News, notices, press releases and commercial materials about key events in the agro-industrial complex and agriculture, trends and innovations.

The relevance of the study of the relationship between the level of qualification of workers in the agro-industrial sector and the financial performance of enterprises is due to the need to improve the efficiency of investments in human capital. The purpose of the work is to identify the degree of influence of educational programs on the profitability of agribusiness in order to substantiate the economic feasibility of investments in personnel training. The research methodology includes a regression analysis of panel data for 150 agribusinesses for 2015–2022, supplemented by a case study of 30 industry leaders. It was found that an increase in the share of employees with specialized higher education by 1% is associated with an increase in profitability by 0.8% (p < 0.01). An increase in the average number of training hours per employee per year by 10% correlates with a 1.5% increase in profits (p < 0.05). Detailed results confirm a statistically and economically significant return on investment in human capital in the agricultural sector.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the impact of systematic training and advanced training of personnel on the formation of sustainable competitive advantages and growth of financial indicators of agro-industrial companies. Based on a multi-level analysis of empirical data obtained during a survey of 512 managers and HR managers of agricultural enterprises, a comparative analysis of the economic performance of organizations with different levels of investment in human capital development, as well as a series of in-depth interviews with top managers of 20 leading agricultural holdings, the authors come to the conclusion about the key role of corporate training in ensuring the long-term competitiveness and financial sustainability of agribusiness. The most effective methods and formats of training are identified, practical recommendations are given for improving the human resource management system in the agro-industrial sector.

Relevance. Modern literature presents numerous experimental data on the use of the bioremediation potential of bacterial strains to correct mono and polymetal pollution of ecosystems at various levels of organization. In our work, a systematic analysis was carried out to assess the degree of influence of excess concentrations of zinc, iron and copper on dynamic growth indicators, the level of tolerance, sorption capacity and antagonistic characteristics of Bacillus sp. strains. in model experiments in vitro.

Methods. The research was conducted at the department of Biochemistry and Microbiology of Orenburg State University in 2023. As objects of research, they used museum samples of probiotic strains of Bacillus sp.: B. subtilis 534 (Sporobacterin, Bakoren LLC, Orenburg, Russia), B. cereus IP 5832 (Flonivin BS, Galenika Crna Gora, D.O.O., Montenegro), B. licheniformis VKPM B 7038 («Vetom 4» NPF Research Center LLC, Novosibirsk region, Russia), as well as clinical isolates of E. coli and S. aureus. Metal salts FeSO₄ × 7H₂O, CuSO₄ × 5H₂O and ZnSO₄ × 7H₂O (JSC Lenreactive St. Petersburg, Russia) were used as growth-regulating factors of mono- and polymetal contamination of the substrate.

Results. The data obtained indicate high levels of sorption of iron up to 47.98% and zinc up to 44.96% by the studied strains. The negative effect of a massive cationic load of zinc and copper on the antagonistic activity of the studied strains against both gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) model microorganisms was experimentally established. Iron has a stimulating effect on the antagonistic characteristics of B. cereus IP 5832 and B. licheniformis VKPM B 7038 against E. coli by 32.63% (p < 0.01) and 36.77% (p < 0.05).

The article is devoted to the study of the role of the probiotic complex “LiquaFid” on the formation of a microbial community in the large intestine of sows and piglets at the lactation stage. The mechanism of action of probiotic strains is due to the antagonistic effect to a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, pathogens of lung infections, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular to pathogens of salmonellosis, as well as immunomodulatory effects on the body. In the course of the experiment, we studied the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microbial community in lactating sows and suckling piglets in the large intestine. The biomaterial was selected from clinically healthy animals. Fecal examination was carried out in the molecular genetic laboratory of the “BIOTROF” company by real-time PCR using special diagnostic kits for the study of the biocenosis of “Femoflor®”. During the work, he beneficial effect of the probiotic complex “LiquaFid” on the formation of the microbiota of the large intestine of both sows and suckling piglets was noted, namely, it was found that the total microbial mass in the experimental group of sows increased by 74%. Against the background of the use of probiotics, the number of representatives of pathogenic microflora in the large intestine in both groups of experimental animals decreased significantly, the most noticeable of which was a 3-fold reduction in representatives of Streptococcus spp. piglets of the experimental group are in the feces.

Avian influenza remains a serious threat to public health, agriculture and ecology on a global scale. Monitoring the circulation of influenza A virus among wild birds, particularly corvids, is crucial for detecting and preventing potential outbreaks. In this study, samples collected from rooks and hooded crows in Kostanay, Akmola and Zhambyl regions of Kazakhstan in 2023 were analyzed. Using real-time RT-PCR, influenza A virus was detected in 30% of rooks in Kostanay region and 16.6% of hooded crows in Akmola region. The results confirm the circulation of the virus among corvids in these regions and indicate the need for continuous epizootic monitoring for timely detection and response to possible outbreaks of avian influenza.

Relevance. Insufficient feeding has a negative effect on the metabolism and health of the cow, as well as on the condition of the offspring being born. Weak calves that have not accumulated reserve nutrients by birth are susceptible to various diseases.

The purpose of the work is to study the effect of the use of mineral feed additives when feeding heifers on the growth and development, safety of newborn young.

Methods. To conduct the study in a typical breeding plant for the region, 3 groups of heifers (10 heads each) were formed — a control group and two experimental ones based on the principle of pairs of analogues. The safety of calves and their weight growth were assessed by weighing individually and calculating growth indicators according to generally accepted methods and formulas. The impact of the use of mineral feed additives when feeding heifers during the deadwood period on the health of calves was evaluated.

Results. It was found that the use of such mineral feed additives as zeolite from the Karinsky deposit and “Mineral Active” to heifers in the third trimester of pregnancy had a positive effect on the growth and safety of newborn calves. Calves of the experimental groups had a live birth weight significantly higher than calves obtained from heifers of the control group. To some extent, this had an impact on the live weight of calves at 3 months of age (p < 0.01). Despite the significant difference in live weight and average daily live weight gains in favor of calves of the experimental groups, the relative increase (or growth intensity) turned out to be higher in calves of the control group with almost unchanged growth multiplicity.

Relevance. Increasing the intake of unsaturated fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated ones, by adding oilseeds, oils or their by-products with a high oil content can positively affect the composition of fatty acids in goat milk and benefit human health.

Methods. In accordance with the scheme of the experiment, soy meal in the diets of animals of groups I and II was replaced with hemp or linseed cake in the amount of 5% and 10% of the dry matter of the concentrated part of the diet, which were fed, including together with a probiotic drug.

Results. It was found that linolenic acid (58.6%), oleic acid (20.1%) and linoleic acid (16.3%) made up a larger percentage in the composition of linseed cake, linoleic acid (53.4%) made up a large proportion in hemp cake. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of goat’s milk when feeding cakes showed that the profile of the mass fraction of 10 main fatty acids in total in the experimental groups amounted to more than 90% of all fatty acids in goat’s milk. To a greater extent, the mass fractions of monounsaturated oleic acid increased relative to the control group: when using linseed cake — by 4.5%, hemp cake — by 5.2%, respectively. In the experimental groups, lower levels of medium-chain were found in comparison with the control group (C12:0–C14:0) fatty acids. The peculiarities of the fatty acid composition of goat’s milk were found against the background of additional administration of a probiotic drug. The proportion of essential fatty acids in the experimental groups increased: with the use of linseed cake — by 1.4%, hemp cake — by 3.4%. A higher content of monounsaturated oleic (p < 0.05) and linoleic acids was found.

Relevance. Holstein dairy cattle are bred in the Sverdlovsk region, its improvement is carried out by selecting and selecting the best for further breeding. In order for them to display their genetic potential of productivity, it is necessary to ensure a balanced diet. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the productive qualities of cows against the background of the use of mineral feed additives.

Methods. To conduct the study in a typical breeding reproducer for the region, 3 groups of heifers in the last trimester of pregnancy (10 heads each) were formed — a control group and two experimental ones based on the principle of pairs of analogues. The dairy productivity of cows for the first lactation was assessed by control milking once a month. The fat and protein content in milk was assessed in an average milk sample once a month from each cow. Reproduction indicators were established by the duration of the periods of the reproduction cycle and the coefficient of reproductive ability.

Results. As a result of the research, it was found that the use of mineral feed additives zeolite of the Karinsky deposit and “Mineral Active” in feeding heifers had a positive effect on milk productivity and reproductive qualities of first-calf cows. The highest milk yield for lactation was shown by the first heifers of the 3rd group, who received the “Mineral Active” mineral supplement for 15 days before calving. The fat content was higher in the milk of cows of the 2nd group, protein — in the milk of cows of the 3rd group. The primary heifer cows of the 3rd group had an advantage in the yield of milk fat and protein, which surpassed their peers in these indicators by 10.1 kg (2.9%, group 2) and 32.6 kg (9.3%, group 1) in milk fat and by 21.0 kg (6.9%) and 29.8 kg (9.8%) of milk protein, respectively. The animals receiving mineral feed additives in the diet were distinguished by a shorter service period, which turned out to be lower by 29.0% and 14.0%, respectively, compared with animals of the 1st group (control). Cows of all groups had an average fruiting period of 286 ± 2.9 — 289 ± 3.2 days.

Relevance. Population genetic diversity studies shed light on the genetic composition of different breeds and can provide valuable information about the evolution of breeds and species. Among the numerous available molecular markers, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is widely used to study genetic diversity and analyze phylogenetic relationships in various breeds and populations of livestock. Cytochrome b (Cyt B) is an mtDNA gene that is widely used to determine phylogenetic relationships in domestic animals due to its sequence variability.

The aim of the work is to develop a test system that makes it possible to obtain the complete sequence of the Cyt В gene for further assessment of the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of various breeds and populations of cattle.

Methods. To develop the test system, DNA extracts obtained from archaeological samples of cattle dated the 13^th–14^th centuries were used (n = 10). To amplify the Cyt B (Cytochrome b) mtDNA gene of cattle, four pairs of primers were selected, overlapping each other, with a total length of 1189 bp. between positions 14480–15669 mtDNA.

Results. Analysis of the phylogenetic tree showed that archaeological samples grouped with haplogroups T1, T2, T3 and T5. The median network allowed the archaeological samples to be confidently classified as Bos Taurus rather than Bos Indicus. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the power of analysis using the Cyt B sequence is not enough to separate haplogroups within taurine cattle, because the Сytochrome b sequence is more conserved compared to other regions of the mitochondrial genome. More polymorphic regions of the mitochondrial genome, such as the sequence of the D-loop, should be used to confidently identify haplogroup membership.

Relevance. Increasing the profitability of reindeer husbandry is possible through the introduction of modern methods of conducting breeding work, including using population genetic analysis.

Methods. The DNA of Nenets reindeer (n = 100) was studied with respect to 16 microsatellite markers using the COrDIS Reindeer kit. Based on genetic similarity, in the Structure 2.3.4 program, animals were divided into clusters, in each of which the main genetic parameters were evaluated, as well as the degree of genetic similarity between clusters (k) and the population (Pop) as a whole was calculated.

Results. It was found that the maximum number of observed and effective microsatellites was present in k5 (6,188 and 3,903, respectively). The first cluster was characterized by a lower genetic diversity (I = 1,202), the fifth — on the contrary, the maximum (I = 1,414). For k1, k4 and k5, there was a slight deviation towards an excess of heterozygotes (-0.061–0.029), and in general, a slight shift towards an increase in inbreeding was noted for Pop (Fis = 0.017). Private alleles Rt6186 and C276259 with a total frequency of 0.060 were detected in k1, Rt7240 and FCB193138 with a total prevalence of 0.079 in k2, the occurrence of private alleles Rt1267, BMS745330, NVHRT16142 was 0.100 in k4, and specific microsatellites in k5 BMS1788150, Rt30223, Rt7254, OheQ299, Rt24248 were found in 21.9% of animals. The genetic distance (DN) was minimal between k2 and k4 (0.043), and maximal between k2 and k3 (0.119). In relation to Pop, the maximum distance was viewed to k3 (DN = 0.049), and the smallest to k2 (DN = 0.025). The most noticeable true allelic differentiation was observed between Pop-k1 and Pop-k3 samples (Dest = 0.021), and there was no gap between Pop-k2 and Pop-k5 (Dest = -0.004–0.002).

Relevance. Currently, climatic anomalies are observed on the territory of the Russian Federation, including in the Central Chernozem region, to which cultivated plants adapt.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the adaptive reactions of hybrid sugar beet combinations based on productivity characteristics to contrasting weather conditions.

Methods. Male-sterile (MS) separate-fruited forms of sugar beet were crossed with fertile diploid cross-fruited pollinators (selection of the A.L. Mazlumov VNIISS). The obtained hybrids were evaluated for signs of productivity using standard methods. The signs of productivity meant yield, sugar content and sugar collection.

Relevance. Currently, on the territory of the Russian Federation, including in the Central Black Earth Region, there are climatic anomalies to which cultivated plants adapt. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the adaptive responses of sugar beet hybrid combinations to the contrast weather conditions in signs of productivity.

Early spotting caused by a complex of fungi of the genus Alternaria is becoming a serious problem for potato growers in many regions of Russia. The defeat of the aboveground part of potato plants by alternariasis and its further premature death lead to significant crop losses. Abiotic and biotic factors that weaken potato plants contribute to the more active development of alternariasis. The article presents new experimental data showing that the treatment of vegetative potato plants with bioorganic fertilizer “ExcelGrow” at a dose of 1 l/ha helps to reduce the harmfulness of the disease and increase potato yields. At the same time, it was found that the triple use of “ExcelGrow” at a dose of 1 l/ha in a tank mixture with the fungicides “Miravis” 0.35 l/ha, “Revus Top” 0.6 l/ha, “Signum” 0.3 kg/ha, aimed at reducing the harmfulness of alternariasis, increases the effectiveness of fungicidal protection of potato plantings from diseases, which in the end result ensures a reliable increase in yield and marketability of tubers.

The article provides information on the species, composition and properties of anthocyanins, their functions in the plant and animal world, analyzed the directions and mechanism of the beneficial effect of anthocyanins on plants and the human body. The concept of the nature of chemical processes occurring with the participation of anthocyanins. The total content of anthocyanins in berry raw materials of various types of storage obtained from berries of 12 varieties of black currant of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific and Scientific Center of Horticulture was determined by pH differential spectrophotometry. Varieties with high and stable anthocyanin content have been identified for their further use in breeding. The effect of long-term freezing on the anthocyanin content was estimated. According to the results of two-year tests, the average anthocyanin content in fresh fruit was 1234.1 ± 86 ppm, in fruit stored at — 75 °C for 7 months was 1069 ± 74 ppm. The highest concentration of anthocyanins 1860 ± 130 ppm was found in fresh fruit of the Debryansk variety, the lowest 950 ± 95 ppm was in the Strelets variety. The varieties Debryansk, Favorite, Barmaley, and Myth were identified as the most valuable for use as a functional additive to food and for further use as sources of antioxidants. The effect of prolonged freezing of black currant berries made it possible to assess quantitative changes in the content of anthocyanins, as well as to identify varieties with a more stable content of product anthocyanins and draw conclusions about the storage conditions of black currant berries for more effective further use as antioxidant components.

Relevance. Vegetative collection of in vitro plants of promising varieties, hybrids and clones of grapes was created in the Institute Magarach. Now it is relevant to study the possibility of using nutrient media, both with an increased concentration of sucrose and sucrose-free, for long-term non-replanting cultivation of grape plants in vitro.

Methods. The aim of the study is to study the effect of carbohydrate nutrition for maintaining plant collection samples in vitro in conditions of slow growth and deep rest.

Study materials were grape plants in vitro of wine varieties of the Institute Magarach breeding: Antei Magarachskiy, Granatovyi Magaracha, Pamyati Golodrigi. Cultivation was carried out on PG medium developed at the Institute Magarach; three medium variants were used: sucrose-free, 10 g/l (as a control), 60 g/l.

Results. Grape plants, when cultivated in vitro for a long time on a sucrose-free, 10 mg/l and 60 mg/l sucrose media, retain their viability, while morphogenetic potential is better manifested on a sucrose-free medium. The absence of sucrose in the medium is not a limiting factor for morphogenesis of grape plants. It seems more promising to use a medium with sucrose concentration 60 mg/l for cultivating grape plants in the collection in vitro. To maintain the samples of the collection, a combined mode can be used, consisting of two stages of cultivation: the first is light with an intensity of 1000 lux under conditions of a 16-hour photoperiod at a temperature of +25–27 °C, the duration of the period is until the shoot is completely lignified; the second is at low positive temperatures of +2–4 °C in the dark. The period of non-replanting protection in a mixed regime will depend on the genetic specificity of a particular variety.

The study of potato genetic diversity using traditional and modern molecular genetic methods for identifying valuable genes allows for faster selection of desired genotypes with a set of economically important traits for use in breeding programs. In this research, based on the results of a long-term study of 200 nursery samples of late blight-resistant hybrids from the genetic collection, 31 samples with a consistently high manifestation of the trait over the years were selected. The assessment was carried out in the field and by the method of artificial infection of tubers and leaves. The presence of markers of resistance genes was determined by PCR. According to the results of the tests, these samples were characterized by a high level of stability of leaves and tubers, and are characterized by a high level of a number of other selection-significant features. At the same time, the selected samples had up to 4 markers of Rpi genes, which determine the vertical resistance of genotypes. The identified samples can be used in the breeding process as donors of a high level of resistance to late blight.

The development of a variety, a hybrid, involves a significant investment of time and money. In this regard, for the development of domestic breeding programmes and to increase the efficiency of the breeding process, it is necessary to attract additional tools. For these purposes, the most effective and widely used are microsatellite DNA markers. Using the multiplex system of microsatellite DNA markers developed by us, it was possible to identify and evaluate the genetic diversity of 28 sunflower lines of V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops in a short time. The lines studied in this work were developed in different ecological zones of cultivation. DNA was isolated from the axial organs of the dry seed germ using the reagent kit “MagnoPrime Phyto”. Samples were genotyped using 4 multiplex systems consisting of 4–5 primer pairs. Polymerase chain reaction products were separated by capillary electrophoresis under denaturing conditions on a Nanofor-05 genetic analyzer. The selected 18 primer pairs produced 130 alleles, with an average of 7.22 alleles per locus. The effective number of alleles ranged from 2.47 to 6.87. The frequency of all alleles of the polymorphic loci varied from 0.036 to 0.571. The PIC index ranged from 0.59 to 0.86. All the markers studied in this work had high discriminatory potential. The collection of lines showed significant genetic diversity and distances between them. Cluster analysis reflected 100% uniqueness of the studied genotypes bred at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. Structuredness of the lines was observed in the way that paternal and maternal forms of hybrids were placed in different groups according to the degree of genetic affinity.

Relevance. The main grain food crop of the Central Black Earth Region is winter wheat. Annually, the crop occupies 2.2–2.5 million ha in the crops of the region, which is about 20% of all sown areas in the Russian Federation. As a result of the variability of climatic conditions in the region, which adversely affects the quantitative and qualitative indicators of winter wheat grain production, yields and gross grain yields can vary significantly from year to year. Depending on the combination of temperature, soil and air humidity, snow cover and its condition, a set of conditions for overwintering wheat is formed.

The purpose of the research is to study and isolate winter — hardy and resistant to damaging factors of the cold season samples of soft winter wheat in the conditions of the Moscow region.

Methods. The research was carried out in 2021–2023 in the village of Mikhnevo, Moscow region, in the fields of the Department of the gene pool and Plant Bioresources of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Research Center for Horticulture.

Results. The objects of research were samples of winter wheat from the World Collection of VIR of domestic and foreign breeding, which were divided into 13 groups depending on the ecological and geographical origin. In 2021–2023, there were insufficiently favorable conditions for overwintering winter soft wheat, the average resistance in the nursery was 5.3 points (50–70% survival rate). A high level of overwintering was noted in the groups of varieties: Belarus (5.7 points), Latvia (5.9 points), Finland (5.6 points). The Danish varieties showed the least resistance to overwintering conditions (4.3 points). A high level of resistance to snow mold was noted in samples from Belarus, Denmark, Norway, Russia and Finland (from 7.0 to 9.0 points).

The article presents an assessment of the productivity and quality of seeds of oilseeds of the aster family in the agro-climatic conditions of the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region. Experimental work on the assessment of the productivity of oilseeds was carried out in 2021–2023 at the experimental field of the Penza Research Institute. The object of research was safflower dye Alexandrite, guizotsia Abyssinian Medea and milk thistle spotted Aurora. Studies have shown that the yield of safflower averaged 1.46 t/ha. The highest yield (1.65 t/ha) was obtained in 2021. The highest yield reached 1.59 t/ha in guizotsia, and 1.37 t/ha in milk thistle. The oil content of milk thistle and safflower seeds was 27.1% and 23.7%, respectively. The maximum fat content was noted in the seeds of the herb — 40.6%. The protein content of all crops was high: from 18.9% in milk thistle to 21.9% in guizotsia. On average, over the years of research, all crops have formed large seeds. The weight of 1000 safflower seeds averaged 38.2 g, milk thistle — 27.6 g, and gizotia — 3.6 g. The seeds of guizotsia and safflower are characterized by a very high content of linoleic acid — 73.34% and 80.91%, respectively. Milk thistle oil was characterized by a high content of linoleic (50.34%) and oleic (31.05%) acids. All crops were distinguished by a high criterion of drought resistance. The highest rate was recorded in the province (78.5%). Safflower and milk thistle have a drought tolerance coefficient of 72.1% and 74.3%, respectively.

The effectiveness of the biopreparation “Fitoverm, CE” in protecting a young apple orchard in 2021 (October) from green (Aphis pomi) and gray (red-gallic) apple aphid (Dysaphis devecta) was studied. The research was conducted in the educational garden of the Orel State Agrarian University in 2023–2024. The scheme of the experiment included two factors: A — varieties (Orel striped and Veteran), B — doses of an insecticide of biological origin “Fitoverm, CE” based on aversectin C (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 l/ha). Treatment with the drug “Fitoverm, CE” was carried out in the first decade of May, accounting — on the 7th, 14th and 21st days. In the garden, the calculations were carried out visually. On 5 trees of each variety, 20 young shoots located on different sides were evaluated. In laboratory studies, a Levenhuk STX RC1 remote-controlled microscope was used, the country of manufacture is China for Levenhuk, Inc. (USA). The magnification is 200 times. The varietal specificity of the Orlovskoye striped and Veteran apple trees in relation to the population of Aphis pomi and Dysaphis devecta was revealed. The Oryol striped variety is more attractive as a food resource compared to the Veteran variety. A sufficiently high population of aphids (52.18%) of young shoots of the Orlovskoye striped apple variety in the control variant led to a decrease in the average length of branch growth by 58.1% compared with uninhabited ones. According to the Veteran variety, the population was lower (34.22%), so the growth of branches decreased to a lesser extent and amounted to 42.5%. A large number of entomophages were noted in the agrocenosis of the apple orchard, among which the imagos Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata and Coccinella septempunctata, their larvae and larvae of Cecidomyiida and Syrphidae prevailed. The best result in terms of “biological efficiency” was obtained at a maximum rate of consumption of a biological product of 0.8 l/ha and amounted to 85.6% for the Orlovskoye striped variety, 86.7% for the Veteran variety.

Relevance. The shape determined by its linear parameters, the color of the surface are the most important characteristics of seed quality. The optical imaging method combined with the automatic analysis of digital scanned images allows statistically reliable differentiation of vegetable seeds by size and color parameters. The Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Growing, together with employees of the Agrophysical Research Institute and “ArgusSoft” LLC, is developing a modern instrumental method of digital morphometry of seeds.

The purpose of the work is to determine the morphometric parameters of the seeds of three vegetable crops by digitally analyzing scanned images and establish their relationship with viability and quality indicators.

Methods. Digital images of the seeds were obtained using an HP Sasanjet 200 flatbed scanner, JPG file format, 600 DPI resolution. Morphometric analysis of digital scanned images of seeds was performed on the basis of the Agrophysical Research Institute using Argus-BIO software manufactured by “ArgusSoft” LLC, St. Petersburg.

Results. It is shown that by selecting onion and radish seeds in size and density, their quality indicators can be significantly improved: up to 75.5% germination in onions, up to 100% in radishes with maximum batch alignment estimated by digital morphometry. The ideal shape for cabbage seeds has been determined: for full-fledged cabbage seeds, the roundness index should be more than 0.9. Further development of the technique will allow determining the optimal parameters of the size and shape of seeds for various types of vegetable crops and linking them with qualitative indicators.

Milking systems used in Russia have the potential to be upgraded with devices for in-line control of milk quality parameters. Monitoring the composition of milk and tracking anomalies in the concentration of somatic cells in real time is especially important for rapid response to changes in the parameters of the physiological state of animals and timely intervention before low-quality milk enters the common reservoir. This paper provides an example of the modernization of the “Herringbone” milking system with the function of evaluating the quality of milk during milking. The milk quality express analysis device used to modernize the milking system is optical and does not affect the flow of milk in the milk hose of the milking system. The device allows for in-line analysis of the percentage concentration of fat and quantitative analysis of the concentration of somatic cells in milk with a threshold detection level of 900–1000 thousand cells / ml, analyzing a flow volume of up to 6 liters/min. In the study, the operability of the device to analyze raw cow′s milk with two different fat content parameters — 2.53% and 3.16% and a concentration of 1 × 10⁶ somatic cells per 1 ml was evaluated in two stages. As a result of the experiment, the average value ± standard deviation of fat content was (2.75 ± 0.16)% and (3.37 ± 0.20)%, and somatic cells were (0.096 ± 0.007) cu and (0.102 ± 0.006) cu, which corresponds to the range of 900–1000 thousand cells / ml. The errors of the average values of the measured fat content of milk amounted to 0.2–0.3% of the fat content of the measured milk. The maximum coefficient of variation for fat content measurements is 6%, and for qualitative analysis of somatic cells — 7%, which demonstrates the stability of the device and the success of the modernization of the milking system. In the future, the improvement of the system providing on-line monitoring of the milking process will continue.

Relevance. The article provides a detailed analysis of scientific research related to the development of technology for a creamy dessert bioproduct for healthy nutrition based on dairy and vegetable raw materials.

Methods. A biologically active component in the form of berry syrups, which are a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, organic acids, phenolic compounds and other substances capable of having a healing effect on the human body, has been scientifically substantiated and developed as a source of biologically active components for enriching creamy bioproducts.

Results. It is proved that the use of berry syrups obtained on the basis of wild plant raw materials of the Siberian region of Russia in the technology of dessert bioproduct significantly improves its flavor properties, chemical composition, nutritional and biological value. In addition to berry syrups, in order to enrich the creamy dessert product with functional food ingredients, a binary starter culture containing probiotic microorganisms in immobilized form, iron lactate, ascorbic acid, and dry milk whey were used. These components of functional nutrition play an important role in improving metabolism, normalizing the state of the internal environment of the body, increasing its resistance to harmful environmental influences. The objects of research, the main of which are cream, are described, standard organoleptic, physico-chemical, microbiological and biological research methods using modern devices are applied, mathematical and statistical methods of analyzing experimental data were used. A detailed description of the production technology of berry syrups is presented, the technological parameters of these operations are given in order to maximize the extraction of biologically active substances from plant raw materials. At the final stage of scientific research, the technology of production of creamy dessert bioproduct is presented, the expediency of using biologically active components in its production is justified, quality indicators, nutritional and biological values, storage capacity and shelf life of the new bioproduct are given.

Spelt wheat is an ancient species that has almost disappeared from the culture. The higher grain productivity of turgid wheat compared to other species and the similarity in grain characteristics to durum wheat attracts the attention of breeders.

Interest in spelt, spelt and turgid wheat is growing as environmentally friendly crops that are superior to wheat in protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals. Currently, interest in filmy wheat — spelt and spelt — has increased in Western Europe and the United States. There is information that using them in food reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, which is explained by the higher fiber content in it than in the flour of other types of wheat. The technological characteristics of grain of spelled varieties Runo, Gremme, Gremme 2U, spelled variety Alkoran and promising variety sample Znamenie, durum wheat variety sample Pobeda 70 and turgid wheat variety Kanysh were determined. The conducted research confirmed the possibility of using spelled flour, produced from spelled grain of the Gremme variety, for the production of bakery products of increased biological and nutritional value and with a high organoleptic assessment. The possibility of using grain of new varieties of ancient wheat species in the production of whole and crushed cereals obtained by abrasive grinding has been determined.

The article substantiates management methods in integrated formations of the agricultural sector of the economy, shows the directions of the transformations currently taking place.

Agribusiness is undergoing significant changes due to increased innovation potential, increased knowledge intensity of agricultural production, digitalization and automation of processes. Under the influence of a number of economic and non-economic factors, interorganizational relations in the agro-industrial complex are changing. The integration of agribusiness leads not only to horizontal or vertical integration of agricultural producers with scientific and educational organizations, but also to the formation of new ecosystems and platforms.

The study of various factors that influence the transformation of integration interactions in the agro-industrial complex has allowed us to develop a model of interorganizational relations based on the implementation of a dichotomous approach to agribusiness management. The dichotomous approach made it possible to use complex system features and build an ecosystem organizational structure. The typology of Mitchell and Wood stakeholders based on Fassin›s classification was adopted as the basis of the formed organizational structure.

The study presents the model of interorganizational relations developed by the authors on the example of the integrated structure of the agroindustrial complex “TRIO”. It is shown that dichotomous division helps to streamline interaction within the corporate network and with the external environment. This division can be used to optimize management processes, improve coordination of activities and increase the effectiveness of external and internal communications.