Purpose. To analyze the varietal potential of breeding, the optimization of the varietal structure of production and the frequency of changes in the commonly used varieties of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in the Republic of Bulgaria. Methods. Comparative, statistical, analytical ones. Results. The retrospective analysis of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) breeding in Bulgaria shows that 158 varieties were created during the period of 1950–2010 including 130 varieties of the Oriental subspecies (ssp. Orientalis) and 28 ones of the American subspecies (ssp. Americana), 17 of the latter are of the Virginia type and 11 are of the Burley type. Based on this varietal potential, appropriate variety changing were periodically adopted by the production sector in the country. There were about 5–7 variety changing during 50–60 years (1950–2010) using domestic varieties. The high efficiency of tobacco breeding with the creation of high-quality varieties and the relatively frequent variety changing are prerequisites for optimal formation of the varietal structure of production on a yearly basis depending on preferences and requirements of the particular raw market segment and the rapid changes in the market condition. Conclusions. From the total varietal potential of the Oriental tobacco breeding (130 varieties), for a period of 13 years, 47.7% (62 varieties) were used in production, while approximately 25% (24–30 varieties) constitute the main volume of Oriental tobacco produced in Bulgaria every year. The varietal potential of breeding of large-leaved tobacco has been fully realized in production – 17 varieties of Virginia type and 11 varieties of Burley type. Tobacco is the only agricultural crop in Bulgaria whose production structure includes almost 100% locally selected varieties.

Purpose. To define the regularities of yield level for spring barley varieties in “genotype–environment” interaction when testing in different ecological zones environments of Ukraine and identify genotypes with increased adaptive potential. Methods. As object of the research there were 36 spring barley varieties of domestic and foreign breeding. Varieties were tested at the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS (MIW) (the Central Forest-Steppe) in 2015–2017, at Nosivka Plant Breeding Experimental Station of the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS (NPBES) (Polissia) in 2016–2017 and at Kirovohrad State Agricultural Experimental Station of NAAS (KSAES) (the Northern Steppe) in 2016–2017. During three years of the investigation (2015–2017), the results of varieties testing in seven environments have been obtained. Plots with discount area of 10 m2 were laid out with three replications by the method of full randomized blocks, in accordance with conventional methods. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed using Excel 2010 and Statistica 8.0 software. To interpret visually “genotype-environment” interaction the GGE biplot model was used. Results. The ANOVA of yield data showed reliable contributions into the total variation of environment (64.64%), genotype (14.90%), and their interaction (20.46%). Environmental conditions of MIW in 2016 were characterized with the highest discriminative fineness (informativeness), while KSAES in 2017 were characterized with the lowest one. Environmental conditions of both MIW in 2017 and NPBES in 2016 were the most representative; conditions of KSAES in 2016 were the least representative. The conditions of MIW and KSSGDS in 2016 were the most distant against each other. The GGE biplot “who-won-where” vizualization allowed to divide the environments in two sectors: the first – conditions of MIW 2015–2017 and NPBES 2016–2017, the second – conditions of KSAES 2016–2017. The variety ‘MIP Myrnyi’ had a significant advantage in the first sector, while the variety ‘Skarb’ had it in the second one. The varieties of spring barley ‘MIP Myrnyi’, ‘MIP Bohun’, ‘Talisman Myronivskyi’, ‘MIP Azart’, ‘Dokaz’, ‘Pan’ have been differen­tiated and defined as those with the optimal level of yield in environments being the closest to hypothetical “ideal” genotype of the GGE biplot model. Conclusions. Modelling of integrated variety testing by combining years being contrast in hydrothermal regime and different ecological conditions with interpretation of the investigation results using modern statistical and graphical method contributes to more detailed characterization of the “genotype–environment” interaction, ranking and identifying of prospecting genotypes.

Purpose. To evaluate and select hybrids, varieties of the parental nursery of the breeding process, biotechnological lines and wild species of potato for physiological parameters of drought resistance. Methods. Physiological and biochemical, selection ones, statistical data processing. Results. The data is given concerning the evaluation of the water retaining and water regeneration capacity of potato leaves of promising hybrids of competitive and ecological test, varieties of the parental nursery, biotechnological lines and wild species and their integral indicator of drought resistance. The studied samples were grown in the nurseries of field selection crop rotation. Accordingly, the initial material with the highest drought resistance value has been defined. Among the evaluated material, eight hybrids of the competitive and ecological test have been selected (drought resistance coefficient was ranging from 59.4% to 84.8%) and five biotechnological lines of ‘Hlazurna’ and ‘Dorohin’ varieties (drought resistance coefficient was in the range of 55.5% to 67.5%). As for wild species, almost half of the samples (47.8%) were characterized by a high coefficient of drought resistance (from 55 to 78%). Selected samples with high values of drought resistance were recommended to use as a source and drought resistance donors when creating new potato varieties. Conclusions. The initial potato material (hybrids, varieties, biotechnological lines and wild species) with high values of drought resistance (55.0–84.8%) has been selected. These samples are recommended to use in the breeding process when creating new drought resistance potato varieties.

Purpose. To establish biological features of plants growth and development and the formation of Miscanthus giganteus planting material depending on the cultivation technology elements. Methods. Field, laboratory, visual, weight measu­ring, mathematical and statistical ones. Results. The features of the growth and development of the miscanthus bioenergy crop were investigated including the formation of planting material depending on the combined technology elements application during the planting time, namely: planting time, rhizome mass, the granules and the MaxiMarin absorbent gel. It was established that the increase in plant height and leaf area as well as the miscanthus stems formation was depended on both the rhizome planting time, their size, and the use of the absorbent. During three-year period, increase in plant height was more intensive and leaf area was largest in case of the absorbent application, as compared to the control during all phases of the development for the first and the second planting time regardless of rhizome mass. On the average, the largest leaf area – 1905,9 cm3 – was in the final stage of vegetation in the context of the second planting time for large rhizomes and application of granules and absorbent gel jointly. Increasing the ground mass due to plant height, leaf area and the number of stems benefited the photosynthesis productivity intensity, that influenced the root system increase, and consequently the output of the miscanthus planting material. It was found that there are direct strong correlation between these indices and the rhizome mass. Ground mass growing is contributed to the increase in the rhizome mass, and accordingly the output of the planting material – rhizome. In case of application of granules and absorbent gel jointly, the ground mass of the miscanthus was growing most intensively and accordingly the rhizome mass was the largest, which in the first year of small rhizomes planting was twice as much as compared to the control and was equal to 1090.5 g, for large rhizomes planting this index was respectively 2.4 times more and equal to 1763.9 g. During the second planting time, the application of granules and absorbent gel jointly resulted in the rhizomes mass increase for small rhizomes planting 1.9, large rhizomes – 2.1 times more as compared to the control. Conclusions. Direct strong correlations were established bet­ween the intensity of the ground mass growth – the height of plants, the number of leaves, leaf area, the number of buds and the rhizome mass. The growth of the ground mass of plants was contributed to the increase of the root system, and consequenly the output of planting material. In all sta­ges of plant development, the increase of the rhizome mass was more intensive in case of the absorbent application regardless the time of rhizome planting, as compared to the control. The application of granules and absorbent jointly allowed to form the largest rhizome mass.

Purpose. To establish the most effective index figures for determination of breeding value of spring wheat genotypes. Methods. Field and statistical ones. Index of prospectivity – IP, Finno-Scandinavian index – FSI, Mexican index – MI, Bila Tserkva index – BI, Poltava index – PI, index of spike linear density – ISLD, index of spike density – ISD were defined. Results. During the investigation period, weather conditions differed from the long-term average annual indices for temperature regime, amount of precipitation and its distribution by month. Conditions of the growing season was the most favorable in 2016 (HTC = 1.1), insufficient level of humidity was specific for 2017 (HTC = 0.2). This allowed to define breeding indices for the soft wheat and spring durum wheat growing under different conditions. The analysis of the obtained data showed that the IP varied both in varieties and over the years, that indicated a various response of genotypes to vegetation conditions that existed during the growing years. Varieties of durum wheat ‘Slavuta’ and soft spring wheat ‘Struna myronivska’ were characterized by the high FSI. Such durum wheat varieties as ‘MIP Magdalena’, ‘MIP Raiduzhna’, ‘Kuchumivka’, ‘Kharkivska 41’, as well as the following soft spring varieties as ‘MIP Zlata’, ‘Oksamyt myronivskyi’, ‘Struna myronivska’, ‘Elehiya myronivska’ had a high level of MI. The spring wheat varieties have the highest indices of LSD and BI in 2016. IP during the investigation period was ranging from 2.3 to 4.5 in durum wheat varieties and from 2.2 to 6.4 in soft spring wheat. In breeding, it is important to use breeding indices, which should be included on the basis of traits that have a reliable correlation with yield index. SD indices (r = 0.53±0.08), BI (r = 0.42±0.08), MI (r = 0.41±0.08) were the most effective for durum spring wheat varieties in the year to be the best for humidification (2016), while PI (r = 0.39±0.07; r = 0.34±0.07 respectively) was the most effective for the soft wheat in 2016 and 2017. For the complex of breeding indices, the varieties of soft spring wheat (‘Struna myronivska’, ‘Simkoda myronivska’, ‘MIP Zlata’) and durum (MIP Mahdalena’, ‘MIP Raiduzhna’, ‘Slavuta’, ‘Kuchumivka’) were defined. Conclusions. The indices SD, BI, MI were the most effective for durum spring wheat varieties and PI – for soft wheat. Selected spring wheat varieties showed the optimum ratio between investigated traits.

Purpose. Typingsoybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merr.) culti­vars of Ukrainian and foreign breeding for microsatellite mar­ker Satt100 of E7 gene of photoperiod sensitivity. Methods.DNA recover from seedlings on columns with sorbing membrane; polymerase chain reaction (PCR); horizontal gel electro­phoresis; amplification products size determination using “GelAnalyzer 2010a” program. Results. PCR analysis of the microsatellite locus Satt100 to be the marker of the E7 gene was used for typing 15 soybean cultivars. Availability of the 133, 149 and 168 bp amplification products has been established that marked recessive and dominant alleles of ?7 gene correspondingly. All varieties, except ‘Odeska 150A’, were homogeneous for the microsatellite locus Satt100. Genotypes of eight varieties has the recessive allele e7, six ones – the dominant allele E7. Availability of the certain allele of the E7 gene was compared in variety genotype with belonging to the maturity group. The association was found for varieties with vegetation period up to 100 days: all four varieties of this group had the e7 allele, for varieties with vegetation period more than 110 days: for all four varieties of this group the Satt100 locus amplification fragments that mark the dominant allele are specific. Amongsevenmiddle-agedvarieties, fourof them hadtherecessiveallelee7, threeofthem – dominantallele?7. According to thepresented information, some scientistsobtainedamplificationfragments of different size, butthetendency was revealed concerning the association of the higher molecular fragments witht hedominant gene, and the lowmolecular fragments with therecessive gene. Conclusions. Based on the results of typing of 15 soybean varieties for the microsatellite marker Satt100 of E7 gene of photoperiod sensitivity, it was determined availability of recessive or dominant allele of E7 gene. For most samples, the concordance of availability of the certain allele of E7 gene and the duration of the vegetation period was established. Availability of amplification fragments of different size to be specific for recessive allele testified the needfor sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the Satt100 locus amplification fragments.

Purpose. To select alien genes among those identified and described in special literature that are resistant to brown rust and introgressed in Triticum aestivum L. sources, determine their origin and prospects of use in breeding practice. Results. Soft spring wheat as the basic cereal crop belongs to the group of plants cultivated in controlled conditions for a long time. During the vegetation period it can be adversely affected by pathogens, so the search for sources of resistance to them is a priority task of breeding. Brown rust is one of the most widespread and harmful diseases of wheat. It causes significant yield losses and deterioration of grain quality. The population of the pathogen Puccinia recondita is highly adaptive. High variability of the fungus virulence leads to the accumulation of pathogens which can destroy genes of wheat resistance. The most environmentally safe method to control disease is creating resistant varieties. The effectiveness of breeding for resistance to brown rust can be increased by using different Lr-genes of resistance. Now in wheat genome and its relatives more than 90 (Lr) genes of resistance to brown rust pathogen are identified and characterized for chromosomal localization and effectiveness. It was found that almost all genes of resistance to brown rust to be effective in Ukraine except Lr10 and Lr23 are alien transferred to Triticum aestivum from other species: Aegilops speltoides – genes Lr28, Lr35, Lr36, Lr47, Lr51, Lr66; Aegilops tauschii – Lr1, Lr21, Lr22a, Lr32, Lr39, Lr42; Triticum timopheevii – Lr18 and Lr50; Thinopyrum elongatum – Lr19, Lr29, Lr24; Secale cereale – Lr25, Lr26 and Lr45; Aegilops umbellulata – Lr9, Lr76; Triticum spelled – Lr44, Lr65, Lr71; Triticum dicoccoides – Lr53, Lr 64; Aegilops triuncilis – Lr58, LrTr; Tr. timopheevii spp. viticulosum – LrTt1; Aegilops ventricosa – Lr37; Aegilops kotschyi – Lr54; Elymus trachycaulis – Lr55; Aegilops sharonensis – Lr56; Aegilops geniculate – Lr57; Aegi­lops peregrine – Lr59; Triticum turgidum – Lr61; Aegilops neglecta – Lr62; Triticum monococcum – Lr63. Conclusions. The use of cultivars and wildlife species of wheat relatives in crossing will allow to obtain breeding material to be inhomogenous as for resistance to brown rust pathogen.

Purpose. To analyze the level of cross-resistance of obtained salt- and osmotolerant cell lines and plants regenerants of winter triticale to osmotic and salt stresses. Methods. Cultures of tissue and organs in vitro, in vitro breeding, biochemical, statistical analysis. Results. It was established that the stability of cross-resistance trait display to saline and osmotic stresses in obtained cell lines of winter triticale was rather high – from 50 to 76% of calli have survived to the end of the sixth passage. It has been shown that despite the presence of sublethal concentrations of the stress-factor (mannitol/sodium chloride) in selective medium, stable cell lines of the triticale actively continued to grow and accumulate biomass. It was found that in the line ‘38/1296’ cell lines 5L/sl and 5L/os respectively were the most resistant to osmotic and salt stresses, and lines 1C/s1 and 1C/os respectively in the ‘Obrii’ variety, since they had the highest percent of living calli and biomass increment under the selective conditions and their plant regenerant – the highest level of survival after the impact of the abiotic stressors complex. The salt-resistant cell lines of both genotypes of winter triticale as compared to the control were also characterized by significantly higher free proline content under the selective factors impact. The results obtained may indicate that the cell lines and triticale plant regenerants have a genetically determined trait of resistance to stress factors. Conclusions. Verification of traits of resistance to abiotic stressors has shown a significantly high level of cross-tolerance of the obtained cell lines of both triticale genotypes for saline and osmotic stresses. Resistance to saline and osmotic stresses of cells separated in vitro was preserved in induced plants and at the organism level has increased tolerance to abiotic environmental factors. It is shown that due to the general non-specific mechanisms of resistance, the capacity of the callus cultures of triticale to resist to one abiotic stressor can lead to increased tolerance for another one.

Purpose. To determine the optimal time for harvesting in nurseries of primary seed production of white lupine. Methods. Field, laboratory and statistical methods of material evaluation were used. Sowing qualities were studied in the laboratory separately for seeds from the central and lateral racemes in accordance with DSTU 2240-93 (State Standard of Ukraine). Results. The results of studies on determination of optimal terms for harvesting in nurseries of primary seed production are given. The studies were conducted separately for seeds from the central and lateral racemes collected in different ripe stages. It was established that the seed vigor during the first harves­ting time was minimal and ranging for varieties from 70.0 to 73.0% for the central raceme and from 58.0 to 65.0% for the lateral racemes. The best indices of seed vigor and germination capacity were established in the seeds of the central racemes harvested during the “yellow cotyledon” stage. They averaged 90.8 and 94.3% respectively for all varieties, while in the seeds of the lateral racemes these indices amounted to 84.5 and 89.3%. Agrometeorological conditions had influence on the thousand-kernel weight formation. In dry years, plants produced feeble and lightweight seeds, so their sowing qualities has been deteriorated. The highest thousand-kernel weight was obtained in the “full ripeness” stage, when it ranging from 284 to 338 g in the central racemes and from 266 to 316 in the lateral ones. The development of embryonic roots including external appearance, length was assessed. Visual assessment of germination on the third day and measurement of the length of embryonic roots on the seventh day showed that healthy, well-developed seedlings were observed in seeds of the fifth and sixth harvesting periods. Conclusions. The highest sowing qualities in most varieties with regard to lateral racemes were established in the seeds harvested in the «full ripeness» phase. For the germinating capacity, seeds of the central raceme met the requirements of DSTU for the additional category (87.0%), starting from the stage “beginning of the embryonic root yellowing”, but seeds of the lateral racemes not earlier than the phase of “yellow cotyledons”. Harvesting should be started at the “yellow cotyledons” phase of lupine seeds maturity when they were fully formed and have high sowing qualities.

Purpose. To investigate the variability of biometrics indices and productivity of cutting lettuce varietis (Lactuca sativa L. var. secalina) of Dutch breeding on soddy medium podzolic soil in the northern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, biometric, comparative, statistical ones, generalizations. Results. The results obtained during the study of peculiarities of forming productive organs of cutting lettuce varieties ‘Ketoniia’, ‘Ruxai’, ‘Locarno’, ‘Vinteks’, ‘Explor’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Gauguin’, ‘Affinia’ and ‘Concord’ of Dutch breeding on soddy medium podzolic soil in the northern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine are given. According to evaluation of cutting lettuce varieties on adaptation to varied environment, it was established that the leaf rosette height varied from 13,7 to 22,3 cm; the leaf rosette diameter – from 24,8 to 33,6 cm; the number of leaves per plant – from 23,2 to 109,9 pcs/plant; the average leaf area – from 36,3 to 122,3 cm2; leaf area per plant – from 1963 to 5033cm2/plant; the average weight of a plant – from 0,215 to 0,480 kg. The highest estimated yield was obtained when ‘Explor’ and ‘Ketoniia’ cutting lettuce varieties were growing – 42,7 and 37,4 t/ha respectively, which significantly exceeded the control by 8,7 and 3,4 t/ha. A strong correlation between the leaf rosette diameter and plant height (r = 0,8) was revealed in investigated cutting lettuce varieties at the time of harvesting. There is also a strong correlation between the plant height and the average area of the leaf and the number of leaves per plant and the average area of the leaf with the coefficients r = 0,803 ? r = 0,762 respectively. Conclusions. Comprehensive assessment of the produc­tivity traits of nine cutting lettuce varieties of Dutch breeding on soddy medium podzolic soil showed that they are quite suitable for growing in open soil in the northern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. It was established that the formation of the commercial yield of cutting lettuce largely depends on varietal characteristics.

Purpose. To investigate the effect of sowing time, microfertilizers and growth regulators on biochemical indices of lentil seeds. Methods. Field and laboratory ones. Results. Biochemical indices of lentil seed quality are given depending on the influence of sowing time, microfertilizers, growth regulators and their combination. Various factors affected the formation of biochemical indices of lentil seeds. Over the years of investigation, the content of crude fiber on the average was 3.2–3.3% for the control, the maximum value reached 6.9% in case of application of Reakom-SR-Bobovi + Regoplant during the first sowing time and 8.4% when applying Kvantum-Bobovi during the second sowing time. The Stimpo growth regulator influenced most of all on the starch content in the absolutely dry matter of seeds (56.5%) du­ring the first sowing time and when it was combined with microfertilizer Kvantum-Bobovi (54.3%) during the second sowing time. On the whole, the content of crude protein in the lentil seeds of the ‘Linza’ variety was 26–28% over the years of investigation. In case of the combined application of microfertilizers and growth regulators (Reakom-SR-Bo­bovi + Stimpo), the protein content was 27.81% during the first sowing time and from 27.69% (Kvantum-Bobovi + Regoplant) to 28.60% (Reakom-SR-Bobovi) during the second sowing time. Conclusions It was found that the maximum content of crude fiber were in versions with the application of microfertilizer Kvantum-Bobovi for plant nutrition in the bud-formation stage (4.5%) during the first sowing time and 10,8% during the second sowing time in 2016. The maximum content of starch in lentil seeds in 2016 during both sowing periods was 58,0 and 55,8% respectively in the version with the application of a growth regulator Stimpo in the bud-formation stage. In 2017, the highest indices were shown in the versions of Kvantum-Bobovi and Kvantum-Bobovi + Regoplant (55.1%) during the first sowing time and in the version of Reakom-SR-Bobovi (54.3%) during the second sowing time. The content of crude protein in lentil seeds in 2016 for Reakom-SR-Bobovi + Regoplant version was 27.92% during the first sowing time and for Reakom-SR-Bobovi + Stimpo version reached 29.93% during the second sowing time. In 2017, the above index was amounted to 28.21% for the Regoplant version during the first sowing time and 28.39% for the version of Kvantum-Bobovi during the second sowing time.

Purpose. To investigate the effect of fungal diseases on the productivity of winter wheat varieties of various resis­tance using artificial infection backgrounds. Methods. Field one – assessment of the resistance of variety samples to fungal diseases on infection backgrounds. Laboratory one – structural analysis of variety samples. Mathematical-statistical one – evaluation of investigation results and analysis of correlations between the obtained data. Results. Fungal diseases as the most widespread and harmful affect various organs of plants and cause poor harvest, deteriorate commercial and seed quality of grain. The results of field experiments in 2012–2017 on the effects of fungal diseases on the yields of winter wheat in the collection are given. It is defined that the infection of winter wheat with fungus (Septoria tritici Rob.) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis DS. F. sp. tritici) adversely affected the length of the ear, the number of grains in it, grain mass per ear and the thousand-kernel weight. However, productivity indices changed differently in investigated variety samples. The high-yielding wheat varieties ‘Smuhlianka’ and ‘Novokyivska’ were the most tolerant to the fungal diseases. In the Septoria-resistant variety ‘Smuhlianka’ at 75% of infestation the decrease in productivity was from 1,4 to 12,2%, whereas the in susceptible variety sample ‘UK 1731’ it was from 6,2 to 16,7%. A similar situation was observed in the variety ‘Novokyivska’ resistant to powdery mildew. Conclusions. Selected tolerant and highly productive varieties ‘Smuhlianka’ and ‘Novo­kyivska’ (grade 7–6) can resist to Septoria disease and powdery mildew without productivity loss, they are considered as a promising source of resistance to these diseases and be of interest for further breeding in Ukraine.

Purpose. To investigate the varietal characteristics of the hemp plants for improving the quality indices of the soil they grow in, determine the amount of inorganic elements in the soil, level of their accumulation in plant stalk? and seeds. Methods. Field and spectrometric methods were basic. The results were processed using conventional methods in agriculture, crop growing and statistics. Variants of the experiment were as follows: varieties ‘Hliana’, ‘Hlesiia’: 1) soils; 2) stalks; 3) seeds. Schemes of experiments included: a) technical maturity of plants, row spacing 45 cm; b) tech­nical maturity of plants, row spacing 15 cm; c) biological maturity of plants, row spacing 45 cm; d) biological maturity of plants, row spacing 15 cm. Results. The amount of the accumulation of alkaline earth metals and their compounds by seeds and stalks of hemp plants depending on their content in vegetation soils was determined. It was found that stalks of the ‘Hlesiia’ plant accumulated strontium (Sr) and its compounds far less than that of ‘Hliana’, whereas in the seeds of the ‘Hlesiia’ variety the content of this chemical element was higher comparing with the previous variety by 70 and 78%, respectively. The difference in the accumulation of barium (Ba) compounds in seeds of hemp plants was not significant, while the tissues of the plant stalks of the ‘Hlia­na’ variety accumulated its compounds significantly more as compared to the ‘Hlesiia’ variety. The degree of influence of the variety, feeding area and the maturity stage on the processes of magnesium compounds (Mg) accumulation by plants was not revealed. Plants of the ‘Hlesiia’ variety accumulated far less calcium (Ca) and its compounds in the stalk tissues as compared to the plants of the ‘Hliana’ variety: in variants of the technical maturity stage of plants with row spacing 45 cm (a) and d – plants of narrow-row sowing (15 cm) in the biological maturity stage 30,94 and 15,95 mg/kg more in the presence in soil and in variants of the technical maturity stage of plants of narrow-row sowing (15 cm) and in the biological maturity stage with broad-sowing (45 cm) 34.54 and 24.19 mg/kg less in the presence in soil. Conclusions. The indices of accumulation of alkaline earth metals by hemp plants were significantly affected by the concentration of compounds of a certain chemical element in the arable layer, the level of energy (light) obtained by plants during vegetation, the varietal features of hemp, the stages of organogenesis of hemp plants and the specificity of their aboveground parts – stalks to accumulate these chemical elements as well as cumulate them by seeds. The varietal dependence as for accumulation of heavy metals by hemp plants tissues and seeds was established. In order to obtain environmentally friendly products, it is necessary to take into account the varietal features of plants concerning the ability to absorb and accumulate the relevant chemical elements and their compounds in the process of hemp culti­vation.

Purpose. To define statistical methods and tools (application packages) for creating the decision support system (DSS) for qualifying examination of plant varieties suitable for dissemination (VSD) in the context of data processing tasks. To substantiate the selection of software for proces­sing statistical data relative to field and laboratory investigations that are included into the qualifying examination for VSD. Methods. Analytical one based on the comparison of methods of descriptive and multivariate statistics and tools of intellectual analysis of data obtained during qualifying examination for VSD. Comparative analysis of software tools for processing statistical data in order to prepare proposals for the final decision on plant variety application. Decomposition of tasks was carried out which were included into the decision support system for qualifying examination of varieties-candidates for VSD. Results. Statistical package SPSS, analysis package included in MS Excel and programe language R was compared for the following criteria: interface usability, functionality, quality of calculation result presentation, visibility of graphical information, software cost. The both packages were widely used in the world for statistical data processing, they have similar functions for statistics calculation. Conclusion. Tasks of VSD were separated and recommended to tackle using investigated tools. Programe language R was a product recommended to use as a tool. The main advantage of R as compared to the package IBM SPSS Statistics is the fact that R is an open source software.

Purpose. To assess the demand for sorghum seed material and sufficiency of domestic seeds. Results. The analysis of the State register for the period of 2002–2012 showed that there was the tendency not only towards increasing quantity of sorghum crops in general but their substitution by hybrids of foreign breeding. During the period from 2002 to 2017, 72 sorghum varieties were entered on the State register in total, among them only 12 varieties were of domestic breeding, the rest 60 was presented by foreign breeding institutions. Investigation results allowed to determine that the production of base and prebase seeds of sorghum in 2010 amounted to 1,3 t, in 2016 was 43 t. During the same period the production of sugar sorghum increased from 0,2 to 12,0 t, grass sorghum – from 4,0 to 83 t. In 2017, requirements of acreage of such crops as grass sorghum and broomcorn were completely satisfied by the amount of grown seeds. At the same time, the need for seeds of sorghum and sugar sorghum can not be covered completely at the expense of domestic varieties reproduction. In 2017, general demand for sorghum seeds was 400,5 t, among which only 42,0 t was of domestic production. The rest demand for seeds will be met at the expense of import of foreign breeding seeds into the country to be grown and prepared for sowing abroad. Conclusions. In the Register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine, there are 72 sorghum varieties among them only 12 varieties were of domestic breeding, that is 17%, as compared to 83% of recommended great sorghum varieties of foreign breeding. In Ukraine, the area occupied by sorghum cultivation was 22,8 thou ha in 2005, up to 2017 it increased to 89,0 thou ha, and accordingly the demand for seeds run up from 102,6 to 400,5 t. The area occupied by the sugar sorghum in 2005 amounted to only 2,6 thou ha, in 2017 – 20,0 thou ha, that accordingly determined increase of demand for seed material from 13,0 to 99,9 t. In 2017, the part of the area where domestic hybrids of sorghum are growing was 10%, hybrids of sugar sorghum – 12%, that was indicative of very poor situation with domestic varieties dissemination.

Purpose is to create and evaluate the combining ability of the new output material of sodent plasma at the outlet of maize hybrids’ selection for steppe zone of Ukraine. Metods. Field, matematical and statistical. Results. In our study one of the main selection criteria was the evaluation of combining ability of the new output material by the main economic characteristics, which is of great importance for selection process assessment. The results of the evaluation of self-pollinated families S5 and S6 of sister hybrids created by crossing the early-maturing constant lines of the genetic plasma Iodent FAO 180–250 selection of the R&D Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS: ‘DK714/195’, ‘DK744’, ‘DK555’, ‘DK237’, ‘DK216’, ‘DK213’, ‘DK1274’ and ‘DK234’ were represented. It was shown the dynamics of the best self-pollinated families’ selection and the relations between the different genotypes’ reaction on growing conditions and the genetic origin of the output material were analyzed too. On the base of analysis of the yields of testcrosses, created with the best self-pollinated families, the hybrids with significantly higher crop standards were selected, with the less harvest corn moisture. For the economic evaluation of testcrosses, the yield index has been determined as the relation between the corn yield and corn harvest moisture. For the best testcrosses it was within 0.60–0.68 while the yield index value for the hybrids of standards was within 0.34–0.45. Conclusions. The early self-pollinated families S6 (DK744 ´ DK216)211111, (DK744 ´ DK213)111211 and (DK744 ´ DK555)112111 with higher estimated GCA effect on the basis of “grain yield” in comparison with the line standard ‘DK744’, were selected. It was determined the dependence of the GCA level of self-pollinated families on the genotype of the source lines, on the basis of which they were created. In particular, the most of the best self-pollinated S6 families include ‘DK744’ and ‘DK555’ lines