The article presents the results of environmental testing of maize hybrids (FAO 100-149, 2008-2016) created in different Russian selection centers. The volume of the nursery ranged from 18 to 50 items. The coefficients of skewness and kurtosis of the grain yield, harvest moisture and biochemical indicators were not significant at a 5% level, it means that the distribution of parameters was normal. The important feature of a rather longterm testing of hybrids was a significant variation of hydrothermic factor (0.32-1.1). The hybrids were under similar conditions. In 2010, a sharp decrease (more than twice) in the maize grain yield was recorded under the conditions of extreme drought, especially in the 2nd half of vegetation period. The period of 2012-2016 was characterized by a relatively stable yield of the standard and best maize hybrids developed in Russian National Research University. The ranking of hybrids at an average yield was the following order: (Ross 140 SV) < Ik < Om < Kr < Fo < KS < YuV < Po. The harvest moisture of grains indicated the technological option to dry grains received from early maize hybrids, since the actual excessive moisture could be removed without any significant difficulties. The ranking of hybrids at average harvest moisture was in the following order: Ik < Om < Kr < Fo < st (Ross 140 SV) < KS < YuV < Po. The testing revealed a variation in the biochemical content of the grains received from the maize hybrids. The ranking of the best hybrids at an average crude protein content was in the following order: Kr < Om < KS < Ik < Po < control (Ross 140 SV) < Fo < YuV.

The main factor to increase and stabilize the buckwheat production in Volga-Vyatka region has been the development and accelerated implementation of early-ripening varieties, which can be adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions. The Nizhny Novgorod Agricultural Research Institute was selecting buckwheat in order to develop varieties combining high crop yields and high grain quality, resistance to lodging and field resistance to phytopathogens. The study was performed in accordance with the public variety testing in 2014-2016. The article presents the results of the study on Aleka (new buckwheat variety), which was developed through a hybrid population [Strelka x Cheremshanka] x Primorskaya 312. A 3-year study revealed that the variety had exceeded Strelka in yields by 0.48 t/ha, in crude protein content - by 0.81%, in resistance to diseases - by 5.7%, in resistance to pests - by 0.9%. In 2016, Aleka was transferred to the public variety testing. Aleka is an adaptive, mid-ripening variety, characterized by high crop yields, (2.38 t/ha), resistance to lodging, high grain quality (crude protein content is up to 14.17%), resistance to diseases, the weight of 1000 gains is 38.2 g. To obtain high crop yields of the variety, it is necessary to take into account the agricultural techniques, including wide-row sowing and direct combining. Due to the lack of seeds, the widerow sowing saves seed material, and the direct combining saves on measures aimed at harvesting the variety.

The article presents the results of a 3-year field experiment on the comparative efficiency of mineral fertilizers and biological preparations on maize productivity and quality in ordinary chernozem of Rostov region. The research was conducted in the testing field of Don State Agrarian University in Rostov region in 2015-2017. The object of the research was a maize hybrid, Krasnodarsky 358 (mid-ripening). There were tested mineral fertilizers: ammophos (N₁₂Р₅₂), ammonium nitrate (N_{34, 4}), and bacterial preparations developed by All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology in Saint Petersburg. The bacterial preparations were with associative nitrogen-fixing strains: Mizorin, 204, 2P-9, 2P-7, KL-10. The application of the mineral fertilizers at a dose of N_30Р40 had a significant effect on the yield. The most effective strains providing high productivity of maize were Mizorin and 2P-7. The best combination of mineral fertilizers and biological preparations was the test with 2P-9. On average, the yield in this test increased by 1.67 t/ha or 55.3%. The economic efficiency of bacterial preparations was not inferior to the mineral fertilizers and even exceeded them.

A study on various fertilizer systems in fodder crop rotation was conducted in the Republic of Komi, in 1978-2016. A field experiment was performed in sod-podzolic light loam soils. The impact of organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as their combinations, on soil fertility and productivity of crops of fodder six-field crop rotation was studied. The fodder crop rotation had the following crop rotation: potatoes, vetch and oat mixture with the seeding of perennial grasses, perennial grasses 1 g.p., perennial grasses 2 g.p., vetch and oat mixture, potatoes. It was established, that organic, mineral, and organomineral fertilizer systems, in varying degrees, had an impact on soil and productivity of fodder crops. The organic fertilizer system increased the humus content by 0.7- 0.9%, the organomineral system - by 0.3-0.5%, the mineral fertilizers decreased the humus content by 0.1-0.2% and increased soil acidity. The exchangeable potassium content decreased due to leaching. The best results were achieved after the application of organic fertilizers (80 t/ha) and full dose of NPK. On average, after two crop rotations the yield of dry matter of potatoes was 3.9 t/ha, perennial grasses - 6.7 t/ha, annual grasses - 3.9 t/ha with high quality products. The starch content in potatoes was 13.6% (in the control - 11.6 %), the crude protein content in annual and perennial grasses was 11.4-15.2% (in the testing without fertilizers - 10.3-11.6%).

One of the main measures aimed at developing highly productive plantations of stone fruit crops is breeding and selection of promising clonal rootstocks. A ground for the research served the need to develop effective technologies for propagation of clonal rootstocks. The article describes the method developed for the effective propagation of clonal rootstocks of stone fruit crops on the basis of the research conducted and the results obtained. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse complex with fog cannons in a scientific and production company. The aim of the research was to develop a method for effective propagation of clonal rootstocks of stone fruit crops, which would double the output of rooted soft wood cuttings. To achieve the goal, the period of rhizogenic activity was determined, an experimental research on the impact of auxin preparation IMK and 50% aqueous ethanol solution (control) on the size of stems, leaves and roots of soft wood cuttings was performed. The research helped to develop a new method for effective propagation of clonal rootstocks of stone fruit crops. The methods extended the timing of cutting in favor of early forms due to the use of soft wood cuttings, auxin stimulator of rhizogenesis, substrate in container cassettes, which in turn more than doubles the efficiency of expensive greenhouse area.

The article presents the results of the study on the impact of soil moisture depth on irrigation water consumption and the yield of intensive apple orchard in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The soil moistening depth in the intensive apple orchards was determined in meadow serozem soils of Tashkent region. The intensive irrigation with 0.8 m soil horizon moistening increased apple yields by 6.4 c/ha in comparison with 1.0 m soil horizon moistening. Based on the results obtained, it is reasonable to use a 75-80-70% drip irrigation method with 0.8 m soil horizon moistening in meadow serozem soils of Tashkent region to receive high apple yields. High apple yields are achieved through 18-20 times of irrigation at 60-100 m³/ha under favorable geological and hydrological soil conditions.

A biological method of crop protection, which is based on the efficiency of artificial inoculation with bioagents (Trichogramma, Braconidae, Chrysopidae, etc.) and natural self-regulation of arthropods, is one of the elements of the integrated crop protection system. In Andijan region, after a long period unfavorable for the development of cotton bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera Hb.), the outbreak of this pest occurred in 2015 and 2017. In 2015, a series of tests was performed at the farms of Izboskan district in order to study the efficiency of Trichogramma (Trichogramma pintoi) and Braconidae (Bracon hebetor) reared at the local laboratory of Andijan Institute of Agriculture. The optimal timing of Trichogramma release was determined according to the signals in pheromone traps provided by the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The bioagents received from the laboratory showed poor performance. With the natural 38-50% fertility (sterility) of eggs and natural 3.1-4.8% infestation of eggs with Trichogramma (control I), the local parasite population showed 5.3-25.5% efficiency, the population reared at the laboratory showed 28.4-48.7% efficiency. Thus, the biological method aimed against cotton bollworms was justified in areas with the moderate size of pests (up to 20-25 eggs and caterpillars per 100 plants). In case of outbreaks, it is reasonable to use insecticidal protection. Of particular interest in the biological method of plant protection is Chrysopidae. Taking into account the results of many experiments on the efficiency of Chrysopidae after its larvae release in the ratio of 1:10-15, it can be stated that the release of one Chrysopidae is not effective.

Examination of the designs of existing domestic and foreign battery cages intended for commercial flocks of laying hens was performed. All advantages and disadvantages revealed during the examination together with modern requirements for poultry housing technology in Russia and the EU were taken into account in a new development. The battery cage of new generation for commercial poultry flocks has been developed according to the modern requirements in Russia and the EU. The design of the battery cage increases the capacity of poultry houses and improves conditions of poultry housing. The height of the cage was increased by 80-100 mm, the number of tiers was reduced from 4 to 3 cm. However, the capacity of the poultry house in comparison with the best foreign analogue (UV 500 Big Dutchman) was 12.5 higher. The space above the egg collection conveyor was converted into a useful area, the efficiency of feeders was doubled. Differentiated illumination created areas with standard and low lighting. The area with low lighting provides favorable conditions for rest, laying, and serves as a nest. In addition, the cage is equipped with a roost. The scientific development reduces the number of damaged eggs, eggs contaminated with dung (by 2-4%) due to laying in areas with low lighting near the conveyor. Therefore, it reduces the route of eggs along the floor contaminated with dung and the risk of damage to eggs. The improved conditions of housing help to realize the full genetic potential.

The article discusses the methodical fundamentals of creating a single (comprehensive) indicator for evaluating dogs’ working qualities regardless of the assessment standards. Various standards - a behavior training course, protective-sentry service, IPO or mondioring - differ in the number of exercises and their contribution to the evaluation of selected characteristics in the breeding of working dogs. The paper determines which exercises of the above standards define the selected characteristics of working qualities. The article demonstrates the need for a unified assessment scale of dogs’ working qualities by transferring the scores received from tests on different standards into one unified assessment scale. The comprehensive indicator preserves the rating of dogs’ working qualities within the behavior training course, protective-sentry service, IPO1 and MR-2 standards. The rank correlation coefficient between the overall MR-2 score and the comprehensive indicator was 0.55. It indicates that MR-2 standard cannot be used for the assessment of dogs’ working qualities. To determine the value of working dog breeds in Russia, it is possible to bring the received assessments of working qualities within behavior training course, protective-sentry service, IPO 1 and MR-2 standards to a single comprehensive indicator.

The research was conducted on purebred grey and black Karakul sheep at the farm in Jambyl region. The research on the breeding of grey Karakul sheep of silver coloring, which would be adapted to the conditions of Zakaratausko-Moiynkum area of Jambyl region, was started in 2001. The article presents the results of the use of index methods in the selection of grey Karakul sheep (selection according to the white hair length of astrakhan) and the results of the study on the inheritance of wool homogeneity and silver coloring after homogeneous and heterogenous selection of parents by color. All selection methods showed rather high homogeneity after the selection of parents with DBV20-22 index. The indicator of white hair length of astrakhan in the selection of grey sheep contributed to the improvement of astrakhan qualities of grey Karakul sheep of silver coloring, had a positive effect on the growth and development of animals, thereby all these factors indicate the extensive use of the methods developed for improving productive and breeding qualities. The index method for the selection of grey Karakul sheep of silver coloring according to the white hair length of astrakhan within of 20-22% of the black strengthened the coloring by 12.79% and increased the homogeneity by 7.94%. The index method helped to breed two highly productive linear animals.

Age-related macro- and micro-morphological patterns of changes in the intestine and blood indicators of Lindovsky geese after the application of vermiculite were studied. There were recorded patterns of increase in the mass and length of different intestine areas in accordance with asynchronicity, heterochrony and age-related adaptation. The application of the feed additive had an effect on the growth and structural differentiation of the membranes of small and large intestines. The mucous membranes of 20-day old geese of the test group were 2-4 % higher than that in the control group. An increase in the thickness of the mucous membranes was mainly due to an increase in the height of surface epithelium and the size of folds by 6-13%, lamina propria and submucosa. The depth of crypths and their diameter also increased. The number of goblet cells in the surface epithelium and at the top of folds and intestinal villi grew. Unlike the control group, the test group was characterized by a decrease in the height of intestinal villi on average by 13.5%, and an increase in the width by 17.9%. Vermiculite had no destructive effect on the morphological indicators of the intestinal membranes. The parietal mucous layer of the geese of the test group had high sorption properties, since it contained active protein substances, including pancreatic and intestinal enzymes, immunoglobulins and substrate-binding proteins. A dose of 5.0 g/kg bw had a positive impact on hematological indices - an increase in the hemoglobin content in 20-30-day old geese and qualitative changes in erythropoiesis. The total protein content in the blood serum of the geese of the test group was relatively high, it indicated their productivity. At the same time, the level of alkaline phosphatase in the geese of the test group was lower than that in the control group. It is a favorable indicator of the development of the musculoskeletal system and it is accompanied by the activation of metabolic processes.