In modern Russia turkey breeding is developing at a significant rate. Turkey meat belongs to dietary products and is very popular among the population. The tasks of turkey breeding include, first of all, ensuring the safety of livestock, preventing feed stresses and reducing the level of microbial contamination. To create the required acidity in the digestive tract, in order to reduce the microbial contamination of feed and water, various feed additives are used based on organic acids or their salts with antimicrobial and probiotic properties, called acidifiers. The studies presented in the article were carried out according to generally accepted methods. As a result, it was found that the use of “Prodaktiv Acid SE” in growing turkeys in order to reduce the microbial contamination of feed and water contributes to an increase in the shelf life of meat and also improves the organoleptic characteristics of meat relatively to the control group.

Relevance. In this article, we present experimental study on the effect of photodynamic therapy with a chlorin-type photosensitizer on the hematological and biochemical blood parameters of cats with malignant oncological diseases.

Methods. During conducting studies in experimental animals, we took blood samples from 44 cats aged 8 to 16 years, of different breeds and different sexes, before photodynamic therapy and two days after treatment, in order to determine the possible effect of therapy on the blood counts of patients. Blood sampling was carried out according to the standard method. Hematological examination was performed on a PCE90vet analyzer (HTI, USA), biochemical on an automatic biochemical analyzer Biosystems A15 (Biosystems, Spain) and on a semi-automatic analyzer Biohaem SA (HTI, USA). Photodynamic therapy was performed according to the standard method, with the preliminary introduction of the photosensitizer “Photoditazine” at a dose of 0.8– 1 mg/kg, 3 hours before irradiation.

Results. The most significant changes in the hematological study were found among the following parameters: the level of white blood cells after irradiation increased by 18%, the number of eosinophils decreased by 28%, the number of segmented neutrophils increased by 11%, the content of lymphocytes decreased by 21%. When studying the biochemical parameters of blood, changes were found in the following parameter: the glucose level increased by 13% after irradiation, the level of GGT decreased by 19% after irradiation. At the same time, all indicators of the hematological and biochemical composition of the blood were within the normal values for this type of animal. Photodynamic therapy does not significantly affect the hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood of cats, this proves the safety of using this method of treatment in these animals.

Relevance. Pig breeding is primarily aimed at improving their reproductive and fattening qualities. To a lesser extent, the selection takes into account the indicators of the immune status of animals and their resistance to conditionally pathogenic microflora, apparently because due to the significant variability of individual blood parameters in ontogenesis, work with animals of many generations is required to improve these signs by breeding. The urgent task is to accelerate this process.

Methods. 6 groups of animals were formed, including: 2 groups of 20 young sows of the Durock breed and large white breed and 2 groups of piglets, their offspring; 10 piglets from each group were weighed monthly, their linear measurements were determined. The study of natural resistance was carried out according to the following indicators: lysozyme, bactericidal and complementary activity of blood serum were measuredby conventional methods and in the author’s modification, hemagglutination reactionand bacterial agglutination — by conventional methods, indicators of phagocytosis were determined by conventional methods and in the author's modification.

Results. A new method of comprehensive assessment of the level of natural resistance of pigs based on eight blood parameters — the resistance index (IR) — has been developed. For the first time, two coefficients — repeatability (rw) and persistence (h2) — were used as the statistical weight of traits. It was found that the live weight gain was higher in the offspring obtained from sows with an IR > 60 points. The offspring of highly resistant sows also had an advantage in linear torso measurements.

The article presents experimental data on the use of intrabreed selection in order to create the most effective productive type of sheep of the Stavropol fine-wool breed. In the zone of the dry steppe of the Volga region the sheep of the Stavropol breed were improved by the meat merino of the Australian selection. Scientific and experimental research was carried out in JSC “New Life” ofNovouzensky district of the Saratov region. The crossbreeds obtained during the step-by-step crossing of Stavropol sheep with tup-producers of Australian meat merino with 1/8-blood content according to AMM by eye-measuring the degree of severity of wool and meat productivity were distributed according to productive indicators (live weight, wool shearing) to the corresponding specific types of productivity. The first group — the uterus of the wool productive type; the second — wool-meat, the third — meat-wool. Each group of sheep was assigned to tuh of meat-wool productive type. The offspring were obtained according to the selection of parental pairs: father x mother. At birth, the M-W x M-W ewe hoggs had an advantage over the W x M-Wanimals in terms of live weight by 7.47%, and over the M-W x M-W — by 1.7%. After weaning at 4.5 months, the live weight of all young animals decreased slightly. In 13.5 months, the superiority of group III over group I and II was 9.3%, 4.6%. In terms of cutting physical wool, group II yarks outperformed group I and III by 1.91 and 3.45%, while their advantage in pure wool was 13.6 and 4.11%. The longest coat was characterized by the young animals of group I, the stronger coat was in the young animals of group III. In the structure of fine-wooled sheep of the Stavropol breed of the Volga population three productive types were distinguished, which differ from each other in terms of productive indicators: wool, wool-meat and meat-wool. At the same time sheep of the Stavropol breed, bred in the dry steppe of the Volga region, to a greater extent deviate towards the wool-meat productive type, such merinos of the combined direction in the conditions of the modern economic situation are most demanded and profitable.

The Holstein bulls’ genealogical structure on the Russian Federation breeding enterprises (n= 3 75), as well as the selection types ratio of their breeding, genomic parameters’ assessments in the countries of exporting were studied. The evaluation of 21 breeding sires on their daughters quality and their mothers milk production comparison in the breeding plant’s herd was carried out. A narrow range of genealogical lines of imported Holsteins, that does not allow genetic variability’s effective use at domestic livestock populations improvement, has been identified. These bulls evaluation by the offspring quality revealed the distribution of daughters on milk yield terms and the mass fraction of protein (PC) at the herd improvement, but with the mass fat fraction (FC) decreasing relative to the groups of mothers. The determination of the daughter groups’ repeatability coefficients and ranking based on the milk production characteristics revealed significant differences with the genomic values estimated fortheir fathers: for milk yield rs = 0,395, for PC — rs =0,200, and for FC — rs = – 0,570. The author concludes that it is impossible to plan improvement ofthe main features of breeding in herd at breeding bulls selecting according to the genomic assessment indicators’ levels and givessuggestions for improvment of methodology of evaluating breeding sires by the quality of offspring in dairy cattle breeding of the Russian Federation.

Relevance. The increasingly high volumes of poultry production predetermined a necessity in the constant targeted selection of poultry, advancement of the existing crosses and development of new lines and crosses with high genetic productivity potential which can be sustainably realized in the regions with different climatic and economic conditions.

Methods. The productive performance of new russian cross “Smena-9” was assessed in relation to the productivity in cross “Smena-8” and to the different slaughter ages in the commercial-like conditions of the Center for Genetics & Selection “Smena”.

Results. The selection of the preparental and parental lines of the new cross “Smena-9” resulted in the improvements of the mortality rate (lower by 0.8%), live bodyweight at 35 days of age (higher by 10.3%), dressing percentage (by 0.9%), breast filet yield (by 0.8%), feed conversion ratio (lower by 4.8%) in broilers of “Smena-9” cross as compared to “Smena-8”. These improvements, in turn, resulted in higher by 16.7% European productive efficiency index (EPEF). At slaughter age 5 weeks the output of meat per parental hen in “Smena-9” cross was 307.6 kg while in “Smena-8” it was 274.9 kg (lower by 11.9%). At slaughter age 6 weeks average daily weight gains in “Smena-9” broilers (74.0 g/bird/day) was higher in comparison to 5 weeks (63.4 g/bird/day) while feed conversion ratio increased from 1.67 to 2.12 kg/kg, resulting in the decrease in the EPEF from 382 to 345 points. The sensory evaluation of meat and broth of “Smena-9” broilers revealed high average scores. The conclusion was made that new cross “Smena-9” can be effectively used in the commercial broiler production.

Relevance. The increasingly high volumes of poultry production predetermined a necessity in the constant targeted selection of poultry, advancement of the existing crosses and development of new lines and crosses with high genetic productivity potential which can be sustainably realized in the regions with different climatic and economic conditions.

Methods. The productive performance of new russian cross “Smena-9” was assessed in relation to the productivity in cross “Smena-8” and to the different slaughter ages in the commercial-like conditions of the Center for Genetics & Selection “Smena”.

Results. The selection of the preparental and parental lines of the new cross “Smena-9” resulted in the improvements of the mortality rate (lower by 0.8%), live bodyweight at 35 days of age (higher by 10.3%), dressing percentage (by 0.9%), breast filet yield (by 0.8%), feed conversion ratio (lower by 4.8%) in broilers of “Smena-9” cross as compared to “Smena-8”. These improvements, in turn, resulted in higher by 16.7% European productive efficiency index (EPEF). At slaughter age 5 weeks the output of meat per parental hen in “Smena-9” cross was 307.6 kg while in “Smena-8” it was 274.9 kg (lower by 11.9%). At slaughter age 6 weeks average daily weight gains in “Smena-9” broilers (74.0 g/bird/day) was higher in comparison to 5 weeks (63.4 g/bird/day) while feed conversion ratio increased from 1.67 to 2.12 kg/kg, resulting in the decrease in the EPEF from 382 to 345 points. The sensory evaluation of meat and broth of “Smena-9” broilers revealed high average scores. The conclusion was made that new cross “Smena-9” can be effectively used in the commercial broiler production.

The article presents the results of monitoring the chemical composition of the average sample of minced meat, energy value, yield of nutrients and their ratio in meat products. The positive effect of crossing black-and-white cattle with Holstein on the nutritional and energy value of meat products has been established. This contributed to an increase in the gross protein yield of carcass pulp by 3.62–5.27 kg (9.50–13.83%), extractable fat — by 1.59–4.60 kg (5.39–14.80%) , energy concentration in 1 kg of pulp — by 506.5– 568.8 kJ (5.34–5.46%).

The work studied the biological safety of the use of biodegradable film coatings for the organism of laboratory animals. For different application methods a different composition of polysaccharides (PS) (%) was developed — xanthan and carboxymethyl- cellulose (CMC): spraying (0.60:2.73); by brush (0.90:2.05); wrapping (1.61:1.38) respectively. Different film coating methods were selected for different foodstuffs. This film coating does not have a negative effect on the organism of laboratory animals.

Relevance.The article highlights the problem of detecting residual amounts of antimicrobial substances in dairy products. The widespread use of medicines in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry creates certain problems associated with the possible contamination of raw materials and products with residual amounts of these substances in case of non-compliance with veterinary rules and regulations. On this basis it is necessary to monitor the content of drugs in animal products. Currently, microbiological and physico-chemical methods for the determination of antibacterial substances are used in Russia.

Methods. O ne of the innovative directions in this field are methods, based on nanobiotechnology and, in particular, the immunomicrochip method. The immunomicrochip technology is designed for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative evaluation of several substances from a single sample.

Results. During the research, the optimal parameters for detecting residual amounts of beta-lactam antibiotics, antibiotics of other groups and sulfonamides in milk and dairy products were determined by the method of immunomicrochip technology.

Relevance. Currently, rabies is registered in almost all countries of the world and is included in the list of dangerous viral diseases. According to WHO estimates, more than 50,000 people die from hydrophobia in the world every year. The urgency of the problem is also associated with the huge economic costs of prevention and antiepizootic measures. Annual rabies monitoring is an important link in the chain of epizootic situation improvement. Based on its results, a further strategy for the prevention and control of rabies is being built.

Methods. The assessment of the epizootic situation in the Russian Federation for rabies in 2020 was carried out based on the results of the analysis of data from annual reports in the 4-vet form provided by state veterinary laboratories to the FSBI CNMVL.

Results. Annual rabies epizootic monitoring is carried out throughout the territory of the Russian Federation. In 2020, 1517 positive results were obtained. Of these, 47% of cases are in pets (dogs, cats), 43% — on wild animals, 9% — on agricultural animals. Unfavorable items were recorded in 61 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The most tense epizootic situation has developed in the Central Federal District and the Privolzhskiy Federal District (603 and 505 positive cases respectively).

Relevance. Recently interest in Siberian and Alaskan huskies has led to a sharp increase in their population, which has led to the relevance of the work carried out.

The purpose of the research was to study and evaluate the biological characteristics of sled dogs of different breeds.

Methods. The biological traits of sled dogs of Siberian and Alaskan Husky breeds have been carried out with using modern hematological and statistical research methods.

Results. The dynamics of hematological indicators in dogs of different breeds before and after exercise has been established. The exercise affected the content of red blood cells — in both groups their decrease occurred (by 7.3 and 11.7%), a similar dynamics has been observed in the level of hemoglobin. The content of white blood cells in both groups, on the contrary, has been increased after exercise. Exercises during the race led to a slight change in the concentration of platelets in the blood of dogs: in Siberian huskies their content has been decreased, while in the group of Alaskan huskies has been increased. The adaptation coefficient of Siberian husky dogs was 4.4 and was higher than in Alaskan huskies by 0.6 or 13.6% (P > 0.999). The heat tolerance index for Siberian huskies was 79.0 and was higher than for Alaskan huskiesb y 8.0 or 11.3% (P > 0.99).

Relevance. Monoglycerides of organic acids are considered as a promising replacement for feed antibiotics in the diets of pigs and poultry, as they have pronounced bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Alpha-monolaurin is a one of the most promising compound, which has a significant antibacterial effect on gram-positive microorganisms.

Methods. The experiment was carried out at one of the pig farms of the Rostov region on September 5–27, 2020 on fattening pigs weighing from 36 kg and up to achievinga live weight of 75 kg. Piglets of the experimental group received 0.4 kg/t of alpha-monolaurin as part of the premix for compound feed CK-5. In the conditions of the production site, control weighing was carried out before the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Weight gain, feed consumption, survival rate and feed conversion were recorded.

Results. The possibility of using alpha-monoglyceride lauric acid (GML, glycerol monolaurate) in the ration of pigs of the first period of fattening under the industrial conditions of an operating pig farm has been studied. It has been found that alphamonolaurin improves feed conversion, reduces feed intake, and also increases the survival rate of fattening pigs. The use of alpha-monolaurin led to an increase in the economic efficiency of raising pigs by 37.63 rubles/head, or 1:2.38 ROI.

The article presents the test results of the new functional feed additive — “Bioprotectin FA”. The use of the developed functional feed additive in the conditions of the equestrian complex of the Belgorod National Research University allowed to improve such training indicators of horses as frolic potential, endurance, as well as general health indicators of sports horses in training conditions in experimental groups of animals compared to control ones, such as positive correction of the intestinal microbiota and improvement of the activity of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems.

Relevance. An analysis of the development of feed production in the Stavropol Territory shows that at present, due to the low productivity of natural forage lands, the level of feed production does not meet the requirements for the development of animal husbandry. Illiterate anthropogenic influence in the dry-steppe regions of the region, where about 70% of the number of sheep and 30% of the number of beef cattle are located, led to the fact that up to 300 thousand hectares of hayfields and pastures were subjected to erosion and deflation. However, in recent years, the process of improving forage land has been reduced to a minimum. Therefore, the process of restoring the forage productivity of hayfields and pastures should be given close attention. To this end, in the zone of dry steppes we conducted research on the selection of perennial legumes and grasses of a new generation to create highly productive grassland agrophytocenoses of long-term use.

Methods. The experiments were carried out in the conditions of arid and extremely arid zones of the Stavropol Territory. The objects of research were perennial legumes and cereals and their herb mixtures. Restoration of degraded hayfields and pastures was carried out by means of amelioration and superficial improvement.

Results. According to our research, by enriching the degenerated grass with valuable legumes and cereals in terms of forage it is possible to significantly increase its productivity and quality. In extremely arid and arid zones the most effective mixtureswere ones involving 4 and 5 components, which yield reached 15.3–23.8 t/ha of green mass, and the yield of feed units per 1 ha was 1.9–2.6 t/ha. The increase in the productivity of the improved herbage had a positive effect on the feed capacity of the land, which increased to 0.83–1.30 conventional heads per 1 ha.

Relevance. Potato hybrids obtained when creating varieties adapted to the weather conditions of the Komi Republic must have maximum resistance to constantly changing environmental conditions while maintaining the yield indicator at a high level. In addition, breeders impose requirements for their high field resistance to the main diseases common in the region: late blight, alternaria, rhizoctonia, scab and viruses (X, Y). In 2020, in the course of a continuously operating selection process, produced on the basis of the Institute of Agrobiotechnology FRC Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Syktyvkar) together with the FRC potato named after A.G. Lorkh (Korenevo), samples were taken from the nursery of the main test of hybrids.

Methods. The studies were carried out on five hybrids sent from the FRC of Potato named after A.G. Lorkh obtained by hybridization of the original parental forms, growing hybrid seedlings and single-root hybrids, followed by selection in nurseries of single-root hybrids, second-year hybrids, preliminary and main tests already directly at the Institute of Agrobiotechnology FRC of the Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Observations, counts and culling in each nursery were carried out in accordance with the methodological recommendations on the technology of the potato breeding process. According to the research results, the hybrids were assessed in terms of yield, yield range (the difference between the maximum and minimum values for the study period), realization of yield potential (the ratio of the average yield to the maximum over the years of research) and coefficient of variation, as well as disease resistance.

Results. As a result of a comprehensive assessment of potato samples in the nursery of the main test, three promising hybrids were identified — 1992–14, 2000–60 and 2139– 5 with an average yield at the level of standard varieties and higher (23.6–31.2t/ha), having a high stability and disease resistance.

Increasing the yield of the most profitable field crops and their placement in crop rotations is an urgent problem of agriculture. The purpose of the studies is to study the productivity of grain crop rotations with various saturation of winter wheat on various power backgrounds and landscape taxons in the zone of unstable moisturizing of the Stavropol Territory. Productivity of grain crop rotations depends on the developing weather conditions, the introduction of mineral fertilizers, saturation of crop rotations with winter wheat and location in the relief. The maximum yield of grain units was observed in crop rotations with winter crops. In crop rotation with a spring barley, they were collected by 3.5–4.2 с less. The use of fertilizers increased the collection of grain units on average by 4.9–6.1 c/ha. On the outskirts of the placard (A1) due to lower soil fertility the minimum collection of grain units was obtained (20.2 с). On average (A2) and lower (A3) slopes their fee increased by 11.7 c, or 57.9%, and by 14.5 c, or 71.8%. In the first crop rotation with 60% saturation of winter wheat the maximum yield of the grain of this culture was obtained. In the second and third crop rotation with 40% grain saturation wasassembled by 6.2–6.3 c less. Putting fertilizers in a dose of N40P40K40 increased the grain collection in the first crop rotation by 4.1, in the second — by 2.2 and in the third — by2.4 c, and according to taxons: on A1 — by1.4,on A2 — by3.6 and onA3 — by 3.8 c. According to the landscape taxons, the release of grain of winter wheat differed at 7.9–10.2 c with the maximum value on the lower slope. Upon the exit of the grain and feed units on all power backgrounds, 1st and 3rd crop turns were leading, and in the exit of the grain of winter wheat — crop rotation with 3 fields of winter wheat.

Relevance. The aim of the work is to create a green conveyor belt of perennial zoned grasses in floodplain meadows. For the first time in the Far North on the basis of field experience were studied species composition and mode of use of perennial grasses and legumes for green belt.

Methods. The research was conducted in 2018–2020 in field conditions in the experimental field laboratory of horticulture of Yakut Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture named after M.G. Safronov in the Khangalassky ulus of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The soil of the experimental site is permafrost floodplain turf light loamy. Sowing was carried out in summer in the first decade of July.

Results. The article includes data on the yield, chemical composition and nutritional value, and economic efficiency of perennial grasses. Over the years of research, the maximum yield was obtained from the grass mixtures of rumps (20)+ wheatgrass (16) — 4.0 t/ha of green mass, which is higher than the natural herbage by 2.4 t/ha of green mass. The yield of net sowing of sickle alfalfa (8 kg/ha) was 4.5 t/ha of green mass. The maximum yield from leguminous grass mixtures was provided by a two-component mixture of alfalfa (8 kg/ha) + stalk (10 kg/ha) — 4.9 t/ha of green mass. The highest content of crude protein when creating a green conveyor from single-species cereal crops is observed in red oatmeal — 18.2%, while the content of exchange energy is 9.1 MJ, feed units — 0.66, digestible protein — 122 g in 1 kg of dry matter. Of legumes and cereals the highest content of raw protein is provided by alfalfa (8 kg/ha) — 19.0%, while the content of exchange energy is 9.3 MJ, feed units — 0.70, digestible protein is 120 g per 1 kg of dry matter. When creating a green conveyor from grass stands, a high conditional net income is obtained when sowing boneless stalk (20 kg/ha) +w heatgrass (16 kg/ha) — 5688 rubles/ha, while the cost of production is 12,000 rubles/ha, the profitability is 90%.

Experimental studies have shown that with an increased level of mineral nutrition (N120P180K240) all varieties increased the yield (by 1.7–4.1 tons/ha, or by 10–25%), while the most productive varieties being Bryansky Nadezhny, Bryanskaya Novinka, Slava Bryanshchiny (21.9–22.9 tons/ha). In terms of dry substances content almost all varieties met the requirements of processing, which called for for a dry substance level in tubers of at least 20–24%. With an increase in the dose of fertilizers the amount of starch and dry matter in tubers decreased. On an average background, the starch content compared to the control decreased by 0.7–1.1%, dry substances — by 0.7– 1.2%, on an increased background respectively — by 1.2–1.7%, dry substances — by 1.4–2.7%. The taste of potatoes on an increased background of fertilizers worsened regardless of variety. In terms of darkening of the flesh, raw cleaned tubers of all varieties are not suitable for long-term storage (for example, for 24 hours), while boiled tubers of all varieties did not reduce the quality. Growing potatoes on an increased background of mineral nutrition increased the darkening of raw tubers of the studied varieties compared to control. In the studied varieties the content of reducing sugars in many cases exceeded the amount allowed for the manufacture of crispy potatoes, and therefore its quality was reduced, mainly due to the color of the slices. Almost all varieties gave puree of good quality. An increase in the background of fertilizers slightly worsened the consistency of puree, which reduced the overall estimate.

The greatest period of time was spent on creating a cultivar at the first stage of breeding in our institution, when we did not have proper experience in apple breeding. For example, in the sixties of the last century, cultivars Pepin Orlovsky, Orlovskaya Zarya, Nizkorosloye and Sinap Orlovsky were created, in which the period from hybridization to inclusion in the State Register of Breeding Achievements allowed for use was 48, 45, 43 and 34 years respectively. With the acquisition of breeding experience in selecting the initial parent cultivars and improving the methods of growing seedlings in the breeding orchard (growing hybrid seedlings in the crown of a semi-dwarf or dwarf rootstock or on insert rootstocks) the period was significantly reduced — to 20 years for such cultivars as Yablochny Spas, Aleksander Boyko, Maslovskoye and a number of others. The first immune domestic cultivar Imrus (immune russian) was created and included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements allowed for use in just 15 years. It took 16 years to create the Rozhdestvenskoye cultivar. Naturally, on average, much less time was spent on the creation of columnar cultivars due to the earlier entry into flowering and fruiting. Due to the fact that high agricultural technology improves the growth processes of hybrid seedlings in the breeding nursery and in the breeding orchard and reduces their juvenile period, it must necessarily be carried out. This report gives a brief production and biological characteristics of the best apple cultivars of the Institute’s breeding. One of the best cultivars immune to scab is the winter cultivar Imrus (immune russian). The cultivar has a rapid fruitfulness and high yield. Its fruit can be stored in the cold storage until mid-March. Veniaminovskoye and Kandil Orlovsky are also valuable immune cultivars. The fruits of Veniaminovskoye are stored in the refrigerator until the end of February; the cultivar is characterized by the dessert quality of the fruit. The advantages of Kandil Orlovsky are also high rapid fruitfulness and productivity. Triploid Aleksander Boyko is immune to scab and has large size of fruit (220 g) and regular fruiting. Columnar cultivars Priokskoye and Poezia are of great interest. Priokskoye is characterized by scab immunity and high productivity. The fruits are characterized by marketability and high consumer qualities. In the refrigerator, the fruits can be stored until February. It took only 18 years to create this cultivar. The columnar scab-immune cultivar Poezia is characterized by high rapid fruitfulness. Its fruits are stored in the refrigerator until February.

This article presents the results of studies that were conducted in a small-sized film greenhouse for growing аpple and pear seedlings according to different planting schemes with mulching between rows with black span bond and matting. It was found that mulching between rows creates more favorable conditions for growing plants. The temperature regime of the soil improves, especially at the depth of the root layer. The row spacing soil is less compacted, since multiple loosening and weeding are not required. The mulching materials used freely pass water and mineral elements dissolved in it. Black woven matting is recognized as the best material for mulching between rows of apple and pear trees in a small film greenhouse. The applied schemes of planting winter grafts of apple and pear trees and mulching of row spacing made it possible to completely abandon the use of intensive manual labor on weeding and loosening the soil. Using three-line planting instead of one-line planting allows to significantly increase the yield of planting material per unit area.

The article presents the results of a three-year study of the stability of Psathyrostachys juncea to leaf spots in the feedstock nursery. The production of stable yields of Psathyrostachys juncea is limited by a number of factors, some of them are lesions by a complex of diseases that significantly reduce feed productivity. It has been revealed that the most common diseases of the leaves and stems of Psathyrostachys juncea are: helminthosporiosis, septoriosis and stem (linear) rust. On the basis of phytoimmunological evaluation of samples in the nursery of the starting material, the numbers K 2, K 4, K 6, K 9, K 10, K1 1, K 12, K 14, K 16, K 20 were identified, showing the highest complex resistance to the group of leaf spots.

The article deals with the influence of mineral fertilizers and the long-term aftereffect of liming on the biological properties of light gray forest soil and the yield of meadow clover 1 g.p. in the conditions of the South-East of the Volga-Vyatka region. The biological properties of light gray forest soil in 2020 were more influenced by the weather conditions of the pink clover vegetation and the culture itself than by the studied aftereffects of lime material and various doses of its mineral nutrition. The biological activity of the soil was in the range of 16.3–30.4%. The intensity of soil respiration was very weak and was in the range of 1.53–3.4 mg of CO2/10g for 24 hours. The average yield of the green mass of clover 1 g.p. (in terms of absolutely dry matter) was in the range of 30.4–33.2 t/ha (NSR05 by factor B-6.3) and did not depend on the aftereffect of the studied lime doses. The use of N45P120K180 doses of mineral fertilizers increases the average yield of pink clover 1 g.p. compared with the natural fertility of light gray forest soil and the variants of using N15P40K60 doses up to 37.9 t/ ha, which is by11.9 and 8.6 t/ha respectively higher than these variants (NSR05 for factor A-5.2). An increase was also obtained from the use of N30P80K120 doses of mineral fertilizers compared to the cultivation of clover according to natural soil fertility — by7.4 t/ha (NSR05 according to factor A-5.2).I n general, for 42 years of studying the aftereffect of liming it was shown, that by 2020 liming does not affect the biological properties of light gray forest soil and the yield of 1 g.p. clove according to all the studied doses of its use in the conditions of the South-East of the Volga-Vyatka region. The soil needs repeating of reclamation works.

The article presents information about the new book of the first volume of “Pomology”, prepared at VNIISPK with the participation of scientists from leading horticultural institutions of Russia under the general editorship of Academician E.N. Sedov and reissued at the end of 2020 with the financial support of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The new edition of the volume “Apple” includes more than 200 cultivars included in the State Register over the past 15 years, and about 100 cultivars are excluded. The structure of the book is described, in which there is a substantial introductory part that tells about the history of pomology as a science, its tasks, stages of formation and scientists who made the greatest contribution to its development. The description scheme of the cultivars presented in this volume is built according to a single plan, that allows to compare and test the cultivars. Each description, in addition, contains information about the institutions, in which the cultivars were created, their authors, years and regions of zoning. The main advantages and disadvantages of the described cultivars are indicated, and color photos of the fruits are provided. The book has a section on the origin and evolution of Malus Mill., provides information about the main genetic centers of the origin of the culture. The volume has 633 pages, it describes 400 apple cultivars, 28 clonal rootstocks of various growth strength and 5 intercalary rootstocks for apple trees included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements approved for use in the Russian Federation by 2020. The volume has a circulation of 300 copies. The book can be of value to all categories of readers interested in gardening, including scientists, students and postgraduates, as well as to gardeners-practitioners.

One of the most pressing issues at this stage of the development of the russian economy is the search for ways to effectively operate its agricultural sector, which is based on the development of a competitive food market. Among a number of reasons hindering the formation and development of agricultural organizations, the main ones are: the low level of the material and technical support system, the disparity of prices and the lack of healthy competition between different types of economic entities. In these conditions, there is a need to determine the methodology for assessing the competitiveness of agricultural organizations. The purpose of this work is to create a methodological basis for assessing the competitiveness of agricultural organizations. Testing of the methodology for assessing competitiveness was carried out on the example of agricultural organizations in the Ulyanovsk region.