This article presents the results of the study of two growing seasons (2022–2023) of Origanum vulgare L. (common origanum), O. vulgare ssp. virens (Hoffmanns & Link) letsw., O. vulgare “Severnoe Siyanie”, O. vulgare f. aureum. The characteristics of the onset of phenological phases, biomorphological indicators, the yield of green mass of a plant during the flowering phase were studied, the success in the conditions of cultivation in the northern forest steppe of the Bashkir Urals (ufa) was evaluated. Studies on the biological characteristics of the above mentioned taxa of oreganum were carried out in the South Urals Botanical Garden-Institute of UFRC RAS at the collection site “Aromatic Garden”. Oreganums are perennial, rhizomatous, long-lived, summer-green plants with winter dormancy. According to the flowering period, they belong to the group of average summer plants with a flowering period of one month (a group of long-flowering plants). It was found that under the conditions of cultivation in the Bashkir Urals, the studied oreganum plants undergo a full cycle of life development, including flowering and seed formation (except for O. vulgare f. aureum). All studied forms of common oreganum grow well, develop well, form a well-developed above-ground mass. When evaluating the success of the introduction, the oreganum plants proved to be very resistant to the local climate, which makes it possible to recommend them for widespread use in the creation of herb gardens in the Bashkir Urals. 

The article presents data on the feasibility of using the natural organomineral phytomodulator “Beliy Zhemchug Antifreeze” (NOP BZh Antifreeze) to increase the resistance of a lowwinter-hardy blackberry crop to low freezing temperatures. The objects of the study were erect and semi-erect varieties of blackberries – “Ouachita”, “Chester”, “Black Magic”, “Black Gem”, “Loch Tay”. The experiment was carried out in the Moscow region, Dmitrovsky district, in a private berry nursery. The seedlings were grown in 10-litre containers for two years. There were three variants in the experiment: 1) spunbond with a density of 90 g / m2 was used as a winter shelter together with the application of the phytomodulator NOC BZh Antifreeze for protection against low-temperature stress; 2) treatment of plants with NOP BZh Antifreeze without winter shelter; 3) control plants were without shelter and without treatment. Comparing the samples using the Mann-Whitney test confirmed the hypothesis of reliable differences between the experimental variants. With the complex application of protective measures (treatment with the phytomodulator and shelter), the erect varieties “Black Magic” and “Black Gem” proved to be the most resistant to freezing temperatures, their shoots were not damaged (0 points.). The least resistant semi-erect variety was “Ouachita”, in the control variant (without shelter and without treatment with phytomodulator), significant shoot damage was observed (3 points.), while with complex protective measures winter damage was 1 point. The data obtained made it possible to recommend the use in nurseries of a combination of protective measures (treatment with the phytomodulator and shelter) against low-temperature stress – sheltering blackberry shoots with spunbond with the use of NOP BZh Antifreeze. 

Natural biologically active substances from plants are promising stimulants or inhibitors of various physiological conditions in animals and humans. Bittersweet (Celastrus L.) is a large liana that produces a significant amount of leaves, a rapidly growing renewable source of raw materials. The medicinal properties of Celastrus are currently poorly understood, and its medical use is limited to traditional use in Asia and North America. Data on agronomic techniques for the cultivation of the plants are very fragmentary and need to be generalised for the further possibility of their plantation cultivation as valuable medicinal plants. In order to select cultivars, the presence of Celastrus species in botanical gardens in the European part of Central Russia was surveyed and the most promising species were selected. Six Celastrus taxa are recommended as the most stable and best studied for possible plantation cultivation: C. rugosus, C. flagellaris, C. scandens, C. strigillosus, C. orbiculatus and C. orbiculatus var. punctatus. The results of phenological observations of the species in the arboretum of the Main Botanical Garden of the RAS were summarized and original observations were made. It was shown that leaf growth follows a sigmoid curve. Leaf growth is rapid until mid-May and then slows down for about a month. By early June the leaves are close to their final size and by the second decade of June leaf growth is complete. Flowering was found to begin in most taxa in the third decade of May and end in the second decade of June, with fruit ripening in plants of all taxa in mid-October. Plant propagation can be either vegetative, by green stem cuttings or root cuttings, or by seed with pre-stratification. On the basis of literature data on the cultivation of Celastrus species and woody lianas in general, as well as original observations of the plants, a flow chart for the cultivation of Celastrus has been compiled. 

Long-term studies were carried out at the experimental base of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (Michurinsky district, Tambov region) in the conditions of the northern part of the Central Chernozem region. The breeding program to create new varieties of white lupine (Lupinus albus L.) of determinant type was carried out on leached chernozems and included studies to assess the effect of stress factors on the main dynamic parameters and seed productivity of varieties of white lupine selected by the RSAU – MTAA. In the research in the conditions of 2021–2022 the new varieties of white lupine Timiryazevsky and Gana had a high level of adaptation potential in drought conditions: the yield was 540 g/m2 (Timiryazevsky) and 516 g/m2 (gana).

This article presents the results of the study of the meteorological effect of vegetation on the formation of economic traits of spring wheat in 2021–2022. Fifteen varieties, developed in the different ecological conditions, were selected as study material, among them Zlata was used as a standard. The research work was carried out at the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (evaluation of field trials during vegetation, analysis of yield and its structure) and at the Department of Remote Hybridization of the N.V. Tsitsin’s Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Science (laboratory evaluation of grain quality). The crops studied were grown at the Field Experiment Station of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. The soil types were sod-podzolic, sandy loam, loamy, structureless. The plot size is 1 m², three replications, randomized arrangement. Methods of field evaluation according to the methodology of the State Variety Testing as well as generally accepted laboratory evaluations were used. The meteorological conditions during the summer growing season varied greatly in terms of the sum of active temperatures and humidity conditions. The first half of the growing season in 2021 was favorable for wheat plant development. The period from flowering to the grain maturity was characterized by severe drought. In 2022, growing conditions were generally favorable. Simbirtsit (481 g/m²), Obskaya 2 (484 g/m²), Tobol’skaya (512 g/m²), margarita (603 g/m²), Favorit (505 g/m²), granni (484 g/m²) were the most productive varieties. The meteorological conditions of the Central Non-Chernozem region in 2021–2022 had an insignificant effect on the yields of most spring wheat varieties due to compensating mechanisms. Only the varieties Margarita, Uchitel’ and Iren’ were found to respond to the additional moisture. The varieties Saratovskaya 74, Simbirtsit, Tyumenskaya 29, Obskaya 2, and Tobol’skaya are characterized by high resistance to local strains of brown rust under natural infection conditions (7 points). The varieties Favorit and Simbirtsit are immune to powdery mildew (9 points). The varieties Simbirtsit, Obskaya 2, Tobol’skaya, Margarita, Favorit and Trizo are highly resistant to septoriosis (7 points). They can be used as source material for breeding spring wheat varieties. The meteorological effect is tracked for tillering productivity, number and weight of grains per ear, weight of 1000 grains and vitreousness. Drought during the grain formation and filling phase reduced the values of all indicators. Grain unit is the most stable indicator of grain physical properties. The earliest ripening varieties are Zlata and Iren’ (the duration of vegetation is 79–81 and 76–79, respectively). The latest ripening varieties are Tobol’skaya, Favorit and Trizo (8, 10 and 16 days after the standard, respectively). High grain content per ear was observed in the varieties Agata, Margarita, Uchitel’, Favorit, Granni (33–39pcs) in the conditions of the Central Non-Chernozem region. The indicator of grain weight per ear can be used as a morphological marker for selection of high-yielding genotypes of spring wheat in the Central Non-Chernozem region. 

In the conditions of the Central Non-Chernozem region, the development of wheat and triticale varieties combining stable high yields and grain quality is one of the most important breeding problems. One of the solutions may be to increase the genetic diversity of new varieties through interspecific and intergeneric hybridization. Trititrigia (×Trititrigia cziczinii Tzvel., 1973) is a synthetic grain crop (2n=56), a potential donor of economically valuable traits of wheat. The studies were carried out in the conditions of sod-podzolic heavy loamy soils of the Moscow region (2008–2014). Samples of late generations of trititrigia from the modern collection of the Department of Remote Hybridization of the МBG RAS on grain quality were studied. The results show that most of the samples (82%) have a potentially high protein content exceeding 13.5%. 10% of the samples accumulate more than 16% protein in grain and can be included in breeding programs. The studied samples exceed the varieties Moskovskaya 39 and Zarya in the amount of gluten in grain and form from 32.6 to 52.0% and can be used both for cultivation as independent varieties for dry gluten production and as parent components in crosses.

The results of studies on the effect of the substrate composition for the cultivation of Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) are presented. The search for alternative raw materials for the preparation of substrates is associated with the possibility of using lignin-ammonium compost, balanced in terms of basic nutrients, which is much cheaper than oak sawdust and is more accessible in the region. Replacing brown rice by wheat grain in the substrate contributed to the enrichment of the mass with vitamins, proteins and essential amino acids. The possibility of using a lignin component in the substrate composition in the form of ligninammonia compost (50%) and wheat grain (20%), partially replacing expensive and scarce raw materials (oak sawdust, brown rice), was evaluated. The use of a new substrate composition promotes the active colonization of the substrate mass by the mycelium of medicinal Lion’s mane mushroom of the Beard and Belgium strains (97–99%), additional (by 0.39% of the substrate mass) collection of fruiting bodies of the Beard strain and increased (by 1.6%) yield of dry mass of products of the Beard and Belgium strains. The economic effect of growing H. erinaceus on the developed substrate is expressed in profit (for the Beard strain – 20,540 rubles, for the Belgium strain – 5,860 rubles), while on the classical substrate a loss is obtained. The profitability of the mushroom production of the studied strains on the experimental substrate is 16.4% for the Beard strain and 4.68% for the Belgium strain, on the classical substrate – 12.1% and 21.0%, respectively. Reducing the cost of mushroom products may have a positive effect on the purchasing power of consumers. The addition of a lignin component to the substrate promotes the utilization of of hydrolytic lignins in large quantities, thus improving the environmental situation in the places where they are stored.

E.G. Samoshchenkov, V.K. Bakun, V.A. Maslova, L.P., Skali and others made a great contribution to the development of this technology. The basis of the technology of herbaceous cuttings is the natural ability of plants to restore lost organs or parts – regeneration, it gives an opportunity to obtain plants from leafy stem cuttings after the formation of their adventitious roots. The manifestation of regeneration is not uniform and largely depends on various factors, such as life form, genetic characteristics, age and condition of the mother plant, rooting conditions, etc. Herbaceous cuttings allow obtaining high results only when using proven techniques for growing different crops, while the industrial reproduction of promising varieties and rootstocks for them still remains an urgent task requiring the search for new solutions. The aim of the work was to study the effect of different types of pre-planting treatments of green cuttings of clonal rootstocks OP 23–23 and V 2 and substrate on the rooting ability of cuttings (number of 1st order roots, pcs. and length, cm) and their growth indices (length, cm) under conditions of artificial fog. As a result of the research, new data were obtained on ways to increase the rooting ability of herbaceous cuttings. The best results were obtained by treatment of cuttings with IBA, disinfection of substrate (fungicide Maxim – 2 ml/l), treatment with antitranspirants, disinfection of cuttings before planting (UV – 24 hours, Belizna 50 – ml/l), soaking in fertiliser solution (Extrasol – 10 ml/l, Humate+7 Iodine – 1 g/l), pre-lighting with red light. The positive effect of encapsulating the basal part of the cuttings on increasing the yield of planting material has been demonstrated. The only disadvantage of this technique is the need for manual labour, which can be solved quite successfully with the right organization of the process.

The article analyzes the evaluation of the horse’s behavior according to the methodology developed by the authors and designed for the selection of “hobby class” horses for use in amateur equestrian sports and horse riding. The methodology is a point-based system for evaluating behavior according to certain criteria, with each of them being assigned 0 to 4 points in the interaction between a horse and a person. The average score determines the degree of suitability of a horse as a “hobby class” animal. Mares were found to be the most suitable for use as amateur sport horses, while there were no breed or age differences in the behavior of the horses. Behavioral and economic indicators of horse use were also compared. It was found that animals with high behavior scores, 3.0 points and above, were more likely to be used by inexperienced riders. The income from this group of horses was higher compared to those with low behavior scores. 

The effect of organic compounds synthesized at the Department of Organic Chemistry of Voronezh State University on the sowing qualities and growth performance of the deciduous shrub Rhododendron yellow (Rhododendron luteum Sweet) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) was studied. The purpose of the work was to identify the effects of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2dihydroquinoline and its derivatives on the growth activity of Rhododendron yellow and sugar beet. Treatment of uncoated sugar beet seeds with an aqueous solution of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline increased the seed germination energy by 37–46%, the seed germination by 32–40%, average seedling length by 53–94%, and the weight of 100 seedlings by 69–125% compared to the control. Dihydroquinolines and, to a lesser extent, tetrahydroquinolines may be considered more effective substances in the early stages of development of Rhododendron luteum. The compound 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline had a positive effect on the growth activity of Rhododendron yellow and sugar beet. The sowing qualities and growth traits of the plants studied significantly improved under the effect of synthesized organic compounds.

Social policy is the most important component of the development system of the agroindustrial sector of any country. Seasonal employment of agricultural workers is one of the key issues of social regulation of the sector. Currently in Russia there is no definition of this category of workers at the legislative level, nor are there any measures for their social protection.

This factor is an obstacle to the effective development of the industry. In this regard, in order to substantiate the need to strengthen social support for domestic seasonal workers, the article examines international experience in this area. As an example, countries with similar economic and geographical location and with labour shortages in agriculture are selected – the European Union, Canada, the United States of America. The analysis of the practice of attracting migrant workers from abroad for seasonal work shows that such regulation of employment is associated with certain social and financial risks and, in a crisis situation, poses a threat to the country’s food security. Taking this into account, the author presents arguments in favour of attracting domestic labour resources for seasonal work in Russia. At the same time, the need to provide social guarantees, benefits and targeted support for this category of workers within the framework of the current social policy in agriculture was noted. The implementation of these measures will contribute to increasing the employment of the population in agriculture and, as a result, to the smooth and efficient functioning of the industry.