Federal Scientific Center for Vegetable Growing

The study included a comparative analysis of the cost of obtaining improved winter garlic planting material using the classical technology (from aerial bulbs) and the in vitro method. The costs at different stages of obtaining the planting material are presented. When using the classical technology, total costs amount to 368 man-hours and 258.94 thousand rubles, the estimated cost of one bulb of garlic reaches 26 rubles. The main cost item is the wages. The first stage of the in vitro technology (introduction to culture) accounts for 3.74% of costs, in monetary terms – 28.83 thousand rubles. The stages of micropropagation, as well as rooting and growing plants in vitro , are at the same level in terms of duration and cost. Their share in the cost structure accounts for 17% (132.85 and 134.65 thousand rubles, respectively). The cost of one in vitro garlic plant is 8.86 and 10.20 rubles, respectively. The main expense items are wages and materials (45% each on average). The most expensive stage is the adaptation of plants to ex vitro conditions: it lasts more than 7 months, its share in the cost structure is 61.81%, the cost of one plant is 31.76 rubles. In total, the costs of obtaining the planting material using the in vitro method amount to 899.72 thousand rubles. The cost of one bulb is 89.95 rubles, which is 48 64 rubles more expensive than the classic technology. Although high-tech and science-intensive methods for improving the planting material of bolting garlic significantly increase its cost, they are more effective and can be considered as a long-term investment in the development of garlic growing in Russia.

Relevance. The infection of Solanum lycopersicum L. by Alternaria, caused by micromycetes of the genus Alternaria, is consistently harmful in the monsoon climate of Primorsky Krai. Seasons with abnormally high rainfall levels trigger the development of epiphytotics, resulting in annual crop losses exceeding 30 % and reaching 80 % in susceptible varieties and hybrids. Due to climate change and the increasing aggressiveness of new pathogen races, the search for sources of resistance for breeding remains relevant. The purpose. of this work is to create and evaluate a new source material that is adapted to a high back-ground of Alternaria infection and has a different combination of other selection traits. Material and Methods. The work was carried out in 2020–2025 on the experimental field of the Primorskaya Vegetable Experimental Station – a branch of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center on meadow-brown soils with a heavy mechanical composition. 23 tomato lines were studied, obtained by successive selections from the splitting offspring of F 2-4 hybrid combinations of Ottawa 30 (line L8) with parental determinate lines (L3-L7), created on the basis of the best varieties of breeding of FSBSI FSVC, combining the variety in the mass, shape and color of the fruit. The cultivation technology is the generally accepted for Primorsky Krai. During the vegetation period, phenological observations, phytopathological assessment of the records of the manifestation of target features were carried out. Results. Testing of the created tomato lines allowed to differentiate them by breeding value as a source material for different directions of breeding. Five lines were selected as a promising source material for breeding for resistance to alternaria: GK-68/20/26, GK-87/13/14, GK-48/1/1,GK-48/1/2 and GK-85/3/3. The GK-85/3/1, GK-86/1/1, and GK-87/1/1 lines can serve as sources of a combination of traits such as productivity, large fruit size, and high fruit quality. The introduction of this new material into breeding practices will allow for the creation of competitive varieties and hybrids that are resistant to Alternaria, minimizing the dependence of agricultural technologies on repeated chemical treatments, reducing product losses, and ensuring sustainable production of tomatoes that meet market requirements for both productivity and nutritional value.

Relevance. This review examines the comprehensive application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in vegetable growing. Various aspects of their use are highlighted, from improving seed germination and stimulating vegetative growth to protecting plants under adverse conditions. Results. A unique feature of these nanomaterials is their ability to intelligently transport active substances. They precisely deliver fertilizers and pesticides directly to the plant, releasing them at the right time. This approach allows for the creation of an ideal plant nutrition system, which significantly improves plant development, increases yield, and enhances product quality. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms by which CNTs influence plant cells, including direct interactions with biomolecules and indirect influences through the regulation of oxidative processes. Conclusion. The potential for using CNTs to improve water use efficiency in arid regions is highlighted. In the presence of excess salts, nanotubes demonstrate their protective properties: they accumulate in plant tissues and enhance the functioning of aquaporins. This promotes more efficient water absorption and transport, reducing the negative impact of salt stress on plants. The current challenges and potential development areas of this technology in vegetable growing are also discussed.

Relevance. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo) is a variety of hard-shelled pumpkin in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is one of the most common crops in the family. It is characterized by early crop formation, valuable dietary properties, and high yields, and is an integral part of the diet of the population of the Russian Federation. Cucurbita pepo L. is vulnerable to infections, but is responsive to growth regulators and various types of fertilizers, including biological ones. Studying the effects of biological pesticides on the growth and biochemical characteristics of zucchini is important for improving eco-technologies for its cultivation in various natural and climatic conditions. The aim of this study is to study the effects of growth regulators and biofungicides to substantiate elements of open-field zucchini cultivation technology in the Non-Chernozem Zone of the Russian Federation. Materials and Methods. The work was conducted in the Moscow Region at the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center experimental field from 2023 to 2024 on sod-podzolic heavy loam soils. The effects of growth regulators Micromix and BIS, and biofungicides Gliocladin, Fitosporin M, and Tridem on the biochemical parameters and fruit yield of two Cucurbita pepo L varieties (Faraon and Yakor) were studied. Results. Variety-specific responses of zucchini plants to the applied treatments were identified. For the Yakor variety, the greatest yield increase was achieved with the use of biofungicides Gliocladin and Tridem, based on soil fungi of the genus Trichoderma, while for the Faraon variety, the greatest impact was achieved with the use of the growth regulator BIS and the biofungicide Tridem. An increase in fruit dry matter content was observed with presowing seed treatment of both BIS varieties, while pre-sowing seed treatment of the Pharaoh variety with the biofungicide Fitosporin M influenced sugar accumulation in the fruit. Ascorbic acid accumulation in the Pharaoh zucchini fruit was promoted by soil treatment with the biofungicides Gliokladin and Tridem. Conclusions. Integrating biopreparations into zucchini cultivation technology can increase yields and improve fruit biochemical parameters. The greatest effect is achieved with a well-founded selection of growth regulators and biofungicides for a specific variety, opening up prospects for the development of eco-technologies for cultivating new zucchini varieties and hybrids in open ground in the Non-Chernozem Zone of the Russian Federation.

Salinity represents one of the most critical hazards that cause significant crop losses, including those of aromatic and medicinal plants. These plants have medicinal uses that include anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. According to our study, the three aromatic plants Pelargonium graveolens L., Mentha longifolia L., and Chrysanthemum frutescens L. exhibited distinct physiological responses to varying salinity levels (50, 75, and 100 mM NaCl). In M. longifolia L. and C. frutescens L., chlorophyll a and carotenoids increased significantly at 50 mM NaCl; in comparison, chlorophyll b reached the highest amount at 75 and 100 mM NaCl in P. graveolens L. and M. longifolia L., respectively. Osmoprotectant compounds (glucose, sucrose, and proline) increased in the three investigated plants in response to salinity. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and ascorbic acid (AsA) levels increased significantly at 75 and 100 mM NaCl in P. graveolens L. and M. longifolia L., respectively. The highest activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) antioxidant enzymes was at 50 mM NaCl in P. graveolens L. Moreover, peroxidase (POX) enzyme activity was more pronounced at 75 mM NaCl in P. graveolens L., and C. frutescens L. According to our findings, the salinity levels enhanced the growth of C. frutescens L. and had no significant effect on P. graveolens L. plants, while the growth of M. longifolia L. plants was reduced significantly only at 100 mM NaCl. Therefore, these plants represent a recommended choice for irrigation with mild to moderate saline water.

Relevance. Solving food security issues in the Russian Federation requires improving the system of protective measures and thoroughly studying the species structure of harmful organisms that reduce the yield and quality of agricultural crops. Table beet ( Beta vulgaris L.), being a valuable vegetable root crop grown in the Russian Federation and the Bryansk region, is damaged by a variety of pests. The aim of the scientific research was to study the taxonomic composition, structure of polyphagous and specialized pests of table beet in the Bryansk region, compile phenological calendars of dominant species of phytophages, clarify the period of harmfulness of table beet plants by phytophages in order to draw up recommendations for insecticide treatments . Materials and Methods. In the conditions of the educational and experimental field of the Bryansk State Agrarian University in 2020-2023. conducted a study of the species structure of beetroot pests. The object of the study was the Bordeaux one-seeded beetroot plant variety. To clarify the species composition and account for the pests, the following observation methods were used: mowing with an entomological net, sticky traps, soil excavation, and yellow cups (Mörike vessels). Results. During the studies to establish the taxonomic composition of beetroot phytophages and to clarify the ecological characteristics of polyphagous and specialized pests, representatives of the main group of polyphagous and oligophagous pests of the Insecta class from the following orders and families were identified: Coleoptera: Elateridae, Scarabidae, Chrysomeliidae; Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Noctuidae; Homoptera; Aphididae; Diptera: Anthomyiida; Hemiptera: Miridae; and also polyphages from the class Gastropda: Boettgerillidae and the class Mammalia. The excess of the EPT was established for two species of broad oligophages: sugar beet flea beetle ( Chaetocnema concinna Marsham ) (EPT – 1 imago/plant in the seedling-fork phase, 3-10 imago/m 2 ) and sugar beet aphid ( Aphis fabae Scop. ) (EPT – 10% of inhabited plants on the site in the phase of 3-6 pairs of true leaves). Conclusion. Based on the obtained data, the taxonomic composition, structure of polyphagous and specialized pests of table beet in the conditions of the Bryansk region were studied, phenological calendars of dominant species of phytophages were compiled.

This study explores the fluctuations in key photosynthetic parameters in two high-potential melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars—Gunash and Sadaf—grown in open-field conditions in the Absheron region. The research analyzes a range of physiological and biochemical traits, such as leaf area, photosynthetic potential (PP), net photosynthetic productivity (NPP), specific leaf surface density (SLSD), concentrations of plastid pigments, the coefficient of economic photosynthetic efficiency (CEEP), overall economic efficiency (CEE), and the accumulation of both fresh and dry biomass. Results show a steady rise in SLSD and biomass (both crude and dry) from the vegetative phase to fruit development and full ripening. The early-ripening Gunash cultivar displayed the highest gains during early fruit formation, while the mid-ripening Sadaf cultivar reached peak values during full ripening. Significant differences in NPP, SLSD, and CEE were found throughout the plant's life cycle, with peak values observed at the mass ripening stage in both varieties. Additionally, levels of chlorophyll and carotenoids in the leaves showed a three-phase peak pattern, with each phase varying by cultivar

White cabbage is one of the economically important crops among the representatives of the genus BrassicaL. To create highly productive F1 hybrids with improved characteristics, the breeders need genetically diversebreeding material, which takes a long time to produce. It is possible to significantly accelerate this stage of breedingby obtaining doubled haploids (DH-plants). The lack of standardized, efficient and reproducible protocols for in vitrocultivation of different plant species, covering several factors and their interactions, often hinders the practical implementationof the method. Plant material, cultivation conditions and composition of nutrient media are determinantsof embryogenesis efficiency. As a result of this study, the protocol for obtaining doubled haploids in in vitro cultureof isolated microspores was optimized for late maturing white cabbage. The optimal bud size for introduction intoin vitro culture varied from 3.5 to 5.0 mm. For the studied genotypes, the combined effect of high-temperature stressat 32 °C for 48 h and pH 5.8 stimulated the highest embryoid yield. The use of 3.5 g/L phytogel as a gelling agent wasnot effective. The use of flow cytometry allowed for separation of doubled haploids (69.8 %) from haploids (8.4 %),triploids (1.5 %) and tetraploids (20.3 %) at an early stage of development. Molecular genetic analysis with polymorphicmicrosatellite loci (SSR-analysis) confirmed the haploid origin of the diploid regenerant plants.

Relevance. In winter, the most useful vegetable for humans is the leaves of onions. As a green crop, onion is characterized by high yield, early maturity, and possesses the necessary bioactive phytochemicals – vitamins, organic acids, minerals for the healthy benefit. The purpose of our research was to assess the quality of leaves of onion and shallot cultivars of onion breeding FSBSI FSVC in winter-spring season.Material and Methods. The material for the study were onion cultivars Zolotnichok, Chornyy Prints, Myachkovsky 300, Rosario, Sputnik and shallot cultivar Cascade. Planting for greens was carried out in a glazed winter greenhouse in February in seedling boxes with peat soil "bridge" method. For planting onions of 22,1-40,0 mm fraction were used. Biochemical parameters were analyzed: dry matter content, total content of water-soluble antioxidants and antioxidants in alcohol extract, polyphenols and photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of onions and shallot.Results. Qualitative analysis of products for the content of dry matter, monosaccharides, sum of water-soluble antioxidants, ascorbic acid showed that the maximum content of biochemical substances was observed in shallot. The content of polyphenols and sum of antioxidants in the alcoholic extract, as well as the amount of photosynthetic pigments differed and depended on the sample.

In this review, we have tried to provide a holistic picture on the modern selection and innovation techniques for garden carrot, immunological diagnostics methods, genomic editing and sequencing invented by Russian and foreign scientists. Garden carrot is a good source of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Together with the growing need in healthy eating, carrot becomes an increasingly popular product that is used not only as nourishment but also in cosmetology and for therapeutic purposes. In this view, advanced scientific studies in this area become highly important. Modern research largely applies the achievements of new technologies, which operate with germplasm, selection, immunity, tissue culture, and the results of molecular studies on carrot.