Journal “Crop Production, Selection And Seed Production, Fruit And Vegetable Growing”
Study of the influence of post-harvest treatment with salicylic acid and chitosan on the storage of blueberries
Formulation of the problem Preservation of the quality of berry raw materials is becoming relevant due to the value of berries as a food product for dessert and technological purposes in the processing industry. To reduce berry losses throughout the entire logistics chain "harvest - post-harvest processing of berry raw materials - transportation - storage - sale", it is necessary to slow down the evaporation of water from the fruits, prevent possible physiological damage and microbiological spoilage of products. For this purpose, pre-treatment of berries before storage with preparations that have antibacterial properties is used. A new technology for post-harvest processing of fruit and berry products with edible coatings is being introduced. Methods of post-harvest processing of fruit and berry products are being searched for, which inhibit physiological processes during storage and extend the duration of storage. Storing berries with minimal weight loss and without deterioration in quality is a pressing issue. Purpose. The conducted research aimed to study the effect of pre-treatment of blueberries with a solution of salicylic acid and chitosan on their preservation. To achieve this goal, it was necessary to solve the following tasks: to determine the natural weight loss of blueberries during storage; to establish the change in dry soluble substances of blueberries, taking into account weight loss during their treatment with a solution of salicylic acid and chitosan. The object of the study is the technology of pre-treatment of blueberries with the use of salicylic acid and chitosan. The subject of the study is blueberries and a solution of salicylic acid and chitosan. Conclusions. Treatment of berries with a solution of salicylic acid and chitosan extends the storage time by 7 days and reduces weight loss. Berries of the Duke variety reduced weight loss by 8.9% (from 19.2% to 10.3%), similar results were obtained for the Patriot variety – 8.5% (from 22.8% to 14.3%), other varieties varied in weight loss from 6.2 to 5.3%. Pretreatment of blueberries with salicylic acid and chitosan slowed down the loss of dry soluble substances by 2.3–3.8% depending on the characteristics of the variety, while in untreated berries by 2.8–4.9%. The greatest loss of dry soluble substances was observed in the Patriot blueberry variety, while in the Liberty variety they were the smallest – 2.8%
Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNALS “CROP PRODUCTION, SELECTION AND SEED PRODUCTION, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWING”
Impact of integrated anti-stress measures on maize productivity
Maize is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide, yet its productivity is severely reduced by abiotic and biotic stresses. Optimization of cultivation technologies through the use of biological and biodynamic preparations in combination with growth stimulants is considered a promising approach to enhancing crop resilience. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated anti-stress technologies in improving maize performance. The field experiment included three variants of foliar treatments with biological preparations based on Trichoderma spp. and Pseudomonas spp., multifunctional growth stimulants, and biodynamic agents. Physiological and biochemical plant parameters, ear morphology, and grain yield were assessed. The results showed that the application of biological preparations combined with growth stimulants increased ear length by 1.0 cm, ear weight by 38–46 g, grain number per ear by 47–49, and thousand kernel weight by 13–20 g compared to the control. Grain yield increased by 12.9–14.9 %, with the strongest effect observed under combined use of biological, growth-stimulating, and biodynamic agents. The practical significance of the study lies in demonstrating the feasibility of implementing integrated anti-stress systems into maize cultivation technology, which enhances crop productivity and yield stability under climate change conditions.
The impact of climate change on the yield of sunflower hybrids in the forest-steppe zone of the kharkiv region
The article considers the impact of climate change on the yield of sunflower hybrids in the forest-steppe zone of the Kharkiv region during 2022–2025. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between agroclimatic indicators — total precipitation, total active temperatures (above 10 °C), and the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) — and the yield of five sunflower hybrids: SI “Chester,” P64LL129, SI “Lascala,” NK “Kondi,” and P64LP130. The research was conducted on farms in the Berestinsky district, where the conditions for sunflower vegetation during the analyzed period were characterized by a sharp contrast in temperature and humidity. The analysis revealed a trend toward rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation during 2022–2025, which is confirmed by a decrease in the hydrothermal coefficient from 1.1 to 0.4. These changes indicate a gradual increase in aridization of the climate in the region. Sunflower yields decreased on average from 3.6 t/ha (2022) to 2.4 t/ha (2025), which correlates with the deterioration of moisture conditions. The highest yield stability indicators were observed in the NK Kondi and P64LP130 hybrids, which indicates their better adaptation to higher temperatures and moisture deficiency. Correlation analysis showed a close direct relationship between precipitation and hybrid yield (r = 0.87–0.99) and a negative relationship between the sum of active temperatures and yield (r = –0.68 to –0.89). The hybrids SI “Chester” and SI “Lascala” showed the greatest sensitivity to climatic fluctuations, while the P64LP130 hybrid, grown using Clearfield technology in 2024–2025, showed a weak correlation with climatic indicators, which may indicate greater stability and potential resistance to extreme weather conditions. The results confirm that in modern climatic conditions, it is advisable to use drought-resistant hybrids and adaptive cultivation technologies aimed at maximizing soil moisture conservation. Given the increase in the cost of sunflower seeds (from 13.6 to 26.8 thousand UAH/t in 2022–2025), the issue of economic efficiency in the selection of hybrids and technologies that ensure stable yields under climatic risks is also relevant. The research conducted deepens the understanding of the adaptive potential of modern sunflower hybrids in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine and can be used to optimize crop structure and predict yields, taking into account climate change trends.
Influence of elements of cultivation technology on yield and main nutrients of grain of grain sorghum hybrids of foreign selection and its processed products
The article highlights the results of three years of research on the complex effect of the predecessors and new hybrids of grain sorghum Milo W and Brigga on grain yield and comparative assessment of the content of basic nutrients in grain, cereals and flour. Statement of the problem. One of the determining criteria for obtaining high yields of grain sorghum is compliance with and timely implementation of technological measures, one of which is its placement on the best predecessors, as well as the selection of hybrids with high genetic yield potential and increased adaptability to adverse abiotic factors of the growing zone. Sorghum grain is mainly used for animal feed due to its high digestibility, but its potential as an ingredient in the human diet is not yet fully understood. Today, more than ever, consumers aredemanding products that provide optimal health benefits. Materials and methods of the research.The hybrids of the French selection Brigga and the American selection Milo W were used in the research, which have a number of important features such as drought and cold resistance, high adaptability and genetic resistance to certain aphid species, resistance to lodging and shattering. The grain of the hybrids under study was grown during 2019-2021 in the Eastern Forest-Steppe at SD-Agro LLC, Izyum district, Kharkiv region. The soil of the experiment is typical chernozem with a deep humus profile, contains 5.0-6.0% humus, has good physical properties, an increased content of mobile forms of NPK and, in general, high biological activity. The growing seasons of 2019 and 2020 can be described as dry, while 2021 was quite wet. The amount of precipitation by month varied significantly. Laboratory studies were carried out at the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences. Sorghum grain was processed into whole grain cereals and flour and the main composition of nutrients was determined. The mass fraction of protein substances was determined by the Kjeldahl method, fat content by the Soxhlet method, starch content by the Evers method, and sugar content by the iodometric method. The biochemical composition of the grain (starch, protein, dietary fibre, fat, ash, glucose) was determined by infrared spectroscopy according to DSTU 4117:2007 using Infratek 1241. The content of vitamins and amino acids was determined by liquid chromatography using a Chromos301 analyser. Results of the study. In order to maximise the potential of any sorghum hybrid, it is necessary to study the feasibility of growing it under different predecessors using recommended technologies in the relevant agroclimatic zone. In our studies, in all years, the best predecessor was winter wheat, which provided the highest yield of the Brigga hybrid - 7.01 t/ha, and the Milo W hybrid - 6.16 t/ha. In the French-bred Brigga hybrid, the amount of proteins was significantly lower and ranged from 8.70 g after sunflower to 9.81 g after winter wheat. As for the amount of fat in sorghum grain, the same pattern was observed, the highest amount of fat in the Brigga hybrid was observed after winter wheat. Worse predecessors such as sorghum for grain and sunflower reduced the amount of fat to 2.06 and 3.14 g, and with the best predecessor the amount of fat was 2.64 and 3.64 g. The Milo W hybrid had a significantly higher amount of proteins and fats in sorghum grain under different predecessors than the Brigga hybrid. The amount of dietary fibre in the Milo W hybrid averaged 6.39 mg, Brigga - 4.64 mg. The highest values of these nutrients were observed when sorghum was grown under winter wheat as a predecessor. With other predecessors, there was a tendency to reduce the content of protein, fat and carbohydrates. In sorghum grain, vitamin B2 was significantly less than vitamin B1. Thus, in the grain of the Milo W hybrid, riboflavin was 0.15 mg/100 g, and in the Brigga hybrid, 0.13 mg/100 g, while in cereals and flour, the amount of vitamin B2 in both hybrids decreased almost twice. Conclusion. The conducted three-year studies show that the French hybrid Brigga had a significantly higher yield than the American hybrid Milo W in the conditions of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The average yield was 7.01 t/ha for the Brigga hybrid and 6.16 t/ha for the Milo W hybrid. During the years of research, the American hybrid Milo W stood out among the studied hybrids in terms of the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Among the studied hybrids, the American hybrid Milo W had the highest content of these vitamins - 0.36, 0.56 and 0.34 mg/100 g, respectively. The tendency to decrease the content of B vitamins in cereals and flour was preserved in both hybrids. According to the results of the research, it was found that the content of vitamin PP is the highest in the grain of the American-bred hybrid Milo W (6.04 mg), and in the French-bred hybrid Brigga (4.97 mg). In cereals and flour, the content of this nutrient decreased in both hybrids by 0.5 and 3% in cereals and by 3 and 4.7% in flour. The grain of the American-bred Milo W hybrid had a vitamin E content of 0.52 mg/100 g, while the lower content of this vitamin was found in the grain of the French hybrid Brigga - 0.48 mg/100 g. During grain processing into cereals and flour, the amount of this nutrient decreased in both hybrids.
Energy efficiency of short-rotation crop rotations with a legume componen
Постановка проблеми. Функціонування будь-якої екосистеми ґрунтується на використанні енергії. Аналіз природних процесів з енергетичної точки зору дає змогу узагальнено пояснити їх перебіг. Відтак, системно-енергетичний підхід можна розглядати як метод дослідження складних систем через оцінку їх енергетичного стану. Мета. Оцінити енергетичну доцільність розвитку органічних агроекосистем різної спеціалізації стосовно потенціалу біопродуктивності чорнозему типового Лівобережного Лісостепу України. Методи. Для реалізації мети застосовували загальнонаукові та спеціальні методи, характерні для аграрних досліджень. Об’єктом дослідження виступали сівозміни. Технологічні підходи мали екологічну спрямованість, що передбачало повну відмову від синтетичних компонентів. Результати. Наведено аналіз енергетичної ефективності польових сівозмін короткої ротації, за результатами досліджень їх продуктивності в умовах Лісостепу Лівобережного. Розрахунки енергетичної ефективності сівозмін з буряками цукровими показали, що бобові культури, які використовували як попередники пшениці озимої в короткоротаційних сівозмінах при органічній системі удобрення, забезпечують коефіцієнт енергетичної ефективності в межах від 1,23 у разі використання сочевиці до 1,38 для сівозмін з горохом та соєю. У сівозмінах із чиною та вико-вівсяною сумішкою значення цього коефіцієнта становило 1,31. Низькі показники співвідношення між енергоємністю врожаю та витратами енергії спостерігали у сівозміні з кукурудзою на силос — 1,01, що свідчить про меншу ефективність використання енергетичних ресурсів у цьому випадку. Енергетична ефективності сівозмін, в яких на третій рік ротації висівали гречку, була нижчою на 15–34 %, в них енергетичні витрати на виробництво продукції рослинництва в серед ньому по сівозмінах знизилися, проте при цьому ще більш інтенсивно зменшувалася енергоємність врожаю — на 24–38 %, на показник якої впливала продуктивність гречки. Як наслідок, майже всі сівозміни з гречкою демонстрували зниження коефіцієнта енергетичної ефективності на 0,06–0,25 одиниць. Висновки. Найвищу енергетичну ефективність забезпечили сівозміни, де в якості попередників пшениці озимої були використані горох, соя та квасоля. Це підтверджується як високими показниками енергоємності врожаю, так і значеннями коефіцієнта енергетичної ефективності.
The effect of pre-harvest pruning of the apple trees, grown in the intensive plantations, on the quality of fruit coloring
The results of the complex research aimed at studying the effect of pre-harvest pruning on the formation of the coloring intensity of apple tree fruit in the conditions of the intensive orchard plantations in Kharkiv region were presented in the paper. The quality of a fruit appearance, in particular glow brightness and intensity, is an important factor in making the produce competitive, because it is the color that is the major criterion for a consumer’s choice. The purpose of the research was to estimate the efficiency of the application of canopy lighting pruning three weeks before fruit harvesting which was carried out to improve coloring and taste characteristics of the apples. The research was carried out in the production conditions of “Kharkiv fruit company” Ltd.; the cultivars of winter ripening terms, Pinova and Fuji, were studied. Pre-harvest pruning consisted in removing one-year-old and 20-cm long shoots to improve the fruit access to the light. It was found out that the improved lighting facilitated a more intensive warming of the fruit at the day time and their higher cooling at night, which in turn activated the anthocyanin synthesis, namely natural pigments, responsible for fruit red coloring. As a result, the number of the fruit with 75% surface coloring increased from 27% up to 93% for cultivar Pinova; the indicators for cultivar Fuji were from 14% up to 69%. In addition, the increase of sugar content in the fruit by 1.2 – 1.9% was recorded; it had a positive effect on their taste properties. The economic evaluation showed that the application of pre-harvest pruning enhanced the income by 37.2-52.2 th. UAH/ha, the profitability level increased by 8.6-12%, as compared with the control. Hence, pre-harvest crown pruning three weeks before harvesting is a highly effective technological technique which both improves decorative and commodity characters of the fruit and facilitates the enhancement of their taste value as well as the economic return of the intensive orchards. The results prove that it is expedient to introduce this method into business practice of the present-day horticulture.
Bioenergy efficiency of growing indeterminant tomato hybrids in glass winter greenhouses
The aim of the study was to determine the bioenergetic efficiency of growing indeterminate tomato hybrids in glass winter greenhouses. The experimental research included three main directions: (1) selection of indeterminate tomato hybrids suitable for winter greenhouse conditions; (2) evaluation of the efficiency of scion–rootstock combinations in indeterminate hybrids; and (3) assessment of the influence of plant training methods on the productivity and bioenergetic efficiency of the Merlis F1 hybrid. It was established that when cultivating indeterminate tomato hybrids in glass winter greenhouses, the major components of energy consumption are heating and electricity (63.0%) and labor costs (22.2%). The introduction of the Maximoto F1, Merlis F1, and Torero F1 hybrids increases the energy accumulated in the yield by 15.3–24.7% and raises the bioenergetic efficiency coefficient to 2.01–2.08. The use of scion–rootstock combinations (Merlis F1 and Torero F1 scions grafted onto Maxifort F1, TD-1 F1, and Emperador F1 rootstocks) enhances the energy content of the yield by 11.5–22.6% (3.94–8.38 MJ/m²) and ensures a bioenergetic efficiency coefficient ranging from 2.15 to 2.55. For the Merlis F1 hybrid, training plants into two stems (after the third cluster on every second plant in the slab and after the ninth cluster on every fourth plant) resulted in a significant increase in the energy accumulated in the yield (by 16.9%), providing a bioenergetic efficiency coefficient of 2.28. The proposed technological practices are recommended for implementation in greenhouse vegetable production systems in Ukraine.
Use of growth regulators to increase tomato seed productivity
The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of growth regulators in increasing seed productivity of tomato under open-field conditions of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Field experiments were conducted at the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine using the preparations Aminoplacentin, Lipoplacentin, and Cryoplacentin (protein–peptide complexes isolated from the placenta of farm animals through cryocavitation and cryoconcentration; Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), PEO (a cryoprotectant), and a suspension culture of the microalga Coelastrella thermophila var. globulina grown in BG-11 medium. It was established that seed treatment with stimulatory preparations (Aminoplacentin, Lipoplacentin, Cryoplacentin, PEO-1000, and Coelastrella thermophila var. globulina extract) significantly increased tomato plant height by 9.7–15.9%, the number of leaves on the main stem by 8.6–12.2%, the number of first-order shoots by 16.6–28.5%, and the number of inflorescences on the main stem by 15.7–22.0%. The greatest positive effect on these biometric parameters was observed with Aminoplacentin, Lipoplacentin, Cryoplacentin, and PEO-1000, which also increased tomato seed yield by 4.22–18.28 kg/ha, or 9.84–42.61%, relative to the control yield of 42.9 kg/ha. The highest seed yield was obtained with the cryoprotective preparation PEO-1000 (61.18 kg/ha). A trend toward increased germination energy was recorded when using Aminoplacentin, Lipoplacentin, Cryoplacentin, and PEO-1000 (95.8–96.6%), along with improved laboratory germination across all tested preparations (98.0–98.5%).
Рarmonisation of national standards for agrochemical analysis of soils with eu requirements
Harmonisation of Ukrainian standards for agrochemical soil analysis with European Union requirements is a critical prerequisite for Ukraine's successful European integration and modernisation of the agricultural sector. As of 2025, Ukrainian soil analysis practices are characterised by fragmentation, the absence of a comprehensive national integrated system, and reliance on mixed DSTU/GOST standards instead of codified national norms, which contrasts sharply with the new European Union Directive on soil monitoring and sustainability, which comes into force in December 2025. Purpose. Comprehensive analysis of technical, regulatory and institutional differences between Ukrainian and European standards for agrochemical soil analysis, identification of specific methodological gaps and development of a practical step-by-step harmonisation plan that takes into account the specifics of Ukrainian soil types, financial constraints and the requirements of the European regulatory environment. Methods. Comparative analysis of the Ukrainian regulatory framework and European Union regulatory requirements, systematic review of methodological differences in analytical protocols, assessment of the infrastructure needs of Ukrainian laboratories, and analysis of international accreditation experience. The expert assessment method was used to identify priority areas for harmonisation and calculate the financial costs of modernising laboratory infrastructure. Results. Critical methodological differences were identified in five key areas of soil analysis. Acidity measurement is characterised by the use of different electrolyte solutions and calibration protocols between Ukrainian laboratories and European standards, leading to systematic deviations in indicators and complicating the interpretation of nutrient availability. The determination of organic matter in Ukrainian practice is based on modified Soviet methods with limited standardisation, while European laboratories use loss on ignition or Walkley-Black methods, which creates incomparability of data on soil carbon stocks. Heavy metal analysis demonstrates the absence in Ukrainian standards of a comprehensive framework for new pollutants, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and modern pesticides, which are specifically required by the new Soil Monitoring Directive. Sampling protocols in Ukraine lack standardisation of grid density, depth procedures and composite sampling strategies necessary to ensure comparability of data between European Union member states. The quality assurance systems of Ukrainian laboratories need to be aligned with the accreditation requirements of the international standard 17025:2017 and regular proficiency testing programmes recognised at European level. It has been established that a typical regional laboratory requires an investment of €500,000–800,000 to upgrade its analytical equipment, including inductively coupled plasma systems with optical emission spectrometry costing €150,000–300,000, pH meters with standardised electrode systems costing €5,000–15,000, and equipment for analysing organic substances costing €20,000–50,000. National implementation requires a total investment of €50–80 million over three to five years. A five-stage implementation plan has been developed with a timeframe of 48–72 months, covering legislative reforms with the updating of standards and accreditation criteria during the first 12–18 months, infrastructure modernisation over 12–48 months, staff training through exchange programmes with European laboratories over 18–60 months, method validation through interlaboratory studies over 24–60 months, and full integration with European-level recognition. The need to establish a National Soil Monitoring Coordination Committee for inter-agency coordination, development of a national monitoring strategy and securing international funding through technical assistance programmes has been identified. Conclusions. Successful harmonisation of soil analysis standards will provide Ukrainian agriculture with improved access to the single market of the European Union by removing technical barriers to trade, increase confidence in Ukrainian products on international markets by demonstrating compliance with the gold standard of quality assurance, strengthen positions in carbon emission quota markets by providing reliable, verified data on organic carbon sequestration by soil, and promote the implementation of sustainable soil management practices based on accurate soil condition data. Practical value. The study provides a concrete action plan for government agencies, scientific institutions and agricultural laboratories with detailed cost estimates, implementation timelines and priority areas for modernisation, enabling effective investment planning and coordination of efforts at the national level to achieve full compliance with European Union requirements.
Anti-stress effect of humic biostimulants on sunflower (helianthus l.) yield under global climate change conditions
Introduction. Humic substances affect plants directly or indirectly. The indirect effect is associated with improving the water-physical properties of the soil, activating microflora, influencing the migration of nutrients, and binding toxic agents (pesticides, heavy metals). Humic substances have a direct comprehensive effect on plant growth processes, i.e., they regulate them. The effect of humic fertilizers on plants is complex and multi-stage, covering the entire vegetation period. With humic substances, a certain amount of nutrients enters the plant — nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, and other microelements, as well as amino acids, vitamins, and growth substances. In addition, humates improve the plant's uptake of sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and hormones from the soil. They accelerate water uptake and oxygen absorption by plants, which ultimately intensifies plant respiration. As a result of enhanced respiration, cell division, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and the growth of the root system and above-ground mass are accelerated, the yield of dry matter increases, and, consequently, the overall vitality of plants improves. All this ultimately leads to enhanced growth, increased plant productivity, and improved product quality. Humates act as organic fertilizers and plant growth regulators. Analysis of recent studies and publications. In modern farming systems, there is a certain instability in the effectiveness of basic fertilization, which is a consequence of unbalanced prices for agricultural products and chemical industry products, the use of mainly minimal tillage systems, and the almost complete absence of a stable structure of cultivated areas. A partial solution to the problem of insufficient supply of nutrients to plants is the use of foliar feeding, which, according to many researchers, is effective in the cultivation of most crops [2]. Foliar feeding is particularly effective in unfavorable weather conditions and other factors that reduce the availability of nutrients from the soil: humidity and temperature indicators, soil pH, etc. In this case, foliar feeding stimulates the absorption of nutrients from the soil. Foliar feeding increases the intensity of chlorophyll synthesis in the leaves, contributing to their rich green color, which in turn stimulates root growth, sugar secretion, and the growth of microorganisms that provide the synthesis of auxins and other root-stimulating substances. With the increase in cellular gas exchange, the amount of moisture absorbed by the roots increases, and thus the process of absorbing nutrients from the soil solution is activated. In most cases, foliar feeding will be more effective if it is carried out several times – at the beginning and during the growing season of crops. A study of the effect of different timing of foliar feeding [2] on some biometric indicators of plants and sunflower seed yield showed that even a single application of foliar feeding stimulates the growth and development of sunflower plants. Feeding sunflowers with potassium humate is a useful tool for improving the growing conditions of this important agricultural crop and increasing its yield. Potassium humate for sunflowers is an effective organic-mineral fertilizer, the use of which contributes to improving the overall health of the plant and increasing its yield. Its advantages also include: stimulation of root system growth, improvement of soil structure and water retention capacity, activation of nutrient exchange, strengthening of the immune system, and stress resistance. The absorption of nutrients through the leaves and their subsequent assimilation depend largely on the level of root nutrition and, conversely, foliar feeding can have a direct or indirect effect on the absorption of minerals by the roots and their subsequent use by the plant. Therefore, foliar feeding should be considered not only as a way to increase the level of minerals, which, in turn, is a supplement to the usual root feeding, but also as a way to correct the latter, since this way it is possible to enhance its positive effect on the yield and quality of products [12]. Materials and methods. The experimental plots were established on the fields of Agroexpert LLC in the Kharkiv district of the Kharkiv region (2024) and on the Dokuchaevske experimental field of the State Biotechnological University in the Kharkiv district of the Kharkiv region (2025). Growth biostimulants (fertilizers) manufactured by Pesticide EOOD (Bulgaria) were used for the research. Below is a list and brief description of the products that were tested. Sunflower predecessors: 2024 – grain corn; 2025 – naked oats. Fertilizers: 2024 and 2025 – top dressing with 34 kg of nitrogen (100 kg NH4NO3); Culture – 2024 sunflower commercial hybrid MAS 920 CP 2025 sunflower commercial hybrid MAS 85 Research results and discussion. Studies have shown that foliar application of humic biostimulants, both as a single treatment (2 l/ha) and as two treatments (2+2 l/ha), on sunflower crops (commercial hybrid MAS 920 CP) in the arid climate of 2024, led to a reduction in plant temperature stress and contributed to some growth in the size of sunflower baskets. In the more humid conditions of 2025, a positive effect was also noted from the foliar application of humic biostimulants at a dose of 2 l/ha on the development of sunflower heads (commercial hybrid MAS 85), but unlike in 2024, no significant increase in the diameter of the baskets was observed when they were used twice (2+2 l/ha). A study of the effect of foliar application of the tested biostimulants produced by Pesticide EOOD (Bulgaria) on the yield of the commercial sunflower hybrid MAS 920 CP in the arid climatic conditions of 2024 showed the feasibility of a single application at a dose of 2 l/ha. A similar dependence was established for the more humid conditions of 2025 for the commercial sunflower hybrid MAS 85. Conclusions. Summarizing the results of two years of research on the effect of humic biostimulants produced by Pesticide EOOD on the growth and development of sunflowers, it can be concluded that these preparations should be considered not only as a source of macro- and microelements for plants, but also as an anti-stress agent in the arid climate of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Continuing this research will make it possible to develop methods and means of counteracting global climate change.
Plant productivity and biological yield of winter wheat grain under the influence of morpho-regulators on different mineral nutrition backgrounds
The results of two years of research on the effect of morphoregulators in combination with different mineral nutrition backgrounds on the formation of plant productivity and biological yield of winter wheat grain are presented. Formulation of the problem. The effectiveness and practical application of combinations of various agrochemicals, in particular different forms of mineral fertilizers and morphoregulators, remain insufficiently studied. In addition, new types and formulations of fertilizers and morphoregulators are systematically appearing on the market, and new varieties of winter wheat are being introduced into production, which differ in their morpho-biotype and, therefore, may react differently to elements of cultivation technology, in particular, the system of nutrition and plant growth regulation. In addition, growing weather conditions are changing, in particular, there is a gradual increase in temperature and a decrease in precipitation. All these factors indicate the advisability of conducting research aimed at more efficient use of mineral fertilizers and morphoregulators in different growing regions. The purpose of the research. The aim of the research was to determine and compare the effectiveness of modern morphoregulators with different bases in combination with different mineral nutrition backgrounds on the formation of plant productivity elements and biological yield of winter wheat grain in the conditions of the eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Research methods. The research was conducted in 2024 and 2025 on the basis of grain-row crop rotation at the Department of Plant Growing of the State Biotechnological University. The effectiveness of using morphoregulators in combination with different mineral nutrition backgrounds was studied on Bogdana, a widely used, medium-maturing, intensive type of soft winter wheat. A two-factors experiment was set up using the split-plot method in three replicates in a single layer. The first-order plots were four mineral nutrition backgrounds: 1 – control; 2 – top dressing with N15P30K20 (150 kg/ha of MACROSTAR -N9P20K12) + top dressing after physical ripeness of the soil (22-23rd microphase) with urea at a rate of N35 + + foliar feeding with urea at a dose of 22 kg/ha (N10) during the 37th microphase; 3 and 4 – same as the second option, but the urea application rate during the 22-23rd microphase is increased to 108 and 141 kg/ha (N50 and N65), respectively. The second order plots consisted of five options for treating crops with retardant morphoregulators during the 31st microphase according to the BBCH classification: I – control (without morphoregulators); II – Moddus Star (0.3 l/ha); III – Retacel (1.5 l/ha); IV – Medax TOP (0.7 l/ha); V – mixture of Moddus Star (0.2 l/ha) + Retacel (1.0 l/ha). The area of the experimental plot was 37.5 m2, and the accounting area was 30 m2. Research results. It has been established that it is possible to form higher elements of plant productivity, as well as significantly increase the biological yield of winter wheat grain through the use of morphoregulators on different nutritional backgrounds. The highest number of plants and lateral productive stems of winter wheat was 329 and 276 respectively, was observed in 2025 in the variant of treating crops with the Medax TOP regulator against the background of applying the highest dose of nitrogen (N65) during the 22-23rd microphase according to the BBCH classification. In fact, the same indicators – 327 plants and 278 lateral productive stems – were observed in the variant of applying this regulator against the background of a lower dose of nitrogen – N50. The greatest changes in the number of wheat plants before harvesting were influenced by the studied variants of the nutrition system, while the number of lateral productive stems was influenced by weather conditions. Thus, the range of variation in the number of plants under the influence of morphoregulators and weather conditions was 2.8 % and 4.1 %, respectively, while under the influence of the nutrition system it was 7.1 %. The range of variation in the number of lateral productive stems under the influence of morphoregulators and the nutrient background was 5.9 % and 11.4 %, respectively, while under the influence of weather conditions it was 34.2 %. The largest number and weight of grains from the main and side stems were formed in the variants treated with the Medax TOP regulator against the background of nitrogen fertilization during the 22-23rd microphase at a dose of N50. Increasing the nitrogen dose to N65 did not provide a significant increase in these indicators. Among the regulators studied, both in terms of their effect on plant productivity and in terms of their effect on the biological grain yield of the main and lateral stem systems of winter wheat, the product Medax TOP was the best. Crops treated with this product formed significantly higher biological grain yield of both stem systems in the weather conditions of both years on all studied mineral nutrition backgrounds. The highest overall biological yield of winter wheat was achieved in the treatment variant during the 31st microphase according to the BBCH classification with the Medax TOP regulator against the background of the highest nitrogen application rate (N65) during the 22nd-23rd microphase – 5.06 t/ha in 2024 and 6.87 t/ha in 2025. At the same time, virtually the same indicators were obtained for N50 application – 5.01 and 6.78 t/ha, respectively. Therefore, given the lack of a significant difference in biological grain yield between these options, it is not advisable to increase the nitrogen dose from 50 to 65 kg/ha. Conclusions. No significant difference in terms of overall biological grain yield was found between the options of treating crops with the Medax TOP regulator and a mixture of Moddus Star and Retacel 720 products. However, preference should be given to the application of the Medax TOP regulator because, firstly, the biological yield when using it was higher, albeit insignificantly, secondly, the spraying process is simplified because only one product is applied, and thirdly, the Medax TOP regulator has a wider temperature range of effective operation.
Biological yield of grain of grain sorghum hybrids depending on forms and doses of fertilizers
Sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is used as a grain, fodder, technical and food crop. The aim of our research was to determine the effect of different forms and doses of fertilizers on the yield of new hybrids of grain sorghum in the conditions of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. A two-factor field experiment was established using the split-plot method in three replications on the experimental field of the State Biotechnological University, which is located in the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. For the completeness of the research and the evaluation of the obtained results, generalizing, field and statistical methods were used. The study of the effect of different systems of application of organic and mineral fertilizers in different parts of the world indicates that their use in agroecosystems, South Sudan, India, Ethiopia, African countries and other countries contributes to an increase in the yield of sorghum grain, improvement of the quality of the grown crop, increase in the profitability of grain and various types of feed from sorghum crops. Domestic researchers offer various fertilization systems for the formation of stable grain yields and improving its quality in the soil and climatic zones of Ukraine. According to the average three-year (2021, 2023–2024) research results, it was established that in the conditions of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine it is advisable to grow the medium-early hybrid Aggyl and the early-ripening hybrid Brigga of French selection, which in this research area have a vegetation period of 124 and 119 days, respectively. With the option of applying Renovation Fuerza at a dose of 100 kg/ha, a yield of 7.75 and 7.41 t/ha of grain was obtained, respectively. Both hybrids with this option of fertilizer application under different weather conditions form a consistently high yield. The increase in grain yield of the Aggyl hybrid compared to the absolute and zonal controls was 2.04 and 2.49 t/ha and 1.18 and 1.63 t/ha, respectively, or 26.9 and 31.9 and 9.2 and 13.4 %. The superiority of the medium-early grain sorghum hybrid Aggyl over the early-ripening Brigga hybrid has been mathematically proven in all years of research. In the conditions of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, sowing of these hybrids and application of Renovation Fuerza fertilizer at a dose of 100 kg/ha should be combined. The share of different stem systems of grain sorghum hybrids in the total biological grain yield varies depending on the application of different forms and doses of fertilizers. Weather conditions of the growing season have a significant impact. The maximum percentage of main stems was formed in the Aggyl and Brigga hybrids under the option of applying Renovation Fuerza at a dose of 100 kg/ha.
Peas yield depends on weather conditions
Problem statement. An increase in air temperature and a decrease in precipitation does not have a negative impact on the yield of agricultural crops. There is an increase in the yield of grain and leguminous crops, sunflower, potatoes, vegetables, fruits and berries, which indicates their adaptive ability to climate change The purpose of the study is to establish the influence of weather conditions of the growing season on the formation of the productivity of pea varieties in the eastern part of the forest-steppe of Ukraine. Materials, methods, meteorological conditions. The study was conducted during 2006–2020 in the stationary crop rotation of the V. Ya. Yuryev Institute of Plant Production of the NAAS using the split-plot method according to generally accepted methods. The soil is deep slightly leached black soil with a granular structure. It is characterized by the following agrochemical indicators: humus content – 5.8%; pH – 5.8; hydrolytic acidity – 3.29 mg/eq. per 100 g of soil. Nutrient reserves in the control without fertilizers: nitrogen – 132 mg/kg, phosphorus – 104 mg/kg, potassium – 128 mg/kg; in the background with the use of mineral fertilizers (N30P30K30): nitrogen – 130-140 mg/kg, phosphorus – 180-200 mg/kg, potassium – 170-190 mg/kg of soil. Results. On average over the years of research (2006-2020), the deviation in the average daily temperature is plus 2.21 С. At the same time, there is a significant difference by month and year. A significant warming of the August-September period is noted, by 2.41-2.21 С, in other months the increase in air temperature is insignificant - 0.25 С in April, 0.70 С in May, 0.40 С in June and 0.64 С in July. Insufficient moisture was observed in 9 years (from 14.3 mm in 2007 to 168.1 mm in 2018), and excess - respectively in 8 years, with fluctuations from 41.1 mm in 2020 to 251.8 mm in 2011. On average, over the years of research, two months had less precipitation compared to multi-year values, these are April - 9.5% with a norm of 11.7% and July - 20.5 and 23.5%, respectively. In June, the amount of precipitation is above optimal indicators - 25.4 against 20.8%. In other months, the distribution of precipitation was close to the optimum. Conclusions. In April, 6 years out of 15 were with sufficient or excessive moisture, and in the others - with insufficient. In May - respectively in 8 years. June: 1 year sufficient amount (2008) and 6 years - excessive. In July - respectively - 1 and 5 years and in August - for the entire period of research, only 2 years were with excessive moisture, and all the others - with insufficient. According to the results of the correlation analysis of the influence of the precipitation distribution indicator on the level of crop yield, there is practically zero dependence between them on average for 15 years (2006-2020). At the same time, for the period 2006-2010, a high positive correlation was noted with April precipitation, r= 0.875-0.911 and a significant one with June humidity - r= 0.398-0.583. In 2011-2015, the distribution of precipitation in April, June and July had a negative impact on pea yield - r = from minus 0.452 to minus 0.366; r = -0.434-0.324 and r = -0.654-0.543, respectively. And in May, the correlation of factors was positive - r = 0.578-0.613. In 2016-2020, negative correlations were also noted in April and June - r = from minus 0.680 to minus 0.470 and r = -0.759-0.637, low correlation of indicators in May - r = 0.178-0.261.
Effectiveness of fertilization system in forming the productivity of sunflower plant
The results of two years of research on the effect of combining different options for pre-sowing, sowing, and root fertilization on the formation of plant productivity elements and the biological yield of seeds of the high-oleic, mid-season sunflower hybrid SY Fenomeno are presented. Formulation of the problem. The problem concerning the specifics of sunflower nutrition is important for determining the theoretical basis for algorithms for the application of various types of fertilizers that will ensure a higher level of realization of the biological productivity potential of this crop. Despite a significant amount of research in this area, a number of issues, primarily regarding a comprehensive approach to fertilezer application, remain unresolved, which determined the direction of the research conducted. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the elements of plant productivity and biological seed yield of the high-oleic, mid-season sunflower hybrid SY Fenomeno depending on the application of various combinations of pre-sowing, sowing and root mineral fertilizers in the conditions of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Research methods. The study was conducted in 2024 and 2025 at the «Gryga» Farm in the Poltava district of the Poltava region. A two-factor field experiment was set up using the split-plot method in three replicates. The first-order plots were four variants of root feeding of crops with UAN32 in phases V5 and V6: 1 – control (no feeding); 2 – UAN32 at a dose of 65 kg/ha (N20); 3 – UAN32 at a dose of 95 kg/ha (N30); 4 – UAN32 at a dose of 125 kg/ha (N40). The second-order plots were five options for combining pre-sowing and post-sowing application of complex fertilizers: I – absolute control (no fertilizers); II – pre-sowing application of ammonium sulfate at a dose of 100 kg/ha (N21S24) in combination with top dressing application of ammophos at a dose of 100 kg/ha (N12P52) (production control); III, IV, and V – pre-sowing application of sulfoammonium phosphate at a dose of 100 kg/ha (N20P20S14) in combination with post-sowing application of MACROSTAR complex fertilizer at doses of 100 kg/ha, 150 and 200 kg/ha (N9P20K12, N14P30K18 and N18P40K24), respectively. The area of the second-order sowing and accounting plots was 210 and 112 m2, respectively. Research results. Analysis of plant productivity and plant density before harvesting the SY Fenomeno sunflower hybrid revealed their significant dependence on the studied variants of pre-sowing, sowing, and root fertilization. On average, sunflower baskets produced the highest number of seeds in the variant with the highest dose of root application of UAN32 – 125 kg/ha (N40) against the background of pre-sowing application of sulfoamophos at a dose of 100 kg/ha N20P20S14 and post-sowing application of MACROSTAR complex fertilizer at a dose of 200 kg/ha (N18P40K24) – 1257 pcs. Compared to the absolute control (without fertilizer application), the number of seeds in this variant was 224 pcs. or almost 22.0 % higher. The highest seed weight per sunflower basket – 82.8 g – was also observed in the variant with the highest doses of various types of fertilizer application. At the same time, the difference compared to the variant with a lower dose of MACROSTAR complex fertilizer application – 150 kg/ha (N14P30K18) was insignificant – less than 2.0 %. In terms of biological seed yield, the optimal option was pre-sowing application of ammonium sulfate at a dose of 100 kg/ha (N21S24), followed by the application of ammophos at a dose of 100 kg/ha (N12P52) and root application of UAN32 at a dose of 125 kg/ha (N40). Other options for pre-sowing and top dressing with complex fertilizers did not provide a significant increase in the biological yield of sunflower seeds compared to this option (there was only a tendency towards an increase). In addition, the cost of the complex fertilizer MAKROSTAR, as well as sulfoammonium phosphate, per 1 ha was significantly higher than that of ammonium sulfate and ammonium phosphate. Increasing the dose of root application of UAN32 from 95 to 125 kg/ha did not provide a significant increase in the biological yield of sunflower seeds, but there was a clear tendency towards its increase in the variants of root application of a higher dose of UAN32. Conclusions. Thus, this particular feeding system option – pre-sowing application of ammonium sulfate at a dose of 100 kg/ha (N21S24), top dressing with ammophos at a dose of 100 kg/ha (N12P52) in combination with root feeding of crops with UAN32 at a dose of 125 kg/ha (N40), was the best in terms of plant productivity and biological yield of sunflower seeds, both on average over the years and directly by year.
Change in productivity indicators of spring camelina varieties under the influence of additional nutrition with different sowing methods
According to three years of research, the influence of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators under different sowing methods on the productivity of spring camelina varieties has been established. Problem statement. Increasing the yield of spring camelina requires the use of modern cultivation technologies, which are primarily based on the introduction of high-yielding varieties and the scientifically grounded application of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators. An additional important element of advanced technologies is the optimal spatial arrangement of plants in the crop stand, determined by row spacing.The aim of the research was to determine the specific features of productivity formation in spring camelina under the influence of mineral fertilizers, plant growth regulators, and sowing methods in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Research methods. The study was conducted in 2023–2025 at the experimental field of the Institute of Oilseed Crops in the Zaporizhzhia district of Zaporizhzhia region. To address the research objectives, a four-factor field experiment was carried out. Factor A – row spacing (2 variants). Factor B – application of mineral fertilizers (4 variants). Factor C – variety (2 variants). Factor D – application of growth regulators (4 variants). The total number of experimental variants was 64. Replication was threefold. The establishment of the experiment, accounting, measurements, and accompanying observations were conducted according to standard field experiment methodologies. Research results. The number of seeds per plant in spring camelina was higher when sown with 70-cm row spacing in both varieties. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators, this indicator increased by: 1–20 and 1–18 seeds, respectively, for the variety Prestyzh; and by 1–37 and 1–32 seeds for the variety Slavutych.The seed weight per plant of spring camelina, depending on the variant of mineral fertilizer and growth regulator application, was higher under 70-cm row spacing by 0.04–0.06 g in the variety Prestyzh and by 0.06–0.08 g in the variety Slavutych. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators, seed weight per plant increased by 0.01–0.07 g and 0.01–0.04 g, respectively, in both varieties.The 1000-seed weight of spring camelina in the varieties Prestyzh and Slavutych was higher by 0.03–0.08 g and 0.02–0.05 g, respectively, under the wide-row sowing method. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers, the 1000-seed weight increased by 0.02–0.14 g in Prestyzh and by 0.01–0.10 g in Slavutych. Under the influence of growth regulators, the 1000-seed weight increased, depending on the nutrient background and sowing method, by 0.01–0.04 g in Prestyzh and by 0.01–0.03 g in Slavutych. Conclusions. The highest yield of spring camelina was obtained for the varieties Prestyzh – 1.32 t/ha and Slavutych – 1.40 t/ha when sown with 15-cm row spacing, combined with the application of mineral fertilizers at a rate of N40P40К40 and spraying the crop with the growth regulator Rost-koncentrat at the rosette stage. The yield increase amounted to 0.02–0.21 t/ha from the use of mineral fertilizers and 0.02–0.11 t/ha from the application of growth regulators.
Dynamics of leaf area formation in corn hybrids of different maturity groups depending on foliar fertilization
The results of two years of research on the effect of foliar fertilization on the dynamics of leaf area formation in corn hybrids of different maturity groups: P 7818, DKS 3730, and DKS 4541 are presented. Formulation of the problem. Research into the possibility of regulating the formation of the leaf surface of corn crops through foliar feeding will significantly improve the accumulation of plastic substances in the process of photosynthetic activity of crops. That is why research in this area is relevant and timely. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of foliar feeding with products of different bases on the dynamics of leaf area formation and the size of the rolled leaf of corn hybrids of different maturity groups. Research methods. A two-factor field experiment was set up using the split-plot method in four replicates. The first-order plots (factor A) consisted of three modern corn hybrids of different maturity groups: early-maturing P 7818 (FAO 240); medium-early DKS 3730 (FAO 280) and medium-maturing DKS 4541 (FAO 380). The second-order plots were seven variants of foliar feeding with various combinations of water-soluble fertilizers and stimulants-antistressants: I – control (spraying of experimental plots with water); II – foliar feeding with a mixture of urea (N10) and Nanovit complex fertilizer (1.5 l/ha) in the 14-16 microphase; III – foliar feeding with a mixture of urea (N10) and Nanovit complex fertilizer (1.5 l/ha) in the 16-18th microphase; IV – II + III; V – foliar feeding with a mixture of urea (N10) and Nanovit complex fertilizer (1.5 l/ha) and Quantum AminoMax anti-stress agent (1.0 l/ha) during the 14-16th and 16-18th microphases; VI – V + addition to the tank solution during the first feeding of zinc fertilizer Partner (1.0 l/ha); VII – V + addition to the tank solution during the first and second feeding of zinc fertilizer Partner (1.0 l/ha). The area of the sowing plot was 140 m2, and the accounting area was 100 m2. Research results. It has been established that both the maturity group of hybrids and foliar fertilization affect the leaf area of corn crops. Among the hybrids studied, the medium-maturing hybrid DKS 454 formed the largest leaf area in all phases of the study. In particular, during the 33rd, 65th, 75th, and 85th microphases according to the BBCH classification, the leaf area of this hybrid averaged 25.9 thousand m2/ha, 37.6, 35.1, and 31.6 thousand m2/ha, respectively, over the years. All studied variants of two foliar feedings ensured the formation of a significantly higher leaf surface area of all corn hybrids during the 33rd, 65th, 75th, and 85th micro-phases, with the largest area observed in the variants of two foliar feedings during the 14-16th and 16-18th microphases with a mixture of urea at a dose of 21 kg/ha, Nanovit complex fertilizer at a dose of 1.5 l/ha, and Quantum AminoMax stimulant-antistressant at a dose of 1.0 l/ha. The increase in leaf area of the studied corn hybrids in all phases of the study compared to the control was 12–15%. The addition of Partner zinc fertilizer to this solution did not provide a further increase in leaf area for any of the studied hybrids. The area of the attached leaf of all corn hybrids was largest in the variants of foliar feeding with a combination of all products (urea, Nanovit, Quantum AminoMax, Partner), while it did not differ significantly from the variant where a solution of three products was applied (without the addition of Partner zinc fertilizer). In these variants, the area of the attached leaf of corn hybrids P 7818, DKS 3730, and DKS 4541 averaged 420.7-421.6 cm2, 541.6-545.6 cm2, and 547.0-550.1 cm2, respectively, over two years of research. Conclusions. Therefore, in order to form a larger leaf surface area of crops, which creates more favorable conditions for the formation of higher corn grain yields of different maturity groups, it is advisable to carry out two foliar feedings during the 14-16 and 16-18 microphases according to the international BBCH classification with a solution of urea at a dose of N10, complex water-soluble fertilizer Nanovit at a dose of 1.5 l/ha, and stimulator-antistressant Quantum AminoMax 200 at a dose of 1.0 l/ha.
International experience in reducing losses of fruit and vegetable products
The results of the analysis of the current state of post-harvest treatments and new technologies that can be used to maintain the quality and reduce losses of fresh produce are presented. The analysis of modern domestic and foreign scientific and patent literature indicates that various post-harvest physical, chemical and gas treatments can be used to preserve the quality of fresh produce with high nutritional value and compliance with safety standards for fresh vegetables and fruits. These post-harvest treatments are usually combined with proper storage temperature control. Results. The main advantages of using coatings are based on such properties as cost, availability, functionality, mechanical properties, optical properties, resistance to damage by microorganisms and sensory acceptability. They are used in combination with bioactive compounds that provide fruits and vegetables with additional functions, reduce weight loss and quality preservation and extend shelf life. The principle is to reduce respiration, delay post-harvest ripening of fresh fruits and vegetables and prevent the reproduction of microorganisms. Technological advances have led to the development of cutting-edge equipment for preserving fresh produce, such as modified atmosphere, controlled atmosphere, vacuum packaging, cold plasma, freezing and chilling. However, the high cost and significant energy requirements of these advanced technologies make them inaccessible to small-scale producers in developing countries. They are also unprofitable for retailers and will certainly affect household financial portfolios. Knowing that in today’s world, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies attract customers, we propose approaches and methods that are easy to implement, affordable and energy-efficient, and that benefit smallholders, retailers and consumers.
The article highlights modern approaches to the breeding improvement of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) as a promising niche crop capable of ensuring food and functional security under global climate change conditions. It provides an analysis of morphological, biochemical, and genetic traits of breeding value, including protein, lysine, and squalene content, as well as indicators of yield, adaptability, and resistance to abiotic stresses. The prospects for using biotechnological methods, such as marker-assisted selection, genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9), and the integration of foreign germplasm to enhance adaptability and nutritional value of new varieties, are discussed. The results of field studies and a comparative assessment of varieties based on agronomic indicators are presented. Emphasis is placed on the need for further development of genetic resources, molecular breeding, and agronomic support for amaranth cultivation in various agro-climatic zones of Ukraine. Strategies are proposed for combining traditional and modern breeding methods to develop high-yielding, stress-resistant, and nutritionally valuable amaranth varieties capable of effectively responding to the challenges of modern agriculture.
Influence of main soil tillage methods on safflower yield in drought conditions of the Forest-Step zone of Kharkiv region
Formulation of the problem. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an oilseed crop characterized by high drought resistance and adaptability to arid climatic conditions. In the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine, increased aridity and depletion of groundwater reserves significantly limit its productivity. The choice of the main soil cultivation system directly affects the hydrothermal properties of the soil and crop yields, but there is still insufficient research in the conditions of the Kharkiv region. The purpose of the research. The study aimed to assess the impact of different tillage systems on soil water regime, growth, and yield formation of safflower under conditions of typical black soils in Kharkiv region. Research methods. The research was conducted at the Vidrodzhennia private enterprise in the Krasnohrad district, where black soil with a humus content of 4.8–5.0% and a neutral soil solution reaction prevail. The research was conducted in a grain-steam-row crop rotation system, in which safflower was sown after winter wheat. The Dobrynya variety of safflower was used in the experiment. The experiment was designed according to the principle of systematic variation in accordance with methodological recommendations. The studied variants of basic soil cultivation for safflower cultivation were: plow plowing PLN-5-35 (control) and non-plow chisel cultivation AGR-1.7 to a depth of 25–27 cm, as well as disc harrowing BDT-7 to a depth of 18–20 cm. The growing season was characterized by abnormally high temperatures (+3.4°C above the long-term average) and critically low precipitation (76 mm in April–September, which is 191 mm below normal). This led to a deficit of productive moisture and increased soil compaction. Research results. The results of the study showed that the moisture content of the black soil varied depending on the phase of safflower development and the depth of the arable layer. The upper horizon (0–10 cm) was most prone to drying out, while the lower horizon (20–30 cm) retained moisture the longest. Plowing provided good conditions for moisture accumulation in the spring, but in drought conditions, it contributed to rapid drying of the upper layer and compaction of the subsoil horizon (up to 29.1 kg/cm²). Chiseling, on the contrary, allowed for better moisture retention during the growing season due to the absence of a plow pan and the preservation of capillary water conductivity in the soil. Disc harrowing provided only superficial loosening, which led to rapid moisture loss and critical compaction of deeper horizons (up to 28.6 kg/cm²). The yield of safflower depended on the type of tillage: with chisel plowing, it was 1.01 t/ha, with plowing – 0.93 t/ha, and with disc harrowing – 0.74 t/ha. Economic analysis showed that chisel plowing was the most profitable (60%), while plowing and disc harrowing provided lower rates (49% and 48%, respectively). This is explained by the optimal ratio between costs and yield levels with chisel plowing. Conclusions. Thus, in the arid conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Kharkiv region, the most effective method of primary soil cultivation for safflower is chisel plowing, which provides a better balance between moisture retention, soil loosening, and structural stability, allowing for higher productivity and economic efficiency of production.
Influence of a biologized fertilization system on the yield and output of mother roots of beetroot
The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of a biologically-based system for optimizing the nutrition of beetroot mother roots under strip placement of vegetable crops and legume–cereal mixtures (Rot–Mix system) in the soil and climatic conditions of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Field experiments were conducted on chernozem soils at the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine using beetroot varieties of different typologies (Bordo Kharkivskyi, Vital, Bahrianyi) and biological products of various functional groups to optimize plant nutrition, stimulate growth processes, and protect against harmful organisms (Azotofit-R, Organic-Balance, Groundfix, Humifrend, HelpRost for vegetable crops, HelpRost Boron, Micohelp, Phytohelp, Aktovirm Formula, Liposam). The impact of the biologically-based fertilization system on the yield and output of beetroot mother roots of different varieties, as well as the main economic indicators of the cultivation technology, was determined. It was established that the biologically-based fertilization system statistically significantly increased the yield of beetroot mother roots by 5.7–7.8 t/ha, or 15.3–24.5 %, compared to the baseline technology. The highest yield over the years of the study was recorded for the Vital variety, and the lowest for the Bahrianyi variety. The biologically-based fertilization system ensured a positive trend in increasing the proportion of mother roots to 52.5 % compared to the baseline technology (48.8 %). The implementation of the biologically-based fertilization system resulted in an increase in net profit, depending on the variety, by 28.5–39.0 thousand UAH/ha, a reduction in production costs to 2.80–3.53 UAH/kg, and an increase in profitability to 60.3–90.3 % compared to the baseline technology for cultivating beetroot mother roots. The application of these technological approaches will ensure the future production of vegetable seeds suitable for organic cultivation technologies.
Change in sunflower productivity indicators depending on mineral fertilizers and growth regulators
The results of three-year studies have established the influence of agricultural cultivation methods on the formation of productivity of sunflower hybrids and varieties. Problem statement. To increase the yield of sunflower, it is necessary to use modern scientifically based technologies for its cultivation, which are primarily based on the introduction of high-yielding hybrids and varieties, scientifically based application of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators. It is especially important to provide plants with additional nutrition with macro- and microelements when growing high-yielding hybrids and varieties with high genetic potential. The aim of the research was to establish the features of the formation of productivity of sunflower hybrids and varieties under the influence of mineral fertilizers and plant growth regulators in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Research methods. The experiment was conducted in 2011–2013 on the experimental field of the Institute of Oilseed Crops of Zaporizhia district of Zaporizhia region. To solve the tasks set, a two-factor field experiment was established. Factor A – application of mineral fertilizers (4 options). Factor B – hybrid, variety (4 options). Factor C – application of growth regulators (5 options). The total number of options in the experiment – 80. Repetition – three times. The experiment design and accounting, measurements, and accompanying observations were carried out according to the methods of field experiments. Research results. When growing sunflower with the use of mineral fertilizers, the indicators of the number of seeds and the mass of seeds from one basket increased by: 62–126 pcs. and 6.1–11.4 g in the Serpanok hybrid; 31–90 pcs. and 4.6–10.6 g in the Marshal hybrid; 21–100 pcs. and 3.9–10.7 g in the Agent hybrid; 21–65 pcs. and 4.3–10.0 g in the Camelot variety. Foliar feeding with growth regulators contributed to the increase in these indicators by: 23–111 pcs. and 1.5–6.5 g in the Serpanok hybrid; 13–82 pcs. and 1.1–5.6 g in the Marshal hybrid; 16–101 pcs. and 2.0–6.5 g in the Agent hybrid; 6–70 pcs. and 0.8–6.0 g in the Kamelot variety. With an increase in the dose of mineral fertilizers, the effectiveness of growth regulators decreases. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers, the mass of 1000 seeds increased relative to the control (without fertilizers) by: 2.0–3.9 g in the Serpanok hybrid; 2.1–4.3 g in the Marshal hybrid; 2.1–4.1 g in the Agent hybrid; 2.2–5.8 g in the Kamelot variety. The greatest increase in this indicator from fertilizers was noted in the Kamelot variety. The highest values of the mass of 1000 seeds for hybrids and the variety were obtained when mineral fertilizers were applied at a dose of N60P60K60. Under the influence of growth regulators, the mass of 1000 seeds, depending on the nutritional background, increased by: 0.3–0.9 g in the Serpanok hybrid; 0.2–0.9 g in the Marshal and Agent hybrids; 0.2–1.1 g in the Kamelot variety. The greatest increase in this indicator from growth regulators was also noted in the Kamelot variety. The greatest values of the number of seeds and the mass of seeds from one basket and the mass of 1000 seeds for hybrids and varieties were obtained with the use of growth regulators Fulvigrin Stimul in the phase of 3–4 and 6–8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8–10 pairs of leaves and Fulvital Plus in the phase of 3–4 and 6–8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8–10 pairs of leaves. The increase in yield from mineral fertilizers was: 0.28–0.54 t/ha in the Serpanok hybrid; 0.22–0.48 t/ha in the Marshal hybrid; 0.23–0.50 t/ha in the Agent hybrid and 0.18–0.41 t/ha in the Kamelot variety. Foliar fertilization with growth regulators contributed to an increase in yield by: 0.07–0.28 t/ha in the Serpanok hybrid; 0.06–0.25 t/ha in the Marshal hybrid; 0.08–0.28 t/ha in the Agent hybrid and 0.04–0.24 t/ha in the Camelot variety. Conclusions. Higher yield levels of sunflower hybrids Serpanok (3.66–3.69 t/ha) and Marshal (3.33–3.36 t/ha) were achieved by growing them against the background of mineral fertilizers in doses of N40P60, N60P90 and N60P60K60 with spraying of crops with growth regulators Fulvigrin Stimul in the phase of 3–4 and 6–8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8–10 pairs of leaves and Fulvital Plus in the phase of 3–4 and 6–8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8–10 pairs of leaves, and the Agent hybrid (3.56-3.59 t/ha) and the Camelot variety (3.08 and 3.11 t/ha) – against the background of mineral fertilizers in doses of N60P90 and N60P60K60 with spraying of crops growth regulators Fulvigrin Stimul in the phase of 3–4 and 6–8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8–10 pairs of leaves and Fulvital Plus in the phase of 3–4 and 6–8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8–10 pairs of leaves.
Dynamics of leaf surface formation in sunflower plants under the influence of growth stimulants and complex water-soluble fertilizers
The results of two years of research on the complex effect of different variants of pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding with different combinations of growth stimulants and complex water-soluble fertilizers on the dynamics of increasing the area of the assimilation surface of sunflower hybrids of different maturity groups are presented.
Influence of organic fertilizer "Bio-Gel" on drought resistance of seedlings of winter wheat
Мета та завдання. У науковій статті було поставлено завдання дослідити посухостійкість рослин озимої пшениці з використанням органічного добрива «Біо-Гель» та визначити здатність до накопичення сухої речовини в проростках під впливом стресу від посухи. Наведено результати досліджень впливу органічного добрива «Біо-Гель» на посухостійкість проростків озимої пшениці. Відповідно до лабораторних випробувань встановлено, що обробка насіння органічним добривом «Біо-Гель» в різних нормах сприяла кращому розвитку рослин, вищій вологопоглинальній здатності коренів, більш активному розвитку рослин у порівнянні з контрольною групою. Рослини озимої пшениці сорту Етана вирощували в посудинах на 800 г сухого субстрату (стерильний кварцовий пісок) в лабораторних умовах при вологості повітря 70–75 %, та природній освітленості 20 тис. лк за природного фотоперіоду. Вологість субстрату на початку досліду була 70% від повної волого-ємності. Кількість рослин на посудину – 20 шт., повторність кожного варіанта – 4. У фазі 2–3 листків в дослідних варіантах (інокуляція насіння добривом) вологість ґрунту знижували до 25% ПВ і підтримували на цьому рівні протягом 7 діб імітуючи тривалу посуху. Додатково проаналізовано вологість рослин і виявлено зростання вологості рослин у варіантах з різними нормами обробки насіння органічним добривом «Біо-Гель» порівняно з контрольною групою рослин. Проведене дослідження має практичну цінність, оскільки встановлює взаємозв’язок між дозою органічного добрива «Біо-Гель», яку використано для обробки насіння озимої пшениці, та посухостійкістю проростків, масою їх кореневої системи, вологістю рослин. В результаті дослідження виявлено, що обробка насіння органічним добривом «Біо-Гель» сприяє значно кращому розвитку кореневої системи, що підтверджується значенням коефіцієнтом посухостійкості, і для рослин насіння яких обробили препаратом в нормі 2,0 л/10 л води становить 0,51 проти 0,42 на контролі. Розвиток кореневої системи на даному етапі має вирішальне значення, так як від цього буде залежати живлення та споживання вологи в подальшому розвитку рослин. Також кращій розвиток кореневої системи сприяє кущенню зернових, що є основною складовою їх продуктивності. Таким чином, доведено сприятливий вплив обробки насіння пшениці органічним добривом «Біо-Гель» на посухостійкість проростків пшениці озимої.
The effect of sowing times and pre-sowing seed treatment on field germination and yield of soybean varieties with different vegetation periods
The article presents the results of three years of research on the complex effect of sowing dates and pre-sowing seed treatment on the formation of crop density, field germination, and yield of soybean varieties with different growing seasons.
Influence of sowing dates on yield formation of bean varieties in the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
Наведено результати трирічних досліджень впливу різних строків сівби (5 і 15 травня) на ріст і формування врожайності сортів квасолі Первомайська, Докучаєвська, Мавка та Панна. Встановлено, що за другого строку сівби густота сходів і польова схожість насіння сортів Первомайська, Докучаєвська і Мавка зменшується, а сорту Панна – збільшується у порівнянні з першим строком посіву. Більш пізні посіви призводять до зниження виживаності рослин по всіх досліджуваних сортах квасолі. У сортів Первомайська і Докучаєвська спостерігається загальна тенденція до покращення структурних показників урожаю за першого строку посіву, а у сортів Мавка і Панна за другого строку. Найбільшу врожайність зерна квасолі у сортів Первомайська і Докучаєвська – 1,94 і 1,76 т/га отримали за першого строку, а у сортів Мавка і Панна - 1,72 і 1,55 т/га за другого строку сівби.
The effect of different combinations of sowing methods and seed sowing rates on the yield of winter triticale
The results of four years of research on the impact of sowing methods in combination with seed sowing rates on the grain yield of winter triticale variety Shalanda are presented.
REDUCTION OF PLUM FRUIT LOSSES DURING TREATMENT WITH SALICYLIC ACID
The study of preserving the quality of fruit raw materials becomes relevant in connection with the value of plum fruits as a food product for dessert and technological purposes in the processing industry. Studying the influence of various methods of post-harvest processing of plum fruits will allow producers to choose the optimal method of storing fruits for a long period of time and will increase the quality of products on the modern market. The purpose of the conducted research was to study the influence of pre-treatment of plum fruits with a solution of salicylic acid on its preservation. The object of research is the technology of pre-treatment of plum fruits with salicylic acid. Pre-treatment of plum fruits with salicylic acid increases the duration of storage by 8 days. When spraying fruits with a solution of salicylic acid with a concentration of 100 mg/l, the yield of standard products was higher and amounted to 84.8% with the lowest absolute waste - respectively 4.5% and technical defect 5.9% Minimal natural losses of 4.8% after 30 days of storage of plum fruits were ensured by their treatment with a solution of salicylic acid at a concentration of 100 mg/l. Treatment of plum fruits with a solution of 100 mg/l salicylic acid made it possible to reduce absolute waste by 2.3% compared to untreated fruits. The amount of daily loss of fruit mass was uneven. Daily losses increased until the middle of the storage period (18–20 days), then slowed somewhat. More significantly, when treated with a solution of salicylic acid with a concentration of 100 mg/l. Regression analysis established a direct relationship between the duration of storage of plum fruits and daily weight loss during its storage. Equations of weight loss of fruits depending on the concentration of salicylic acid solution are given.
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CULTIVATION OF INDETERMINATE HYBRIDS OF PINK LARGE-FRUITED TOMATO IN WINTER GREENHOUSES OF THE STEPPE ZONE OF UKRAINE
Tomato consumption in Ukraine is consistently high. Greenhouses allow growing tomatoes throughout the year, which is especially important in winter. This article describes the morphological and biological characteristics of tomatoes. The global tomato production market is analyzed, and the global cultivation areas by country are highlighted. The greenhouse complexes where pink large-fruited tomatoes are grown in Ukraine are presented. Promising hybrids of pink large-fruited tomatoes for growing in winter greenhouses are described. The export and import markets are analyzed. It is determined that the leader in tomato imports is Turkey. The highest yield of tomatoes is achieved in the Netherlands. The average quarterly price for pink tomatoes over the past four years is highlighted. The data on the largest producers of pink tomato in winter greenhouses in Ukraine are presented.
PRODUCTIVITY OF NAKED OATS (Avena sativa L. subsp. nudisativa) WITH FOLIAR USE OF HUMUS GROWTH STIMULANTS IN ARID CONDITIONS OF KHARKIV REGION IN 2024
Entry. For normal growth and development of crops, it is not enough to meet their basic needs for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Trace elements in plant nutrition play no less important role than all of the above. The main importance of trace elements is to increase the activity of enzymes. Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical processes in the body, which increases the overall tone of the plant, and has a positive effect on the dynamics of growth and development. The system of plant nutrition with trace elements should be developed individually for each crop, taking into account the peculiarities of the geographical location and the level of removal of trace elements by the plant. Analysis of the latest research and publications. Creating the concept of the nutrient cycle, D.M. Pryanishnikov emphasized that it is necessary to fertilize the plant, not the fields. Ignoring this statement leads to both a decrease in productivity and an increase in capital investment. One of the ways to solve the problem of environmentally safe farming is the use of humic preparations produced on the basis of natural soil components. Due to their unique properties, natural humic substances increase the energy of the plant cell, stimulate vital processes, improve the physicochemical properties of the soil, activate the activity of microorganisms, and enhance the beneficial effect of other substances The use of humic preparations in the technologies of growing crops contributes to better growth and development of plants, increasing their resistance to infectious diseases, adverse environmental factors environment, yield growth. Materials and methods. The experimental plots were laid in APO "Mriya" LLC in the Bohodukhiv district of the Kharkiv region. Growth stimulants (fertilizers) manufactured by Pesticide EOOD (Bulgaria) were used for the research: Zinoviy Triple Extra Force, Zinoviy Triple Korn, Zinoviy Triple Oil, Zinoviy Triple Double, Zinoviy Triple Green, Zinoviy Triple, Zinoviy Grand Gury. Research results and discussion. The use of Zinoviy group preparations for foliar feeding has a positive effect. In our opinion, these preparations, in addition to ensuring the supply of certain nutrients, contribute to a certain reduction in the temperature stress of climatic conditions on the oat plant. Foliar feeding with test preparations contributes to better fertilization of grains. With a single (2 l/ha) use of preparations, the increase in the number of productive kernels averaged 0.3 – 1.3 pcs per plant. Preparations such as Zinoviy Triple Korn, Zinoviy Triple Oil and Zinoviy Triple Extra Force had a particularly positive effect on the number of productive grains. With two doses (2+2 l/ha) of the preparations, a higher number of productive grains was also observed for these preparations, and with the same increase in the amount. When using foliar fertilization with the studied preparations at a dose of 2 l/ha, the highest yield increase was recorded for Zinoviy Triple Corn (1.05 t/ha, or 47.3% relative to the control), Zinoviy Triple Oil (0.99 t/ha, or 44.6% relative to the control) and Zinoviy Triple Extra Force (0.59 t/ha, or 26.6% relative to the control). When using foliar fertilization with the studied preparations at a dose of 2+2 l/ha, the highest yield increase was recorded for Zinoviy Triple Corn (1.08 t/ha, or 48.6% relative to the control), Zinoviy Triple Oil (1.05 t/ha, or 47.3% relative to the control) and Zinoviy Triple Extra Force (0.99 t/ha, or 44.6% relative to the control). A higher increase in yield is recorded with a single foliar feeding with the studied preparations. If with a single use of Zinoviy Triple Corn the increase in yield is 1.05 t/ha, then with a double use it increases by only 0.03 t/ha, respectively for Zinoviy Triple Oil preparations – by 0.06 t/ha, Zinoviy Triple Extra Force – by 0.40 t/ha. Conclusion. Studies have shown that the oat culture turned out to be quite sensitive to foliar feeding with the studied preparations. This manifested itself in a higher vegetative mass of plants and the number of productive kernels, which led to an increase in the yield of oats.
MONITORING OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION SOILS AND GROUND PRODUCTS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE INITIAL TOWN OF THE STATE BIOTECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY
The main directions of research related to the accident at the Chernobyl NPP is given. The data from the gamma background and the level of radioactive contamination of agricultural lands of the educational and research farm of the KHNAU are presented. V. V. Dokuchaeva (now DBTU). It is shown that the increased values of the radiation background were recorded during the first three years after the accident, which is caused by radioactive fallout. The density of soil contamination with radioactive cesium increased from 0.02 to 0.5 Ki/km2, but their total pollution (137Cs + 90Sr) did not exceed 1 Ki/km2, which allows classifying the investigated soils into the "clean" category. A different pattern of radioactive contamination was observed in the Sumy region, which was chosen for comparison. Of course, different administrative regions were characterized by different degrees of pollution. Moreover, in different years at the same monitoring sites (Shostkinsky state farm named after Shchors, Shostka), quite significant differences in the density of pollution were observed 137Cs (0.32-0.90 Ki/km2). It is likely that the increase in radioactive soil contamination in 1991 is related to later releases of radioactivity. Radiometric data for the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions indicate that the specified territories belong to the category of clean zones.As of 1991, total pollution 137Cs and 90Sr in the soils of the Donetsk region did not exceed 0.06-0.13 Ki/km2.Monitoring of the radiation background on the territory of the educational campus indicates its significant increase in the post-accident period. Thus, the value of the radiation background measured on the "Beta" radiometer in 1985 was 1.33 imp/s. During the 90s, it varied between 2.03-2.48 imp/s. Its absolute values depended on the location of the measurement.Measurement of the radiation background in the dendrological park did not confirm the accumulation of radioisotopes by woody vegetation. If the radiation background near the 4th educational building of the university was 2.45 imp/s, then in the dendrological park – 2.36 imp/s.In 2023 - 2024, the radiation background on the territory of the educational campus was 11-12 μR/h, which indicates the absence of external radioactive contamination. Interesting data were obtained during radiation control of food products. As of 1991, the specific radioactivity of wheat bread was at the TDR level (1.0 x10-8). For rye bread, it exceeded the TDR and amounted to 1.59 x 10-8 Ki/kg. This is due to the cultivation of rye in the northern and western regions of Ukraine, where radioactive fallout occurred. 38 years after the accident, the situation stabilized and the specific radioactivity of bakery products did not exceed the permissible limits.