The development of garden strawberry cultivars with high resistance to fungal pathogens constitutes a multifaceted challenge due to a combination of factors, including the high susceptibility of most genotypes, the lack of pronounced sources of natural genetic resistance, and the polygenic nature of resistance mechanisms. These characteristics limit the efficacy of traditional breeding methods, thereby underscoring the necessity of implementing advanced molecular genetic approaches. DNA markers in breeding serve as a key tool for the identification and selection of monogenic sources of resistance to powdery mildew. Particular attention deserves the MLO (Mildew Resistance Locus O), which influences plant susceptibility to the pathogen, playing a crucial role in the formation of strawberry resistance to Podosphaera aphanis. Scientific findings demonstrate that employing diagnostic DNA markers IB535110 and IB533828, associated with the QTL 08 To-f, enables the effective screening of various garden strawberry genotypes for the presence of powdery mildew resistance. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic determinants of plant immunity is crucial for the development of targeted genetic interventions to achieve broad-spectrum disease resistance. The strategies may include both traditional breeding methods and modern molecular-genetic approaches, such as CRISPR-Cas9. This combination opens new perspectives for creating strawberry cultivars that can effectively withstand the pathogen across diverse cultivation conditions. Overall, the integration of advanced molecular-genetic methods into traditional breeding schemes can significantly enhance the efficiency of strawberry improvement. Utilizing markers for breeding resistance to powdery mildew and developing strategies for managing polygenic traits contribute to the creation of cultivars resilient against various pathogens. Consequently, the integration of innovative research into breeding practice holds promise for the sustainable development of horticulture and increased economic efficiency in the commercial production of strawberry planting material.

The ex vitro acclimatization of garden strawberry regenerants constitutes a critical stage in their in vitro propagation. The study was conducted in 2023–2024 using the facilities of the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Sakhalin Research Institute of Agriculture – Branch of the Federal Research Center All- Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources named after N. I. Vavilov. An optimal combination of various substrates and growth regulators for plant acclimatization to non-sterile conditions was identified. Ex vitro plants of the Nashe Podmoskovye garden strawberry responded to both the substrate composition and the applied growth regulators. A combination of the Krepysh and Terra Vita mixtures with all growth regulators produced a beneficial effect on the shoot biomass increment, improving biometric indicators by 10.3 % and 30.8 %, respectively, over the control. The application of the Kornyerost preparation to the plants grown in the Terra Vita and Krepysh substrates resulted in the growth of shoot biomass to 130.8 % and 123.3 % of the control, respectively. The Nasha Flora substrate, combined with the Etamon Bio preparation, provided a 66.7 % increase in shoot biomass, while with the Kornyerost regulator, the increase was 17.8 %. Treatment with Etamon Bio on the Terra Vita and Krepysh substrates increased this parameter by 5.1 % and 3.3 %, respectively, compared to the control. In the control variant, a soil mixture collected directly from the experimental field of the Institute was used as the substrate. The application of Geteroauksin and Kornyerost to this control substrate demonstrated an increase in shoot biomass by 113.3 % and 123.3 %, respectively, relative to the untreated control.

The antioxidant status of woody plants is linked to their adaptation to stress factors, including the influence of phytopathogens and agricultural practices. Information on methods for extracting natural plant antioxidants is contradictory or insufficient due to the complexity of the physicochemical extraction processes and analysis conditions. This study aims to investigate the extraction efficiency of antioxidants using extractants of different polarity in samples of a model woody plant. The following pure solvents and their mixtures in specified ratios were examined: distilled water (DW), water/ethanol 50:50 (W/E), water/ acetone 50:50 (W/A), acetone (AC), 96 % ethanol (ET), acetone/ethanol 50:50 (A/E50), acetone/ethanol 90:10 (A/E10), and dichloromethane (DCM). The antioxidant activity of the obtained extracts was assessed using an amperometric detector and standard antioxidants of various nature (ionol, quercetin, gallic acid). Additionally, the instrument sensitivity to these compounds was evaluated using mobile phases of varying acidity. The study experimentally demonstrated the high sensitivity of the method for detecting plant antioxidants using a gallic acid standard in the concentration range of 0.1–5 μg/ml. Water and acetone-ethanol solutions were identified as the most effective for extracting antioxidant compounds from plant samples (leaves and roots of the model plant), while acetone was most effective for samples of the multicomponent nutrient substrate (soil model). In leaf samples, the highest content of acid-soluble antioxidants was observed for: DW – 0.12–0.14 mg/g, A/E50 – 0.11 mg/g, and A/E10 – 0.19 mg/g. The highest content of the base-soluble antioxidants group was characterized for: DW – 0.53 mg/g, W/A – 0.41 mg/g, and A/E10 – 0.57 mg/g. Data on the antioxidant activity of root extracts showed maximum values for: A/E10 – 0.15 mg/g, DW – 0.14 mg/g, W/A – 0.11 mg/g – for acid-soluble antioxidants; and W/E – 0.4 mg/g, W/A – 0.43 mg/g, AC – 0.41 mg/g, A/E50 – 0.403 mg/g, A/E10 – 0.64 mg/g – for base-soluble antioxidants. The data on the antioxidant content in extracts from the soil substrate showed selectivity, with significant values obtained only for the AC variant – 0.6–3.2 mg/g.

The article analyzes the current state of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) cultivation in Russia with focus on regional specifics of the cultivar assortment and the adaptive potential of the crop. The steady rise in domestic demand has exposed a deficit in local production, making it imperative to expand commercial cultivation and update the varietal portfolio. According to the State Register of Breeding Achievements (98 cultivars) and BusinesStat® statistics, mid-season forms predominate (about 48 %), with a deficiency of late-season cultivars capable of extending the period of fresh fruit supply and balancing the workload for processing. Based on published materials from Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery, Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding, Ural Federal Agrarian Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences‚ Federal Research Center N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources and other centers, significant progress is associated with the selection of genotypes combining winter hardiness (including resistance of flower buds), field resistance to coccomycosis and moniliosis, and the technological qualities of the fruits. The research demonstrates the impact of meteorological factors, primarily precipitation, on fruit weight and biochemical indices, as well as inter-cultivar variability in the amino acid profile. The study confirms the necessity of expanding the cultivar range through the introduction of late-season varieties resistant to diseases and adverse environmental conditions. A strategic use of domestic and local genetic material in focused breeding initiatives is essential for building a sustainable production foundation and reduction of import dependency.

The article presents three promising forms (13-09, 13-13, 13-23) selected from 32 forms in the experimental plot, as well as a promising cultivar for industrial cultivation in the subtropical zone of the Krasnodar krai – Kimyn. Sochi, one of the best regionalized cultivars for industrial tea production, served as the control. An assessment of the morphological characteristics of the promising forms in both cultivars showed that stable yields were formed by the Sochi and Kimyn cultivars, while forms 13-09 and 13-13 demonstrated significant variations between the months of tea leaf collection. Analysis of the fractional composition of the productive shoot of the tea leaf showed that the Sochi cultivar and form 13-09 are appropriate for producing expensive and elite tea beverages. The yield of form 13-09 was 38.1 out of 79.9 % in May, constituting half of its seasonal yield. For the Sochi cultivar, the quality index of 2-leaf flushes reached 70 out of a possible 94 in June, constituting 75 % of its yield. The other cultivars and forms demonstrated characteristics typical for 3-leaf flushes, indicating their suitability for the production of mass-market tea.

A comprehensive study of 11 paniculate phlox cultivars (Phlox paniculata L.) was conducted for the first time for the soil and climatic conditions of the Middle Volga region. The research was performed on plants introduced at the Cheboksary Branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution for Science Main Botanical Garden named after N. V. Tsitsin Russian Academy of Sciences in 2020–2024. The aim of the study was to select the best specimens for industrial propagation and cultivation. The ornamental value of the phlox cultivars and their economically valuable traits were analyzed. Furthermore, the resistance of the cultivars to a range of adverse climatic factors in the introduction region was evaluated. Detailed phenological descriptions and morphological profiles were compiled for each cultivar, enabling a comparative analysis across multiple parameters. Specifically, key biometric indicators were established, including bush height, inflorescence length and diameter, and flower diameter. The study of decorative traits was based on the following plant qualities: bush – height, density, habit; strength and decorative quality of the peduncle; number of flowers per peduncle; inflorescence – structure, shape, size (length-to-diameter ratio), color; fragrance; originality; plant condition; the stability in the ground. The investigation of agronomic and biological qualities of the phloxes focused on: general condition and stability of plants within a cultivar; development and growth rate; ability for vegetative propagation; degree of disease damage. Observations indicated that the studied cultivars varied significantly: height – from 55 to 125 cm, inflorescence size – from (12x12) to (21x13) cm, the number of flowers per inflorescence – from 13 to 37, flower size – from 3.4 to 4.4 cm, color – from white and pink to purple and red-violet. Moreover, variation was noted in the degree of resistance to fungal diseases. Cecil Hanbury, Novinka, and Tchayka cultivars were distinguished by a high degree of resistance to pathogenic fungi. September Glow and Pougatchov were identified as the most susceptible cultivars to diseases. Elbrus and Ottly Ideal were cultivars with early flowering periods from the first ten days of July until July 15. The remaining cultivars belonged to mid-season types – from the second ten days of July until August 5. Specimens with a flowering period exceeding 35 days were classified as long-flowering – Marija Scharonova, Novinka, and Cecil Handbury. Consequently, the following cultivars were identified as the most promising for introduction into cultivation under soil and climatic conditions of the Middle Volga region: Cecil Handbury, Elbrus, Marija Scharonova, Novinka, Tchayka, and Violetta Gloriosa.

This paper studies the regenerative capacity of softwood cuttings from 14 clonal apple rootstock genotypes. The research was conducted in 2022–2024 using the facilities of the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery in Moscow region. The study included dwarf rootstocks (62–396, 57–146, 60–160, R 60), semi-dwarf rootstocks (54–118, 57–545, S–79–1, S-68–3, SK 2, SK 2U, 60–164, M 26), and semi-vigorous rootstocks (57–233, MM 106). A comparative experiment assessing the efficiency of rooting on open ground beds versus cassette cells was conducted with five rootstock genotypes: 57–545, 62–396, 54–118, 57–233, and S–79–1. We found that the rooting rate, subsequent development, and field adaptability of the cuttings depended not only on the genotype capacity for adventitious root regeneration but also on the rooting method. On ground beds, the rooting percentage varied from 64.0 to 88.0 % for dwarf rootstocks and from 65.0 to 81.0 % for semi-dwarf rootstocks, while for semi-vigorous rootstocks (57–233 and MM 106) it exceeded 80 %. When cassettes were used, the rooting rate for genotypes 57–545, 54–118, 57–233, and S–79–1 was over 94 %. Regarding key biometric parameters, such as shoot height, stem diameter, and root length, the cuttings rooted in ground beds outperformed those from cassettes. However, the cuttings rooted in cassettes developed a higher number of roots. Among the genotypes, 57–545, 57–233, and 54–118 exhibited the most developed root and shoot systems, whereas S–79–1 showed the weakest root development. The cassette system proved to be the most effective technique for green cutting propagation of clonal rootstocks. This approach ensured better root system development and minimizing losses during the stages of rooting, storage, and field establishment. The average loss from the initial cutting stage to the survival assessment in the first nursery field was 40 % for ground bed rooting, compared to only 16 % for cassette rooting.

Phytosanitary monitoring of strawberry cultivars and selected forms from the collection of the Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery was conducted to identify differences in the pathogen complex between open and protected field conditions, with species identification clarified under laboratory conditions. Research was conducted in 2024–2025. We established that the pathogen complexes of micromycetes in strawberry plantings in Moscow and Bryansk oblasts include: Botrytis cinerea, Coniothyrium fuckelii, Cylindrocarpon spp., Dactylonectria macrodidyma, Fusarium solani, Marssonina potentillae var. fragariae, Pestalotia truncata, Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia solani. Comparative analysis of the micromycete complexes revealed differences between the regions. For instance, Phytophthora nicotianae oomycete was not detected on plants from Bryansk oblast, while Coniothyrium fragariae leaf spot pathogen was not found in Moscow oblast. The lowest frequency of R. solani occurrence was noted in the Tsaritsa cultivar, with an average percentage of colonization by the fungus observed in Nashe Podmoskovye and Vostorg cultivars. At the same time, a lower incidence of phytophthora wilt was noted in Vityaz and Vostorg cultivars. In Moscow oblast under open field conditions during the growing season, the infection score for leaves by the Botrytis cinerea fungus across cultivars was: Bereginya – 1.5, Vostorg – 1.5, Nashe Podmoskovye – 1.0, Tsaritsa – 2.0. Powdery mildew infection was recorded within a range of 0–1 point on the studied cultivars. Under protected conditions, resistance to gray rot was noted in the Tsaritsa cultivar (0.5 points), while powdery mildew infection was observed in Vostorg and Bereginya cultivars at a level of 0.2–0.3 points. In the conditions of open field in Bryansk oblast, the Tsaritsa cultivar and selected forms Nos. 3-5- 1, 3-831-18, 3-434-5, 3-731-3 were distinguished by their resistance to powdery mildew (0 points). Selected form 3-395-3 showed notable resistance to gray mold.

Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Winter) remains one of the most damaging diseases, limiting the productivity of apple orchards in the Central Region of Russia. This study aims to experimentally validate an integrated protection scheme based on the sequential application of the contact fungicide Merpan, SP (500 g/kg captan) (FRAC M04) and the systemic fungicide Znatok, VDG (500 g/kg trifloxystrobin) (FRAC 11), compared to a standard treatment program involving difenoconazole (FRAC 3). The research was conducted in 2024-2025 in the Solnechnogorsk district of Moscow Oblast on the Mantet and Lobo cultivars. Disease incidence and severity were assessed visually using a 4-point pictorial scale, and biological efficacy was calculated using Abbott’s formula. Additional assessments included the morphology of conidia and conidiophores using scanning electron microscopy, as well as the viability of ascospores on overwintered leaves. The results showed that on Mantet trees, the incidence of scab symptoms on leaves following three applications of captan and two of trifloxystrobin did not exceed 43 % by August, compared to 79 % in the control. On Lobo trees, leaf infection in the experimental scheme remained at 15 % by the end of the season, while reaching 80% in the control. On fruits, disease development in the captan and trifloxystrobin treatment did not exceed 20 % for Mante and 3 % for Lobo, which was 2-5 times lower than the control values. The biological efficacy of the tested scheme was 62-73% for Mantet and 69-89 % for Lobo, significantly exceeding the efficacy of the standard treatment program. Furthermore, a reduction in the viability of V. inaequalis ascospores to 2.0-3.9 % was established, which is 1.6–3 times lower than the control values. Moreover, pronounced morphological damage to conidia and conidiophores was observed. The combination of captan and trifloxystrobin demonstrated high stability of protective action and promise for use in integrated apple scab management programs in the Central Region of Russia.

This article studies the biocenotic relationships of harmful organisms in the artificial ecosystems of the Main Botanical Garden of RAS. The research was conducted in 2021–2024. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring research in the context of phytosanitary destabilization of ecosystems under the influence of anthropogenic factors. Monitoring of harmful organism biodiversity revealed an uneven distribution of pathogen-entomological complexes. Their species spectrum, the prevalence of specific components, and the multiplicity of their manifestations varied depending on the ecosystem type, its balance, and stability. The determination of the structure of these entomo-pathogenic complexes showed that they include background, dominant, and crop-specific atypical harmful species. Their composition and dominance structure differed across ecosystem types, comprising from two to five or more components. Variations in the dominance spectrum of individual harmful species were recorded on plants of the same taxonomic rank but located in different biocenoses. The pathogen complexes of most plant species form an associated system of pathogens from the divisions Deuteromycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota, together with phytophagous insects from the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, and Lepidoptera. The taxonomic composition of both pathogens and phytophages remained unchanged, with no evidence of an expanding dominant species spectrum. Variation was noted in accordance with the parameters of phenology and migration (for phytophagous insects). The maximum infectious load was characterized for the phylloplane, whose microbiota was represented by obligate and facultative parasites, as well as facultative saprotrophs. An analysis of the composition of dominant parasitic complexes was conducted on plants from more than 75 genera. Transformations in the structure of pathogen-entomological complexes were recorded in representatives of 5 families of flowering plants. Depending on the ecosystem type, the proportion of parasitic complexes in a state of population equilibrium during the specified period ranged from 45 % to 75 %. Critical zones of destabilization in biocenotic interactions were identified in the consortia of 6 plant species: Acanthus L., Aesculus L., Amorpha L., Clematis L., Humulus L., and Sida L.

The research was conducted on the resistance of garden strawberry cultivars with various ripening periods. The cultivars were grown in a climate chamber under controlled conditions simulating the spring–summer weather of the European North-East (Komi Republic). This approach was combined with the creation of an infectious background to study plants affected by powdery mildew. The cultivar samples were assessed for their resistance both to extreme growing conditions (with set parameters of humidity, light, and temperature in programmed regimes) and to infection of their aerial parts by powdery mildew. The study identified sharp diurnal and nocturnal temperature fluctuations (avg. 13±1 °C) as the primary factor limiting garden strawberry performance and the progression of powdery mildew infection. Under the simulated extreme conditions, cultivar samples were classified as showing low resistance or as being weakly or moderately susceptible to powdery mildew infection. The early-ripening Melodiya and the mid-season Feerverk cultivars exhibited the most infection of aerial parts among planted seedlings. Moderate susceptibility to the phytopathogen was observed in the Izbrannitsa and Urozhaynaya TsGL cultivars, while weak susceptibility was noted in the Festivalnaya and Torpeda cultivars.

This article presents a review of scientific literature published over the past five years in leading Russian and foreign journals concerning heavy metal (HM) contamination in agricultural systems. The use of advanced molecular methods for elucidating interaction mechanisms between plant-associated microorganisms and plants exposed to HM stress is discussed. In addition, the approaches of microbiome engineering and synthetic biology to reducing HM toxicity through HM-resistant strains and using a combination of rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms are analyzed. The conducted review has revealed that environmentally sustainable biological methods, specifically those involving rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria capable of diminishing HM concentration and toxicity, represent a prominent and rapidly evolving direction in reducing plant HM accumulation. Metal-tolerant microorganisms employ diverse resistance mechanisms, including redox transformations, ion exchange, methylation, complex formation, precipitation, sequestration, and the production of biosurfactants, siderophores, phytohormones, as well as extracellular precipitation and valence alteration. Prior field testing of promising microbial strains is essential for specific crops, cultivars, or rootstocks under defined soil and climatic conditions, due to the variability in potential HM detoxification pathways. The conclusion is made that the use of bacteria which combine plant growth-promoting traits with the ability to detoxify HMs in the rhizosphere or plant endosphere represents a cost-effective and promising approach for eco-friendly agricultural biotechnologies. Optimizing both rhizospheric and endophytic bacterial communities of crops based on microbiome engineering, synthetic biology, and omics technologies appears a prospective and efficient strategy to mitigate the risks of HM contamination in agricultural products.