The dynamics of the main physico-chemical properties of leached chernozem were studied over the period from 2022 to 2024 under different land use types: arable land, ploughed fallow, ploughed perennial grasses, and virgin land. It was found that across all land use variants, there was an increase in the pH of the aqueous suspension by 0.18–1.06 units (up to 7.76 on virgin land), a decrease in hydrolytic acidity by 59–96% (down to 0.2 meq/100 g), and an increase in the sum of exchangeable bases by 17–44% (up to 48.4 meq/100 g). The most pronounced changes were recorded on the virgin land site. The cation exchange capacity in the agrocoenoses changed slightly (up to 7%), whereas on virgin land it increased by 27%. The base saturation degree increased by 5–12% and reached 95–100%. It is shown that the observed changes are attributable to the anomalous hydrothermal conditions of 2024: a decrease in precipitation to 383 mm (–38% of the longterm average) and an increase in the mean annual temperature to 7.7°C. This led to the formation of an upward water flux and the migration of Ca2⁺ and Mg2⁺ carbonates into the upper soil horizons. The results obtained indicate that, in the short term (2–3 years), climatic factors may exert a more significant influence on the physicochemical properties of chernozems than land use type.

Blackberry varieties and raspberry-blackberry hybrids are becoming highly sought-after and promising in modern fruit growing, especially when it comes to the gradual supply of fresh fruit to consumers. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that no blackberry introduction and zoning had previously been conducted in Dagestan. The aim of the study was to identify the phenological development characteristics and assess the productivity of introduced samples of the genus Rubus L. for cultivation in the lowlands of Dagestan. The objects of the study were introduced (thornless) samples from Nevinnomyssk (Stavropol Krai): raspberry-blackberry hybrid (Rubus hybridus Vill., ‘Black Satin’), Scottish blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L., ‘Loch Tay’), as well as a wild (local) species – European dewberry (Rubus caesius L.). Phenological observation, early maturity assessment, and yield study (biological count, fruit size assessment) were carried out during the growing seasons of 2024–2025 according to standard methodology. For the first time, the timing of phenological phases was studied: from the beginning of bud break to the end of root shoot growth and the beginning of rooting of oneyear-old shoot tips. The main productivity components of the samples (number of fruits per fruiting branch, fruit weight, number of fruiting branches per bush, number of fruiting branches per stem, fruiting branch length, fruiting branch density) were studied under the lowland conditions of Dagestan. The duration of flowering and fruit ripening of representatives of the genus Rubus under introduction varies significantly. As a result of discriminant analysis, five key phenological traits were identified (in the model) among the studied samples: “Onset of ripening”, “Ovary formation and filling”, “Bud break”, “End of flowering”, and “Fruiting branch length”. It was established that the number of fruits per cluster varied slightly among the studied samples (7.6–10.5 pcs.), while the maximum average fruit weight was recorded for the cultivar ‘Loch Tay’ (6.3 g), and the minimum – for R. caesius (1.07 g). In terms of fruiting branch length, the cultivar ‘Black Satin’ (13.9 cm) was the leader. The experimental data allow recommending the cultivar ‘Loch Tay’ with a productivity of 2.20 kg per bush for cultivation under the lowland conditions of Dagestan. The obtained data on fruit weight variability, fruiting branch length, and correlations between traits contribute to the understanding of adaptive strategies of Rubus plants under introduction.

In the formation of scientific collections, their systematization is an important condition. Changes in the systematic position and nomenclature of individual species have been noted within the genus Cotoneaster Medik., as fixed in modern taxonomic electronic databases. As of January 1, 2026, the Cotoneaster collection in the Donetsk Botanical Garden includes 24 species. The taxonomic composition was verified, and the seasonal development rhythms and biomorphological features of the species were studied in 2020–2025. During the verification process, species names were checked against electronic nomenclature databases and archival materials of the Donetsk Botanical Garden. Phenological observations were performed according to standard methodology, with the budding phase considered as the beginning of the growing season and mass leaf fall taken as the end. Leaf and fruit parameters were measured with a caliper; fruit weight was determined using laboratory scales. The results showed that for 8 species, the names given when seed material was received were retained, although they are listed as synonyms in taxonomic databases (Catalogue of Life): C. allochrous Pojark., C. bilokonii Grevtsova, С. discolor Pojark., С. fangianus T.T. Yu, С. foveolatus Rehd. & E.H. Wilson, С. giraldii Flinck & B. Hylmö ex G. Klotz, С. insculptus Diels, С. lucidus Schltdl., С. shansiensis J. Fryer & B. Hylmö. Phenological observation data showed that Cotoneaster species begin the growing season in the second to third decades of March and continue until late October to early November. Shoot growth begins in the first half of May and ends no later than late August. The average flowering duration is 16±4 days. The earliest to flower were C. lucidus, C. megalocarpus, and C. russanovii – in early May; the majority of species (54%) – in the third decade of May. The earliest fruit ripening was recorded for C. nitens – late second decade of August; the latest – for C. dammeri, C. horizontalis, C. insculptus, and C. lindleyi – early October. Of the 24 Cotoneaster species in the collection, 22 species bloom and bear fruit regularly. All species show high drought tolerance. Annual shoot frost injury is observed in C. divaricatus (single shoots to the root collar, while others lose up to 20% of annual shoot length and C. dammeri (annual shoot tips). However, despite shoot frost injuries, both species keep their characteristic shape, annually bloom and bear fruit.

The article presents the results of a comparative study on the effect of a selenium-containing preparation on the efficiency of seedling production of Tagetes patula, Callistephus chinensis, and Dahlia × hortensis. The research was carried out at the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, at the Fruit Growing Laboratory of the V.I. Edelshtein Educational, Scientific and Production Center for Horticulture and Vegetable Growing under controlled conditions in 2024–2025. Assessment of a range of biometric growth parameters in the studied species revealed significant differences confirming the effectiveness of the selenium-containing preparation for seed germination and seedling production. Pre-sowing seed treatment with the selenium-containing preparation increased germination rates as follows: for T. patula – from 67.2% to 80.8%; for C. chinensis – from 66.3% to 69.3%; for D. hortensis – from 55.2% to 80.3%. Biometric parameters of T. patula plants after drought simulation showed no significant differences between the treatment and control variants, with the exception of leaf number. For C. chinensis and D. hortensis, a significant superiority of plants treated with the selenium-containing preparation was observed in height, leaf number, and leaf area under water stress compared to control plants (untreated control and the reference control). It was shown that the application of the selenium-containing preparation in seedling production of T. patula, C. chinensis, and D. hortensis had a significant positive effect on plant growth and increased their tolerance to water deficit, thereby improving production profitability by 4.13 percentage points for C. chinensis, 9.84 percentage points for T. patula, and 14.55 percentage points for D. hortensis.

The article presents the results of a three-year field study (2023–2025) on the comparative assessment of ornamental quality, initial sod formation rate, and winter hardiness of turfgrass stands from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) varieties of foreign breeding (Accent II, Goal Keeper II, Revenge GLX, Jacklin Seed, USA) and reproductive seeds of Russian production (MosAgroGroup LLC). The aim of the study was to assess the ornamental qualities and winter thinning of turfgrass from perennial ryegrass varieties of foreign and domestic breeding under the urbanized conditions of Moscow. The experiment was conducted at the the Edelstein Scientific and Practical Center of Horticulture and Vegetable Growing of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Grass quality was assessed according to the method of A.A. Laptev using a 30-point scale, considering shoot density and projective cover area; winter hardiness was determined by the percentage of thinning in spring. In the first year of the study, the Accent II and Goal Keeper II varieties significantly surpassed the other variants in grass stand density (8700 shoots/m2), which was 61.11% higher than Revenge GLX and 7.82% higher than the variant with reproductive seeds. In the third year of the field experiment, the highest projective cover area was recorded for the variant with reproductive seeds (96%), which was 7.87% higher than Accent II (89%), 15.66% higher than Revenge GLX (83%), and 1.05% higher than Goal Keeper II (95%). Based on the comprehensive quality assessment, in the first year all variants except Revenge GLX (poor – 3 points) were rated as mediocre; in the second year, the variant with reproductive seeds and Goal Keeper II achieved excellent quality (25 points); in the third year, the variant with reproductive seeds and Goal Keeper II received the highest score (30 points). The thinning of L. perenne grass in the variant with reproductive seeds after winter periods was 29.49–30.25%, while in the cultivar variants it ranged from 41.98% to 53.26%.

Oil flax is an agricultural crop whose oil is a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Currently, the issue of molecular genetic certification of agricultural plants in the Russian Federation, including flax, is of high importance. Existing methodologies have several drawbacks, necessitating the search for new highly informative DNA markers. The aims of the study were in silico and experimental verification of microsatellite (SSR) markers from published sources, assessment of their polymorphism and informativeness for selecting candidates to be included in a DNA marker panel for multiplex PCR and for developing genetic passports for flax varieties, as well as determination of intravarietal polymorphism in flax varieties to assess the feasibility of their reliable certification and subsequent identification. To select optimal microsatellite (SSR) markers, a bioinformatic analysis of over 1,300 nucleotide microsatellite sequences from published sources was performed. The selection criteria included: a 3–6 nucleotide motif, in silico amplification specificity, and primer annealing temperature. As a result of preliminary screening, 63 markers were selected. Experimental testing on seven oil flax varieties bred at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops allowed the identification of 27 promising loci. Further validation on an extended panel of 23 varieties showed that most markers exhibited moderate or low discriminatory potential (PIC values ranging from 0.08 to 0.46). The exception was four highly polymorphic SSR loci: KY326304, KY326942, KY326968, and Lu2332 (PIC > 0.5), which are recommended for inclusion in the final marker panel for genetic passport development. Analysis of intravarietal polymorphism, examined on small samples using 27 markers, revealed its low level (mean values: Na = 1.27; Ne = 1.19; I = 0.15) confirming the feasibility of molecular genetic identification of flax varieties. To develop a complete certification methodology, further research is required to design new informative SSR markers using modern bioinformatic approaches and genomic library data analysis.

The integration of soybean into polyspecies cropping systems is a promising approach for enhancing the overall productivity of agrocenosis. The study was conducted over two years (2024–2025) at the Field Experimental Station of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. The aim of the study was to identify the patterns of soybean productivity and grain quality formation of under polyspecies agroecosystems to optimize cultivation technologies. The experiment was established in a randomized block design with four replications; 14 crop combination variants were studied. The main crop was soybean, variety Mageva; cereals and legumes were used for creating polyspecies crops. A significant effect of polyspecies composition on soybean productivity parameters was established (p < 0.05). Over the two-year average the maximum chlorophyll content in leaves (0.034 mg/cm2) was recorded in the “Soybean + field pea” variant at the BBCH 19 stage; the highest grain yield (3.03 t/ha) and dry matter yield (7.35 t/ha) were obtained in the “Soybean + mustard” variant; the maximum protein content in grain (43.79%) was recorded in the “Soybean + white lupine” variant. Joint sowing of soybean with mustard increased grain yield by 1.86 t/ha, while sowing with white lupin enhanced grain protein content by 5.67% compared to soybean monoculture. Joint cultivation of soybean with mustard and white lupine is an effective technique for increasing soybean yield and grain quality under Non-Chernozem zone conditions.

Soybean is one of the major grain legumes and oil crops in Russia. Fungal diseases remain the most important factor limiting yield, production stability, and seed quality. The aim of this review was to summarize and critically analyze the available data on fungal diseases of soybean in Russia, taking into account current taxonomic concepts, regional phytosanitary surveys, and molecular diagnostic data. The analysis is based on domestic and international publications, including regional monitoring materials, classical Soviet works, and recent studies on the prevalence, pathogenesis, and systematics of phytopathogenic fungi. It was noted that the greatest practical significance in Russia is attributed to Fusarium root rots and wilt, Rhizoctonia blight, Septoria spot, disease complexes associated with Cercospora species, anthracnose, the Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex, white mold, charcoal rot, and powdery mildew. Visual diagnosis of many diseases is complicated by the high species diversity within genera such as Cercospora, Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, and members of the family Didymellaceae, while traditional morphological approaches are often insufficient for accurate pathogen identification. Special attention is given to seed-borne fungal infections. In Russia, seed-borne infections associated with Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp., the Cercospora species complex (including C. sojina), as well as the recently identified Septogloeum sojae in the Amur Region, have been most convincingly confirmed. It is concluded that classical phytopathological diagnostics should be combined with multilocus molecular identification of pathogens.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a promising grain legume crop for cultivation under conditions of insufficient and unstable moisture. In recent years, an expansion of chickpea sown areas has been observed in the Stavropol Krai, accompanied by an increase in the pest population density with various specializations, which necessitates the improvement of crop protection systems. The aim of the research was to assess the efficiency of chemical and biological control methods against the pest complex of chickpea in the zone of unstable moisture in the Stavropol Krai. Field experiments were conducted in 2024–2025 at the experimental field of the North Caucasus Federal Agrarian Research Centre. The objects of study were the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hbn.), the chickpea leaf miner (Liriomyza cicerina Rond.), and the pea thrips (Kakothrips robustus Uz.). Insecticides with different modes of action were tested, as well as biological protection schemes using Trichogramma and biological preparations. Biological efficiency was calculated using the Henderson-Tilton formula; yield and economic indicators were assessed using standard methods. It was found that the highest biological efficiency against the cotton bollworm was achieved with the insecticide Avant, EC (83.7%), and against the chickpea leaf miner and pea thrips with the insecticide Organza, SC (93.2% and 91.9%, respectively). The maximum chickpea yield (3.10 t/ha), profit (60.2 thousand rubles/ha), and profitability level (203%) were obtained with the use of Avant, EC. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between yield and cotton bollworm population density (r = –0.97), indicating its decisive role in yield losses. The results obtained confirm the feasibility of differentiated application of chickpea protection measures based on the pest species composition.

The feasibility of using the liposomal preparation (LP) with encapsulated ATP for subclinical mastitis in cows during the peak lactation period is scientifically substantiated. Twenty cows with subclinical mastitis were selected for the experiment by the diagnostic product “Masttest”. The cows were similar in the following characteristics: breed – Holstein Black-and-White; weight – 400–415 kg; age – 2–3 years. The 20 cows with subclinical mastitis were divided into two groups of 10 animals: experimental and control. Animals in the experimental group received 10 ml of the liposomal preparation (LP) with encapsulated ATP intramuscularly into the croup, while animals in the control group received the same dose of sterile isotonic sodium chloride solution intramuscularly into the croup. The preparation was administered daily for 10 days. Two days after the last injection, a repeated somatic cell count analysis of milk was performed using Masttest, which showed that subclinical mastitis persisted. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of cow blood serum, it was found that the cause of subclinical mastitis in cows was Staphylococcus, the concentration of which decreased after the liposomal treatment course in the experimental group compared to the control. By the end of the experiment biochemical parameters revealed a significant increase in uric acid (UA) concentrations in both the experimental and control groups. No significant changes in hematological parameters were observed between the experimental and control groups. Thus, the experiment established that the liposomal preparation with encapsulated ATP reduces bacterial load and exhibits antioxidant effects; however, it does not ensure complete restoration of mammary tissue at a dosage of 10 ml per day for 10 days. The data obtained confirm the need for further research to develop more effective liposomal agents with targeted delivery of active substances and methods for regulating the immune response to mastitis in cows.

Currently, a priority trend in poultry science is improving the energy efficiency of poultry production. To achieve this goal, it is necessary, in particular, to develop and implement energy-saving technologies such as improving ventilation and heating systems to ensure air exchange and heating, enhancing microclimate control elements, and maintaining an optimal microclimate environment in production premises. The research was conducted in order to scientifically substantiate the need for microclimate uniformity control in poultry houses. Weekly monitoring of air flow distribution uniformity in broiler rearing facilities became possible with the development of the microclimate uniformity index, calculated on the basis of carbon dioxide concentration values in different parts and zones of the poultry house. Broilers were reared in six different zones of the facility in battery cages. It was established that under broiler rearing conditions accounting for microclimate uniformity in production premises, the zootechnical efficiency is characterized by an increase in average live weight of broilers reared in the central part of the poultry house by 3.9%, poultry survival rate by 2.9–4.4%, a reduction in feed costs per 1 kg of live weight gain by 0.04 kg, and an increase in the broiler productivity index by 18–39 units compared to values obtained when rearing broilers in other parts of the poultry house. At the same time, the following microclimate parameter values in the air environment in the bird housing zone for the pre-slaughter period (35 days and older) should be maintained: temperature – not below 19.0°C; relative humidity – not above 57.0%; carbon dioxide concentration – not above 2700 ppm; ammonia concentration – not above 3.5 mg/m3; microclimate uniformity index – not below 2.7 units.

The aim of the study was to comprehensively assess the effect of different increased doses (4 to 7 times the recommended level) of an exogenous protease complex (0, 500, and 1000 g/t) in low-protein diets containing 6% feather meal on productivity and proteolytic activity in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers. The experiment was carried out on 400 day-old Ross 308 broilers (44 days of age). The birds were divided into four groups: control (high-protein diet), experimental groups (low-protein diets balanced for amino acids) without proteases (Exp-I), with the addition of 500 g/t (Exp-II) and 1000 g/t (Exp-III) of a combinatorial protease complex. It was found that the use of proteases at doses of 500 and 1000 g/t significantly increased final body weight by 3.2% (p<0.05), reduced feed conversion ratio by 3.0% (p<0.05), and increased the European Production Efficiency Factor by 10.8–12.1% (p<0.05). The maximum dose (1000 g/t) increased proteolytic activity in the jejunal and ileal digesta by 24.3–26.9% (p<0.001) activated brush border peptidases by 70.3% (p<0.05), without significant changes in pancreatic protease activity. Withdrawal of enzymes from the finisher diets revealed a prolonged effect: in the Exp-III group, proteolytic activity in the ileum remained comparable to that in the duodenum, indicating an equalisation of the proximal-distal proteolysis gradient. The proposed strategy combining reduced crude protein level, crystalline amino acid balancing, inclusion of feather meal (6%) and megadoses of proteases (1000 g/t) allows for effective keratin utilization, improves nutrient digestibility and enhances broiler performance without additional stress on the pancreas/

Feed additives from black soldier fly larvae have been insufficiently studied in poultry farming; therefore, the main objective of the research was to investigate the effect of the “Inprotein” supplement at three concentrations on the growth, hematological, and biochemical parameters of Ross 308 broilers. The control group (Group 1) received the basic diet (SD) without additives. Experimental group 2 received the basic diet (99.75%) + “Inprotein” granules (0.25%). Experimental group 3 received the basic diet (99.5%) + “Inprotein” granules (0.5%). Experimental group 4 received the basic diet (99.0%) + “Inprotein” granules (1.0%). The dynamics of bird live weight, hematological blood parameters, serum biochemical parameters, and main slaughter parameters of chickens were studied. The 0.5% dose provided the maximum weight gain on days 30 and 45 (6.30% and 6.72%, respectively). Hematological studies showed that the lower dose stimulated immunity (lymphocytosis); the 0.5% dose improved erythropoiesis; the 1.0% dose normalized neutrophil and platelet concentrations, with a moderate increase in erythrocytes (by 0.29×1012 cells/L) and hemoglobin (by 1.1 g/L) at an erythrocyte concentration of 20.23 g/L. According to biochemical data, the 0.5% “Inprotein” dose enhanced protein metabolism, increasing total protein by 2.9% and balancing albumin and globulin levels. An increase in slaughter weight (13.3%) and slaughter yield (4.3%) was observed at the 0.5% dose. In terms of muscle tissue quality, the group with the 0.5% “Inprotein” concentration showed the most pronounced positive changes: a maximum increase in protein (8.7%) and fat (19.8%), and an increase in caloric content by 12.3%. To maximize weight gain in Ross 308 broilers, it is advisable to use the “Inprotein” feed additive at a dosage of 0.5%. A higher dose does not provide additional benefits and is likely economically unfeasible.

The relevance of the research is driven by the development of the ecological orientation of the agricultural economy, which under current socio-economic conditions can achieve environmentally efficient functioning and development through the implementation of scientific achievements and technologies. Positioning agricultural companies as environmentally oriented allows them to gain a competitive advantage and increase investment attractiveness, which in turn affects the value of agricultural companies. Often, claims about the environmental friendliness of products are false, allowing companies to gain additional benefits by misleading consumers. Under current conditions, the problem of greenwashing is intensifying. Greenwashing issues have been actively studied by both domestic and foreign scholars for a considerable time. It is noteworthy that the impact of greenwashing on company value is ambiguous; however, in most cases, a positive effect of greenwashing on company value growth is observed. The aim of the study is to develop and test a model for assessing the influence of environmental factors and greenwashing practices on the value of agricultural companies. The study identified and highlighted key environmental factors that directly and indirectly impact company value. Company value is determined through Economic Value Added. The article employs the concept of “green practices” and “green communication” scales, the application of which should align with the tactical and strategic goals of agricultural companies. The indicators of these scales should help assess the level of environmental responsibility of agricultural companies and ultimately improve the effectiveness of environmental management. The model was tested on the example of agricultural companies, due to the significant impact of greenwashing on food products. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the development of a comprehensive model for assessing the influence of environmental factors and the greenwashing index on the Economic Value Added of agricultural companies.

Project management is becoming a key institutional mechanism for implementing state programs of integrated rural development, yet the adoption of digital tools in this process remains fragmented and is rarely assessed in terms of the maturity of the management cycle as a whole. The purpose of the study is to develop and test a methodological approach to assessing the readiness of rural development project management for digital transformation, comparing institutional practices in Russia and Saudi Arabia, and to identify conditions under which digital project-management tools produce a sustainable socio-economic effect in rural areas. The methods include a systematization of Russian and international literature, comparative institutional analysis, construction of the Digital Project Management Maturity Index (DPMI) for rural development programs, correlation analysis between digital maturity and performance indicators, and a comparison of national digitalization strategies for 2019–2025. The empirical base covers program documents, statistical indicators of digital transformation in Russia’s agro-industrial complex, and open data on the Vision 2030 strategy in the Saudi agricultural sector. Digital maturity of project management is found to be unevenly distributed across functional blocks of the management cycle, with the highest returns where digital monitoring is combined with participatory mechanisms rather than applied as a purely technical upgrade. The scientific novelty lies in constructing a cross-country comparative index linking the maturity of digital project-management practices with tangible rural development outcomes. The practical significance consists in using the DPMI toolkit for benchmarking digitalization strategies and prioritizing investment in digital infrastructure for rural project management.