The article presents the results of many years of work on the study of golden currant (Ribes aureum Pursh.) in the conditions of the steppe zone of the Southern Urals. The study was carried out on the experimental plot of Orenburg Experimental Station of Horticulture and Viticulture in the 2009-2019. The object of research was varieties Samocvet, Uralskaya and forms 1-7, 2-1, 2-9, 2-6, 3-2 of golden currant. The soil cover of the experimental site was represented by ordinary chernozem, the humus content in the arable layer was 2.7-3.0 %, the phosphorus content was 18.4 mg/kg, potassium – 358.6 mg/kg, nitrogen – 96.6 mg/kg. There was shown the development of the scientific foundations of crop breeding in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals, where the gene pool was first created, from which new varieties with a complex of economically valuable traits were developed, and promising forms were identified. As a result of the research, promising varieties and forms were distributed by maturation period into 2 groups: medium (Samotsvet, Uralskaya, 1-7, 2-1, 2-9) and late (2-6, 3-2). Adapted varieties (Samotsvet, Uralskaya) and forms (2-6, 2-1) were revealed, which are distinguished by high productivity from a bush (from 4.8 to 5.6 kg), number of berries in a cluster (from 4.6 to 6 pcs. ), berry weight (from 3.4 to 4.1 g). A brief economic and biological characteristics of selected forms and varieties are given.

The article describes new forms of apricot revealed in the sharply continental climate of the steppe zone of the southern Urals. The research was carried out in the period 2014-2020 on the basis of the Orenburg experimental station of horticulture and viticulture of the All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery. The experiment was conducted on annual seedlings in rain-fed conditions on a collection site in 2013, the layout of trees is 6×4 m. The soil of the experimental site and the adjacent massif is southern carbonate Chernozem, low-power, medium-loamy. According to productivity, fruit taste and winter hardiness (damage of 2 points), three forms of apricot SIZV-6-1, NO. 40, and D-36 were identified with the following characteristics: average fl owering period (from April 27 to May 1), the height is from 2 (D-36) to 3.5 (SI-ZV-6-1) meters, the yield is from 9.8 kg (form 40) to 15.7 kg per tree (form D-36). The revealed forms SI-ZV-6-1, No. 40 have a good, harmonious, sweet taste of fruits. The exception is the D-36 form, which has a sourness in the pulp. For all the time of research, the forms SI-SV-6-1, D-36, No. 40 were not aff ected by clasterosporium and moniliosis. The climatic conditions of the Orenburg region during the period of observation of phenological parameters were very diverse, which allowed us to give a comprehensive assessment of new forms of apricot. The information obtained during monitoring is new and can be used in breeding work.

The article presents the results of a long-term study in the conditions of the Orel region of seven varieties of sour cherry, bred in diff erent years in the Tatar Research Institute of Agriculture: Naumovskaya, Zarya Tatarii, Pamyat Sakharova, Truzhenitsa Tatarii, Tveritinovskaya, Shakirovskaya and Sevastyanovskaya. The varieties were graft ed in stone fruit stands of the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crops Breeding (RRIFCB, Orel) in 2009. The study was conducted in order to determine the suitability of growing of indicated varieties in the conditions of the Orel region and the possibility of its recommending as sources of economically valuable traits for breeding. The RRIFCB Businka variety was used as a control accession. The study was started in 2010 and lasted until 2018 inclusive. According to the results of research, it was found that all the studied varieties in general correspond to the natural conditions of the Oryol region and can be successfully cultivated in this region. Individual varieties were positively distinguished by a number of parameters. The varieties Pamyat Sakharova and Naumovskaya had the highest fl owering among all the studied accessions. The maximum general degree of fl owering and fruiting stood out for the Truzhenitsa Tatarii variety. Among the studied accessions, all showed a high degree of resistance to the main fungal diseases of this zone – coccomycosis and moniliosis – and did not show a lesion stronger than 2.0 points. Winter hardiness was also relatively high among all the studied accessions, but the varieties Tveritinovskaya, Pamyat Sakharova, and the control variety Businka showed themselves best on this trait. Varieties Sevastyanovskaya and Pamyat Sakharova showed the highest degree of general condition. The variety Pamyat Sakharova, which showed the most positive results in the majority of the studied parameters, can be recommended for cultivation in the production conditions of the Orel region and for further breeding research on sour cherry.

The results of the study of the duration of the juvenile period of indigenous Chechen willow leaf pear genotypes (Pyrus salicifolia Pall.) are given in connection with the acceleration of the breeding process and the use of selected forms in pear breeding for high precocity. The studies were carried out in 2016-2019 at OOO “Orchards of Chechnya” in accordance with the Agreement on creative cooperation with the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding. The work was carried out in accordance with generally accepted programs and methods. The objects of the study were one-year and two-year-old pear seedlings obtained from sowing seeds of selected dwarf and low-growing local Chechen forms of willow pear (P. salicifolia Pall.), laying fruit buds on annual growths and seedlings of Caucasian pear (P. caucasica Fed.), 20 500 pcs. of each specie. The aim of the research was to study the potential of precocity of willow pear seedlings and to reveal of selected forms with the greatest degree of this trait. Stratified seeds were sown in the sowing department of the OOO “Orchards of Chechnya” production nursery in April, 2017. The seedlings were grown according to the common technology in dryland conditions on the plot with chestnut soil. The first fl owering of plants was noted in the spring, 2019. As a result of the research, for the first time on a large number of the experimental material it was found that in the off spring of the indigenous Chechen willow leaf pear genotypes, the selection of a little more than 2% of seedlings with a very short juvenile period (2 years) was possible. They are of great interest in accelerating the breeding process and in the selection of new pear varieties with high precocity. 20 willow leaf pear genotypes were selected for the further use in breeding for high precocity and as sources of the trait of short juvenile period.

The article presents the results of studying the diversity of pear rootstock forms in terms of yield and seed productivity. The research was carried out at the experimental sites of the Orenburg Experimental Station of Horticulture and Viticulture of AllRussian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery and the Botanical Garden of the Orenburg State University in 2017-2019, in typical soil and climatic conditions of the Orenburg city. The purpose of the study is to identify pear rootstock forms characterized by high yield and stable seed productivity for use in the future as a seed rootstock. During the research, 15 pear accessions were studied; the planting scheme was 6x4 m. As a result of research, it was found that the rootstock form Temno-zelenaya is characterized by a high yield (40 kg/tree). High seed productivity of more than 6 seeds in one fruit was observed in samples: Vernaya (6.0-6.5 pcs.), SK-1, SK-3 (6.1-7.8 pcs.), SK-2 (7.0-7.5 pcs.), Chang Bai Li (7.4-7.7 pcs.), Semennaya 214 (7.5-7.8 pcs.). It was revealed that the Xiao he Bai Li variety is characterized by the maximum weight of 1000 seeds (65.2 g). Analysis of accessions by seed yield established that a consistently high yield is observed in the varieties Chang Bai Li (2.5-4.2 %), Vernaya (3.96-4.18 %) and forms SK-1 (2.0-3.25%), SK-2 (2.25-2.75 %), SK-3 (1.43-4.0 %). Pear rootstock forms Chang Bai Li, Vernaya, Semennaya 214, SK-1, SK-2, SK-3 were identifi ed, which can be recommended for production testing as seed pear rootstocks for the conditions of the steppe zone of the Southern Urals.

The estimation of strawberry hybrid forms for resistance to adverse environmental factors, productivity and consumer qualities of the fruit was carried out. Strawberry promising genotypes 35-8 (922-67×Maryshka), 928-12 (298-19-9-43×Privlekatelnaya) and 914-27 (Festivalnaya × Privlekatelnaya), which characterized by high productivity, winter hardiness, resistance to fungal pathogens and large fruit of sweet taste, were revealed.

The results of the molecular genetic analysis of strawberry genotypes for the Rca2 anthracnose resistance gene were shown. The marker STS-Rca2_240 linked to Rca2 gene was identified in the strawberry varieties Elianny and Laetitia (the putative genotype is Rca2Rca2 or Rca2rca2). In the remaining studied genotypes of the genus Fragaria L. the marker STS-Rca2_240 was not detected (the putative genotype is rca2rca2).

The object of research was the pedigrees of strawberry varieties. An analysis of the genetic relationship of 129 varieties of domestic strawberry breeding, 6 parent forms, 2 of which are foreign varieties was carried out. Until the 1930s, strawberry culture in the USSR was based exclusively on Western European varieties: König Albert von Sachsen, Roschinskaya, Victoria, White Pine, Apricose, Konigin Luise, Noble Laxton, Siger, Spate von Leopoldshall, Kent’s Miracle, Sharpliss, Muto, etc. During the transition to the commercial production, these varieties were not insufficiently tolerant, which required the creation of a new assortment for various conditions of cultivation, and served as the beginning of the implementation of domestic strawberry breeding programs. At present, the State register of breeding achievements approved for use in 2020 includes 106 strawberry varieties, of which 82 are of domestic breeding. Existing domestic varieties have different geographical origins. The main Centers for strawberry breeding are: All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery, I.V. Michurin Federal Research Center, N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, North Caucasus Federal Research Center For Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking, etc. Initially, the parent forms for creating a domestic assortment were European and American varieties: Culver, Deutsch Evern, Georg Soltwedel, Konigin Luise, Markee, König Albert von Sachsen Marshall, Macherauchs Marieva, Macherauchs Fruhernte, Muto, Premier, Red Coat, Red Gauntlet, Robinson, Senga Sengana, Sieger, Sparkle, Spate von Leopoldshall, Wander von Kothen. Analysis of pedigrees of 135 varieties from the 23 literature sources allowed to identify the most effective in the formation of domestic assortment genotypes of strawberry: Komsomolska (10 varieties in the first generation; 12 in the second; 14 in the third, 2 in the fourth), Mysovka (12 varieties in the first generation; 20 in the second; 21 – in the third; 2 in the fourth), Obilnaya (7 varieties in the first generation; 22 – the second; 20 for the third; 6 for the fourth), Festivalnaya (21 varieties in the first generation; 19 – in the second; 6 in the third), Culver (20 varieties in the first generation; 16 – in the second, 3 – in the third), Senga Sengana (13 varieties in the first generation; 7 – in the second; 4-in the third). The originator of 37.8% of domestic varieties included in the State register is the Obilnaya variety (Wander von Kothen × Deutsch Evern). On the basis of the Festivalnaya variety obtained with his participation (Obilnaya × Premier), an assortment was created that has not lost its relevance at the present time (26 varieties are included in the State register). The varieties Mysovka (Wander von Kothen × Deutsch Evern) and Zenga Zengana (Markee × Sieger) are included in the pedigree of 13 and 14 modern varieties, respectively. Based on the Komsomolka and Culver varieties, 7 and 9 varieties were created, respectively, which are currently included in the State register. Intraspecific hybridization has not exhausted the possibility of creating a genetically diverse breeding material. Taking into account the fact that domestic varieties often have closely related origin, it is desirable to involve introduced forms and varieties obtained with their participation in the breeding process more widely. The results of using various methods of breeding (inbreeding, saturating crosses) indicate that it is possible to further improve strawberry varieties creating donors of a high level of economically valuable traits. The current level of scientific knowledge and development of biotechnological research allows us to “model” varieties, including in the genotype of strawberry genes and gene blocks of valuable traits from closely related species, reducing the duration of the breeding process.

The article presents tests of natural creeping apple trees and natural dwarfs, carried out in the in the conditions of the Orenburg region. There were from 50 to 100 trees in the experiment in each variant. Vigorous standard plantations were used as control. The aim of the research was to test natural creeping apple trees, natural dwarfs against the background of standard varieties bred in the South Urals (Chelyabinsk), as well as to determine their prospects for intensive horticulture in the extreme conditions of the region. The preservation of plantings for all variants of the experiment for 20 years of research is high and amounted to 92-99 %, their condition was estimated at 4.5-5.0 points. The highest yield was noted for natural dwarfs (457.2 c/ha), the smallest yield was obtained on vigorous standard plantings (control) – 238.7 c/ha. Naturally creeping apple trees in terms of productivity were higher than control by an average of 25 %. Of the naturally creeping varieties, the most productive were the varieties Podsnezhnik (348.3 c/ha), Chudnoe (335.2 c/ha), the least productive were the varieties Plastun and Kovrovoe (255.1 and 262.5 c/ha, respectively). On the natural dwarfs, the most productive variety was the variety Brat Chudnogo (461.2 c/ha). In the control, the most productive varieties were the varieties Symbol (295.9 c/ha) and Nadezhda (270.5 c/ha), less productive were the varieties Pamyat Zhavoronkova and Fevralskoe (208.0 and 224.1 c/ha, respectively). Low-growing plantations, in particular layer and natural varieties of the Urals, are distinguished by their early maturity and, in general, higher productivity per unit area. The highest labor costs are accounted for by natural dwarfs (485.4 person-day/ha) and the lowest in vigorous plantings (317.4 person-day/ha). This has a positive eff ect on the profit and rentability of production.

The aim of the present work was to identify strawberry Fragaria × ananassa Duch. varieties, valuable for breeding on large-fruitfulness. The research objectives included the assessment of varieties by large-fruitfulness and the identification of sources of this trait, that allows to develop not only large-fruited, but also yielding varieties that are in demand in the market and it will lead to an increase in the production of strawberries, satisfying the population’s demand in poly-vitamin products. 64 varieties of strawberry were studied. The studies were carried out in the department “M. A. Lisavenko Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia” of “Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnology” in the south of Western Siberia in conditions of a sharply continental climate in 2005-2018. The degree of large-fruitfulness was defined according to the generally accepted method, the assessment of large fruitfulness (average mass of berries) – according to the scale, proposed by N. P. Stolnikova for Siberian conditions. The coefficient of variation was calculated by the method, described by O. V. Masyukova. As a result of studies, it was found that 26 strawberry varieties had an average mass of berries less than 7.0 g, 17 varieties – 7.0-7.9 g, ten – 8.0-8.9 g, nine – 9.0-9.9 g, two – more than 10 g. The variability of large-fruited trait of the studied varieties seemed to be significant almost in all varieties, except for Alena and Zvezdochka varieties, in which the variability was insignificant and the coefficient of variation was 8.1-9.3 %. At Yaponka variety, the variability was average, the coefficient of variation was 13.9 %. For use in breeding the varieties Pervoklassnitsa and Tsunami with very large (12.8 and 10.3 g, respectively) and the varieties with large berries Alena, Atlas, the Bulgarian velikan, Bylinnaya, Vengerka, Vesper, Geyser, Yaponka (9.0-9.9 g and 10 varieties (8.0-8.9 g) were selected. It is necessary to use such strawberry varieties as sources of large-fruitfulness, which have a large-fruited degree of 5 points, 25 varieties turned out to be with this parameter. The parent forms selected for breeding turned out to be adapted to weather conditions during fl owering and ripening of berries, to recurrent spring frosts.

The article presents methods of experimental polyploidy of fruit, berry and ornamental plants. The purpose of this review is to highlight the problems and prospects of polyploidization of plants in the open ground and in vitro culture and the possibility of their application for apple trees. For the purpose of obtaining apple tetraploids as donors of diploid gametes, seed seedlings were treated with a solution of colchicine in concentrations of 0.1-0.4 % for 24 and 48 hours. Colchicine concentrations of 0.3 % and 0.4 % at 48 hours of treatment had a detrimental eff ect on their development. As a result, tetraploids and chimeras were obtained from seeds from free pollination of the varieties Orlik, Svezhest, Kandil Orlovsky, as well as from seeds obtained from crossing the varieties Svezhest×Bolotovskoe, Moskovskoe Оzherel’e×Imrus, Girlyanda×Venyaminovskoe. The optimal concentration of colchicine was 0.1 %. Methods of colchicine treatment have been studied: 1) adding to the nutrient medium, colchicine concentration: 0.01%, 0.02%, exposure time 24h-19 days; 2) applying amitotic solution to the growth point, colchicine concentration: 0.1 %, 0.2 %, exposure time 24h-7 days. To increase the penetration of colchicine through the cell walls, a 0.1 % dimexide solution was used. Studies have shown that high concentrations and prolonged exposure to colchicine reduce the viability of explants.

The article presents the results of research on the selection of seed stocks aimed at the development of intensive horticulture in the Far Eastern region, which has great potential for growing apple fruits. There were summarized materials on the study of seed stocks of apple trees. In modern conditions in fruit growing, the most relevant direction is the creation of high-yielding apple varieties with high adaptive properties. Varieties must be early-growing, have high immunity and resistance to the most harmful pathogenic, and also have good compatibility with seed stocks that are resistant to the abiotic and biotic environmental factors of the Far Eastern region. The use of seed stocks makes it possible to propagate seedlings of the most promising varieties free from harmful viral infections without losing their genetic stability. Plantings planted with such planting material do not need expensive supports and require significantly fewer mineral fertilizers and water, because they have a powerful root system that penetrates into the deeper layers the soil. Seed stocks of the apple tree are initially free from viral infection, and, unlike the clonal stocks, do not require expensive recovery, which leads to significant material savings. High grafting on seed stock not only contributes to the accelerated entry of gardens into the productive period, but also helps protect trees from damage from sunburn and frost. The production and biological study of the seed stocks of the apple tree was carried out in the form of a collection variety study and production variety testing. The field method is used to evaluate seed stocks. The developed and scientifically substantiated methods for planting apple orchards on seed stocks make it possible to create stands that are resistant to the climate of the Far Eastern region and stably produce marketable fruits for several years. It was revealed that the Siberian berry apple tree, and the variety Ranetka Yantarnaya are the most highly adapted and can be used as a seed stock.

In vitro culture at the rooting stage the aft ereff ect of the use of earlier (during proliferation) growth regulators with cytokinin activity (6-benzylaminopurine and thidiazuron) and the eff ect of lamps of diff erent spectral composition on the percentage of rooting and biometric parameters of the development of the roots of clonal apple rootstocks were studied. The following forms of apple clonal rootstocks were taken as objects of research: 54-118, 57-490, 57-545, ММ 106 and М 26. The research methods used at the stages of in vitro culture studies corresponded to those generally accepted for this section of research. Studies were performed on two variants of explants, one part was cultured at the proliferation stage on media with 6-benzylaminopurine and the other on media with tidiazurone. It was found that explants that were cultivated at the stage of proliferation on media with thidiazuron had a tendency to a subsequent increase in the number of roots (at the stage of rooting) by one microscopic cut, in comparison with cultivation on media with 6-benzylaminopurine, by 1.1-1.3 times, and this regularity was observed in all studied clonal rootstocks of the apple tree. It was noted that when explants were illuminated, explants had a greater percentage of rooting when illuminated with phytolamps in comparison with lighting with lamps with a color temperature of 6500K by 1.1-1.4 times in all studied apple rootstocks, and an increase in the number of roots per one microstalk was observed (for excluding rootstock 57-490), by 1.1-1.9 times. During the research, the specificity of rooting of clonal apple rootstocks was observed under the infl uence of the composition of light and the use of 6-benzylaminopurine and thidiazuron at the stage of proliferation, which was expressed in a higher ability to rhizogenesis of some rootstocks compared to others. The rootstocks MM 106 (83.3-93.9 %) and M26 (87.8-92.7 %) had a greater percentage of rooting, according to the average number of roots per one microcut, rootstocks 57-545 (15.4 pcs.), MM 106 (11.2 pcs.), and M 26 along the average root length (27.0 mm).

The article presents the results of the study on the morphogenesis peculiarities of Ribes uva-crispa L. varieties at all stages of in vitro cultivation and adaptation to ex vitro conditions. The optimal method of sterilization at the initiation stage to in vitro culture was established: consistent application of 2 % «Fundazole» solution with an exposure of 10-15 minutes, 70 % ethanol for 30 seconds and 7 % calcium hypochlorite for 5-7 minutes. The maximum number of viable gooseberry regenerants was obtained in the selection of initial explants during the beginning of active shoots growth (April – early May). The regeneration frequency was 70-80 %, depending on the variety. The optimal size of explants, the mineral and carbohydrate composition of the culture medium, and the cultivation conditions at the propagation stage were determined. The highest multiplication rate was characterized by varieties: Grushenka (6.1-6.7), Beryl (3.1-4.9) and Chernomor (3.5-4.5). It has been established that Quorin and Lepoivre culture medium was the most eff ective medium for the cultivation of the studied gooseberry varieties. As a source of carbohydrates, the use of sucrose at a concentration of 30 g/L was optimal. It was found eff ective to cultivate gooseberries for 20-25 days at a reduced temperature (16-18 °C) at the propagation stage. The efficiency of using 1.0 mg/l IBA at the rooting stage was revealed. The use of sphagnum as part of the soil substrate at the adaptation of gooseberry regenerants contributed to a high survival rate (97-100 %) in all substrate variants. The study of the infl uence of the composition of the soil substrate on the growth dynamics of regenerants showed that the adaptation of gooseberries was eff ectively carried out on a substrate consisting of peat and sphagnum.

The article the contribution the study of tolerance of apricot forms to water deficiency and high temperature. The research was carried out in 2018-2019 on the basis of the Orenburg Experimental Station of Horticulture and Viticulture of All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery. During the research, 6 forms of apricot were studied (OR-1-1, OR-1-2, OR-4-3, OR-4-39, OR10-5, OR-10-6), the planting scheme was 5×4 m. The soil cover of the experimental site is southern Chernozem, low-humus, low-power, washed away. According to the results of laboratory studies, apricot forms with a low water loss limit of OR-1-2 (41.6 %) and OR-4-3 (45.2 %) were identified. The maximum parameter for relative turgor was observed in the Chelyabinskii rannii (St) variety (97.4 %) and the OR form-4-3 (98.9 %). Analysis of heat resistance revealed that all the studied forms and varieties of apricot (Chelyabinskii rannii) at a temperature of +50 °C had leaf browning of more than 80 %. According to the results of a two-year field experiment, it was found that the forms of apricot OR-4-3 and OR-4-39 had a high productivity of 34.0-36.0 and 33.7-38.9 kg per tree, respectively. The forms OR-1-2, OR-4-3 and OR-4-39 are most adapted to the local climate and are of interest for cultivation and further breeding work in the conditions of the Orenburg Pre-Urals.

The article presents data from field and laboratory studies on the productivity and drought tolerance of strawberry varieties in the Pre-Urals (on the example of the Orenburg region). The purpose of the research is a comparative study of the drought resistance of introduced strawberry varieties and the selection of the most productive and valuable for breeding. The Orenburg region belongs to the zone of insufficient moisture a characteristic feature of its climate is aridity. High air temperatures and lack of moisture are a stressor, leading to a partial loss of yield. During the research period (2017-2019), weather conditions were typical for the zone, which allowed us to assess the adaptive capacity of the varieties. In laboratory conditions, a study of the water regime in 12 varieties of strawberries was carried out. The obtained results revealed the nature of the reactions of strawberry plants to changes in environmental conditions depending on the characteristics of the genotype and made it possible to identify the varieties most adapted to local soil and climatic conditions. Data on productivity and its components of strawberry varieties distinguished by resistance to drought are presented. Among the varieties of early ripening in terms of productivity, the following stood out: Darenka, Studencheskaya, Rosinka (more than 200 g/bush). The productivity of the control variety Orlets was less than 200 g. Among the varieties of medium and late ripening by productivity (more than 300 g from the bush) stood out: Anastasia, Bereginya; more than 200 g from the bush yielded varieties: Polka, Urozhaynaya TSGL, Fireworks, Tsariсa. The average productivity (150-200 g per Bush) was in the control variety Zenga Zengana. In years with adverse factors, there was a decrease in the yield. As the initial forms for use in breeding for drought resistance, productive varieties are recommended: Anastasia, Bereginya, Darenka, Polka, Rosinka, Studentskaya, Urozhaynaya TSGL, Fireworks, Tsarina.

The study, maintenance, and replenishment of the genetic collection of the herbaceous peony in the All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery is conducted since the 80s of the XX century. The article provides information on the evaluation of reproductive ability: high-productive varieties were revealed – Dawn Pink, Early Scout, Vostok, Yubilej Revolyutsii, Seraphim, Goldich, Ufimskie Zori, Pervaya Radost’, Gloirette, Marry Eddy Jones, Pobeda, Podmoskovnye Vechera, Old Lace, Agidel’, Tomas Waar, Nezhnyj, Martha Bulloch, Mihail Lomonosov, Parkovyj, Pfeiff er’s Red Triumph, Odile et al., their reproductive capacity is estimated of 8-10 points; resistant varieties to Botrytis paeonie Qud were identified – Mamino Serdechko, Varen’ka, Orlenok, El’brus, Moguchij, Polonez, Rossiya, Brat Moguchego, SHkol’nyj Val’s, Valentina Tereshkova, Parkovyj 1, Zhemchuzhina Urala, Zor’ka, Rhapsody, President Wilson, The Fawn, Moon Glow, Yellow King, Waikiki, Белый парус, Sinbad, Gene Wild; varieties strongly aff ected by Cronartium fl accidum (Alb. et Schw.) Wint.) were identified – Lunnaya Doroga, Tajfun, Parkovyj 2, Nahodka, Agidel’, Ufimskie Zori, Kuril’skie Ostrova, Shirley Temple, M-me Calot, M-me Claude Tain, Goldich. The analysis of weather conditions in the years of research is given. Varieties that are resistant to adverse conditions are identified, their significance is determined and in the future the possibility of propagation and use in landscaping, as well as preservation in collection stands. Directions for further study of the collection’s varieties are outlined. Keywords: peony herbaceous, collection, decorative qualities, weather conditions, adaptability

The article presents the results of the primary introduction study of nine new varieties of the genus Narcissus L. (‘Apricot Whirl’, ‘Candy Princess’, ‘Green Eyes’, ‘Mon Cheri’, ‘Peach Cobbler’, ‘Slim Whitman’, ‘Sunlover’, ‘Sunny Girlfriend’, ‘Sunny Side Up’) on the basis of the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of Ufa Federal Research Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences. It is shown that more than half of these cultivars from the SUBGI UFRC RAS collection are represented by plants registered in the last century. According to the international classification, introduced species were assigned to four groups. The maximum number of varieties is presented in groups: large-crowned narcissus and narcissus with a split crown. It was revealed that in two years of study, all cultivars reached the flowering phase. The main biomorphological parameters of introduced varieties (plant height, leaf length and width, flower diameter, length and width of the crown and perianth lobes) were studied. It has been determined that most varieties are characterized by a two-tone color and an average flower size. Phenological observations were carried out. It was revealed that spring regrowth in all studied varieties is observed aft er snow melt in the second decade of April. By the timing of flowering, cultivars are divided into early (flowering in the III decade of April) and early middle (flowering in the I decade of May). The duration of the flowering phase varied on average from 6 to 12 days. The decorative qualities of the studied varieties have been investigated. On a 100-point scale, five cultivars scored over 90 points (‘Mon Cheri’, ‘Sunlover’, ‘Candy Princess’, ‘Apricot Whirl’, ‘Sunny Side Up’). They have large and beautifully shaped flowers, with a clean bright color of the perianth and crown, strong and tall peduncles, long and abundant flowering, pleasant aroma. These varieties are the most promising for inclusion in the zonal assortment of cultivated plants recommended for use in green building in the Republic of Bashkortostan.

In vegetative experiment has been studied the infl uence of adsorbents on the basis of mineral and polymer substrates Bentonite, Arpolit, Supradit, Agronit on the accumulation of heavy metals (HM) of strawberry plants plant variety Troitskaya in the artificial contamination of sod-podzolic soil at the level MAC (maximum allowable concentration) of total content of TM: Cd 2 mg/kg, Cr 100 mg/kg (MAC missing), Pb 130 mg/kg, Zn 220 mg/ kg. It was found that the use of adsorbents based on mineral and polymer substrates helps to reduce the content of mobile forms of Cr, Cd, Pb in the soil. Their content is reduced to the greatest extent when the adsorbents Supradit M are added to the soil (by 78.5 % for Cd and 40.1 % for Pb, compared with the control) and Agronite (by 79.0 % for Cd and 48.9 % for Pb, compared with the control). For mobile Cr, the downward trend in soil content was statistically unreliable. The content of mobile Zn in the variants with all adsorbents, on the contrary, increased in comparison with the contaminated control, to the greatest extent when the adsorbent Supradit M was added – by 26.1 %, compared with the control. The use of adsorbents led to a decrease in the content of Cd and Pb in the roots of strawberry plants. The greatest decrease in their content in the roots was when adding adsorbents Supradit M (65.2 % for cadmium and 76.8 % for lead, compared with the control) and Agronite (65.7 % for cadmium and 78.2 % for lead, compared with the control). The content of Zn in the roots in the variants with the introduction of adsorbents, except for Bentonite, increased in comparison with the contaminated control, to the greatest extent with the introduction of the adsorbent Supradit M – by 45.2 %. The content of Cr in the roots when using all adsorbents, except Agronite, also tended to increase, to the greatest extent when applying Arpolite – by 105.9 %, compared with the control. When applying the adsorbents Supradit M and Agronit to the soil, the content of Cd in the leaves decreased: when applying the adsorbent Supradit M by 52.9 %, Agronit – by 41.2 %, compared to the control. The content of Zn, Cr, and Pb in the leaves in the variants with adsorbents increased in comparison with the contaminated control, to the greatest extent when adding the adsorbent Arpolite: by 63.7 % – for Zn, by 71.2 % – for Cr, and by 46.3 % – for Pb. When using this adsorbent, the content of Cd in the leaves also increased – by 105.9 % higher than the contaminated control. The content of Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn in the berries of strawberry when using adsorbents less than in the roots and leaves, depended on the content of the corresponding heavy metals in the soil and was not statistically significant. When adding the adsorbents Supradit M and Agronit to the soil, the content of Cd in berries tended to decrease: when using the adsorbent Supradit M – by 30.0 %, Agronit – by 40.0 %, compared with the control. When adding the adsorbent Arpolite to the soil, the Cd content in berries tended to increase by 30.0 %, Pb – by 111.8 % from the control. The Cr content in the berries in the variants with adsorbents increased in comparison with the contaminated control, to the greatest extent with the introduction of Bentonite adsorbent – by 180.0 %. For the content of Zn in berries, there was no pronounced natural tendency for adsorbents to act. The closest relationship between the content of TM in the organs of strawberry plants and the content of mobile forms of heavy metals in the soil was observed for roots and leaves. There was no such dependency for Cr. At the studied levels of mobile TM content in the soil, the barrier properties of strawberry plants play an important role in the accumulation of heavy metals. The translocation coefficients of heavy metals were higher in the experiment variants, in which a decrease in the content of mobile forms of TM in the soil was observed when adding adsorbents. For Cd in the variant using the adsorbents Supradit M and Agronit, the TM translocation coefficients were higher than the control value by 98.0 and 72.5 %, respectively. For Pb, the values of translocation coefficients increased with the use of these adsorbents, compared to the control, by 300 % and 350 %, respectively. With an increased content of mobile forms of TM in the soil in the variants with the introduction of adsorbents Supradit M and Agronit, the translocation coefficients for Zn, compared to the control, were lower by 33.3 % and 33.3 %, respectively.

The purpose of research was to determine the optimal method of applying mineral fertilizers with drip irrigation in strawberry plantations and the level of available forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in sod-podzolic mediumloam soil. The studies were carried out on strawberries of Honeyoe and Troitskaya varieties, the experiment was two-factor, the replicates were isolated. The determination of NPK in soil and pH were performed according to the generally accepted recommendations for sod-podzolic soils. Weather conditions during the years of research were sufficiently diverse and determined the irrigation rates of plantings. The results showed that the maximum yield of strawberries (13.3 t / ha) is possible with combined fertilization in reserve and with fertigation, but with fertigation, the yield is stable and varies least of all. The highest content of alkaline hydrolysable-nitrogen and plant-available potassium in the average over the years of research was observed in the variant with fertilization in reserve. It has been established that the most optimal way to fertilize strawberries with drip irrigation is a combined application. Drip irrigation accelerates the mineralization of organic nitrogen. Doses of mineral fertilizers should be increased with the age of plantings, while taking into account the level of basic macronutrients in the soil.

The article highlights the results of research carried out in 2019-2020 to study the reasons for the drying out of the stems of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), red currant (Ribes rubrum L.) and golden currant (Ribes aureum L.). As a result of research, the fungus Sphaeropsis malorum Peck. in the first in Russia it was revealed from the drying stems of three types of black currants, red currants and golden currants. This  pathogen inhabited currant stems together with fungi from the genus Cytospora spp., causative agents of stem drying. On red currants, it was established that S. malorum was the main causative agent of branch drying, as indicated by the high frequency of occurrence (75.0-83.3 %) of this fungus on the affected stems, compared with species from the genus Cytospora spp. (16.7-33.3 %) and Phomopsis ribesia (25.0 %). Due to the fact that the cultivation of currants in the immediate vicinity of apple and pear trees leads to infection of plants with the fungus S. malorum, it is necessary to avoid planting currants in the vicinity of fruit-bearing seed gardens.

The article presents long-term (2003-2016) data on the study of the adapted potential of small fruit plant varieties based on the parameters of endophytic and epiphytic microbiota. The general condition of plants was assessed. Various varieties of red currant, black currant, gooseberry, strawberry were tested for the presence of endophytic microbiota. Samples of washouts from the surface of leaves of healthy plants were taken. It was found that both endophytic and epiphytic microbiota include bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, fungi (from the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, Penicillium). It was found that the parameters of endophytic microbiota clearly refl ect the state of plants. Longterm studies have shown that the endophytic microbiota is an parameter of the state of the plant organism and is an important criteria for assessing the adaptive ability of plants. In plants with a high level of adaptation, there is an increase in the frequency of testing for a bacterium that suppresses the growth of dangerous fungal pathogens in pure form and as part of a mixed infection, as well as a low percentage of negative tests. Varieties of red currant, black currant, gooseberry, strawberry with a high level of adaptation are identified. These varieties are of practical interest, both for the breeding process and for production.