In 2025, the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (formerly the Petrovskaya Agricultural and Forestry Academy) celebrated its 160th anniversary. This article analyzes the Academy’s pivotal role in training managerial personnel for the forestry sector of pre-revolutionary Russia. The problem-chronological method was employed for this research. Many Petrovka alumni (Petrovtsy) achieved prominent career milestones. The article provides biographical information on two distinguished Russian figures in agriculture and forestry: I.N. Klingen and V.T. Shatsky. It is emphasized that their years of study at the Academy laid the foundational groundwork for their subsequent scientific careers. Valentin T. Shatsky was a forester, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, and general commissioner of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich’s estates. While in exile, he conducted a comprehensive survey of the forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ivan N. Klingen was a world-renowned scientist, a specialist in subtropical crops, and the author of numerous scientific publications. He made significant scientific and practical contributions to the development of experimental agricultural practices. Klingen authored the seminal three-volume work “Among the Patriarchs of Agriculture of the Peoples of the Near and Far East: Egypt, India, Ceylon, China, and Japan.” The research source base comprised little-known documents preserved in domestic and foreign archives, supplemented by the personal archives of B.E. Shatsky, I.E. Klingen, and P.P. Paganuzzi. The uncovered materials will be valuable for studying the history of the Academy and Russian agronomic education of the late 19th century.

This paper presents the findings of a three-year pot experiment investigating the protective effects of pre-sowing seed treatment with solutions of selenium, vanadium, tungsten, and iodine salts on the biometric characteristics, yield, and grain quality of buckwheat. During the early budding stage, a subset of plants was subjected to an artificially induced water deficit. The study was conducted on two soils of the same subtype but with differing levels of available phosphorus. To ensure adequate mineral nutrition, all pots were amended with N (150 mg/kg) and K₂O (100 mg/kg of soil). Analysis of the yield components revealed that the salts used had no significant effect on the number of inflorescences or the thousand-kernel weight. The protective properties of these ultramicroelements were most pronounced under drought conditions combined with low phosphorus availability: the application of sodium selenite reduced grain yield losses by 32%, ammonium vanadate by 20%, ammonium tungstate by 14%, and ammonium iodide by 25%. In the absence of seed treatment, yield was strongly influenced by an increased content of soil available phosphorus; under optimal moisture, buckwheat produced 40% more grain, and after drought, 70% more compared to plants grown on low-phosphorus soil. No significant changes in the chemical composition of the grain were identified across the various growing conditions (application of ultramicroelement salts, varying soil available phosphorus levels, or water availability).

Different stages of forest stand formation within forest phytocenoses create optimal conditions for various types of non-timber forest use. The development of different biological resource groups in forests is also significantly influenced by human economic activities. Establishing a program for harvesting non-timber forest products at different stages of the forest phytocenosis life cycle, combined with creating conditions to enhance productivity, will facilitate effective and sustainable forest management. This study aimed to evaluate the resource potential of ground vegetation in blueberry spruce forests at different stages of their development. The research was conducted in the North taiga forest area of the Arkhangelsk Region from 2020 to 2025. The species composition of the ground vegetation in blueberry spruce forests remains relatively stable. Most species exhibit a projective cover of less than 1%. The dominant species is the common blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), with a projective cover ranging from 50% to 71% and a 100% frequency of occurrence. Under the canopy of blueberry spruce forests of various ages, blueberry forms resources of commercial significance for harvesting leaves as medicinal raw materials. The projective cover of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) reaches up to 8% with a frequency of 65–95%. Following clear-cutting, there is a clear trend toward an increased number of plant species within specific resource groups: edible, medicinal (potential), melliferous, and forage plants. During the first ten years after the clear-cutting of blueberry spruce forests, the sites can be utilized for lingonberry harvesting. 8–11 years after clear-cutting, the harvesting of narrow-leaved fireweed as a medicinal raw material becomes feasible.

This paper presents the results of a comparative study of seed productivity and seed quality in six accessions of daylily species introduced to the forest-steppe conditions of Western Siberia. The research was conducted at the Central Siberian Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk) during 2017–2019. It was established that the accessions differed significantly in their capacity for seed reproduction. Potential Seed Productivity (PSP) ranged from 27 to 51 ovules per fruit. Real Seed Productivity (RSP) per fruit varied from 12–15 seeds in H. coreana and H. esculenta to 30–35 seeds in H. minor from the Tomsk Region and Tuva, with average values of 21–23 seeds recorded for H. middendorfii and H. minor from Transbaikalia. Seed set percentage (SSP) for H. coreana and H. esculenta was below 50%, whereas for H. middendorfii and H. minor from the Tomsk Region and Tuva, it reached 80%. Average seed mass per fruit ranged from 238 to 305 mg, with the exception of H. esculenta, which exhibited values 2–3 times lower. Seed quality across different reproduction years varied significantly, as determined by laboratory germination rates and the percentage of shriveled and rotten seeds. The results demonstrate that in the arid conditions of the forest-steppe, species daylilies are capable of producing sufficient quantities of high-germination seeds, with the exception of H. esculenta. Seed reproduction potential is largely determined by species specificity; however, the high intraspecific and individual variability of these indicators suggests active adaptation of daylilies to seasonal weather fluctuations.

Wheat powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, is a widespread disease capable of causing yield losses of up to 100% under high infection pressure. To prevent such losses, regular monitoring of crops is essential to ensure the timely application of plant protection products. Identifying the disease at its initial stage is possible through the early detection of the pathogen. It has been established that spore-trapping devices can detect pathogens when disease development rate is still below 1%, when classical monitoring methods are less effective. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of B. graminis conidial flight in the Central zone of the Krasnodar Territory and to identify the correlation between airborne spore concentration and powdery mildew development in winter wheat crops. This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of spore traps for monitoring and forecasting the disease. The research was conducted at the Federal Scientific Center for Biological Plant Protection (FRCBPP) in 2022–2024. The following winter wheat varieties were selected for the study: Grom, Bezostaya 100, Yuka, Alekseich, and Svarog. Conidia sampling was performed using a vane-type spore trap and a plant spore load assessment device. Simultaneously, powdery mildew development was recorded using classical phytopathological methods. The study characterized the dynamics of B. graminis conidial flight in the Central zone of the Krasnodar Territory: dispersal begins with the spring resumption of wheat vegetation, peaks during the stem elongation stage, and gradually decreases after the emergence of the flag leaf. A significant correlation was found between airborne spore concentration and the development of powdery mildew in the investigated crops.

The fauna of Lepidoptera in the Northwest Caucasus remains insufficiently studied, hindering comprehensive biodiversity assessment and the development of effective forest protection measures against phyllophagous insects. Research in key forest formations, such as beech-hornbeam stands, becomes particularly important amidst potential threats from invasive species. This study aimed to investigate the species composition of the most significant pest families within the order Lepidoptera in the beech-hornbeam forests of the Krasnodar Territory. The research was conducted in beech-hornbeam stands with an admixture of oak. Insect collection employed standard entomological methods, including sweep netting, visual inspection for preimaginal stages, and sampling of foliage for laboratory rearing of leaf-mining moths (Gracillariidae). Species identification was based on morphological characteristics. A total of 65 lepidopteran species, belonging to six families, were identified, with a dominance of tortrix moths (Tortricidae) and geometrid moths (Geometridae). Species complexes associated with oak, beech, and hornbeam were analyzed and classified by type of damage (leaf rolling, mining, skeletonizing). The highest species richness was recorded on oak (52 species), followed by beech (42 species), and hornbeam (33 species). Both polyphagous species (e.g., Lymantria dispar) and narrowly specialized species (e.g., Cydia fagiglandana on beech) were identified. An increased abundance of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) was also noted. The data obtained systematically organize information on phyllophagous Lepidoptera in the Gelendzhik forestry for the first time. The results indicate high biodiversity and a complex trophic structure within the pest complexes of the primary forest-forming species. The findings of this work provide a foundation for monitoring and developing comprehensive measures for the protection of woody plants in the region.

Field studies investigating the productivity of binary pasture grass swards were conducted in 2023–2025 at the experimental field station of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. The study aimed to determine the yield and persistence of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in two-component mixtures with festulolium ( × Festulolium Aschers. et Graebn.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) under three- and four-cutting regimes on poorly improved sod-podzolic soil. It was established that by the third year of life, white clover and birdsfoot trefoil became the dominant components of the agrophytocenoses, accounting for 46.6–61.0% of the yield. In single-species grass swards, the proportion of forbs increased to 28.7–35.0% by the third year. While nitrogen fertilization of grass swards at a dose of N₁₂₀ reduced forb infestation to 10.7–17.8%, the lowest proportion of forbs (3.7–8.0%) was observed in legume-grass swards. In the second year, the dry matter yield of legume-grass swards ranged from 5.08 to 7.46 t/ha, increasing to 6.67–8.49 t/ha in the third year. On average over the three-year period, increasing the cutting frequency from three to four resulted in a 10.4% decrease in total forage yield. Birdsfoot trefoil-grass swards outperformed white clover-grass swards by 10.9%, nitrogen-fertilized single-species grass swards by 15.7%, and non-fertilized grass swards by 2.2 times.

This study investigates morphometric variability in female silver-black foxes (n=50/age group) at 3 and 7 months of age, conducted at OOO “Fur Farm Vyatka”. The study aimed to analyze the age dynamics of body structure and identify key factors determining growth during critical developmental periods. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to process data for 13 linear and weight parameters. The results revealed two main factors that collectively account for 76.8% of the total trait variability. At three months of age, the total body size factor dominates (49.99% of the variance), integrating the growth of all linear traits (body length: 0.922; tail length: 0.897; chest girth: 0.881; body weight: 0.828). This pattern is characteristic of isometric growth during early ontogenesis under the control of the somatotropic axis (GH-IGF-1). By seven months, the structure of variability changes fundamentally. The first component (39.60%) reflects the prioritized development of axial structures, while the second component (33.67%) demonstrates allometry, contrasting chest width (0.937) against forelimb length (–0.889) and head length (–0.786). It was established that these changes are a direct consequence of hormonal shifts: estrogen activation inhibits the linear growth of limbs while stimulating the development of the trunk backbone and the accumulation of energy reserves. This transition represents an adaptive strategy aimed at preparing the female organism for its first reproductive cycle. The findings have practical significance for optimizing the management and nutrition of young fur-bearing animals in commercial fur farming.

Coccidiosis, caused by parasites of the genus Eimeria, represents one of the most serious infectious threats in broiler poultry farming, leading to significant economic losses. In the context of veterinary drug import substitution, the safety assessment of new domestic coccidiostats gains particular relevance. This paper presents the results of a preclinical investigation into the subchronic systemic toxicity of a novel domestic veterinary drug, containing monensin sodium as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (400 mg/g). The study was conducted on Wistar laboratory rats over 28 days of daily oral administration at doses equivalent to 1/10, 1/5, and an intermediate fraction of the LD50 (36.8, 55.2, and 73.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively), followed by a sevenday post-observation period. Comprehensive analysis included monitoring of clinical status, body weight dynamics, complete blood count, biochemical blood analysis, and pathological examination of organs. It was established that the drug did not cause lethality, showed no pronounced local irritant effect on the gastrointestinal tract, and did not lead to statistically significant morphological changes in internal organs. However, a dose-dependent, reversible inhibition of body weight gain was observed, particularly evident in female animals: at high doses (55.2 and 73.5 mg/kg), a significant decrease in weight gain rates and a moderate, but statistically significant, reduction in hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelet counts in the peripheral blood of females were noted. Importantly, all observed hematological abnormalities completely resolved seven days after cessation of drug administration, indicating a reversible, adaptive nature of its effects. The obtained data confirm the relative safety of the drug when used at the recommended dose. It is particularly important to note that the effect of the drug on female rats was more significant compared to males.

The white partridge is widely distributed across northern regions, primarily inhabiting shrub-dominated environments. During winter, its diet is restricted to the shoots of willow and birch; consequently, the bird’s digestive system is uniquely adapted for the digestion of coarse plant material, facilitated by specific anatomical features of the gastrointestinal tract. This study ainmed to investigate the gastrointestinal microbiome of the white partridge during the winter period. The study objects included contents from the goiter, jejunum, ileum, and cecum. Analysis was performed via real-time PCR using the Colonoflor Premium test system. The results revealed the presence of bacteria with cellulolytic and antagonistic activities, such as Bacteroides spp., Blautia spp., Roseburia inulinivorans, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Bacteroides were the most abundant group, with concentrations in the ceca ranging from 3.0 × 10¹¹ to 4.0 × 10¹¹ GE/g, while concentrations in the jejunum and ileum were 1.0 × 10⁷–9.0 × 10⁷ GE/g and 7.0 × 10⁷–1.0 × 10⁸ GE/g, respectively. Roseburia inulinivorans was primarily detected in the cecal contents, with concentrations between 3.0 × 106 and 2.0 × 10⁷ GE/g. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was identified in the goiter (1.0 × 10⁵–4.0 × 10⁵ GE/g) as well as in the jejunum and ileum (approximately 2.0 × 10⁶ GE/g). The concentration of Bifidobacterium species across various gastrointestinal sections ranged from 1.0 × 10⁷ to 8.0 × 10¹⁰ GE/g, and Lactobacillus from 1.0 × 10⁷ to 4.0 × 10⁷ GE/g. Among methanogens, Methanobrevibacter smithii was not detected, whereas Methanosphaera stadtmanae was identified exclusively in the ceca at levels of 9.0 × 10⁷–6.0 × 10⁸GE/g. The opportunistic microflora was represented by the genera Acinetobacter, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus. The identified symbiotic microorganisms are of significant scientific interest and may serve as producer strains for the development of enzymatic and probiotic agents.

In determining the phytonutrient profile of sweet chestnut, the highest diversity of compounds was observed among flavonoids and amino acids, whereas non-flavonoid polyphenols, coumarins, tannins, and fatty acids were represented by significantly fewer molecules. The carboxylic acid category contained two representatives, while only one ester was identified. Detected flavonoids in the sweet chestnut extract included approximately thirty-three phytonutrients, such as naringenin, rutin, apigenin, luteolin, hyperoside, acacetin, and isorhamnetin. Collectively, our results indicate a complex phytonutrient composition in sweet chestnut extracts, comprising numerous compounds that may possess various health-promoting properties for animals. Both sweet chestnut and horse chestnut extracts were found to contain the essential amino acid tryptophan, as well as non-essential amino acids such as glutamic acid and tyrosine. Furthermore, flavonoids accounted for approximately 54.73% of the total polyphenols detected in the horse chestnut extract, suggesting it as a potent source of these compounds. Overall, the studied extracts are valuable sources of flavonoids and polyphenols. A comparative assessment of hematological (morphological) and biochemical blood parameters in experimental and control groups of lambs revealed that the normalization dynamics of these markers were higher in the experimental group, serving as an indicator of the phytobiotic activity of sweet chestnut extract. Calculations of growth performance over the 6-day experiment showed that the absolute average daily gain (ADG) of the experimental group was 408.4±4.7 g/day, with a relative growth rate of 28.1%, while the ADG of the control group was significantly lower at 298.6±3.9 g/day.

Contemporary rural areas in Russia are are experiencing a profound systemic crisis characterized by persistent depopulation, institutional degradation, and intensifying socio-economic marginalization. Based on a comprehensive analysis of official statistics for the 2000–2025 period, this paper identifies a self-perpetuating mechanism of rural community decline, wherein the reduction of social infrastructure – specifically education, healthcare, and culture – serves not merely as a consequence but as a catalyst for further depopulation. The study empirically validates a regional typology of infrastructure transformation, distinguishing between suburban, intermediate, and peripheral zones. It demonstrates that traditional approaches to institutional “optimization” exacerbate social inequality and spatial polarization. As an alternative, an adaptive social service model is proposed, which integrates minimum accessibility standards, hybrid (inperson and remote) and mobile service formats, and differentiated regional development strategies. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the identification and description of the mutual reinforcement mechanism between demographic and institutional crises. Furthermore, it develops conceptual frameworks for overcoming the “vicious cycle” of rural degradation by adopting a paradigm that views the preservation of quality of life as the foundation for sustainable development.

The students constitute a specific social group whose working and living conditions involve high physical and mental stress, requiring balanced nutrition and a proper work-rest regimen. Nutritional imbalances – prevalent among students due to time deficits, the organization of the educational process, and an underestimation of the importance of a healthy diet – lead to deteriorating health during their studies and potentially long-term negative effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is determined 15% by healthcare organization, 15% by heredity, 20% by the environment, and 50% by lifestyle and nutrition. Current issues in student nutrition underscore the relevance of this study, which aims to justify the feasibility of improving student diets through a public catering system functioning as a social entrepreneurship. The research materials include publications on economic, medical, and sociological aspects of the topic, as well as data from student surveys. The study employed statistical and analytical methods, target group surveys, generalization, classification, and information analysis. The findings suggest that organizational challenges in university catering can be addressed through modern technologies and the development of social entrepreneurship – a novel approach to investigating this sector. The practical significance of the work lies in the potential application of the proposed social entrepreneurship model for university management, business analytics, and the implementation of socio-economic development plans in higher educational institutions.