Planting dates and placement of the Sophora plantation on the irrigated lands of the Tashkent oasis

This article is very relevant to set out organizing plantations in the conditions of the Tashkent oasis. Climatic zones of desert and semi-desert under the influence of new conditions (abundance of light and thermal solar energy, a very long growing season, artificial irrigation), the growth and development of sophora is favorable. Annual seedlings under the influence of mineral fertilizers reach a height of up to 110 cm, the growth of lateral shoots of seedlings in the first year after planting is 33 cm.In the conditions of the Tashkent oasis, sophora favorably tolerates short-term winter low air temperatures (up to 30°C), tolerates soil compaction and has established itself gas-, dust-resistant decorative breed. The number of inflorescences on one tree ranges from 16 to 60 pieces, depending on the layout of the seats. Abundant flowering of sophora was noted with a planting pattern of 5.0x4.0, 5.0x3.0 with sufficient sunlight. The content of rutin in fruit elements ranges from 3.9 to 14.7% and depends on agrotechnical care, the state of the plantings themselves and their location.

TO THE QUESTION OF MORPHOLOGY OF MYRICA GALE L. GENERATIVE PLANTS

The distribution of Myrica gale on the coast of the Gulf of Finland is confined to regularly flooded coastal habitats, characterized by milder environmental conditions compared to the uplands and under the residual influence of the Gulf Stream. In Russia, M. gale is located on the northeastern border of the range. The study of the features of the species that contribute to the dispersal in the northern direction, and the properties of the environment that prevent such dispersal, is always of great interest. Growth in colder conditions in comparison with other members of the family, mainly inhabitants of the tropical and subtropical areas, affected the formation of such adaptations as deciduousness, changes in the structure of flowers and bark, as well as the presence of a large number of protective leaf organs. Their quantitative and qualitative analysis made it possible to establish the presence of 4 lignified parchment-like scales that do not fall completely and 6 membranous with partially lignified tops scales that stretch out while unfolding. An attempt was made for the first time to analyze the spatial structure of the shoots of the species. A sympodial growth of shoots and the phenomenon of acrotonia, as well as a spiral formation of lateral shoots, were established. In the structure of the mature generative branch of M. gale there were identified 3 types of shoots: long growth, medium and short, and also their leaf series were analyzed. Leaf series of short and medium shoots are characterized by significant asymmetry compared to leaf series of long shoots and are incomplete. The curves were constructed on the basis of such characteristics of leaf organs as their total number, length along the central vein, including the petioles (if they are presented), and internode lengths. A large number of rudiments of leaf organs determines the gradual formation of the buds, and the imperfection of the structure of the scales reflects the weak protective ability of these organs. Both features indicate the deep ancientness of the species and the difficulty in adapting to cold environmental conditions. Mature generative branches of M. gale are similar in habit to small trees, which is of particular interest in the context of modeling possible directions of adaptation during the spread of species of subtropical origin to more northern regions.

Hybrids Development between Greek Salvia Species and Their Drought Resistance Evaluation along with Salvia fruticosa, under Attapulgite-Amended Substrate

Aiming to obtain Salvia hybrids with ornamental value and high drought resistance, for xeriscaping, crossbreeding was made with Greek Salvia species. S. fruticosa and S. officinalis when used as seed parent were successfully crossed with S. pomifera ssp. pomifera, S. ringens and S. tomentosa, while when used as pollen parent it only succeeded between S. fruticosa and S. tomentosa. The growth of S. fruticosa and the four hybrids, S. officinalis × S. pomifera, S. officinalis × S. tomentosa, S. officinalis × S. ringens and S. fruticosa × S. ringens, selected for their ornamental traits, was evaluated under limited irrigation and modification of the substrate with attapulgite clay. The hybrids S. officinalis × S. ringens and S. officinalis × S. tomentosa developed a compact plant shape and most lateral shoots, desirable characteristics for potted plants and xeriscaping. All hybrids, especially S. officinalis × S. pomifera and S. officinalis × S. tomentosa, survived water stress better than S. fruticosa. Modification of the substrate with attapulgite, under limited irrigation, caused a decrease in the above ground/root biomass ratio in some hybrids and in S. fruticosa increased the dry weight of the root indicating increased drought resistance.

The effect of tillering on spring wheat productivity in various agro-weather conditions

The current study was carried out on the basis of the Institute of Seed Production and Agrotechnologies, located in the Ryazan Region in 2010–2019, in order to determine the participation share of tillering shoots in the formation of spring wheat productivity in various agro-weather conditions. The objects of the study were the varieties ‘Lada’, ‘Agata’, ‘RIMA’, ‘Maestro’ developed by the Federal Research Agro-Engineering Center VIM. The mean productivity of the studied spring wheat varieties, depending on the level of moisture supply of the growing seasons, had a significant range of 2.20–5.29 t/ha. The mean density of the stems varied from 216 to 620 pcs/m2 among the varieties. The minimum value of 153–253 pcs/m2 was formed under severe drought conditions. When moisture supply improved, the indicator sharply increased in 2.6 times. There has been established that in more humid conditions (HThC 0.98–1.55) the plants were able to realize their potential tillering to a greater extent, the general indicators of tillering among the varieties ranged from 1.06 to 1.23 and 1.63 to 2.11. There was estimated an effect of secondary shoots on productivity, which was 35.2% on average in the trial, and from 10.6% to 48.3% depending on the genotype and environmental conditions. There has been found a shoot formation decrease in 2.4 times of the variety ‘Lada’ under a moisture deficit. There has been determined that the variety ‘RIMA’ had the lowest tillering coefficient for all vegetation periods, and grain weight per a main spike mainly contributed to its productivity. During the moisture deficit periods, the share of the effect of lateral shoots in the variety ‘Agata’ was at the level of mean values, and on 9.9% and 13.1% more than in the varieties ‘Lada’ and ‘RIMA’, respectively. The maximum value of the productivity on the lateral shoots was formed by the variety ‘Maestro’, the productivity share of the secondary shoots during all periods was higher than that of all varieties and amounted to 39.1–48.3%.

Estimation of oil flax intra-species hybrids by breeding-genetic parameters for the creation of material with altered habitus

The creation of a selection material for oil flax with a large number of stems, side shoots and an optimal height for cultivation is an urgent task, since the formation of additional bolls on the side shoots will increase the yield of seeds, and an increase in the vegetative mass of plants will increase its competitiveness against weeds and reduce moisture evaporation. from the soil surface. The use of genetic and statistical parameters allows to efficiently plan and carry out breeding work for oil flax, purposefully select parental pairs in crosses, select valuable genotypes, and reject low-value material at the first stages of breeding. The purpose of this study is to identify promising interspecific hybrid combinations based on breeding and genetic parameters for creating a new breeding material for multi-stem and multi-shoot forms. The studies were carried out at the Institute of Oilseeds NAАS of Ukraine in 2018-2020. The material of the research was F1 and F2 hybrids obtained in a system of dialle crosses with the participation of two wild species (L. angustifolium and L. hispanicum) and three samples of cultivated flax – L 6 (India), M 32/2 (Ukraine), L 5 (Czech Republic). The degree of dominance of traits in hybrids of the first generation was determined by the formula (Beil, Atkins 1965). The degree of heterosis is according to the formula (Rasul et al 2002). The coefficient of heritability in hybrids of the second generation – according to the formula (Ayala 1984). As a result of the research, interspecific hybrid combinations have been identified that are promising for obtaining breeding material with a modified habit: – with the effect of heterosis: by plant height – seven combinations of F1 (Ht = 3,58-13,76%); the number of stems per plant – one (Ht = 35,77%); the number of side shoots is six (Ht = 5,68-43,79%). The most valuable are combinations in which the effect of heterosis manifested itself simultaneously on two grounds – the height of the plants and the number of lateral shoots on the plant – L. angustifolium / L 6, L 5 / L. angustifolium, L. hispanicum / L 6, L 6 / L. hispanicum; plant height and number of stems per plant – M 32/2 / L. hispanicum; – with high coefficients of heritability: by plant height – four combinations of F2 (H = 0,67-0,87); the number of stems per plant – six (H = 0,66-0,81); the number of side shoots is four (H = 0,66-0,72). Interspecific combinations of L. hispanicum / M 32/2 and M 32/2 / L. hispanicum were distinguished by high rates of heritability by two characteristics – the number of stems and the number of lateral shoots on the plant. The potential of the selected combinations will be used in the further breeding process for increased branching.

Salix alba Clone Wilting Response to Heat Stress

The selection of most suitable propagation material, as well as the adjustment of existing seedling management practices, are gaining increasing importance to ensure the best outcomes under the long-term setting of climate change. One of the factors to consider is a predicted increase in the frequency and duration of high-temperature periods. Since heat often coincides with drought, these factors are typically assessed together, yet heat stress on its own has received less attention. In this study, we examined the effect of supra-optimal ambient temperature on nine Salix alba clone cuttings wilting under greenhouse conditions and sufficient moisture levels. Most plants are especially vulnerable to extreme conditions in early stages of development. Response to heat varied between clones but, overall, shoots that were taller than 350 mm were more sensitive to heat stress. The pruning of excess lateral shoots did not show significant improvement in heat tolerance. In total, 96% of the wilted cuttings proceeded to produce lateral shoots after the cessation of heat stress. It should be studied further if similar patterns are evident in field conditions and if earlier outplanting has a positive effect on cutting vitality.

Morphological, phenological, and transcriptional analyses provide insight into the diverse flowering traits of a mutant of the relic woody plant Liriodendron chinense

Flowering is crucial to plant reproduction and controlled by multiple factors. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of flowering in perennial plants are still largely unknown. Here, we first report a super long blooming 1 (slb1) mutant of the relict tree Liriodendron chinense possessing a prolonged blooming period of more than 5 months, in contrast to the 1 month blooming period in the wild type (WT). Phenotypic characterization showed that earlier maturation of lateral shoots was caused by accelerated axillary bud fate, leading to the phenotype of continuous flowering in slb1 mutants. The transcriptional activity of genes related to hormone signaling (auxin, cytokinin, and strigolactone), nutrient availability, and oxidative stress relief further indicated active outgrowth of lateral buds in slb1 mutants. Interestingly, we discovered a unique FT splicing variant with intron retention specific to slb1 mutants, representing a potential causal mutation in the slb1 mutants. Surprisingly, most slb1 inbred offspring flowered precociously with shorter juvenility (~4 months) than that (usually 8–10 years) required in WT plants, indicating heritable variation underlying continuous flowering in slb1 mutants. This study reports an example of a perennial tree mutant that flowers continuously, providing a rare resource for both breeding and genetic research.

NEW VARIETY OF SPRING RAPESEED 'VELES'

The results of breeding a promising variety of spring rapeseed 'Veles' are presented. The variety was created using chemical mutagenesis. The seeds of the 'Vikros' variety were treated with ethylmethanesul-fonate at a concentration of 0.03%, followed by the selection of lines characterized by early maturity, re-sistance to lodging, and improved biochemical composition of the seeds. The line № 834-16 is distin-guished by the accelerated development, the changed architectonics of the plant. The growth of lateral shoots begins from the base of the main shoot, the lower internodes are shortened, which increases the resistance of plants to lodging. Side shoots of the first order begin to bloom almost simultaneously with the main shoot. Flowering and maturation of seeds on shoots of different orders takes place simultaneous-ly with the central one, which contributes to the friendly maturation and equalization of the obtained seeds. Seeds are characterized by an increased fat content, contain less fiber. The content of crude fat va-ries from 47.4 to 48.8%, crude protein — 19.7–24.4%, crude fiber — 6.52–7.62%. In the composition of fatty acids, the content of valuable oleic acid is 7.15% higher than of standard. The average seed yield for 3 years of testing is 3.28 t/ha, which is 0.64 t/ha higher than the standard. The line was transferred to the State Commission for Variety Testing and Protection of Breeding Achievements under the name 'Veles'. The variety is resistant to lodging. Guarantees the production of 28–32 t/ha of green mass with a yield of up to 6 t/ha of dry matter. The low content of glucosinolates in seeds (11.6–13.9 mmol/g) will allow the use of seeds, cake and meal when feeding animals in high doses. The variety is approved for use from 2021 in 4 regions of the Russian Federation: North-West, Central, Ural and West Siberian.

Inhibition of lateral shoot formation by RNA interference and chemically induced mutations to genes expressed in the axillary meristem of Nicotiana tabacum L.

Background Lateral branches vigorously proliferate in tobacco after the topping of the inflorescence portions of stems for the maturation of the leaves to be harvested. Therefore, tobacco varieties with inhibited lateral shoot formation are highly desired by tobacco farmers. Results Genetic inhibition of lateral shoot formation was attempted in tobacco. Two groups of genes were examined by RNA interference. The first group comprised homologs of the genes mediating lateral shoot formation in other plants, whereas the second group included genes highly expressed in axillary bud primordial stages. Although “primary” lateral shoots that grew after the plants were topped off when flower buds emerged were unaffected, the growth of “secondary” lateral shoots, which were detected on the abaxial side of the primary lateral shoot base, was significantly suppressed in the knock-down lines of NtLs, NtBl1, NtREV, VE7, and VE12. Chemically induced mutations to NtLs, NtBl1, and NtREV similarly inhibited the development of secondary and “tertiary” lateral shoots, but not primary lateral shoots. The mutations to NtLs and NtBl1 were incorporated into an elite variety by backcrossing. The agronomic characteristics of the backcross lines were examined in field trials conducted in commercial tobacco production regions. The lines were generally suitable for tobacco leaf production and may be useful as new tobacco varieties. Conclusion The suppressed expression of NtLs, NtBl1, NtREV, VE7, or VE12 inhibited the development of only the secondary and tertiary lateral shoots in tobacco. The mutant lines may benefit tobacco farmers by minimizing the work required to remove secondary and tertiary lateral shoots that emerge when farmers are harvesting leaves, which is a labor-intensive process.

Morphological variability in coenopopulations of the rare species Adonis villosa Ledeb. (Ranunculaceae) in the North Altai

This paper examines the morphological variability in coenopopulations of the rare species Adonis villosa Ledeb., which grows in the North Altai. We have described the features of the places where this rare species grows in the Maiminsky (on the right bank of the Maima river, in the vicinity of the villages of Maima, Kyzyl-Ozek, Kutash) and Choysky Districts (in the vicinity of the villages of Choya, Karasuk, Paspaul, Levinka). The studies of intra- and inter-population variability in dynamics over the years were conducted. It is established that the degree of variability of morphological features in similar ecological and geographical conditions is influenced by weather conditions. Based on the analysis of the state of the studied coenopopulations, the limiting factors for the growth and development of plants and the most favorable conditions for the introduction of this rare species into the culture were identified. The limiting factors should be considered insufficient moisture in the winter-spring period, a higher altitude location, the presence of low grassy cover and the absence of woody and shrubby vegetation. All the A. villosa specimens we studied were confined to well-warmed, open slopes, mainly in the southern exposure. In the most favorable conditions, up to 7 lateral shoots can form on the axial shoot. In most cases, individuals of A. villosa form 23 lateral shoots. It was found that the parameters of the length of generative shoots were characterized by higher variability than the number of enrichment shoots. During the three-year observation period, individuals growing on the edge of the forest canopy were significantly higher. The shortest individuals were recorded (the height did not exceed 20 cm) in the coenopopulation located on an open, uncultivated area with low grass cover.