The studies were held on the experimental garden of N. V. Rudnitsky Federal Agrarian Scientific Center of the NorthEast in 2015-2018. The aim of research was to estimate the elite black currant forms according to biochemical composition and large-fruitiness in conditions of Kirov region and to reveal the sources of valuable traits. Nine elite black currant forms, 2013-year landing, breeding in Federal Agrarian Scientific Center of the North-East, and earlier transferred on State testing varieties Arcadia, Sapfir were the objects of research. The control variety was Vologda. Rregistrations, observations and biochemical analyzes were carried out according to generally accepted methods. The variability of weather conditions let us estimate their influence on qualitative berry composition of new elite black currant forms. As result of studying of elite black currant forms, the sources of features were identified: on large-fruitiness are 71-2-07 (Mortti x Chudnoe mgnovenye) and 64-4-07 (Chernovka x Karachinskaya) forms; on sugar content - 46-1-07 (Alivas x Chudnoe mgnovenye) form; on ascorbic acid is 27-3-07 form (the origin is not known). These genotypes are valuable as a source material for further breeding to increase the level of qualitative characteristics. Strong positive correlation of berry mass with rainfall during the period from May to July (r=0,86) and moisture index of growing season (r=0,85) was established. All studied elite forms were prominent by stability of dry solids storage (V=3,12-8,19 %). The storage of ascorbic acid is deeply connected with the sum of effective temperatures and mid temperature of July (r=0,95). A significant influence of weather conditions on content of ascorbic acid (V=23,08 %) was revealed. Strong positive correlation of total titrated acidity with the sum of rainfall in July (r=0,86) and moisture index of berry growing in July (r=0,93); strong negative connection with the sum of effective temperatures in vegetation growing period and crop ripening (r= -0,70) were shown. Middle positive correlation between sugar accumulation and middle air temperature in July was determined (r=0, 51). Weather conditions in ripening stage of berries had an important influence on sugar content (V=24, 98-52,96 %).

The article presents the results of a comparative study of two fertigation systems of apple tree plantations, cultivated by intensive technology. The first system was mainly based on imported fertilizers of the OLIGOMAX range, the second system was based on domestic water-soluble fertilizers AQUA DROP and SOLAR. The purpose of the research was to estimate the efficiency of the use of domestic mineral fertilizers during fertigation in intensive apple tree plantations under conditions of the Krasnodar Territory. The application of mineral fertilizers in the dissolved form through the drip irrigation system was carried out during the growing season under dry conditions every 3-4 days. During the growing season 38 fertigations were carried out. Regular use of mineral fertilizers during the growing season contributed to the optimization of the water and nutrient regimes of the intensive apple tree plantations, by using both imported and domestic fertilizers. The use of domestic water-soluble fertilizers in the first year contributed to the optimization of the nutritional regime of the apple tree plantations, which was manifested in the increase in average mass of fruits by 2,5-3,2 g and the improvement in the formation of generative buds. In the second year of application of domestic fertilizers, the increase in the yield of apple trees by 4,3-5,8 t/ha was noted. An explicit advantage of using water-soluble fertilizers of the AQUA DROP and SOLAR range in fertigation is their lower cost price as compared to imported analogues. Even with the same potential yield of apple trees, the savings due to the use of domestic mineral fertilizers ranged from 17,8 to 28,5 thousand rubles/ha. In general, the use of domestic water-soluble mineral fertilizers in fertigation systems not only contributes to optimize the nutrition of apple trees, but also significantly improves the economic efficiency of fruit production.

One of the important indicators of the quality of berry production is the fruit biochemical and chemical composition. The nutritional value of strawberry is determined as the content of sugars, acids, vitamins and elemental composition.

Objective of study: to establish the fertilizer impact on the biochemical and chemical composition of strawberry fruit, to determine variety characteristics, to identify the relationship between the content in fruits and leaves of macronutrients and biochemical parameters of fruits.

Materials and methods: the object of research were strawberry plants of Honeoye and Troitskaya varieties, doses of mineral fertilizers and methods of their application. In the work we used refractometric, complexometric and titrimetric methods of analysis of plant samples, determination of the main macronutrients in one sample effected by the method of wet salting of plant material, methods of statistical data analysis.

Results: the article presents the results of chemical analyses of fruits and leaves and statistically significant correlation coefficients with the quality of strawberry fruit, on average for three years of research.

Conclusions: the change in the chemical composition of plants is more influenced by the characteristics of the variety, in less - by the doses and methods of applying mineral fertilizers, including fertigation. According to three-year observations, a rather high positive correlation was observed between the content of sugars and solids in fruits and between the content of magnesium in leaves and calcium in fruits (r =0.74 and 0.82). A negative correlation was observed between the content of dry matter in fruits and magnesium content in leaves (r= -0.68), calcium content in fruits and sugar content (r= -0.69).

The intensification of commercial production of high-quality strawberries should provide the implantation of new varieties, selected as a result of introduction or breeding. In this regard, systematic analysis of formation of assortment of strawberries for 1938-2018 years carried out. The stages and trends in the formation of a commercial assortment of strawberry by region in a temporary context singled out. The main problem to create a commercial assortment were marked and the results of their solution were shown. As result of the production technologies study of introduced varieties, a strawberries assortment recommended for various methods of cultivation and the use of berry products. A brief description of introduced strawberry varieties, which were selected in 2008-2016 to expande the area of zoning on the Central Chernozem region, was given: ‘Vima Kimberly’, ‘Honey’, ‘Vima Zanta’, ‘Vima Tarda’, ‘Elsanta’, NF 205 (‘Roxana’), NF 311 (‘Alba’), ‘Tsaritsa’. For the organization of receipt in the region of fresh fruit in the so-called “strawberry line” (from late May to September) varieties of long day and day-neutral are selected: ‘Vima Rina’, ‘Albion’, ‘San Andreas’, ‘Portola’, ‘Monterey’.

In the article, the complexity of the geomorphological conditions of the Republic of Dagestan, which necessitates the solution of issues of scientifically based placement and specialization of the horticulture is noted. The goal of study is the evaluation of approaches in placement of fruit crops in Dagestan in recent years. Economical and statistical, analytical, abstract and logical methods are applied. The card of placement of fruit crops on zones and subzones of the regions of Dagestan is given. The issues of horticulture development disclosed, taking into account the existing vertical zoning. The perspective directions of development of horticulture are determined taking into account the complex of natural and economic peculiarities of each fruit zone. The advantages of foothill and mountainous zone of the Republic in the development of industrial fruit-growing, which are expressed in high quality of fruit products and tree trees resistance to diseases are reflected. Among the main negative factors of placement of fruit crops in this zone, high costs for reclamation and agro-technical measures, as well as susceptibility to return spring frosts, the probability of which increases despite the fact that winters are becoming visibly warmer have been highlighted. The positive aspects of conducting terraced agriculture for the Republic, ensuring the involvement in the turnover of sloping lands, reduction of material and labor costs are given. The analysis of structure of varieties has revealed negative tendency in the spread of new foreign varieties, which are not adapted to local conditions that negatively influences on phytosanitary environment in the region. It was proposed to restore the functioning of variety plots in each natural-climatic zone. Calculations of the areas, outputs and productivity from 1990 to 2016 are given. The negative dynamics of areas and gross harvest of fruit crops in agricultural enterprises for the analyzed period is revealed, that is due to deep production and financial crisis situation in this sector of management, especially for horticultural enterprises of the mountain zone. It was noted that the key trend in Dagestan horticulture is the implementation of intensive technologies. The main directions of horticulture recovery in the republic are suggested: modernization of material and technical resources, creation of highly specialized horticultural farms, electronic maps for the gardens, development of a new plan of the placement of horticulture and fruit farming enterprises, as well as full state support.

On industrial plantations of strawberries, a significant number of new varieties appeared, whose biological potential is still poorly studied. The identification of strawberry varieties with high levels by productivity and fruit quality features is the purpose of this work. In 2016-2018 27 varieties were estimated by productivity, average weight of fruit, firmness of fruit and total sugars in fruits. Ward’s method cluster analysis was used to identify the best varieties by the complex of studied features. In the results of the research, the studied varieties were divided into 4 groups according to the size of the crop and quality features. The Honney, Belrubi and Jeni varieties have a harvest of less than 600 per plant, which is lower than the requirements of modern production. The Clery and Alina varieties are nigh to the required parameter of productivity (≥600 g per plant). The highest productivity observed for the adapted variety Bogota. For the remaining 22 studied varieties the productivity corresponds to the required parameter. The best combination of the average weight of fruit and firmness of fruit observed for Alba, Nelly, Florence, Roxana, Wima Tarda varieties. The highest average weight of fruit on total harvest observed in the Gallia variety - 19, 2 g. The firmness of fruit as above 380 g observed in the Alba, Nelly, Clery, Syria, Alina varieties. High sugar content was noted in Clery, Honeoye, Onda, Queen Elizabeth II, Vima Zanta. For commercial cultivation in the Krasnodar Territory, the Vima Tarda, Onda, Vima Xima, Florence, Tarda Vikoda, Gallia, Asia, Kemiya, Nelli varieties are recommended. The last two are new varieties. They were breeding in the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine-making.

Abstract. The studies were held on a working section of a experimental garden of FSBSI FARC of the North-East (FEDERAL STATE BUDGET SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION "FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTE) in 2015-2018. The aim of research is to estimate the elite black currant forms according to biochemical composition and large-fruitiness in conditions of Kirov region and to distinguish the sources of valuable traits. Nine elite black currant forms of institute selection and 2013-year landing were the objects of research. The check variety is Vologda and earlier transferred varieties Arcadia, Sapfir (Sapphire). Observation and recording were held according to “The Program and Method of Fruit Berry and Nuciferous Cultures’ Strain Investigation” (1999). Biochemical analysis were fulfilled according to conventional techniques in analytical laboratory. The variety of weather conditions let us estimate their influence on qualitative berry composition of new elite black currant forms. As a result of studying elite black currant forms, the sources of features were distinguished: on large-fruitiness are 71-2-07 (Mortti x Chudnoe mgnovenye (Wonderful moment)) and 64-4-07 (Chernovka x Karachinskaya); on sugar content is 46-1-07 (Alivas x Chudnoe mgnovenye (Wonderful moment)); on ascorbic acid is 27-3-07 (the origin is not known). These genotypes show the value as a source material for further selection on increasing of qualitative features. Strong positive correlation of berry mass with rainfall during the period from May to July (r=0,86) and moisture index of growing season (r=0,85) was distinguished. All studied elite forms were prominent by stability of dry solids storage (V=3,12-8,19%). The storage of ascorbic acid is deeply connected with the sum of effective temperatures and mid temperature of July (r=0,95). The significant influence of weather conditions on ascorbic acid (V=23,08%) is distinguished. Strong positive correlation of total titrated acidity with the sum of rainfall in July (r=0,86) and moisture index of berry growing in July (r=0,93); strong negative connection with the sum of effective temperatures in vegetation growing period and crop ripening (r=-0,70).  Middle positive correlation between sugar accumulation and middle air temperature in July is distinguished (r=0,51). Weather conditions in ripening stage of berries had important influence on sugar content (V=24,98-52,96%).

On industrial plantations of strawberries, a significant number of new varieties appeared, whose biological potential is still poorly studied. The identification of strawberry varieties with high levels by productivity and fruit quality features is the purpose of this work. In 2016-2018 27 varieties were estimated by productivity, average weight of fruit, firmness of fruit and total sugars in fruits. Ward’s method cluster analysis was used to identify the best varieties by the complex of studied features. In the results of the research, the studied varieties were divided into 4 groups according to the size of the crop and quality features. The Honney, Belrubi and Jeni varieties have a harvest of less than 600 per plant, which is lower than the requirements of modern production. The Clery and Alina varieties are nigh to the required parameter of productivity (≥600 g per plant). The highest productivity observed for the adapted variety Bogota. For the remaining 22 studied varieties the productivity corresponds to the required parameter. The best combination of the average weight of fruit and firmness of fruit observed for Alba, Nelly, Florence, Roxana, Wima Tarda varieties. The highest average weight of fruit on total harvest observed in the Gallia variety - 19, 2 g. The firmness of fruit as above 380 g observed in the Alba, Nelly, Clery, Syria, Alina varieties. High sugar content was noted in Clery, Honeoye, Onda, Queen Elizabeth II, Vima Zanta. For commercial cultivation in the Krasnodar Territory, the Vima Tarda, Onda, Vima Xima, Florence, Tarda Vikoda, Gallia, Asia, Kemiya, Nelli varieties are recommended. The last two are new varieties. They were breeding in the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine-making.

In order to increase the prospects of the use of entomophages for the natural and artificial regulation of the number of pests, it is necessary to study the genetic structure and genetic diversity of the populations of beneficial insects, which is an integral part of the monitoring of useful biota. The use of DNA-markers allows monitoring of both parasites and predators applied in biological plant protection programs. Using samples of the ectoparasite Habrobracon hebetor Say, the predatory beetles Harmonia axyridis Pall. and Adalia bipunctata L., the predatory bugs Perillus bioculatus F. and Podisus maculiventris Say, we carried out a comparative molecular genetic analysis of laboratory and natural populations of these entomophages using RAPD- and ISSR-markers. An original method has been elaborated for the quality evaluation of laboratory parent populations of entomophages, artificially grown for mass release into the agrocenoses, as bioagents in plant protection. This method is based on the evaluation of DNA polymorphism and genetic diversity of insect populations using RAPD- and ISSR-markers and can be used as a quality criterion for commercial lots of bioagents, which can significantly increase the effectiveness of biological protection of agricultural plants against harmful arthropods. The method of molecular genetic diagnostics can be used in the future to control the species composition and quality of the batch of parasitic and predatory entomophags imported from the countries of near and far abroad.

Currently, there are no direct methods for determining the degree of fruit maturity, and researchers use complex indicators that take into account several parameters. The purpose of our work was to give comparative characteristic to some complex indicators of apple fruit maturity when determining technical degree of a maturity for juice and to define the most reliable. The article presents data of the comparative study of integrated indicators of the degree of apple fruit maturity - Strerf index, Yager index and FARS index, which was conducted on 11 apple varieties breeding in the All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crops Breeding when determining the technical maturity for juice. The studied apple varieties were of various terms of maturing, immune to scab and included in the State register of breeding achievements admitted for use. As control variety was used the Antonovka Obyknovennaya, everywhere widespread in fruit plantations and widely used in processing. When calculating Streif index, Yager index and FARS index we used the following parameters: firmness (density) of pulp, starch-iodine index, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity. It has been found that the Streif index and FARS index in most varieties had the same value (0.1) at the maximum juice yield, characterizing the optimal technical degree of maturity for the juice. The Yager index was characterized by high lability of the values of optimal technical degree of fruit maturity for juice - on the average, from 1.2 in ‘Veniaminovskoye’ and to 3.9 in ‘Orlovim’ varieties. The average values of the Streif index, Yager index and FARS index during the studies were 0.12, 2.12 and 0.10, respectively. On the basis of the obtained data, the most reliable indicators of the technical degree of maturity of apple fruit for juice should be considered complex indicators of fruit maturity: the Streif index (0.10) and FARS index (0.10).