The trend for development and spreading of diseases and pests of blackcurrant at Orel region in the conditions of extreme drought in 2010 has been detected. Abnormal weather conditions of the summer and the lack of precipitation limited both growth of host plant and disease spreading. At the background of extreme conditions of 2010 the crop phenophases shifted to earlier dates. The awakening of wintering pathogen structures began in the classic dates of the spring, although in summer their biological cycle went off rapidly. Due to the lack of moisture the disease pathogens failed to fully realize their potential of development and spreading. A favorable aspect of the extreme conditions of vegetation period, the reducing of the protective measures against diseases, is to be admitted. Abnormal weather conditions accelerated the pathogen biological cycles and reduced the stock of wintering infection; meanwhile they provoked colonization of the plants by pests. In extremely high air temperature and lasting lack of precipitation the pests number was intensively increasing, exceeding the maliciousness threshold. Due to the above some additional insecticide and acaricide treatments of berry crops were applied. Thus, the vegetation period of 2010 was described as most favorable for the development and spreading of pests and less favorable for disease pathogens.

The prospect of rapeseed production in Ukraine Discussed competition of rapeseed oil on the world market, its use for the production of alternative fuels. An assessment of the capacity of rape variety, which is listed in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in the Ukraine.

The article provides results of studying the output percentage of green stem cuttings of seven varieties of Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) subject to the dates of cutting preparation, type of shoot and its metamerism in agroecological conditions of the Rightbank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. It is found that green stem cuttings of Highbush blueberry varieties under review display low regenerative ability and are characterized with medium rooting ability. The optimal procuring and planting for rooting dates for the shoots fall within the stage of their intensive growth, which lasts from the first decade of June till the second decade of July. The level of regenerative capacity for the cuttings is determined by the type of cutting and its metamerism. Basal three-node cuttings have displayed essentially improved rooting ability as compared to the apical and medial cuttings.

The article provides results of studying the output percentage of green stem cuttings of seven varieties of Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) subject to the dates of cutting preparation, type of shoot and its metamerism in agroecological conditions of the Rightbank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. It is found that green stem cuttings of Highbush blueberry varieties under review display low regenerative ability and are characterized with medium rooting ability. The optimal procuring and planting for rooting dates for the shoots fall within the stage of their intensive growth, which lasts from the first decade of June till the second decade of July. The level of regenerative capacity for the cuttings is determined by the type of cutting and its metamerism. Basal three-node cuttings have displayed essentially improved rooting ability as compared to the apical and medial cuttings.

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.

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.

The article highlights potential features for the varieties of vegetable bean and actual losses of yield subject to the total amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) received over the vegetation period in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. It is established that the potential of the vegetable bean yield in Ukraine depends on PAR received over the vegetation period. All the varieties had their yield upon receiving PAR higher by 0,26-0,41 t / ha compared to that of control. Potential yield of vegetable bean varieties when PAR is used by 2% amounted to 57.25–59.30 t / ha, which was 2.2–3.6 times more than their actual yield. The smallest actual yield loss compared to that potential was inherent in the varieties of Bartoli and Windsor (2.2–2.3 times). The actual yield losses for Karadag and Karestyno varieties were the highest, namely 3.6 times higher compared to the potential prospect.

The article highlights potential features for the varieties of vegetable bean and actual losses of yield subject to the total amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) received over the vegetation period in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. It is established that the potential of the vegetable bean yield in Ukraine depends on PAR received over the vegetation period. All the varieties had their yield upon receiving PAR higher by 0,26-0,41 t / ha compared to that of control. Potential yield of vegetable bean varieties when PAR is used by 2% amounted to 57.25–59.30 t / ha, which was 2.2–3.6 times more than their actual yield. The smallest actual yield loss compared to that potential was inherent in the varieties of Bartoli and Windsor (2.2–2.3 times). The actual yield losses for Karadag and Karestyno varieties were the highest, namely 3.6 times higher compared to the potential prospect.

In the conditions of Forest Steppe Zone of Ukraine a long term (1977 to 2007) research were conducted over the construction of apple plantations of different pomology varieties using vegetative low height shoots and low height insertions. The analyzes of consumption values of Aidarder pomology variety yield throughout the entire fruit-bearing span certified that the major part of the harvest consisted of the fruits of the highest and the first commercial grades. Consumption qualities of Aidarder variety fruits over the early vegetation span significantly exceeded relevant indices registered for the period of 16 to 19 years of vegetation. That is, where the total of the highest and first grades ranged within 66% to 80% of the full harvest weight, two cuttings being grown, at the age of thirteen, then, as the age of the plantation was increasing the was decreasing, eventually to the range of 63% to 68% of the full weight of the fruits. Comparison of the data obtained on fruits marketability against the yield level over relevant period exposed a renowned in horticulture trend of marketability decrease due to high yield. As regards the planting constructions where the lo height insertions are used the Aidarder variety displayed higher marketability of fruits, however, the trend was not absolute. In some variants of the test (11 years old trees free of insertion, cutting in winter dates applied) the Rubinove Duky variety provided greater by 6,8% amount of higher quality fruits. The research over consumption value of the apple fruits has shown that these were changing irrespective of the construction and the age of the plantings. The augment of the first and the highest commercial grades is only possible with low height cuttings or insertions applied at summer dates for the procedure of cutting. The weight of apple fruits depended on the varietal properties and were increasing in the constructions of low height constructions as long as low height M.9 insertion was in use.

In the conditions of Forest Steppe Zone of Ukraine a long term (1977 to 2007) research were conducted over the construction of apple plantations of different pomology varieties using vegetative low height shoots and low height insertions. The analyzes of consumption values of Aidarder pomology variety yield throughout the entire fruit-bearing span certified that the major part of the harvest consisted of the fruits of the highest and the first commercial grades. Consumption qualities of Aidarder variety fruits over the early vegetation span significantly exceeded relevant indices registered for the period of 16 to 19 years of vegetation. That is, where the total of the highest and first grades ranged within 66% to 80% of the full harvest weight, two cuttings being grown, at the age of thirteen, then, as the age of the plantation was increasing the was decreasing, eventually to the range of 63% to 68% of the full weight of the fruits. Comparison of the data obtained on fruits marketability against the yield level over relevant period exposed a renowned in horticulture trend of marketability decrease due to high yield. As regards the planting constructions where the lo height insertions are used the Aidarder variety displayed higher marketability of fruits, however, the trend was not absolute. In some variants of the test (11 years old trees free of insertion, cutting in winter dates applied) the Rubinove Duky variety provided greater by 6,8% amount of higher quality fruits. The research over consumption value of the apple fruits has shown that these were changing irrespective of the construction and the age of the plantings. The augment of the first and the highest commercial grades is only possible with low height cuttings or insertions applied at summer dates for the procedure of cutting. The weight of apple fruits depended on the varietal properties and were increasing in the constructions of low height constructions as long as low height M.9 insertion was in use.

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 highlights the results of studying the soft winter wheat response to the duration of enforced winter dormancy and the time of vegetation recommencing, their impact on growth, development and the survival of the crops. It is found that the impact of those factors in the conditions of central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine is essential, which is to be taken into consideration when scheduling the measures of spring and summer care over the cultivated crops, in particular, where the spring extra nutrition takes place, pesticides and growth regulators are applied, the spaced planting resowing or partial resowing issues are to be settled down. The ecological effect of spring vegetation recommencing dates does not expose annually, therefore it is not always possible to predict the plant development type, but it is possible, nevertheless, to influence the processes of growth, development and survival of plants throughout spring-summer period and the development of their production capacity by means of introducing the intense technologies, optimization of mineral nutrition and the use of plant growth regulators, protection from rogues, diseases, pests.

The article highlights the results of studying the soft winter wheat response to the duration of enforced winter dormancy and the time of vegetation recommencing, their impact on growth, development and the survival of the crops. It is found that the impact of those factors in the conditions of central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine is essential, which is to be taken into consideration when scheduling the measures of spring and summer care over the cultivated crops, in particular, where the spring extra nutrition takes place, pesticides and growth regulators are applied, the spaced planting resowing or partial resowing issues are to be settled down. The ecological effect of spring vegetation recommencing dates does not expose annually, therefore it is not always possible to predict the plant development type, but it is possible, nevertheless, to influence the processes of growth, development and survival of plants throughout spring-summer period and the development of their production capacity by means of introducing the intense technologies, optimization of mineral nutrition and the use of plant growth regulators, protection from rogues, diseases, pests.

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.