The article provides information on the history of the creation and development of the Department of plant protection in the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens and the results of modern theoretical and applied research on the protection of native and introduced plants for 2000-2020. The main concepts, directions and methods in the development of integrated plant protection systems for fruit and park plantations are considered. There are five stages in solving the main task of plant protection-the rational management of the phytosanitary state of agrobiocenoses: 1. use of agrotechnical methods of control, including mechanical destruction of phytophages; 2. chemical method of plant protection using polytoxic broad-spectrum pesticides; 3. integrated control in the form of the concept of a reduced treatment scheme, taking into account the economic thresholds of abundance and harmfulness and combining all existing methods of control; 4. managing the growth of populations of harmful organisms using biologically active substances of the information type according to integrated indicators; 5. development of a post-genomic approach to limiting the number of phytophages, based on the use of fragments of natural polymers of nucleic acids, development of contact DNA insecticides based on short antisense fragments of genes, as well as preparations based on double-stranded RNA fragments. Modern research has a high theoretical and applied significance for the development of integrated protection systems for fruit, ornamental, and forest crops in the Russian Federation and Crimea. It allows us to objectively assess the phytosanitary state of the garden and park agrobiocenosis, identify the dominant types of pathogens and pests, predict their development trends, and select environmentally safe, cost-effective methods for controlling their numbers.

Currently plant protection undergoes a period of active digitalization, which effects the most diverse aspects of its activity and involves the formation of phytosanitary databases, electronic detectors, the use of digital intelligence (creation and training of neural networks), software development, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, automatic agrometeorological stations, etc., and in general, the creation of decision -making support systems. The development of information databases is the first and very important stage in the creation of a decision-making system, which allows tracking long-term and seasonal changes in the structure of biota of agrocenoses with the necessary reliability, predicting phytosanitary risks, developing adaptive systems of protection, as well as promptly and reasonably making adjustments to them.
In 2015-2019 on fruit-bearing industrial plantations of primary viticultural zones of the Crimea – the Southern Coast, Mountain-Valley, South-West and Central Steppe zones, the study of structures of entomo-, acaro- and pathocomplexes of grapes was carried out. Vineyards of wine and table cultivars typical for each region were selected for observations.
The development of more than 20 fungal and bacterial diseases, affecting the above-ground and underground organs of grape plants was confirmed. We obtained new data on zonal features of formation and changing of pathocomplexes of Crimean ampelocenoses, their structure, different pathogen frequency index values and the intensity of damage to the vegetative and generative organs of grape plants. Thus, we accumulated the material for the formation of information database on the structure of zonal pathocomplexes of Crimean ampelocenoses.
Basing on the results of study of the structure of zonal complexes of arthropod pests of grapevine, the information database "The structure of entomoacarocomplexes of ampelocenosis phytophages of primary zones of the Crimean viticulture" (AAAA-G20-620051990003-5) was developed and contained the annotated list of 55 species of phytophages of grapes. The database includes data on the comparative characteristics of zonal complexes of ampelocenosis phytophages of the Crimea in terms of species abundance, taxonomic and ecological characteristics, as well as the frequency of occurrence of the species studied.

In recent years, in the orangeries of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden, the affection of representatives of the Ericaceae family, the genus rhododendron (Rhododendron (L.) oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, has been growing. In the study of the rhizospheric soil of sick and healthy plants, a wide distribution of Phytophthora was found. representatives of this family. The dynamics of the spread of the disease from 2012 to 2019 is presented. The population of Phytophthora cinnamomi in the soils is unevenly distributed, changing its structure (abundance, survival, seasonality, life cycle) in accordance with various micro -phytocenoses. The population structure is governed by coenotic relationships with soil microorganisms. The Phytophthora cinnamomi population is “pulsating,” with a maximum population (in May-June) and a minimum in NovemberDecember. The creation of suppressive soils and suppression factors may serve as a preliminary strategy when creating measures to protect plants of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden. The results of studies of the effects of biological products (Vitaplan, Sternifag, Gliokladin) and fertilizers (Potassium humate, Ecofus) on the pathogen are presented. To increase immunity, resistance inducers (immunocytophyte, sillplant, chitosan) were used.

Data on the study and therapeutic prospects of Hyssopus officinalis L. as a valuable essential oil culture of the NBS are presented. The composition of infectious agents on hyssop was determined. Several variants of plant treatment with biological preparations were tested to identify the most effective way to protect hyssop from pathogens. The fungal pathogens Fusarium solani (Mart.) App. & Wr. were found on the culture of Hyssopus officinalis in the rhizosphere, the hyssop stem zone is affected by dry rot pathogens – Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. Verticillium allbo-atrum Reinke & Berthold and V. dahlia Kleb were the dominant pathogens of Verticillium wilt on the top of the stem and on the leaves. The use of the biofungicide «Fitosporin – M» had a significant effectiveness against fungal pathogens on hyssop medicinal. Marked reduction in the degree of development of the disease from 24.1 % to 4.2 %. The number of spores in native preparations from extracts of tissues of infected plants of hyssop decreased in 15 times for the pathogens of Fusarium (F. solani), and 17 times for the agents of verticillata (V. allbo-atrum and V. dahliaе). High antagonistic activity in relation to pathogens of fungal diseases of Hyssopus officinalis was observed in the case of using a composition of two drugs. It was found that when the biofungicide «Fitosporin – M» and vitalizer «HB – 101» were used together, the number of spores of fungal pathogens fixed in the tissues of affected plants decreased to zero.

Three species of true bugs: Dichrooscytus gustavi Josifov, 1981 (Miridae), Gonocerus juniperi HerrichSchaeffer, 1839 (Coreidae) and Chlorochroa pinicola (Mulsant & Rey, 1852) (Pentatomidae) was firstly found during the reconnoiter surveillance of specialized phytophagous Hemiptera (Heteroptera) on introduced coniferous in the territory of Donbass for the period 2019–2020. Two species (G. juniperi and C. pinicola) are recorded for the first time for the southeast of Ukraine, D. gustavi - for the first time for Ukraine. The paper presents information on the distribution, biology and ecology of the recorded species. Dichrooscytus gustavi and G. juniperi are trophically associated with junipers (Juniperus spp.), C. pinicola – with pines (Pinus spp.). The expansion of phytophagous species composition on pines in Donbass is a consequence of active forest management activities. In addition to the nearby invaders, which include C. pinicola, an increase in the number of dangerous alien invasive pests such as Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 (Heteroptera: Coreidae) has recently been observed on pines. The invasion of the sucking-feeders species on junipers into Donbass may be the result of massive import potted crops of this breed from nurseries and independent dispersal of this insects from adjacent territories. An increase of the number of sucking pests - the main vectors of viral and phytoplasmic diseases on pines and junipers can negatively affect the decorative and sanitary condition of coniferous plantations in Donbass. To develop a forecast of harmfulness and a complex of protective measures, it is necessary to control the appearance of new phytophagous species on introduced coniferous and to constantly monitor the state of their populations.

In July 2020, in the course of insect collection by light trapping within the city area of Donetsk, the invasive North American leafhopper Penestragania apicalis (Osborn & Ball, 1898) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) was first recorded for Eastern Europe. This is the third specialized phytophagous species of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) introduced to Europe. The distribution of P. apicalis within Europe is still not known, this species is most likely to be widespread throughout the places of honey locust cultivation. The main vector of invasion of P. apicalis is unintended introduction with planting material and by way of self -spread of adults. The penetration of another one specialized phytophage of honey locust into the steppe zone of Eastern Europe requires additional researching of its distribution. Registration of P. apicalis at a considerable distance from the previously known habitat indicates its wide distribution in Europe. Since it is difficult to survey the crowns of tall trees, we recommend using light traps as the simplest and most effective method for leafhoppers detecting. The level of species harmfulness in the territory of its natural range and in Euro pe has not been assessed so far; therefore, the organization of work on a detailed study of its ecological and biological characteristics is required. The formation of a multispecies complex of specialized pests can have a negative impact on the plantings of honey locust in the zone of its introduction. In this regard, the state of the P. apicalis population requires constant monitoring along with other invasive phytophages of Gleditsia – leaf gall midge D. gleditchiae and seed-beetle M. dorsalis.

In recent years, the emergence of new invaders has been discovered in Crimea – the mealy lantern fly Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Flatidae), the indian wax scale Ceroplastes ceriferus (Fabricius, 1798) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Coccoidea), the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), the stink bug Oxycarenus lavaterae (Fabricius, 1787) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) and palm moth Paysandisia archon (Burmeister, 1880) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae). Timely information on the penetration of new alien species that damage agricultural and ornamental crops into the entomofauna of Crimea, their distribution, biological characteristics that are relevant for specialists in the field of plant protection and landscape architecture.
The number of mealy lantern fly has increased over the years of observations, and the list of host plants has also expanded, which has confirmed its polyphagia. In Crimea, a pest has appeared that can cause significant damage to fruit, berry, nut-bearing and ornamental crops.
During the years of research, we discovered another alien species – the indian wax scale. As a result of damage to ornamental crops, individual branches dried out and some plants died. We assume that this phytophage was brought to the Crimea with planting material, because it occurs focally on objects of landscape architecture.
Since 2018, palm trees have been damaged by the palm moth – one of the invasive pests of these plants on the southern coast of Crimea. Caterpillars damage the vascular system and the plant's growth point. As a result of the damage caused, the plants die. Since the same year, a new alien species, the southern green stink bug, has shown harmfulness on vegetable, berry and flower crops, as well as on weeds, and in 2020, for the first time in the Crimea, in the Nizhnegorsk region, another stink bug, O. lavaterae, was found on a linden. There is little information about this insect. It can form massive clusters on linden and hibiscus bark.

This article presents the studying results of the pollen of three zizyphus cultivars (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) Konfetny, Koktebel and Yalita, growing in the gene collection of the Nikita Botanical Gardens. The studies were carried out during 2019-2020. The control was zizyphus cultivar Konfetny, included in the register of protected breeding achievements of the Russian Federation. The morphological characteristics of pollen were studied. The size of pollen grains, depending on the cultivar, varied within 7-24 μm. It was revealed that the form of pollen grains in the equatorial projection is rounded for zizyphus cultivars Koktebel and Konfetny and oblong-rounded for the cultivar Yalita. The shape of the grains is spheroidal (Konfetny, Koktebel) and ellipsoidal (Yalita). By the nature of the apertures, the pollen grains of zizyphus are meridional-3-furrow-aperture. Ripe pollen grains are single, very small. To obtain a more complete understanding of the properties of pollen, its ability to germinate on an artificial nutrient medium was determined in two versions: in an aqueous solution of sucrose with a concentration of 15 and 20% and in a solution of sucrose with a concentration of 15 and 20 % with the addition of a stimulator of pollen tube growth - boric acid. Pollen on artificial nutrient medium does not germinate in both variants. The amount of abnormal pollen is relatively high in all analyzed varieties: Konfetny and Yalita 54,2- 60,5%, Koktebel – 65,7%. It is inappropriate to use these genotypes as initial parental forms in the breeding process.

The features of growth and development of Melothria scabra Naudin - a new vegetable and medicinal crop for the Southern Coast of the Crimea (SCC), a source of biologically active substances, including citrulline and arginine, essential micro - and macronutrients. It is established that in the conditions of the SCC, the crop passes a full growing cycle and gives viable seeds; it is resistant to fungal diseases and pests; it stops growing when the average daily temperature decreases to 8-9 ° C, and gives self-seeding. The content of essential elements (potassium 12270 ±131 mg/kg, calcium 2951± 61 mg/kg, magnesium 3101 ± 53.5 mg/kg, ferrum 104.5 ± 4.5 mg/kg, zinc 39.7 ± 0.8 mg/kg, cuprum 13.2± 1.0 mg/kg and manganese – 0.8 ± 0.01 mg/kg) in Melothria scabra fruits was determined. The results obtained allow us to attribute melotria to functional vegetable crops - sources of valuable biologically active substances. and recommend the spread of the culture not only on the SCC, but also in other regions suitable for its cultivation.

Olive oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the fruits of the European olive (Olea europaea L.). In terms of fatty acid composition, it is a mixture of triglycerides of fatty acids with a very high content of oleic acid esters. It has a color from brownish-yellow to greenish-yellow and has a slight bitterness aftertaste. The beneficial properties of olive oil determined by the content of oleic acid, which ensures low oxidizability of the product and helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The quality of the oil and its compliance with GOST requirements are important. The purpose of this report is to study the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of olive oil from different manufacturers, including that obtained by the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens - National Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, their compliance with the approved norms of Russian and European standards and requirements, regulations, as well as determining the class produced oil. The work uses generally accepted methods of organoleptic, physicochemical, and other research. The analysis of existing systems of olive oil classification is given. The chemical indicators of the composition of olive oils from NBG and leading manufacturers on the Russian market are presented. The issues of the organoleptic assessment of the oil and its physical and chemical indicators are highlighted, the composition of fatty acids of olive oil obtained in the conditions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea is analyzed and its comparative analysis with olive oil from other manufacturers, as well as the norms of compliance with stand ards, codes and technical regulations. It has been proven that the NBG’s oil, due to the natural and climatic conditions of olive growth, is of high quality and meets the required Extra Virgin oil standards.

A review of the classification of pine forests (dominated by two-needle pines of the subgenus Diploxylon) of Russia using the Braun-Blanquet approach was carried out. All diversity of pine forests was included in 9 higher units – vegetation classes, of which 3 classes represent typical communities dominated by pine species (Erico–Pinetea Horvat 1959, Koelerio glaucae–Pinetea sylvestris Ermakov class nova hoc loco, Junipero–Pinetea Rivas-Mart. 1965). In the remaining six classes (Vaccinio–Piceetea Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl.et al. 1939, Carpino–Fagetea Jakucs et Passarge 1968, Quercetea pubescentis Doing-Kraft ex Scamoni et Passarge 1959, Brachypodio–Betuletea Ermakov et al. 1991, Rhytidio–Laricetea Korotkov et Ermakov 1999 and Quercetea mongolicae Song ex Krestov et al. 2006), pine forests are represented as special higher categories (alliances, orders) along with other types of zonal and non-zonal forest vegetation. The characteristics of the main higher units (classes, orders and alliances) are presented, as well as their diagnostic features and problems of classification of some categories are discussed. As a result of the syntaxonomic revision, the name of the class Pyrolo–Pinetea sylvestris Korneck 1974 was rejected, since the alliance Cytiso–Pinion sylvestris Krausch 1962 (the only alliance of order Pulsatillo–Pinetalia Oberd. in Oberd. et al. 1967) was proposed in the original article as provisional (3b). It is proposed to include xerophilous psammophilous pine forests of Europe and Western Siberia into a new class Koelerio glaucae–Pinetea sylvestris class nova hoc loco. The nomenclature type of the class (holotypus) is the order Koelerio glaucae–Pinetalia sylvestris Ermakov 1999. Diagnostic species of the class are Festuca beckeri, Gypsophylla altissima, G. paniculata, Jurinea cyanoides, Koeleria glauca, Oxytropis campanulata, Potentilla humifusa, Veronica spicata, Silene baschkirorum, S. chlorantha, Stipa pennata subsp. sabuletorum, Helichrysum arenarium, Centaurea arenaria, C. marschalliana, Achillea gebleri, Genista tinctoria, Cytisus ruthenica, C. borystenica, Hieracium pilosella, Dianthus arenarius.

Populations of obligate petrophytes of the Mountain Crimea Heracleum ligusticifolium M. Bieb. (Apiaceae) and Silene jailensis N.I. Rubtzov (Caryophyllaceae) are distinguished by their small number due to the internal mechanism of their self-regulation: in small-area local stony habitats, plants of pregenerative age are regularly eliminated. This mechanis m operates independently of external threats, the adverse effect of which was smoothed out by the structural features of populations: the predominance of long -lived generative plants in S. jailensis, and the abundance of viable seeds in H. ligusticifolium. However, in recent years, the population of the Nikitskaya Yayla has been observed to have a weak lack of seed renewal of Silene jailensis and a complete lack of seed renewal of Heracleum ligusticifolium. This circumstance led to intra-population destructive processes. The probability of degradation and extinction of populations actualized the development of methods of reproduction and maintenance of plants of these species in vitro. By now, there is a stock of plants of these species that can be used for in situ reintroduction.

The article presents the results of laboratory and field germination of seeds of woody species. Also, some features of the initial stages of ontogenesis of woody plants in the conditions of mountainous Dagestan are considered. It was found that under the conditions of the Tsudakhar experimental base, a significant predominance of shoot growth is observed in all types of seedlings. Comparative analysis of growth traits in dynamics revealed that different soil and climatic conditions of different altitude gradients have a significant impact on the variability of all considered morphological traits. In all species, the maximum average values of traits were noted under the conditions of the CEB, i.e., these ecological conditions are more conducive to the manifes tation of the genotypic characteristics of the studied species in comparison with the conditions of the BBB. A relationship was found between the dynamics of phenological phases and the degree of winter hardiness: the stronger the annual growth was, the greater the percentage of freezing from the total length of the seedling was observed.

The dependence of the growth rate of Arbutus andrachne L. on some environmental factors was studied under the conditions of the Southern Coast vegetation experiment in different periods of the species vegetation, which made it possible to find the optimal and limiting conditions for its growth.
In March, vegetation began at an average daily air temperature of 3.5 – 7.50 °C and the increase in stem diameter was approximately 0.42 % (0.09 mm), at the second stage (April-May) – 3.7 % (0.58 mm) with a further exit to plateau. In July - August, two sections of the d % change are observed: the first section is from July 27 till August 19 - intensive growth of d % by 12.58 % (1.961 mm), the second section after August 19 – access to the growth plateau, which is associated with an increase in air temperature to 30-35 °C. In September-October, two sections of the d % change are observed: the first section lasted from September 01 till September 15 - intensive growth of d % by 3.55 % (0.582 mm), the second section after September 15 – exit to a plateau of growth, lowering the air temperature to 8-10 °C and the end of the growing season. In November, an increase in trunk diameter was not observed.
The optimal environmental factors were: in March-May, Ta = 20-2 °C, Da = 0.4-1.2 kPa, I = 300-900 mmol / m²s; July-August, Ta = 22-28 °C, Da = 1.4-2.5 kPa, I = 500-1000 μmol / m²s; in September-October, Ta = 16-25 °C, Da = 0.3-1.5 kPa, I = 400-800 μmol / m²s, respectively. The results of our experiments allow us to compare the ecological and physiological characteristics we obtained with the climatic conditions of a particular region and evaluate the possibilities of introducing it into other regions.