developed as a result of cooperation between the Murmansk State Agricultural Experiment Station – branch of the VIR and the Leningrad Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture "Belogorka" and were included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2014 (Onezhsky) and in 2017 (Eurasia). To determine the prospects for cultivation in the Kola North, the varieties were tested in the conditions of the Murmansk region.Materials and methods. The research was carried out on the experimental field of the Murmansk State Agricultural Experiment Station – branch of the VIR in 2018-2020. Potato varieties Eurasia and Onezhskiy were obtained from the Leningrad Research Institute of Agriculture "Belogorka". The plot in the experiment included 4 rows of 15 tubers in each row. The planting pattern is 70x35 cm. Repetition – four times. The location of the plots is systematic with the plots being shifted along tiers. Early maturity was assessed using one test coping on the 70th day after planting. The Elizabeth variety was used as a standard. The results were processed using the method of analysis of variance according to Dospekhov.Results. The research results showed that the Onezhsky variety is distinguished by high starchiness, non-darkening flesh and good taste, is resistant to pathogens: Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilbersky) Percival, Streptomyces scabies (Thaxter), Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber) Behrens, relatively resistant to Phytophthora infestans (Mont . De Bary), is weakly affected by Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV). The Onezhsky variety, on average, over three years of research exceeded the standard sample in terms of yield and plant productivity. The Eurasia variety has high starchy content, good taste, culinary type B, is resistant to pathogens: Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber) Behrens, Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilbersky) Percival, moderately susceptible to Phytophthora infestans (Mont. De Bary). The Eurasia variety also exceeded the standard sample in terms of yield and plant productivity. Thus, the Onezhsky and Eurasia potato varieties are recommended for cultivation in the Kola North.

Relevance. Pumpkin is a food, medicinal and fodder crop of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is valued for its high content of vitamins, minerals, organic acids. At present, thanks to the huge variety of species and modern selection, it is possible to select pumpkin varieties for cultivation in almost any region, including areas with short and not too hot summers. Udmurtia belongs to the zone of risky farming, the end of spring frosts is observed on average in the first ten days of June, and autumn frosts on the soil are possible at the end of August. Due to the short frost-free period, it is necessary to choose earlier maturing varieties, grow the crop through seedlings and use temporary shelters. The pumpkin fruit is usually large in size, is a thick layer of pulp, covered with a dense peel. When cutting such a fruit, the pumpkin is not stored in the future, it requires urgent processing. In this connection, in recent years, portioned varieties of pumpkin, the size of the fruit of which does not exceed 1.5–3.0 kg, have become increasingly in demand.Materials and Methods. The purpose of the research: a comparative assessment of varietal characteristics of growth and productivity of pumpkin species. In 2020–2021 in the conditions of the Udmurt Republic, experiments were carried out to study the characteristics of growth and productivity of pumpkin varieties. We studied varieties of pumpkin: Pearl, Crumb, Honey Tale, Marble, Rossiyanka, Smile, Candied fruit.Results and its discussion. Within two years, pumpkin varieties of large-fruited and nutmeg were studied. On average, for two years, the pumpkin Medovaya skazka distinguished itself with the highest yield. In 2021, the yield for the Medovaya Skazka variety was 64.7 t/ha. The yield increase was obtained due to an increase in fruit weight, which in 2020 amounted to 2.9 kg, in 2021 - 6.5 kg. The studied varieties of pumpkin differed in quality indicators of fruits. On average, over two years, the varieties Rossiyanka and Mramornaya showed an increase in the content of water-soluble sugars in fruits. The fruits of the pumpkin Candied fruit and Kroshka were distinguished by a high content of dry matter.

For the production of onions, first of all, the proper organization of its nutrition is necessary. Both its productivity and product quality depend on this. First of all, onion nutrition requires mineral fertilizers containing macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The quality of onions, their physiology and productivity depend on the application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, the need for which and the efficiency of use by plants vary depending on climatic factors, irrigation systems, varietal differences, soil and production conditions of cultivation in growing areas. This review examines in detail the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as the main components of mineral nutrition, on the growth, physiology and yield of onion. The review includes various databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, RSCI, etc., online sources (Research Gate, Springer Nature Open Access, Wiley Online Library, etc.) are used.

This review presents an analysis of the literature, which indicates the popularity of breeding methods in the fight against oomycete and fungal diseases of tomato: late blight (pathogen − Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary), fusarium wilt (pathogen − Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Sacc.) Snyder and Hansen), early blight or alternariosis (pathogens − representatives of the genus Alternaria), cladosporiosis (pathogen−Cladosporium fulvum Cook.). Theoretical and practical achievements, the latest developments in genetics, molecular biology, plant physiology, microbiology are considered. Special attention is paid to modern information about the diversity of tomato pathogens, their morphological, genetic, physiological features, including racial composition; the presence of pathogen resistance genes in the gene pool of the culture under study, their mapping and the possibility of introduction into the genome from other sources; about the developed markers of target genes and loci of quantitative traits; the degree of associations between a molecular marker and a target gene; about the features of inheritance of the studied trait, as well as the possibility of pyramiding R-genes and QTL in one genotype. To accelerate and improve the efficiency of tomato breeding for resistance to pathogens, these issues are of great importance. Their study will strengthen the integration of modern biotechnology with the traditional breeding process, which is carried out by classical methods.