Purpose. To study the influence of fractional composition of seed material on productive properties of spring rape seeds of the ‘Magnat’ variety and ‘MVM’ (‘Gladiator’) variety sample. Methods. Field investigations, laboratory tests, statistical analysis. Results. During 2013–2014, the influence of sown seeds of different size fractions (up to 2,5 g; 2,6–3,5 g; 3,6 g and more) on the indices of productivity of spring rape varie­ties was studied. It was found that over the years of study field germination of sown fractions of seeds in ‘Magnat’ variety averaged 83.5%, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – 86.7%. During the periods of seedling emergence and harvesting, the density of spring rape crops varied depending on relevant fraction of sown seeds. In the ‘Magnat’ variety, photosynthetic potential of crops ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 million m2/ha, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – from 1.2 to 1.6 million m2/ha. Depending on the seed fractions applied, ‘Magnat’ variety crops during the gro­wing season accumulated organic biomass from 2.05 to 2.36 g/m2 per day, ‘MSM’ sample variety – from 1.83 to 2.10 g/m2 per day. Conclusions. It was established that different fractions of spring rape seeds sown in the Northern Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine affected the indices of germinating energy and laboratory germination, crop density formation, leaf surface area and intensity of photosynthesis process (crop photosynthetic potential, net photosynthesis performance). The highest indices of productivity and yield in the ‘Magnat’ variety was ensured by large-seeded fraction (3,6 g and more), in the ‘MVM’ (‘Gladia­tor’) sample variety – by small-seeded fraction (up to 2,5 g).

Purpose. To study the influence of fractional composition of seed material on productive properties of spring rape seeds of the ‘Magnat’ variety and ‘MVM’ (‘Gladiator’) variety sample. Methods. Field investigations, laboratory tests, statistical analysis. Results. During 2013–2014, the influence of sown seeds of different size fractions (up to 2,5 g; 2,6–3,5 g; 3,6 g and more) on the indices of productivity of spring rape varie­ties was studied. It was found that over the years of study field germination of sown fractions of seeds in ‘Magnat’ variety averaged 83.5%, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – 86.7%. During the periods of seedling emergence and harvesting, the density of spring rape crops varied depending on relevant fraction of sown seeds. In the ‘Magnat’ variety, photosynthetic potential of crops ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 million m2/ha, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – from 1.2 to 1.6 million m2/ha. Depending on the seed fractions applied, ‘Magnat’ variety crops during the gro­wing season accumulated organic biomass from 2.05 to 2.36 g/m2 per day, ‘MSM’ sample variety – from 1.83 to 2.10 g/m2 per day. Conclusions. It was established that different fractions of spring rape seeds sown in the Northern Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine affected the indices of germinating energy and laboratory germination, crop density formation, leaf surface area and intensity of photosynthesis process (crop photosynthetic potential, net photosynthesis performance). The highest indices of productivity and yield in the ‘Magnat’ variety was ensured by large-seeded fraction (3,6 g and more), in the ‘MVM’ (‘Gladia­tor’) sample variety – by small-seeded fraction (up to 2,5 g).

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.

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.

Purpose. Revealing of adaptive properties of plant varieties of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion based on the study of plant growth regulators for marketable production in the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory ones, variance analysis. Results. The influence of plant growth regulators (Lignogumat, Betastimulin) on earliness and productivity of such red beet varieties as Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion was established. Conclusions. Plant growth regulators (Betastimulin, Lignogumat) stimulated seed sprouting of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion varieties, activated vegetative plant growth increa­sing marketable yield. Application of Betastimulin (0.2%) for red beet Kharkivskyi Bordeaux and Aktion varieties provides the highest number of marketable beetroots, thus forming marketable yield of 44.7 and 54.9 t/ha respectively with the average beetroot weight of 328–519 g.

Purpose. Revealing of adaptive properties of plant varieties of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion based on the study of plant growth regulators for marketable production in the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory ones, variance analysis. Results. The influence of plant growth regulators (Lignogumat, Betastimulin) on earliness and productivity of such red beet varieties as Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion was established. Conclusions. Plant growth regulators (Betastimulin, Lignogumat) stimulated seed sprouting of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion varieties, activated vegetative plant growth increa­sing marketable yield. Application of Betastimulin (0.2%) for red beet Kharkivskyi Bordeaux and Aktion varieties provides the highest number of marketable beetroots, thus forming marketable yield of 44.7 and 54.9 t/ha respectively with the average beetroot weight of 328–519 g.

Purpose. To study the influence of agriecological conditions of edaphic-climatic macro- and microzones on adap­tability and productivity of new soft winter wheat, identification and selection of complementary varieties for appropriate conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Peculiarities of the formation of productivity of varieties and its stability cultivation on the condions of cultivation in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones, including favourable and unfavou­rable years were studied. For realizing the potential of their productivity, it is advisable to introduce a differentiated approach to their cultivation in agri-climatic zones, subzones, microzones according to the requirements of biological characteristics of varieties, their natural adaptive capacity, natural and ecological environment of these zones. Complementary varieties were identified and recommended for use in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones that demonstrated high plasticity, better adaptability to favourable agri-ecological factors and were more tolerant and resistant to adverse ones. Conclusions. According to the set of productivity and ecological plasticity indices, it is desirable to cultivate varieties Sotnytsya, Kalancha, Hurt, Tonatsiya, Dobrochyn, Gubernator Donu in the Steppe zone; Sotnytsya, Oriyka, Lira Odeska, Tatsitus and Fidelius – in the Forest-Steppe; Tatsitus, Fidelius, Sailor, Etela – in the Polissia.

Purpose. To study the influence of agriecological conditions of edaphic-climatic macro- and microzones on adap­tability and productivity of new soft winter wheat, identification and selection of complementary varieties for appropriate conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Peculiarities of the formation of productivity of varieties and its stability cultivation on the condions of cultivation in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones, including favourable and unfavou­rable years were studied. For realizing the potential of their productivity, it is advisable to introduce a differentiated approach to their cultivation in agri-climatic zones, subzones, microzones according to the requirements of biological characteristics of varieties, their natural adaptive capacity, natural and ecological environment of these zones. Complementary varieties were identified and recommended for use in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones that demonstrated high plasticity, better adaptability to favourable agri-ecological factors and were more tolerant and resistant to adverse ones. Conclusions. According to the set of productivity and ecological plasticity indices, it is desirable to cultivate varieties Sotnytsya, Kalancha, Hurt, Tonatsiya, Dobrochyn, Gubernator Donu in the Steppe zone; Sotnytsya, Oriyka, Lira Odeska, Tatsitus and Fidelius – in the Forest-Steppe; Tatsitus, Fidelius, Sailor, Etela – in the Polissia.

Purpose. To study interactions among the representatives of the genus Salix L. through the cluster analysis, form groups of closely related species and hybrid forms basing on differences of morphological parameters of leaves. Methods. Field, cluster analysis and tree graphics. Results. Willow species were grouped according to absolute parameters of leaf, and three groups of clusters were identified. The degree of affinity between species were assessed using values of an Euclidean distance. Distinctive features of leaf parameters were defined: length of a leaf blade (Ll), distance (cm) between the leaf tip and its maximum width (SDmxT) and the distance between the leaf tip (cm) and the line of its width that corresponds to the length of petiole (SLpT). Conclusions. Using the willow species collection as an example, diagnostically valuable quantitative parameters of leaves were revealed, the use of which allows to identify willow species and hybrid forms through PC applications.

Purpose. To study interactions among the representatives of the genus Salix L. through the cluster analysis, form groups of closely related species and hybrid forms basing on differences of morphological parameters of leaves. Methods. Field, cluster analysis and tree graphics. Results. Willow species were grouped according to absolute parameters of leaf, and three groups of clusters were identified. The degree of affinity between species were assessed using values of an Euclidean distance. Distinctive features of leaf parameters were defined: length of a leaf blade (Ll), distance (cm) between the leaf tip and its maximum width (SDmxT) and the distance between the leaf tip (cm) and the line of its width that corresponds to the length of petiole (SLpT). Conclusions. Using the willow species collection as an example, diagnostically valuable quantitative parameters of leaves were revealed, the use of which allows to identify willow species and hybrid forms through PC applications.

Purpose. Reviewing a history of formation and current state of the national nomenclature and streamlining the Ukrainian scientific species names for the genus Fragaria L. Results. Controversial attitudes towards the use of names «sunytsi» (= garden strawberry) and «polunytsi» (= hill strawberry) are inherently present in the Ukrainian nomenclature of the genus Fragaria L. The Ukrainian scientific names of species of this group of plants should be brought into line with the generic name “Sunytsi” in plural. Nothogeneric name x Fragophora Mezhenskyj (= Dasiphora Rafin. x Fragaria L.) is proposed. Conclusions. In a professional environment it is necessary to use only scientific names of species of the genus Fragaria – Sunytsi (= garden strawberry) that is used in plural in Ukrainian. Concerning garden strawberry, in every day life and popular literature the usage of a derivative sunytsia (in Ukrainian) in singular as well as polunytsia, polunytsi (in Ukrainian) may be permissible.

Purpose. Reviewing a history of formation and current state of the national nomenclature and streamlining the Ukrainian scientific species names for the genus Fragaria L. Results. Controversial attitudes towards the use of names «sunytsi» (= garden strawberry) and «polunytsi» (= hill strawberry) are inherently present in the Ukrainian nomenclature of the genus Fragaria L. The Ukrainian scientific names of species of this group of plants should be brought into line with the generic name “Sunytsi” in plural. Nothogeneric name x Fragophora Mezhenskyj (= Dasiphora Rafin. x Fragaria L.) is proposed. Conclusions. In a professional environment it is necessary to use only scientific names of species of the genus Fragaria – Sunytsi (= garden strawberry) that is used in plural in Ukrainian. Concerning garden strawberry, in every day life and popular literature the usage of a derivative sunytsia (in Ukrainian) in singular as well as polunytsia, polunytsi (in Ukrainian) may be permissible.

Purpose. Substantiating the selection of potato varieties for their ecological plasticity and stability to grow in Polissia. Methods. Field, laboratory, analitycal and statystical ones. Results. Impact of weather conditions during the growing season on the stability of potato varieties was estimated by indicators of yield, starch content and collection over the years by determining the average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum values and range of variation. ‘Memphis’, ‘Faluka’, ‘Arsenal’ and ‘Evolution’ were distinguished from the studied potato varieties by high genetic stability – their deviation from the average variance marked «minus» had values that were significantly less than zero. ‘Faktor’, ‘Flamenko’ and ‘Evora’ varieties are plastic (deviation is close to ±0), ‘Kolomba’, ‘Arizona’ and ‘Voliumiia’ ones – very plastic (deviation is most distant from zero). The studied varieties were distributed by homeostasis as follows: ‘Arizona’, ‘Colombo’, ‘Factor’ and ‘Memphis’ are the most valuable. Conclusions. ‘Evora’ potato variety can be considered intensive in terms of yield. ‘Evolution’ and ‘Flamenco’ varieties formed stable yields, during the years of study the difference between their maximum and minimum yields was the least – 8.2 and 9.3 tons per ha, respectively. Environmental assessment according to Eberhart and Russell indicates a high genetic stability of such potato varieties as ‘Arizona’, ‘Volyumiia’, ‘Kolombo’, ‘Evora’ and ‘Flamenko’. Conditions of Zhytomyr Oblast Plant Varieties Studying Centre are the most favorable among the studied regions to cultivate potato varieties.

Purpose. Substantiating the selection of potato varieties for their ecological plasticity and stability to grow in Polissia. Methods. Field, laboratory, analitycal and statystical ones. Results. Impact of weather conditions during the growing season on the stability of potato varieties was estimated by indicators of yield, starch content and collection over the years by determining the average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum values and range of variation. ‘Memphis’, ‘Faluka’, ‘Arsenal’ and ‘Evolution’ were distinguished from the studied potato varieties by high genetic stability – their deviation from the average variance marked «minus» had values that were significantly less than zero. ‘Faktor’, ‘Flamenko’ and ‘Evora’ varieties are plastic (deviation is close to ±0), ‘Kolomba’, ‘Arizona’ and ‘Voliumiia’ ones – very plastic (deviation is most distant from zero). The studied varieties were distributed by homeostasis as follows: ‘Arizona’, ‘Colombo’, ‘Factor’ and ‘Memphis’ are the most valuable. Conclusions. ‘Evora’ potato variety can be considered intensive in terms of yield. ‘Evolution’ and ‘Flamenco’ varieties formed stable yields, during the years of study the difference between their maximum and minimum yields was the least – 8.2 and 9.3 tons per ha, respectively. Environmental assessment according to Eberhart and Russell indicates a high genetic stability of such potato varieties as ‘Arizona’, ‘Volyumiia’, ‘Kolombo’, ‘Evora’ and ‘Flamenko’. Conditions of Zhytomyr Oblast Plant Varieties Studying Centre are the most favorable among the studied regions to cultivate potato varieties.

Purpose. Determination of peculiarities of anatomical and morphological characters of stevia plants to accelerate the identification of tetraploid forms. Methods. Field, laboratory and analysis-of-variance methods. Results. It was established that larger leaf area index (19–38%), fewer stomata per unit area (by 39–48%), larger diameter of pollen grains (by 42–92%) is a characteristic feature of anatomical and morphological characters of stevia tetraploid forms as compared to diploid ones. Conclusions. The parameters of leaf plate, the size of stomata and diameter of pollen grains are auxiliary selection criteria (rapid test). For tetraploid forms of stevia, leaf area index (the ratio of leaf blade length to width), size of stomata and diameter of pollen grains is truly larger as compared to diploid forms. Chromosomes number determination based on cytological analysis is the major and the most accurate criterion for selection of tetraploid forms, that seems advisable to use it at later stages of selection.

Purpose. Determination of peculiarities of anatomical and morphological characters of stevia plants to accelerate the identification of tetraploid forms. Methods. Field, laboratory and analysis-of-variance methods. Results. It was established that larger leaf area index (19–38%), fewer stomata per unit area (by 39–48%), larger diameter of pollen grains (by 42–92%) is a characteristic feature of anatomical and morphological characters of stevia tetraploid forms as compared to diploid ones. Conclusions. The parameters of leaf plate, the size of stomata and diameter of pollen grains are auxiliary selection criteria (rapid test). For tetraploid forms of stevia, leaf area index (the ratio of leaf blade length to width), size of stomata and diameter of pollen grains is truly larger as compared to diploid forms. Chromosomes number determination based on cytological analysis is the major and the most accurate criterion for selection of tetraploid forms, that seems advisable to use it at later stages of selection.

Purpose. Study of winter wheat varieties that were bred at the Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS through ecological testing in Turkey. Test procedures both in Ukraine and Turkey meet the requirements of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Methods. Field, laboratory ones: structural analysis, quality analysis, statistical analysis. Results. The Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company (ITAS) during 2011–2013 tested winter wheat varie­ties bred at the Institute of Irrigates Farming (IIF) NAAS at four areas of the Central Plateau of Turkey comparing them with local varieties registered in this country. According to the results of these tests the Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company identified Kohana variety as candidate for the state registration in Turkey. Conclusions. The realisation of the innovative product in Ukraine and entitlement to use intellectual property due to licensing agreements is expected. The Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS continues to create new varieties of winter wheat which can be transferred to other countries for testing for the purpose of introduction and further expansion.

Purpose. Study of winter wheat varieties that were bred at the Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS through ecological testing in Turkey. Test procedures both in Ukraine and Turkey meet the requirements of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Methods. Field, laboratory ones: structural analysis, quality analysis, statistical analysis. Results. The Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company (ITAS) during 2011–2013 tested winter wheat varie­ties bred at the Institute of Irrigates Farming (IIF) NAAS at four areas of the Central Plateau of Turkey comparing them with local varieties registered in this country. According to the results of these tests the Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company identified Kohana variety as candidate for the state registration in Turkey. Conclusions. The realisation of the innovative product in Ukraine and entitlement to use intellectual property due to licensing agreements is expected. The Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS continues to create new varieties of winter wheat which can be transferred to other countries for testing for the purpose of introduction and further expansion.

Purpose. To study the effect of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on yield and quality of strawberry berries of five varieties (Fragaria ananassa (Weston) Duсhesne ex Rozier) with various ripening time. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. It was found that there were no impact of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on the speed of phenological phases of strawberry plants development. It was experimentally determined the impact of mentioned substances on the yield of most studied varieties. Laboratory analysis has confirmed the changes in biochemical composition of strawberries. Conclusions. The use of growth regulators EpinTM end Emistym C had a positive effect on fruit yield and quality of studied strawberry varieties. Spraying with these substances increased yields by 14–51% as compared with the control. Content of sugars, dry matter and vitamin C in berries of most of varieties was increasing. At the same time the level of acidity in case of spraying with growth regulators was significantly reducing.

Purpose. To study the effect of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on yield and quality of strawberry berries of five varieties (Fragaria ananassa (Weston) Duсhesne ex Rozier) with various ripening time. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. It was found that there were no impact of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on the speed of phenological phases of strawberry plants development. It was experimentally determined the impact of mentioned substances on the yield of most studied varieties. Laboratory analysis has confirmed the changes in biochemical composition of strawberries. Conclusions. The use of growth regulators EpinTM end Emistym C had a positive effect on fruit yield and quality of studied strawberry varieties. Spraying with these substances increased yields by 14–51% as compared with the control. Content of sugars, dry matter and vitamin C in berries of most of varieties was increasing. At the same time the level of acidity in case of spraying with growth regulators was significantly reducing.