The analysis of contemporary research on molecular marking and genetic certification for use in breeding, biotechnology and identification of horticultural crops is carried out. In Russia and abroad, active work is underway on the identification and certification of garden crops: apple, pear, various types of stone fruit crops, raspberry, strawberry, currant and gooseberry. Currently, the most effective and frequently used are SSR markers. Genetic certificates have been elaborated for many fruit and small fruit crops, which are used in breeding research, works on the study of genetic diversity, in variety diagnosis and diagnosis of pathogens and genealogy analysis. In previous studies using SSR markers, 16 apple varieties, 10 cherry varieties, 29 raspberry varieties and 12 pear varieties of ARHIBAN contemporary breeding were genotyped. The appearance of plant genetic certificates contributed to the development of marker-oriented breeding, making it possible to identify and select genotypes carrying target genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) using only DNA analysis data without preliminary phenotypic evaluation. Molecular genetics certificate can serve as a reliable tool to protect the copyright of breeders. In conditions of Russian Federation it is necessary to expand researches of genomic analysis of fruit and small fruit crops, improve and unify the methods of DNA identification and molecular marking techniques, develop common requirements for the level of information content of markers, principles and methods of evaluation of planting material and collections in vitro. The researchers are faced with the task of creating a clear system of molecular-genetic identification and certification of planting material, which will allow to develop and introduce into production varieties with known characteristics, to control plant material at all stages of nursery and commercial distribution of varieties.

The results of the evaluation of the genetic cherry collection of the Republican Unitary Enterprise “Institute for Fruit Growing” for winter hardiness, resistance to coccomycosis and large-fruited are presented. Among the studied 213 cherry accessions 6 highly winter resistant, 105 resistant to cherry leaf spot, three genotypes with very large fruits (varieties Krupnoplodnaya, Lyubava Donetskaya, Legenda Mliyeva, the fruit weight of which exceeds 8.3 g) and 11 accessions with a fruit weight exceeding 7.0 g (varieties Krasavitsa, Dar Mlieva, Donetskaya Krasavitsa, Donchanka, Sashenka, Ugolek, Yaroslavna, Lambert Compact, hybrids 10/98, D-7-87, № 5) were identifi ed. Two sources (varieties of sweet cherries of the Belarusian breeding Severnaya and Syubarovskaya), combining high winter hardiness and resistance to coccomycosis, were revealed. On the base of the identified genotypes a characteristic collection of sources of winter hardiness, large-fruited and resistance to coccomycosis has been formed for use in the new sweet cherry breeding program.

There are presented the results of comparative evaluation of sour cherry varieties of different ecological-geographical and genetic origin on the main biochemical parameters of fruits, condioning the taste of the fruit: dry substances, sugars, vitamins, anthocyanins. It was revealed the dynamics of content of biochemical parameters in fresh fruits depending on weather conditions of year, stresses of various type and biological peculiarities of cherry varieties. According to the obtained data in the conditions of southern horticulture (the Kuban zone of fruit growing of Krasnodar Territory) in the fruits of sour cherry varieties on average 14.5-17.0 % of dry substances, 6.4-8.4 % of sugars, 7.0-8.0 mg/100 g of vitamin C, 117.5-160.1 mg/100 g of substances with P-vitamin activity, 207.8-275.3 mg/100 g of anthocyanins accumulate. It was determined that fruits of sour cherry-sweet cherry hybrids and varieties of local breeding are characterized by higher content of biochemical parameters. It was established that the influence of a number of stresses – high positive temperatures, long periods of drought, surplus of rainfall during the period of fruits formation – causes an increase or decrease in content of some biochemical parameters, a decrease in weight, and deterioration in taste. It was determined that domestic varieties Kazachka, Kirina, Shalun`ya and Igrushka are distinguished by a high content of soluble solids (16.0-17.9 %) and carbohydrates (8.4-9.1 %). Cherry varieties Vstrecha, Alexa and Nord Star are characterized by an increased vitamin C content (8.3-9.7 mg/100); cherry varieties Kirina, Kazachka, Nefris, Vstrecha and the Shalun`ya – by a high content of anthocyans (247,0-333,8 mg/100) and P–vitamin activity (187.0-201.0 mg/100); varieties Alexa, Kirina, Shalun`ya and Igrushka are characterized by relatively large fruits (5.5-6.5 g). According to the optimal and harmonious combination of biochemical parameters, high taste (tasting score 4.6-4.8 points) and to the commodity qualities of fruits, sour cherry varieties Kirina, Alexa, Shalun`ya and Igrushka were recommended for laying raw plantings and production of fresh fruits and various types of processing in the conditions of southern horticulture.

The results of comparative study of productivity and some parameters of water metabolism of primocane raspberry varieties in the conditions of Bryansk region are presented. The purpose of the work was to evaluate drought-resistance of original varieties and select on her basis the most valuable genotypes. There were studied 8 primocane raspberry varieties: Bryanskoe divo, Karamelka, Podarok Kashinu, Snezhet, Pingvin, Poklon Kazakovu, Oranzhevoe chudo and Rubinovoe ozherelye. In laboratory conditions, an evaluation was made of the total water content, water deficit, and water holding capacity of the leaves during critical periods of plant water availability. It was established that the greatest amount of water in the leaves (65.63 %) is contained in the phenophase “intensive growth”; less-in the phenophase “budding” (60.73 %), even lower water content – in the phenophase “fruiting” (58.02 %).The water deficit decreased on vegetation phases, but at the same time he was on average level (11,42-16.68 %). The leaves of raspberry varieties Podarok Kashinu and Poklon Kazakovu marked a low level of water deficiency in the phenophase “fruiting” (9.2-9.8 %). The water-holding ability increased on vegetation phases. Among the studied assortment, the leaves of the varieties Poklon Kazakovu and Podarok Kashinu relatively slowly lost water after 4 hours of wilting (water loss 19.35-26.86 %). The yield data of raspberry varieties in drought conditions are presented. The varieties Poklon Kazakovu and Podarok Kashinu have been characterized by a relatively great yield. On the basis of the study of productivity and water metabolism parameters, relatively drought-resistant primocane raspberry varieties were identified: Poklon Kazakovu and Podarok Kashinu.

The increased activity of enzymes that counteract the oxidative degradation of substances is one of the physiological and biochemical adaptations of plants to biotic and abiotic factors. The aim of the research was to study the peculiarities of the antioxidant system of garden roses to elaborate a methodology for a comprehensive evaluation of culture in the wet subtropics of the Russian Black Sea coast. The objects of study were garden rose varieties (Rosa × hybrida hort.), belonging to functional groups – bush and large-flowered, and differing in the degree of resistance to the main fungal diseases of the culture in the region (Diplocarpon rosae FA Wolf, Podosphaera pannosa (Wallr.) De Bary, Botrytis cinerea Pers., Phragmidium mucronatum (Pers.) Schltdl.) The activity of the antioxidant system was evaluated by the activity of the enzymes catalase and peroxidase (guaiacol). Catalase activity (CAT) in physiologically mature rose leaves was determined by the gasometric method according to I. I. Gunar, peroxidase (GPO) by the modified method according to I. P. Ermakov, according to the absorption spectrum (wavelength – 440 nm), recorded on the spectrophotometer PE-5400vi. The studies were carried out in dynamics during the growing season in 2016-2017. The article presents data on changes in the activity of enzymes of the primary antioxidant system – catalase and peroxidase, in the leaves of bush and large-flowered varieties of garden roses, which differ in the degree of resistance to the main phytopathogens of the culture in the region. Variety differences in the activity of enzymes, the dynamics of changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes during the growing season, the dependence of the enzymatic activity on the hydrothermal conditions of the humid subtropical climate of the Sochi Black Sea Region have been determined. Diagnostic parameters have been established to develop the methodology for a comprehensive evaluation of landscape gardening roses in the region. When developing methods for a comprehensive evaluation of garden roses, the activity of guaiacol peroxidase can be used to analyze the adaptive potential of the culture in the region.

This article presents the results of research on search and introduction of natural species of pelargonium in the humid subtropical zone of Russia. Many members of the genus Pelargonium are highly ornamental and well adapted to new growing conditions. On the basis of the Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops, a collection of pelargonium was formed, which has about 200 accessions, includes species, varieties of domestic and foreign breeding (159 samples) and hybrid forms of great interest for breeding work. Hybrid Fund contains 50 promising hybrids, 17 of which are elite forms. According to the classification refined in 2014 by the German scientist J. Roeschenbleck it has representatives of all four branches (A, B, C1 and C2), four subgenera and 6 sections. Subgenus Pelargonium: Pelargonium section and Otidia; subgenus Parvulipetala: sections Peristera and Reniformia; subgenus Magnipetala: section Myrrhidium; subgenus Paucisignata: section Ciconium. The objects of research are the species of pelargonium sections of the Pelargonium, Peristera and Myrridium. A unified description of rare and promising species of pelargonium is given. Phenological phases of species pelargonium development were established. Peculiarities of their growth and reproduction under new growing conditions were studied. Species most adapted for cultivation in the humid subtropics of southern Russia were identified on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation of ornamentality and biological features. Maximum points (80) according to the General ornamental effect was observed in three types: P. сordifolium, P. fruticosum, P. canariensе. Pelargonium canariensе and fruticosum are long-flowering (more than 100 days), aromatic, resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors. P. australe, P.canariensе, Р. exstipulatum and P. cordifolium can be used in breeding as sources of useful traits.

The reaction of two pear varieties (Kieffer with reduced winter hardiness and Leven with increased winter hardiness) on the changing climatic conditions of winter-spring period from 1986 to 2018 on the territory of Krasnodar region was studied. The critical minimum temperature is detrimental to flower buds of the studied varieties in different phases of the winter-spring period. Thermal stress manifestation in time and space is calculated. Digital maps of dynamic changes in the periodicity of the temperature conditions in the winter-spring period for the analyzed pear varieties are compiled. A digital computer analysis of the evaluation of frost hazard territories of Krasnodar region for pears in changing climate conditions was carried out. The proposed scientific approach suggests the need for a transition from registering the impact on the productivity of fruit crops and their varieties of individual environmental factors to evaluate their relationship and interdependence over specific phases of development. It will allow more efficient use the natural potentials of crops, varieties and growing environments without additional capital investments.

Since 2008, at the demonstration site of the All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (ARHIBAN) studies have been carried out to identify sweet cherry scion/stock combinations having optimal productivity and durability. The planting scheme was 5×3 m. There were studied growth and productivity of 24 scion/stock combinations of trees. Studies included the most winter-hardy varieties and stocks, bred in a severe climate. It is established that the development, productivity and durability of grafted trees are influenced by the variety, shape of the stock and their interaction. Amplification of linear and radial growth on the plants is marked on stocks VZ-13, Moskovia and Colt, reduction of height on 20-40 % is marked on stock V-5-88, VSL-2 and Izmaylovskiy. Optimal scion/stock combinations with productivity of 15-22 kg per tree were revealed: Tyutchevka/Izmaylovskiy and Tyutchevka/AVCh-2; Fatezh/Izmaylovskiy and Fatezh/VZ13; Chervashnaya/Izmaylovskiy. Cultivation of them has provided an increase of productivity till 10-15 t/ha. In the process of research, on the complex of economic and valuable features, it was found that the Izmailovsky stock (ARHIBAN breeding) is the most promising and versatile stock for cherry cultivation in the Moscow region. As a result of biochemical researches in the laboratory of biochemistry and physiology of ARHIBAN it is established, that the stock influenced on synthesis of metabolites and leaf morphology. Antioxidant activity of leaves and accumulation of organic acids in leaves were higher at scion/ stock combinations of all sweet cherry varieties with use the stocks Moskovia, Izmaylovskiy, AVCh-2. Stably low parameters were observed in sweet cherry plants grafted on stocks V-5-88, Colt, VSL-2.

The concept of a managing system for biological and production processes in horticulture based on digital and intelligent technologies is formulated, which involves the development of horticultural technological systems at the level of the plant organism (molecular, genomic, cellular and tissue), at the level of the agroecosystem and at the branch level. For the collection, transmission, accumulation, storage and conversion of information in the form of feedback, it is proposed to use the technology of artificial neural networks. The existing technical capabilities allow, using data from all stages of horticulture, using digital parameters, to formulate a concept of risk control and optimization of technological processes based on the tasks solved by the technology of artificial neural networks. A system of control modules has been elaborated in the technological chain of production, preservation and sale of horticultural products, which allows differentiating information coming to the decision-making system.