Purpose. To substantiate the features of the classification of morphobiological and economically valuable indicators of highbush blueberry varieties of Vaccinium corymbosum L. Methods. The studies were carried out during 2012–2019. Research methods: field (visual examination of the manifestation of morphological signs of vegetative and generative organs of blueberry plants), laboratory (determination of the content of vitamin C, total sugar, pectin, carotenes, anthocyanins, flavonoids, total acidity in berries), analytical, comparative, statistical (cluster analysis). Results. Over the years of research, varieties of highbush blueberries were characterized by a stable manifestation of homogeneous morphological traits and economically valuable performance indicators. In particular, the studied varieties are classified according to ripeness groups: very early: ‘Fiolent’; early: ‘Draper’, ‘Huron’, ‘Clockwork’, ‘Cargo’, ‘Laska’; medium: ‘Blue Ribbon’, ‘Top shelf’, ‘ZF08-070’, ‘Mavka’; late: ‘Liberti’, ‘Last Call’ and very late: ‘Aurora’, ‘Overtime’. It was determined that the quantitative morphological traits of highbush blueberry varieties that influenced the formation of plant productivity include such traits as growth vigor, leaf length, leaf width, inflorescences lengthwise, bunch density, fruit size. Economically valuable indicators of suitability of highbush blueberry varieties remained stable within the ripeness group. The highest yield (19.5 t/ha) was provided by the mid-season variety ‘Mavka’ of domestic selection. The yield of berries from the bush of this variety was also high and amounted to 7 kg. The studied performance indicators were low in the variety ‘Blue Ribbon’ – 10.2 t/ha and 2.4 kg, respectively. The minimum and maximum values of the manifestation of characteristics will serve to establish the limiting boundaries of its variation in the next modeling of economically valuable indicators of highbush blueberry varieties. Conclusions. Such morphobiological characteristics of highbush blueberry varieties, as plant growth vigor, leaf length, leaf width, inflorescences lengthwise, bunch density, fruit size are closely related to plant productivity, berry yield per bush, berry weight and yield. Therefore, they can be involved in the development and improvement of the model of suitability indicators of highbush blueberries for distribution in Ukraine.

Purpose. Identifying the features of the seasonal growth rhythm, development of the plants, morphological and biological differences in monoecious introduced and domestic varieties of Cannabis sativa L. in the North-east region of Ukraine. Methods. The research was conducted from 2014 till 2019. The following research methods were employed: field (phenological observations, sampling for laboratory analysis), microscopic (study of the morphological structure of glandular and cystolithic hairs on vegetative and generative organs, determination of the size and density of hair formation), laboratory and analytical (determination of the content of cannabinoid substances by thin layer and gas-liquid chromatography), biomorphological me­thods (analysis of morphological characteristics of plants). Chemical analysis for the content of cannabinoid substan­ces was carried out in the laboratory of the breeding and seed production department of the Institute of Bast Crops of the NAAS of Ukraine (Glukhiv, 2014–2019). The content of neutral substances [cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] and acids (CBDA, THCA) was determined by using a thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) methods. For the study, 11 monoecious varieties of C. sativa: ‘YuSO 1’, ‘YuSO 31’, ‘Hliana’, ‘Viktoriia’, ‘Hlesiia’, ‘Hlukhivskyi 46’, ‘Hlukhivski 51’, ‘Zoloto­niski 15’ and 3 introduced varieties: ‘Fedora 17’, ‘Felina 32’, ‘Futura 77’ (France) which differed among themselves in morphological, biological, genetic, ecological-geographical and economically valuable characteristics were selected. Results. Biological and morphological characteristics of modern monoecious varieties of C. sativa were investigated depending on the ecological and geographical zones of origin, conditions of the growing season and the stage of ontogenesis. The functional interdependence between the formation of specialized excretory structures and the content of cannabinoid substances in plants of different varieties of C. sa­tiva was revealed. The following promising varieties of C. sativa in a ration of ((THC + CBN) ≤ CBD) point the possibility to use them as the source material for creating the medicinal varie­ties of plants with a high content of CBD. Conclusions. Nowadays C. sativa is the main source of phyto material for industrial production of natural CBD. In recent years, high-yielding varieties of C. sativa have been created, which, together with high commercially valuable traits, did not contain psychoactive THC and had an insignificant amount of CBD. The results of the research indicated the features of the seasonal growth rhythm, development of the plants and the morphological and biological features of modern monoecious introduced and domestic varieties of C. sativa in the North-east region of Ukraine. The low correlation between the content of cannabinoid substances and their acids in varieties, which are cha­racterized by the low content of cannabinoid compounds was established. According to the developed own classification (THC + KBN): CBD, varieties with a predominant CBD content ‘Hlukhivskyi 46’, ‘Zolotoniski 15’, ‘Hliana’ which are of significant medicinal value were identified.

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.

Purpose. Develop a simplified method for estimating the color of flour and pasta using Adobe Photo Shop® software. Methods. The research material was grain of varieties and selection lines of wheat species Triticum durum, T. dicoccum, T. timopheevii bred in the Рlant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuryev and samples of the National Center for Genetic Resources of Plants of Ukraine, 2018–2020 harvest. Batch of flour and pieces of dough were scanned using EPSON Scanner 010 F. Color was evaluated using Adobe PhotoShop®. The level of carotenoids was determined by spectrophotometric method. Results. Visual assessments of flour and pasta color, presented by different researchers, differ significantly (up to 2–3 points on a 9-point scale). At the same time, the use of the developed method of express color evaluation of flour and pasta samples in Adobe PhotoShop® with the color evaluation system L*a*b*, used in modern reflectometers, allows to obtain data in numerical value and provides high accuracy. In the case of the developed me­thod, correlations were established between the content of carotenoids and the index b* of flour (r = 0.41 / ≤ 0.05) and pasta (r = 0.60 / p ≤ 0.001) and allowed to select the best in flour color selection lines 10-56, 10-65, 14-153, sample T. durum var. falcatomelanopus, in pasta color – lines 10-56, 10-65, 11-29, 12-3. Conclusions. The developed method provides high accuracy and can be used to evaluate the color of pasta and wheat flour, simplifies the evaluation of test samples, standardizes the parameters of agricultural products and avoids subjective judgment. The established weak correlation between the carotenoid content and the b* value of flour indicates the effect on the color of flour not only orange but also yellow and red pigments, and the ave­rage correlation between the carotenoid content and the b* value of pasta indicates the influence of the products of polyphenols oxidation reactions of wheat grain. The best in color flour and pasta lines were selected for breeding work to increase the content of carotenoid pigments in grain.

Purpose. Analysis of the allelic state of Ppd-1 genes, which control sensitivity to photoperiod, in varieties and lines of bread winter wheat, and comparison of the results obtained with field observations on the duration of periods before heading and flowering, whose originators were the Nosivska Breeding and Research Station of the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine and Poltava State Agrarian Academy of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Methods. The following methods were used in the work: DNA extraction, allele-specific PCR, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, analysis of variance. Results. It was revealed that ‘Yuvivata 60’ variety has a recessive Ppd-1 genotype and belongs to the III haplotype by a combination of mutations in the structure of Ppd-D1 gene. Line ‘L41/95’ was heterogeneous by alleles of Ppd-D1 gene, which corresponded to the presence of haplotypes III and VII. All other tested cultivars and lines were characterized by alleles Ppd-A1b, Ppd-B1b and Ppd-D1a, and assigned to haplotype VII. According to the results of statistical data processing, the duration of the period from May, 1 to heading was the smallest for the variety ‘Donskaya polukarlikovaya’ in the conditions of both the Forest-Steppe and Polissia-Forest-Steppe regions of Ukraine, the longest – in the varieties ‘Yuvivata 60’, ‘Myronivska 61’ and ‘L41/95’. The differences between these groups were significant and amounted to 10 days. Conclusions. A breeding material with a high adaptive ability for growing conditions in Polissia-Forest-Steppe zone was studied by the allelic state of the Ppd-1 genes. A low level of polymorphism in the studied varieties and lines was revealed by the alleles of Ppd-1 genes [12.5% – Ppd-D1b (²²²), 12.5% – Ppd-D1à/b (²²²/VII), 75% – Ppd-D1a (VII)], that agrees with the hypothesis that breeders gave a greater preference for the photoperiod-insensitive wheat genotype under Ukrainian conditions. The genotypes with the dominant Ppd-D1a (VII) gene almost completely dominate in the south of Ukraine. At the same time, in northern latitudes, weather conditions negate the advantages of the genotypes with Ppd-D1a gene

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. Determine the best options for effective fungicidal protection of soft winter wheat varieties against disea­ses that will ensure a high yield and grain quality. Methods. Four winter wheat varieties with different disease resistance were sown in the field: ‘Berehynia myronivska’, ‘Hospodynia myronivska’, ‘Horlytsia myronivska’ and ‘Podolianka’ (originator – The V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat NAAS of Ukraine). In the shooting phase, the crops were treated with fungicides Acanto Plus 28, Talius 20, Falcon 460 EC, and in the heading phase – Amistar Trio 255 EC, Tilt Turbo 575 EC, Vareon 520. Results. During the period of milky stage, the technical effectiveness of the use of fungicides against powdery mildew was at the level of 72–100%, septoria leaf spot – 58–76, brown rust – 100%. The most effective option for fungicidal protection is the application of Acanto Plus 28 in the shooting phase + Amistar Trio 255 EC in the heading phase. Under such conditions, ‘Podolianka’ variety formed the maximum grain yield – 5.56 t/ha, the preserved yield was 0.75 t/ha. Greater yield increase (0.82–0.86 t/ha) was provided by ‘Horlytsia myronivska’ variety. The use of Acanto Plus 28 and Amistar Trio 255 EC fungicides also contributed to the formation of the best grain quality of the studied winter wheat varieties. Conclusions. The varieties ‘Berehynia myronivska’ and ‘Podolianka’ formed the highest grain yield during the processing of crops with the fungicide Acanto Plus 28 in the shooting phase and Amistar Trio 255 EC in the heading phase, ‘Hospodynia myronivska’ – Falcon 460 EC + Vareon 520, variety ‘Horlytsia myronivska’ Talius 20 + Tilt Turbo 575 EC, respectively. The variety ‘Berehynia myronivska’ provides the best indicators of grain quality when using the fungicide Falcon 460 EC in the shooting phase and Vareon 520 in the heading phase, other varieties – Acanto Plus 28 + Amistar Trio 255 EC, respectively.

Purpose. Estimate phenological and morphological characteristics of Miscanthus giganteus J. M. Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize, M. sacchariflorus (Maxim) Benth. and M. sinensis Anderss., obtained in vitro, and M. giganteus, propagated by rhizomimes (ex vitro) to attract them to the breeding process and create new forms of miscanthus for use in bioenergy. Methods. Seeds of M. sinensis, as well as M. sacchariflorus (2n), M. sacchariflorus (4n), introduced into culture and propagated in vitro according to commonly used methods (M. D. Melnychuk, A. Plazek et al.) were used in the studies. Phenological observations were carried out according to the methods of V. V. Zinchenko, M. V. Roik, D. B. Rakh­metov, and others. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out according to M. A. Shelamov and ot­hers. Results. M. sacchariflorus (2n) in the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine does not enter into the flowering phase, whereas in M. sacchariflorus (4n) the flowering phase begins a month earlier than M. sinensis, which is an obstacle for transpollination of these species in the natural environment. M. giganteus, reproduced by rhizomes, in overwhelming majority of indicators (stem height and diameter, number of interstices and leaves, leaf area, length and width of cluster) dominate all species of mescanthus obtained in vitro. But the number of stems in the bush of M. sinensis is the highest (63 pcs.) and is almost 2–4 times higher than those of M. giganteus, obtained from risomes and in vitro. It has been revealed that the most promising forms for bioenergy use are M. sinensis, whose productivity is about 7 kg/m2 of green mass and M. giganteus, propagated by rhizomimes (ex vitro), where the mass of the aerial part is almost 9 kg/m2. But M. sacchariflorus (2n) and M. sacchariflorus (4n) should not be considered as promising species for use in bioenergy purposes, because their performance is very low compared to other species and is only 0.25 and 2.05 kg above ground mass from 1 m2. Conclusions. On the basis of the obtained data, the most promising forms of Miscanthus were established to attract them into the breeding process and to obtain new varieties with high biomass productivity for the needs of bioenergy.

Purpose. To establish the biochemical composition of the above ground part of Serratula coronata L. (Crowned saw-wort) for introduction in Central Polissia of Ukraine. Methods. The object of research was the plants of S. coronata from the collection of the Botanical garden of Zhytomyr National Agroecological University. Plant raw material was evaluated in the flowering phase in the biochemical laboratory of the Department of Cultural Flora of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanic Gardens of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine according to the relevant methods during 2014–2016. Results. The results of the study of phytochemical features of S. coronata under conditions of introduction in the Central Polissia of Ukraine in the flowering phase are given. Quantitative content of raw material in dry matter, total sugars, carotene, ascorbic acid, tannins, fats, free acids, macroelements of phosphorus, calcium and trace elements of iron, copper, zinc, manganese was revealed. Conclusions. The biochemical composition of the above ground part of S. coronata was determined for the first time in the conditions of introduction in Central Polissia of Ukraine. The peculiarities of the dependence of the content of biochemical compounds and macroelements on age characteristics of plants were determined. Plants of S. coronata of the third year of life were distinguished by the highest content of ascorbic acid, carotene and dry matter; two-year – organic acids, phosphorus, ash, common sugars; the fourth year of life – the content of oil and calcium. Significant amounts of vitamin C and iron were found in the raw material. The obtained results testify to the prospect of further study of the pharmacological properties of S. coronata in order to obtain new food products, bio-additives and phytopreparations enriched with biologically active substances and essential for human life.

Purpose. Reveal the peculiarities of the formation of national varietal resources of grapes, considering current state of the market, needs of consumers, problems and prospects of the viticulture industry in Ukraine. Results. The monitoring of the national varietal resources of the common grape vine in the chronology of the formation of a well-known varie­ties collection used both for food purposes and in the further breeding process. As of the beginning of 2019, 51 grape varieties of the common grape vine are included in the State Regis­ter of Plant Varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine. In recent years, there has been a tendency to a decrease in the number of new varieties, reduction in the total area of vineyards and young plantings. Technical varie­ties of the crop dominate in the Register of plant varieties of Ukraine; the assortment of the table grapes and universal groups needs to be expanded. The largest share among the common varieties in Ukraine is occupied by ones of domestic breeding. The results of monitoring of renewal dynamics of the common grape vine varieties in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine over the past five years indicate a negative trend: 2013 – 11 varieties, 2015 – two, 2018 – one variety. Therefore, the issues of the formation of national varietal resources of grapes are relevant and require a scientific approach to the breeding process, the state scientific and technical examination of the application for a variety of plants and their commercial circulation. New varieties of the common grape vine are included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine based on the results of the state scientific and technical expertise on the plant variety; it provides for the establishment of criteria for distinctness, uniformity and stability using the morphological description of the identification signs of vegetative and generative organs of grapes and the determination of economically valuable indicators of new varieties. Conclusions. The total number of the common grape vine varieties in Ukraine for the period 2015–2018 decreased, due to the low level of applications for new varieties of both domestic and foreign breeding. The search for modern methods and directions of breeding, the use of new methods for crop varieties and clones identification remains a reserve for expanding the common grape vine assortment