Plant varieties studying and protection

Productivity of some varieties of basket willow during the third three-year growing cycle

2025-09-15T13:45:00+03:00

Purpose. To establish biometric indicators of the productivity of energy plantations of basket willow biomass after the third three-year cultivation cycle on leached chernozems in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe, under different planting schemes and nitrogen fertiliser application rates. Methods. In the spring of 2015, plantings of the ‘Tora’ and ‘Ternopilska’ varieties were established in two rows on the experimental field of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the NAAS (IBCSB). The planting density of cuttings was 12, 15 or 18 thousand per hectare (ha), with a row-to-row distance of 0.75 m and a row-to-row distance of 1.50–2.50 m. Ammonium nitrate (34.5% nitrogen) was applied at rates of 100 or 200 kg per ha in spring, before the start of the second and third three-year cycles. Fertilisers were not used on part of the area (control variant). The third growing cycle lasted from March 2022 to November 2024. The number of shoots, their average height and diameter, and the yield of three-year energy biomass were determined. Results. During the first three-year growing cycle (2015–2017) without the use of fertilisers, yields ranged from 25.1 to 34.7 t/ha for ‘Tora’ and from 16.0 to 27.9 t/ha for ‘Ternopilska’. During the second cycle, these figures increased to 65.3 t/ha (‘Tora’) and 55.6 t/ha (‘Ternopilska’). Applying 100 or 200 kg/ha of ammonium nitrate increased yields to 68.1 or 74.1 t/ha (‘Tora’) and 59.3 or 64.9 t/ha (‘Ternopilska’) respectively. Studies conducted during the third growing cycle revealed a significant impact of the planting scheme on the density of energy plantations. With a row spacing of 1.50 m, the number of ‘Tora’ shoots was 121.2–178.1 thousand/ha; with a row spacing of 2.50 m, it was 63.1–134.8 thousand/ha. For the ‘Ternopil’ willow, these figures were 59.6–191.4 thousand shoots/ha and 55.8–149.8 thousand shoots/ha, respectively. The same dependence was observed in terms of yield. For the ‘Tora’ variety, the yield was 43.1–54.3 t/ha at a row spacing of 1.50 m, and 36.8–50.8 t/ha at 2.50 m. For the ‘Ternopilska’ variety, the yield was 37.5–49.3 t/ha and 28.8–39.2 t/ha respectively. The lowest yields were observed for 'Tora' (36.8–48.2 t/ha) and ‘Ternopilska’ (28.8–42.1 t/ha) in the variant without the use of fertilisers. These increased to 38.2–50.2 t/ha (‘Tora’) and 30.5–45.3 t/ha (‘Ternopilska’) when 100 kg/ha of ammonium nitrate (N₃₅) was applied to the soil. Doubling the rate to N₇₀ contributed to an increase in dry biomass yield to 42.6–54.3 t/ha for ‘Tora’ and 33.6–47.4 t/ha for ‘Ternopilska’. Conclusions. The highest biometric indicators of plants and energy biomass productivity (54.3 t/ha) during the third three-year cycle were observed in the ‘Tora’ variety at a distance of 1.5 m between rows, a planting density of 15,000 cuttings/ha, and the application of 200 kg/ha of ammonium nitrate (N₃₅). The maximum productivity of ‘Ternopilska’ willow plantations (49.3 t/ha) was recorded using the same cultivation technology and planting density of 12,000 cuttings/ha. In general, the analyzed indicators after the third cycle were lower than those after the second cycle.

Peculiarities of morphogenesis in lavender and lavandin grown on hormone-free medium under in vitro culture conditions

2025-09-15T13:48:01+03:00

Purpose. To determine the biometric parameters of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) varieties grown in vitro using three types of explant on a nutrient medium without growth regulators. Methods. The study employed clonal micropropagation using micro-shoot tips and stem segments containing one or two internodes. Lavender (‘Hidcote Blue’ and ‘Mriia’) and lavandin (‘Platinum Nico’ and ‘Edelweiss’) varieties were cultivated on a hormone-free Murashige-Skoog medium at a temperature of 23 ± 2 °C, with a photoperiod of 16/8 hours and a light intensity of 3000 lux. After one month of cultivation, the propagation coefficient, regeneration potential, number of internodes and height of micro-shoots were calculated. Dispersion-correlation analysis was performed on the obtained data using the computer programs ANOVA and MS Excel. Results. The highest reproduction coefficient was found in plants regenerated on stem segments with two internodes: 1.3–1.5 shoots per explant for L. angustifolia and 1.9–2.0 for Lavandula × intermedia. The maximum height of micro-shoots was observed in lavender and lavandin development from apical explants in a medium without cytokinins, in which apical dominance was maintained. For L. angustifolia varieties, this indicator was similar at 3.1–3.2 cm (due in part to shorter internodes compared to lavandin). However, for Lavandula × intermedia, it varied significantly due to genetic characteristics and explant type: 3.5 cm for ‘Platinum Nico’ versus 10.6 cm for ‘Edelweiss’ (the maximum value). The largest number of internodes formed on the apical explants. There were no significant differences in the number of internodes found in lavender varieties, ranging from 2.4 to 2.6 pieces. However, in lavandin, the difference was significant, ranging from 2.6 pieces in the ‘Platinum Nico’ cultivar to 3.8 pieces in the ‘Edelweiss’ cultivar. The maximum value of 4.4 was recorded in the ‘Edelweiss’ cultivar on stem segments with two internodes. The regeneration potential of apical explants was 100% for all varieties studied, compared to 60% and 70% for single- and double-node explants, respectively, in lavender ‘Hidcote Blue’, and 80% and 90% in lavandin ‘Edelweiss’. Conclusions. The possibility of propagating the studied varieties on a nutrient medium that does not contain growth regulators was demonstrated. Biometric indicators under these cultivation conditions are slightly lower or the same as those obtained on hormonal media. The analysed parameters were found to depend significantly on the type of initial explants and the varietal characteristics of lavender and lavandin.

Features of the formation of protein content and wet gluten content of winter bread wheat depending on the preceding crop

2025-09-15T13:50:10+03:00

Purpose. To identify the features of the formation of protein content and wet gluten content of winter bread wheat varieties and breeding lines depending on different preceding crops in the conditions of the central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. To identify genotypes with increased grain quality indicators. Methods. The influence of five preceding crops (soybean, sunflower, corn, mustard, green manure (mustard)) on the formation of protein content (PC) and wet gluten content (WGC) in flour of 18 winter bread wheat genotypes was studied from 2021/22 to 2023/24. Field, laboratory and statistical research methods were employed. Results. On average, a significantly higher protein content (12.5%) and gluten content (27.6%) were found after green manure over the years. However, a higher protein content was observed after soybeans of the ‘MIP Dovira’ variety (13.1%) and after corn of the Lutescens 37548 (13.6%), Lutescens 60302 (12.7%) and Lutescens 60400 (12.8%) breeding lines. A significantly higher wet gluten content was obtained after corn in the Lutescens 37548 breeding line (29.8%) and after mustard in the Lutescens 60302 breeding line (29.1%). The lowest values of these indicators were recorded over three years (PC = 9.7–12.3%, WGC = 13.0–25.8%) following a sunflower crop. However, the breeding lines Lutescens 37548 and Lutescens 60302 showed lower quality indicators following a preceding crop of soybean. Moderate variability (6 ≤ CV ≤ 10%) in protein content and significant variability (11 ≤ CV ≤ 20%) in gluten content were observed for most winter bread wheat varieties and breeding lines depending on the preceding crop. The influence of growing year conditions on protein (48.3%) and wet gluten (41.2%) content was significant, with the respective shares of the preceding crop and genotype being 9.9% and 17.2%, and 4.8% and 5.4%, respectively. A strong, reliable linear relationship (r = 0.83) was identified between protein and wet gluten content in winter bread wheat varieties and breeding lines. Breeding lines of winter bread wheat with a higher protein content were identified: Erythrospermum 60724, Erythrospermum 60793, Erythrospermum 60667, Lutescens 60293, Lutescens 60734 and Lutescens 37548. Breeding lines with a higher wet gluten content were also identified: Lutescens 60302. Conclusions. The selected genotypes can be used in the breeding process to improve individual grain quality indicators. To obtain a higher protein and gluten content, the variety ‘MIP Dovira’ should be sown after the preceding crop soybean, the breeding lines Lutescens 37548, Lutescens 60302, Lutescens 60400 should be sown after corn, and other winter wheat genotypes should be sown after green manure.

Proline content and lectin activity in different soybean varieties during reproductive phases of development

2025-09-15T13:38:10+03:00

Purpose. To investigate the content of free proline and lectin activity in soybean (Glycine max L.) of different varieties during the phases when they are most sensitive to moisture: the beginning and full flowering, and the formation and filling of beans. Methods. The research focused on the leaves from the two upper nodes of plants of 17 soybean varieties of domestic and foreign breeding. Free proline content was determined using a spectrophotometric method and lectin activity was determined using haemagglutination of trypsinised blood erythrocytes. The research results were statistically analysed using LibreOffice Calc (GNU Lesser General Public Licence v3). Results. Screening soybean varieties for proline content and lectin activity in plant leaves revealed varietal differences in reproductive phase development according to these indicators. These were significantly higher during the bean formation and filling stage than at the beginning and full flowering stage. A high correlation coefficient (r = 0.72 at P = 0.05) was found between moisture content and lectin activity during the bean formation and filling phase. Conclusions. Changes in proline content and lectin activity were observed during the three phases of plant development. The highest values were recorded during the formation and filling stages of bean development. This suggests that soybeans activate adaptive responses under unfavourable growing conditions, particularly drought. The results obtained allow us to recommend measuring lectin activity and proline content in plant leaves during the formation and filling stages of beans as an additional way of studying the adaptive potential of soybean varieties.

Peculiarities of the metabolism of fruit vines Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. and Schizandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. in mixed and mono-planting growth

2025-09-15T13:41:41+03:00

Purpose. A comparative study of the interaction between A. arguta and S. chinensis plants in mono- and mixed plantings was carried out. This study examined the pigment complex of the plants and the accumulation of flavonols and proline in their vegetative organs. The aim was to optimise the technology for growing these promising fruit plants and realise their productive potential. This research was conducted at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv). Methods. The quantitative content of pigments, flavonols and proline was determined using the spectrophotometric method with a Zalimp KF 77 spectrophotometer (Poland), in accordance with the relevant procedures. Plants that had grown for 40 years in grey forest soil (pH 6.5–7.0) were analysed. Results. Analysis of the experimental data revealed significant differences in flavonol content and accumulation dynamics between the studied species in mono- and mixed plantings during the growing season. Leaves of actinidia in mono-plantings had higher levels of these compounds than plants in mixed plantings. The accumulation of proline in actinidia leaves in combined plantings with magnolia vine was lower throughout the entire research period compared to mono-species plantings. Leaves of magnolia vines in monoculture accumulated 20% less proline than plants growing alongside actinidia. Mixed plantings were found to result in a 1.6-fold higher accumulation of chlorophyll in A. arguta compared to mono-species plantings. Conclusions. A. arguta plants grown alongside S. chinensis plants exhibit improved growth compared to those grown in mono-cultures. S. chinensis is an autotolerant plant for which mono-species plantings are preferable. The proline and flavonoid content of vine leaves, as well as their pigment complex, can serve as an indicator of the plants' physiological state and competitiveness in garden cenoses.

Analysis of soybean (Glycine max L.) breeding material using SSR markers

2025-09-15T13:31:17+03:00

Purpose. To determine the genetic diversity in soybean breeding material and select an effective set of SSR markers for hybridization assessment. Methods. Breeding (selection, reciprocal crosses), molecular (PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis), and statistical (hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis) methods were applied. Fifteen soybean breeding samples were analyzed using 10 SSR markers to identify polymorphic loci and evaluate genetic differentiation among parental and hybrid genotypes. Results. PCR analysis revealed from one to three alleles per locus. Seven markers (AW277661, Satt691, Satt349, Satt680, Satt545, Satt277, and Satt177) were polymorphic and effectively distinguished parental forms and hybrid combinations. Markers Satt152, Satt115, and Satt229 showed no polymorphism (allele frequency = 1.00), indicating their limited applicability for hybridization efficiency assessment. Hybrid combinations derived from parental forms No. 1 × No. 11, No. 1 × No. 15, and No. 1 × No. 17 showed two alleles at loci Satt349 and Satt691, confirming heterozygosity. Jaccard’s similarity coefficients (0–0.75) indicated the formation of two major cluster groups and one separate cluster represented by parental form No. 11. Clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) results were consistent, with the first two components (PC1 – 38.687%, PC2 – 27.432%) explaining 96.838% of the total variance. The highest variability was associated with markers AW277661, Satt691, Satt349, Satt680, Satt545, and Satt277, demonstrating their high informativeness in reflecting genetic differentiation among genotypes. Conclusions. The results confirm the effectiveness of SSR markers for identifying soybean hybrid combinations and assessing genetic similarity among parental lines. Seven polymorphic markers are recommended for evaluating hybridization efficiency, while Satt177 is considered potentially informative for further use. The consistency between clustering and PCA results supports the reliability of the genetic structure obtained. To enhance heterosis expression and broaden the genetic base of breeding programs, crosses between genotypes from different clusters are advisable. The use of a comprehensive set of informative SSR markers can improve the accuracy of parental selection and accelerate the development of high-yielding soybean varieties.

Carpological features of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz plants of the gene pool of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

2025-09-15T13:36:03+03:00

Purpose. To conduct macro- and micromorphological analysis and determine morphometric indicators of different genotypes of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz plants mobilized and created at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine, in order to assess their breeding value as a source of genetic diversity for further agronomic research in Ukraine. Methods. During the research, genetic samples of C. sativa were introduced and selected based on the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine and the Hlevakha Regional Research Center of the Institute of Genetic Resources of the NAS of Ukraine. The morphological characteristics of the fruits and seeds were determined using biometric and comparative methods, as well as digital recording in various projections, in accordance with the established morphological terminology. Morphometric indicators were determined using measuring instruments (a generic electronic digital calliper and a Xiaomi Duka SD measuring tape). The weight of 1000 seeds was assessed in accordance with international standards in ten repetitions. The experimental data were processed in Microsoft Excel (2019) to calculate the basic descriptive statistical parameters. Results. A morphological and biological analysis of 35 C. sativa plant genotypes from the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine collection fund revealed significant variability in the morphometric indicators of fruits and seeds depending on the genotype. A comprehensive analysis of the carpological characteristics of the samples was carried out for the first time, including the linear dimensions of the fruits, the weight of 1000 seeds, the shape, and the cross-sectional area. This allowed the genotypes to be classified by seed type (small, medium, and large). The best results were obtained with the ‘Runo’ and ‘Ranok’ varieties, as well as the EORZhYAF-1 and EORZhYAF-2 forms. The obtained data are of practical importance for creating high-yielding varieties of red mustard as a promising oilseed crop adapted to Ukrainian conditions. This study confirms the feasibility of further introducing C. sativa into agricultural production to strengthen food and biological security. Conclusions. The conducted carpological study allowed to identify genotypes of C. sativa with high morphological and biological potential. Three groups of plants were distinguished by the size of the fruit, which is determined by the area of its cross-section (macroplanar, mesoplanar and microplanar). According to micro- and macromorphological features, morphometric indicators of fruits and seeds, a significant advantage of the varieties ‘Ranok’ and ‘Runo’, as well as the forms EORZhYAF-1 and EORZhYAF-2, was established. The obtained results are a solid basis for using them in further breeding studies to create competitive varieties with high seed productivity. This will contribute to expanding the spectrum of alternative oilseed crops in Ukraine.