Purpose. To conduct the historical analysis of the practice of writing varieties names and other denominations of cultiva­ted plants and development of relevant international rules and recommendations. Results. The need to normalize the names of cultivated plants has matured in the horticultural environment more than a century and a half ago and was realized by the development of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. During that period, the Code was expanded and improved, and now the IXth edition of the nomenclatural rules is valid. This nomenclature code has no legal status and is based on the voluntary consent of specialists to follow it for nomenclature stability, which is extremely important in international communication among scientists and businesspersons. International agreements for protection of plant breeder’s rights have been signed that is legally effective. Relevant rules have been developed governing the features of the creation, registration and operation of names of varieties and trademarks that relate to varieties as commercial objects. Conclusions. The rules developed by horticulturists and botanists for naming cultivated plants have some differences with the rules for denomination of varieties as objects of intellectual property, which should be resolved for harmonization and increasing the effectiveness of scientific and economic activities. Knowledge of the nomenclature code and UPOV documents will assist the breeder in his professional activity.

Purpose. To create a new late ripening highly productive variety of fiber flax with high fiber quality. Methods. Field study, laboratory test, instrumental and technological investigations, statistical evaluation. Results. Research results allowed to identify main morphological, economic and technological characters of a new late ripening fiber flax variety ‘Esman’. It was established that this variety is characterized by high yields of straw (5.9–6.1 t/ha), seeds (0.78–0.86 t/ha), the whole amount of fiber (1.61–1.74 t/ha) including long one (1.05 t/ha). Considerable content of the whole amount of fiber (27.9–30.7%) is successfully combined with its high quality. It has high resistance to lodging, seeds shattering and mean resistance to anthracnose and fusarium. On completion of the State variety testing in 2016, fiber flax variety ‘Esman’ was entered into the State register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine. Conclusions. Fiber flax variety ‘Esman’ combines high yields of straw, seeds, fiber and high quality of the latter as well as resistance to lodging and diseases. It is recommended to cultivate in all flax-growing regions of Ukraine. Implementation of the late ripening high yielding fiber flax variety ‘Esman’ will permit to obtain high yields of flax products and favor the efficiency of the domestic flax industry.

Purpose. To define the level of impact of such factors as rate, time and methods of sowing on seed productivity and certified seeds, and the individual response of winter wheat varieties to these factors if used the ecological system of seed farming, that would allow to form and obtain genetically determined potential of variety productivity. Methods. Weight measurement for determining seed yield; statistical, variance and regression analysis for identifying the reliabi­lity of the experiment results. Results. During the research period, weather conditions were greatly differed both by temperature regime and precipitation, but stability of grain and seeds yield on an annual basis was the main requirement to varieties. During the study of «grain productivity» value and quantitative indices of winter wheat yield structure, the results from 684 plots were obtained which were grouped and analyzed for impact factors for complete certainty, and NIR0,05 was calculated. Conclusions. Thus, in case of shifting sowing time from optimum to later period, efficiency of water use by plants was decreasing to a greater extent during years with insufficient precipitation. The shift of sowing time to later period providing optimal seeding rate and row seeding method did not reduce yield. The yield of winter wheat varieties to be studied when sowing in usual manner with seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha in the period from September 15 and October 5 was the highest. Varieties ‘Slavna’ and ‘Chorniava’ provided the highest grain productivity for seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha and using row seeding method, with slight impact of sowing time factor. Grain yield of studied varieties showed negative response during the experiment when seeding rate decreased up to 2,5–3,0 million seeds/ha. ‘Astarta’ varie­ty provided the highest productivity for certified seeds yield as compared to the control (from 1,59 to 3,38 t/ha). The variant of the experiment when sowing on October, 5 in usual manner with seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha showed the highest productivity of 7,02 t/ha (+3,38 t/ha, or +92,9%). Shifting of sowing time for October, 5 resulted in a significant decrease in yields of certified seeds as compared to sowing time on September 15 and 25. Seed yield of studied varieties when sowing on October, 5 was higher than in case of sowing on September, 25. The highest percentage of certified seeds output in the studied varieties was observed for a seeding rate of 2,5–3,0 million seeds/ha. For seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha for varieties with seeding time between September 15 and 25, the difference in grain yield was negligible. The winter wheat variety ‘Astarta’ provided the highest yield of seeds during the research years – 9,36 t/ha, the standard variety ‘Bogdan’ – the lowest one in the best variant of 5,55 t/ha.

Purpose. To review publications relating to the key point of the genotyping technology that is competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (which is called now Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR, KASPTM) and its use in various genetic-breeding researching (a study of maize). Results. The essence of KASP-genotyping, its advantages are highlighted. The requirements for matrix DNA are presented, since the success of the KASP-analysis depends on its qua­lity and quantity. Examples of global projects of plant breeding for increasing crop yields using the KASP genoty­ping technology are given. The results of KASP genotyping and their introduction into breeding and seed production, in particular, for determining genetic identity, genetic purity, origin check, marker-assisted selection, etc. are presented using maize as an example. It is demonstrated how geno­mic selection according to KASP genotyping technology can lead to rapid genetic enhancement of drought resistance in maize. Comparison of the effectiveness of creating lines with certain traits (for example, combination of high grain yield and drought resistance) using traditional breeding approaches (phenotype selection) and molecular genetic methods (selection by markers) was proved that it takes four seasons (two years in case of greenhouses) in order to unlock the potential of the plant genotype using traditional self-pollination, test-crossing and definitions), while using markers, the population was enriched with target alleles during one season. At the same time, there was no need for a stress factor. Conclusions. KASP genotyping technology is a high-precision and effective tool for modern genetics and breeding, which is successfully used to study genetic diversity, genetic relationship, population structure, gene­tic identity, genetic purity, origin check, quantitative locus mapping, allele mapping, marker-assisted selection, marker-assisted breeding. It is expedient and timely to introduce KASP genotyping technology in our country to solve a wide range of modern genetics, breeding, seed production tasks.

Purpose. To study the effect of AKM plant growth regulator on growth, development and yield formation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids in hybridization plots under the conditions of the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Laboratory tests, field study, statistical evaluation. Results. The results of studies devoted to determining the optimal AKM concentration for the treatment of seeds of the maternal and paternal lines, the effect of AKM on field germination, biometric parameters of sunflower plants, seed quality (F1) and yield are presented. Three hybrids of the Ukrainian selection, such as ‘Alpha’, ‘Logos’ and ‘Persei’ were studied during 2014–2016. Optimal concentration of AKM (0.0015 g/l) was defined. The vigor of seeds processed by AKM was higher than in check variety by 0.8–12.8 ?.?. (?); 0.4–10.7 p.p. (?), laboratory germination – by 2.3–6.1 p.p. (?); 3.5–6.2 p.p. (?). In 2016, the sunflower plant height for all variants exceeded this parameter to be obtained for other years of the study. This could be explained by the fact that HTC in 2016 for the BBCH 00–39 period was 1.4 times higher than in 2015. In general, hybrids as the studied factor considerably influenced sunflower yield, and the share of the hybrid (factor A) influence is 33%. This should be considered when selecting hybrids for sunflower cultivation technologies in the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Conclusions. Hydrothermal conditions of the year had the maximum impact on the formation of seed quality and yield of sunflower plants of the hybrids under study, but when using AKM growth regulator for presowing seed treatment, this negative impact was reduced by an average of 23%.

Purpose. To evaluate the stability and plasticity of new varieties of grain sorghum in ecological conditions of the Fores-Steppe and Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field study, statistical evaluation. Results. It was found that in Ukraine the average yield of grain sorghum in 2015 was 3.72 t/ha and in 2016 – 3.36 t/ha. In field experiments during 2009–2016, ‘Praim’ and ‘Sprynt 2’ hybrids appeared to be significantly better as compared to averaged yields of 3.9 t/ha. Evaluation of yield plasticity in environmental conditions of the Forest-Steppe and Steppe zones showed that the hybrid ‘Praim’ did not differ from the group standard and its index is no more than one. At the same time, the ‘Sprynt 2’ is highly-plastic hybrid and ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ belongs to relatively low-plastic varieties. Conclusions. It was established that, as an average of an experiment, hyb­rids of grain sorghum ‘Praim’ and ‘Sprynt 2’ had a yield of 4,2–4,3 t/ha. According to the analysis of ecological plasticity, ‘Sprynt 2’ can be included with the intensive type and ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ – with relatively low-plastic varieties. It was found that proper selection of varieties and far­ming practices of cultivation is one of the main factors that favors high yields and respectively determine 37% and 34% of the level of grain sorghum productivity.

Purpose. To study effects of low temperatures on Lavandula angustifolia plants and their response depending on their age and variety as well as identify critical temperature values for such structure elements of plants as bark, cambium, wood, pith. Methods. Field investigation, spectrometric analysis, statistical evaluation. Results. Topicality of investigation of Lavandula angustifolia to be grown in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine was highlighted. Low temperature effects on structural elements of shoots for 8 varieties of domestic and foreign selection were analyzed. One-year shoots have suffered the most from low temperatures – 4.5 points on a six-point scale, two- and three-year shoots were damaged in a lesser degree – from 0.8 to 2 points. Plants of ‘Feuervogel’ and ‘Maestro’ varieties with total damage coefficient of 11.3% and 10.6% accordingly were the most resistant to low temperatures. These varieties can be recommended to producers for further introduction to the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Conclusions. Tissues of a lavender one-year shoot were most damaged by low temperatures regardless of a variety, but this organ is ephemeral and can be removed without causing damage to a plant. Two- and three-year shoots, which provide plant recovery, were significantly less damaged. None of the plants from 8 studied lavender varieties was lost under the influence of low temperatures, though some of them were damaged significantly. Such varieties as ‘Feuervogel’, ‘König Humbert’, ‘Veseli notky’ (pith damage is on the level of 1–2 points), ‘Maestro’ (0.8–2.5 points) were the most resistant to low temperature exposure which allows to conclude about successful lavender cultivation under conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine.

Purpose. To investigate features of commercial head quality formation in varieties of cutting lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.) for different growing methods. To study the influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the weight of commercial heads, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products. Methods. Field study, laboratory testing and statistical evaluation. Results. The results of studying peculiarities of head formation in such cutting lettuce varieties as ‘Godar’ (control), ‘Smuhlianka’, ‘Olzhych’ and ‘Dyvohrai’ were shown. Based on the results of phenological observations, the duration of interstage periods of growth and development of cutting lettuce plants was determined for the different growing methods. The model of cutting lettuce of capitata variety for different growing methods was presented in terms of biochemical parameters (content of dry matter, vitamin C, nitrates, amount of sugars). The influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the commercial head weight, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products was studied. Obtained results confirmed that in early ripening varie­ti­es the heads were smaller (150 g) and not dense, in late ripening varieties they were large and dense, weight was 150–500 g. Freshly harvested commercial products of head lettuce in case of seedling cultivation was characterized by a slight increase in dry matter content by 0.15–0.29%. The corresponding pattern was observed for the total sugar content. Its amount was slightly higher: 1.3–1.9% in case of direct sowing and 1.6–1.9% – for seedlings cultivation. The content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C, mg/100 g) was the highest in the ‘Dyvohrai’ variety despite of the method of growing. The largest quantity of nitrates in lettuce heads was in the inner stem (480 mg/kg), while in the middle of the head it was reduced to 110 mg/kg. Conclusions. Freshly harvested heads of cutting lettuce were analyzed for the content of such basic biochemical indices as dry matter, vitamin C, protein, nitrates, amount of sugars. Biochemical characteristics of freshly harvested products of heading lettuce in case of direct sowing and non-seedling methods of growing were within the error being almost identical with minor deviations. According to the study results, a typical model of capitate lettuce variety was designed which will have practical application in qualification examination of plant varieties.

Purpose. To study biological characteristics of growth and development of middle-early soybean varieties and create a model of phenotype productivity. Methods. Special and gene­ral techniques for studies. Results. Optimal productivity of plants is forming merely at the expense of efficient ratio of all the elements of their structure. It often happens that in case of underdevelopment of one of the structure components yield to some extent can be offset by better development of other elements. Eight indicators were defined which make the largest contribution to the productivity trait of a variety: seed weight per plant, total number of branches, number of nodes per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of flowers, plant height, 1000 kernel weight. The first four indicators provided most of the total contribution to a trait of seed weight per plant. Model building was based on hierarchy of productivity traits display in ontogenesis and compliance of their development in organogenesis. The model consists of two modules of traits – resulting and some componental showing phenotypic realization of the genetic formula. It was found that the plant height significantly influence the number of nodes per plant (r = 0,76), and the number of pods per plant (r = 0,43) depends on this trait. In addition, correlation based on the research was obtained between the number of flowers per plant and plant height (r = 0,35), and number of nodes (r = 0,76). It was established that the number of flowers per plant determines the development of pods on the plant so it is quite strongly correlated with this trait (r = 0,99). Conclusions. It was determined that the number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per plant have a very strong correlation (r = 0,96). Besides, such trait as the number of seeds per plant has a strong relationship with the seed weight per plant (r = 0,79).

Purpose. To substantiate and develop breeding technologies of soybean cultivation under various weather conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe zone. Methods. Laboratory test, statistical and mathematical analysis. Results. Analysis of the data of yielding increase due to the use of seed inoculation, green manure and spraying of crops with microbial prepa­rations showed that their effect was much dependent on the weather conditions during the year. Based on the analysis of productivity of such early ripening varieties of soybean as ‘Lehenda’, ‘Anzhelika’ and ‘Ksenia’ during 2011–2015, it was found that the influence of agrometeorological conditions during the vegetation period accounted for 47.8%. The results of the analysis of five-year data of productivity of the late soybean variety ‘Heorhina’ indicated that the share of influence of agrometeorological conditions during the vege­tation period on the studied variety was 48.8%. The use of microbial strains of nodule bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum 634b, 614A and M-8 against two backgrounds (in case of green manure application and without it) was compared, and microbial culture Hetomik application during the vege­tation period. Conclusion. All biological preparations and green manure considerably increased yield of soybean seeds in moderately humidified and elevated temperature conditions. For soybean growing, the application of green manure, seed inoculation with strains of M-8, 614A and Hetomik spraying of crops was effective. The use of these methods for gro­wing ‘Lehenda’ variety was the most effective. Such varieties as ‘Lehenda’ and ‘Anzhelika’ showed more stable results as compared to others in case of considerable variations of agrometeorological conditions.

Purpose. To elaborate winter wheat cultivation technologies based on balanced fertilizer system that combines application of mineral fertilizers and the increase of their efficiency by the use of preparations with microelements. Methods. Field and laboratory studies, mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. During 2011–2013, the effect of cultivation technologies on the formation of yield and quality of winter wheat varie­ty ‘Benefis’ (pea is a predecessor) was studied. In case of alternative technologies that provided adding only by-products of the predecessor, the yield of winter wheat was 3.73 t/ha when using integrated protection system, and it was increased to 4.22 t/ha with grain quality of the 4th–5th class of the group B when foliar dressing was applied. Resource saving technologies of cultivation with restricted use of fertilizers (?45?45N30(II)+30(IV)) provided productivity at the level of 5.19–5.61 t/ha with grain quality of the 2nd–3rd class of the group A. Grain yield of 6.27 t/ha of the 2nd class quality was obtained by the use of intensive cultivation technology, which included application of mineral fertilizers (?90?90N30(II)+60(IV)+30(VIII)) in addition to the use of predecessor’s by-products and foliar dressing. The highest yield of grain (6.71 t/ha) on average during all years of the study with the 1st class of the group A quality was provided by energy-intensive technology, which included application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) with embedding of predecessor’s by-products into the soil and foliar dressing. Conclusions. It was established that in the northern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine the highest productivity of winter wheat was obtained in dark gray podzolic soils using the energy-intensive technology with application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) against the background of predecessor’s by-products embedded into the soil in case of integrated plant protection, and foliar dres­sing. This technology ensured the yield of 6.71 t/ha with grain quality of the 1st class of the group A.

Purpose. To study peculiarities of forming yield of seeds and green mass in white lupine. To identify the system of relationships between some elements of productivity and each factor share in the total variance of productive capa­city for developing breeding programs to create varieties for different uses Methods. Field investigation, laboratory tests, statistical analysis. Results. After processing initial data that concerned parameters of structural elements of seed and green mass yield among multiplicity characteristics of studied plants, new key factors were identified which were characterized by a number of basic traits. In terms of seed productivity, five key factors were defined that cause over 86% of the total variability. The first factor described the productivity of laterals, the second one – the productivity of the central raceme, the third one – redistribution of assimilates between vegetative and reproductive organs, the fourth one – microredistribution of assimilates in beans; the fifth one – the ability to form productive beans. Due to the analysis of the structure of green mass productivi­ty traits, four key factors were defined that described over 85% of the total variability: the first factor – the general growth and development; the second one – the productivi­ty of laterals; the third one – feeding value; the fourth one – the productivity of central raceme. Factor model allowed to identify basic traits and share of each system associated with a particular factor in the formation of the complex trait of the general plant productivity of white lupine. Conclusions. The factor model of the white lupine seed productivity formation included five key factors. The process of formation of vegetative productivity is characterized by four key factors. The variety factor model can be used for parental forms selection and assessment of new hybrid material.

Purpose. To reveal trends of expression level and relationship between yielding capacity, yield components and morphological characters of spring barley of two-row type in the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. To identify new genetic sources for breeding. Methods. Field experiments, variance, correlation and cluster analyses. Results. During the investigation of 30 spring barley genotypes of various eco-geographical origin during the period of 2012–2014 with contrast meteorological parameters in the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, it was found significant differences in expression level of morphological characters, yielding capacity and yield components. Samples with increased yielding capaci­ty [‘Kozvan’ (‘Maiak’) (UKR), ‘AC Kings’ (CAN), ‘Siaivo’ (UKR), ‘RD-1’ (UKR), ‘Arhument’ (UKR), ‘B 1215’ (USA)] and some yield components have been identified. Based on the results of the cluster analysis, samples were grouped by the expression level of the studied characters. Some genotypes identified by yiel­ding capacity were placed in different groups, that raise the possibility of systematic genetic improvement of plants when creating new source material and using them as parental components in crosses. Reliable correlations between yielding capacity and productive tillering (r = 0.67–072), yielding capacity and grain weight per plant (r = 0.73–0.77) were found. Grain weight per plant in all years reliably correlated with productive tillering (r = 0.62–0.80). In dry conditions of 2013, higher correlations between yielding capacity and other morphological characters and yield components were observed, in particular plant height (up to r = 0.52), length of upper internode (r = 0.52), grain weight of main spike (r = 0.39). Higher correlation between yielding capacity and 1000 kernel weight were noted in 2013 and 2014 as compared to 2012 against a background of decline in expression level of the character. Conclusions. Genotypes identified with high expression level of breeding valuable characters should be used as genetic sources when creating new germplasm. In order to increase formative process for productivity in the hybrid progeny, high-producing genotypes belonging to different clusters should be chosen as components in crossings. Under environments of the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, productive tillering plays the most significant role in the formation of yield of two-rowed spring barley. However, for providing high level of productivity of plants and agrocoenosis as a whole, late­ral stems should be developed simultaneously with the main stem and characterized by balance of grain number per spike and grain size.

Purpose. To make comprehensive assessment of introduced oat samples of various eco-geographical origin under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine for the set of productivity and adaptability indices in order to define the most valuable ones and describe them. Methods. Field study, laboratory analysis, generalization. Results. The authors presented results of the study, evaluation and description of 35 new samples of oats from 5 countries for productivity and adaptability traits during 2011–2015 in Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production to be run by the V. Ya. Yuriev Institute for Plant Production of NAAS. In field and laboratory conditions, the following indicators as yielding, productivity, thousand-kernel weight, early ripening, height of plants and length of panicle, lodging resistance were stu­died. Conclusions. A set of studies of new oat samples under various weather conditions allowed to identify material with increased parameters of economic and biological characters. During studies, it was found that ‘Laima’, ‘Stendskaia Darta’ (Latvia), ‘Borowiak’ (Poland), ‘Faks’ (Belarus) were the high-yielding varieties. Panicles in such oats samples as ‘Cwal’, ‘Borowiak’ (Poland), ‘Iakov’, ‘Mutika 1077’, ‘Mutika 990’, ‘Irtysh 22’, ‘Pokrovsky? 9’ (Russia), ‘Faks’ (Belarus), ‘Stendskaia Darta’, ‘Stendskaia Mara’ (Latvia) contained a large mass of grains (more than 2,5 g), panicle productivity in these samples was rather high both due to increased amount of grains in it and at the expense of thousand-kernel weight. Analysis of the study results showed that introduced oat samples of various eco-geographical origin were adapted to the Southern Forest-Steppe zone and can be recommended as an initial material in breeding for increasing productive and adaptive capacity.

Purpose. To study Ukrainian potato market at the current stage of the development and determine its future prospects. Results. The features of Ukrainian potato market were determined. Production is almost fully provided by private households, meeting the needs of the domestic market. Main regions with the highest gross output and production of potatoes were defined. Ukraine is one of the major potato producing countries in the world. Today our country is not a key supplier or importer of this product because of the low export orientation of the industry, its technological backwardness, limited product range and the large number of small producers. Ukraine exports potato mainly to CIS countries, the highest share of potato import comes from the European Union. Now there are only a few large manufacturing companies in the market, which can be classified as industrial. Most potato varieties, officially permitted for dissemination in Ukraine, are classified as table ones and recommended for cultivation in the Forest-Steppe and Polissia zones. Achievements of the industry include the development of such very popular and promising trend as organic potato growing, which area in our country is one of the largest in the world. Conclusions. Potato produced in Ukraine is used for human consumption, animal feeding, planting and processing, its volumes are relatively stable. Large-scale industrial production of potato is not widely practiced because of low wholesale prices and high labor intensity of the cultivation process. During next few years, in view of current trends, production of potato and severe limitations of the domestic market for foreign operations will remain unchanged. A shift in emphasis in the product range – from fresh potato to processed food products should be a prospect for domestic industrial producers to improve their position in Ukraine and abroad.