The year 2023 is a special year for domestic selection: this year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Production at Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, the first department of this profile in Russia. Among the rapid changes in everyday life in post-revolutionary Russia, much was possible even in such a conservative environment as education. In 1923, thanks to the efforts of the Russian geneticist and breeder Sergey I. Zhegalov, this department was organised on the basis of the Breeding Station. The activities of the Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production are based on a solid academic foundation laid by Sergei I. Zhegalov and developed by his followers who have headed and worked at the department. The Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production was and is a methodological center for the training of genetic breeders. The textbooks and training manuals written by its staff from Zhegalov’s time to the present day have been fundamental for all universities in the country. In 1988, on the initiative of Professor Yuri B. Konovalov, a new specialty “Breeding and Genetics of Agricultural Crops” was started at Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, which was supervised nationally by the Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production. During the existence of the department, more than 100 doctors and candidates of sciences have been trained. Graduates of the department can be found in in almost all major agricultural universities and research institutes in neighbouring countries, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Vietnam, Syria, Egypt, China and many other countries.

The results of studies on the phenological characteristics of five cultivars of cut roses (Chiri, Grand Prix, Gratsia, Jumilia, Red Naomi) when grown in low-volume culture in the Moscow region are presented. Jumilia with folded leaves has the greatest potential for budding (7 days), the highest shoot growth activity and early entry into the phase of mass growth of stems and leaves (14 days). Red Naomi in the middle of the row has low bud awakening (14 days), the least shoot growth activity and late entry into the phase of mass regrowth of stems and leaves (21 days). Jumilia, regardless of its location in the greenhouse, and Chiri at the beginning of the row and in the variant with a folded leaf are characterized by faster bud formation (39–41 days). Gratsia and Red Naomi in the middle of the row are characterized by slower bud formation (47–48 days). Jumilia in the folded leaf varieties and at the beginning of the row is distinguished by the earliest entry into the commercial phase (49–50 days). Gratsia and Red Naomi in the middle-row variety (60–62 days) are characterised by long peduncle formation. The longest peduncle at the time of cutting was observed in Gratsia (90,4–95,1 cm) and Jumilia (86,2–90,2 cm). Chiri has the shortest stem (65,4–70,3 cm).

The proper selection of rootstock and graft combinations in lilac introducers, in order to take full advantage of grafting, requires a thorough understanding of the synergy of cultivar-rootstock combinations, as well as the identification of factors that may influence this process. The article analyzes the results of three grafting experiments using Syringa vulgaris L. and Syringa josikaea J. Jacq. ex Rchb. seedlings and vegetative rootstocks (rooted shoots) of Syringa vulgaris L. as rootstocks. The grafting material was the dormant buds of four highly ornamental cultivars of S. vulgaris L. – ‘Aucubaefolia’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Marc Micheli’, ‘Congo’ and the late hybrid Syringa × prestoniae МсКelveу ‘Miss Canada’. It was found that the survival rate of cultivars on a particular rootstock may depend on the systematic affiliation of the mother plants of the cultivars. The best survival rate among all studied cultivars in the climatic conditions of the Orenburg region is achieved when using rooted vegetative shoots of S. vulgaris as a rootstock (over 90%), the worst – on the seed rootstock of S. josikea J. Jacq. ex Rchb. (up to 40%). The influence of the ambient temperature and humidity at the time of oculant fusion on the survival rate of grafts using S. vulgaris L. vegetative rootstock has been demonstrated (Wilcoxon T-test, statistical significance level p <<0.05). It is recommended to select the rootstock individually for each cultivar in order to achieve maximum survival rates of lilac cultivars in the climatic and geographical conditions of the Orenburg region and/or regions with similar conditions.><0.05). It is recommended to select the rootstock individually for each cultivar in order to achieve maximum survival rates of lilac cultivars in the climatic and geographical conditions of the Orenburg region and/or regions with similar conditions.

This article describes the application of the classical PCR method for the diagnosis of the soybean bacterial blight pathogen Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea in seeds. Two methods for pathogen isolation from infected soybean seeds, five methods for DNA extraction and two master mixes for preparation of reaction mixture were investigated. The use of a PCR-based test system with oligonucleotides specific for the coronaphacate ligase (cfl) gene allowed the diagnosis of the soybean bacterial blight pathogen in seeds at a concentration of 2 × 103 CFU/ml. The analytical sensitivity of the protocol was 97.4% of 37 closely related and other bacteria tested. Product yield (amplicon peak area) was shown to be highest (645.0 units) when DNA was isolated using the Proba-GS kit, the master mix 5x MasDDDTaqMIX-2025 and the primers PsgFOR-1 and PsgREV-2 were used at 10 pM per reaction (25 μL).

For many years, grapes were considered to be an unpromising crop in the conditions of the Central Non-Black Earth Zone but their wider spread has been encouraged by the appearance of new varieties whose berries ripen in a relatively short time. The assortment of modern grape varieties for amateur cultivation in the non-Black Earth Zone consists mainly of interspecific hybrids based on Vitis amurensis Rupr., Vitis riparia Michx., Vitis labrusca L., Vitis berlandieri Planch., which causes problems with their vegetative propagation. The article is devoted to the study of the effect of the method of obtaining planting material from vine mother plants on the increase of the regenerative capacity of the single-tree cuttings obtained from them. During the three-year research on the grape varieties Kishmish No. 342 and Moskovskiy Beliy, experiments were carried out on the additional growth of mother plants propagated by green and single-tree cuttings and by the method of clonal micropropagation. As a result of the research, the advantage of using the technology of clonal micropropagation in the production of seedlings for the establishment of vine mother plantations was revealed. At the same time, the variety Kishmish No. 342 showed reliable differences from the control in terms of development indicators from the 2nd year of cultivation, and the variety Moskovskiy Beliy – from the 3rd year. Both varieties received 1.8–2.1 times more standard seedlings from mother plants propagated in vitro for three years on the basis of high rooting ability of single-tree cuttings and the proportion of seedlings according to GOST 31783–2012.

When studying the effectiveness of using promising herbicides on crops of corn hybrids in the central zone of the Krasnodar Territory, it was found that corn crops are predominantly contaminated with dicotyledonous weeds such as Theophrastus rope, upturned acorn grass, ragwort, white pigweed, self-seeded poppy, and shepherd’s purse. Cereal (monocot) weeds are represented by blue bristle grass, green bristle grass and chicken millet. Perennial weeds include by field bindweed. The most effective herbicide is Adengo in the 1–2 leaf stage, giving a yield increase of 56.1 c/ha. At the same time, corn hybrids in the mid-early group yielded 91.5 c/ha and those in the mid-ripening group 77.1 c/ha. To obtain a corn yield of 100 c/ha, it is necessary to apply the herbicide Adengo (0.5 l/ha) at the stage of 1–2 leaves in the technology of cultivation of its hybrids DKS3969, DKS3 and DKS3789.

The article presents data on the duration of the growing season, biomass accumulation, seed productivity, protein content in seeds and protein yield with seed yield of four early-maturing soybean varieties – Magheva, Kasatka, Svetlaya, and Georgiya of the selection of the Institute of Seed Production and Agrotechnology – a branch of the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM. The study of early-maturing soybean varieties capable of sustainable maturing in the Non-chernozem zone is aimed at solving the problem of protein deficiency in grain crops produced in agricultural enterprises, which is important for the development of animal husbandry. The research was carried out in 2018–2019 on sod-podzolic, sandy loam soils. The Svetlaya and Kasatka soybean varieties had the shortest growing season – 94 days, the Magheva variety had a 9-day longer growing season and the Georgiya variety had a 14-day longer growing season. The earliest maturing soybean varieties are Svetlaya and Kasatka. The sum of temperatures at the level of 1623°C is sufficient for the formation of seed yield. The soybean varieties Magheva and Georgiya require a sum of temperatures 150–200°C higher. The varieties with a long growing season – Georgiya and Magheva – are characterized by a high level of biomass accumulation and higher seed yield, on average over two years their seed yields were 1.64 and 1.48 t/ha respectively, while those of the varieties Svetlaya and Kasatka were 1.30 and 1.34 t/ha respectively. The soybean varieties Magheva (40.7%) and Kasatka (39.8%), while Georgiya (36.1%) had the lowest. Protein yield with the seed yield was more dependent on the seed yield. The correlation coefficient between protein yield and seed yield was 0.91, and between protein yield and seed protein content was 0.19. The varieties with the highest protein yields were Magheva and Georgiya with 602 and 599 kg/ha respectively. The varieties with the lowest protein yield were Kasatka (529 kg/ha) and Svetlaya (500 kg/ha).

Under unstable climatic conditions, the resistance of apple trees to high temperatures is an important varietal trait. The aim of the research is to identify heat resistance indicators of different apple varieties in a heat chamber for dry air treatment. The heat treatment of the varieties Antonovka Obyknovennaya, Lobo, Rozhdestvenskoe, Bolotovskoe, Kandil Orlovskiy, Imrus was carried out in a heat chamber at the temperature of +38°С and air humidity of 40% for 90 days. For the heat treatment, 2-year-old apple plants were used. Higher heat resistance was observed in the Lobo variety compared to the other varieties studied. The apple varieties were characterized by medium (Lobo, Rozhdestvenskoe) and high (Bolotovskoe, Imrus, Antonovka Obyknovennaya, Kandil Orlovskiy) water content, high water losses after a simulated heat shock, increased (Kandil Orlovskiy) and high (Bolotovskoe, Imrus, Antonovka Obyknovennaya, Lobo, Rozhdestvenskoe) water deficit, high degree of restoration of leaf water content. The proposed heat resistance coefficient was characterized by a strong degree of association with water loss (r = –0.97) and a moderate degree of association with water content restoration (r = 0.65). Apple plants had a high survival rate after thermotherapy, which was 92.3%.

The problem of increasing the production of high-quality, profitable and in-demand livestock products on the market is acute at the present stage of agricultural development. Rabbit breeding today is a promising branch of beef farming, the main product of which is high-quality dietary meat. The article presents the results of a study of age dynamics and live weight gain of hybrid young rabbits for fattening when different doses of the multi-vitamin complex “NutriCel” are included in their diet. From August to October 2023, a scientific and economic experiment was carried out on the territory of the rabbit breeding farm of Russian Rabbit LLC, Kostroma district, Kostroma region. As a result of the scientific experiment, the following data were obtained: the best results were obtained in experimental group No. 2, the animals of which were fed 0.5 ml/animal/day: a significant increase in live weight of young fattening rabbits was 3.06 kg (P≤0.05), which is 0.11 kg (3.59%) more than the control. The absolute increase had an advantage over the analogues of the control and experimental groups No. 1 and No. 3 by 20 g (6.4%; P≤0.01). The average daily gain was higher by 2.64 g (5.77%; P≤0.01) compared with peers in the control group. The relative increase exceeded the control by 0.14% (1.41%). At the same time, the safety of the young animals was 100%. In order to increase live weight gain, we recommend including the multi-vitamin complex “NutriCel” in the diet of rabbits with a dosage of 0.5 ml/bird/day for preventive purposes within 3–5 days from the moment of weaning. It showed a positive effect not only on the zootechnical parameters of young rabbits, but also on immunity in general.

Cultivated hydrobionts under intensive aquaculture conditions are exposed to stress factors associated with artificial habitats, increased planting density, periodic fishing, etc. At the same time, they experience a decrease in resistance and resilience and an increase in morbidity. A good solution to this problem is the use of immunomodulators. This article presents the results of a study of the effect on fish of the immunomodulator Roncoleukin, which is a dosage form of recombinant human interleukin‑2 (IL-2) isolated and purified from yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The subject of the study was the three-year-old Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). The evaluation was based on morphometric, hematological (erythro- and leukogram) and cytochemical (lysosomal cation test) indicators. The coefficient of variation of the size and weight parameters of the treated fish was low compared to the control group. This indicates uniform growth of fish fed Roncoleukin, which is a great advantage in fish farming and provides more efficient use of feed. Blood for analysis was taken from the tail vein of the fish in vivo. The results showed a positive effect of the drug on the activation of erythropoiesis and leukopoiesis. There was a significant increase in the proportion of mature segmented neutrophils (the main blood microphages belonging to the non-specific link of cellular immunity) in the leukocyte formula due to a decrease in lymphocytes (specific immunity). An increase in the content of non-enzymatic lysosomal cationic proteins (defensins) in blood neutrophils can indicate a high level of cellular protection of microphages (neutrophils). The results of the study showed a positive effect of the drug Roncoleukin, which can be recommended for use in the ferming of Arctic char.

The world is increasingly using sanctions to achieve the economic and political goals of their initiators. They tend to target key sectors of the economy, including trade and finance. Sanctions are also applied to individuals and companies. At the same time, agriculture and food security are formally exempted from restrictions on humanitarian grounds, but are still negatively affected because they are an integral part of the economy. In many countries, the effects of sanctions are compounded by other factors of internal instability, such as military conflicts, natural disasters, and mismanagement. This article analyzes the dynamics of agricultural production, the use of production inputs and some indicators of food security in five countries under sanctions pressure (Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). The aim is to analyze the development of the agricultural sector in these countries under sanctions. It is found that sanctions are a severe blow to the economy, including agriculture, but do not affect regime change, which is the ultimate goal of their initiators. The impact of sanctions is amplified in the case of secondary sanctions and the creation of a broad coalition. Moreover, the simultaneous application of financial and trade sanctions has a more pronounced negative effect. In addition to internal instability, sanctions significantly raise the composite Global Hunger Index, increasing the level of undernourishment in a country and negatively affecting the availability and stability of food supplies, while also increasing import dependence and food prices. In all the countries analyzed, the combination of constraints has led to a decline in agricultural productivity and access to resources, which has reduced agricultural production. At the same time, the industry is demonstrating its ability to adapt to prevailing conditions.