The study aims to conduct a comprehensive historical analysis of the evolution of the Timiryazev Academy (Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy) from its foundation in 1865 to the present day, to identify patterns of continuity in scientific and educational traditions, as well as to summarize the experience of adapting agricultural education to the political, social, and economic challenges of different eras, including repressions, wars, reforms, and crises. The methodological framework of the study is based on the principles of historicism and systemic analysis, implemented through problem-chronological, historical-genetic, comparative-historical, and institutional approaches. A critical analysis of archival sources from the collections of the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF), the Russian State Archive of the Economy (RGAE), the Central Historical Archive of Moscow (TsIAM), the Central Archive of the Ministry of Defence (TsAMO), and the History Museum of the Timiryazev Academy has enabled the reconstruction of a reliable historical narrative, free from the contextual layers of previous historiography. The study presents, for the first time in historical literature, a holistic reconstruction of the 160-year journey of the university – from the liberal Petrovskaya Agricultural and Forestry Academy, through the strict regulation of the Moscow Agricultural Institute, Soviet transformations, wartime heroism, and survival in the 1990s, to its current status as a national treasure and innovation leader. It establishes that the key factor in the academy’s sustainability has been the continuity of scientific schools, which has preserved the foundations of agronomic thought despite repressions and ideological pressure. Additionally, the study has identified the university’s strategic triune function at all stages: ensuring food security, training personnel for national defence, and modernizing the agro-industrial sector. The significance of the study lies in filling a gap in historiography, where no comprehensive works have previously covered the pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and post-Soviet periods as a unified whole. The materials of the article can be used in preparing works on the history of agricultural education, in museum and educational activities, and in developing strategies for the advancement of agricultural universities, taking into account the historical experience of crisis adaptation. This is particularly relevant in the context of contemporary challenges related to ensuring Russia’s scientific and technological independence and food sovereignty.

The colloidal component of soils affects many soil properties, including water retentivity. To reflect the structure of the colloidal component, the term “gel films” was introduced in the 1930s-1950s. A diagnostic property of gels as colloidal systems is their ability to coagulate and peptize – processes that determine the mobility of colloidal particles. The study aimed to investigate the effect of soil gel mobility and their components on soil water retentivity. The research was conducted on samples of grey forest soil and leached chernozem. Soil water retentivity was determined using the equilibrium centrifugation method, while the mobility of colloidal particles was assessed by measuring the optical density of soil extracts. The experimental results showed that soil drying significantly reduces its water retentivity compared to freshly sampled soil. Adding an ammonia water solution to air-dry samples increases the negative charge of humic substances in the soil and enhances their mobility. This is confirmed by an increase in the optical density of soil extracts as the ammonia water solution concentration rises. As the mobility of humic substances increases, soil water retentivity enhances. The findings suggest that water retentivity can be increased not only by adding water-retaining components, but also by using substances that help block soil capillaries.

Field experiments were conducted in the leached chernozem soils of the foothill zone of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania (characterized as a forest-steppe with a moderately humid climate) to scientifically substantiate cultivation techniques for promising soybean varieties and improve components of adaptive cultivation technology. The research objects were early-ripening soybean varieties Bars and Irbis. For pre-sowing seed treatment, the following were used: rizotorphin (strain 643b), microelements (Mo, Mn, Se), and growth regulators (Epin, Pectin). Classic methods of experiment design, phenological observations, and statistical data processing were applied during the study. It was found that pre-sowing soybean seed treatment with Epin and Pectin creates favourable conditions for the development of legume-rhizobial symbiosis and contributes to the formation of a symbiotic apparatus by 19.7-50.4% more compared to traditional inoculant alone. When combined with Rizotorfin, the mass of active nodules reached 384.8-403.5 kg/ha with Epin and 354.8-358.6 kg/ha with Pectin, surpassing control variants by 49-62% and 33-50%, respectively. The largest assimilating leaf surface was formed in soybean agrocenoses using Pectin (43.1-46.1 thousand m²/ha) and especially Epin (49.1-50.6 thousand m²/ha) against the background of Rizotorphin. The effect of Pectin application was 22.3-23.8%, and that of Epin – 35.0-42.5%. The Bars variety demonstrated a photosynthetic potential 22.8-31.2% higher than the Irbis variety. Maximum symbiotic and photosynthetic activities of crops in the Rizotorphin + Epin treatment ensured the formation of 2.35-2.46 t/ha of seed yield, outperforming control variants by 36.7-42.4%. Among the soybean cultivars, the Bars variety showed a significant advantage, achieving 4.7-10.3% higher seed productivity.

Bacterial canker of tomato is a harmful disease widespread in tomato crops. The pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis (Smith; Davis et al.) Li et al. exhibits particular virulence in protected ground conditions. Rapid and accurate detection of C. michiganensis in tomato seeds using modern diagnostic methods can help reduce the risk of disease spread and improve crop yield and product quality. The study was conducted at the Laboratory of the Research and Methodology Department of Bacteriology, All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center, in 2022-2023. The study aimed to assess the applicability of three PCR tests proposed in international protocols for diagnosing the bacterial canker in tomato. The objectives included determining the key performance criteria of primer systems: analytical sensitivity and specificity, selectivity, reproducibility, and repeatability. Domestic reagents were used in the study, which helped reduce costs and increase the accessibility of diagnostics. According to the protocols by Sudarshana et al. and Bach et al. the PCR tests demonstrated high analytical sensitivity of of 10³ CFU/mL, while according to the protocol by Oosterhof and Berendsen sensitivity was 10⁴ CFU/mL. All primer systems demonstrated 100% specificity, with no cross-reactions observed with other strains. No selectivity was detected. The repeatability and reproducibility of all tests reached 100% at the sensitivity threshold level. Based on the assessment of the three primer systems, the PCR method described by Sudarshana et al. was selected as a screening tool for detecting bacterial tomato canker in analytical samples from seeds and vegetative parts of the plant. The remaining PCR tests are recommended as confirmatory assays.

Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl. are relict giant plants whose reproductive vulnerability cannot be challenged. Currently, the depletion of natural populations and the risk of plant extinction are acute issues. Therefore, biotechnological methods for creating in vitro genetic banks and bioresource collections are becoming particularly relevant. Such technologies include clonal micropropagation, which allows obtaining genetically stable, “healthy” planting material with a high reproduction rate. Extractive substances from Sequoia sempervirens tissues exhibit high biological activity. Aseptic in vitro cultures also retain the ability to biosynthesize substances with high biological activity. It is known that in vitro gymnosperms cultures are challenging to initiate and exhibit slow growth rates. Therefore, the study aimed at overcoming these methodological barriers is of particular importance. This study presents a method for obtaining callus tissue from the loewr apex of S. sempervirens microclones cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium supplemented with various auxins (2,4-D, IAA, IBA, and NAA) at a concentration of 3 mg/L. The nutrient medium variant with NAA showed the earliest activation of the dedifferentiation process. In contrast, callus cultivated on the medium with IAA exhibited a low growth rate and developed a dark brown colouration.

The study presents the results of investigating the effect of seed warming on two alfalfa varieties – Verko and Relax. Germination rate and germination energy were evaluated. The thermal factor had an equally beneficial effect on both varieties. The best results were observed for yellow-coloured seeds treated at 40°C for three days. This variant exceeded the control in germination energy by 44%. In the experiment comparing seed warming in a thermostat versus warming using solar radiation, the latter variant showed a poorer effect. The germination rate increased only slightly due to insufficient warming duration. The highest effect on seed germination was achieved with thermostat warming at 40°C for five days. As a result, germination increased by 30%. When studying the effect of thermal treatment on seeds collected from alfalfa plants of different ages, it was found that seeds from first-year plants responded best to thermal treatment, showing a 47% increase in germination rate. To investigate the duration of the warming effect for subsequent seed storage, seeds from different sowing and harvesting periods were used. After thermal treatment and initial germination testing, the seeds were stored in a barn for two years. Their germination was checked one year after storage and then again after the second year. The results showed that yellow seeds demonstrated an increase in germination up to 98%, while brown seeds, in contrast, showed a 54% decrease in germination compared to the control.

In adaptive farming, focused on stress tolerance and resource efficiency, pre-sowing seed quality assessment of shelterbelt crops is critical. The study evaluates the predictive potential of normalized spectral indices of the seed coat (epidermis) in the RGB space for forecasting laboratory-container germination. The research uses as an example a breeding form of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L. cv. Negorelskaya), which is used in protective afforestation. Seven normalized indices minimizing the influence of overall brightness were analyzed: [(R-G-B)/(R+G)]², [(R-B)/(R+B)]², [(G-B)/(G+B)]², [(G-R)/(G+R)]², [(R+G-B)/(R+G+B)]², [(R+B-G)/(R+G+B)]², [(G+B-R)/(R+G+B)]². Scanner images were obtained for more than 1 000 individual seeds, and container germination was assessed on the 50th day. Statistically significant differences (p<0.0001-0.0165) in the distributions of all indices were established between zero- and non-zero-germination groups. Stable spectral patterns associated with low germination potential were identified: increased relative reflectance in the red and green channels compared to the blue channel and decreased reflectance in the blue channel relative to the red and green ones. The findings demonstrate the possibility of integrating simple, low-cost spectral markers based on RGB scanning into seed technology passports. This approach enables non-destructive selection of viable seed material with predictable properties. It is a key element of the “Target Plant” concept for establishing adaptive, stress-tolerant forest shelterbelts.

Body Condition Score (BCS) in dairy cattle is used to monitor animal energy status and to identify the risks of metabolic and reproductive disorders. In industrial video recording, the accuracy of automated BCS estimation is limited by the displacement of reference anatomical landmarks. This displacement arises due to changes in animal posture, walking speed, uneven lighting, glare, and shadows. The study aimed to develop an adaptive video-frame selection algorithm to improve the detection accuracy of reference keypoints and contour landmarks in automated body condition assessment of dairy cattle. The research material consisted of video sequences of 983 dairy cows. For analysis, a system of reference points and contour landmarks of the pelvic region was used. Image processing was performed using a multitask neural network model for localizing key points and contours, followed by BCS prediction on a 1-5 scale. The developed algorithm included adaptive frame sampling based on animal walking speed, visibility assessment of anatomical zones, and component-wise selection of the most informative frames to form a consistent set of features. Application of the algorithm resulted in a reduction of the mean absolute error in BCS estimation from 0.34 to 0.22 score points, an increase in the proportion of predictions within ±0.5 points from 86.2% to 93.7%, and an improvement in the weighted Cohen’s κ coefficient from 0.74 to 0.86. The normalized localization error of reference keypoints decreased from 0.071 to 0.048. The findings confirm that adaptive frame preprocessing enhances the accuracy and robustness of automated body condition assessment under industrial video recording conditions.

To fully realise the genetic potential of broilers and increase productivity in poultry farming, metal particles in nanoform have been applied as biologically active feed additives. These additives optimise metabolism, help prevent hypovitaminosis, and activate immune responses. This scientific study assessed the biological effect of the Zn-C nanocomposite on the growth, morphological, and biochemical blood parameters of broiler chickens. The addition of the Zn-C nanocomposite at a minimal dosage (0.2 ppm) promoted higher growth intensity during feeding – the bird mass was 5.4% greater than that of the control group. Zinc in nanoform, as a feed additive, also had a positive effect on the morphobiochemical blood parameters of broiler chickens. The leukogram of broiler chickens in the experimental groups showed a noticeable increase in the number of neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes relative to the total number of white blood cells. The number of erythrocytes and haemoglobin was lower than in the control group in the experimental groups, but the mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were higher than in the control. Biochemical analysis of the blood serum of broiler chickens revealed increased activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. A decrease in bilirubin relative to the control was observed in all experimental groups. In Group I, phosphorus levels increased by 8.91% relative to the control. The findings are important for expanding the range of feed additives with growth-stimulating effects in poultry farming.

Sheep farming occupies an important place in the livestock sector of Russia. Due to the low maintenance and feeding requirements of sheep, as well as the potential for producing a wide variety of products, this industry plays a significant role in ensuring the country’s food security. The issue of national food security is a crucial task, the solution of which is directly linked to increasing domestic production of livestock products, particularly meat, including mutton. One effective way to increase mutton production is to expand the use of specialised meat breeds, including foreign-bred Dorper rams. The research was conducted on purebred Edilbaev rams and their peers with different blood fractions: half-bred (½ Edilbaev and ½ Dorper) and one-quarter-bred (¼ Edilbaev and ¾ Dorper). The study examined the effect of crossbreeding Edilbaev ewes with Dorper rams at varying blood fractions on the growth and development of young animals. First-generation crossbreds (with a proportion of Dorper blood) significantly outperformed their purebred Edilbaev counterparts in weight, growth rate, and slaughter performance at all stages of the study. However, as the proportion of Dorper blood increased in crossbreeds, the positive heterosis effect weakened.

Optimization of the feeding system of repair young animals is a determining factor affecting the subsequent productivity of animals. The study aimed to establish the optimal rate of organic chromium feeding for young cattle aged 6-9 months. The experiment was conducted on the basis of JSC Enterprise Yemelyanovka (Moscow region, Ozersk district). Three groups of animals were formed: group 1 (control) received the basic ration (BD), experimental group 2 received BD + 3.75 mg/head per day of inorganic chromium, and experimental group 3 received BD + 2.81 mg/head per day of inorganic chromium. Upon reaching the age of 9 months, the live weight indicators of heifers of the 2-nd and 3-rd experimental groups exceeded the results of the control group by 4.9% and 4.6%, respectively. The average daily increase in the experimental groups reached 1470.4 g and 1493.2 g, exceeding the control indicators by 12.20% and 13.95%. Energy consumption per 1 kg of gain was lower in the experimental groups by 8.3% and 9.8%. The positive dynamics of morphological and biochemical blood parameters in these groups was also noted. Based on the data obtained, it was found that the optimal daily intake of organic chromium in the diet of young cattle aged 6-9 months is 2.81 mg/head per day.

In the context of current state policy, focused on stable food security and achieving technological sovereignty, the systemic sustainable development of the agro-industrial sector becomes particularly important. Strategic priorities include increasing agricultural output, implementing import substitution measures through the use of domestically produced machinery and equipment, utilizing the national seed fund and breeding resources, and intensifying production using innovative technologies. These factors impose increased requirements on the efficiency of agricultural companies as the basic element of the sectoral structure. The methodological approaches proposed in the article for developing an organizational and economic mechanism to improve efficiency – in the context of enhancing strategic management of agricultural companies – aim to solve practical tasks of identifying and harnessing untapped opportunities to boost the business performance. Taking into account the priority objectives of developing agro-industrial production and the significant impact of state regulation measures on the economy of agricultural companies, the authors have classified state interests in the economic, social, and environmental spheres. The developed model of the organizational and economic mechanism is based on the need to align internal efficiency improvement objectives with national targets and sectoral development vectors. A key element in this mechanism is the assessment and monitoring block, which forms an information and analytical system to support the management of agribusiness development processes. A content analysis of existing scientific approaches to assessing the performance of economic entities has revealed the feasibility of applying an integral assessment based on a matrix (dynamic) model using non-parametric methods. The specifics of production processes in agriculture suggest two main stages: direct production of agricultural output and subsequent operations related to its primary processing, storage, and marketing. This division justifies the need for a management functional analysis and a separate assessment of the efficiency of an agricultural company’s production and commercial activities. The final assessment data will allow for scientifically substantiated identification of priority areas and the development of practical recommendations for improving the efficiency of business processes in agricultural companies.

The article analyses the key areas of state financial support for agriculture in Russia in 2019-2025. Based on an analysis of Rosstat data, the outcomes of sectoral programs, and compliance with regulatory acts, the following trends were identified: growth in production volumes, increasing regional differentiation, and transformation of tools for subsidizing, preferential lending, and agricultural insurance. It is shown that the vector of state policy is shifting from compensating current costs towards strategic investments in technological modernization and the development of human and scientific potential in the agricultural sector. Particular attention is paid to the federal project “Development of Small-Scale Agribusiness” (starting in 2026), which consolidates support measures for farm households and private subsidiary plots. Recommendations are formulated to improve the efficiency of budget expenditures and adapt the mechanisms of state financial support for agriculture to regional conditions.

The article presents an authoring system of indicators for the balanced development of the grain subcomplex in the Saratov Region, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The object of the study is the grain subcomplex of the Saratov Region. A methodology for developing an integral sustainability indicator, adapted to regional specific features, has been designed. The study resulted in the creation and substantiation of a system comprising 15 key ESG indicators, including their weighting coefficients, threshold values, and an integrated ESG index calculation model. This enables a quantitative assessment of the level of balanced development within the subcomplex. Threshold values for the indicators are proposed, along with practical recommendations for implementing a monitoring system. The findings can be applied by agricultural sector authorities for strategic planning and enhancing the competitiveness of regional grain production, in line with global sustainable development trends.

The article develops a methodology for assessing the export potential of a grain cluster. The methodology is based on the integration of five functional blocks, which include production and resource indicators, logistics and infrastructure indicators, market and economic conjuncture indicators, institutional indicators, and financial and investment indicators. For quantitative measurement, an integral indicator is proposed. It is calculated by normalizing partial indicators and then summing them up with weighting coefficients. The testing of the developed tools on the materials of the Krasnodar Territory allowed classifying the region as high export potential. The analysis revealed key limitations, including significant depreciation of fixed assets, a high proportion of elevator facilities operated in excess of standard deadlines, as well as insufficient diversification of export markets. Scenario modelling results showed that implementing an optimistic scenario, which involves expanding port facilities, modernising the elevator infrastructure, and increasing the supply of mineral fertilizers, could significantly boost the integral indicator by 2030. The study also justifies the possibility of reinvesting a portion of export revenues into the development of agritourism as a promising avenue for diversifying the rural economy. This approach can help reduce the dependence of rural areas on price fluctuations in the global grain market.