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.

Fungal fairy rings (FFR) are fascinating natural phenomena that have intrigued people and scientists for centuries. These patterns, often represented by circular distributions of altered vegetation, are found in grasslands and forest habitats. Fairy rings occur when fungi grow radially in the soil, raising from a central point, progressively degrading organic matter and thus affecting vegetation. The observation of such spatial patterns allows mycologists to conduct an in-depth analysis of the role of fungi in ecosystems. This review presents the current knowledge and scientific advancement of the studies of FFRs. An historical appraisal from the most representative pioneer studies until recent works is presented in different scientific fields, including microbiology, chemistry, botany and ecology. Based on a deep analysis of bibliographic data, we synopsised different aspects of FFRs: i) history of studies, ii) taxonomy, iii) ecology (environmental conditions and biogeography), iv) classification of vegetation patterns, v) spatial dynamics, vi) role as ecosystem engineer (impact on soil chemistry, plants and microbiota). In conclusion, beside still open research areas requiring further investigation, a schematic functional model of fungal fairy rings is proposed, in which on one hand the dynamics of the fungal mycelium is explained by self-DNA accumulation and the build-up of autotoxicity. On the other hand, the effects of fungi on plants are related to the intermingled and differently spatially distributed effects of hydrophobicity, phytotoxicity and phytostimulation.

The article features summary of studying the resistance of rasberry promising varieties to main diseases (Didymella applanata Sacc., Gloeosporium venetum Speg. і Septoria rubi Sacc.) of stem expression type under the conditions of the Ukraine’s Northern Forest-Steppe. 8 summer rippeing varirties (‛Gusar’, ‛Kryepysh’, ‛Novokytaivs’ka’ (control), ‛Perseya’, ‛Saya’, ‛Tarusa’, ‛Phenomen’) were asessed, as well as the same number of that remontant (‛Babye lyeto 2’, ‛Heracles’, ‛Zolotyye kupola’, ‛Lyulin’, ‛Nyedosyagayemaya’, ‛Osinnya’ (control), ‛Osinny zorepad’, ‛Polana’). Weather conditions of the 2009-2011 vegetation periods were described. Favorable conditions were determined for the above raspberry diseases development. The studied varieties were divided into groups of resistance to the studied diseases. The resistance of the overwhelming majority of varieties was average to above average. The ‛Patricia’ and ‛Novokytaivs’ka’ (control) displayed low resistance against Dydimella and septoria spot, respectively. The varieties of ‛Kryepysh’, ‛Saya’, ‛Tarusa’, ‛Polana’, ‛Niedosyagayemaya’ and ‛Osinnya’ (control) have been found to display a complex resistance to Dydimella, anthracnose and septoria spot under conditions of the region researched.

The article features summary of studying the resistance of rasberry promising varieties to main diseases (Didymella applanata Sacc., Gloeosporium venetum Speg. і Septoria rubi Sacc.) of stem expression type under the conditions of the Ukraine’s Northern Forest-Steppe. 8 summer rippeing varirties (‛Gusar’, ‛Kryepysh’, ‛Novokytaivs’ka’  (control), ‛Perseya’, ‛Saya’, ‛Tarusa’, ‛Phenomen’) were asessed, as well as the same number of that remontant (‛Babye lyeto 2’, ‛Heracles’, ‛Zolotyye kupola’, ‛Lyulin’, ‛Nyedosyagayemaya’, ‛Osinnya’ (control), ‛Osinny zorepad’, ‛Polana’). Weather conditions of the 2009-2011 vegetation periods were described. Favorable conditions were determined for the above raspberry diseases development. The studied varieties were divided into groups of resistance to the studied diseases. The resistance of the overwhelming majority of varieties was average to above  average. The ‛Patricia’ and ‛Novokytaivs’ka’ (control) displayed low resistance against Dydimella and septoria spot, respectively. The varieties of ‛Kryepysh’, ‛Saya’, ‛Tarusa’, ‛Polana’, ‛Niedosyagayemaya’ and ‛Osinnya’ (control) have been   found to display a complex resistance to Dydimella, anthracnose and septoria spot under conditions of the region researched.

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 unveils results and prospects for the introduction of lesser-known vegetable crops of Cucurbitaceous family to extend the diversity among vegetables. Among 5 species the best by commodity yield and quality indexes are selected. The promising species could be recommended for use in horticulture and landscaping. Introduction onto the territory of Ukraine of new lesserknown species of Cucurbitaceous family, such as trichosanthes, luffa, lagenaria, anguria, momordica will enable to extend the use of vegetable crops in landscaping for the designing of alpine hills, ornamental beds, decorating verandas, arbours, balconies with planting, as a wonderful material for artistic visage, restaurant business and agro-tourism. To extend the diversity among the vegetables in openair espalier growing it is promising to run the cultivation of disease and pest resistant, displaying good indices of taste estimate and quality species, namely trichosanthes of 5,1 kg/sq.m. commercial yield, with fresh and canned fruits accumulating high content of a dry matter (6,5 to 10,1%) and sugars (4,1 to 8,5%) and characterized by taste estimate for the processed foodstuff of 8,5 points.

The article unveils results and prospects for the introduction of lesser-known vegetable crops of Cucurbitaceous family to extend the diversity among vegetables. Among 5 species the best by commodity yield and quality indexes are selected. The promising species could be recommended for use in horticulture and landscaping. Introduction onto the territory of Ukraine of new lesserknown species of Cucurbitaceous family, such as trichosanthes, luffa, lagenaria, anguria, momordica will enable to extend the use of vegetable crops in landscaping for the designing of alpine hills, ornamental beds, decorating verandas, arbours, balconies with planting, as a wonderful material for artistic visage, restaurant business and agro-tourism. To extend the diversity among the vegetables in openair espalier growing it is promising to run the cultivation of disease and pest resistant, displaying good indices of taste estimate and quality species, namely trichosanthes of 5,1 kg/sq.m. commercial yield, with fresh and canned fruits accumulating high content of a dry matter (6,5 to 10,1%) and sugars (4,1 to 8,5%) and characterized by taste estimate for the processed foodstuff of 8,5 points.

Callusogensis and morphogenesis of anthers of apple scab resistant varieties have been studied, with picloram applied. Auxin activity of this preparation has been revealed as in the darkness so in the light. The callusogenesis efficiency of studied varieties varied from 26,0 to 83,3% subject to the concentration of picloram in the darkness and from 11,3 to 74,9% in the conditions of low light. We consider 4 mg/l in the medium to be an optimal level of piloram concentration so far as this concentration provides the best callusogenesis indices of the tested apple varieties. The callus formed in the darkness in the medium with picloram is knobby and dense of white or milky color. The callus formed in the light is intensively green or greenishwhite, denser, with distinctly outlined meristem hearths. Morphological characters of calluses obtained in the medium of picloram are stable over years. The roots of Yubiley Moskvy variety have been induced under auxin:cytokinin ratio 1 : 2 (picloram : BAP, cytokinin). The roots of Svezhest cultivar were obtained under auxin : cytokinin ratio 3:9 (picloram : BAP, kinetin). Formation of four buds was recored in Orlovskoye polesie variety under auxin : cytokinin ratio 1:20.

Callusogensis and morphogenesis of anthers of apple scab resistant varieties have been studied, with picloram applied. Auxin activity of this preparation has been revealed as in the darkness so in the light. The callusogenesis efficiency of studied varieties varied from 26,0 to 83,3% subject to the concentration of picloram in the darkness and from 11,3 to 74,9% in the conditions of low light. We consider 4 mg/l in the medium to be an optimal level of piloram concentration so far as this concentration provides the best callusogenesis indices of the tested apple varieties. The callus formed in the darkness in the medium with picloram is knobby and dense of white or milky color. The callus formed in the light is intensively green or greenishwhite, denser, with distinctly outlined meristem hearths. Morphological characters of calluses obtained in the medium of picloram are stable over years. The roots of Yubiley Moskvy variety have been induced under auxin:cytokinin ratio 1 : 2 (picloram : BAP, cytokinin). The roots of Svezhest cultivar were obtained under auxin : cytokinin ratio 3:9 (picloram : BAP, kinetin). Formation of four buds was recored in Orlovskoye polesie variety under auxin : cytokinin ratio 1:20.

208 potato varieties of domestic and foreign breeding have been examined on Ustymivska examination station of V. Yur’eva plant production Institute UAAS to determine their response during planting material use. By experiment research results was established different variety productivity depending on the origin of plant material and growing in different soil and climatic conditions, applying the special term »zone change growing plant material effect”. As a result of the three-year productivity of different reproduction locations the same varieties potato planting material assessment was founded that in most cases, superiority in performance were varieties that were grown from imported seeds. Experimental studies proved the impact on the productivity expression of physiological aging of the tubers used for planting.

208 potato varieties of domestic and foreign breeding have been examined on Ustymivska examination station of V. Yur’eva plant production Institute UAAS to determine their response during planting material use. By experiment research results was established different variety productivity depending on the origin of plant material and growing in different soil and climatic conditions, applying the special term »zone change growing plant material effect”. As a result of the three-year productivity of different reproduction locations the same varieties potato planting material assessment was founded that in most cases, superiority in performance were varieties that were grown from imported seeds. Experimental studies proved the impact on the productivity expression of physiological aging of the tubers used for planting.

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.

The article highlights key issues of the development of collection of varieties displaying example characteristics of sorghum bicolor and rye. It displays their applicability and value. In order to develop the varietal collections of rye and sorghum bicolor as a methodical tool of varietal examination on distinctness, uniformity and stability, a scrutiny has been given to the morphologic description, morphologic description of plant varieties systematization, as well as field examinations on the facilities of the Poltava and Zhitomir state centers for variety testing. The work undertaken has resulted into the establishment of common knowledge rye, sorghum bicolor varieties collections encompassing 330 and 30 varieties, respectively. A morphologic analyzes of common knowledge varieties enabled to single varieties displaying example characters out of the majority of grades of identification characteristics expression. In particular, for sorghum bicolor of 199 grades as set by the Text Guidelines, varieties with example characteristics were selected for 135 grades by 40 identification characters, while in rye for 81grades out of 99 grades existing by 19 identification characteristics. For each crop Lists of varieties displaying example characters were created, with example referencing to characteristic number and state of its expression indicated, namely of 16 sorghum bicolor varieties and 18 varieties of the rye. The common knowledge variety collections established could be considered as a tool for identifying local differences, i.e. in the scale of Ukraine partially embracing CIS and Europe.

The article highlights key issues of the development of collection of varieties displaying example characteristics of sorghum bicolor and rye. It displays their applicability and value. In order to develop the varietal collections of rye and sorghum bicolor as a methodical tool of varietal examination on distinctness, uniformity and stability, a scrutiny has been given to the morphologic description, morphologic description of plant varieties systematization, as well as field examinations on the facilities of the Poltava and Zhitomir state centers for variety testing. The work undertaken has resulted into the establishment of common knowledge rye, sorghum bicolor varieties collections encompassing 330 and 30 varieties, respectively. A morphologic analyzes of common knowledge varieties enabled to single varieties displaying example characters out of the majority of grades of identification characteristics expression. In particular, for sorghum bicolor of 199 grades as set by the Text Guidelines, varieties with example characteristics were selected for 135 grades by 40 identification characters, while in rye for 81grades out of 99 grades existing by 19 identification characteristics. For each crop Lists of varieties displaying example characters were created, with example referencing to characteristic number and state of its expression indicated, namely of 16 sorghum bicolor varieties and 18 varieties of the rye. The common knowledge variety collections established could be considered as a tool for identifying local differences, i.e. in the scale of Ukraine partially embracing CIS and Europe.