A stationary field experiment carried out in 1978 on sod-podzolic heavy loamy soil (Eutric Albic Retisols (Abruptic, Loamic, Cutanic)) found that the application of mineral fertilizers in increasing doses led to acidification of the soil by the end of the fifth crop rotation in the arable layer with pH 5.6 when laying the experiment to pH 4.5 in the (NPK)₁₅₀ variant. The use of NPK at 90-150 kg ai/ha contributed to the preservation of the initial humus level, an increase in the content of mobile phosphorus to 452 and exchangeable potassium to 403 mg/kg. The yield of cereals, potatoes and meadow clover in the crop rotation depended on hydrothermal conditions during the growing season of plants and the level of mineral nutrition. The yield of winter rye amounted to 4.51-4.85 t/ha and practically did not depend on the dose of fertilizers applied. As an NPK dose increased, the protein content in winter rye grain increased from 8.32% in the control samples to 11.57% in the samples with the maximum dose of the complex fertilizer. Potatoes produced a maximum yield (21.81 t/ha) when fertilized at a dose of 90 kg/ha. At increased doses of NPK in potato tubers, a decrease in starch content and an increase in nitrates above MAC were observed. The best indicators of yield (2.5 t/ha) and spring wheat quality were determined on options (NRK)₆₀ and (NRK)₉₀, the increase in control was 0.76-0.82 t/ha. The highest content of protein (18.41%) and gluten (37.48%) in wheat grain was determined by applying NPK at a rate of 60 kg ai/ha. High weediness of crops and adverse weather conditions did not provide for full implementation of the yield potential of meadow clover. In the conditions of the dry growing season of 2016, the maximum yield of barley was obtained by applying a full mineral fertilizer at a rate of 120-150 kg ai/ha (2.54-2.79 t/ha), the surplus to the option without the use of fertilizers was 0.99-1.24 t/ha (НСР₀₅ = 0.15). The Stayer spring oats produced a maximum yield of 5.43 t/ha with NPK application at a rate of 90 kg ai/ha. The nitrogen content in the grain was very low and did not depend on the application of mineral fertilizers.

The change in the composition of soil microbiota as a result of the cultivation of various crops in agrocenoses is currently of great interest. The authors studied the effect of the root system of transgenic tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in soil culture on the microbial community in the rhizosphere. The results showed that as a result of the cultivation of transgenic plants with the choline oxidase gene, the microbial community composition in the rhizosphere has changed significantly. A significant increase in the proportion (73%) and species diversity (Shannon index 2.25) of actinobacteria in the soil root zone of tomato transgenic codA plants as compared with control plants (10% and 0.95, respectively) has been revealed. The content of pseudomonads and micromycetes is significantly reduced (25 and 12% in transgenic plants; 70 and 81% in control plants, respectively). Thus, genetically modified plants are able to influence the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere.

Nowadays, table grape consumers prefer seedless grape varieties, so the market promotion of seedless varieties continues at a rapid pace. Responding to consumer preferences, the breeders have developed numerous various-flavour seedless varieties with large berries and bunches. The study purpose is to assess the prospects of cultivation and use in breeding of a new seedless Regal Seedless grape variety bred in South Africa. By origin, this is an intraspecific hybrid of the species V. vinifera L., with an early middle ripening period. The author carried out the variety study to assess agrobiological, economically valuable traits and properties and compiled a short ampelographic description. The study was carried out in 2017-2019 at the experimental vineyard of Ya.I. Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute for Viticulture and Winemaking - Branch of Federal Rostov Agricultural Research Center. The study focuses on non-irrigated covered and grafted vineyards, the Kober 5BB rootstock, the planting pattern of 3 х 1.5 m, and a fan-shaping thankless bush. As to a set of positive parameters (yield, high vendebility, natural seedlessness without the use of gibberellin, large size characteristics, and good taste), the Regal Seedless variety is of certain interest for industrial viticulture, and this variety can also be recommended for use in further breeding as a source of seedless and large berries. According to preliminary studies, the ripened berries of this variety should not be kept long on the bush to prevent peel browning and deterioration in vendebility. The variety is recommended as a highly commercial table grape without the PPP use, but it is not suitable for the production of raisins due to insufficient sugar accumulation. It is recommended that the variety should be grown in areas of sufficient moisture or as an irrigated crop.

The selection process for getting the perfect variety is continuous and always relevant. In the context of the development of domestic viticulture and winemaking, modern economic and environmental conditions require a wide range of grapes that have a set of various economically valuable qualities, including high adaptability, biological plasticity, combined with consistently high quality of the crop. It is especially important to develop competitive, highly profitable grape varieties that do not require a large pesticide load and are resistant to frost and fungal diseases. The paper presents the results of agrobiological study of the red Krasnostop Carpi wine grape variety. Agrobiological and morphological characteristics of the variety are given according to research data for 3 years. The authors carried out ampelometric screening of the leaf to certify the variety. The Krasnostop Carpi is a mid-late ripeness variety of grape. The weight of berry is 1.9-2.0g. The skin is of medium thickness. The pulp is meaty and juicy. The taste is harmonious. Sugar content is 220-240 g/dm³, acidity - 6.3 g/dm³. The variety can withstand frost down to - 25-27°С, resistant to mildew and powdery mildew. The Krasnostop Carpi variety is promising for cultivation in the northern industrial viticulture of Russia. The variety passed State testing in 2018, it features high biological plasticity: resistance to thermal stress and fungal diseases. It is used for the production of dry wines of high quality. The authors recommend the variety for commercial growing in Region 6 using the uncovered growing technology with two preventive treatments against fungal diseases.

Fodder grain plays a priority role in ensuring high productivity of farm animals and poultry, revealing their genetic potential. Therefore, it is necessary to use the most advanced methods of grain preservation for the most complete preservation of the original feeding power. Such methods in recent years include the technology of sealed storage of raw fodder grain harvested before the complete maturation phase. Various biological and chemical additives are used to improve the preservation results. The use of such additives (due to the specific features of preserved raw materials) is obligatory. The authors conducted comparative tests of certain types of additives for processing raw fodder grains in the whole and flattened forms to determine the effect of different degree of compaction on the effectiveness of their preserving action. They made an experiment, and the quality of fermentation was determined using generally accepted methods. The raw grain isolated from air access is protected from spoilage due to acidification, so the effectiveness of using preservative additives was primarily determined by the effect on this indicator. The whole grain was put into storage with a higher moisture content (35%) than the flattened one (about 25%), which ensured its significantly better acidification regardless of the degree of compaction. A denser grain storage pattern provided better grain acidification regardless of grain moisture. From tested preparations, the flattened grain was better acidified by powdered sulphur at the medium degree of compaction for storage; the whole grain was better acidified by Biosil NN at the maximum degree of compaction. On average the preparations used in the experiment were arranged in the following sequence (as their influence on the degree of grain acidification weakened): powdered sulphur → biopreparations Biosil NN → chemical preservative Promir.

The paper deals with the influence of different feed quality on the chemical composition and features of nutrient accumulation in the somatic muscles and hepatopancreas of two-year-old carp species. Fish were fed using pendulum auto-feeders on demand with K-111 compound feeds (23% protein and 3.5% fat) and Karp 38/12 (38% protein and 12% fat). In variant I, K-111 compound feed was used (in both car feeders), in variant II - Karp-38/12 (in both car feeders), in variant III-K-111 and Karp-38/12 (in different car feeders). The bionic method allows identifying the preference offish for a particular type of feed. Regardless of the diets used, the water content in organs and tissues decreases during the growing of two-year-old carp species, which is primarily due to the accumulation offat. To a lesser extent, this is due to the number of dry fat-free substance. Red muscles, regardless of the diet, contain more fat than the white one (in 3.9-4.2 times). Similar data on fat content were obtained for the liver. As a rule, the hypaxial part of the white muscles slightly exceeds the epaxial one in terms of fat content in the process of fish growing. The number of dry fat-free substance varies to a lesser extent and does not have a well-defined relationship with the structure of fish organs and tissues. When using all types of feed and their combination by the end of growing, there is an increase in fat in the muscles of two-year-old species. The most intensive accumulation of energy substance occurs in the oxidative muscles offish fed with a combined diet (38.6%). Similar changes occur in the hepatopancreas, but the intensity of fat accumulation is higher in carp in variant II (Karp 38/12) (P < 0.05). In fish in variant III (K-111, Karp 38/12), the value of this indicator is intermediate. The fat content in the epaxial and hypaxial muscles is quite similar. At the end of growing, the tested diets actually have no effect on fat accumulation in white muscles. The hepatopancreas offish that consume “Karp 38/12” food has the highest fat content. A low-calorie diet (K-111) does not contribute to intensive fat accumulation in the hepatopancreas. The fat content in carp species of variant I is lower than in two-year-old species from variant II and III by 1.9 and 1.5 times, respectively. When feeding K-111, the main depot of fat is white muscle (50-64%). An important place for storing energy substances is the hypaxial part of the muscles (52-78%). The role of red muscles in this process is less significant (36-41%). The use of high-calorie feed leads to some changes in the quantitative localization of fat reserves. White muscles of two-year-old species tend to gradually lose their dominant position during fat accumulation (41-52%). The amount of fat in them is reduced by 19.4-33.2% (P < 0.05), as compared with option I. The main places of fat accumulation are the hepatopancreas and red muscles (56-59%). The study results indicate the relationship between the energy intensity of feed and the chemical composition of somatic muscles, thier parts and the hepatopancreas. Special attention should be paid to the problems of ensuring the trophic needs offish when simultaneously using feed products.

The paper presents the results of evaluating the efficiency of feed rations offered to broilers of the Arbor Acres cross, formed taking into account the climatic, geochemical conditions of Central Africa and its native food flora. The study was conducted on the basis of an experimental farm at the University of N’Djamena, the Republic of Chad. In the experiment, the authors used five formulas of feed rations, which are currently used by farms in the Republic of Chad for growing broiler chickens. They mainly contain locally availble ingredients. To increase the resistance of the poultry organism to unfavorable environmental factors, the chickens of the control and experimental groups were given “TETRACOLIVIT” and “AMIN’TOTAL” vitamins. The efficiency of feed rations was evaluated by determining the age dynamics of live weight, average weekly gains in live weight and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross from 1 to 42 days of life. The formula of feed ration No. 1 proved to be the most effective in terms of the cross productivity.

The author proves that in modern conditions the strategy of Russian Universities should be focused on a clear view of deep organizational and economic changes in the organizational system necessary for ensuring compliance with the University’s fast-changing environment instead of ambitious goals in the areas of their activity. The author presents the results of a critical analysis of the current system of adjusting the salary of academic staff using a variety of indicators. The paper argues that the University should not be predominantly influenced by the dececions of governing bodies. Instead, it should be focused on the interests of scientific, educational and innovative development of agriculture and rural areas of the region. A significant role should be given to employers and other beneficiaries of the outcomes of the University’s activities and their influence on the University management system. The author draws on some examples of such strategical behaviour of Russian universities and proves the necessity of changes in the system of academic staff motivation. Accordingly, he proposes that the number of qualification levels of the University academic and scientific staff should be increased and the evaluation criteria of each level should be determined accorfding to the University development strategy.

The development of traditional agricultural consumer cooperatives, created within the framework of Federal Law-193, in Russia is extremely slow. This is facilitated by a number of economic, institutional and psychological constraints. Accordingly, despite the rapid growth of production in peasant farms, and the still significant share of households in the gross agricultural output, for the most part they are not members of agricultural consumer cooperatives. However, cooperative interaction is especially important for small businesses. At the same time, in practice, there are numerous forms of cooperation between small agricultural producers that do not fit into the framework of traditional cooperatives. The identification and systematization of these emerging “bottom” forms, recommendations for their support is, therefore, an urgent task. This paper systematizes case-study materials by types of informal cooperation outside the framework of consumer cooperatives, obtained during field research in 2019. Based on the analysis of measures of state support within the framework offederal and regional programs for the development of agriculture, individual measures have been identified that contribute to overcoming the small-scale production of small businesses. At the same time, the analysis showed the absence of measures to support the already existing non-traditional forms of cooperative interaction. Recommendations for supporting these forms are formulated.

The paper shows the significant contribution of Vsevolod Makrichievich Klechkovskiy to the development of agrochemistry and radioecology. V.M. Klechkovskiy worked all his life at the Department of Agrochemistry of Timiryazev Academy as an assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and Head of the Department. His creative activity was associated with two areas of research - agrochemistry and radioecology (the subject area established by him). In 1946, he was appointed Head of the Biophysical Laboratory (BPhL) at the Department of Agrochemistry and made a significant contribution to the development of radioecology as an independent research area. The authors demonstrate that the Biophysical Laboratory laid the foundation for establishing the All-Union Research Institute of Agricultural Radiology and Agroecology.

The paper represents materials about the 155^th anniversary of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, which was founded on December 3, 1865.