The possibility of increasing in raspberry fruit firmness as the limiting indicator of variety aptitude to mechanized harvesting of berries as well as long-term transportation and storage have been considered in the article. The objects of research were 23 raspberry varieties of domestic and foreign breeding, 16 selected forms, as well as their offspring from controlled crossings and populations from free pollination. The evaluation of firmness characteristics was carried out at the hybrid plot and the plot of competitive varietal trials in the period from 2016 to 2018. The berries from each variety and an elite seedling were collected in a state of full maturity in triple frequency. The number of berries in each frequency was 10 pieces. There were took 10 berries in the optimum degree of maturity of the hybrid offspring from each seedling. The effort to crush the berries was determined using torsion weights and transferred to international units –Newton; the separation force was determined with the help of a pistol-dynamometer. The weather conditions of the research period were contrasting, which allowed evaluating more objectively the collection and selection material of raspberries on the fruit firmness. The evaluation of the parent forms of raspberries by the effort of crushing the berries allowed revealing the sources of increasedthe fruit strength – varieties Glen Ample, Cascade Delight, Peresvet, Lazcka, Gusar and the selected form 2-90-2. The “crush effort” indicator of the fruits of these forms over the research period was not lower than 5.0 N and was less affected by weather conditions. The analysis of the hybrid offspring of raspberries from controlled crossings and populations from free pollination showed the polygenic character of inheritance of the trait. The promising parent forms for breeding to increase the berry firmness – varieties Glen Ample and Gusar, as well as the selected form 2-8-3 have been identified. Among the studied hybrid combinations, the families of Tarusa x 2-8-3, Gusar x Vol’nitsa, as well as the populations from free pollination of Glen Ample and Gusar varieties are of the greatest interest. In the offspring of these genotypes the transgressive seedlings with effort of crushing of fruits more than 6.0 Н have been revealed.

The collection of NikitskyBotanical Gardenincludes 83 varieties of Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.). Monitoring of phytopathogens in the collection showed a low degree of tree infestation. As result of the development of a biotechnological system for subtropical fruits sanitation and propagation, we studied physiological and biochemical peculiarities in plants of two persimmon varieties (Zolotistaya and Nikitskaya Bordovaya), growing ex situ and in vitro. In the collection plots under optimal vegetation conditions (early June), the water content in leaves of intact plants was 69-73 % with water deficiency of 5-7 %, photosynthetic activity – 0,70-0,73 a. u. The content of the protective compounds was high: the proline concentration was 55,63-70,65 mg/g, ascorbic acid – 1630-2188 mg/100 g, phenolic compounds – 2284-2362 mg/100 g. The enzyme activity was low: catalase – 1,70-1,81 gO₂ /g • min, superoxide dismutase – 4,60-5,98 units/g, polyphenol oxidase – 0,083-0,085 units/g • s. As the hydrothermal stress increased (late July), the total water content slightly decreased up to 61-64 %. The water deficit increased to 12 % in the leaves of ‘Nikitskaya Bordovaya’ variety and not changed in ‘Zolotistaya’ variety. The indexes of chlorophyll fl uorescence induction denoted normal functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus. The content of proline and phenolic compounds decreased while catalase and superoxide dismutase activity increased, ascorbic acid concentration and polyphenol oxidase activity changed differently. Under in vitro conditions, persimmon microshoots were cultured on MS medium with 4,0-5,0 mg/L BAP and 0,1-0,3 mg/L IBA. The total water content in leaves was high – 83-91 % (water holding capacity was higher in ‘Nikitskaya Bordovaya’ variety), indexes of chlorophyll fl uorescence induction: (F_m-F_st)/ F_m = 0,54-0,60 a. u. The content of protective compounds and the enzyme activity were lower than in intact plants. Thus, eastern persimmon plants in various conditions of cultivation have a high degree of resistance to stress. 

Abstract.NikitaBotanical Gardenhas a large gene pool collection of peach (952 varieties and forms). As a result of research, it was revealed that the content of dry substances in fresh fruits was 12.3-13.0 %, titrated acids – 0.28-0.71 %, ascorbic acid – 3.9-8.2 mg/100 g, phenolic compounds – 60-75 mg/100 g. According to the complex of organoleptic and biochemical characteristics, the fruits of the Ulyubleniy variety were distinguished. It was established that the content of ascorbic acid in compotes decreased by 1.5-2.3 times, except for the Druzhestvenny variety. The total content of phenolic compounds decreased by 1.3-9.0 times, compared with fresh fruits. According to the complex of organoleptic and biochemical characteristics, the compote from fruits of Progress variety was revealed. It was shown that fruits of the Ulyubleniy variety are suitable for use both in fresh form and for making compote. 

Pseudocydonia sinensis Schneid. (Chinese quince) fruits are an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content of dry Pseudocydonia sinensis fruits (peel and pulp) of collection fromM.M.GryshkoNationalBotanical Garden (Kyiv,Ukraine). All tested samples (peel and pulp) exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activities with values from 9.31 to 10.23 and from 5.39 to 6.85 mg TEAC/g (trolox equivalent), respectively. Antioxidant activity determined by the molybdenum reducing antioxidant power method was ranged from 122.0 to 219.31 (peel) and from 62.19 to 95.44 (pulp) mg TEAC/g of dry matter (DM). The total polyphenol content of peel and pulp was ranged from 53.17 to 78.67 and from 32.31 to 47.41 mg GAE/g (gallic acid equivalent), respectively. The total flavonoid content was ranged from 9.15 to 26.18 (peel) and from 0.55 to 0.87 mg QE/g (pulp) (equivalent to quercetin). The phenolic acids content of peel and pulp fruits was ranged from 4.40 to 8.39 and from 1.12 to 3.97 mg CAE/g (caffeic acid equivalent), respectively. The results showed that peel extracts had the highest content of bioactive compounds compared with pulp extracts. Differences between the genotypes were significant in all observed parameters. The polyphenol content presents high positive correlations between antioxidant activity and phenolic content, flavonoid, and phenolic acid. This species is potential for propagation and practice use inUkraine.

The article presents the results of the study of introduced varieties of dwarf bearded irises (Filippok, Deep Lavender, Bright White,CherryGarden, Clash, Well Suited, Banbury Ruffl es, Skip Stitch, Inscription, April Accent, Lace Caper, Double Lament) on the basis of the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of Ufa Federal Research Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences. The main purpose of the study was to replenish the collection of the genus Iris with new varieties from the classes MDB (miniature dwarf bearded irises) and SDB (standard dwarf bearded irises), their introduction and selection of the most valuable varieties suitable for introduction into production, as well as for use in breeding. Seasonal rhythm of plants was studied by the method of phenological observations. The evaluation of ornamental features was carried out according to the generally accepted methodology, and also used the scale of comparative variety evaluation developed by theMainBotanical garden. As a result of the phenological observations there was revealed that the timing of fl owering all studied irises, except for the variety Skip Stitch, attributed to the early flowering – the beginning of fl owering is observed in May. The earliest onset of the fl owering phase was observed in the variety April Accent (May 21); at the latest – in the variety Skip Stitch (June 03). The duration of the fl owering phase ranged from 10 (Inscription) to 27 (Lace Caper) days. The life of the fl ower from disclosure to wilt averaged from four to six days. It was found that in the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Ural half of the studied varieties undergo a full cycle of development: they bloom and bear fruit, the remaining varieties are limited to fl owering. As result of the conducted evaluation of ornamentality, the studied irises received 90 or more points. The Clash and Well Suited varieties were characterized by highest ornamental qualities, which scored 98 points. On the basis of the conducted evaluation it was found that the studied varieties are adapted for cultivation in the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Ural. 

The article presents the results of the study of introduced varieties of dwarf bearded irises (Filippok, Deep Lavender, Bright White, Cherry Garden, Clash, Well Suited, Banbury Ruffles, Skip Stitch, Inscription, April Accent, Lace Caper, Double Lament) on the basis of the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of Ufa Federal Research Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences. The main purpose of the study was to replenish the collection of the genus Iris with new varieties from the classes MDB (miniature dwarf bearded irises) and SDB (standard dwarf bearded irises), their introduction and selection of the most valuable cultivars suitable for introduction into production, as well as for use in breeding. Seasonal rhythm of plants was studied by the method of phenological observations. The assessment of decorative features was carried out according to the generally accepted «Method of state variety testing of decorative cultures», and also used the scale of comparative variety evaluation developed by the Main Botanical garden. As a result of the phenological observations revealed that the timing of flowering all studied of irises, except for the variety Skip Stitch, attributed to the early flowering – the beginning of flowering is observed in May. The earliest onset of the flowering phase was observed in the variety April Accent (May 21); at the latest – in the variety Skip Stitch (June 03). The duration of the flowering phase ranged from 10 (‘Inscription’) to 27 (‘Lace Caper’) days. The life of the flower from disclosure to wilt averaged from four to six days. It was found that in the forest - steppe zone of the Bashkir Ural half of the studied varieties undergo a full cycle of development: they bloom and bear fruit, the remaining - are limited to flowering. As a result of the evaluation of decorative irises studied received 90 or more points. The highest decorative qualities are characterized by varieties Clash and Well Suited, scored 98 points. On the basis of the assessment it was found that the studied varieties are adapted for cultivation in the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Ural.

From the 10 known strains of thePlumpox virus (PPV) in the Russian Federation 7 strains are spread – D, M. Rec, W, C, CV, and CR with the prevalence of D and W strains. A characteristic feature of the Plum pox virus population in the Russian Federation is the wide spread of W, C and CR strains, extremely rare or not found at all in other regions of the world. Screening tests for detection of the complex of PPV strains by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were carried out. It has been established that effective detection of PPV-D, PPV-M, PPV-Rec, PPV-C, PPV-CR, PPV-EA, PPV-W and PPV-T strains is achieved using PPV-ELISA test systems with polyclonal antibodies from ACD, Adgen, Agdia, Bioreba, DSMZ and Loewe companies. Monoclonal antibodies 5B-IVIA do not allow to diagnose isolates related to the strain PPV-CR. For universal detection of isolates of all PPV strains, it is necessary to use a real-time PCR kit for PPV (Syntol), a FLASH-PCR kit for PPV (Agrodiagnostica) or conventional PCR with one of the following primer pairs: P1/P2, s1/as2 or 3´NCP sense/3´NCP antisense.

There are more than 3000 species of phytoparasitic nematodes affecting almost all species of cultivated plants; therefore, the elaboration of scientifically based methods of biological plant protection from nematodes is urgent. The most common natural regulators of nematode abundance are predatory fungi, hyphomycetes, whose ability to destroy nematodes has been known for more than 130 years. The article provides information on biologically active compounds and their role in the mechanism of predation of fungi. It was also suggested that calcium plays an important role in the contractile structures involved in the release of adhesives from traps and the penetration of the fungus into the body of the nematode. Bioecological studies conducted by the author, indicate a large role for the predatory fungi chlamydospores, which are the life form of their existence in the soil. It is shown that the population of predatory fungi of the Arthrobotrys genus, placed in the soil, is stabilized due to their ability not only to survive, but also to reproduce with chlamydospores, which allowed to justify the production of dry and liquid forms of the drug. The authors, while isolating the drug-producing strains, were guided by the fact that the most common species should have adaptation to different conditions, including the fungistasis of the soil. The data on three strains were given – the producers of a biological product, revealed on the territory of theNovosibirskregion. Tests of different forms of the drug were conducted in vegetative and field experiments with respect to gall, stem and cyst nematodes on cucumber, tomato, strawberry, and potato cultures, which showed the effectiveness and prolonged action of predatory fungi against parasitic nematodes. It is suggested that it is necessary to study the effect of nematophagous fungi on plant viruses that can be transmitted by nematodes. As basis can serve studies conducted in the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector, on the antiviral activity of the studied species in relation to a number of viruses pathogenic for humans.

Pseudocydonia sinensis Schneid. (Chinese quince) fruits are an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content of dry Pseudocydonia sinensis fruits (peel and pulp) of collection from M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden (Kyiv, Ukraine). All tested samples (peel and pulp) exhibited DPPH• radical scavenging activities with values from 9.31 to 10.23 and from 5.39 to 6.85 mg TEAC/g, respectively. Antioxidant activity by molybdenum reducing antioxidant power method ranged from 122.0 to 219.31 (peel) and from 62.19 to 95.44 (pulp) mg TEAC/g of dry matter (DM). The total polyphenol content of peel and pulp ranged from 53.17 to 78.67 and from 32.31 to 47.41 mg GAE/g, respectively. The total flavonoid content from 9.15 to 26.18 (peel) and from 0.55 to 0.87 mg.g^-1 (pulp) QE. The phenolic acids content of peel and pulp fruits from 4.40 to 8.39 and from 1.12 to 3.97 mg g^-1 QE, respectively. The results showed that peel extracts had the highest content of bioactive compounds compared with pulp extracts. Differences between the genotypes were significant in all observed parameters. The polyphenol content presents high positive correlations between antioxidant activity and phenolic content, flavonoid, and phenolic acid. This species is potential for propagation and practice use in Ukraine.