In 1969 A. I. Astakhov began the work for black currants breeding in the All-Russian lupin scientific research institute using its different species and ecotypes. He developed the varieties as Nara, Sevtchanka, Seletchenskaya, Seletchenskaya 2, Perun, Gulliver, Dobrynya, Izyumnaya, Golubitchka, Navlya, Dar Smol’yaninovoy, Litvinovskaya,  Partizanka bryanskaya, Solov’inaya notch, Lider, Uslada, Tchara, Sasha, Tsyganotchka. Further breeding lines of different genetic-and-geographical origin, species and selective lines have been used in breeding work. They are more adapted to the conditions of the South-West of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The varieties Yadrenaya, Sokrovitshe, Bredtorp, Titaniya, Seyanec Golubki, Seletchenskaya, Seletchenskaya 2, Izyumnaya, 32–77, 2–4–56, 42–7, 4–1–116, 35–7, 6–28–105, 6–11–11, 744–7–54, 6–10–91, 6–12–127, 6–12–128, 6–11–8, 6–12–124, 6–26–207 have been used as donors and sources of different economic valuable characters. Cycles of crossbreeding and inbreeding have been planned to increase chances of a combination of favorable genes in a genotype and to eliminate recessive ones which decrease adaptivity and productivity. The evaluation of hybrid bank allowed select 21 breeding lines, nine of them became varieties. High indices of economic valuable characters are typical for them. The collection planting of black currants consists of 74 breeding lines developed in the All-Russian lupin scientific research institute and in other scientific institutes, 350 select lines and more than 200 hybrids as a result of different crossing types. There are 40 sources and donors of different economic valuable characters among them. These genotypes are included in the breeding program for development of new high yielded varieties which are also resistant to abiotic and biotic environmental factors. Pedigrees of parental lines have been studied for crossings; it allowed unite genes of different black currants species in a genoplasm, create a system of parental lines-donors in breeding for a complex of economic valuable characters and expand the range of adaptive genetic capabilities of complex donors. Construction of genotypes with preassigned characters and abilities increases creation effectiveness of valuable breeding material.

The aim of work is to support and study the genetic collection of carrots (Daucus carota L.) of Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (ARHCBAN) in the Moscow Region. The studies were carried out in accordance with the generally accepted method. The area of accounting plots in experiments is 2–10 square meters. m., the repetition is fourfold. The standart variety is carrot variety dining Nantskaya-4. In the laboratory of vegetable crops and potatoes of the Center for the Gene Pool and Bioresources of Plants of the ARHCBAN 120 collection samples of carrots are maintained and stored annually. In 2018, the genetic collection of the dining carrot was replenished with 17 sources with a complex of economically valuable traits. Early maturing varieties of carrots with a growing period of up to 70 days were identified: the Parizhskiy Rynok, Kamila. The combination of parameters of root mass and high  marketability of root vegetables was observed in the varieties Vita Long, Dolyanka, Zholtaya, Dar Podmoskovya, Minchanka, Litvinka. In terms of marketable yields, the following varieties stood out: Alyonka, Litvinka, Vita Long, Dolyanka, Dar Podmoskovya, Leander, Flaker, Minchanka, Samson. When assessing carrot varieties for resistance to brown leaf spot, 5 highly resistant sources were identified: Vita Long, Alyonka, Dolyanka, Flaker, Zheltaya, Dar Podmoskovya, Litvinka. The best collection varieties according to the results of the tasting evaluation were Nanika, Gollandka, Samson, Natofi, Coral, Minsk, Litvinka, Dar Podmoskovya. As a result of studying the collection varieties of table carrots in the conditions of the Moscow region, varieties with valuable economic characteristics were identified. The genetic carrot collection of the dining room of the ARHCBAN has been replenished with new sources of economically valuable traits that can be used in the breeding of highly productive varieties and hybrids.

The results of the analysis of the industry discussion on the formation and maintenance of the State register of breeding achievements approved for use are presented. Currently, there are several points of view on the need  for this registry. The first one, which is related to the diversity of crop cultivation conditions on the territory of the Russian Federation, reflects the position of the Ministry of agriculture of Russia and State scientific institutions. The second one, which is related to excessive administrative barriers that may lead to unjustified costs for business community participants and will not contribute to achieving socially useful results, reflects the position of the Ministry of economic development of Russia. The third, related to the need to change the paradigm of state regulation in the field of breeding and seed production, reflects the position of business representatives. Legal gaps in the legislation of the Russian Federation are reflected in relation to the formation and maintenance of the State register of selection achievements allowed for use. There is a list of legal documents provided for by the draft Federal law “On seed production”, which will form the legal basis for the formation and maintenance of the State register of breeding achievements approved for use, and will provide a systematic approach to the development of breeding and seed production in the Russian Federation. New approaches to the formation and maintenance of the State register of breeding achievements approved for use in the framework of the draft Federal law “On seed production” are described, as well as issues related to the fee for consideration of the request for inclusion of information about a variety or hybrid in the State register of breeding achievements approved for use. Approaches to the formation of a list of genera and species of agricultural plants are proposed, according to which the inclusion of information about varieties or hybrids in the specified register is mandatory.

The results of a long-term assessment of the characteristics of growth, development and fruiting of 30 grades and forms of apple trees of domestic and foreign selection in the southern region of Russia are presented. The purpose of the research is to identify the most valuable traits in terms of a complex of traits for further use in the breeding process on the basis of studying the biological characteristics of the growth and fruiting of interspecific forms of the genus Malus in the southern region of Russia. Used generally accepted and modern, developed with the participation of employees of the FSBSI NCFSCHVW breeding programs and methods. To  group the interspecific forms of the genus Malus according to the size of the fruit, a gradation was used according to the UPOV method. Based on the results of many years of research (2014–2020), lowgrowing apple  genotypes were identified: Fairy, Krasno-polosatoe, Gertrude, Nikita, etc. with a tree height of 1.9–2.5 m. It was found that the variation in the grades ranged from 0.50 to 4.15 m2; in the group of grades with tree growth vigor below average, the most significant variation was noted — from 1.33 to 4.15 m2. Genotypes with a small crown volume: Krasno-polosatoe, Fairy, Spartak, X1–48–49, form 68–69, 29–4–182, Ketny (from 0.24 to 0.72 m3) were identified in the group of low-growing grades. A significant variation in the weight of the fruit in the studied genotypes of the apple tree was revealed — from extremely small ones: Spartak (average fruit weight — 8.4 g, maximum — 11.9 g) and Florking (average weight — 9.6 g, maximum — 12.4 g) to below average — Raspberry Chinese (average fruit weight — 70.5 g, maximum — 88.7 g). The following grades are distinguished: Ketny, Fairy, Rozovi zakat, Krasno-polosatoe and apple-tree shapes: 68–69, X1–48–49, 29–4–182, combining moderate tree growth, small crown volume (0.24–0.97 m3) and high rates of crown productivity UPK (specific crown productivity) — from 5.41 to 13.52 kg/m2; UPOK (specific productivity of crown volume) — from 8.09 to 25.29 kg/m3), promising in breeding for a complex of significant traits. 

The results of studies of the peculiarities of development of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) explants at the stage of in vitro culture introduction are presented. Analysis of the data obtained allows us to conclude that the most effective sterilization mode for raspberry explants is a 7 % sodium hypochlorite solution with an exposure of 16 minutes, and for black currants is a 5 % lysoformin solution with an exposure of 20 minutes. The survival rate of raspberry explants varied within 62.5–100.0 %, black currant — 66.7–100.0 %, depending on the variety. A greater percentage of the established black currant explants was noted in the varieties ‘Mif’ and ‘Gamayun’, raspberries — ‘Skromnitsa’, ‘Beglyanka’, ‘Gerakl’, ‘Gusar’, ‘Solnyshko’, ‘Meteor’ and ‘Kirzhach’. Modification of nutrient media with cytokinins at the stage of introduction into culture affects the subsequent development of explants. Studies examined the effect of growth regulators of a cytokinin nature: 6–benzylaminopurine, thidiazuron and kinetin. Raspberry varieties ‘Gerakl’, ‘Peresvet’ and ‘Solnyshko’, cultivated on a nutrient medium supplemented with kinetin at a concentration of 0.5 mg/l, had a microshoot length of 14.0; 9.0 and 12.5 mm, respectively. It was more effective to add of 6–BAP and thidiazuron to the culture media for the ‘Skromnitsa’ and ‘Gusar’ varieties. In these variants, the length of micro-shoots was 12.8 and 11.0 mm for the ‘Skromnitsa’ variety, and 14.0 and 11.4 mm for the ‘Gusar’ variety, respectively. Characterizing the peculiarities of development of blackcurrant explants, it was noted that for the varieties ‘Charodey’, ‘Barmaley’ and ‘Mif’ kinetin had a greater stimulating effect on growth processes. The greater parameter of the length of micro-shoots was 16.7 and 12.5 mm in the black currant varieties ‘Charodey’ and ‘Mif’, respectively. The general assessment of the data obtained on the study of the effect of sterilizing substances and modifications of nutrient media based on cytokinins of various natures when berry crops are introduced into in vitro culture suggests that the variety characteristics of plants have a significant effect on the regenerative capacity of raspberry and black currant explants.

The results of studies of the effect of different modes of magnetic-pulse processing on rooting, development of the root system and the survival of microplants of blackberries and raspberry-blackberry hybrid at the stage of adaptation to nonsterile conditions are presented. Microplants of the raspberry-blackberry hybrid of the Sunberry variety were characterized by 100 % survival rate in non-sterile conditions in the variant with the direction of the pulsed magnetic field (PMF) vector to the plant base. When assessing the impact of the use of PMF at the stage of adaptation of blackberry microplants of the Thornfreе variety, it was noted that this variety is sensitive to the effects of PMF. When β-indolyl-butyric acid (IBA) was added to the nutrient medium during the cultivation of blackberry explants, the direction of the PMF vector perpendicular to the shoot was optimal. The number of roots in this variant was 6.4 with a total length of 37.6 mm. The same PMF regimen ensured the highest survival rate of blackberry microplants — 86.7 %. Among the studied modes of PMF without adding IBA to the nutrient medium, treatment with the direction of the vector in the growth of microplants of blackberry varieties Thornfreе contributed to the better development of roots in an amount of 4.0 pieces and a length of 23.9 mm. In variants without IBA addition at the stage of microcutting rooting during PMF treatment, there was no significant difference with control option (without treatment) in terms of survival rate under non-sterile conditions. After rooting on a nutrient medium without IBA, the highest survival rate of blackberry microplants of the Thornfreе variety, equal to 73.3 %, was noted when the regime was selected with the direction of the PMF vector in the direction of plant growth or toward the base of the microplant.

The results of the study of the effect of different doses of nitrogen and potash fertilizers applied to the soil and used as foliar feeding on the content of soluble solids and ascorbic acid in fruits of the scab-immune apple variety Venyaminovskoe are presented. The experimental orchard was planted in 2013. The planting density of trees is 6×3 m. Annual fertilization in the field experiment was applied since 2015. The experience is based on the application of increasing doses of nitrogen and potash fertilizers in combination with foliar fertilization with these elements and without them. As a result of the conducted research (2017–2019), it was found that the most significant factor affecting the content of soluble solids and ascorbic acid is the weather conditions of the growing season: a significant increase in soluble solids and a decrease in the concentration of ascorbic acid in a year with an optimal temperature and humidity regime during the fruit ripening period in August was revealed. The accumulation of ascorbic acid in fruits was favourably affected by the weather conditions of 2017, when there was an excess of precipitation in August. Significantly higher (30–80% higher than the control without fertilization) content of ascorbic acid in apples contributed to the introduction of nitrogen fertilizers in the soil at a dose of N90K120 for three years. Soil and foliar application of nitrogen and potash fertilizers did not have a significant impact on the content of soluble solids in fruits of Venyaminovskoe apple variety.

he paper shows the results for resistance study of apple hybrid forms with columnar growth habit of I.V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center (Michurin FSC) to the temperature decrease upto 33 °C (First component of resistance) at autumn/winter period. The seedlings were obtained as a result of crossings of apple varieties and forms of popular local origin and of domestic breeding (Antonovka obyknovennaya, Bessemyanka  Michurinskaya, Sokolovskoye, Tambovskoye, Blagovest, Kovrovoye, Svezhest), promising donors and sources of high winter hardiness, as well as of scab immunity. As a check variety, we used the columnar apple variety Strela, included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements and admitted for economic use in the Central Black Earth Region. The research was carried out in the Michurin FSC in the laboratory of individual genetics and breeding of fruit crops on the base of breeding and genetical center in 2017–2019. The artificial freezing technique is used. The method enables us to arrange the necessary temperature regime in laboratory conditions. The frost resistance of apples at the beginning of winter is significantly determined by summing up of temperatures, providing a successful transit of the second phase hardening. This can be realized just at slightly negative temperatures. In the years with a warm autumn/winter season, the plants do not take a definite resistance for the variety and they have to meet the winter being unprepead to low temperatures. In course of development of the new columnar apple varieties, the long-term researches enabled us to solve some items of low temperature resistance in plants at the beginning winter. According to the first component of winter resistance the following hybrids were singled out: 8–7(51) and 60–5(430) with previous names Druzhina and Brigada respectively which were sent to the State variety testing. The form 12–7(11) is studied still and is used in breeding for resistance to low temperatures at autumn and winter period.

The studies were carried out on the basis of the Laboratory of physiology of resistance of fruit plants of Russiаn Reseаrch Institute of Fruit Crоp Breeding in 2018–2020. The objects of research were cherry varieties of the Institute's breeding: Bystrinka, Novella, Konkurentka, Muza, Orlitsa, Podarok uchitelyam, Rovesnitsa and Shokoladnitsa. The check variety was Turgenevka variety. Clone rootstock was B-2–230. To determine the drought resistance of cherry varieties, the method of withering was used. The heat resistance of cherry varieties was studied by heat shock (exposure to a high temperature of +50 °C). The goal of the research was to study the heat and drought resistance of cherry varieties based on the determination of water regime  parameters in the laboratory conditions. The following parameters of the water regime were determined: hydration, fractional composition of water, water deficit, recovery of leaf water content. A strong relationship was established between the water content of cherry leaves and the average daily temperature (r = 0.83). In the field, there was a decrease in water content of leaves of cherry varieties by 5.9 % in July and in August by 8.4 % compared to June. During the period of mass fruit maturation (July), there was a decrease in the amount of free water in the cherry leaves by 4.2 % and an increase of bound water by 0.7 % compared to June. It was shown an increase of water deficit of leaves in a greater level during the fruit ripening period (July) and during the onset of dry and hot conditions. After dehydration and exposure to heat shock, an increase of water deficit in leaves was noticed by 16.0–24.2 % and 31.1–39.0 %, respectively. During the years of research, the studied cherry varieties were characterized by a high ability to recovery of leaf water content after dehydration from 114.8 to 177.7 % and heat shock from 91.8 to 125.3 %. It was found that the studied cherry varieties were shown the similar physiological parameters of the water regime and an average level of resistance to drought and high temperature. In this regard, they were assigned to the group of medium heat and drought resistance at the level of the check variety.

The problem of sex recognition in Actinidia Lindl. is associated with the lack of morphological and anatomical markers of sex in juvenile plants and it is impossible to determine the sex of each plant before the first flowering of seedlings. This study is devoted to the search for differences in the physiological and biochemical parameters of male and female plants of the perennial dioecious culture Actinidia kolomikta. The purpose of this study is to find differences in the physiological and biochemical parameters of male and female plants of the perennial dioecious culture A. kolomikta for early diagnosis of the sex of plants. The quantitative content of photosynthetic pigments and the sum of phenolic compounds (using Folin&Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent) were  determined by spectrophotometry. It was found that the amount of chlorophyll a and b in the bark of the male plants is 1,1–2 times more than in the female plants during the studied period. The content of chlorophyll a is 1,1–2,9 times greater than chlorophyll b. There are no significant differences in the content of the sum of carotenoids and the sum of phenolic compounds in the bark of male and female actinidia plants. The qualitative and quantitative  composition of female and male A. kolomikta bark metabolites was studied using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. There are 52 chemical compounds of various nature were identified in the bark extracts: 18 organic acids, 16 carbohydrates, 5 lactones, 4 phenolic compounds, 3 compounds from the group of organic alcohols, 3 compounds related to fatty acids, as well as individual substances — glycerol, myo-Inositol and aucubin. The bark of the male plant contains 8 more organic acids than the bark of female plant. As a result of the comparative analysis, the presence of common and specific secondary metabolites in the studied samples was established. The differences in the qualitative composition of the metabolomic profiles and the amount of photosynthetic pigments in the bark of annual shoots of male and female plants can be used in the future as biological markers for early diagnosis of sex in A. kolomikta.

The study of the peculiarities of the tea’s antioxidant complex grown in Russia is relevant and prospectively; the purpose of the research is to study the regularities of the components constitution that form the quality characteristics of tea (both raw materials and finished product). This article discusses changes in the biochemical composition of tea (pigments, vitamins, caffeine, and amino acids), both during the growing season and during the processing of raw materials into a finished product. The variation of all biologically active substances in both flushes and finished tea was revealed, which is associated with both varietal characteristics and the influence of weather conditions of vegetation.

The results of many years of research on the productivity and winter hardiness of cherries in an experimental plantation established in 2002 according to 5×2.5 m scheme at the laboratory site of the Federal Horticultural Research Center in Izmailovo, Leninsky District, Moscow Region, are presented. The objects of research were grafted and own-rooted trees of 4 promising varieties: Volochaevka, Oktava, Malinovka, Apuchtinskaya. It was found that productivity depended both on varietal characteristics and on the method of growing the planting material. The maximum productivity was characteristic of own-rooted trees of the Apuchtinskaya variety (12.6 kg/trees), which is 1.6 times higher than that of grafted trees of the same variety. The advantage of ownrooted  trees in terms of productivity was also revealed in the Volochaevka variety (7.8 kg/trees and 6.6 kg/trees). The productivity of the Oktava and Malinovka varieties was at the level of 4–5 kg/trees, the grafted trees of these varieties were more productive by 13 and 32 %. When analyzing the specific feathers of fruiting, significant differences between the variants were noted only for the Apuchtinskaya variety. In the best variants of the experiment in the varieties Apuchtinskaya and Volochaevka, the average yield for 13 years of full fruiting was 6.2–10.0 t/ha. The assessment of the frost resistance of grafted and own-rooted plants was carried out by the method of artificial freezing of annual branches when simulating the damaging temperatures in the controlled conditions of the TH-6 JEIO TECH-1000 climatic chamber. A higher frost resistance of generative buds was established in own-rooted trees of the Apuchtinskaya and Volochaevka varieties.

The study of the timing of the onset of phenological phases, depending on the weather conditions of the Samara region, makes it possible to assess the adaptive capabilities of strawberry varieties and recommend them for growing in the specified area. The article presents the results of studying in the Research Institute of Horticulture and Medicinal Plants” Zhigulevskiye Sady” the timing of the onset and duration of the phenological phases in 118 varieties of strawberries of various genetic origin. The dates and duration of the phenophases of flowering and fruiting are indicated. In the Samara region, the growing season of strawberry plants begins in mid-April, when a positive average daily temperature of + 5…+8°C is established. Flowering occurs in the first or second decade of May with the sum of active temperatures (above +5°С) (∑t > 5°С) 209–519°С and effective (above +10°С) (∑t > 10°С) 126,4–424,8°C. Early flowering varieties are the least demanding in terms of heat accumulation for the beginning of flowering compared to late flowering ones. From flowering to ripening, an average of 28 days pass. The beginning of ripening occurs in the first or second decade of June, with the accumulation of the sum of active temperatures 585–1063°C and effective 376,4–971,4°C. On average, berries ripen for 18 days. As a result of research in the Samara region, it was found that the timing and duration of the phenological phases of strawberries are significantly influenced by weather conditions. Based on long-term data (2006–2018), the studied varieties are divided into groups according to flowering and ripening periods. The early group included 35 varieties, middle — 58 varieties, and 25 — late varieties. To increase the period of consumption of fresh berries, it is important to have varieties of different ripening periods.

The article provides data on the development of buds of some of rose varieties: ‘Cyclamen’, ‘Lilli Marlene’, ‘Masquerade’, ‘Nordia’, ‘Pink Wonder’ from the floribunda group in subtropical conditions of Absheron. As a result of the conducted studies, it was revealed that the studied roses during the growing season have three to four periods of shoot formation, providing three to four times flowering. It was revealed that in autumn the natural end of the growing season is not observed. The buds of roses, depending on their location on the shoot, go into winter in varying degrees of development and behave like their evergreen ancestors, i.e. subtropical species. The upper buds on the annual shoot are the most developed, and in most of them flower differentiation is observed. In spring, differentiation of flower buds begins very early and depends on weather conditions. The buds laid down in the lower part of the shoot remain dormant until the spring of the next year, and after pruning begin to develop as generative. The development of generative shoots from renewal buds in spring is the longest. And the development of sylleptic shoots proceeds as follows: after the beginning of the inflorescence protrusion, two or three auxiliary buds located in the upper part of the generative shoot begin to develop as flowering. Observations have shown that under the conditions of Absheron, the period from the appearance of buds to flowering in floribunda roses lasts longer than in varieties of other groups, which is explained by the formation and development of inflorescences with a large number of flowers. As a result of a detailed study of the biology of bud development in floribunda roses under the conditions of Apsheron, it was found that the onset of bud differentiation and the duration of the stages of organogenesis largely depend on weather conditions. In addition, these varieties of roses do not have a dormant winter period, which is forced.

The article presents data on testing clonal rootstocks, which were carried out in the South Urals (Orenburg) for 30 years, in the Middle Volga region (Samara) for 20 years, in the Botanical Garden of the Orenburg State  University — more than 10 years, in Buzuluk pine forest (v. Partizanskoe) — more than 10 years. The objects of the study were clonal stocks of different institutions: Department of Fruit Growing of Michurinsky State Agricultural University 54–118 (k), 62–396 (k), 64–143, 70–20–20; Armenian Research Institute of Fruit Growing and Viticulture — Arm 18; Estonian rootstock — E-56; Crimean rootstock — K-2; Samara Research Agricultural Institute — Volga 8; rootstocks series of the Ural 1, 2, 5, 6. According to the research results, the highest yield of standard rootstocks was noted in Orenburg, on average over the years of testing — 160.1 thousand/ha. Noticeably less in Samara, in the Botanical Garden of Orenburg State University — 105–114 thousand/ha. Negatively affects the output of rootstocks freezing of the bush and root system during the winter with little snow, when in the forest-steppe zone of the Southern Urals, the temperature in the soil at a depth of 0–20 cm, drops to critical –16 ... –19.5 oC. At the same time, the output of cuttings decreased by 16–20 % (1996–1997, 2005–2006, 2010–2011). Thus, the environmental conditions of the Volga-Ural region are generally favorable for growing vertical layers of vegetatively propagated apple rootstocks in the mother plantations. The most adapted forms are 64–143, 70–20–20, Arm 18, E-56, K-2, Volga 3, 8, 12, Ural 1, 2, 5, 6. To reduce the risk of damaging mother bushes in winters with little snow and spring temperature drops, it is advisable to carry out autumn water-charging irrigation after the separation of the cuttings, hilling the mother bushes with earth or mulching with an insulating material (humus, sawdust, sunflower husk, etc.). On the mother plantation during the growing season, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate agricultural background.

The issues of introduction, study, reproduction, and of use the group of small bulbous plants in landscaping are dealt with in many scientific and educational institutions. Research is being carried out using various methods, but there is no methodology for variety study of small-bulbous crops with the purpose to use them in landscaping. The purpose of this work was to study crocus varieties and assess their ornamental qualities using the developed methodology of small bulbous plants study for their use in landscaping. In the years 2016–2020, the research was conducted with open-ground bulbous plants of the collection belonging to the Floriculture Department of the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences and growing on the experimental plots in Razdolnoye village (Sochi). The objects of research were 16 crocus varieties. As a result of the research carried out, the following varieties with high ornamental qualities were identified from crocus collection: ‘Fuscotinctus’ (57), ‘Miss Vain’ (58), ‘Yellow’ (58), ‘Flower Record’ (58), ‘Remembrance’ (59). The variety groups were revealed by flowering terms: very early, which begin to flower in late January — early February for ‘Fuscotinctus’ and ‘Miss Vain’; early (from the second ten-day period of February) for ‘Romance’, ‘Blue Pearl’ and others; middle (from the third ten-day period of February) for ‘Flower Record’, ‘King of the Striped’ and others. Cultivars recorded with a flowering period of 30 days or more are: ‘Blue Pearl’, ‘Miss Vain’, ‘Yellow’, ‘Fuscotinctus’ and ‘Romance’. The study carried out with crocus collection of the Floriculture Department showed that all varieties have high ornamental qualities, are resistant to biotic factors and can be used in landscaping. As for the data on terms and duration of phenological phases, they can be used in landscape designing.

A long-term comprehensive study of collection of sour cherries samples collected in the Krymsk Experimental Breeding Station, VIR Branch from the VIR Collections of Plant Genetic Resources as part of the state task VIR (budget project No. 0662–2019–0004), allowed us to identify promising varieties and establish with they a variety study site. As a result of the work done, adaptive varieties, best in terms of their complex of characteristics, resistant to the main diseases, allowing the creation of a conveyor belt by ripening time, were revealed: Chudo-vishnya, Igrushka, Nochka, their average fruit mass varied from 5.5 to 8.5 grams. The studied varieties had high ratings of fresh fruits, and their technological assessment of their suitability for processing showed that these varieties can be recommended for production use.

Research is aimed at expanding the assortment of almonds as a valuable food product, which is in great demand in the confectionery, pharmaceutical industry and among the population. Industrial cultivation of almonds is possible in the republics of Crimea, Dagestan, North Ossetia-Alania, Kabardino-Balkaria, as well as  the Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories. The resumption and increase in production of the domestic almond kernel is possible on the basis of the creation of new varieties with higher commercial and biological characteristics. The work is aimed at studying the diversity of varieties and samples of ordinary almonds (26 genotypes) from the gene pool of the Krymsk Experimental Breeding Station (EBS), VIR Branch, represented by more than 120 accessions introduced from countries near and far abroad. The studies were conducted at the Krymsk EBS, VIR Branch, located in the Piedmont zone of the Western subzone of the Krasnodar Territory. Varieties, elites specimens introduced from natural landscapes, 2009 planting, grafted on clonal rootstocks, grow on a dry forest, the layout is 4×1 m. Experimental data are presented on the quality of almond seed: weight and seed yield, shell strength, the presence of double and defective seeds in the bone, the palatability of the seed, oil content and the fatty acid composition of the raw almond seed cheese. Sources of the most important economically and biologically significant traits were identified, including complex ones: Tuono, Monterey, Karmeil, elites 1–18–2, 2–40, Kalmykova almond seedling 1–1 with a seed weight of 1 g or more and a seed yield of more than 40 % of bone mass; high palatability — elite — 1–18–2, seedling of almond Kalmykova 1–1; high oil content in the seed — elite 13–37; valuable fatty acid composition (by the content of unsaturated fatty acids) — variety Victoria, elites 1–18–2, 2–40, Kolod 8–1. These genotypes are recommended to be involved in targeted breeding programs on the quality of almond seeds. For production testing and subsequent inclusion in the Register of breeding achievements approved for use in the North Caucasus region, varieties are proposed: Vynoslivyi and Stepnoy, breeds of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden — National Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The article presents the results of studying the variety of forms of the willow-leaved pear Pyrus salicifolia Pall. by yield, seed productivity, field germination. The main rootstock for pears in the continental conditions of the Urals is the Ussuri pear. Despite its high winter hardiness, it is not sufficiently adapted to the arid conditions of the southern Urals and to carbonate, often saline soils. Seeds were sown and seedlings were tested at the experimental sites of the Orenburg Experimental Station of Horticulture and Viticulture, branch of Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery and the Botanical garden of the Orenburg state University (OSU) in typical soil and climatic conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Southern Urals. The purpose of the study is to identify the rootstock forms of willow — leaved pear that are most adapted to the arid conditions of the Southern Urals, characterized by high yield and stable seed productivity for use in the future as a seed stock. Studies were performed in accordance with generally accepted methods on elite forms of the first (7 forms, landing in 1990) and second (28 forms, landing in 2002) generation. As a result of research, it was found that the highest yield is characterized by forms 7–26, 7–29, 24–1 (up to 10 kg/tree). It was found that high seed productivity of more than 5 seeds in one fruit is observed in samples: 7–20 (5.0 pcs.), 7–25 (5.3 pcs.), 12–1 (5.7 pcs.), 17 (6.4 pcs.), 25–3 (5.3 pcs.). it was Found that the maximum weight of 1000 seeds is characterized by the forms: 24–2 (48.6 g), 26 (48.7 g). Consistently high output is observed in forms: 7–25 (2,11 %), 7–28 (2,06 %), 12–1 (3,8 %), 12–2 (4,19 %), 16–2 (2,6 %), 16–3 (3,1 %), 25–3 (2,56 %). Analysis of field seed germination revealed that the maximum rate of 42.0 % is observed in form 7–20. As a result of the research, selected forms of willow-leaved pear were identified: 7–19, 7–20, 7–25, 25–3, 12–1, which can be recommended for further testing as seed rootstocks of pears for the arid conditions of the Southern Urals.

Propagation of cherry and sweet cherry varieties was carried out on the basis of table grafting using not standard clonal rootstocks, but rooted cuttings without preliminary rearing. This makes it possible to significantly intensify the production of grafted seedlings of these crops, which are among the most common and popular fruit breeds in Central Russia. However, this technology also has disadvantages, primarily due to the reduced diameter of their stem, a shortage of nutrients in the rootstock cuttings, and others. The article presents the results of using a number of methods and techniques  to improve the efficiency of this technology: Selection for inoculation of increments corresponding to the diameter of rooted rootstock cuttings, storage of rootstock cuttings before inoculation in a nutrient substrate, establishment of optimal inoculation times and use of the growth regulator BCI to increase regeneration processes at the junction of copulants. Compared with standard clone rootstocks, the diameter of the rooted cuttings used was 1.5–2 times smaller and amounted to about 3–5 mm. This made it necessary to match the size of the stem and the grafts of propagated varieties. Such indicators were observed in normal medium — sized increments and in new ones after summer pruning, as well as in long ones-their middle and upper parts. The survival rate of winter grafts and the quality of the seedlings obtained on the used rooted cuttings of clonal rootstock significantly increased when they were stored after digging in a peat substrate with a moistened 1 % solution of mineral fertilizers — a solution of nitroammofoski and complex fertilizer Aquarinus. The optimal time for vaccination was January, February, and April. The results of accretion of grafting components, and subsequently the quality of seedlings, are improved when the oblique section of the Scion is treated with an aqueous solution of IMC (100 mg/l) or the preparation “Kornevin”.

Small fruit crops contain a large number of dangerous and especially dangerous phytophages: insects, mites, nematodes. Among them there are many hidden or semi-hidden pests: Ditylenchus dipsaci ((Kuhn) Filipjev), Aphelechoides fragariae (Ritz. — Bos), Phytonemus pallidus ((Banks) spp. fragariae (Zimm.) Lindquist) on strawberries; Cecidophyopsis spp., Resseliella ribis (Marik.), Synanthedon tipuliformis (clerk.), Agrilus spp. on currants; Resseliella theobaldi (Barn.), Lasioptera rubi (Schrank) on raspberries, and others that are difficult to suppress or not suppressed in the field. Many of them not only cause a lot of direct damage, but also are carriers of viral and phytoplasmic pathogens-needle (Longidorus spp.) and dagger (Xiphinema spp.) nematodes, kidney mites (Cecidophyopsis spp.), aphids (Aphididae), cicadas (Macropsis fuscula Zett.). To effectively combat them, it is necessary to apply comprehensive systems of protective measures, the main and integral part of which is the production of healthy certified planting material.

The inclusion of immunity inducers in the technology of agricultural crops cultivation activates growth processes that lead to an increase in yield up to 30–50 %, however, the effectiveness of these drugs is regional and variety-specific. The purpose of the research is to assess the effect of immunity inducers on the productivity of Golden Rangers and Idared apple varieties when inducers are included in the protecting crops system from scab in the Republic of Abkhazia. The study of the effectiveness of immunity inducers on apple in the conditions of Abkhazia is carried out for the first time. The studies were carried out in 2016–2019 on the basis of the Institute of Agriculture of the Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia. The experiment was laid in the experimental apple orchards (planting in 2013, planting pattern 3×1.5 m, area 1 ha, stock M9 on a trellis with drip irrigation) in the Gulripshsky district of Abkhazia on varieties that differ in the degree of resistance to apple scab — susceptible Idared and the relatively resistant Golden Rangers. The experiment included immunity inducers of various chemical nature — Albit® (poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid, 6.2 g/kg), Immunocytophyte® (ethyl ester of arachidonic acid, 0.167 g/kg); Ecogel® (chitosan lactate, 30 g/l). The inclusion of these immunity inducers in the apple trees cultivation technology steadily increased for 4 years the average fruit weight and yield in the tested varieties compared to the variant of adopted in the region technology. The influence of the studied preparations on the weight of fruits and the increase in yield turned out to be variety-specific. The maximum values of the increase in fruit weight were noted in the third and fourth years of the experiment — on the Idared variety up to 10.1–24.3 % and on Golden Rangers variety up to 13.5–19.4 % compared with the economic processing (standard variant). The scab-susceptible Idared variety showed the maximum yield increase in the second year of the use of immunity inducers, while the Golden Rangers variety showed more stable yield increase in all years of the experiment. All variants with plant immunity inducers showed higher yields than in the case of economic treatment (standard variant). Among the immunity inducers, Albit® stood out, which increased the yield relative to economic treatment by 22.6–82.9 %, and Immunocytophyte® was the least effective (the increase was 9.9–58.8 %).

There has been an increase in the harmfulness and the spread of various spots that affect the leaves and cause a significant deterioration of apple plants in the orchards of the Central Blackearth Region in recent years. It was determined during the mycological analysis of apple leaves that the pathogens are fungi Phyllosticta Pirina Sacc., Phyllosticta mali Pr.et Del. The permanent use of chemical protection products against diseases leads to the appearance of resistance and the violation of the ecological balance in the agrocenosis of the apple orchard. One of the promising methods to prevent the emergence of disease resistance to the products used is the alternation of preparations with a different mode of action. The use of highly resistant and immune to diseases varieties reduces the number of fungicide treatments in the protection system of apple orchards. The study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of the apple tree’s protection system against phyllosticta. The research was done in the experimental orchard of the I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center in 2018–2019. The objects of research were apple varieties immune to scab Akademik Kazakov, Vympel, Bylina, Rozhdestvenskoe, Fregat and scab resistant variety Kovalenkovskoye on grafted 54–118 rootstock. Our research studied the effectiveness of environmentally safe protection products with low consumption rates to reduce the harmfulness of phylostictosis on apple trees (Delan, 0,6 kg/ha; Zato 0,14 kg/ha; Medeya, 1,0 l/ha). The development of the disease in the сontrol option without any treatments varied from 0,5 % (‘Rozhdestvenskoye’ variety) to 3,3% (Vympel variety). In the experimental treatment the development of phylostictosis ranged from 0,05% (Rozhdestvenskoye variety) to 0,31% (Vympel variety). The biological effectiveness of the studied products in the researched varieties varied from 82,5 % (‘Kovalenkovskoye’ variety) to 88,4 % (‘Bylina’ variety). The high biological efficiency was observed in the ‘Rozhdestvenskoye’ variety (90,2 %) and in the ‘Vympel’ variety (90,6 %). The disease progression in treatment with the farm plant protection scheme was 1,3–2,5 times more than in the experimental option. The biological efficiency was lower on 7,9–17,2 %. The lowest yield was on ‘Kovalenkovskoye’ variety in the control
option. The largest yield was in the experimental treatment and varied from 5 kg/tr. to 6,8 kg/tr. (2018) and from 6,8 kg/tr. to 9,0 kg/tr. (2019). The production of apple fruits using immune and resistant varieties and low-hazard products with low cost rates helps to reduce the fungicidal load and obtain high biological efficiency against diseases.

Based on the evaluation of traditional sterilization modes, new multi-level modes of sterilization of Apple compote in glass containers with a capacity of 0.5 liters were studied and developed using a preliminary increase in the temperature level of the product in cans before sealing them and high-temperature heat treatment in a stream of heated air and in water when the container is rotated. The new modes reduce the duration, improve the quality, and reduce the energy cost per unit of production by more than 40 %.

The problem of digitalization of horticulture in agricultural enterprises is considered. The way to solve this problem is discussed by creating algorithms for control modules of the technological chain: production, preservation and sale of horticultural products, taking into account the use of the “artificial neural networks” method. Another way is proposed — combining the procedure of “digitalization” of the horticultural system with the system of calculations of the mentioned and other methods on the platform “Natural and industrial systems”. The aim of the research is to apply the methodology of a systematic approach to the” digitalization “of horticulture of agricultural enterprises by using a modeling procedure and a system of mathematical calculations based on the rules for solving tasks on the platform “Natural and industrial systems”. For a deeper understanding of the meaning of the procedure for digitalization of natural and agro-geo-genic processes occurring during the formation of the “garden” land of the agrolandscape, the structure providing for the integration of knowledge of horticulture, landscape ecology and engineering ecology is considered. This included: adapting the images (models) “Industrial garden landscape” to the algorithms of the procedure of digitalization implemented on the platform “Nature-industrial systems” and application of known engineering ecology methodology of a systematic approach to solve problems of sustainable development. The article highlights the recognition of the procedure for digitalization of horticulture as an event that belongs to the category of expert systems of the engineering service, in which it is recommended to take into account the  information and regulatory framework. These databases are necessary for the mathematical description of the “Industrial garden landscape” an object for simulation modeling and analysis on the platform garden “natural-industrial systems”. When digitalizing the horticulture on the platform of the “Natural and industrial system”, the conditions for its implementation should be provided. First, the object of digitalization is the “Industrial garden landscape” represented by the simulation model “Natural-technical system”. Secondly, the synthesis of this model by means of independent functional operators for mathematical analysis of the manifestations of “disturbing factors” selected from the number of environmental factors. Third, taking into account topological and block-modular principles when formalizing relations between “industrial” and “environmental” subsystems. To find balanced solutions to optimize the “sustainable development” of horticulture, this way of digitalization is
problematic without taking into account: legislative and regulatory acts on modern land management of agricultural enterprises, environmental protection, environmental and energy audit, agroecological assessment of land for the garden landscape, control over the environmental regime of cultivated crops.

In a vegetation experiment, the effect of foliar treatments of strawberry varieties Honeoye, Troitskaya, Red Gauntlet with Epin-Extra, Emistim and Silaktiv on the accumulation of cadmium from HM-contaminated soil was studied. With the use of the studied drugs and agrochemical, the cadmium content decreased to the greatest extent in the roots of plants. The influence of the studied preparations and agrochemical on the accumulation of cadmium in the organs of strawberry plants and on their productivity significantly depended on the variety.

The descriptions and technical characteristics of specialized technical means intended for cutting the crown of trees in orchards, developed by the Federal Research Horticultural Center, are given. One of the most important parts of a fruit plantation care system is the tree pruning. This is one of the most important operations for orchard care, which regulates the growth and fruiting trees. Pruning takes 12–15 % of the total labor costs for maintenance work. In order to increase productivity, quality and facilitate labor on pruning perennial plantations, the Federal Research Horticultural Center has designed an ASV-8 unit for the care of orchards, vineyards and berry fields, for ornamental plantings (using pneumatic pruners), for mechanization of the processes of detailed pruning and removal of overgrowth in orchards. The use of ASV-8 increases labor  productivity in pruning trees by 2.8 times with an annual saving of labor costs of 3682 man-hours and a decrease in reduced costs by 33.3 %. The Federal Research Horticultural Center has designed a block-modular unit for the cultivation of orchards AMS-7, intended for use in agricultural production and can perform the following technological operations: contour pruning of fruit trees in traditional and intensive orchards; shaking off fruits from trees; making holes for trellis posts, fence supports, stakes, etc.; loading and unloading and transportation of containers with fruits, vegetables and root crops, cut branches, pallets, bulk materials and other various cargoes. The unit complete with a contour cutter consists of the following assembly units: a lifting device, which is the basis for hinging all types of equipment: a cutting device for contour pruning of the crown of fruit trees, consisting of two cutting bars for heavy pruning, a front frame with two sliders and a hydraulic system. The introduction of the AMS-7 unit into production will ensure an increase in labor productivity up to 1.8 times, a decrease in direct operating costs up to 40 % and labor costs up to 45 %.