The aim of the work was to determine the most important environmental factors affecting the intra­annual radial growth of the native dominant species trees Quercus pubescens Willd and Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb., co-occurring in the semi-arid climate of the Southern coast of the Crimea. The analysis a 4-year high-resolution automatic point dendrometers dataset (2016-2019), which were non-invasively fixed to the tree stems at a height of 1.3 m. During the studied period, characterized by contrasting weather conditions, differences between tree species were revealed, both in the patterns of seasonal and daily stem radial growth and in the response plants to the effects of environmental conditions. Data analysis showed that on the Southern coast of the Crimea cambium activity in Q. pubescens is limited to one season with a period of intensive stem radial increment in May-June. In seasonal dynamics of stem radial increment in J. excelsa two peaks: in April-May and in September-October was revealed. The effect of precipitation on stem growth in total was higher than air temperatures, which confirms the assumption that on the Southern coast of the Crimea the main factor limiting the stem radial growth of Q. pubescens and J. excelsa is the moisture availability to the trees. It was found that the most significant to the stem radial increment in Q. pubescens were precipitation in May-June and in J. excelsa - precipitation in June and September-October. Higher plastic of intra-annual dynamics cambial activity in J. excelsa increases the adaptability of plants to drought and may provide them with an additional competitive advantage against co-occurring Q. pubescens in thermoaridization climatic conditions predicted for the Southern coast of the Crimea.

Purpose. Assessment of soil pollution level of agroecosystems of the southern part of the Kursk agglomeration by heavy metals, forecasting of the changes of protection functions of agrogenic soils and development of the method to decrease the toxicity of heavy metals in soils of agroecosystems. Methods. The article deals with the data of heavy metals pollution assessment of soils of agroecosystems of the Kursk agglomeration. The definition of gross and mobile forms of heavy metals was carried out by the method of atomic and adsorptive spectrometry. For compilation of the map charts IDW-interpolation in desktop GIS QGIS 2.18.7 was used, taking into account the indicators of the nearest points and accepting influence of factors without positional connection. The efficiency of application of the sorbent of heavy metals was estimated in microplot experiment. Results. It is established that 83.6% of the territory of the southern part of Kursk exposing powerful technogenic strain are polluted. The priority polluting elements were the Pb and Cd exceeding MAC 10.8 and 2.1 times. It is noted that decrease in toxicity of Pb in the agrogenically changed soils can be achieved by application of the sorbent on the basis of lime and sapropel. Conclusions. The overwhelming part (83.8%) of the soils of agroecosystems of the southern part of Kursk is polluted by heavy metals; the priority elements of I class of toxicity are Pb and Cd whose maximum gross contents in soils reached MAC 10.8 and 2.1. The application of 8 and 16 tons per hectare of sorbent based on lime and sapropel in lead-contaminated medium gray loamy soil leads to a decrease in the concentration of mobile forms of lead by 8.0% and 13.6%.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of insufficient moisture supply on the absorption of carbon dioxide by Aucuba japonica Thunb., as well as the dynamics of the growth of phytomass and the amount of CO₂ absorbed by A. japonica at optimal moisture supply during the active growing season from May to September on the Southern coast of the Crimea, a region of dry subtropics. It was revealed that the carbon dioxide absorption rate and the growth rate of A. japonica phytomass begin to decrease when the soil moisture was below 60% of field capacity (FC). The maximum value of CO₂ absorption intensity by A. japonica leaves at optimal soil water supply was 0.95 mg/(cm² x day). At a soil water content of 15% FC, the CO₂ absorption rate decreased to 20% of the maximum CO2 absorption value, and the leaf biomass growth rate decreased by 25 times. The maximum monthly average amount of absorbed CO₂ during the period of active vegetation of the A. japonica plant was recorded in May and amounted to 0.83 mg/(cm² x day), and the maximum monthly average rate of increase in the volume of leaf phytomass (0.36 cm³/day) was noted in August. The phase of the most active growth of A. japonica phytomass occurs in August. It is possible to increase the growth rate of phytomass in August by lowering the air temperature, as well as increasing the relative humidity through drip irrigation.

The ecophysiological response of Arbutus andrachne L. to the impact of deep soil drought was studied, optimum zones and thresholds of soil moisture, temperature and illumination limiting photosynthesis and transpiration of this species under the conditions of the Southern coast of the Crimea were determined. Genotypic features of Arbutus andrachne L. have been revealed to maintain optimal water balance in accordance with environmental conditions. The optima of the studied parameters were found: W_s = 55-75% FC, I = 1000- 1200 pmol / m²s, P_n = 14-17, 5 pmol / m²s. The ecophysiological response of plants to water deficiency was studied, information on the influence of intensity and duration of water stress was obtained. Reducing soil moisture to 20-17% FC (the first wave of drought) leads to the oppression of the plant: photosynthesis is reduced to P_n = 9-12. 5 pmol / m²s, transpiration to E = 55-65 mg/m²s, the leaves begin to overheat (the temperature difference between the leaf of the experimental and control plants in the midday hours is ΔT_l = 2- 4°C). After watering the plant quickly recovers. As a result of a deep drought (the second wave), when soil moisture has reached W_s = 15-13% FC, photosynthesis P_n is reduced to almost zero, and at W_s ≤ 13% FC leaves wither. Transpiration is reduced to E = 15-25 mg / m²s, the leaves overheat (the temperature difference between the experimental and control plants reaches ΔT_l = 10⁰C in the afternoon hours), the diameter of the shoot was reduced by ∆d=1.1 mm, which is 16% compared to the initial value of the shoot thickness.

With prolonged drought, apical growth stops, turgor falls. With a decrease in soil moisture to W_s = 17- 13% FC, leaves overheat at ∆T_l = 5-10°C compared to the control plant, which is in normal humidification conditions.

A. andrachne has a relatively high photosynthetic potential for acclimatization to elevated temperatures. When the leaf temperature is above the optimum, the intensity of photosynthesis drops sharply, its optimal value is T_l = 28-30°C.

In August 2019, in the course of reconnaissance monitoring of insect pest complex of grapevine in the territory of the Donbass, the invasive North American grapevine leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball, 1932 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) was first recorded. A pest outbreak has been registered in the territory of the Novoazovsk region. A targeted search for the species in other areas ended up with a negative result. Scaphoideus titanus is a specialized pest of grapevine and a pathogenic agent of Grapevine flavescence doree - phytoplasma 'Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis' (Phytoplasma vitis), included in the list of pests of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) and the Common List of Quarantine Pests of the Eurasian Economic Union. The paper presents information on the history of invasion and distribution of this leafhopper throughout Europe, host plants, biology, life cycle and pathways of phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis’. The range expansion of S. titanus threatens with penetration of the causative agent of grapevine flavescence doree into the Donbass and requires purposeful studies on the features of biology, distribution and population condition of grapevine leafhopper in the region.

From 2017 to 2019, the study of dead caterpillars and pupae of boxwood moth Cydalima perspectalis Walker in various agro-climatic regions of the Crimea failed to identify parasites. Native species of entomophagans did not have time to adapt to boxwood moth. This paper provides information on the use of two species of entomophagans H. hebetor and Trihogramma sp. to regulate the number of pests. The effectiveness of H. hebetor ectoparasite against boxwood moth caterpillars of older ages was tested under laboratory conditions. The ratio parasite:host 1:1 provided 100 % demise of caterpillars. However, parasitization of H. hebetor on boxwood moth was not observed. Under laboratory conditions Trihogramma sp. destroyed the eggs of the pest, which were at different stages of embryonic development. Parasitizing of Trichogramma sp. larvae in boxwood moth’s eggs did not take place. Under laboratory conditions, both entomophagans showed a high efficiency for this type of a phytophagan. The experiment needs to be continued in the field to clarify and improve the effectiveness of the use of entomophagans in the Southern Coast of the Crimea.

The article presents the results of a dendrological inventory and development of arrangement system for restoration and agrotechnical care of plants in the Park named after Prince of Oldenburg, one of the remarkable places on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus (BSCC). A list of the assortment of ornamental woody plants for replenishment is also provided. 158 plant species grow in the Park, 49 - families, 42 - conifers, 97 - deciduous, 10 - palm trees, I - bamboos, 4 - rosette plants, 4 - arge herbaceous plants. Including: evergreen trees - 67 names, evergreen shrubs - 15, evergreen liana - 3, deciduous trees - 37, deciduous shrubs - 15, semi-evergreen shrubs - 2, perennial grass plants - 4, palm trees - 10, rosette plants - 4, bamboos - I. Among woody plants, 32 species and 2 - garden forms are classified as unique. The necessity of assigning a new status to the Park is substantiated.

A review of the literature of domestic and foreign authors on seed and clone stocks of apricot, plum and cherry plum is given. On its basis, an understanding of the state of research in this area was obtained and further prospects for work were identified. It has been established that the main seed stock for apricot cultivars is an ordinary apricot. It is represented by local semi-cultivated seedlings of this species or seedlings of hardy cultivated cultivars. The main stock for plums in southern Russia is a wild cherry plum. In Europe, a number of clonal stocks have been obtained suitable for plum and cherry plum, such as: Pixy, Myrobalan GF-31, Myrobalan 29 C, Marianna 2624, GF-677, Adafuel, Citation, Kayisi Erigi, G x N and others. Incompatibility of some cultivars of apricot was found with Adafuel, Citation, GF-677, G x N. When using Pixy and Marianna 2624 as stocks, a significant decrease in tree growth strength was noted. Modem clonal stocks for plum and cherry plum have been obtained; they are included in the State Register of Cultivars allowed for Propagation in Russia - Kuban 86, BBA -I. BCB -I , Dmzhba (joint breeding of the Crimean OSS with VNIIGi SPR), Alab-I, SVG 11-19 breeding NIISS, Eurasia 43 breeding of the Voronezh State Agrarian University. The same stock can be used for apricot.

Aim. A comparative assessment of the long-known and new cultivars by the main morphological, biological and economically valuable characteristics, the study of the range of their variation. Methods. The objects of research were 200 cultivars and forms of various ecological and geographical origin that make up the gene pool collection of quince of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens and located in the Crimean steppe zone. The observations were carried out according to generally accepted programs and methods of cultivar research and selection of fruit, berry and nut-bearing crops. Results. Assessment of quince by the strength of tree growth made it possible to distinguish weak-growing cultivars with a compact crown - ꞌDachnayaꞌ, ꞌKonservnaya Pozdnyayaꞌ, ꞌKonservnaya Rannyayaꞌ, ꞌLimonnayaꞌ, ꞌShchedrayaꞌ, High-yielding cultivars ꞌZolotistaya Moldavskayaꞌ, ꞌIzobifnaya Krymskaya’, ꞌKonservnaya Rannyayaꞌ, ꞌKubanskayaꞌ, ꞌNovorichnayaꞌ, ‘Oktyabrina’, ꞌOsenniy Souvenir’ were identified. The gene pool was evaluated by the shape and size of the fruit, cultivars of rounded shape with a smooth surface are noted: ‘Oktyabrina’, ꞌMirꞌ, ꞌOsenniy Souvenir’, ꞌYubileynaya Moldavskayaꞌ, ꞌYuzhankaꞌ. It has been established that the flowering periods of quince cultivars differ slightly, the difference in ripening between early and late cultivars is about 30 days. In terms of resistance to adverse environmental factors, a wide variation between cultivars is noted. Conclusions. As a result of the study of cultivars and forms of quince by a complex of morphological, biological and economic parameters, a significant variety was revealed by these signs. Cultivars s with extreme positive values are of interest. Most of the selected genotypes have not one, but several desirable qualities, which allows to find the right combination for successful breeding work. Cultivars with high environmental sustainability are of considerable interest for industrial gardening and personal subsidiary plots of the southern zone of Russia.

The basis for the creation of new and improvement of existing cultivars is the gene pool collection of sweet cherries of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens (NBG), represented by more than 400 samples of various origins. The article presents the brief results of a comprehensive study of introduced cultivars and cultivars of our own breeding in the steppe zone of the Crimea. The analysis of the gene pool on the general assessment of varietal composition on such features as the timing of phenological phases, winter hardiness, drought resistance, size and quality of fruits, yield and plasticity of cultivars was conducted. The studies were carried out according to standard methods of sweet cherry cultivar study. A review of the genetic diversity of cultivars included in eight ecological and geographical regions is presented. Analysis of the data shows that the gene pool has valuable genotypes of interest for use in breeding programs aimed at improving cultivars. The cultivars adapted to local soil and climatic conditions in terms of the beginning and duration of flowering have been identified. Examples of samples included in the "feature collection", the creation of which ensures the effective use of genetic resources, are given. As a result of long-term studies, cultivars of different geographical origin, sources of the following features: late flowering, drought-resistance, winter-hardiness, resistance to cherry leaf spot and moniliosis, self-fertility, resistance to cracking of fruits, high commodity and taste qualities were identified.

The purpose of the study is to study the effectiveness of the use of new generation growth regulators on mandarin plants to improve productivity, product quality and crop resistance to environmental factors, followed by the development of sound recommendations for their effective use. The task of a particular stage is connected with the study of the possibility of increasing the adaptive potential of the dwarf mandarin against the background of the use of biologically active substances of a new generation. In this paper show that the influence of growth regulators obstaktin (concentration of 0.05%). Field research has been conducted since 2017 in the experimental and technological Department of the fruit crops sector of the all-Russian Institute of floriculture and subtropical crops (Sochi, Russia) on the plantation of dwarf mandarin (Citrus reticulata var. unshiu Tan.) cultivars of Miyagawa-Vase, laboratory tests performed in the laboratory of physiology and biochemistry of plants. Studies have shown that the leaf area of mandarin plants during treatment with obstaktin significantly exceeded the control variant (LSD (P≤0.05) = 2.82). The effect of obstaktin was expressed in a more active assimilation activity of the leaf apparatus, which contributed to a greater accumulation of dry matter. The productivity of the leaves of dwarf mandarin was calculated and it was revealed that the highest values were noted on the variant with obstaktin treatment (10.12 g / dm2 at 8.62 g/dm2 on the control). Obstaktin contributes to a significant increase in the number of green photosynthetic pigments (up to 2.29 mg / g raw weight) and a significant increase in the synthesis of carotenoids (0.44 mg / g raw weight), which activates the protective mechanisms of plants (LSD (P≤0.05) = 0.08). At the same time, their viability increases (Fm/F_T = 2,478 units), which explains the active assimilation processes. Thus, it is possible to speak about positive influence of growth regulators on a physiological condition of plants of a dwarf mandarin, both in the optimum period, and at approach of stressful hydrothermal conditions.

Aim. The main purpose of studying hybrid forms of peach is to single out the most valuable ones for further breeding practice, improve the existing assortment of peach and transfer new cultivars to the State Commission for Variety Testing of the Russian Federation. Methods. To distinguish forms characterized by a set of indicators of economically valuable traits, a cluster method of comparative evaluation of hybrids with control cultivars of the corresponding fruit ripening period was carried out and pair correlation coefficients of these traits were determined. Results. As a result of the study, the greatest correlation was found between productivity and laying of generative buds, fruit mass and frost damage to the buds in winter; laying buds and frost damage to the buds in winter; fruit taste and dry matter content and their ripening period; solids content and total sugar; damage to generative buds by return frosts in spring with frost damage in winter. Main conclusions. 7 hybrid forms distinguished by a set of traits: Veteran x Favorita Morettini 80-686, Zlatogor x Uspar-I 80-367, Golden Jubilee self-poll. 65-105, Tszy-yan-shuj-mi-tao x Collins III 1/3, Veteran free poll., Laureat x Zlatogor 73-6, (Podarok Kryma free poll, x Tovarishch) 85-104, we recommend using it in the breeding process to improve the existing assortment of peach.

Collection of the gene pool of Digitalis lanata Ehrh. in VILAR has 5 cultivars and more than 20 varieties. The article presents the results of a study of seed productivity of plants during reproduction of the collection in 2013-2015. The preservation of homogeneity and typical collectible genotypes is implemented in a controlled pollination with the varietal identification of plants based on methods of Digitalis lanata tests for distinctness, uniformity, stability. Infructescences harvested are the drying and partial opening of fructs in the lower third of the stems. The period of post-harvest ripening was 14-21 days. The study revealed that cultivar characteristics, such as the number and length of inflorescences and developing infmctescence, the number and size of fruit in the infmctescence, being typical and unique features for each of the cultivars. determine the value of seed productivity indicators (seed weight with single infmctescence, with per plant and units of area). Infmctescence length ranged from 28 cm in cultivar ‘Victoria’ to 53 cm in cultivar ‘Karikola’. The number of fmit on the stem varied from 28 fruit of the cultivar ‘Victoria’ to 102 fmit of the cultivar ‘Ritm’. The number of seeds in a fmit - from 58 seeds (cultivar ‘Victoria’) to 116 seeds (cultivar ‘Ritm’). Weight of seeds from a single infmctescence varied from 0,67 g for the cultivar ‘Victoria’ to 4.7 g for the cultivar ‘Ritm’. Weight of seeds with infmctescence was 0.67 - 4.70 g, the collection of seeds from individual plant was 7-23 g. The seed yield was 37 - 90 g/m², depending on the cultivar. Study of correlation of morphological and agronomic traits revealed a dependence of plant seed productivity from the weight of seeds with one stem (r=0.80), number of stems (r=0.54), the length of stems (r=0.21). The mass of 1000 seeds slightly differed, from 0.48 g to 0.52 g, as well as the mass of seeds from a single infmctescence from 0.028 g to 0.090 g. The certainty of seed productivity cultivar characteristics ensures the success of the periodic reproduction of the D. lanata preserved biological collection.

The studies were conducted with participation of 290 people (145 people were divided into 3 experimental groups and 145 people represented 3 control groups) aged 55 to 90 years. During the study, the testees were in darkened rooms at rest (sitting position) in groups of 10-12 people. For the experimental group the essential oil of winter savory was sprayed in the room for 10, 20 or 30 minutes in a concentration of I mg / m3, alongside with psychorelaxation recording. The main components of the essential oil are: carvacrol (45.22%) and n-cymene (31.26%), in much smaller quantities - karyophyllenoxide (3.33%), l-octene-3-ol (2.44%), karyophyllene (1.66%), sabinenhydrate (1.20%), the remaining components are in a concentration not higher than I %. Participants in the control group were played only psychorelaxation recording lasting 10, 20 or 30 minutes. The condition of the testees before and after treatments in control and experimental groups was assessed using hospital scale of anxiety and depression test, word recognition testing with missing letters, correction task, well-being questionnaire according to the method Dembo-Rubinstein in the modification of A. M. Prikhozhan. The obtained data were statistically processed using Student's t-test for bound and unbound series. It was found that inhalation of vapors of winter savory essential oil (Satureja montana L.) in a concentration of I mg / m3 at all durations of the procedure (10, 20 and 30 minutes) has a pronounced positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of the elderly, but weakly and rather negatively affects the performance of both simple and complex mental work.