Biological features of seeds of a wild-growing species of Poterium polygamum

Relevance. Biological features (morphometric indicators, viability and germinating power) of Poterium polygamum seeds found in natural communites of the Stavropol Territory have been studied. The conservation of wild-growing plant species in the natural population and the rational use of their potential are relevant.Methods. Years of study — 2013–2021. The subject of the study is Poterium polygamum seeds. Seeds were collected in 2013. Studies were carried out according to the methods of studying seed material. Freshly harvested seeds and seeds of different shelf life were germinated in petri dishes at a temperature of 18–20 °C.Results. The collected seeds of Poterium polygamum are quite large. The length of the seeds is 4–5 mm, the width is about 2.5 mm. The mass of 1000 pieces of seeds on average was 10.59 grams. Complete absence of viability of freshly harvested Poterium polygamum seeds was revealed. After three months, seed viability was 97%. This is a shallow physiological rest associated with the post-harvest maturation period. During the storage of seeds, their high germination was established — from 70 to 100%. The duration of seed storage is 8 years. The largest number of germinated seeds and their germinating power were noted in the third year of their storage (100%). Seeds germinated on the third or fourth day. The differences between the viability of seeds and their germinating power are not great. In the eighth year of storage of Poterium polygamum seeds, viability and germinating power were slightly reduced. The storage period of seeds, in which they retain the ability to germinate and the germinating power, is long. It has been found that the wild species Poterium polygamum belongs to plants with a high (70 to 100%) viability. This species is regularly resumed in the natural population. The revealed biological features of Poterium polygamum seeds can become the scientific basis during the reconstruction of degraded natural grass stand and in selection work.

The influence of use systems on the productivity of shrubephemeral desert pastures and the preservation of herbage

The article is devoted to the urgent problem of developing a scientifically based organization and use of distant pastures in the south of Kazakhstan. It has been found that the composition and diversity of pasture grasses have significant effect on the forage value of the grass stand and ultimately affect the forage capacity of desert pastures. Grazing of farm animals should be carried out with an optimal load on pastures, that is, no more than 70% of the productivity of the pasture mass should be exploited. Due to the better preservation of various types of forage plants and pasture herbage in general with systematic use, the yield of pastures in the summer season was 6.15 c/ha, in other words it was higher by almost 1.0 c/ha of dry forage mass compared to unsystematic grazing (5.20 c/ha). All pasture plants exploited in early spring produced aftermath in 10–15 days and were well preserved from overexploitation and trampling.

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR PASTURE YIELD

The results of a field experiment on the effect of systematic surface application of organic fertilizers on the yield of long-term pastures of herbage are presented. With the introduction of manure in doses of 10 and 20 t/ha (once every 4 years), the yield of the pasture was 3.31 and 3.76 t/ha on average over 45 years, which is 51 and 72% higher compared to unfertilized grass stand.

Syntaxonomy of secondary communities formed instead of earlier agricultural lands in the middle and south taiga subzones of the European North-East of Russia

We have identified the diversity of secondary communities formed instead of earlier agricultural lands (middle and south taiga subzones of the European North-East of Russia). The work describes 8 associations, 2 subassociations of the classes Papaveretea rhoeadis, Artemisietea vulgaris,Epilobietea angustifolii, Molinio–Arrhenatheretea, Vaccinio–Piceetea. 3 associations (Urtico dioicae–Chamaenerietum angustifolii, Centaureo phrygiae–Dactyletum glomeratae, Deschampsio cespitosae–Salicetum capreae), 1 subassociation (Galeopsietum bifidae galeopsietosum speciosae)were fixed for the first time. We noted a replacement of segetal communities (subass. Galeopsietum bifidae galeopsietosum speciosae) by meadow communities (аss. Centaureo phrygiae–Dactyletum glomeratae) through the domination stage of Cirsium setosum and Elytrigia repens (аss. Cirsio setosi–Elytrigietum repentis). Favorable conditions for development of woody plants (small size of study area, its close position to forest ecosystems, poorly sodded soil) respond for replacement of meadow succession stage by young woody plants towards the second decade of succession. Earlier agricultural lands are an appropriated place for formation of birch forests with a well-developed undergrowth of Salix caprea and herb layer of meadow and forest edge plants (аss. Deschampsio cespitosae–Salicetum capreae). Big-size study areas with a well-formed grass stand are dominated by meadow communities towards the second succession decade even in case of no haying. The highly competitive nitrophytes as Heracleum sosnowskyi, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Anthriscus sylvestris form the following communities as аss. Urtico dioicae–Heracleetum sosnowskyi, аss. Urtico dioicae–Chamaenerietum angustifolii, аss. Symphyto officinalis–Anthriscetum sylvestris. Being highly competitive, these species lead to degradation of first-formed meadow communities.

ALFALFA – HIGH-PROTEIN FORAGE CROP

The results of selection studies conducted at the Central Experimental Base of the V.R. Williams in the Non-Chernozem Zone of the Russian Federation are presented. Brief data on promising varieties of alfalfa created in the department of alfalfa breeding for the yield of green and dry mass, crude protein and other indicators are presented. Alfalfa varieties of a new generation adapted to local soil and climatic conditions have been created. Alfalfa is one of the best legume grasses for the preparation of high-protein feed. Alfalfa is a culture that is characterized by ecological plasticity, longevity, capable in many regions of Russia to solve the problem of eliminating the deficiency of vegetable protein in the diets of farm animals. It can be used as a legume component of grass mixtures on pastures and hayfields of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The level of productivity and sustainability of fodder agrophytocenoses is determined by the competitiveness of species and varieties. Alfalfa varieties have a low competitive ability, do not withstand three or four times mowing, quickly fall out of the grass stand. It is known that the use of mineral nitrogen in meadow and field feed production is limited due to high energy costs in the production of nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, the need for nitrogen in meadows and pastures should be met by legume-cereal grass mixtures, for which it is necessary to create new varieties of legumes, in particular alfalfa variable or hybrid.

Formation of meat productivity of Kazakh horses of the Adai offspring

Relevance. Herd horse breeding is the most ancient way of reproduction and maintenance of horses. The regularities of the growth and development of young animals largely depend on the genotype of the producers. Adai horses are bred in a herd way. Their well-being largely depends on natural and climatic conditions — the state of the weather, grass stand. The breeding zones of the Adai horse are the desert and semi-desert of the western region of Kazakhstan, characterized by a sharply continental climate.Methods. Experimental work was carried out at Taushyk LLP, Tupkaragan district, Mangistau region. The object of the study is pure-bred Kazakh horses of the Mangistau population and Adai offspring. According to scientific experience, two groups of 12 stallions were formed. Feeding qualities were assessed by the increase in live weight in young animals in the period from 24 to 30 months of age. Meat productivity was studied according to the methodology of the All-Russian Research Institute of Horse Breeding, in accordance with the technological instructions adopted in the meat industry.Results. It was found that the greatest increase in live weight in foals of Kazakh horses of the Adai offspring is observed from 3 days of age to 1 month and amounted to 42.9 kg with an average daily gain of 1530 g. For six months the increase in live weight was 84.1 kg, and average daily gain — 460 g. From 6 to 12 months of age the average daily gain in foals decreases to 126.9 g, due to the independent wintering of foals. From 18 to 24 months the minimum increase in live weight was recorded — 24.6 kg. From 24 to 30 months of age the average daily gains slightly increase — to 310 g. It has been established that the coefficient of increase in live weight in Kazakh horses in the conditions of the Mangyshlak Peninsula from birth to 24 months of age is 5.28–5.30, from 24 months. up to 30 months age — 0.51–0.52, from birth to 30 months of age — 8.54—8.56. It was found that the stallions of the Mangystau population exceeded their peers of the Adai offspring in terms of pre-slaughter live weight by 3.8 kg. In terms of slaughter yield stallions of the Adai offspring were inferior to their peers of the Mangistau population by 0.4%. The highest fat content in the meat of both groups is observed in the off-grade cut (kazy + sting) — from 16.0% to 16.4%. Comparatively little fat was contained in grade II meat — from 3.8% to 4.3% and grade III — from 2.3% to 2.7%.

Peculiarities herb-bunchgrass steppes of Western Predcaucasia

Relevance. The article presents the materials of the geobotanical examination of the virgin steppes of the Western Predcaucasia. The relevance of the study is due to the modern state of natural grass stand, which is under constant anthropogenic influence.Methods. The research points are located in the southwestern part of the Stavropol Territory and the northeastern part of Karachay-Cherkessia, within the absolute heights of 500–880 m. The description of vegetation and its analysis was carried out on ten accounting sites (10x10 m) according to methods generally accepted in geobotany.Results. It was revealed that in the grass stand the grass familyhas on average 17,5% (its weight fraction is 70–80%). In the formation of grass stand plant associations, the leading role belongs to the dominant sod steppe-grasses: Stipa pulcherrima, Festuca valesiaca, Festuca rupicola, Bothriochloa ischaemum, etc. Legumes (Medicago romanica, Trifolium pratense, Onobrychis arenaria) are the main source of protein for animals, they are diverse and have on average 10,8%, but in weight terms they are inferior to sod steppe-grasses. The flora of the studied steppes is represented by a number of economically valuable plants. These are sod steppe-grasses — the creators of the main feed mass of the steppe. They are also sources of a protein component for animals. But the main source of protein in the steppe grass stands are representatives of the legume family (species Trifolium, Medicago, Onobrychis, etc.). Nectariferous plants (Filipendula vulgaris, Galium ruthenicum, Echium russicum) and drug plants (Adonis vernalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus marschallianus, etc.) are found in the steppe. The spectrum of life cycles of the flora is noteworthy. There is a high percentage of perennials — from 66,7 to 97,8%. This fact indicates that the axes of ecological niches are packed relatively tightly by perennials — persistent competitors of annual plants (more often weeds). Until mid-summer the generative stage of development of wild plant species reaches on average 80%. Their gene pool can be recommended for the restoration of low-productive steppe grass stand, as well as for use in selection work.

The influence of the timing and methods of harvesting the seed grass of the eastern goat’s rue (Galega orientales Lam.) on the yield and sowing quality of seeds

Eastern goat’s rue (Galega orientales Lam.) possesses high fodder productivity and accumulates a large amount of vegetative mass with high humidity for harvesting for seeds. This greatly complicates the harvesting of grass stand for seeds. One of the ways to solve this problem is to carry out desiccation of the grass stand. A complicating factor in choosing the optimal harvesting period is the extended flowering and ripening period of goat’s rue beans, the duration of which reaches 25-35 days. The use of the drug Reglon Super based on diquat is a highly effective agrotechnical method that allows increasing the collection of seeds by 24%. The desiccation of the herbage contributes to the production of seeds with high sowing qualities. The seeds with the best sowing qualities are found in beans with yellow, brown, brown or dark brown color of the beans. In light green beans, the seeds are fully formed, but have a high moisture content. Goat’s rue beans do not crack or crumble at the onset of the full ripeness phase. This allows the seed to be harvested when most of the beans are ripe. A comparative assessment of the timing and method of harvesting the seed herbage of the goat’s rue showed that with a ripening of 39% and the presence of 47% of light green and yellow beans, the yield losses ranged from 26 to 56%. The highest seed yield in one confidence interval of 422-453 kg / ha and 444 kg / ha was obtained, respectively, by direct threshing with preliminary desiccation of the grass stand in the ripening phase of 74-97% of beans or by separate harvesting when mowing into swaths during ripening 74 % beans.

PRODUCTIVITY OF THE NATURAL STEPPE PASTURES IN THE HEREFORDS GRAZING AREAS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TYVA

Представлены результаты исследования травостоя степных пастбищ на местах выпаса породы герефордов в условиях Республики Тыва. Выявлен видовой состав трех растительных сообществ, определены продуктивность их надземной фитомассы, распределение растений по экологическим группам, и проанализирован спектр жизненных форм. Рассчитан коэффициент закустаренности и поедаемости на изучаемых пастбищах. Наибольшее значение коэффициента закустаренности на злаково-разнотравно-кустарниковом участке (№ 2) — 0,51; ковыльно-стоповидно-осоково-кустарниковом (№ 3) — 0,19; наименьшее — на разнотравно-стоповидно-осоковом с караганой карликовой (№ 1) — 0,08. Выявлено, что на всех участках травостой представлен травянистыми многолетниками, кустарниками и полукустарниками. Типичные ксерофиты (эуксерофиты), наиболее характерные для настоящих степей, составляют основу данных растительных сообществ. Доля ксерофитов, к которым относятся тонконог тонкий (Koeleria cristata), ковыль. (Stipa pennata), мятлик (Poa attenuate), типчак (Festuca valesiaca), осока твердоватая (Carex duriuscula), лапчатка бесстебельная (Potentilla acaulis) и вильчатая (Р. bifurca) карагана карликовая (Caragana pygmaea), полынь холодная (Artemisia frigidа), колеблется от 45,45% до 65%. Ксеромезофиты встречаются на всех трех площадках, доля их колеблется от 9,09% до 22,22%. Продуктивность надземной фитомассы на участках № 1 составила 6,88 ц/га, № 2 — 6,26 ц/га, № 3 — 6,15 ц/га. Масса подстилки — относительно высокая на всех участках, так как учет продуктивности проведен в начале июня, когда только заканчивается переход ветоши в подстилку. Основу травостоя составляют хорошо поедаемые злаки, осоки и полукустарники. В настоящее время состояние пастбищ вполне удовлетворительное, несмотря на невысокое видовое разнообразие. The results of the study of the steppe pastures grass stand in the Hereford breed grazing areas in the conditions of the Republic of Tyva are presented. The species composition of three plant communities was revealed, the productivity of their aboveground phytomass was determined, the distribution of plants by ecological groups and the spectrum of life forms was analyzed. The coefficient of overgrowth and palatability on the studied pastures is calculated. The highest value of the coefficient of overgrowth on the gramineous-forb-shrubby plot (No. 2) is 0.51; needlegrass-pediform-sedgy-shrubby plot (No. 3) is 0.19; the lowest is on the forb-pediform-sedgy plot with pygmy pea shrub (No. 1) is 0.08. It was revealed that in all plots the grass stand crop is represented with herbaceous plurannuals, shrubs and subshrubs. Typical xerophytes (euxerophytes), the most typical for these steppes, form the basis of these plant communities. The proportion of xerophytes, which include thin June grass (Koeleria cristata), needlegrass (Stipa pennata), bluegrass (Poa attenuate), sheep fescue (Festuca valesiaca), hard sedge (Carex duriuscula), acauline cinquefoil (Potentilla acaulis) and forcipate (R. bifurca), pygmy pea shrub (Caragana pygmaea), pasture sagebrush (Artemisia frigida), ranges from 45.45 to 65%. Xeromesophytes are found at all three plots, their share ranges from 9.09 to 22.22%. The productivity of aboveground phytomass in plots No. 1 was 6.88 c/ha, No. 2 — 6.26 c/ha, No. 3 — 6.15 c/ha. The mass of the bedding is relatively high in all plots, since the productivity was taken into account at the beginning of June, when the transition of rags to the bedding is just finishing. The basis of the grass stand is well-eaten cereals, sedges and subshrubs. Currently, the condition of the pastures is quite satisfactory, despite the low species diversity.

Productivity of long-term bean grass in single-species and compatible with anwless bromegrass feed agrophytocenoses

Goal. Establish the best perennial legumes when grown in single-species and compatible fodder agrocenoses with stokolos boneless and the effectiveness of the use of nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-mobilizing bacterial preparations, as well as liming. Methods. General scientific − hypotheses, inductions and deductions, analogies, generalizations and special − field, laboratory, mathematical and statistical, computational and comparative. Results. Based on the generalization of literature sources, it is proved that the creation of sown grasslands, with high content of perennial legumes on meadows and arable lands, which are derived from intensive cultivation is one of the most promising areas of organic onion growing. Productivity of single-species crops of perennial legumes and their mixtures with boneless stalk on average for five years after the yield of 1 ha of dry mass in the version without fertilizers ranged from 5.12 to 8.38 tons, which is 1.7−2.5 times more in comparison with a grassy grass stand which is formed from one-species crops of a stokolos of a boneless. The highest productivity and level of symbiotic nitrogen accumulation (191−266 kg / ha) were provided by agrocenoses with the participation of alfalfa, and the lowest - meadow clover. The efficiency of soil liming during sowing of grasses and application of inoculation of seeds of perennial legumes with nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-mobilizing preparations is given. Changes in the chemical composition of feed under the influence of the studied factors are also shown. Conclusions. Different types of perennial legumes and their mixtures with boneless stalk without fertilizers provide productivity in the range of 5.12−8.38 t / ha of dry weight, which is 1.7−2.5 times more than the grass cover, which is formed from single-species sowing of stokolos bezzostoy. Inoculation of perennial legume seeds with nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-releasing microbiological preparations increases the productivity of perennial legumes and their mixtures with cereals by 2−6%, and soil liming before sowing – by 3−11%. The greatest effect is provided by the combined use of these bacterial drugs. Alfalfa sowing responds best to their use and liming.