On the basis of its biological characteristics, sweet cherry belongs to warm-season crops. Introduced most recently in the more northern areas (Central Black Earth and Central regions), it is in demand by the population as a new fruit crop. In 2010, 44 forms were selected from the seedlings of the Bryanskaya Rosovaya variety (free pollination). In this work, the most adaptable, yielding, large-fruited seedlings producing a fruit having a small seed were selected for breeding and economic use. The research was carried out in the experimental plot of the orchard at the All-Russian Lupine Research Institute in Bryansk region in 2019–2021. Light grey forest soil was used; pH_KCl 5.9; humus – 2.37 mg/kg, P₂ O₅ – 251 mg/kg of soil, K₂O – 181 mg/kg of soil. The heat summation by years amounted to 2020–2460 °C. The annual precipitation amounted to 436–714 mm. Subjected to contrasting weather conditions, varieties combining a high level of economic traits in their genome and having an attractive marketable appearance were selected. The seedlings 6-2-8, 6-2-5, 6-2-3, 6-1-20 demonstrated the highest yield of 5.9–14.5 t/ha. From year to year, the variation of this trait was less than 10%. The seedlings 6-2-27 (the maximum mass of the fruit amounted to 8,1 g; the size of the seed amounted to 4.2 % of a fruit size), 6-2-8 (8.5 g; 4.8 %), 6-1-20 (8.5 g; 4.6 %), 6-1-8 (7.8 g; 4.9 %), 6-2-14 (7.9 g; 5.4 %), 6-2-22 (8.7 g; 5.5 %) represent the largest varieties, having small seeds. For these traits, the noted varieties showed a medium to high level of variability of 7–17 %. In the future, they will be used in breeding as sources of economic traits.

Тhe genotype of Kishmish No. 342 (Hungarian Kishmish), along with the manifestation of parthenocarpy in this variety, was studied. Тhe research included plants of the Kishmish grape variety No. 342 growing in the Anapa ampelographic collection. Тhe evaluation of the parthenocarpy category was carried out for three years; the results were compared with the data on weather conditions. Тhe mass of vestigial structures was determined by the extraction of the ovules from berries and their gradual dehydration in a drying cabinet until constant weight. DNA extraction was carried out using a CTAB buffer. Genetic studies were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA profiling was performed using SSR markers (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD27, VVMD25, VVMD32, VrZAG62, VrZAG79) standard for DNA certification of grape varieties. Closely coupled microsatellite markers, including UDV305, UDV737 (Rpv3) and UDV343, UDV360 (Rpv12), SC8-0071-014, SC47-18 (Ren1), ScORGF15, were used to identify the allele status of gene loci resistance to mildew (Rpv3, Rpv12) and powdery mildew (Ren1, Ren3, Ren9).02, GF15-42 (Ren3) and CenGen6 (Ren9), recommended for such work. Тhe results of PCR analysis were evaluated by capillary electrophoresis using a Nanophor-05 sequencer. Тhe research results show the variation in the parthenocarpy classes from 2 to 4 under the weather and climate conditions of Anapa in 2019–2021; the largest mass of vestigial structures was observed for the year characterised by the hottest flowering conditions and the greatest heat summation prior to the flowering period. A DNA certificate of the Kishmish variety No. 342 was established (VVS2_{133 143} VVMD5_{236 238} VVMD7_{251 253} VVMD27_{182 182} VrZAG62_{188 194} VrZAG79_{247 255} VVMD25_{241 255} VVMD32_{240 272}); the origin of the genotype (Villard blanc x Perlette) was confirmed according to DNA analysis. On the basis of the DNA marker analysis, the presence of gene loci resistant to mildew (Rpv3) and powdery mildew (Ren3 and Ren9) in the genotype of Kishmish No. 342 was shown.

In the article, the research results on the morphophysiological parameters of the assimilation apparatus of evergreen vines in the humid subtropics of Russia are presented. Тhe endemic species to subtropical regions of East Asia, including Trachelospermum asiaticum (Siebold & Zucc.) Nakai, Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem., Trachelospermum liukiuense Hatus., Clematis armandii Franch., Kadsura japonica (L.) Dunal and Akebia quinata (Houtt.) Decne. were studied. Morphological traits (the area and thickness of the leaf blade), physiological traits (the content of dry substances and the main photosynthetic pigments in the leaves) and the integral parameter (the specific surface density of the leaf) were studied in dynamics by standard methods in plant physiology. It was established that evergreen vines exhibit specific and seasonal differences in the dynamics of morphophysiological parameters of the assimilation apparatus, while the variation in these parameters directly depends on the hydrothermal conditions of cultivation. Such morphological traits as the area and thickness of the leaf blade depend on the temperature and relative humidity of the air, respectively, while physiological and such integral parameters as the specific surface density of the leaf depend on the relative humidity of the air. Тhe dynamic changes in a number of morphophysiological properties of plants underlying the adaptability of exotic species along with correlative relationships between abiotic stress factors and the physiological state of plants allow a group of promising evergreen vines for ornamental gardening in a humid subtropical climate to be defined. Here, among the representatives of the genus Trachelospermum, T. asiaticum exhibits great adaptive potential. In landscaping of the coast, however, the less stable species T. jasminoidesis are widely found. Less common in landscape construction C. armandii, A. quinata and uncommon in the region K. japonica must be placed factoring in the microclimatic characteristics of the landscaping object and the environmental requirements for the vines.

Тhe humid subtropics of the Russian Federation constitute a conditionally suitable area for cultivating citrus crops. In recent years, low winter temperatures have been observed with increasing frequency, leading to the subfreezing of seedlings and delayed vegetation, as well as the death of plants. In addition, prolonged dry periods in summer have been recorded, contributing to a fall of leaves and fruits. One promising approach involves agricultural methods, such as the treatment of plants with regulatory and stress-protective agrochemicals. In this article, the water regime and the improvement of plant health under the influence of a number of growth regulators having a stimulating and stress-protecting effect are considered. Тhis research has been carried out at the Federal Research Centre “Subtropical Science Centre of RAS” since 2019. Тhe positive influence of such agents on the functional state of mandarin leaves was determined; the leaf health was higher (2.0–2.8 units) in the varieties treated with siliplant than that in the control (1.4-1.9 units); lower values of water deficiency (1.1-12.1 % against 13.2-15.8 % in the control) and lower content of accumulated dry matter (37-43 g against 38.5-43.8 g in the control) were noted in the same experiment. Тhe plants treated with a growth regulator yielded fruits of a higher mass (44.8-48.2 g against 41.3 g in the control). Тhe obtained data will help to develop efficient means for regulating the functional state of plants under stressful conditions.

Тhe purpose of the variety study of the introduced white wine grape variety Traminette, originate at Cornell University, New York, USA in 1965, was to analyze the feasibility of its cultivation in the conditions of the northern zone of the industrial viticulture of the Russian Federation, for which the next objective were set: study in concrete 

soil and climatic conditions agrobiological and economically valuable characteristic and properties of the Traminette variety, such as yield, plasticity, resistance to biotic and abiotic environmental factors, as well as assess the quality of the resulting dry wine. To facilitate the identification of this variety, we made an ampelographic description according to the leading features. Тhe study was carried out in 2019-2021 according to the methods generally accepted in viticulture and winemaking in the grafted nursery of the Novocherkassk Experimental Field of the All-Russian Research Institute named after Ya.I. Potapenko for Viticulture and Winemaking – Branch of Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «FRARC» (Novocherkassk, Rostov Region). Тhe plantations are non-covered, non-irrigated, grafted, obtained by green grafting on the planted rootstock Oppenheim CO-4, planting scheme 3×1.5 m, medium-bole bush fan-shaped, medium pruning (4-6 buds left on the spoor). Тhe technology of cultivation of vineyards is standard and generally accepted. Тhe white wine variety Traminette of early-medium terms of grape ripeness, according to the variety study in the conditions of Novocherkassk, demonstrated winter hardiness sufficient for non-covering vineyards (the average long-term percentage of bud break is 79.8 %), high yield (10.2 t/ha), and increased resistance to fungal diseases (powdery mildew, downy mildew – 3.0, botrytis 1.5), excellent points for assessing dry wine material (8.7). All this makes the Traminette variety promising for use in industrial production in non-covering culture, with a decrease in the number of sprays compared to classical varieties, to obtain high quality wines.

Increasing fruit crops requires the introduction of a new strategy – biologization of fruit growing, i.e. introduction of innovative technologies for the design of new varieties that are breakthrough in yields and product quality, as well as development of algorithms for the optimal placement of existing varieties in macro-, meso- and microecological niches based on digital technologies. Тhe study presents contemporary innovative strategies for: introduction of innovative technologies for the selection of fruit crops with a quantitative assessment of contributions to the yields of seven genetic and physiological systems (GPS), which manage fruit crops and varieties; selection of parent pairs based on the degree of adaptability of varieties in a specific phase of development to limiting environmental factors – phase selection – rather than on the basis of general qualitative indicators (winter hardiness, drought tolerance and others; management of the production process of varieties in each phase of ontogenesis based on estimates of the positive contributions of each of the seven GPS to the crops and the combination of the GPS with the maximum positive contributions to the crop in one future variety; use of digital technologies and improvement of tools for rational placement of varieties in macro-, meso- and microecological niches. Тhe paper shows the ways of applying elements of new strategies for a dramatic increase in fruit crops to ensure, with their simultaneous use, an increase in yields by 200-250%.

In recent years, in the south of Russia, fungi of the genus Fusarium Link (1809) constitute a special danger to such important agricultural perennial crops as the apple tree. Тhese fungi cause root rot, a harmful disease, which weakens the vascular organs, leading to a significant decrease in yield and even death of the plant. A literature review showed that the genus Trichoderma has great potential for the integrated protection of apple trees. In this regard, due to the lack of registered microbiological agents for the control of fusarium root rot in apple trees, the search for antagonistic strains for biotechnological control of this disease becomes relevant. In this work, the parasitic activity of strains of the genus Trichoderma against the causative agents of root rot in apple trees, namely Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium oxysporum, was studied in vitro. Тhe research was carried out in 2020–2021 in the Laboratory of biotechnological control of phytopathogens and phytophages of the FGBSO “North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking”. Тhe research was focused on monoconidial strains of the causative agent of apple root rot: F. sporotrichioides (strain RR20XXIV/4.3) and F. oxysporum (strain RR20XXV/6.2), as well as 7 strains of the genus Trichoderma having expected antagonistic activity. Тhe activity of strains of the genus Trichoderma against fungi of the genus Fusarium was determined by the dual culture method using joint splicing on the PGA medium (potato-glucose agar). Тhe Trichocin, SP (titer 1010 CFU/g Trichoderma harzianum, strain G-30 VISR), registered against root rot for a number of crops, was used as a standard. A monoculture of the test object (strains of the genus Fusarium) was used as a control. Out of the 7 strains of antagonistic fungi, strains 20I/1 and 20II/2 showed the greatest activity against F. sporotrichioides by a dual mechanism of action, which involves competition for a nutrient medium and fungicidal parasitic antagonism; the latter strain showed hyperparasitism. Antibiotic (strain 20XIV/5) and alimentary antagonisms (strain 20II/3.2) were also detected. Strain 20XIV/5 showed antibiotic antagonism against F. oxysporum, having higher activity than the standard; strain 20I/1 showed alimentary antagonism. Тhe remaining antagonist strains showed competitive interactions for the environment.

In peach cultivation, a major problem arises in protecting the plants from a complex of diseases that have a negative effect on their performance. Тhese include fruit rots caused by the fungi Botrytis cinerea Pers. and Moninia laxa (Aderh. & Ruhland) Honey. Тhe conventional method of protection against fruit rot involves the application of chemical pesticides, whose repeated use over several years causes environmental damage to agrocenosis and induces resistance in pathogens. To reduce the pesticide load in peach orchards, the use of growth regulators that have a stimulating and immunising effect has become an important trend. Here, the effects of Zerebra Agro, BP and Biosil, BE on peach resistance to fruit rots and yield were studied, when applied both as pure agents and in a spraying mixture containing half rates of fungicides. Тhe research was carried out in peach orchards (Red Haven variety) at the Federal Research Centre “Subtropical Science Centre of RAS” (Sochi, Russia) in 2020–2021, following standard methods. Тhe effect of growth regulators was evaluated at a moderate intensity of infestation by fruit rot (intensity of grey rot and moniliosis amounted to 24.6–25.1 and 22.5–23.6 %, respectively). In the two-year experiment, the rate of grey rot and moniliosis was reduced (4.1–8.6 % for grey rot and 5.0–8.6 % for moniliosis). Тhe agent Albit, TPS in a spraying mixture containing half of the fungicides showed a biological efficiency of 72.7–78.8 %. Тhe biological efficiency of Zerebro Agro, VP amounted to 68.8–83.3 % (with fungicides in a spraying mixture) and 69.0–76.8 % (pure agent). With the application of growth regulators, peach yields varied between 57–87 centner/ha, giving an improvement of 135.7–212.2% over the control.