Рurpose. The determination of adaptive ability of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill plants to drought under the conditions of introduction in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine on the basis of study of morpho-anatomical and biochemical features of the leaves. Methods. The anatomical structure of S. chinensis leaves was studied by light microscopy using fresh and dried raw materials. The water retention capacity was determined by laboratory method according to the rate of water loss and the degree of damage to isolated leaves. The dynamics of the content of pigments in S. chinensis leaves was determined by the spectrophotometric method during the vegetation period. Results. Certain morpho-anatomical signs of S. chinensis leaves contributing to plant resistance to conditions with high air temperature and water deficiency were identified – the presence of a wax layer on the surface of the epidermis and cuticle, calcium oxalate crystals and secretory cells. According to the scale of the parameters of water regime of leaves, the studied plants are characterized by high level of adaptation to drought too. It was revealed that the pigment complex of leaves is sensitive to changes in the environmental factors. The content of pigments in the plant leaves varies with changes in hydrothermal conditions of growth. The dynamics of the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids is related to the physiological state of plants and to a certain degree characterizes their adaptive potential. Conclusions. The results of morpho-structural studies of S. chinensis leaves and their water-physical properties indicate a high level of adaptability of plants to environmental stressors such as insufficient water supply and high temperature. S. chinensis plants can be recommended for widespread introduction into garden cenosis for obtaining valuable fruit and medicinal raw materials. | Цель. Определить адаптационную способность растений Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. к засухе при интродукции в Национальном ботаническом саду имени Н. Н. Гришко НАН Украины на основе исследования морфо-анатомических и биохимических особенностей листьев. Методы. Анатомическое строение листьев S. chinensis исследовали методом световой микроскопии с использованием свежего и высушенного сырья. Водоудерживающую способность определяли лабораторным методом по скорости потери воды и степени повреждения изолированных листьев. Динамику содержания пигментов в листьях определяли спектрофотометрическим методом на протяжении периода вегетации. Результаты. Выявлены определенные морфо-анатомические признаки листьев S. chinensis, которые способствуют устойчивости растений к условиям с высокой температурой воздуха и дефицитом воды – это наличие слоя воска на поверхности эпидермиса и кутикулы, кристаллов оксалата кальция и секреторных клеток. Согласно шкале оценивания параметров водного режима листьев, исследуемые растения также характеризуются высоким уровнем адаптации к засухе. Установлено, что пигментный комплекс листьев чувствителен к изменению факторов окружающей среды – содержание пигментов в листьях растений изменяется в зависимости от гидротермических условий произрастания. Динамика содержания хлорофиллов и каротиноидов связана с физиологическим состоянием растений и в определенной степени характеризует их адаптационный потенциал. Выводы. Результаты морфоструктурных исследований листьев S. chinensis и их водно-физических свойств свидетельствуют о высоком уровне адаптации растений к стрессовым факторам окружающей среды – недостаточному водному обеспечению и высокой температуре. В условиях интродукции S. сhinensis можно рекомендовать для широкого внедрения в садовые ценозы с целью получения ценных плодов и лекарственного сырья. | Мета. Визначити адаптивну здатність рослин Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. до посухи за умов інтродукції в Національному ботанічному саду імені М. М. Гришка НАН України (НБС) на основі вивчення морфо-анатомічних та біохімічних особливостей листків. Методи. Анатомічну будову листків S. chinensis досліджували методом світлової мікроскопії з використанням свіжої та висушеної сировини. Водоутримувальну здатність визначали лабораторним методом за швидкістю втрати води і ступенем пошкодження ізольованих листків. Динаміку вмісту пігментів у листках визначали спектрофотометричним методом упродовж вегетаційного періоду. Результати. Виявлено певні морфо-анатомічні ознаки листків S. chinensis, які сприяють стійкості рослин до умов з високою температурою повітря та дефіцитом води – це наявність шару воску на поверхні епідерми та кутикули, кристалів оксалату кальцію і секреторних клітин. Згідно зі шкалою оцінювання параметрів водного режиму листків, досліджувані рослини також характеризуються високим рівнем адаптації до посухи. Установлено, що пігментний комплекс листків чутливий до зміни чинників довкілля – уміст пігментів у листках рослин змінюється залежно від гідротермічних умов зростання. Динаміка вмісту хлорофілів та каротиноїдів пов’язана з фізіологічним станом рослин та певною мірою характеризує їх адаптивний потенціал. Висновки. Результати морфоструктурних досліджень листків S. chinensis та їх водно-фізичних властивос­тей свідчать про високий рівень адаптивної здатності рослин до стресових чинників середовища – недостатнього вод­ного забезпечення та високої температури. За умов інтродукції S. chinensis можна рекомендувати для широкого впровадження в садові ценози для отримання цінної плодової та лікарської сировини.

Мета. Визначити адаптивну здатність рослин Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. до посухи за умов інтродукції в Національному ботанічному саду імені М. М. Гришка НАН України (НБС) на основі вивчення морфо-анатомічних та біохімічних особливостей листків. Методи. Анатомічну будову листків S. chinensis досліджували методом світлової мікроскопії з використанням свіжої та висушеної сировини. Водоутримувальну здатність визначали лабораторним методом за швидкістю втрати води і ступенем пошкодження ізольованих листків. Динаміку вмісту пігментів у листках визначали спектрофотометричним методом упродовж вегетаційного періоду. Результати. Виявлено певні морфо-анатомічні ознаки листків S. chinensis, які сприяють стійкості рослин до умов з високою температурою повітря та дефіцитом води – це наявність шару воску на поверхні епідерми та кутикули, кристалів оксалату кальцію і секреторних клітин. Згідно зі шкалою оцінювання параметрів водного режиму листків, досліджувані рослини також характеризуються високим рівнем адаптації до посухи. Установлено, що пігментний комплекс листків чутливий до зміни чинників довкілля – уміст пігментів у листках рослин змінюється залежно від гідротермічних умов зростання. Динаміка вмісту хлорофілів та каротиноїдів пов’язана з фізіологічним станом рослин та певною мірою характеризує їх адаптивний потенціал. Висновки. Результати морфоструктурних досліджень листків S. chinensis та їх водно-фізичних властивос­тей свідчать про високий рівень адаптивної здатності рослин до стресових чинників середовища – недостатнього вод­ного забезпечення та високої температури. За умов інтродукції S. chinensis можна рекомендувати для широкого впровадження в садові ценози для отримання цінної плодової та лікарської сировини.

Purpose. Identifying new scab-resistant apple varieties with high biological potential by the set of agronomic characters and the ability to realize it effectively in various soil and climatic conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, comparison, generalization, statistical ones. Results. The author presents the results of study of 17 scab-resistant non-irrigated apple varieties on a semi-dwarf rootstock as to their adaptability to biotic and abio­tic stressors as well as their economic productivity. The studied varieties appeared to be winter-hardy, frost- and heat-resistant, but medium drought-tolerant ones. They are characterized by weak and moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew, high resistance to fruit rot and very low amounts of brown spot, except for Gold Rush variety. Such 10 year old varieties as ‘Edera’, Florina’, ‘Amulet’ and ‘Perlyna Kyieva’ and 8 year old ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Orlovskoie Polesie’ and ‘Topaz’ formed the highest productivity during the years of study. Due to the pollen quality and high interfertility, ‘Revena’ and ‘Gold Rush’ varieties were identified as universal pollinators for winter scab-resistant apple varieties. Conclusions. Such ecologically resistant winter varieties as ‘Topaz’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Edera’ and autumnal ‘Remo’, ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Amulet’ were recognized as promising for new intensive non-irrigated plantations in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. They can be the basis of new gardens occupying 25–30% of the area where ecologically safe fruits for various target purposes will be grown supplying demands of the population and processing industry.

Purpose. Identifying new scab-resistant apple varieties with high biological potential by the set of agronomic characters and the ability to realize it effectively in various soil and climatic conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, comparison, generalization, statistical ones. Results. The author presents the results of study of 17 scab-resistant non-irrigated apple varieties on a semi-dwarf rootstock as to their adaptability to biotic and abio­tic stressors as well as their economic productivity. The studied varieties appeared to be winter-hardy, frost- and heat-resistant, but medium drought-tolerant ones. They are characterized by weak and moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew, high resistance to fruit rot and very low amounts of brown spot, except for Gold Rush variety. Such 10 year old varieties as ‘Edera’, Florina’, ‘Amulet’ and ‘Perlyna Kyieva’ and 8 year old ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Orlovskoie Polesie’ and ‘Topaz’ formed the highest productivity during the years of study. Due to the pollen quality and high interfertility, ‘Revena’ and ‘Gold Rush’ varieties were identified as universal pollinators for winter scab-resistant apple varieties. Conclusions. Such ecologically resistant winter varieties as ‘Topaz’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Edera’ and autumnal ‘Remo’, ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Amulet’ were recognized as promising for new intensive non-irrigated plantations in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. They can be the basis of new gardens occupying 25–30% of the area where ecologically safe fruits for various target purposes will be grown supplying demands of the population and processing industry.

The results of investigation of pigmental complex and anatomical structure of red currant leaves in connection with the drought resistance are given. The genotypes of red currant: «Gazel», «Belka», «Jonker van Tets», «Viksne», «Selyanochka», «Niva», «Gollandskaya krasnaya», «1432-29-98» and «1426-21-80» have more xeromorphic structure of leaves, providing of ecological tolerance to drought and high temperature. Varieties «Roza», «Dana» have a low adaptation to drought resistance.

The results of investigation of pigmental complex and anatomical structure of red currant leaves in connection with the drought resistance are given. The genotypes of red currant: «Gazel», «Belka», «Jonker van Tets», «Viksne», «Selyanochka», «Niva», «Gollandskaya krasnaya», «1432-29-98» and «1426-21-80» have more xeromorphic structure of leaves, providing of ecological tolerance to drought and high temperature. Varieties «Roza», «Dana» have a low adaptation to drought resistance.

The article provides summary of Peppermint examination on drought resistant with application of biotechnological breeding methods based on utilization of chemical mutagen PEG-6000 and multiplication by cloning in the culture of tissues and organs in vitro.

The article provides summary of Peppermint examination on drought resistant with application of biotechnological breeding methods based on utilization of chemical mutagen PEG-6000 and multiplication by cloning in the culture of tissues and organs in vitro.

The studying results of drought resistance for 15 varieties and 6 forms of apricot in the condition of South of the Ukraine have been given. The plants with different level of drought resistance have been selected from apricot varieties and forms introduced on the South Coast of the Crimea. From the studied varieties the most drought resistance ones are: Vardaguin Vagdaas, Luchak Sumbarskiy, Sulina, LE-132. Two best apricot varieties have been recommended for use in selection on this character

The studying results of drought resistance for 15 varieties and 6 forms of apricot in the condition of South of the Ukraine have been given. The plants with different level of drought resistance have been selected from apricot varieties and forms introduced on the South Coast of the Crimea. From the studied varieties the most drought resistance ones are: Vardaguin Vagdaas, Luchak Sumbarskiy, Sulina, LE-132. Two best apricot varieties have been recommended for use in selection on this character

Мета. Визначити поліморфізм мікросателітних локусів QTL-hotspot-регіону групи зчеплення 4, пов’язаного з толерантністю до посухи, у сортів нуту звичайного української селекції. Методи. Екстрагування та очищення ДНК з проростків ЦТАБ­методом; полімеразна ланцюгова реакція; горизонтальний гель­електрофорез; визначення розмірів продуктів ампліфікації за допомогою програми «Image J». Результати. Встановлено алельні комбінації мікросателітних локусів ICCM0249, NCPGR127, TAA170, NCPGR21, TA130 і STMS11 QTL­hotspot­регіону групи зчеплення 4 геному нуту. За локусами STMS11, NCPGR127 і NCPGR21, які виявилися неполіморфними в межах аналізованої вибірки сортів, детектовано по одному алелю; за ICCM0249 і TAA170 – по два; за TAA130 – три алелі, що вказує на їхню поліморфність. Висновки. Серед семи сортів нуту української селекції три мікросателітні локуси є неполіморфними, а саме: STMS11, NCPGR127 і NCPGR21. Ще три – поліморфними з двома алелями для локусів ICCM0249 і TAA170 і трьома для TAA130. За результатами аналізу сортів встановлено п’ять типів комбінацій алелів мікросателітних локусів ICCM0249, NCPGR127, TAA170, NCPGR21, TA130 і STMS11. У сорту ‘Пам’ять’ ідентифіковано унікальний для досліджуваної вибірки алель розміром 185 п. н. | Purpose. To determine the polymorphism of microsa­tellite loci of the QTL-hotspot-region of linkage group 4, associated with drought tolerance in Ukrainian chickpea varieties. Methods. Extraction and purification of DNA from seedlings using the CTAB method; polymerase chain reaction; horizontal gel electrophoresis; determination of the size of amplification products using the “Image J” prog­ram. Results. Allelic combinations of microsatellite loci ICCM0249, NCPGR127, TAA170, NCPGR21, TA130, STMS11 of the QTL­hotspot­region of linkage group 4 of the chickpea genome were established. It was found that the loci STMS11, NCPGR127, NCPGR21 were not polymorphic within the sample of varieties analyzed, one allele was detected for each locus; two alleles were detected for the loci ICCM0249 and TAA170 and three alleles for the locus TAA130, indica­ting their polymorphism. Conclusions. Microsatellite loci STMS11, NCPGR127, NCPGR21 are non­polymorphic in seven Ukrainian chickpea varieties. Three loci are polymorphic with two alleles for ICCM0249 and TAA170 and three alleles for TAA130. According to the analysis of chickpea varie­ties, five types of allelic combinations of microsatellite loci ICCM0249, NCPGR127, TAA170, NCPGR21, TA130, STMS11 were established. An allele of 185 bp unique to the sample of cultivars studied was identified in the variety ‘Pamiat’

Development and improvement of a female component of MS hybrids of sugar beet were carried out on the basis of the following methods: inereasing frequency of occurrence of sterility maintainers by means of preliminary saturation of the population with alleles of the x and z genes; the use, as a female form, of simple sterile hybrids from the crossing of sterile lines with unrelated O-types; and also the drawing in of complexes of valuable genes from materials of foreign origin.

Purpose. To assess introduced samples of drought-resistant species of perennial grasses, select a promising parent material and create on its base high-yielding varie­ ies with economic characters. Methods. Field experiment, laboratory testing. Results. The results of studies on introduction and breeding were given aimed to improve drought tolerance of non-traditional perennial grasses under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Based on the selected parent material, varieties were created by the use of hybridization and ecotype breeding methods and then entered into the State Register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine, among them: intermediate wheatgrass (Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski) – ‘Hors’, crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) – ‘Petrivskyi’; meadow brome (Bromus riparia Rehm.) – ‘Boian’; slender wheatgrass (Roegneria trachycaulon (Link) Nevski) – ‘Co­umb’. As compared with conventional, relatively drought-tolerant species of smooth brome (Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub) – ‘Mars’, increment of dry matter content of these species in the extreme drought conditions of 2011 was increased by 1,52–3,73 t/ha. Under more sufficient moistening conditions of 2012, slender wheatgrass ‘Columb’ was at the level of the сheck variety in terms of this indicator. Other varieties exceeded it by 1.44–3.22 t/ha. The data was given including seed productivity and sowing quality indicators, after-ripening duration and economic fitness of seeds. Conclusions. The use of the recommended varieties of drought-resistant species of perennial grasses as part of grass mixtures will increase significantly the productivity of grasslands and pastures in the current context of climate change.

Purpose. To assess introduced samples of drought-resistant species of perennial grasses, select a promising parent material and create on its base high-yielding varie­ ies with economic characters. Methods. Field experiment, laboratory testing. Results. The results of studies on introduction and breeding were given aimed to improve drought tolerance of non-traditional perennial grasses under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Based on the selected parent material, varieties were created by the use of hybridization and ecotype breeding methods and then entered into the State Register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine, among them: intermediate wheatgrass (Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski) – ‘Hors’, crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) – ‘Petrivskyi’; meadow brome (Bromus riparia Rehm.) – ‘Boian’; slender wheatgrass (Roegneria trachycaulon (Link) Nevski) – ‘Co­umb’. As compared with conventional, relatively drought-tolerant species of smooth brome (Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub) – ‘Mars’, increment of dry matter content of these species in the extreme drought conditions of 2011 was increased by 1,52–3,73 t/ha. Under more sufficient moistening conditions of 2012, slender wheatgrass ‘Columb’ was at the level of the сheck variety in terms of this indicator. Other varieties exceeded it by 1.44–3.22 t/ha. The data was given including seed productivity and sowing quality indicators, after-ripening duration and economic fitness of seeds. Conclusions. The use of the recommended varieties of drought-resistant species of perennial grasses as part of grass mixtures will increase significantly the productivity of grasslands and pastures in the current context of climate change.

Purpose. Theoretical and experimental substantiation of introduction of “Romantica” roses originated by Meilland company under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine. Methods. Biometrical, comparative-morphological, statistic ones. Results. Viability, growth and development indices as well as ornamental qualities (tolerance for winter conditions, frost hardiness, drought resistance, complex disease and pest resistance, habit maintenance, shoot formation, flowering, coloration, shape of flowers, petal number etc.) were analyzed for 12 rose cultivars of “Romantica” series planted on the collection and exhibition plots of the National Dendrological Park «Sofiivka» NAS of Ukraine. The investigations were conducted within 2012–2015. The most of the cultivars got the mark of introduction success 41–45 points of 50; so, the cultivars are totally promising for introduction into the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine. ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ and ‘Yves Piaget’ cultivars got point number 35–38 and they can be considered promising ones. The acclimatization number for the most of the investigated cultivars was 85–90 points of 100 that means good adaptation of the plants in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine. The adaptation of cv. ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ and cv. ‘Yves Piaget’ roses (point number 75) can be considered satisfactory. The total evaluation of “Romantica” roses ornamental qualities made 76–87 points of 100; so, all the cultivars display high ornamental qualities and deserve to be introduced to the production. Conclusions. The garden roses of “Romantica” series originated by Meilland company being introduced into the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine are adapted well in the introduction region and they are promising for the subsequent introduction.

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.

In connection to the climate changing and draught frequency increasing in the spring-summer period the fractional composition of water (combined and uncombined water) in leaves of apple from May to August 2011, 2012 were studies. Combined and uncombined waters have different functionality for the life of plants. An uncombined water in leaves determines intensity of physiologic processes while the combined is responsible for plants resistance to unfavorable conditions. The fractional composition of water was studied in apple leaves of varieties bred by All-Russian Research Institute for Fruit Crop Breeding of RAAS, Bolotovskoye, Irmus, Orlik, Orlovim, Orlovskoye Polosatoye, Sinap Orlovskiy, Yubiliar in comparision to widespread varieties – Antonovka, Melba and Welsi. The study established that the varieties examined were well-adapted to drought in May, at the beginning of summer, as well as at the end of August and in September. At the beginning of July and in June higher indices of drought resistance were registered for Orlovim and Yubiliar, with the highest indices of combined water content. The completion of shoots growth and development of leaves system in all apple varieties was associated with increase of combined water amount in the leaves in August. In September, the number of combined water remained higher that suggested high adaptivity of the varieties being studied. The highest content of combined water in autumn was registered for Sinap Orlovskiy, Antonovka, Boltovskoie, Irmus.

In connection to the climate changing and draught frequency increasing in the spring-summer period the fractional composition of water (combined and uncombined water) in leaves of apple from May to August 2011, 2012 were studies. Combined and uncombined waters have different functionality for the life of plants. An uncombined water in leaves determines intensity of physiologic processes while the combined is responsible for plants resistance to unfavorable conditions. The fractional composition of water was studied in apple leaves of varieties bred by All-Russian Research Institute for Fruit Crop Breeding of RAAS, Bolotovskoye, Irmus, Orlik, Orlovim, Orlovskoye Polosatoye, Sinap Orlovskiy, Yubiliar in comparision to widespread varieties – Antonovka, Melba and Welsi. The study established that the varieties examined were well-adapted to drought in May, at the beginning of summer, as well as at the end of August and in September. At the beginning of July and in June higher indices of drought resistance were registered for Orlovim and Yubiliar, with the highest indices of combined water content. The completion of shoots growth and development of leaves system in all apple varieties was associated with increase of combined water amount in the leaves in August. In September, the number of combined water remained higher that suggested high adaptivity of the varieties being studied. The highest content of combined water in autumn was registered for Sinap Orlovskiy, Antonovka, Boltovskoie, Irmus.

The article mentions that 113 peach hybrid forms resistance to drought, to leaf curl infection Taphrina deformans Tul. and powdery mildew Sphaerotheca pannosa Lev. var. persicae Woronich have been obtained in the result of their studying. One of the most important agronomic sigh is a drought- resistance. Elite forms assessment on this indicator has been carried out in the most drought year during the last50 years. 23 forms with high drought-resistance have been selected. The leaves curl and false mildew are considered to be the most harmful fungal diseases reducing the plants peach vitality and leading to their lethality. Infection assessment has been carried out according to the average annual dates, and in epidemic (epiphytotic) year with a maximum disease revealing. As a result 14 hybrid forms infected by low leaves curl and 16 – by false mildew have been selected. According to the varieties characteristics complex 15 ones have been selected. Most varieties identified by their drought-resistance have belonged to the North Chinese eco-geographic group (59,1%), by a low leaves curl infection (Taphrina deformans Tul.) to the Iranian eco-geographic group (64,3%); by the false mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa Lev.) to the Northern Chinese eco-geographic group (54,3%). The selected varieties perform the interest as sources of important mentioned economic valuated characteristics and they can be used in breeding.

The article mentions that 113 peach hybrid forms resistance to drought, to leaf curl infection Taphrina deformans Tul. and powdery mildew Sphaerotheca pannosa Lev. var. persicae Woronich have been obtained in the result of their studying. One of the most important agronomic sigh is a drought- resistance. Elite forms assessment on this indicator has been carried out in the most drought year during the last50 years. 23 forms with high drought-resistance have been selected.    The leaves curl and false mildew are considered to be the most harmful fungal diseases reducing the plants peach vitality and leading to their lethality. Infection assessment has been carried out according to the average annual dates, and in epidemic (epiphytotic) year with a maximum disease revealing. As a result 14 hybrid forms infected by low leaves curl and 16 – by false mildew have been selected. According to the varieties characteristics complex 15 ones have been selected. Most varieties identified by their drought-resistance have belonged to the North Chinese eco-geographic group (59,1%), by a low leaves curl infection (Taphrina deformans Tul. ) to the Iranian eco-geographic group (64,3%); by the false mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa Lev. ) to the Northern Chinese eco-geographic group (54,3%). The selected varieties perform the interest as sources of important mentioned economic valuated characteristics and they can be used in breeding.