Relevance. Every year, dog breeders are faced with the problem of acute poisoning of dogs. Various toxic compounds can be the cause of dog poisoning. The huge variety of potentially toxic substances makes it difficult to identify the source of poisoning. Service dog breeding also faces this problem, as a result of which it is necessary to have information about the possibility of poisoning service dogs, as well as methods for detecting toxic substances and preventing further poisoning. In service dog breeding, they mainly use feed made by cooking gruel soup in boilers in the feed kitchens of nurseries. Due to the fact that there were cases of poisoning of service dogs in the Vyborg district of the Leningrad region, we conducted research to identify toxic compounds in beef from which feed was made in the feed kitchens of nurseries.
Methods. The studies were carried out at the Institute of Toxicology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency using an Acguity UPLC I-class ultra-performance liquid chromatograph with a spectrophotometric detecto and an Acguity UPLC H-class ultraperformance liquid chromatograph with a Xevo TQD tandem mass spectrometer. Sample components were identified by electronic spectra and mass numbers.
Results. According to the results of the study, the presence of isoniazid metabolic products in the form of isonicatinic acid, as well as conjugates of isoniazid with sulfuric, acetic and glucuronic acids, was found in beef meat.The obtained results of the study of the chromatographic profiles of aqueous extracts and the chemical identification of their components in the products that are used for the preparation of food for service dogs make it possible to accurately determine and identify toxic substances with a wide variety of them. Thus, in order to prevent the loss of service dogs, it is necessary to control the newly received food and feed in order to prevent poisoning.

Exotic species of animals have recently become more and more popular and widespread; the approach to their diagnosis of diseases and treatment has its own nuances. Despite the similarity of species, there are differences that need to be taken into account. One of the fundamental problems of comparative anatomy is the disclosure of general patterns and specific features of the skeleton of animals. Despite the available detailed work in this direction, many questions concerning this problem still remain open and require further study.

Relevance. In the instructions for the use of vaccines for dogs, there is a clause prescribing mandatory anthelmintic treatment of the animal before vaccination. This is really a correct indication, since it is well known that helminthiasis affects the animal’s body, disrupting many metabolic processes and causing a number of pathological changes in the body. Helminthic infestations affect the level of immunity of the animal by changing the level of immunoglobulins, causing changes in the T- and B-systems of immunity. However, there is no data available in the literature describing how helminths affect the production of post-vaccination antibodies. This paper describes an experiment aimed at establishing how toxocara invasion affects the formation of post- vaccination immunity against canine distemper and parvovirus enteritis in dogs.
Methods. The research was conducted in a shelter for neglected animals in Vitebsk. The object of research was two dogs aged 4 years and seven puppies aged 1–2 months. The animals were divided into two groups. The first group included one adult dog and four puppies. The second group included an adult dog and three puppies. Animals of both groups were vaccinated against carnivorous plague and parvovirus enteritis, but only animals of the second group were dewormed.
Results. By evaluating the results of the study, it was found that helminthic invasion really hinders the development of post-vaccination immunity.

Relevance. The activity of the digestive organs is largely determined by the feeding regime, in particular, the frequency, timeliness, and the order of feeding the feed. The digestibility of nutrients is influenced by the preparation of feed for feeding, which facilitates mechanical processing in the digestive tract and the action of digestive enzymes. Against the background of a decrease in the natural resistance of the animal body, an important aspect is the use of mineral supplements and the enrichment of diets with biologically active substances that increase the nutritional value and the degree of assimilation of feed by animals. The aim of the work was a comparative assessment of methods for studying the degree of assimilation of feed by animals.
Methods. To determine the degree of food assimilation, 2 drops of isotonic (0.9%) sodium chloride solution and a small amount of intestinal contents were applied to a glass slide, a thin smear was prepared, dried in air for 30 min, and large particles were removed. The preparations were fixed for 15 min with 96% ethyl alcohol, then 3–5 drops of a 1.0% aqueous solution of methylene blue, Lugol, Sudan III were applied. Along with the indicated conventional methods, we tested a method for preparing preparations using fixation in vapors of a 25.0% solution of glutaraldehyde for 30–40 minutes, in vapors of a 1.0% aqueous solution of osmium tetroxide.
Results. The kinetics of the formation of intestinal microbiocenoses is characterized by a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and an increase in the number of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria. In a comparative assessment of the preparation methods, the advantage of microscopic research methods is the possibility of a detailed study of the contents, the degree of assimilation of feed components in the gastrointestinal tract, and a visual assessment of the state of the intestinal microflora. The advantage of the method for preparing preparations with the use of vapor fixation of a 25.0% solution of glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide is the possibility of visualizing the formation of monospecific and polyspecies biofilms by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The preparations were sufficiently contrasting, there were no artifacts, bacteria and fungi stained brown, which made it possible to count even pinpoint colonies using a magnifying glass or an optical microscope. The easily digestible feed results in a low fecal yield and a stable consistency. The use of functional food “Pristine Gold Vet” in the nutrition of dogs and fur-bearing animals made it possible to increase the absorption of nutrients by 18,1% and 15,3%.

Relevance. The study of the pathogenesis of obesity in domestic animals is an urgent problem in veterinary medicine, which is associated with the high prevalence of this pathological condition and a significant risk of complications from the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study was to present the pathophysiological characteristics of the development of arterial hypertension syndrome in obesity in Yorkshire Terrier dogs.
Methods. In a comparative aspect, clinical, tonometric, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and biochemical parameters were studied in obese patients (n = 13) and clinically healthy dogs (n = 7).
Results. Our study shows the negative role of obesity in the development of arterial hypertension syndrome in Yorkshire Terrier dogs. It was also found that obesity in dogs is accompanied by impaired lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, the development of arterial hypertension and a tendency to the development of concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricular myocardium and hepatopathy.

Relevance. The study will help to identify new perspectives in breeding; get new data about the biological processes occurring in the body of animals according to the endogenous hormones of breeding bulls. The hormonal-immunobiological relationship in the body of bulls and their adaptive ability in different climatic conditions is a very important issue today.
Methods. The work was performed in a temperate continental climate with a long, snowy winter and warm summer in the conditions of the Udmurt Republic in the period from 2020 to 2021 on breeding bulls (n = 27) of modern breeding at the age of 15–69 months. The state of endogenous hormones testosterone, estradiol, thyroxine and cortisol after a long winter period was studied, depending on the age, breed and selection in the normal physiological functioning of breeding bulls. The average serum values of estradiol — 0.517 nmol/l, testosterone — 25.7 nmol/l, thyroxine — 74.7 nmol/l, cortisol — 420 nmol/l, and their cholesterol precursor at the level of 3.2 nmol/l were established in the blood of breeding bulls located in this region. It was found that, depending on age, there are differences in all the studied indicators, however, there is a reliability for thyroxine and cortisol. The concentration of cortisol by selection significantly differs in imported bulls of European selection from the Netherlands at the level of p > 0.05, which characterizes the presence of a certain stress adaptation factor in this group. In terms of variability, a significant difference between min and max indicators was noted for the concentration of testosterone, which varied between 2.4 nmol/l and 60 nmol/l, indicating the individuality of these hormones in breeding bulls in this region.
Results. Based on the data obtained, the need to take these data into account when operating breeding bulls and analyzing sperm products, taking into account the concentration of these hormones, as well as the implementation of appropriate preventive measures, is revealed.

The article discusses the effect of the b-galactosidase enzyme on the storage capacity of milk with hydrolyzed lactose. For this purpose, parallel studies of a sample of sterilized milk and low-lactose milk, produced on its basis, were carried out. The peptide profile was used as a criterion for assessing the storage capacity of milk that underwent enzymatic decomposition of lactose. Assessment of the state of the peptide profile during storage was recorded at three control points — 30, 60 and 90 days. Studies have shown that at the second checkpoint, peptides were identified that characterize the proteolytic activity in the product. The third checkpoint study revealed the presence of low molecular weight peptides responsible for the bitter taste in milk. Parallel studies of sterilized milk without the addition of the enzyme did not reveal any changes in the peptide profile. The studies carried out indicate that the b-galactosidase enzyme has a residual proteolytic activity, which negatively affects the storage capacity of low-lactose milk and, as a consequence, the products, produced on its basis.

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%.

Relevance. The wide use of extrusion for processing plant raw materials is explained by the possibility of improving the structure and increasing the availability of macronutrients of the target product. Extrusion of oilseeds is complicated by the negative effect of high lipid content on the ongoing physicochemical processes and, as a consequence, a decrease in the quality of extrudates. Along with their high lipid content, oilseeds such as flaxseed contain significant amounts of protein, soluble (mucilage) and insoluble (cellulose, lignin) fibers, which can also affect the technological properties of extrudates. As a high-energy and protein component, flax seeds are used in the feed industry. Increasing the nutritional value of flax seeds and their safety will expand the range of biologically active additives for the production of feed. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of extrusion on the feed value of flax seeds.
Methods. For the research we used unmilled oil flax seeds produced in 2020. Flax seeds were processed by wet extrusion: the raw material was preliminarily moistened to 17% at 80 °C; extrusion process parameters — 120 °С, pressure 40 atm., duration 30 sec. Extruded flax seeds were obtained on a pilot plant of OOO “Fid-Group” (Belgorod region). Studies of extruded flax seeds were carried out on the basis of the laboratory for processing bast crops of the Federal Scientific Center for Fiber Crops (Tver).
Results. A comparative analysis of the results showed a positive effect of short-term barothermal treatment, such as extrusion, on the chemical composition of flax seeds and their feed parameters. It has been shown that: the content of crude protein in extruded flax seeds increased by 3.97%, the water-soluble fraction increased by 66.18%, which indicates an increase in the biological value of the extrudate; the mass fraction of crude fiber decreased by 1.18%, which indicates an improvement in the digestibility of the extruded product; the content of mineral nutritional value increased by 12.5%; when using barothermal treatment, the nutritional value of flax seeds increased by 2.46%, metabolic energy increased by 2.19% and digestible protein increased by 4.08%; the level of indicators of the lipid complex, acid number and peroxide number, decreased by 40 and 39% respectively, which indicates a decrease in the activity of enzymes that cause hydrolytic and oxidative deterioration of the extrudate.

The article presents the results of the influence of new recipes of feed additives, made on the basis of local resources, on the biochemical parameters of the blood of dairy cows of the Simmental breed in the conditions of Yakutia. Research objectives: 1) study the chemical composition of new recipes for feed additives produced from local resources; 2) determination of the influence of the new formulation of feed additives from local resources on the biochemical parameters of blood in cattle of the Simmental breed. In our experiments, there were no statistically significant changes in the biochemical parameters of blood during the period of the experiments, all the studied blood parameters, both at the beginning and at the end of the experiments, in all groups of animals were within the physiological norms and did not have significant differences between the groups. Consequently, feeding the formulation of feed additives in the composition of Tammi barley, Tuymaada wheat, Pokrovsky and Vilensky oats, dry brewer’s grain, Hongurin zeolite, Hongurinobakt probiotic in the diet of cows and heifers of the Simmental breed contributed to the activation of vital processes in the body, assimilation of feed and improved appetite. It should be noted that the cows of the II experimental group showed a tendency to increase the composition of amino acids. At the beginning of the experiment, the blood lysine content increased by 5.22 mg/% compared with the control and by 5.79 mg /% — with the I experimental group, methionine — by 19.67 mg/% and by 10.02 mg/% respectively. The same pattern is observed for the rest of the amino acid composition at the end of the experiment. The data obtained indicate that the optimization of the feed rations of Simmental cows in terms of the content of vitamins of groups A and C through the use of the formulation of protein-vitamin-mineral feed additives had a positive effect on the hematopoietic function. So, if the content of vitamins A and C at the beginning of the experiment was low, then at the end of the experiment the same indicators returned to normal.

Relevance. Modern livestock breeders face an important task of producing organic products, in Russia this is regulated by the Federal Law “On Organic Products” (from 01.01.2020), it allows producers to enter in the state register and mark the products with the “organic” sign. There is a problem of deterioration of the quality of milk, low content of fat, protein, SOMO, deficiency of macro-and microelements, vitamins, which is associated with a violation of the proper feeding of animals. The use of innovative technologies for the activation and modification of silicon-containing minerals (diatomite and zeolite clinoptilolite) enhances their properties. This makes it possible to use them as an adsorbent, an ion exchanger and a source of readily available silicon and other mineral elements to produce high-quality organic products.
Methods. To achieve this goal, in the Ulyanovsk region we organized a production experience in the conditions of a dairy farm of “Agrofirma Tetyushskoe” for a duration of 100 days. Three groups of 50 cows were formed: 1st — control, received only the basic diet (ОR), 2nd — experimental (ОR+ supplement based on modified zeolite enriched with amino acids), 3rd — experimental (ОR+ supplement based on modified diatomite enriched with amino acids). The supplement was given once a day, in the morning in a mixture with mixed feed, the input rate was 250 g/head/day. For the physiological experiment, 5 analog cows were selected in a group. To enrich the minerals, a complex of plant-derived amino acids of high purity and biological activity was used.
Results The intake of additives based on silicon-containing natural minerals (zeolite and diatomite), processed with innovative technologies and enriched with plant-based amino acids, increases the level of animal productivity and ensures the yield of organic products high-quality. It has a prolonging effect.

Introduction and methodology. Wheat bread belongs to the greatest inventions of the mankind. Therefore, the study aimed at solving the issues of improving its productivity and quality, stabilizing the gross yield of wheat grain have always arisen a great interest of researchers and specialists in agricultural production. The most accessible source of improving yields and gross harvests is a variety.

The purpose of the current study was to characterize the winter bread wheat variety ‘Donskaya Step’ according to the main economically valuable traits and properties. The study was carried out by the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy”” from 2016 to 2020 on the experimental plots of crop rotation belonging to the winter wheat department. The object of the study was the winter bread wheat variety ‘Donskaya Step’. The variety ‘Ermak’ was used as a standard variety. There were used four forecrops: maize for grain, peas, sunflower and green fallow. The trials were conducted in sixfold replications. The accounting area of the plot was 10 m2.
Results. The variety was sent to the State Variety Testing in 2016. In 2020 it was introduced into the State List for the North Caucasus and Low Volga regions of the Russian Federation. This variety has a high potential for grain productivity. The maximum yield of 11.83 t/ha was obtained in 2017 when sown in weedfree fallow. The average yield through four years of the competitive variety testing (2016–2020) was 9.77 t/ha, which is on 0.96 t/ha higher than that of the standard variety ‘Ermak’. The variety ‘Donskaya Step’ is a middle-maturing variety that forms ears and ripens as the standard variety ‘Ermak’. The variety forms high and stable yields due to increased frost resistance, drought resistance and resistance to the main wheat leaf diseases.

Alfalfa occupies a leading position among the crops used for obtaining renewable sources of protein and energy-saturated feed, as well as a mean of biological reclamation of agricultural land, preservation and improvement of soil fertility. The aim of the research is to study the economically valuable characteristics of various varieties of alfalfa to local soil and climatic conditions in terms of seed productivity and feed value. Promising varieties that combine high feed and seed productivity have been identified. According to the indicators of seed productivity, the alfalfa variety Lada was distinguished. In this variety, the indicators of green mass, dry matter and seed productivity are most successfully combined. The Lada variety surpassed the other varieties in seed productivity, the formation of beans with a large number of seeds by 7–9%. In the average of three years, the number of stems per 1 m2 was distinguished by the varieties Lada and Vega 87 — 110–120 pcs/m2. In these varieties, the number of internodes was 18 pieces, and in the standard Nakhodka — 14 pieces. In terms of the number of stems, 2 samples significantly exceeded the standard: Lada and Pastbischnaya 88. According to the yield of green mass and leafiness, the varieties of alfalfa Lada and Ve-ga 87 outperformed other varieties by 5–7%. In the future of our research, the selected varieties will be used to form new varieties.

Relevance. The advantages of meadow clover, as a forage crop, is that it is a source of highly nutritious feed in monoculture and in grass mixtures, containing protein, macroand microelements, vitamins and carotenes. In the conditions of the foothill zone of the RSO — Alania, a new breeding material of meadow clover was studied. The possibilities of selection of breeding samples with high winter hardiness, feed and seed productivity are studied. The analysis of the most productive samples in terms of productivity and resistance to diseases was carried out. The research objective was to identify the most promising varieties of meadow clover for cultivation in specific natural and climatic conditions of the Republic of North Ossetia — Alania.
Methods. Experimental studies were carried out on the experimental fields of the North Caucasus Research Institute of Mountain and Foothill Agriculture of the VNC RAS in the forest-steppe zone of the RSO — Alania. The soils of the experimental site are represented by leached chernozems on pebbles, they are characterized by a high content of gross and available nitrogen and phosphorus reserves. In terms of the content of mobile potassium, they are average in comparison with other soils. The arable layer contains from 3.3% to 4.7% of humus. The reaction of the soil solution in the upper horizons is neutral. The tab of experiments, phenological observations and statistical processing of the obtained data were carried out using generally accepted methods.
Results. According to the duration of the period from the beginning of spring regrowth to the beginning of flowering at the first mowing, the studied varieties can be attributed to medium-ripe and late-ripe. То variety Vladikavkazsky the duration of the growing season was 65–70 days, to variety Daryal — 75–80 days, Farn — 70–75 days. Later matures include varieties Alan and Orlik. In the spring during the development periodand the beginning of regrowth there was no big difference between the varieties. The Daryal variety started growing earlier than everyone else, the difference was 5 days. The earliest flowering was observed in the Daryal variety, the difference between the studied varieties was from 10 to 20 days. In the varieties of meadow clover studied by us, the Alan variety surpasses other varieties in winter hardiness, productivity and biological yield. The highest plant height was found in samples of local selection Alan, Vladikavkazsky, Farn (within 68–72.4 cm), surpassing the standard variety Daryal by 7–11.4 cm.The seed yield of the samples had a weak positive correlation with the number of days from the beginning of spring regrowth to the beginning of flowering (r = 0.27).

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.

Relevance. In the conditions of the Central Black Earth region in the farm “Yaroslav the Wise” of the Starooskolsky district of the Belgorod region, five soybean varieties (Belgorodskaya 48, Bara, Victoria, Opus and Kassidi) were studied on nutritional backgrounds — without seed inoculation and without biological treatment (control), using only inoculation and with the use of a biological product against the background of seed inoculation.
Methods. The experimental conditions differed in rainfall patterns and the amount of heat, their distribution was especially uneven in 2020, that had a significant negative effect on the yield of all studied soybean varieties. The soil of the experimental plot is typical medium-thick chernozem, medium-humus, heavy loamy texture. The advantages of the soybean variety Opus, the plants of which formed a large height, air-dry mass, leaf area, a greater number and mass of nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots, were revealed. Plants of this variety provided a higher yield level in all studied agro-backgrounds.
Results. The yield varied from 32,5 centners per hectare (control) to 36,2 centners per hectare (when using the biological product Biogor, Zh). The content and collection of protein were also higher in the Opus cultivar in all the studied agrophones. In comparison with the control, the protein content was higher by 4% (background — control), by 4,9% — with inoculation of seeds and by 6,1% — when using a biological product. The same pattern is observed when assessing the oil content in seeds and collecting protein and oil per hectare of soybean sowing. Inoculation of seeds with soybean inoculant Nitragin, KM improved plant development and increased productivity, as well as the profitability of cultivation of the studied soybean varieties, which was higher when using a biological product against the background of seed inoculation by an average of 27%, while with only inoculation — by only 15,1%.

A new direction in pre-sowing seed preparation is environmentally friendly and energyefficient ultraviolet irradiation, which increases germination, reduces seed infection, and improves growth force. In this regard, the experiment of studying the effect of UV irradiation on the sowing qualities and morphophysiological parameters of the seeds of the birds-foot trefoil and awnless brome was laid at the UdmFRC UB RAS in 2019. Use of UV rays of range A with a wavelength of 315–400 nm for 5 min reduced the infection of the birds-foot trefoil seeds by 3.2%, increased the length of the sprout by 0.81 cm and the strength of growth — by 5.4% in comparison with untreated seeds. There was also a tendency for a decrease in seed hardness by 2.5%, an increase in root length by 0.41 cm, and the degree of seedling development by 0.12 points. The most effective for awnless brome seeds was UV treatment for 35 minutes, which led to an increase in germination by 14.5%, a decrease in seed infection by 5.8%. There was also a tendency to improve the morphological parameters of seedlings: the length of the sprout increased by 0.9 cm, the length of the root — by 0.88 cm, the length of the coleoptile — by 0.30 cm. The strength of growth in this variant was 9.3% higher than in the control without treatment. In general, the treatment of perennial grasses seeds with ultraviolet light reduced infection, increased laboratory germination and strength of growth, and reduced seed hardness.

Relevance. According to the conducted studies, it was found that the disadvantages of steppe nature management include water erosion, deflation and other adverse phenomena. Similar processes are taking place in Siberia. At present, the redevelopment of deposits is beginning and soil degradation is again manifested in the steppe regions of Khakassia. For the rational and efficient use of land resources, it is necessary to develop a technology for processing soil deposits in the arid steppe zone of the south of Central Siberia.
Methods. The study of the efficiency of soil cultivation technologies for the erosional agroecological group of fallow lands was carried out in the arid steppe agrolandscape region of the Republic of Khakassia, located in the south of Central Siberia. Research for four years was carried out in the link of fodder crop rotation: a long-term (20–25 years) cereal-forb fallow — oats (corn) for green mass by the method of B.A. Dospekhov. When performing the work, statistical and graphical methods were used.
Results. It is established that malicious perennial grasses and juvenile weeds grow on long-term fallow lands (20–25 years). High efficiency of complex application of herbicides of continuous action (Tornado 500, Octopus Extra) and intensive tillage was revealed. Tillage of a long-term deposit to a depth of 18–20 cm, disking, fine flatcutting treatment and spraying with herbicide reduces the number of perennial weeds by 2 times more compared to technologies, that include small treatments and herbicide application. In the arid steppe zone, the technology with tillage of a long-term deposit to a depth of 18–20 cm increases the productivity of the feed crop rotation link by an average of 25.3–33.7% compared to technological operations involving small-scale processing (12–14 cm and 14–16 cm).

Relevance. The article is devoted to the actual problem of the spring-summer seeding of winter rye on drained lands.
Methods and results. The studies were carried out in 2017–2020 at the experimental site of VNIIMZ (Tver region), drained by a closed drain. The soil of the experimental site is sod-podzolic light loamy gleyic slightly acidic, the content of humus is 1.8–2.4%, exchangeable potassium and available phosphorus content is increased and high. In field experiments, the effectiveness of spring-summer sowing dates for winter rye in a fallow field of crop rotation was studied with a ridge belt-spread cultivation method. It has been established that under the conditions of the north-west of the Non-Chernozem zone winter rye with its spring-summer sowing can form practically the same yields as with the standard cultivation technology. On average over 4 years the biological yield of rye grain when grown after spring rape was 3.69 t/ha, and with spring-summer sowing in a fallow field and harvesting the next year — 3.70 t/ha. The leveling of the variants in terms of yield with a significant difference between them in the plant density occurred due to productive tillering. The coefficient of productive bushiness in the control was 1.4, and with spring-summer sowing — 2.3. Differences between the variants in the number of productive stems, the number of grains per ear, and the weight of 1000 grains on average over 4 years were insignificant. High efficiency of harrowing of spring-summer crops of rye was noted both in the sowing year (late August — early September) and in spring after overwintering. The preservation of plants improved, the number of productive stems increased by 14.3%, and the biological productivity of rye increased by 18.4%. The technology of cultivation of winter rye with spring-summer sowing can significantly reduce the amount of field work in the fallow field, eliminate the costs of plowing, cultivation, sowing, rapeseed, and reduce the total production costs for maintaining 1 hectare of a fallow field by 7–10 thousand rubles.

Relevance. Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is a geographically widespread oilseed crop characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids in seed oil and resistance to most stress abiotic and biotic factors. The prospect for the development of camelina culture in agriculture is associated with the production of biofuels and a wide range of technical oils. The creation of new specialized highly productive varieties of camelina is associated with the tasks of the chemical, medical and food industries. Increasing the efficiency of the breeding process needs development of methods for the assessing and selecting of genetic material (lines, cultivars etc.). The study of the genetic diversity of a culture using DNA marking, including the microsatellite SSR markers, is considered as an effective way of the pre-breeding stage of breeding work. The aim of this study was to study the polymorphism and phylogenetic relationships of camelina cultivars using SSR markers.
Methods. The object of the study was 18 varieties of camelina of various breeding origin, included in the State Register of Varieties of the Russian Federation. Genetic analysis was carried out by PCR using a set of 8 SSR-markers, followed by detection of products on a genetic analyzer.
Results. During the study, 40 alleles were identified, with rather high indicators of the level of polymorphism. A specific marker associated with the winter form of life of camelina was revealed. Cluster analysis with the construction of a dendrogram of genetic similarity showed significant differences in the studied samples. The varieties were divided into two separate clusters — winter and spring forms of camelina. In each of the clusters, varieties were grouped mainly by origin (originator). Further development and use of DNA-marking methods will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the breeding process and the formation of a system of genetic certification of oilseeds.

The article presents the results of a five-year study of the yield of the Melba apple variety on dwarf, semi-dwarf and medium-sized rootstocks selected by the North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking (SKFNCSVV). The aim of the research is to study the influence of rootstocks of different growth strengths on the productivity potential of the Melba apple variety in the natural and climatic conditions of the Astrakhan region. The research revealed the influence of the rootstock genotype on the main productivity indicators: perishability, yield, frequency of fruiting, stability of productivity, marketable qualities of fruits. The early fruitfulness of the variety was most affected by the dwarf subspecies SK 3, SK 7 and semi-dwarf SK 2, on which 60–100% of the trees bloomed in the first year of growth in the garden. Among the studied combinations, the highest rates of crop growth in the Melba variety were noted on the dwarf rootstock SK 3 and semi-dwarf SK 2, in combination with which the variety was characterized by maximum values of average (19.4–16.3 t/ha) and total yield (97.2–81.6 t/ha), with the values of these indicators on the control variants 16.0–10.6 t/ha and 80.2–53.1 t/ha respectively. Low indicators of the periodicity index were noted on the dwarf rootstock SK 3 (15.6) and semi-dwarf rootstock: control M 26 (23.0), SK 2 (20.0), SK 5 (27.5), high index of productivity stability (0.75–0.86) – on rootstocks SK 3, SK 2 and SK 5. In the arid conditions of the Astrakhan region, the zoned variety Melba is recommended to be grown in an intensive garden on rootstocks SK 3 and SK 2, which ensure regular and stable yields.

Currently, more than 10,000 species of fungi associated with plants have been found, and it is not surprising that fungal diseases cause a lot of harm. Most species of the genus Fusarium are soil protrophs that live on dead plant remains, in the rhizosphere of plants, on the surface of roots. They cause rot of roots, seeds, fruits, tubers, root crops. All forms of fusariums progress at high temperatures and humidity. The analysis of literary sources and experimental data allowed us to formulate the purpose of our research: “To analyze the species diversity of fungi of the genus Fusarium from the soil, table carrot plants, depending on the ecological and geographical zones of growth.” As a result, using PCR analysis, 13 samples attributed to F. langsethiae were identified; 2 samples of F. ochusrohim; 8 samples of F. roae; 2 of F. sporotrichioides; 1 sample attributed to F. sulmorum, this sample was collected in the Rostov region and the Moscow region. It was also revealed that the diversity of soil and climatic conditions in different zones leads to a change in the species composition of representatives of R. Fusarium: the species composition of fungi of R. Fusarium varies significantly depending on agro-climatic conditions. In wetter and warmer conditions (southern regions), specific species of F. culmorum, F. sporotrichiella, and F. oxysporum dominate. F. heterosporum, F. nivale are less common; F. graminearum species lives on plant residues, on plant roots or in the rhizosphere zone, but practically does not occur in the soil in its pure form. Thus, this direction is promising for the study of fungi of the genus Fusarium, since this microorganism lives in the soil and on plants. It is advisable to identify the pathogen from samples from different regions to significantly increas the representativeness of samples within the regions with further identification of diverse mycelium, thereby creating a scale of diverse mycelium.

Relevance. The effective use of agricultural land is a fundamental prerequisite for the successful implementation in the agro-industrial complex of the task of providing the population with food, and production with raw materials. At the same time, the issues of methodological support of the procedures for determining the integral indicator for assessing the use of agricultural land, established on the basis of a theoretically grounded unified approach based on quantitative methods, have been developed with insufficient completeness. Actualization of the issues of improving the theory and practice of assessing the effectiveness of the use of agricultural land in agricultural production is becoming one of the priority tasks of land reclamation science. The purpose of this work is to create a methodological basis for the process of assessing the use of agricultural land, which guarantees the comparability of the considered options for agroproduction in different natural and economic conditions.
Methods. The research is based on the method of point assessments for indicators of agricultural land exploitation and the formation on their basis an integral criterion of land use efficiency. The proposed procedure includes: analysis of statistical data characterizing the dynamics of the values of indicators of used land resources, calculation of local assessments of the feasibility of their exploitation and assessment of the efficiency of land use according to a generalizing criterion represented by the sum of these local assessments.
Results. A methodology has been developed and a method has been created for determining the efficiency of the use of agricultural land, based on a generalized integral assessment of the operation of agricultural land, which allows to identify bottlenecks in agricultural production and outline rational directions for the development of land use. The testing of the algorithm of the methodology and capabilities of the scale for the integral assessment of the efficiency of the use of land resources was carried out on the example of the Non-Black Earth Zone of the Russian Federation. Shown is an unsatisfactory (below the national average) contribution of agricultural production to the gross regional product. On the whole, positive dynamics of agricultural production in the Non-Black Earth Zone was established, which is achieved due to the development of animal husbandry, which is an effective factor in the formation of modern efficient agriculture of the territory, with the orientation of the crop production system on the raw material basis of feed production or the sector of the economy of the agro-industrial complex of the territory.

Cylindrical coaxial heaters are increasingly used in agricultural production. However, their widespread use is restrained by the fact that it is still necessary to supplement the calculation methodology, which would make it possible to take into account its geometric dimensions, dielectric and magnetic permeability, surface effect and proximity effect, uneven distribution of electric and magnetic fields along the heater, and a number of other factors when choosing the parameters of the heater. Such a task is relevant in the design of electric heaters for the production needs of dairy farms, taking into account what the methodology presented below has been developed. This technique gave a positive effect in relation to the development of an experimental electric pasteurizer.