The integrated assessment of introduced strawberry varieties was held in order to identify the gene sources with high level economically important characters for their use in breeding. The biological objects of research were 69 strawberry accessions. As a result of a long-term comprehensive assessment of the genetic collection of introduced strawberry varieties according to the main economically valuable traits in various weather conditions, a source with the highest and stable level of a complex of priority traits was identified. This is the variety Maya with a large-fruited (>25 g) and high productivity (>500 g/plant). Sources of very early (+5 days, Flair variety) and late (-16 days, Malwina variety) ripening periods introduced from the Netherlands have been revealed. The study of everbearing varieties made it possible to identify the variety San Andreas (USA) as source with the most stable level of the multiple fruiting trait regardless of the duration of the photoperiod. All of the above sources are characterized by a number of valuable features that meet the requirements of the consumer market: pulp density, gloss on the surface, high marketability during transportation and dessert taste. The response of identified varieties to low temperature stressors in prewinter and winter periods showed a wide reaction rate and a high regeneration ability to plant biomass. 

Fertility of pollen grains is their ability to induce full fertilization. This parameter is one of the most important in the selection of pairs when crossing all fruit crops, including sour cherry. The determination of this parameter in selected and elite forms of sour cherry is an urgent direction in breeding. The purpose of these studies was to determine the fertility of pollen in four selected and elite forms of sour cherry breeding in the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crops Breeding (RRIFCB). The studies were conducted at the laboratory of cytoembryology over 2 years, from 2019 to 2020, and their results are preliminary. As objects of research, 4 selected and elite forms of sour cherry, with high taste and marketability, were taken. The sour cherry variety Turgenevka, obtained at RRIFCB, was chosen as a control. The collection of pollen from cherry forms to determine fertility was carried out during the period of mass flowering of trees in the first ten days of May. The anthers removed from the flowers were dried at room temperature, opened, and the spilled pollen was poured into parchment paper bags and stored in a desiccator over calcium chloride. Fertility was determined by the method of pollen staining with acetocarmine. According to the research results, it was established that, on average, over 2 years of research, cherry accessions 84847, 84854, 84735 stand out for a high degree of pollen fertility (more than 58.64 % in almost all forms), which makes it possible to recommend them for use in crosses to obtain new hybrids . The highest degree of fertility was observed in pollen of the control variety Turgenevka — it was 76.80 % on average over two years. The lowest fertility was observed in the sour cherry form 84595. In this case, it was only 29.61 %. 

 The research was conducted in the arboretum of the M. F. Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology (SibSU). The paper summarizes the results of the growth of mother trees and seed progeny of Ussuri plum trees growing in the introduction department of the arboretum. On average, the height of the Ussuri plum is 3.3 ±0.17 m with a high level of variation of the trait (29 %). The diameter of the stem of the studied plants is in the range from 1.5 to 5.7 cm and is expressed by a very high level of variability (51.2 %). The average crown diameter is 3.2 ±0.22 m. Among the queen trees, specimens No. 10 and No. 14 were selected by height. From these trees, the seeds were collected for sowing. As a result of a comparative analysis of the variability of annual seedlings in the height of the aboveground part of the stem and the diameter of the stem, the most promising seed progeny was identified. In the seedlings of the 2018 sowing year, the height and diameter of the stem were 12.9–1.8 cm and 10.4 and 1.6 mm, respectively. The height of the seedlings of specimen No. 14 (2019) varied from 4 to 18 cm, with an average value of 10.2 cm 0.59 and the diameter of the stem at the root neck — 1.8 cm 0.09. The obtained data are used for further reproduction and replenishment of the collection of the SibSU arboretum. When studying the size characteristics, it was noted that the minimum fruit length of the examined specimens is 1.4 cm, the maximum — 3.0 cm, the highest coefficient of variation in the specimen No. 14 is high and is equal to 22.8 %. According to the diameter of the fruit, the largest sizes are noted in specimen No. 10, the smallest — in No. 6. From five samples of Ussuri plum (No. 2, 6, 8, 10, 14), growing in the introduction department, the taste has the advantage of the sweet taste of the fruits, which are characterized by a yellow color. This should be taken into account when further breeding work with these specimens. 

The article presents the results of 20 years of research on the implementation of a project to create pear varieties and complex donors of monogenously determined dwarfism (gene D) with high winter hardiness, group resistance to fungal diseases — scab (Venturia pirina Aderh., brownish (Entomosporium maculatum Lev.) and Septoria (Septoria piricola Desm.) and bright red color of fruits (gene C). The research was conducted according to generally accepted methods in the pear breeding gardens of Russian Research Institute for Fruit Crop Breeding in 2000-2019. The study objects were populations of hybrid pear seedlings obtained from targeted crosses of highly adaptive forms and hybrids of pears with descendants of the 4th generation of the Karlikovaya Zelyonaya variety (Nain Vert), heterozygous for the dwarfism gene (Dd) in the first stage, and hybrid seedlings from crossing a DK-2 donor with sources of good fruit taste in the second stage. The aim of the research was to identify winter-hardy complex donors of dwarfism for further use in breeding programs for the creation of intensive pear varieties. Seedlings were grown using conventional technology in a breeding garden on a plot with dark gray forest soil. As a result of research for further use in breeding as complex donors of dwarfism, winter hardiness, group resistance to fungal diseases and red color of fruits, 3 forms were selected in the second stage of crosses (DK-1-6-57, DK-1-674, DK-1-4-38). Their use in long-term innovative breeding programs for the creation of intensive pear varieties will allow to conduct rejections at the early stages of ontogenesis and thereby to reduce the volume of hybrid families by 2-4 times. These complex donors are briefly characterized. 

 The paper analysed three-year data (2017–2019) for chemical composition of fruit in promising selected strawberry seedlings (totally-more than 100 forms) from genetical pool of the I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center. Average values and the range of variation in the content of the main food and biologically active substances have been determined: soluble solids percentage varies from 8.7–17.0 % (mean 12.4 %), total sugars 5.8–13.2 % (mean 8.8 %), titrable acids — 0.54–1.34 % (mean 0.56 %), ascorbic acid — 44.0–110.4 mg/100 g (mean 72.9 mg/100 g), anthocyanins — 7.3–145.4 mg/100 g (mean 56.8 mg/100 g). In 2019 year the following selected forms 915-104 (298-22-19-21×Feyerverk), 20-8 (Prazdnichnaya×Dedanka), 28-19 (Lakomaya×Maryshka), 921-7 ([(516-167×Cardinal)×Feyerverk); 30-5 (Feyerverk×Privlekatelnaya) are characterized by high sugar accumulation (up to 10.0 %). In 2018 year the high vitamin C content (more over 100.0 mg/100 g) was observed in selected seedlings 914-27, 91459 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 56-9, 56-12 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya); high anthocyanin content (over 100.0 mg/100 g) was demonstrated (in selected seedlings 928-12 (298-19-9-43×Privlekatelnaya), 35-16 (922-67×Maryshka), 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka), 21-44 (Urozhainaya CGL×Rubinovy Kulon). High and stable content of soluble solids, sugars and optimal acidity of fruit are registered in selected seedlings 26-5 (Rubinovy Kulon×298-19-9-43), 56-9 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya). The selected seedlings 914-9, 914-27 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka), 56-8, 56-9 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya) exhibited the stable level of vitamin C content. High and stable anthocyanin content was confirmed in selected seedlings 914-9, 914-27 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 21-14 (Urozhainaya CGL×Rubinovy Kulon) and 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka). According to the complex of biochemical characteristics the following selected forms were identified from the hybrid combination Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya: 914-27 (ascorbic acid — 90.2 mg/100 g, anthocyanins — 81.6 mg/100 g, sugars — 9.4 %), 914-9 (ascorbic acid — 89.8 mg/100 g, anthocyanins — 90.3 mg/100 g, sugars — 8.4 %). 

The article presents data on the study of the effect of foliar water-soluble mineral fertilizer NOVATEK Solub K-Max 10-5-30 on the biochemical composition and commercial quality of apple fruits. A rise in vitamin C from the introduction of NOVATEK at a rate of 2.5 kg/ha indicates the effectiveness of this drug for optimizing the content of ascorbic acid in fruits. An increase in the content of monosaccharides and a decrease in disaccharides were found for all the studied rates of consumption of agrochemicals. The use of mineral fertilizer “Novatek Solub K-Max” contributed to increase the dry weight of fruits. The application of this mineral fertilizer is recommended for inclusion in the industry regulations for Apple cultivation as one of the elements of the technology. 

A brief overview of the relevance of using garland chrysanthemum (Glebionis coronaria (L.) Cass. ex Spach syn. Chrysanthemum coronarium (L.)) as a raw material in the preparation of medicaments is introduced in this article. High content of micro- and macroelements (K, Na, Ca, P, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, J) was found in garland chrysanthemum, as well as other biologically active compounds, of which anthraquinones (emodin, chrysophanol), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), carotenoids and ascorbic acid (up to 56.0 mg%) can be considered the main ones, likewise vitamins B, PP and free amino acids (lysine, methionine, cysteine, histidine, arginine, threonine, serine, proline, glycine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine; nine of which are essential). These elements have a positive therapeutic effect on the cardiovascular system, the human gastrointestinal tract. The garland chrysanthemum is a very plastic and undemanding vegetable crop with medicinal properties. It is capable of growing on technogenic soils contaminated with cobalt, zinc and nickel, accumulating these elements to a lesser extent than traditional vegetable plants, which is very important in modern conditions. It is shown that in the conditions of the Moscow region it can be well grown by sowing seeds directly on field, continues to maintain the rhythms of growth and development, passes through all phenological phases and gives a stable high yield of green mass — up to 5.3 kg/m2, inflorescences — up to 1.4 kg/m2, seeds — up to 130.0 g/m2. Low laboratory and field germination of seeds up to 50 % has been established. 

 In the conditions of the Tambov region, the gene pool of the bearded iris of domestic and foreign breeding is studied. The collection of bearded iris is represented by varieties ('Snow White', 'Border Black', 'Guards', 'Count Tolstoy', 'Ancient Rome', etc.) of medium and late ('Cascade Springs', 'Green Quest', 'Gypsy Caravan', 'Spurna') flowering period. The duration of flowering of the studied varieties is from 7 to 11 days. The longest flowering period (10–11 days) is observed in varieties: 'Snow White', 'Guards', 'Count Tolstoy', 'Marshal Pokryshkin' and 'Gypsy Caravan'. The main disease of the bearded iris in the black earth region is rust (Puccinia iridis), the main pest is the bronze beetle (Cetonia aurata). Varieties with high decorative features with the largest flower diameter (up to 12.5 cm) and peduncle height (up to 90 cm) have been identified: 'Ancient Rome', 'Lilac Wreath', 'Cascade Springs', 'Gypsy Jewels', 'Stepping Out'. Varieties of bearded iris with a light color of the flower (from white to pale blue), severely damaged by a bronze beetle, were noted: 'Snow White' (pale blue), 'Belyanchik' (white), 'Kassandra' (white), etc. The most severe rust damage was observed on varieties of bearded iris with yellow flowers and its shades: 'Galatea' (bright yellow), 'Elf' (yellow-brown), 'Fiesta Time' (golden-amber), 'Invitation' (apricot). Recommendations are given for the introduction of the bearded iris culture in the landscaping of settlements and personal subsidiary farms. 

 The article reviews some methods of cultivation of pear seedlings with branched crown. The main condition for obtaining such seedlings is a high budding that facilitates the shoot formation. Maria and Tavricheskaya varieties of pear grafted on KA 92 stock showed the greatest number of shoots in the crowning area in our study. When budding at a height of 25 cm number of branches in the crowning area increases by 2.5 times (5.4 pcs). It is noted that three nipping at the interval of 10 days (in the second field of the nursery) allows you to obtain 38–86 % more crowned seedlings. The formation of shoots also depends largely on the type of stock, grafted variety and timing of techniques that stimulate this process. The purpose of the research was to improve individual technological methods in the production of pear planting material in order to obtain crowned seedlings. The analysis of the obtained data makes it possible to state the fact that a number of factors affect the final outcome. Obtaining standard crowned seedlings is possible if a number of technological requirements are met. The second ten-day period of July should be considered as optimal terms of nipping of winter pear varieties on the KA and BA 29 series stocks. The highest yield of crowned, standard pear seedlings (83–84 %) was observed in Maria and Tavricheskaya varieties on the stock of KA 92, with high budding (25 cm). 

Possibility of using propylene covering materials of white and yellow color with a density of 17 g/m2 to protect the surface of strawberries from photoinhibition was studied. Their influence on the temperature change of strawberry fruits of the studied varieties has been established. The study included 5 varieties of strawberries, polypropylene non-woven fabric of white and yellow colors with a density of 17 g/m2, black color with a density of 60 g/m2 and a polyethylene film of 60 microns. It has been established that the temperature of strawberry fruits differs on the sunny and shady sides and depends on the mulching material. In hot sunny weather the temperature of the berries under shelter is 10–15 % lower than in the control with a slight advantage of photoprotective properties in the yellow material compared to the white one. It turned out that by its spectral properties the yellow fabric was closer to the optimal ration of the spectral composition of light for photosynthesis of fruit plants. The transmittance of yellow polypropylene non woven fabrics is 7.2 %, higher in red region of spectrum and 13.8 % lower in blue region of spectrum compared to the white color fabrics. It would to take into account that when the strawberry plants are covered with nonwoven fabric for a long time to protect the berries from overheating, it is necessary to take into account its spectral properties, which affect the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus. 

The prevalence of harmful viruses of Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), depending on the location, age, and varietal composition of plantings, was studied. Sandwich ELISA was used in serological tests. Diagnostic kits from «Loewe» (Germany) were used for the analyzes. Leaves were taken as samples. The results of the analysis were recorded using a «Stat Fax 2100» photometer. On apple varieties and clonal rootstocks, the frequency of viruses was 36-54 % and 24 %, respectively. In the Moscow region, the ASPV virus (23 %) prevailed, in the Ryazan region — ApMV (33 %), in the Yaroslavl region — ACLSV (54 %). At the end of the 20th century, the ACLSV virus was more often detected on the apple tree, and in the last decade, we have established an increase in the infection of this crop with the more harmful ASPV and ASGV viruses. The highest prevalence of latent viruses was noted on old domestic apple varieties and foreign varieties (50 % each). A tendency to an increase in the indices of infection with most of the studied viruses was revealed with an increase in the age of trees. In apple trees of old age (over 20 years), the indices of infection with the ASPV virus increased by 25 %, ASGV — by 20 %, ACLSV — by 43 % compared to middle-aged trees (8-10 years). Apple plants of 15 varieties and apple rootstocks of  2 forms 54-118 and 57-490 were found free from the main harmful viruses