Plant varieties studying and protection

Assessment of plasticity and yield stability of soft winter wheat varieties in different soil and climatic zones of Ukraine

H. A. Dutova, Z. B. Kyienko, T. M. Khomenko, S. O. Tkachyk, N. V. Pavliuk — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. To assess the adaptability and ecological stability of soft winter wheat varieties in terms of yield indicators across three natural and climatic zones of Ukraine (Steppe, Forest-Steppe and Polissia), using two years of field observations (2022/23 and 2023/24). Methods. The research involved 28 varieties of soft winter wheat and was conducted over two seasons in the fields of 17 experimental stations belonging to the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination. Experiments were set up and harvests were carried out in accordance with the methodology for conducting the qualification examination of plant varieties. Results. The yield of winter wheat depended significantly on the soil and climatic zone. The highest average yield was recorded in the Forest-Steppe for the ‘DSV 2129120’ variety – 8.98 t/ha. Significant differentiation of varieties in terms of adaptability and ecological plasticity was established; increased coefficients (bi > 1.15) were found in the varieties ‘Saga’, ‘LG Aragonit’, ‘Kyivska 20’ and ‘Antika’. This indicates their intensity and ability to maximise productivity in favourable conditions. By contrast, the varieties ‘DSV 2129120’, ‘AFK Fentesy’ and ‘AFK Union’ exhibited lower bi values (0.72–0.86), indicating greater yield stability under stressful or limited conditions. Maximum ecological stability (S²di < 0.04) was observed in plants of the following varieties: ‘Bilotserkivchanka’ (bi = 1.03; S²di = 0.02); ‘Haptera’ (bi = 1.02; S²di = 0.03); ‘Zvenyhora’ (bi = 1.02; S²di = 0.03); ‘Vallonia’ (bi = 0.93; S²di = 0.04); ‘Viktoriia Polisska’ (bi = 0.86; S²di = 0.05); and ‘Yahidka Odeska’ (bi = 1.10; S²di = 0.05). High 1,000-grain weight values were recorded in the Forest-Steppe zone for the following varieties: ‘Walter’ (48.1 g); ‘LG Strimak’ (47.5 g); ‘Sopilka’ (47.4 g); ‘Antik’ (47.1 g); and ‘Hapter’ (47.0 g). Conclusions. It was established that the productivity, adaptability and ecological stability parameters differ significantly between the varieties of soft winter wheat studied. The varieties ‘LG Aragonit’, ‘DSV 2129120’ and ‘Valloniya’ produced the highest and most stable yields under distinctive weather conditions. These results support the recommendation of these varieties for increased cultivation in the context of climate variability. According to the Ebergard–Russell method, significant differentiation of the varieties in terms of their adaptive potential was confirmed. ‘Saga’, ‘LG Aragonit’, ‘Kyivska 20’ and ‘Antik’ are promising in the high-resource Forest-Steppe region, while ‘DSV 2129120’, ‘AFK Fentesy’ and ‘AFK Union’ demonstrate stable productivity in the stressful conditions of the Steppe region. ‘Bilotserkivchanka’, ‘Hapter’, ‘Zvenyhora’, ‘Valloniia’ and ‘Yahidka Odeska’ exhibited the highest ecological stability, indicating their suitability for wide use in different agro-climatic zones. The 1,000-grain weight varied significantly depending on the agro-climatic zone; the most favourable conditions for its formation were found in the Forest-Steppe. ‘Walter’, ‘LG Strimak’, ‘Antik’ and ‘Sopilka’ exhibited high resistance in this regard. These results can be used to improve breeding programmes and optimise the composition of crop varieties in different natural and climatic regions of Ukraine.

Collection of plants of the genus Nigella L. at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. To justify the stages of formation, maintenance and use of a collection of various species of Nigella plants for a test of distinctness. Methods. Field (phenological observations, study of biological yield, productive properties of seeds); laboratory (determination of sowing properties of seeds); descriptive (identification of plant diversity by biological and morphological characteristics); determination of quantitative parameters of morphological and economically valuable characteristics; statistical (to assess the reliability of the research results obtained). Results. Following introduction and breeding studies, the Department of Cultural Flora at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has established a valuable collection of 70 taxa of the Nigella genus, including representatives of six species: N. damascena L. (32 taxa); N. sativa L. (17 taxa); N. orientalis L. (4 taxa); N. nigellastrum L. (1 taxon); N. hispanica L. (3 taxa); and N. arvensis L. (4 taxa). Studying the gene pool of the Nigella genus allowed us to identify a set of morphological characteristics that can be used as diagnostic and grouping criteria when testing for distinctness, uniformity, and stability. The morphological and biological characteristics of Nigella plants have been determined, and the most valuable genotypes with significant economic and breeding attributes have been identified. Enriching the collection with new varieties, lines and wild forms provides more comprehensive coverage of phenotypic and genotypic diversity. This creates a scientific basis for improving the system of morphological criteria and increasing the effectiveness of breeding and genetic research within the Nigella genus. Conclusions. Samples of varieties have been identified and recommended that clearly represent the decorative morphological characteristics of flowers and fruits, such as the colour and number of sepals and the shape of the fruit. These varieties have important prospects for use in breeding practice with the aim of creating new decorative varieties.

Regulatory framework for medicinal plant seed production: Ukraine and the EU

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. To analyze the regulatory framework for medicinal plant seed production in Ukraine and the EU, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the domestic regulatory system, and establish ways to improve it and harmonize it with international standards. Methods. Generally accepted methods of scientific research were used to study and evaluate the current state of regulatory and legal support in the field of medicinal plant seed production in Ukraine and the EU, namely: systematic analysis – to justify the need for research; logical synthesis and generalization – to determine the current situation regarding the issues under study; abstract-logical method – to form conclusions, etc. Results. An analysis of the regulatory framework for medicinal crop seed production in Ukraine and the EU revealed that the domestic framework is founded on various regulatory standards and methodologies that establish the legal conditions necessary for ensuring seed quality. Advantages of the national standardisation and certification system include the existence of foundational legislation, integration of medicinal and essential oil plants with standards, certification procedures, Ukraine's membership in international organisations (UPOV, ISTA, OECD and IPPC) and functioning competent institutions responsible for quality control and state supervision. At the same time, its weaknesses include the fragmented regulatory framework, the primary focus on major crop groups such as cereals, industrial crops and vegetables, and the failure to fully consider the specific characteristics of medicinal plants. This is exacerbated by the lack of specialised standards and a national catalogue of varieties, reducing comprehensiveness and versatility. Other weaknesses include insufficient harmonisation with EU law, low digitisation of procedures and the existence of a shadow seed market. Conclusions. The results of the research show that the domestic regulatory framework for medicinal plant seed production requires systemic changes. Firstly, the regulatory framework must be expanded by developing and approving separate DSTU standards for a larger number of medicinal crops, creating a national catalogue of their varieties, establishing a unified electronic system for recording seeds, certificates and producers, and strengthening control in the areas of phytosanitary risks, certification and sales. It is also necessary to harmonise with European Union legislation and consider the provisions of relevant directives (66/401/EEC, 66/402/EEC, 2002/53/EC, 2002/55/EC and 2008/72/EC), as well as establish rules in accordance with international documents such as the ISTA and OECD Seed Schemes. An important step is to join the EU Common Catalogue to enable the mutual recognition of varieties and implement Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, which aims to prevent the spread of quarantine organisms. It is also advisable to adopt European practices of open and regulated market access for seeds, as well as to introduce modern digital mechanisms into the registration and control processes. These measures will improve the quality of seed material for medicinal crops and increase international competitiveness.

The peculiarities of the formation of yield and sowing qualities of soft winter wheat seeds depending on the preceding crop, sowing date and fertilisers

A. A. Siroshtan, M. M. Lystukha — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. To identify the features of the formation of yield and sowing qualities of soft winter wheat seeds depending on a pre-crop, sowing date and different doses of nitrogen fertilizer in the conditions of the central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The study was conducted from 2021/22 to 2023/24 at the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of the NAAS. The influence of different nitrogen fertilizer (UAN-32) norms [25, 50 and 75 kg/ha of active substance (a.s.)], sowing dates (5 and 15 October) and precrops (sunflower and soybean) on the yield and sowing qualities of three soft winter wheat varieties (‘MIP Assol’, ‘Estafeta Myronivska’ and ‘MIP Dniprianka’) was established. The sowing qualities of soft winter wheat seeds were determined according to generally accepted methods in different variants of the experiment. Results. It was determined that the conditions in a given year had a significant influence on yield, 1,000-seed weight, conditioned seed yield and sprouting activity. The indicators of germination energy and laboratory seed germination remained relatively stable under different growing conditions. In drier growing conditions in 2021/22, significantly lower values of yield (3.81 t/ha) and 1,000-seed weight (42.6 g), as well as significantly higher seed sprouting activity (87%), were observed compared to in 2022/23 and 2023/24. The highest conditioned seed yield (75.9%) was obtained in 2023/24. The highest average yield values (4.79–5.04 t/ha), 1,000-seed weight values (43.5–44.9 g) and conditioned seed yield values (72.9–75.2%) were obtained after sowing soybeans. Higher yields (4.07–5.38 t/ha) and 1,000-seed weights (43.9–45.8 g) were found when sowing on 5 October. No significant effect of sowing dates on the yield of conditioned seeds was found. It was determined that fertilising the plants with UAN-32 at an application rate of 75 kg/ha a.s. contributed to significantly higher yields and maximum 1,000-seed weights (43.1–47.4 g) and conditioned seed yields (74.5–81.6%) compared to other nutritional standards. No significant effects of sowing dates, precrops or different fertilising rates on sprouting activity, germination energy or laboratory seed germination were found. Over the years, stable direct relationships (r = 0.70–0.92) were found between yield and 1,000-seed weight, as well as between yield and conditioned seed yield. Conclusions. To obtain higher yields, it is worth sowing soft winter wheat varieties on 5 October after a soybean precrop with UAN-32 nutrition at a rate of 75 kg/ha a.s.