This article is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Vladimir I. Trukhachev, Rector of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation. It examines V.I. Trukhachev’s career trajectory of over 48 years, from a veterinarian in the Stavropol Krai to Rector of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Furthermore, the article assesses V.I. Trukhachev’s key achievements and contributions to production, scientific research, and education, as well as to the development of the agro-industrial sector and agricultural science in the Russian Federation.

The aim of the research is to study the effects of amino acid-based and seaweed-based fertilizers on the linear and physiological parameters of different garden iris varieties (Cherry Garden, Lace Caper, Pink Pincurls). The experiment utilized Beres brand preparations (BeresAminoComplex and Beres Super Extract of Seaweed). The field experiment was carried out on the experimental plot of the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2022–2023 (Bashkortostan, Ufa) in the following variants: control, fertigation, foliar treatment, a combination of fertigation and foliar spraying. The study evaluated linear biomorphological parameters of plant organs, including flower diameter and height, length and width of upper and lower perianth lobes, leaf length and width, and generative shoot height and width. Water regime parameters were also assessed, encompassing total water content, water holding capacity, and water deficit. The results indicated that agrostimulation with the seaweedbased preparation was more effective than that with the amino acid-based preparation. Specifically, the seaweed treatment resulted in a 7–17.2% increase in 11 out of 60 linear indicators, while the amino acid treatment increased 3 linear indicators by 6–33%. The treatment methods also influenced plant growth differently. Algae extract application led to a slight increase in water-holding capacity, whereas the amino acid treatments showed no change in this parameter. Both preparation types were most effective in reducing water deficit, with decreases ranging from 17.9 to 43.1%.

Viburnum is a valuable ornamental tree species in the urban flora of Arkhangelsk. It is characterized by rapid growth, resilience to urban environmental conditions, strong soil-protecting properties, and high ornamental value. Viburnum has proven successful in northern green spaces due to its high adaptive capacity. The purpose of the research is to study the biological, ecological, and phenological features of the growth and development of common viburnum (Viburnum opulus L.) in the conditions of introduction in Arkhangelsk. Viburnum opulus L. can be found in parks, squares, streets, residential areas, and on the grounds of educational and medical institutions. The plants respond well to the urban environment of Arkhangelsk, exhibiting well-developed, properly formed crowns, brightly colored foliage, and a generally high aesthetic quality (83%). 65% of the examined Viburnum opulus L. plants are in good sanitary condition. The vegetation period of Viburnum opulus L. in Arkhangelsk averages from May 5th to October 27th, lasting 176±3 days. The flowering period of Viburnum opulus L. plants lasts 20 ± 4 days, making it an attractive species for landscape and architectural compositions in garden and park design in Arkhangelsk.

This article presents the results of long-term studies on physiological changes during dormancy onset in apple clonal rootstocks developed at Michurinsk State Agrarian University: red-leaved forms 54–118, 62–396, and 70–20–20, and green-leaved rootstock 76–16–11. It was shown that the anthocyanin content in the bark of shoots fluctuated annually in rootstock 54–118, ranging from 77 to 110 units, and in rootstock 62–396, ranging from 58 to 80 units. Sugar accumulation in the bark of these rootstocks was approximately at the same level (3.0–4.5%). Green-leaved rootstock 76–16–11 synthesized 1.5–2 times less anthocyanins than the red-leaved rootstocks by the beginning of dormancy, but accumulated 1.5–2 times more sugars. In field experiments, shoot damage after overwintering was minimal in rootstocks where shoot growth had ceased or did not resume before the onset of frost. Rootstocks 54–118 and 70–20–20 were characterized by long vegetation periods and continued growth processes in September-October during the study. Rootstock 62–396 exhibited an autumn growth wave, forming apex buds in August. Rootstock 76–16–11 showed the least damage from freezing and uprooting during the study. While rootstock 70–20–20 experienced the most frequent winter damage, it had no bush dropouts, indicating its strong regenerative capacity. These differing adaptation strategies to overwintering conditions among the Michurinsk State Agrarian University clonal rootstocks, arising from genotypic diversity, necessitate a comprehensive evaluation of new forms in specific climatic conditions for optimal utilization.

Spring wheat is one of the most important food crops both in Russia and worldwide, occupying approximately 80 million hectares in developing countries. However, sap-sucking pests are significantly impacting spring wheat yield and quality. This highlights the importance of integrated pest management (IPM), a holistic approach combining preventive and curative measures. Host-plant resistance is a cornerstone strategy within IPM. This study assesses pest resistance levels in a spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genetic collection. The collection belongs to the Department of Genetics, Breeding and Seed Production of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Assessments were conducted across different growth stages from 2022–2024 using two methodologies: sweep net sampling and visual counts. The pest species complex was identified, with frit flies (Oscinella spp.), bread bugs (Trigonotylus ruficornis), grain aphids (Sitobion avenae), and grain thrips (Haplothrips spp.) dominating the spring wheat varieties. Analysis of multi-year data revealed significant variation in pest infestation levels across plants. However, certain cultivars and lines demonstrated relative stability in this parameter, indicating reproducible resistance. These genotypes are of particular interest as sources of pest resistance. Research confirmed The varieties Iren, Zlata, Altayskaya Zhnitsa, Mandarina, and lines 57 and 220 are resistant to frit flies (Oscinella spp.). The varieties Obskaya 2 and Altayskaya Zhnitsa, along with lines 57, 217, and 79, show high resistance to bread bugs (Trigonotylus ruficornis). The varieties Favorit, Altayskaya Zhnitsa, Granova, Zolushka, and lines 65 and 152 are resistant to grain aphids (Sitobion avenae), while Favorit, Obskaya 2, Granova, and lines 221 and 223 demonstrated resistance to grain thrips (Haplothrips spp.).

The “greening” of crop production technologies is fundamental to the modern concept of phytosanitary optimization of agroecosystems. Environmentally friendly plant protection products based on actinobacteria, with their novel mechanisms of action and high physiological and biochemical potential, are of particular interest. While soil streptomyces are technologically scalable, have long shelf lives, and are field-friendly, their effectiveness can vary due to limited knowledge of the properties of introduced actinobacteria. This study is the first to establish the in vivo biological effectiveness of Streptomyces carpaticus RCAM04697 for biocontrol of insect pests and reduction of phytovirus damage in open-field tomatoes in the Astrakhan Region. The study aimed to investigate the virucidal and antifungal properties of S. carpaticus RCAM04697 suspensions and extracts, and to evaluate their impact on tomato yields under arid conditions. The S. carpaticus RCAM04697 strain was isolated from brown semi-desert soils of the Astrakhan Region. Field trials demonstrated that treatment of tomato plants with a seven-day culture suspension of S. carpaticus RCAM04697 exhibited high virucidal activity against three phytovirus isolates: cucumber mosaic virus (75.3%), tomato mosaic virus (69.1%), and tomato bronzing virus (82.5%). Maximum antifungal activity was also observed with S. carpaticus RCAM04697 suspension on day 14 after the third treatment, reaching 87.5% against A. crassivora, 86.9% against A. gossypii, and 86.6% against A. fabae, indicating a sustained antagonistic effect. Bacterization of the open field tomatoes with the S. carpaticus RCAM04697 strain resulted in a 2.9-fold yield increase compared to the control. These findings suggest that S. carpaticus RCAM04697 possesses significant potential for developing biological products with virucidal, antifungal, and phytoregulatory properties for open-field tomato protection.

The article discusses a comprehensive agro-climatic and phytopathological analysis of factors that determine the dynamics of apple scab development in an orchard located in Solnechnogorsk, Moscow region during 2023–2024. The study analyzes weather patterns, varietal susceptibility and the impact of local microclimate based on data from meteorological stations No.27417 (Klin) and KaipoMini 2.1 automated stations within the orchard. Significant variations in temperature and humidity were identified at regional and local levels, necessitating localized monitoring systems. The validation of the prognostic model of scab ascospore maturation and the model of conidial stage development on the Agrokeep intelligent platform was carried out. A strong correspondence has been established between the calculated episodes and the actual outbreaks of the disease on apple varieties Mantet, Melba and Lobo, which differ in sensitivity. In addition, the prevalence of other diseases, such as scab, powdery mildew, phyllostictosis and moniliosis was monitored. The analysis revealed that some varieties, such as Mantet, Lobo and Melba, were more susceptible to pathogens, while other varieties, like Imrus and Orlovim, were less susceptible. This data supports the need to incorporate local meteorological information into plant protection plans and phytosanitary forecasts. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of adaptive systems for fruit crop protection in a changing climate.

Realizing the genetic potential of monogastric animals depends on a well-functioning gastrointestinal tract, which not only digests and absorbs nutrients but also protects against harmful microflora. This intestinal function is energetically expensive, requiring up to 40% of daily protein and energy intake to support rapid enterocyte turnover – these cells are replaced approximately every three days. This article reviews current perspectives on using probiotics, prebiotics, and butyric acid-based complexes in modern industrial pig and poultry farming. Studies examining the effects of probiotics with varying compositions on the gastrointestinal microflora of monogastric animals are discussed. Furthermore, the article highlights how these feed additives can enhance animal resistance to intestinal diseases by inhibiting pathogen colonization, boosting immunity, and improving nutrient availability in poultry and pigs.

This study characterized sires of Red-and-White, Black-and-White, and Red Steppe cattle breeds at JSC Barnaul Bull Stud Enterprise (Altai Krai, Russia) in terms of sperm production quality and resistance to freezing. A total of 50,388 ejaculates were examined before cryopreservation, including 38,333 that were frozen. The influence of individual sires was assessed on 1,716 ejaculates. Sires of the Black-and-White breed had the highest rate (31%) of sperm culling before cryopreservation. This rate was 9–18.2 percentage points higher than sires of the other two breeds (p < 0.001). The difference in frequency of ejaculates culled after thawing was significantly lower between the breeds. However, a significant difference existed between sires of the Red Steppe breed and the other two breeds (p < 0.001), with the Red Steppe breed having 1.6 and 2.0 percentage points lower culling rates. More significant differences in the frequency of ejaculates culled before cryopreservation were observed between individual sires within the Red Steppe breed than between breeds, with a maximum difference of 31.9%. A strong negative rank correlation (r = –0.90) was found between ejaculate volume and culling before freezing. There was no significant difference between the sires of Red Steppe breed in the frequency of culling ejaculates after thawing. Thus, this study demonstrates the influence of sire genotype and breed gene pool on sperm cryosurvival.

The analysis of the genetic mechanisms underlying the presence or absence of horns is of interest both for understanding evolutionary processes and for realizing the economic benefits of breeding polled animals. The creation of polled sheep breeds has become an important breeding goal in many countries with developed sheep breeding industries, as these breeds are more technologically efficient to manage and require less feed. Mapping genetic variability to specific candidate loci allows the most accurate assessment of the influence of individual alleles and the genotype-phenotype relationship of hornedness and polledness. This review analyzes the current state of research aimed at identifying genes and genomic regions associated with polledness in sheep, and explores the potential of using genomic approaches in breeding programs for polled breeds. The inheritance of polledness is complex, as its expression differs between sexes, and no single-locus model with complete penetrance can fully explain the observed phenotypic variability within and between breeds. The RXFP2 (relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2) marker gene is shown to be promising for further study in different breeds for use in breeding programmes. Genome editing and transcriptome analysis are promising approaches to fully understand the mechanism by which different *RXFP2* alleles influence horn morphology and to develop polled animals. Accumulating knowledge in this area will enable a more complete understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the polled phenotype in sheep.

Federal state information systems (FSIS) in Russian agriculture are a key result and driver of digital transformation within the industry. Considering practical application and user needs, FSIS can be improved based on the identified shortcomings experienced by agricultural producers. An online survey was conducted in the first half of 2024, gathering responses from 957 operating agricultural enterprises across all constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The survey focused on experiences using the systems and the problems encountered. The findings confirmed significant issues, with respondents citing concerns about convenience, functionality, and operational stability of FSIS operation. The Unified Federal Information System on Agricultural Lands (UFIS AL), FSIS “VetIS,” and FSIS “Saturn” were identified as particularly problematic, while the National Digital Track System (NDTS) “Chestniy znak” and FSIS “Argus-Fito” were viewed more favorably. To address these challenges, several recommendations are proposed. First, incentivizing investments in digital infrastructure is crucial to accelerate digital transformation. Second, a systematic approach is needed, combining the functions of the systems in a “single window” within a digital ecosystem, and including diverse stakeholders such as the academic community as auditors in the development, implementation, and use of the systems to improve stability. Third, data collection from agricultural producers needs to be modernized to reduce manual input and address the perception of the systems as overly complex. Fourth, more thorough scenario modeling of FSIS use by agricultural producers and government agencies, considering available labor resources, will enhance usability and functionality. The survey indicated that introducing mobile versions (applications) with both online and offline capabilities would be beneficial. Finally, the resulting digital ecosystem should provide sufficient flexibility to address the constraints imposed by existing economic sanctions.

Ensuring the financial security of agro-industrial enterprises is crucial for the sustainable development of the sector and the achievement of national goals. The four-stage methodological approach presented in this article for assessing the financial security of agro-industrial enterprises enables timely risk diagnosis and the development of effective mechanisms to mitigate internal and external threats, thereby protecting companies’ financial interests. The first stage, identifying vulnerabilities in the company’s financial security system, proposes key parameters for a rapid financial assessment and a bankruptcy prediction model. The conducted analysis and assessment of of the food industry enterprise’s financial condition revealed discrepancies in the results. Therefore, the second stage incorporates factors that consider investment and tax aspects in addition to financial metrics. Based on an analysis of various methodologies, an indicator method was selected, and an integral criterion, incorporating 15 specific measures, was developed to assess financial security. The number of indicators can be adjusted based on the specific conditions and goals of each enterprise. The integral indicator’s scale identifies three levels of security: low, medium, and high. To ensure high financial security and timely response to threats, the third stage recommends prioritizing significant risks using risk maps, spirals, and a bow-tie model. The results of the risk analysis will inform evidence-based measures to manage and minimize financial security risks.