Purpose. To determine morphological and morphometric features of vegetative and generative organs of Persica species and varieties under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine for further use in breeding. Methods. Biological (morphological analysis) and statistical (processing of morphometric parameters) ones. Results. It was found that except ternate multiple buds, in peach hybrid ‘Suputnyk’collateral buds were prevalent which was not common to other tested varieties and species. Buds of each species and variety have a certain number of scales. The most scales were observed in ‘Suputnyk’. Pubescence of abaxial side of the leaf in P. davіdiana and ‘Suputnyk’ plants was not revealed. Species of P. vulgaris (‘Pecherskyi’, ‘Antotsianovyi’, ‘Poleskyi’) was characterized by increase in size of leaf blades, flowers and fruits. The distinctive features of P. davidiana and ‘Suputnyk’ are that stamens were accumulated in their flowers while in P. vulgaris they are branched. Raphe of a P. vulgaris stone protrudes above the edges of the bordering creases and consists of a number of narrow plates. Conclusions. For the breeding purposes, plants have an advantage for some basic criteria: the most flower buds that is common to interspecies hybrid ‘Suputnyk’; increase in photosynthetic productivity of the leaf apparatus to be typical for the variety ‘Pecherskyi’; large fruits that ‘Pecherskyi’ variety is noted for; intense red color of fruits that is inherent feature of ‘Antocianovyi’ variety.

Purpose. To summarize results of studying consumptive qualities of different varieties of potato and define basic characteristics which allow to subsume them under specific economic categories. Methods. Field study, laboratory test, summarizing, analytical approach. Results. Potato varieties entered in the State register of plant varieties suitable to dissemination in Ukraine and new ones especially to be bred at the Institute of Potato Growing of NAAS were studied during the period of 2005–2016 for such basic economic characters as consumptive quality of tubers, content of starch, dry matters, protein, sugar, vitamins, carotenoids and mineral substances as well as aminoacids, color of flesh, suitability for industrial manufacturing of potato products and for purpose of technology. Attention was paid to the good prospects to use varie­ties with purple, blue and red potato tuber flesh with high antioxidant capacity. Potato varieties with above cha­racteristics and their complex combination were defined and described. The requirements of processing industry for potato as a raw material for manufacturing of potato food were given. Conclusions. The major criterion for consumptive qualities of a potato variety and correspondingly division for the commercial use is consumptive quality of tubers, especially content of essential nutrients and their favorable combination, improved taste and cooking quality, high antioxidant capacity, suitability for potato products manufacturing and use for purpose of technology. Potato varieties can be divided for economic purposes into edible, suitable for potato products manufacturing, technical and multipurpose ones.

Purpose. To review publications relating to the key point of the genotyping technology that is competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (which is called now Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR, KASPTM) and its use in various genetic-breeding researching (a study of maize). Results. The essence of KASP-genotyping, its advantages are highlighted. The requirements for matrix DNA are presented, since the success of the KASP-analysis depends on its qua­lity and quantity. Examples of global projects of plant breeding for increasing crop yields using the KASP genoty­ping technology are given. The results of KASP genotyping and their introduction into breeding and seed production, in particular, for determining genetic identity, genetic purity, origin check, marker-assisted selection, etc. are presented using maize as an example. It is demonstrated how geno­mic selection according to KASP genotyping technology can lead to rapid genetic enhancement of drought resistance in maize. Comparison of the effectiveness of creating lines with certain traits (for example, combination of high grain yield and drought resistance) using traditional breeding approaches (phenotype selection) and molecular genetic methods (selection by markers) was proved that it takes four seasons (two years in case of greenhouses) in order to unlock the potential of the plant genotype using traditional self-pollination, test-crossing and definitions), while using markers, the population was enriched with target alleles during one season. At the same time, there was no need for a stress factor. Conclusions. KASP genotyping technology is a high-precision and effective tool for modern genetics and breeding, which is successfully used to study genetic diversity, genetic relationship, population structure, gene­tic identity, genetic purity, origin check, quantitative locus mapping, allele mapping, marker-assisted selection, marker-assisted breeding. It is expedient and timely to introduce KASP genotyping technology in our country to solve a wide range of modern genetics, breeding, seed production tasks.

Purpose. To define spring barley breeding lines with an optimal combination of yielding capacity and stability under different weather conditions in the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field studies, ANOVA, AMMI, GGE biplot analysis. Results. Hydrothermal regime during interphase periods of spring barley vegetation under conditions of The V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS in 2012–2014 was characterized by significant variability, that facilitated detailed evaluation of the lines for productivity, stability, and resistance to abiotic and biotic factors. In the performance of an experiment, the highest average yielding capacity (5.87 t/ha) was noted in 2012, the lowest one (3.50 t/ha) was in 2013. As for these years, average yield of 4.63 t/ha was obtained in 2014. By applying AMMI and GGE biplot analysis, significant differences in response of the studied lines to variability of weather conditions was revealed. Using AMMI model, additive components of the main effects of the breeding lines and years of testing as well as multiplicative components of their interaction were characterized. GGE biplot genotypes ranking in relation to a hypothetical “ideal” genotype showed an absolute advantage of breeding line ‘Nutans 4540’ for yielding capacity and stability. In addition, breeding lines ‘Nutans 4241’ and ‘Nutans 4120’ were close to ideatype. Selected breeding lines were characterized by resistance and moderate resistance to leaf diseases and lodging. Conclusions. Use of AMMI and GGE biplot analysis to evaluate breeding lines at the final stages of breeding process allows to describe them thoroughly and graphically as well as differentiate them not only for average yielding capacity but also for their interaction with changing conditions during the years of testing. Breeding lines ‘Nutans 4540’, ‘Nutans 4241’, and ‘Nutans 4120’ to be identified for the stability of yielding capacity display in combination with other agronomic characters were transferred to the State variety testing as new spring barley varieties ‘MIP Myrnyi’, ‘MIP Saliut’, and ‘MIP Sotnyk’ respectively.

Purpose. To investigate features of commercial head quality formation in varieties of cutting lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.) for different growing methods. To study the influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the weight of commercial heads, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products. Methods. Field study, laboratory testing and statistical evaluation. Results. The results of studying peculiarities of head formation in such cutting lettuce varieties as ‘Godar’ (control), ‘Smuhlianka’, ‘Olzhych’ and ‘Dyvohrai’ were shown. Based on the results of phenological observations, the duration of interstage periods of growth and development of cutting lettuce plants was determined for the different growing methods. The model of cutting lettuce of capitata variety for different growing methods was presented in terms of biochemical parameters (content of dry matter, vitamin C, nitrates, amount of sugars). The influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the commercial head weight, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products was studied. Obtained results confirmed that in early ripening varie­ti­es the heads were smaller (150 g) and not dense, in late ripening varieties they were large and dense, weight was 150–500 g. Freshly harvested commercial products of head lettuce in case of seedling cultivation was characterized by a slight increase in dry matter content by 0.15–0.29%. The corresponding pattern was observed for the total sugar content. Its amount was slightly higher: 1.3–1.9% in case of direct sowing and 1.6–1.9% – for seedlings cultivation. The content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C, mg/100 g) was the highest in the ‘Dyvohrai’ variety despite of the method of growing. The largest quantity of nitrates in lettuce heads was in the inner stem (480 mg/kg), while in the middle of the head it was reduced to 110 mg/kg. Conclusions. Freshly harvested heads of cutting lettuce were analyzed for the content of such basic biochemical indices as dry matter, vitamin C, protein, nitrates, amount of sugars. Biochemical characteristics of freshly harvested products of heading lettuce in case of direct sowing and non-seedling methods of growing were within the error being almost identical with minor deviations. According to the study results, a typical model of capitate lettuce variety was designed which will have practical application in qualification examination of plant varieties.

Purpose. To elaborate winter wheat cultivation technologies based on balanced fertilizer system that combines application of mineral fertilizers and the increase of their efficiency by the use of preparations with microelements. Methods. Field and laboratory studies, mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. During 2011–2013, the effect of cultivation technologies on the formation of yield and quality of winter wheat varie­ty ‘Benefis’ (pea is a predecessor) was studied. In case of alternative technologies that provided adding only by-products of the predecessor, the yield of winter wheat was 3.73 t/ha when using integrated protection system, and it was increased to 4.22 t/ha with grain quality of the 4th–5th class of the group B when foliar dressing was applied. Resource saving technologies of cultivation with restricted use of fertilizers (Р45К45N30(II)+30(IV)) provided productivity at the level of 5.19–5.61 t/ha with grain quality of the 2nd–3rd class of the group A. Grain yield of 6.27 t/ha of the 2nd class quality was obtained by the use of intensive cultivation technology, which included application of mineral fertilizers (Р90К90N30(II)+60(IV)+30(VIII)) in addition to the use of predecessor’s by-products and foliar dressing. The highest yield of grain (6.71 t/ha) on average during all years of the study with the 1st class of the group A quality was provided by energy-intensive technology, which included application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) with embedding of predecessor’s by-products into the soil and foliar dressing. Conclusions. It was established that in the northern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine the highest productivity of winter wheat was obtained in dark gray podzolic soils using the energy-intensive technology with application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) against the background of predecessor’s by-products embedded into the soil in case of integrated plant protection, and foliar dres­sing. This technology ensured the yield of 6.71 t/ha with grain quality of the 1st class of the group A.

Мета. Серед описаних у фаховій літературі ідентифікованих генів стійкості проти збудника бурої іржі виділити чужо­рідні, інтрогресовані у вид Triticum aestivum L. джерела, встановити їх походження та перспективи використання в селекційній практиці. Результати. Пшениця озима м’яка як основна зернова культура належить до групи рослин, яких найдавніше вирощують у контрольованих умовах. Протягом періоду вегетації вона зазнає згубного впливу збудників хвороб, тому пошук джерел стійкості проти них є першочерговим завданням селекції. Бура іржа – одна з найпоширеніших і шкодочинних хвороб пшениці. Вона призводить до значних втрат урожаю та погіршення якості зерна. Популяція збудника Puccinia reconditа вирізняється неабиякою адаптивною здатністю. Висока варіабельність вірулентності гриба призводить до накопичення патотипів, здатних долати гени стійкості пшениці. Найбільш екологічно безпечним методом контролювання захворювання є створення стійких сортів. Ефективність селекції на стійкість проти бурої іржі можна покращити, використовуючи різні Lr-гени стійкості. На цей час у геному пшениці та її родичів ідентифіковано й охарактеризовано за хромосомною локалізацією та ефективністю понад 90 (Lr) генів стійкості проти цього збудника. Виявлено, що майже всі ефективні на території України гени стійкості проти збудника бурої іржі, окрім Lr10 та Lr23, є чужорідними, перенесеними в Triticum aestivum від інших видів: Aegilops speltoides – гени Lr28, Lr35, Lr36, Lr47, Lr51, Lr66; Aegilops tauschii – Lr1, Lr21, Lr22а, Lr32, Lr39, Lr42; Triticum timopheevii – Lr18 та Lr50; Thinopyrum elongatum – Lr19, Lr29, Lr24; Secale cereale – Lr25, Lr26 та Lr45; Aegilops umbellulata – Lr9, Lr76; Triticum speltа – Lr44, Lr65, Lr71; Triticum dicoccoides – Lr53, Lr64; Aegilops triuncialis – Lr58, LrTr; Tr. timopheevii spp. viticulosum – LrTt1; Aegilops ventricosa – Lr37; Aegilops kotschyi – Lr54; Elymus trachycaulis – Lr55; Aegilops sharonensis – Lr56; Aegilops geniculate – Lr57; Aegilops peregrine – Lr59; Triticum turgidum – Lr61; Aegilops neglecta – Lr62; Triticum monococcum – Lr63. Висновки. Залучення до схрещувань культурних та диких видів родичів пшениці дасть змогу отримати неоднорідний за стійкістю проти збудника бурої іржі селекційний матеріал.

Purpose. To define morphological peculiarities of the different types of shoots of switch grass (Panicum virgatum L.) in the context of introduction in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe and Polissia zones of Ukraine. Methods. Morpho-physiological and ontogenetic analysis, morphometric technique, statistical evaluation. Results. It was found that P. virgatum plants were producing the following types of shoots: vegetative-generative short or long rhizomatous ones (they appeared as in the underground part of a maternal shoot in «the area of shortened internodes» and in the base of its aboveground part); vegetative underground and aboveground ones (they are forming both in the axils of scales of the underground part of a maternal shoot and in the axils of cauline leaves); generative aboveground shoots (borne in the axil of cauline leaves). Morphological parameters and features of morphogenesis of reproduction, resting and secondary buds have been described. Conclusions. During flowering phase of maternal shoot, P. virgatum reproduction buds were on the organogenesis phase I–II, their bursting occured after maternal shoot has flowered. The correlation of internodes length, leave blades and sheaths has been established. The maximum values of the above parameters were observed in the middle part of the prefloral zone of the stem. In the context of introduction, panicle earing came in the third decade of July, flowering began in the first decade of August. It was revealed that complete flowers are bloomed faster than the staminate ones.

Мета. Виявити закономірності рівня прояву врожайності сортів ячменю ярого у взаємодії «генотип–середовище» за випробування в різних екологічних зонах України та виділити генотипи з підвищеним адаптивним потенціалом. Методи. Об’єкт досліджень – 36 сортів ячменю ярого вітчизняної та зарубіжної селекції. Сортовипробування проведено в Миронівському інституті пшениці імені В. М. Ремесла НААН України (МІП) (Центральний Лісостеп) у 2015–2017 рр., на Носівській селекційно-дослідній станції МІП (НСДС) (Полісся) та на Кіровоградській державній сільськогосподарській дослідній станції НААН (КДСГДС) (Північний Степ) у 2016–2017 рр. За три роки досліджень (2015–2017) отримано результати випробування сортів у семи середовищах. Ділянки обліковою площею 10 м2 закладали у триразовій повторності методом повних рендомізованих блоків, відповідно до загальноприйнятих методик. Статистичний аналіз експериментальних даних проведено з використанням комп’ютерних програм Excel 2010 і Statistica 8.0. Для наочної інтерпретації взаємодії «генотип–середовище» використано GGE biplot модель. Результати. Дисперсійний аналіз даних урожайності засвідчив достовірні внески у загальну варіацію середовища – 64,64%, гено­типу – 14,90% та їх взаємодії – 20,46%. Найвищою диференціювальною здатністю (інформативністю) характеризувались умови МІП у 2016 р., найнижчою – умови КДСГДС у 2017 р. Найбільш репрезентативними були умови МІП у 2017 р. і НСДС у 2016 р., найменш репрезентативними – у КДСГДС (2016 р.). Найвіддаленішими між собою були умови МІП та KДСГДС у 2016 р. Візуалізація GGE biplot «хто-де-переміг» дала змогу розподілити середовища на два сектори: перший – умови МІП 2015–2017 рр. і НСДС 2016–2017 рр., другий – умови КДСГДС 2016–2017 рр. У першому секторі суттєву перевагу мав сорт ‘МІП Мирний’, у другому – сорт ‘Скарб’. Диференційовано й виділено сорти ячменю ярого з оптимальним рівнем прояву врожайності в середовищах, найближчих до гіпотетичного «ідеального» генотипу GGE biplot моделі – ‘МІП Мирний’, ‘МІП Богун’, ‘Талісман Миронівський’, ‘МІП Азарт’, ‘Доказ’, ‘Пан’. Висновки. Моделювання багатосередовищних сортовипробувань шляхом комбінування контрастних за гідротермічним режимом років і різних екологічних умов з інтерпретацією результатів досліджень за сучасними статистично-графічними методами сприяє детальнішій характеристиці взаємодії «генотип–середовище», ранжируванню і виділенню перспективних генотипів.

Purpose. To identify the productivity of the genus Salix L. plants and study the relationship between its structural elements. Methods. Field study, laboratory analysis, analytical approach. Results. It was found that the height of a three-year plants of species ranged from 86.0 to 775.1 cm, of hybrid forms – from 197.0 to 488.0 cm. Average diameter of three-year plants varied in the range of 19.10 to 52.94 mm (species) and from 28.04 to 49.23 mm (hybrid forms). The highest stability for complex of morphological characters was observed in bog willow samples. It was determined that among species basket willow (16.94 t/ha) and white willow (21.19 t/ha) were the most productive for dry biomass yield per 1 hectare, among hybrid forms – purple willow × basket willow (23.36 t/ha) and basket willow × bog willow (18.57 t/ha). It was established that the value of the plants productivity was characterized by moderate, significant and close correlations with the average diameter of plants, length and number of shoots of the second order. Conclusions. A comprehensive assessment of productivity traits of three-year plants from willow collection was conducted, index of dry matter yield per 1 hectare was defined. The links between quantitative traits that characterize the contribution of some of them in productivity index were investigated. Method of cluster analysis was used to group samples for the similarity of complex agronomic characters. Basket willow and white willow as well as such hybrid forms as basket willow × bog willow and purple willow × basket willow were recommended to use as a source material for selection of samples with high productivity.