The aim of research was to evaluate hybrid black currant families on productivity, large-fruitiness, flavor, resistance to currant gall mite and American mildew and to reveal the best ones in conditions of Kirov region. The studies were held in the experimental orchard of Federal Agricultural Research Center (FARC) of the North-East (Kirov) in 2010-2017. The object of the research was the hybrid of black currant breeding of FARC of the North-East on a plantation established in 2013. The scheme of planting was 3×1 m. 26 hybrid families (453 seedlings) obtained as a result of hybridization in 2010 were evaluated. Observations and recordings were held according to the general methods. For creating hybrid material of black currant the varieties Sapphire, Shagane, Arcadia, Mulatka and forms – as sources of economically valuable features obtained in conditions of Kirov region were used. According to the results of the research, the combinations of hybridization with the maximum yield of hybrid seedlings with valuable features which show an interest for the further breeding were revealed: 41-3-07×Sapphire – early maturity and good productivity (75.6-91.1 %); 10-1-07×Arcadia – large-fruitiness (50.0-66.7 %) and nice flavor (61.5 %); 57-5-07×44-8-96 – with resistance to currant gall mind (100.0 %) and mildew (42.9 %); 69-5-07×Shagane – good productivity (50.0-92.8 %); 102-1-07×Alexandrina, 25-4-07×Mulatka, 99-3-07×34-4-96 – with resistance to currant gall mind (100.0 %). For the further research 12 selected forms of black currant with economically valuable features have been identified, replicated and planted at the site of primary studying. The Sapphire variety became the best parent form in evaluating breeding material. In crossing combinations with its involvement the maximal amount of selected seedlings with economically valuable features (8 from 12 forms) were revealed. In crossing combinations, where the Shagane variety was used as a male parental form, a high yield of productive seedlings was noted.

The dynamics of a number of secondary metabolites and the activity of guaiacol peroxidase in 3-leaf sprout of tea varieties and forms were studied. In the course of 3-year research we noted the presence of declines and peaks in the activity of the enzyme and the accumulation of flavonoids, carotenoids, caffeine and amino acids associated with the meteorological conditions of each month. It is shown that there is a close inverse relationship between increased enzyme activity, carotenoid content and hydrothermal factors. The most significant correlation was found between the activity of guaiacol peroxidase and carotenoids in a 3-leaf tea flush with precipitation (r = -0.86 and -0.68). At the beginning of vegetation the enzyme activity is low (ranging from 0.363 to 0.607 units/g^·s). The decrease in the activity of guaiacol peroxidase in June is due to the biological peculiarities of the tea culture associated with a period of rest, during which the metabolic processes are somewhat slowed down. Increased activity of guaiacol peroxidase is accompanied by rapid synthesis of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids. We have traced the dynamics of the formation of thearubigins and theaflavins in tea sprout. It is shown that their amount varies depending on the season of collection from 0.075 mg/g (theaflavins) and 1.178 mg/g (thearubigins) to 0.115 mg/g and 1.625 mg/g (theaflavins and thearubigins, respectively) and their dynamics is similar. The content of the routine varies depending on the season of tea leaf collection. The synthesis of caffeine also depends on the growing conditions, the active accumulation of which in experimental plants was observed in July (on average 26.6±1.4 mg/g). The largest amount of amino acids (16 665 mg/g) is synthesized in May, and then their synthesis is halved. Genotypic peculiarities are manifested in the content of secondary metabolites and the activity of guaiacol peroxidase. The revealed patterns are common for all varieties and forms of tea.

The lawn coverings creation in the humid subtropics zone of Russia is one of the topical areas of ornamental horticulture. This is due to the high requirements for year-round decorative plantings, the peculiarities of natural and climatic conditions and the general lack of issue knowledge. This direction is of particular importance in plantations located in shaded areas under the canopy of tree crowns, where, in addition to common for the region unfavourable factors of the hydrothermal regime, insufficient illumination is added, which together limits the possibility of traditional cereal grasses cultivating. Evergreen grass-like ground cover plants can be a complete substitute for lawn grasses in shaded areas. The aim of the research was to determine the degree of drought resistance of Liriope graminifolia (L.) Baker and Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl. and the ability to maintain decorativeness during the period of unfavourable hydrothermal conditions in the summer in the humid subtropics of Russia. The studies were carried out in 2013-2018 on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in the Sochi region, in plantations (on test plots with an area of 5-10 m²) and in conditions of vegetation experiments (in containers with a volume of 2 liters) on the territory of the Kuban Subtropical Botanical Garden (settlement Uch-Dere), according to generally accepted methods adapted to the studied taxa. It was found that an important mechanism of adaptation of the studied plants to drought is the ability to accumulate and redistribute moisture between vegetative organs, providing a high water content in the leaves. The decorativeness of O. japonicus and L. graminifolia in open ground in the atmospheric moisture absence lasts up to 12-14 days, in a vegetation experiment (container culture) – up to 14-16 days. O. japonicus and L. graminifolia retained the ability to self-regenerate up to 35-37 days of the experiment, and then the plants died. The consequences of summer drought in the studied plants were compensated by active autumn growth. Unlike classic lawns, which require daily watering, lawns from O. japonicus and L. graminifolia should be irrigated with a long (more than 12-14 days) absence of precipitation in the summer months.

The article provides a pomological estimation of the Carmen apple variety cultivated in the southeastern foothill sub-province of Dagestan. The purpose of the research is to study the biological potential of the variety and to reveal the best in productivity apple scion/stock combinations that combine high adaptive capabilities for constructing intensive-type orchards in the commercial horticultural zone. The establishment of such orchards is associated with high material costs; therefore, improving the technology plays a crucial role. Especially important is the selection of scion/stock combinations in the production of apple planting material, which in the intensive horticulture should be characterized by precocity, stable productivity, high fruit quality and environmental sustainability. In Dagestan, fruit zones are sharply heterogeneous in terms of soil and climate conditions, which prevents the unification of the technology of intensive apple plantations. The most promising for the development of commercial horticulture is the South-Eastern foothill sub-province. Among the unfavorable environmental factors that negatively affect the vital activity of fruit crops in Dagestan, the first place is occupied by recurrent cold in spring and early frosts in autumn. In accordance with the Program of scientific research of the Federal Agrarian Scientific Center of the Republic of Dagestan, it is planned to study the influence of different stocks – dwarf M9, SK7 and medium-tall SK2, MM106 on the productivity of the Carmen variety. Based on the research results, biometric parameters of tree growth in a young orchard were studied depending on the design of the plantings. It is noted that at the three-year-old, the condition of the trees estimated on a 5-point scale is good. The height of the trees, depending on the stock, reached an average of 1.9 to 2.6 m. On dwarf rootstocks M9 and SK7, the diameter of the tree stem in the Carmen variety was 3.0-3.3 cm; on stocks SK2 and MM106, respectively 3.6-4.0 cm. The most prominent growth activity of trees of various scion/stock combinations reflects the total length of shoots. The smallest shoot length was observed in stands with dwarf rootstocks M-9 and SK-7, the largest – on medium-sized rootstocks MM-106. The largest number of fruit formations was on the dwarf rootstock SK7 (24.7 PCs.), with a planting scheme of 3.0×1.5 m; per square meter of food area, the number of fruit formations was 4.3-5.4 PCs./m², and on stocks SK-2 and MM-106 with a planting scheme of 5.0×2.0 m their number was 2.1-2.2 PCs./m².

Creating a virus-free repository of blackcurrant will allow an assessment of productivity, other qualitative characteristics and the use of pollen from healthy plants for breeding. The aim of the research was to reveal the most promising varieties and hybrids of blackcurrant, test plants for viruses and obtain nuclear stock plants for laying the repository. The studies were carried out in 2018-2020 using generally accepted methods of variety study, virus diagnosis and plants reproduction. Valuable blackcurrant varieties and hybrids of the All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery breeding were studied; the most productive clones were selected and tested by ELISA and PCR. The species composition of harmful viruses in the fruiting stands of blackcurrant under ex situ conditions is diverse. The total prevalence of Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), Raspberry ringspot virus (RpRSV), Strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV), Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) on blackcurrant plants was 31.5 %. The prevalence of SLRSV and RpRSV was about 15 %, TBRV – 14 %, ArMV – 7 %. Blackcurrant reversion virus (BRV) was absent. As a result of the monitoring carried out in 2018, blackcurrant plants of 8 varieties free from harmful viruses were identified and, after PCR, will be used to establish the repository and base mother nursery.

Our work aimed to study the effectiveness of the combined use of various foliar fertilizers and protection products in tank mixtures for the scab suppression and their impact on productivity. The studies were carried out under the conditions of experimental plantations of the I.V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center according to generally accepted methods. We determined the biological effectiveness of the plant protection systems used, the formation of productivity components (fruit set, average fruit weight and yield per tree), the content of the main nutrients in the soil, leaves, and fruits. The application of a conventional plant protection system has contributed to better protection of apple trees from scab. The ecologized system has also provided a sufficiently high level of protection, which allows recommending it to producers. The introduction of ecologized protection systems that reduce the pesticide pollution of the environment requires various support measures for producers. The use of an ecologized system of foliar nutrition provided an increase in plant protection effectiveness, especially when combined with regular soil fertilizer application, as well as in optimizing the mineral composition of fruits. Biologization of soil nutrition is one of the most critical tasks for preserving soil fertility in intensive horticulture. The soil application of bacterial fertilizers contributed to a significant increase in productivity. The highest results were obtained when applying biological fertilizers together with reduced rates of mineral fertilizers.

The goals and objectives of breeding and nursery centers in the innovative development of horticulture in Russia are determined. The priority role of a fruit plant (variety, scion-rootstock combination) in the formation of modern technologies is actualized. The analysis of the availability of planting seedlings of domestic production has been presented. The priority of developing varietal, technological, and phytosanitary policies in the development of nursery production is determined. Attention is focused on the role of breeding and nursery centers in the production of planting material and seedlings of the highest quality categories. The structure of organization of breeding processes is presented. Regulation of production of certified planting material of the highest quality categories is represented by the structure of the organization of nursery processes. The definitions of “breeding and nursery center” depending on the form of organization are provided, the costs of organizing a breeding and nursery center are calculated, and the criteria characteristics that it should have are given.