Purpose. To evaluate hazelnut cultivars, species and hybrids from the genetic collection of Corylus spp. in the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka” of the NAS of Ukraine for the complex of economic characters. An attempt has been made to analyze the information on Corylus spp. identity, taxonomy and description, dissemination and ecological requirements of the species, possibilities to use the genetic potential for developing new cultivars. Methods. The value of the Corylus spp. collection representatives was investigated using conventional testing procedures. For summarizing information concerning phylogenetic reconstruction of the Corylus L. genus and hazelnut, a number of scientific publications to be proposed for discussion was analyzed. The oil content in hazelnut kernels and the fatty acid composition was determined using official methods. Results. The best samples of hazelnut genetic collection were included into the broad hybridization programme, and C. chinensis Franch. representatives as well. A number of hybrid seedlings was obtained including new hazelnut cultivars ‘Sofiyivsky 1’, ‘Sofiyivsky 2’ and ‘Sofiyivsky 15’ which were characterized by spherical or almost spherical fruits, high winter hardiness and drought resistance, as well as the absence of rhythmicity in fruiting. Conclusions. The collection of varieties, forms, cultivars and species of the Corylus L. genus created during the last years can be the base for hazelnut breeding in Ukraine.

Assessment of agroclimatic conditions in 2012–2014 and their effect on formation of frost resistance and winter hardiness of soft winter wheat is made. Elevated temperature conditions in autumn and disturbance of cold hardening conditions caused the formation of the highest frost tolerance and winter hardiness of winter wheat only up to -15°C. Under the new climatic conditions the modern varieties of myronivska breeding are able to realize 80–85% of the genetic potential by the property.

Unique features of Myronivs’ka 808 variety have provided its triumph in agricultural production in the former Soviet Union and other countries. Myronivs’ka 808 has become one of the most popular varieties in terms of sown areas (in 1971 over 9.5 million hectares) in the world production. Up to now the variety has been cultivated in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Myronivs’ka 808 variety gained leadership in the global selection process as a source of high grain quality, high productivity, general adaptability and plasticity. Using germplasm of this variety enabled to develop over 400 wheat varieties including 350 winter varieties and 60 spring varieties.

The article mentions that the special attention is deserved by such persimmon varieties being included into the collection of Garden: Nikita Burgundy – the most famous of the hardiest varieties, widely used in industrial horticulture grade foreign breeding Hana Fuyu and a new, high-yielding variety of domestic breeding Souvenir of Autumn. Plant varieties included into the studying, grow in the same conditions at the collection site, which is located 200 meters from the coast at a height of 20-40 m above its level. Trees are 15 years old, planting scheme is 6x6 meters. The selected varieties belong to the group of constant tart on their quality whose fruits are edible only when fully ripe Varieties are characterized by high winter hardiness and disease resistance, which allows minimizing the chemicals using for plants treating and creates the conditions for organic food. The chemical composition fruits studying of three oriental persimmons varieties have performed high content of potassium, so it affords their using as a general tonic. The obtained results have revealed that according to the content of essential elements the leading fruit of variety Souvenir Autumn is considered to be, the less valuable are fruits of Nikita Burgundy, and Hana Fuyu fruits on this indicator are intermediate.

Purpose. Analysis of the process of hexaploid triticale breeding for winter hardiness by intraspecific hybridization method using systemic ecological tests under contrasting conditions. Methods. Dialectical investigation, field experiments, laboratory testing and statistical evaluation. Results. The results of breeding winter and alternate triticale varieties possessing a complex of valuable traits by the method of intraspecific hybridization of forms of different types of development using systemic ecological tests under contrasting conditions (Forest-Steppe – extremely arid Steppe) and at low temperatures were presented. During the years of research (1980–2005), 18 varieties were developed and transferred to the state testing, 17 of them were registered. Conclusions. Thus, the effective selection of highly productive genotypes with increased and high winter hardiness is possible from populations obtained by crossing hexaploid triticale of different types of development (winter triticale with spring and alternate ones) and contrasting level of frost and winter hardiness. During the period of 1980–2015, medium-tall and dwarf varieties of winter (‘Amfidyploid 256’, ‘Garne’, ‘Kharroza’, ‘Rarytet’, ‘Timofey’, etc.) and alternate (‘Nikanor’, ‘Yaroslava’, ‘Plastun Volynskyi’) triticales were developed. They are superior to the standard varieties of soft winter wheat for the critical temperature of freezing by -0.5...- 2.0 °C, characterized by increased (up to 9–12 t/ha) grain yield of various quality depending on the purpose of use.

Purpose. To evaluate results of old garden roses varieties introduction based on the analysis of their decorative pro­perties and economic characters. Methods. Field study, comparative analysis, generalization. Results. The collection of roses at M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden (the city of Kyiv) was analyzed. A comparison was drawn between their gene pool and the world collection of roses. After collection screening, 22 old varieties were found at M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden and described. Their decorative pro­perties, economic characters and winter hardiness were eva­luated, the final result ranged from 81 to 100 points. Evalua­tion of winter hardiness that was based on the records of shoot damage degree in the field during the winter showed that in Kyiv conditions 13 cultivars were exceptionally resistant to frost, the other 9 appeared to be frost-sensitive. Conclusions. As follows from the analysis of decorative va­lues, economic characters and winter hardiness, 12 varieties of old roses such as ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’, ‘Commandant Beaurepaire’, ‘La Reine’, ‘Louise de Odier’, ‘Madame Plantier’, ‘Maiden’s Blush’, ‘Marie Baumann’, ‘Mousseuse Rouge’, ‘Persian Yellow’, ‘Poppius’, ‘Reine des Violettes’, ‘Versicolor’ were found to be perfectly suitable for landscaping.

Breeding of columnar type apple varieties has been carried out at VNIISPK since 1984. The possibility of grow-ing of columnar type apple varieties in the crown of winter hardy semi-dwarf rootstock 3-4-98 by S. N. Stepanov’s breeding is being studied in different density of planting in the orchard (3 x 1,0 m; 3 x 1,5; and 3 x 2,0 m). The inves tigation of winter hardiness, cropping power, fruit mar ketability and biochemical composition allowed releasing two varieties «Poesia» and «Priokskoye» for state trials.

Purpose. To create and study genotypes of the secondary triticale of the hexaploid level for their effective use in further breeding and plant growing. Methods. Field study, laboratory analyses, intraspecific hybridization with subsequent individual selection. Results. New genotypes of the secon­dary triticale of the hexaploid level have been created and characterized for economic characters and agroecological traits and properties. Series of short-stem winter triticale was represented by ‘Pshenychne’, ‘Chaian’ to be adapted to the conditions of both intensive and organic farming. They are characterized by high drought resistance and winter hardiness, resistance to lodging, grain shedding, grain germination in the spike and spike fragility as well as by immunity to fungal diseases providing a high level of yield and technological quality of grain. The following new constant forms of triticale as ‘ПС_1-12’, ‘ПС_2-12’, ‘ПС_3-12’, that have an average height of the stem and belong to the Polissia-Forest-Steppe and Forest-Steppe ecotypes, demonstrated high productivity and adaptability in organic farming, particularly in case of the use of biologized elements of agrotechnology. Conclusions. For the creation a new parent material during breeding of hexaploid triticale, the method of intraspecific hybridization is desirable with the use of parent material to be contrasting for eco-geographical origin and adapted local forms, followed by individual selection of genotypes with the desired characteristics and properties in cleavable hybrid populations. New genotypes of the secondary triticale have been created and characterized for breeding, genetic and agroecological traits and properties. In breeding practice, it is advisable to use a whole new approach of agroecological and genetic certification of genotypes for the effective solution of a number of theoretical and practical tasks facing modern ecological and adaptive breeding. New parent material of the secondary winter triticale and scientific support for its cultivation is proposed for further breeding and plant growing.

Purpose. To estimate genetic resources collection of soft winter wheat plants (new collection accessions) of Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production and select initial material for breeding of adaptive, productive and qualitative soft winter wheat varieties. Methods. Field experiment, laboratory testing. Results. The authors pre- sented results of study of over 1000 samples of gene pool of soft winter wheat from 25 countries during 2001–2005 in Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production of Plant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuriev, NAAS of Ukraine for a complex of economic traits. More than 400 new sources with high adaptive properties were selected that combine traits of high productivity and high quality of grain, early ripening, resistance to biotic and abiotic fac- tors (the assessment of samples for 16 valuable traits is given). The selected material comes from various agro-cli- matic zones, including zones of unsustainable agriculture. Conclusions. Recommended sources of traits that have breeding value will allow to enrich high-quality assortment of wheat and considerably accelerate breeding process du- ring development of new soft winter wheat varieties.

Unique features of Myronivs’ka 808 variety have provided its triumph in agricultural production in the former Soviet Union and other countries. Myronivs’ka 808 has become one of the most popular varieties in terms of sown areas (in 1971 over 9.5 million hectares) in the world production. Up to now the variety has been cultivated in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Myronivs’ka 808 variety gained leadership in the global selection process as a source of high grain quality, high productivity, general adaptability and plasticity. Using germplasm of this variety enabled to develop over 400 wheat varieties including 350 winter varieties and 60 spring varieties.