Common apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a cross-pollinated crop of significant horticultural value. The self-incompatibility mechanism in apricot pollination is genetically determined by the S-locus, which includes the S-gene and SFB-gene. Information on the allelic composition of the S-gene is crucial for selecting pollinizer cultivars and identifying self-compatible forms, thereby contributing to increased orchard productivity. Furthermore, studying S-gene polymorphism provides deeper insight into the genetic relationships among local gene pools. As one of Russia’s most promising regions for apricot cultivation, the Republic of Dagestan represents a key area for genetic research on indigenous cultivars. This study analyzed the allelic composition of the S-gene in 32 indigenous cultivars from Dagestan based on the polymorphism of two gene introns. Two gene alleles were identified in 12 cultivars, while only one allele was detected in 14 cultivars. For the remaining six cultivars, the PCR products could not be assigned to any previously known alleles. Cultivars with two identified alleles were classified into self-incompatibility groups. Determining the self-incompatibility group for cultivars enables the practical selection of optimal pollinizer combinations when establishing orchards. Moreover, knowledge of cultivar compatibility is essential for selecting parental pairs in breeding programs. We identified S11, S12, S2, and S8 as the most frequent alleles in the Dagestan germplasm. The self-compatibility Sc allele was detected in only three cultivars: Salta 9, Seyanets Bukhary No. 2, and Kamkha 2. In addition, alleles S11, S12, and S8 are prevalent among apricots from Armenia and eastern Turkey, supporting the hypothesis of their relatedness to Dagestan cultivars. Thus, this study enhances knowledge of the genetic diversity of the apricot S-gene and defines the characteristic features of the local Dagestan gene germplasm regarding this locus.

Common sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a medicinal and essential oil crop with a cultivation history in Russia exceeding one century. Modern medicinal cultivars approved for application in Russia include Kubanets and Fioletovyi Aromat from the North Caucasus Branch of All–Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, and Dobrynya from the North Caucasus Federal Scientific Agrarian Center. This article analyzes current requirements and evaluates the quality of seed material in the Institute’s collection. Seed material of modern cultivars and breeding lines retains differences in thousand-seed weight: 8.1–9.0 g for Kubanets and Fioletovyi Aromat, 6.4–8.2 g for Institute breeding lines, and 5.7-6.0 g for the white-flowered form. The yield of cleaned seeds from the seed lot is 20–35 %, of which 94–97 % exhibit a diameter exceeding 2 mm. However, original seeds of Kubanets and Fioletovyi Aromat contain up to 3.5 % of seeds larger than 3 mm, while the white-flowered form comprises 3–8 % of seeds with a diameter below 2 mm. In addition to size, seed fractions can be distinguished by color – light-colored and dark-colored. In addition to possessing a lower thousand-seed weight and smaller dimensions, light-colored seeds are morphologically underdeveloped, resulting in a reduction in laboratory germination capacity of up to 81 % compared to dark-colored seeds. Consequently, light-colored seeds in common sage constitute low-viability component and degrade the overall sowing quality of a seed lot. The recommended removal of this fraction during weight-based separation in aerodynamic columns enhances seed germination capacity by 9–22 %. The sowing quality parameters of modern seed samples from the Institute’s collection, specifically experimental super-elite and foundation elite seed stock, meet the GOST standard requirements, with a germination capacity of 79–89 %, a moisture content of 12 %, and a purity of 99 %.

This study evaluated the biological efficacy of Italpollina Microbio microbial fertilizers of Koveron and Tifi brands in garden strawberry cultivation by assessing their impact on the substrate microbiota and the root endosphere. The study materials comprised the Italpollina Microbio fertilizers by Koveron and Tifi , Italpollina 5AP organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF), and plug seedlings of five introduced garden strawberry cultivars (Elsanta, NF 421 (Asia), Flair, Magnus, Dahli). Microbiological analysis of the substrate was performed by plating suspensions on nutrient media. Endophytic microbiota from roots was isolated via the plating surface-sterilized plant tissues. Artificial inoculation of leaves with endophytic bacteria was conducted to assess their effect on the studied genotypes. The substrate microbiota in the strawberry plugs was dominated by Cladosporium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma micromycetes; bacteria were also isolated. The application of Italpollina Microbio fertilizers by Koveron and Tifi reduced fungal contamination of the peat-based mix by 1.6 times, while the number of bacterial colony-forming units increased by 1.2 times. The effect of endophytic bacteria on leaves was characterized as neutral or positive, attributed to their protective function against fungal pathogens. A high level of bacterial colonization within strawberry root tissues exerted a beneficial effect. The use of the studied microbial fertilizers increased the level of endophytic bacteria in most experimental samples of the Flair and Elsanta cultivars by 3 and 2 times, respectively, compared to the control. A similar increase was observed for NF 421 (Asia), Magnus, and Dahli cultivars only when using Italpollina Microbio by Tifiin combination with Italpollina 5AP OMF. The biological efficacy of Italpollina Microbio by Koveron and Tifi manifested through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct effects included antagonistic suppression of pathogenic microorganisms and enhancement of plant nutrition via stimulation of microbial processes in the substrate. Indirectly, efficacy was mediated by an increased population of endophytic bacteria, which play a supportive role in suppressing plant pathogens.

This paper studies the biological effectiveness of foliar feeding with AgroPell fertilizer on apple trees cultivated on leached chernozems in the Prikubanskaya horticultural zone, Krasnodar Krai (Russia). The experimental design was adjusted according to the specific objectives of each research year. In 2021, the study focused on the AgroPell solution, involving a gradual increase in fertilizer doses during fruit growth and ripening, along with varied application frequencies. In 2022–2023, the objectives were to investigate the impact and identify the most effective doses and application frequencies of the solution for trees. It was found that treatments with a dose of 7.0 kg/ha (solution concentration 7.0 g/l) caused leaf edge scorch in apples. Treatments with doses of 2.5 kg/ha and 5.0 kg/ha showed no phytotoxic effects. Under the weather conditions of 2021–2023, AgroPell application contributed to an increase in the average fruit weight and improved fruit retention on Prikubanskoe apple cultivar, resulting in a yield increase of 2.9–10.7 t/ha. The study revealed that the number of applications had a greater influence on the yield increase than the preparation dose. The difference in yield increase between variants with doses of 2.5 and 5.0 kg/ha was 0.7–1.0 t/ha, while the difference between variants with three and four applications at the same dose was 1.2–1.5 t/ha. Foliar feeding with the AgroPell agrochemical increased the calcium content in apples and maintained their commercial quality during storage. By the end of the storage period, the proportion of premium fruit had been 13.1–47.2% higher than in the control. The research identified the most effective dose of AgroPell fertilizer and the optimal application frequency as 5.0 kg/ha and 6 treatments per season, respectively.

During the vegetation period, plants experience a complex array of environmental factors. Plant responses to individual stressors can overlap, either amplifying or attenuating each other. Under the combined action of several stressors, a plant response to a combination of stressors may be non-additive, differing from the sum of its individual responses. Physiologically active immune inducers provide comprehensive stimulation to plants, leading to reduced sensitivity to abiotic and biotic stressors. Identifying effective, economical, and eco-friendly immune induction strategies is critically important for commercial viticulture. This study aims to investigate the effect of abiotic stressors and immune-inducing treatments on the defense responses in grapevine against phytopathogens. The research was conducted under simulated and field conditions. High-temperature stress induced the expression of defense genes to a greater extent than other abiotic factors. Under simulated conditions, the maximum stilbene content was detected under the combination of drought and temperature stress. In the field, prolonged drought coupled with above-average temperature led to a decline in defense gene expression in contrast to a pronounced rise in viniferin and piceid. Simulated conditions accurately characterized changes in defense gene expression under the impact of abiotic stressors in the environment. In the natural setting, the presence of biotic factors was secondary to abiotic stressors in altering gene expression and stilbene synthesis. Pretreatment of grapevine leaves with a live yeast suspension, an aqueous yeast extract, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid significantly enhanced both defense gene expression and the content of microbe-toxic viniferin within 24 h after infection with Plasmopara viticola. The results indicated the reduction in mildew development compared to the control, although complete pathogen suppression was not achieved. The yeast suspension demonstrated the highest efficacy as an immune-inducing agent.

Certification of grapevine planting material in Russia constitutes a voluntary procedure essential for confirming varietal purity, verifying phytosanitary condition, and ensuring compliance with GOST standards for biometric indicators of the planting material. The utilization of certified material serves to enhance buyer confidence and fortify the producer’s market standing. Obtaining certification for grapevine planting material frequently serves as a mandatory condition for accessing state support programs. The historical development of grapevine sapling certification is closely linked to the creation of national and international standards and the implementation of disease control measures, particularly for viral pathogens. This article examines international grapevine planting material certification programs, including their principles, regulatory foundations, and phytosanitary requirements. A comparative analysis of approaches adopted in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, Australia, and the Russian Federation was conducted. In Russia, the key documents regulating the certification of grapevine saplings include: (i) GOST 31783-2012 “Grapevine planting material (saplings). Specifications” (Ministry of Agriculture in the Russian Federation, 2012); (ii) Government Resolution No. 2425 (2021); (iii) Federal Law No. 468-FZ (2019); (iv) Order of the Ministry of Agriculture in the Russian Federation No. 502 (May 16, 2023). Current focus lies in harmonizing international standards, recognizing the role of international organizations (EPPO, FAO, IPPC, ICVG), and unifying phytosanitary protocols. Furthermore, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), acting through the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), plays a key global role in coordinating these processes. Fundamental certification approaches involve the enhancement of regulatory frameworks, the control of grapevine pests and diseases, the application of innovative assessment methods, and the mandatory conduct of laboratory testing and inspections of planting material production sites. For contemporary industrial viticulture, securing virus-free planting material is of paramount importance. Modern research indicates that grapevine viral infections exhibit wide geographical distribution and vary significantly in prevalence and intensity across regions. The certification of planting material prevents the propagation of infected plants and the interregional dissemination of pathogens, thereby contributing to increased productivity in commercial vineyards.