Background. Flax Linum usitatissimum L. is an important industrial crop cultivated in a wide range of climate conditions and geographic latitudes, thus inducing the evolution of genotypes with varying earliness, photosensitivity, and other characters. Two flax lines differing in photosensitivity, flowering schedule, and leaf number were selected from VIR’s genetic collection of flax. An early-flowering highly photosensitive line with white flowers, controlled by the wf11 gene, was crossed with a late-flowering line with red-violet petals, controlled by sfc3-2sfc3-2 and sfc6sfc6. From this hybrid, 203 self-pollinated lines of the 6th generation were selected. They differed in petal color, photosensitivity, and other characters.

Materials and methods. Three years of field evaluation under long-day conditions in Leningrad Province (60°N) discovered the association of the wf gene with other characters, and the effect of variable weather conditions on plant growth (flowering time, number of leaves, and plant height).

Results. Variance and correlation analyses showed that most lines preserved the association of the wf1 gene with early flowering and bloom on average 4–6 days earlier than lines with colored corollas. However, some early-blooming lines with red-purple flowers, and also white-flowered late-blooming lines were identified, which possibly resulted from a chromosomal crossover. Furthermore, the size of the genotype’s effect on flowering time in the WF1WF1 lines was twice as high as in the wf1wf1 group. On average, white-flowered lines had fewer leaves, but the range of diversity for this character coincided with the variability displayed in lines with colored petals. In addition, their genotypes had a greater effect on leaf formation than those of lines with colored petals, especially under unfavorable conditions. Plants height to the first boll of the wf1wf1 plants depended on the genotype by 80%, and in the WF1WF1 plants by only 40%. It is likely that this gene is linked not only to genes affecting flowering time but also to those for plant height.

Background. Identification of genotypes with high environmental plasticity and stability potential is essential for breeding programs aimed at developing new high-yielding potato cultivars adapted to the short growing season in Kamchatka. The objective of this study was to evaluate potato cultivars and clones of interspecific hybrids of diverse origin for their yield, environmental plasticity, stability, and breeding value, and to identify genotypes exhibiting high levels of these characters under the extreme conditions of Kamchatka Territory.

Materials and methods. Seventy-one potato accessions were evaluated in a collection nursery over a three-year period: cultivars of domestic and foreign breeding, as well as clones of interspecific hybrids maintained at VIR. This source material was tested following the guidelines by S. A. Eberhart and W. I. Russell as described by V. A. Zykin.

Results and conclusion. Genotypes of the intensive type (bi > 1) – those responding positively to improved cultivation conditions – were identified; cvs. ‘Peterburgsky’, ‘Otrada’, ‘Rucheyok’, and ‘Fiesta’ were classified as the most stable. ‘Arktika’, ‘Zhukovsky Ranniy’, Zhemchuzhina Kamchatki’, and the reference ‘Vulkan’ were identified as plastic and relatively stable. Stability was also exhibited by ‘Alyona’, ‘Irbitsky’, ‘Yubilyar’, ‘Kamchatka’, ‘Ketsky’, the reference ‘Fresco’, ‘Red Scarlett’, and interspecific hybrid clone 134-2-2006. The identified genotypes are of interest as source material for potato breeding in Kamchatka Territory.

Background. Cowpea is a drought‑resistant crop with high content of protein, starch, and bioactive compounds in its seeds. It is promising for cultivation in the south of Russia under climate change. The effect of ecogeographic conditions on the biochemical composition of cowpea seeds and their relationship with the growth type of plants have not been sufficiently studied. The objective was to assess the variability in the content of starch, protein, and anthocyanins in the seeds of cowpea accessions belonging to different growth types from the VIR collection, reproduced under various climate conditions.

Materials and methods. The accessions differed in the type of main stem growth (determinate and indeterminate). The seeds were obtained from the Kuban Genetic Seed Bank (branch of VIR) and the VIR Genebank (St. Petersburg). Cowpea seeds grown at Adler Experiment Station, Astrakhan Experiment Station, and the Far Eastern Experiment Station (branches of VIR) from 2000 to 2024 were studied. The content of starch, protein, and anthocyanins was assessed using near‑infrared spectroscopy. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s rank correlations, nonparametric tests, ANOVA, and post hoc comparisons.

Results. The site of reproduction had a statistically significant effect on starch accumulation in seeds, while protein content did not depend on this factor. Analysis of variance showed a significant contribution of the genotype and the plant growth type to starch and protein accumulation. Anthocyanin content demonstrated a weak correlation with the climate factors and plant growth type.

Conclusion. The obtained results can be used by breeders to develop plants adapted to abiotic stressors in various regions of Russia.

Background. Haploid inducer lines of maize are used for accelerated selection in the doubled haploid (DH) technology to obtain homozygous lines. The anthocyanin coloration controlled by the R1-nj and C1 genes and the Navajo phenotype serve as key markers for identifying haploid grains. However, the variability and composition of anthocyanins may reduce the accuracy of visual selection. The objective was to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of anthocyanins in maize haploid inducer lines.

Materials and methods. Spectrophotometric screening of 125 maize haploid inducer lines for the total anthocyanin content was performed. Individual anthocyanin compositions were determined for a representative set of 35 lines using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results. The total anthocyanin content in each line ranged from 14 to 203.6 mg/100 g. All the lines contained 16 anthocyanin compounds, 10 of which were identified. For the first time, two isomeric forms of the anthocyanin marker cyanidin-3-(6-malonyl) glucoside (Cy-3-(6-mal)Glu) were shown for haploid inducer lines. Cluster analysis divided the lines into two groups, where either non-acylated or acylated forms predominated. Unique genotypes were identified among the lines: GI-1 (7343) 7026 with the maximum total content of anthocyanins (203.6 mg/100 g), GI-8097-2 with the highest content of cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cy-3-Glu), and GI-97Y165-4 (8495) 7338 chern. as a source of the alternative anthocyanin marker peonidin-3-glucoside (Peo-3-Glu).

Conclusion. The same Navajo phenotype was manifested in different anthocyanin profiles. Lines with acylated forms are preferable for DH technologies due to the increased stability of pigments. The selected genotypes can be recommended as donors for the development of new haploid inducer lines with improved marker properties.

Background. Studying the accumulation of essential oil components in citruses is important, as it helps to identify sources of valuable agronomic traits during targeted breeding work.

Materials and methods. Vegetative and generative organs of 9 rare citrus forms (collection of the Subtropical Scientific Center, Sochi), classified into 4 groups based on their genetic kinship, served as the material for the study. Headspace analysis was used to study the composition of volatile compounds. Identification employed individual mass spectra based on the NIST 11 Standard Reference Library, as well as retention indices in the n-alkane system and retention indices of a number of standard compounds.

Results. Leaves and flowers of the lemon group contained the greatest share of volatile components; the citron group and the Ichang papeda form were close to it. Lime leaves had the highest content of limonene (on average 71.67%), 2.5–2.9 times higher than the rest of the samples. Limonene was the leading component in flowers from the lime and citron groups, and the Ichang papeda form, and isosilvestrene in the pomelo and grapefruit group. The pomelo and grapefruit group was close to the lemon group in the presence of sabinene and β-cis-ocimene in their flowers. Isopulegol (0.38%), 4-terpineol (0.38%), and linalyl anthranilate (0.45%) were identified in the peel of the citron group. The samples of the lemon group contained α-fellandren and m-cymene, while 3-methyl-apopinene was found in the peel of the pomelo and grapefruit group.

Conclusion. The lemon group had the richest qualitative composition: there were 29 volatile components in leaves, and 22 in flowers. The citron group contained the most volatile components in the peel. Limonene predominated in vegetative organs, followed by isosilvestrene. There are differences in the qualitative and quantitative composition of volatile essential oil components due to the genetic characteristics of the samples.

Background. The consequences of climate change have become one of the most important problems, affecting the yield and quality of grapes and wines. A relevant solution is searching for and breeding drought-resistant grapevine cultivars.

Materials and methods. Five grapevine genotypes served as the material for the study: one local cultivar, and four hybrids of local cultivars with those developed by the Magarach Institute. The experiments were conducted on the Southern Coast of Crimea in 2023–2024.

Results. The grapevine genotypes were analyzed for their responses to drought conditions in vivo (cultivation vessels) and in vitro, and the obtained data were compared. In response to stress, grapevine plants manifested a decrease in the length of shoots, leaf area, and yield. Drought resistance was shown by ‘Kok Pandas’, ‘Yantarny Magaracha’, and ‘Kefesiya Magaracha’.

Conclusion. An integrated approach, combining the in vivo cultivation technique and the in vitro culture method, was used to improve the objectivity of assessing drought resistance in grapevines. As a result, cvs.  ‘Kok Pandas’, ‘Yantarny Magaracha’ and ‘Kefesia Magaracha’ were identified as promising for breeding drought-resistant grapevine forms.

Background. Perennial grasses in the form of hay and haylage are included in the winter diet of ruminants and are therefore essential in regions with cold climates. Productive hayfields require cultivars developed for specific climate conditions.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on awnless brome grass (Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub) grown for hay. Experimental sowing of 18 accessions, including 7 domestic cultivars, was performed in 2019, and data were collected from 2020 to 2023, over 4 years. The yield of dry herbage (hay), and plant structure (height, leafiness, shoot weight, shoot number, and moisture), depending on weather conditions, and the grass-stand age, were analyzed. Directions and strength of correlations among the characters were calculated.

Results. The best hay yield (7.14–8.31 t/ha) was recorded for a group of accessions (‘Stepasha’, ‘Tobol’, 10-1-15, and 1-11) under sufficient and excessive moisture conditions in the 1st and 3rd years of utilization, while the lowest (1.9–2.88 t/ha) in the 4th year with its weakly dry weather. Over the entire 4-year cycle, hay yield was positively correlated with plant height (r = 0,866), number of shoots (r = 0.794) and shoot weight (r = 0.683), and negatively with shoot leafiness (r = –0.834).

Conclusion. In Tyumen Province, without the use of fertilizers, hay yield of awnless brome in the grass stands from the 1st through the 3rd year of exploitation was 4.3–8.31 t/ha. Beginning from the 4th year, the use of grass stands for hay proved ineffective due to a strong two- or threefold decrease in yield compared to the 1st year of utilization. The choice of the cultivar had a significant effect on productivity: over the entire 4-year cycle, a number of accessions (10-1-15, 1.11, and ‘Tobol’) exceeded the hay yield of the reference cv. ‘Langepas’ (4.58 t/ha) by 1.3–1.7 t/ha, and in some years by 3.0 t/ha.

Background. Kok-saghyz is an emerging promising natural rubber crop plant, but there is still no economical and convenient seed-quality grading or screening method for production.

Materials and methods. We took accession k-445 of kok-saghyz from Russia as the study object, using four sieves with different meshes to screen its seeds into four grades, and studied the effects of seed size on seed germination, plant growth, and yield. The study was carried out in 2020–2022 under the conditions of a field experiment at the experiment station in Harbin (45.592729°N, 126.581668°E).

Results. It was established that sieves No. 28 and No. 30 with mesh sizes of 0.83 mm and 0.60 mm retained about 90% of the total seed mass. The germination capacity of seeds selected with sieves No. 28 and No. 30 was significantly higher compared to seeds selected with sieves No. 32 and No. 35 with mesh sizes of 0.50 mm and 0.43 mm. No significant differences in germination energy or germination uniformity were found among seeds of different fractions. The duration of growth stages of kok-saghyz plants sorted with sieves having different mesh sizes generally increased as the seed size decreased (with increasing sieve number) and was prolonged by one to four days. With an increase in the sieve number, rubber yield in kok-saghyz plants gradually decreased.

Conclusions. Thus, in production practice, sieves No. 30 and No. 35 can be directly used to improve operational efficiency by separating kok-saghyz seeds into two fractions. The use of sieves No. 30 and No. 35 for two-fraction seed sorting is a convenient and cost-effective method for grading and selecting kok-saghyz seeds according to quality.

As of the end of 2025, there were 15,946 accessions of spring bread wheat listed in the main catalogue of the VIR global collection, and 1,273 in the plant introduction catalogue. This diversity is valuable source material for wheat breeding, capable of solving its conventional and novel problems. Effective selection of such sources requires systematization and classification of the genetic diversity for its conservation and sustainable utilization in fundamental and applied research.

Definitions are given for collection structuring, and various types of collections: biological (bioresource), working, genetic, precision, trait-specific, regional, special, core, and demonstration collections.

The integrated structuring of VIR’s spring bread wheat collection was divided into the following stages: (1) updating the passport database (PDB); (2) forming a genetic collection; (3) building up evaluation databases (EDB); (4) identifying accessions by their gliadin patterns; (5) establishing a working (active) spring bread wheat collection. The work on individual stages was subdivided into blocks.

The developed principles and approaches to the formation of a working collection of spring bread wheat may serve as a model and can be extended/applied to other crops in the global collection.

Background. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the main crops cultivated in Russia. Studying and selecting the most adaptable potato cultivars according to their commercial yield indicator under the effect of growing conditions remains a pressing task.

Materials and methods. Potato cultivars with various ripening schedules (58 accessions) served as the material for this study, which was conducted as field trials in Moscow Province in 2022–2024. The cultivars were grouped into clusters according to adaptability parameters using the K-means method.

Results. The effect of moisture conditions in the second half of the growing season was shown on the formation of commercial yield (year factor of 57.8%) and on the manifestation of adaptive properties in potato cultivars (cultivar × year interaction factor of 25.7%). Data analysis of the commercial yield dynamics over the years of research made it possible to assess such adaptive properties of potato cultivars as stress resistance, genetic flexibility, environmental response coefficient, index of environmental plasticity, coefficient of variation, environmental plasticity according to the linear regression coefficient (bi), homeostasis, breeding value, and cultivar stability level.

Conclusion. Using cluster analysis, 16 potato cultivars were identified among the 58 studied ones for their high adaptability potential and high commercial yield: ‘Aleksandrit’, ‘Argo’, ‘Blossom’, ‘Kaluzhskiy’, ‘Sprinter’, ‘Kholmogorskiy’, ‘Udacha’, and ‘Red Scarlett’ (all early); ‘Zyryanets’, ‘Tayfun’, and ‘Shakh’ (all mid-early); ‘Armada’, ‘Mirazh’, ‘Orlan’, ‘Rozovy Charodey’, and ‘Flagman’ (all mid-season). These cultivars were found promising both for commercial production and for further breeding efforts.

Background. Nigella sativa L. and N. damascena L. are valuable food and medicinal crops with a wide range of pharmacological properties. The VIR collection includes 103 accessions belonging to five species. A comprehensive analysis of the biochemical composition of Nigella seeds helps identify the most promising accessions for breeding and the food industry. The objective of the study was to analyze the oil content, fatty acid composition, vitamins, and mineral composition in Nigella seeds to decide on their uses.

Materials and methods. Seventeen accessions of N. sativa and N. damascena of various ecogeographic origin from the VIR collection served as the research material. The plants were cultivated in greenhouses at St. Petersburg State Agrarian University. Biochemical studies were conducted at the Central Laboratory of the College of Agricultural Engineering, Salahaddin University-Erbil (Kurdistan, Iraq). Oil content was measured by the Soxhlet method, fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) by high-performance liquid chromatography, and mineral composition by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Results. The oil content in Nigella seeds varied from 26.5% to 38.3%. Linoleic acid (over 60%) was the dominant fatty acid in all accessions. N. damascena manifested higher content of linoleic and oleic acids. The average vitamin E content was 426.7 mg/100 g. Accessions with high accumulation of calcium (up to 2.4%) and iron (up to 87.4 mg/kg) were identified.

Conclusion. Nigella seeds are a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals. Interspecific differences in mineral composition and fatty acid composition were established. Promising N. sativa accessions (k-26, k-36, and k-45) with improved biochemical characteristics were identified for use in the food industry and plant breeding.

Background. Developing robust polymorphic marker systems is a priority for potato (Solanum tuberosum). Molecular markers enable precise cultivar identification, which is essential for intellectual property protection and seed material profiling. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is a complex polygenic process controlled by multiple structural and regulatory loci. A key role in the initiation of this cascade is played by the regulatory gene StAN1 (encoding the MYB transcription factor), which is characterized by a high level of structural polymorphism in the third exon. Studying the individual polymorphism of this locus opens new opportunities for the precise description of potato genotypes and makes the StAN1 marker system a valuable tool for genetic screening. The objective of this study was to investigate the polymorphism and inheritance patterns of the StAN1 third exon marker system and evaluate its potential for potato genotyping and genetic profiling.

Materials and methods. Cultivars and hybrids with diverse organ pigmentation were studied. Inheritance was analyzed in the progenies from the ‘Irbitskiy’ × ‘Darnitsa’ and ‘Ocharovanie’ × ‘Bellarosa’ crosses. Gene variants were identified using primers targeting the third exon, characterized by polymorphic repeats.

Results. Analyzing the distribution of the marker system elements in the ‘Irbitskiy’ × ‘Darnitsa’ population revealed a tetrasomic pattern of inheritance for individual allelic variants at the StAN1 locus. Segregation ratios were 35 : 1 for r0, and 1 : 1 for r2 and r3, enabling the determination of parental allelic states (duplex, simplex, or nulliplex). In a set of 66 accessions, r1 (98.5%) and r0 (95.5%) variants predominated, while r2 (45.6%) and r3 (17.6%) were less frequent. No direct correlations between specific marker variants and the pigmentation phenotype were found.

Conclusion. High polymorphism of the StAN1 system and the combinatorial pattern of its allelic inheritance would make it an effective tool for genotypic description and molecular certification of potato cultivars.

Background. Microsatellite markers (SSR) continue to be the most effective way to study the genetic diversity in crop genebanks, including beet (Beta vulgaris L.) germplasm. They are also used for identifying individual genotypes. The worldwide diversity of beet is preserved in the VIR genebank, which has a history of over a hundred years and incorporates 2,422 accessions from all over the world. Because of the multitude of accessions in the collection, a significant number of them have not yet been analyzed with SSR markers. Thus, there is an opportunity for their genetic characterization at a deeper level.

Materials and methods. A set of 35 transcriptome-derived SSR markers were employed to analyze 96 randomly selected beet accessions, grouped according to their specific traits. Fragment analysis was performed with a NANOFOR 05 genetic analyzer, and the data were processed using the Peak Scanner, Excel, GenAlEx, PHYLIP, and Unipro UGENE software packages.

Results. As a result, 293 alleles in total were found in 35 loci, with allele numbers varying from 4 to 13 per locus. The observed heterozygosity (He) level was quite high, about 0.75, thus indicating a high level of genetic variability. It turned out that there were 50 unique alleles for table beet identification, 28 for fodder beet, and 9 for sugar beet. These figures revealed a divergence in diversity levels of these groups. The study provided further confirmation of the high polymorphism in beet germplasm accessions.

Conclusion. The data obtained summarily demonstrate the capacity of the selected marker set to characterize genetic variation in VIR’s beet collection, provide more knowledge about the origin of the accessions, and ensure their correct genotyping. Furthermore, the set can serve as an effective tool for genetic certification and management of beet germplasm, thus contributing to future breeding and conservation efforts.

Background. Natural reserves of white cinquefoil are limited and cannot meet the present-day needs of pharmaceutical enterprises for medicinal raw materials. Therefore, along with the development of drugs, releasing new high-yielding cultivars for large-scale plantations of this unique medicinal plant is of particular relevance.

Materials and methods. The breeding work was carried out at the North Caucasus Branch of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Krasnodar Territory. The new cultivar was developed from a local population cultivated in the collection nursery, with progeny testing, through individual-family selection. Observations and assessments were performed in line with conventional methods and those developed for medicinal plants at VILAR.

Results. Comprehensive evaluation of cv. ‘Snezhkaʼ was based on important plant characters: plant height, leafiness, number of peduncles and inflorescences, flower diameter, growing season duration, yield of the rhizome with roots, aboveground biomass yield, and total phenolic compounds. The new cultivar is expected to yield up to 6 tons/ha of air-dry raw materials from the rhizome with roots, with a total active ingredient content of 19.95%, on average. The increase in the yield of medicinal raw materials over the reference cultivar is 0.54 tons, and in total phenolics up to 2.08%.

Conclusion. In 2023, white cinquefoil cv. ʽSnezhkaʼ was included in the State Register for Selection Achievements Protected. It is recommended for commercial cultivation due to its high rhizome/root yield and increased content of total phenolic compounds.

Background. European plum is one of the most widespread stone-fruit crops in the Central Black Earth Region. The State Register for Selection Achievements Admitted for Usage in 2024 included 14 cultivars of European plum. Eight of them were developed at the I.V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center. However, the existing assortment fails to meet the requirements for modern cultivars. It is necessary to increase the resistance of cultivars to the abiotic stressors of the winter and growing seasons, and to the most harmful diseases. A genotype should combine adaptability with high yield and fruit quality.

Material and methods. A new cultivar of European plum, ‘Vengerka Kursakova’, was developed at the I.V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center, as a result of pollinating cv. ‘Renclod Tambovsky’ with the pollen of ‘Vengerka Kodrinskaya’. The authors of the cultivar are G. A. Kursakov and R. E. Bogdanov. The experimental plantings are located on the site of the I.V. Michurin Breeding and Genetic Center (Michurinsk). The evaluation was performed using conventional techniques of variety testing for fruit crops.

Results and conclusions. ‘Vengerka Kursakova’ is adapted to the agroclimatic conditions of the Central Black Earth Region. It manifested frost resistance and high drought resistance. Its plants showed increased resistance to shothole blight (2.0 points) and were not affected by red spot. The new cultivar demonstrated stable annual yields, good taste (4.5 points), and valuable chemical composition of its fruit. Prunus domestica ‘Vengerka Kursakova’ is recommended for widespread cultivation in the Central Black Earth Region.

Background. Studying and utilizing environmentally adapted genotypes helps to minimize crop productivity losses under the effect of abiotic and biotic stressors. The objective of the current study was to assess the variability of key agronomic traits in winter durum wheat cultivars and lines of different ecogeographic origin in Rostov Province.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the southern part of Rostov Province at the Donskoy Agricultural Research Center. Thirty-eight winter durum wheat cultivars and lines developed by the Donskoy Center, P.P. Lukyanenko National Grain Center, PBGI-NCSCI, etc. were studied.

Results and conclusion. Grain yield of ‘Yubilyarka’, ‘Dinas’, ‘Khrizolit’, ‘Karavella’, L 4089 h 94, ‘Bella’, ‘Agat Donskoy’, Gordeiforme 771 p 46-18-26, and ‘Pridonye’ exceeded the reference by 0.63–1.14 t/ha. Cvs. ‘Pridonye and ‘Dobryana’ were attributed to the first class of grain quality for their vitreousness, almost all the cultivars for grain test weight and protein content, and cvs. ‘Kristella’ and ‘Dobryana’ for gluten content. High and medium variability was identified in grain yield, vitreousness, and 1000-grain weight. Cvs. ‘Sinyora’ (C_V = 12.8%) and ‘Agat Donskoy’ (C_V = 13.6%) had the greatest stability in yield. Test weight, and the content of protein, gluten and carotenoids were stable. Medium correlations were identified between yield and carotenoid content (r = –0.46 ± 0.20); vitreousness and 1000-grain weight (r = –0.45 ± 0.20), protein content (r = 0.45 ± 0.20), and gluten content (0.48 ± 0.20); 1000-grain weight and the content of protein (r = –0.44 ± 0.20), gluten (r = –0.45 ± 0.20), and carotenoids (r = –0.51 ± 0.19); protein content and gluten content (r = 0.76 ± 0.14).

Background. At the current stage of plant breeding progress, improving the selection of winter bread wheat genotypes, combining increased yield and high grain quality, using the orthogonal regression method is important and promising.

Materials and methods. The experimental material included 1622 lines of winter bread wheat grown in the control nurseries of the first year of testing in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Cv. ‘Kalach 60’ served as the reference. The predecessor was bare fallow, and the seeding rate was 450 viable seeds per 1 m², with a plot size of 3 m². The sedimentation index was assessed using a 2.0% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution as a surfactant, and a 9.4% lactic acid solution. Correlation, variance, and orthogonal regression analyses were employed for statistical processing.

Results. Based on the use of the orthogonal regression method for analyzing yield and DDS sedimentation indices, the studied genotypes were divided into groups according to the sign of the normalized data. Graphs of their interdependence and scatter ellipses were obtained. These findings helped to identify the most promising winter wheat genotypes throughout the period of studies: in 2019, 195 genotypes were selected from the 850 tested ones (22.0%); in 2020, 158 from 619 (25.5%); and in 2021, 40 from 153 (25.5%). Thus, in all the years, the selection index was approximately 25%, which is considered the standard optimal selection index in the breeding process.

Conclusion. Using an improved orthogonal regression method for selecting winter bread wheat genotypes that combined high yield and high grain quality, based on the analysis of DDS sedimentation, the most promising lines for further breeding work were identified: Zhemchuzhina Povolzhya//Saratovskaya 8/Guberniya, Podruga/Arfa, Saratovskaya 17/Yumpa, Kalach 60/Saratovskaya 8, Kalach 60/Missiya, and Lovrin 31/Zhemchuzhina Povolzhya.

Background. Obtaining highly winter-hardy apple-tree genotypes with a long fruit shelf life is a key goal for breeders, especially for Siberia’s harsh climate. Despite the availability of cultivars with reduced ethylene biosynthesis (‘Fuji’ or ‘Gala’), their utilization in northern regions is restricted by their low winter hardiness. Thus, identifying regional genotypes with low ethylene production is crucial for breeding programs aimed at improving the fruit storage potential without losing cold tolerance.

Materials and methods. Genetic polymorphism of the Md‑ACS1 and Md‑ACO1 genes (ethylene biosynthesis enzymes) was studied in 34 apple accessions from the genetic collection of the Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agro-Biotechnologies (Barnaul). Total DNA was extracted using a commercial Diamond DNA Plant kit (Altaibiotech, Russia) per the manufacturer’s protocol. PCR amplification used specific primers targeting the Md‑ACS1 and Md‑ACO1 gene regions.

Results. Analyzing the Md‑ACO1 allelic polymorphism revealed an uneven genotype distribution: the heterozygous genotype 1/2 prevailed, accounting for 100% of the accessions, while homozygous genotypes were absent. Conversely, Md‑ACS1 showed predominance of the homozygous genotype 1/1 (91.4%), while heterozygous 1/2 was rare (8.6%), and homozygous 2/2 was not detected.

Conclusion. Identifying genotypes with allelic configurations linked to reduced ethylene biosynthesis is an important breeding step. Cvs. ‘Altayskoye Purpurovoye’, ‘Altayskoye Yubileynoye’, ‘Mantet’, and ‘Wealthy’, and the open‑pollinated seedling Со‑99‑2981 (all featuring the Md‑ACS1 genotype 1/2) are recommended for further research and breeding. These accessions hold potential for developing highly winter-hardy apple-tree cultivars with extended post‑harvest fruit shelf life, thereby improving apple production in Siberia and other northern regions with extreme climate conditions.

Background. Using the species Triticum kiharae Dorof. et Migusch. to improve Triticum aestivum L. is a vital and promising trend. This species has a set of valuable traits, extremely important for enriching and expanding the gene pool of bread wheat.

Materials and methods. Spring bread wheat lines GEN2021-520 (L33) and GEN2018-640 (L53), obtained from crossing an accession of T. kiharae with the cultivars ‘Saratovskaya 68’ and ‘Dobrynya’, were comprehensively analyzed, including their genetic, phenological, phytopathological and technological characteristics. All studies were conducted in accordance with conventional methods.

Results. The GEN2021-520 (L33) and GEN2018-640 (L53) lines were obtained by crossing T. kiharae with the bread wheat cultivars ‘Saratovskaya 68’ and ‘Dobrynya’. The lines are resistant to leaf and yellow rusts, and powdery mildew. The transfers of T. kiharae genetic material into the genome of bread wheat led to an increase in grain protein and gluten content, and flour strength. An increase in the number of backcrosses in the pedigree of the lines entailed a decrease in the content of protein and a slight decrease in the strength of flour, but at the same time increased the volume of bread. Grains productivity and gluten quality in these lines remained level with the parent cultivars.

Conclusion. The promising spring bread wheat lines GEN2021-520 (L33) and GEN2018-640 (L53), carrying genetic material from T. kiharae, demonstrated complex resistance to a number of diseases and improved grain quality. These lines are of significant interest for breeding practice and have already been integrated into existing breeding programs.

Background. Interspecific hybridization is one of the key ways of plant speciation. In 2017, we studied the collection site of the South-Siberian Botanical Garden (SSBG, Barnaul) and collected several Allium L. samples having morphological characters intermediate between A. nutans L. and A. spirale Willd. plants grown nearby. The areas of distribution of these species do not overlap, but both species belong to sect. Rhizirideum G. Don ex W.D.J. Koch. The objective of our work was to confirm the hybrid origin of the specimens using molecular genetic methods, flow cytometry, and karyology.

Materials and methods. Fresh leaves and seeds from live plants of A. nutans, A. spirale, and their putative hybrids were used in the study. Root tips isolated from germinated seeds served to analyze the Allium chromosomes in mitosis. Flow cytometry was performed on Cytoflex (Beckman Coulter, USA) and CyFlow PA (Partec, Germany) cytometers, with A. fistulosum L., and Vicia faba L. ‘Inovec’ used as internal standards. DNA was extracted using a DiamondDNA kit (ABT, Russia) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Nuclear (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and chloroplast (trnQ-rps16) DNA fragments were amplified, purified, and sequenced by Sanger. The obtained sequences were analyzed in Chromas 2.6.4, and in MEGA7.

Results. Plants of A. nutans yielded seeds with different ploidy levels. The seed progeny of hybrid forms also had different chromosome numbers. The analysis of ITS fragments of nuclear DNA confirmed the hybrid origin of the specimens. The rps16 sequences of the alleged hybrids were identical to the sequences of A. nutans from the SSBG, which confirmed its maternal status.

Conclusion. For the first time we found A. nutans × A. spirale hybrids under plant introduction conditions. Those cases of spontaneous hybridization make it possible to perform direct crosses between these species and obtain new ornamental cultivars and varieties in the genus Allium.

Background. Potato cyst-forming nematodes and wart are quarantine pathogens and cause significant economic damage (harvest losses can reach 100%). Compared to fungicides, host resistance is one of the most eco-friendly, cost-effective, sustainable, and consumer-oriented (chemical-free produce) options. Since the phenotypic assessment of resistance is laborious and costly, a promising breeding trend is the use of DNA markers linked to R-genes, which make it possible to identify valuable genotypes at the early stages of the breeding process.Materials and methods. The material of the study included 5 cultivars, 8 promising precultivars, and 14 hybrids developed by the Udmurt Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences cooperatively with leading breeding centers in Russia. The molecular genetic analysis employed 5 DNA markers of nematode and wart resistance genes, most often used in breeding programs.Results. A majority of genotypes (88.9%) had a marker linked to the wart resistance gene (Sen1). Among the markers of resistance to the golden potato nematode, 57R and N195 (74.1 and 70.4%, respectively) were much more common than Gro1-4 (22.2%). The presence of the Gpa2 gene for potato nematode resistance was observed in 12 cultivars out of 27 (44.4% of the studied set). The results of genotyping were compared with the levels of susceptibility to Globodera rostochiensis and Synchytrium endobioticum in a number of cultivars. Diagnostic effectiveness of both H1 gene markers (57R and N195) in this set was 100%, the NL25 marker showed 86.7%, and the DNA marker Gro1-4 manifested the lowest efficiency, only 27.6%. Cases with false positive and false negative results were identified.Conclusion. The data obtained in this study attest to the expediency of using markers of the H1 (57R and N195) and Sen1 (NL25) genes in breeding programs, while markers of the Gro1-4 gene (Gro1-4) proved inefficient. 

Background. Barley leaf rust is a harmful disease of barley in Russia and worldwide. In Krasnodar Territory, as well as in the Republic of Dagestan, this disease has been recorded every year. Dagestan, a geographically isolated terrain with contrasting climate conditions, harbors a diversity of wild barleys. The virulence of the Puccinia hordei Otth. population in Dagestan has not been studied, but this issue is of interest for establishing the boundaries for the North Caucasian population and for monitoring possible invasions of the pathogen’s populations from adjacent areas.

Materials and methods. Virulence of the studied populations was analyzed on 15 barley cultivars and lines from international and Australian differential sets. Infectious types were registered using the Levine and Cherewick scale. Nei’s genetic diversity index (Hs) was employed to calculate the diversity of the populations in their virulence, and Nei’s genetic distance (N) for the differences between the populations.

Results and conclusions. Virulence of 76 monouredinial P. hordei isolates from Krasnodar Territory and the Republic of Dagestan was analyzed. Most of the isolates were virulent to Rph1, Rph2, Rph3, Rph4, Rph5, Rph6 + Rph2, Rph8, Rph12, Rph21 + Rph2, and Rph25. The Dagestan population had no isolates virulent to Rph7 and Rph9, while the isolates virulent to Rph13 and Rph14 predominated. The difference between the populations scored 0.04 according to Nei, and the diversity of the Krasnodar and Dagestan populations was 0.18 and 0.32, respectively. The pathogen’s populations from both regions were saturated with isolates with high content of virulent alleles and had no significant differences in Nei’s index. At the same time, the population from Dagestan demonstrated higher diversity in the frequencies of virulence genes.