The journal "Agrarian Science" with the support of the group of companies "Chance", one of the leaders of the domestic market of plant protection products (NWR), presents the expert column "Three questions to the expert". Product manager of Chance Group Vasily Sonnov answers questions about leaf nutrition today, how to choose and apply micronutrients correctly.

   Within the framework of the IV annual strategic session "Russian Agroexport 2022-2023: trends, challenges and new opportunities", the prospects for the development of domestic agricultural exports, the results of the current year and plans for the next year were discussed. One of the key speeches was made by Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Sergey Levin, head of the federal project "Export of agricultural products".

   During the session "Technological sovereignty in the field of agricultural and food biotechnology. The current state and promising developments" discussed issues of ensuring food security of the Russian Federation and the development of the food biotechnology industry. The event was held on December 2, 2022 as part of the II Congress of Young Scientists.

   Within the framework of the second annual conference "Agrotrends of Russia 2022-2023", the key trends of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation, measures and mechanisms of support and financing of the domestic agricultural sector were discussed. Event organized by Agrotrend.ru With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, industry unions and the media, it was held in a hybrid format on December 1 in Moscow. The report of the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Elena Fastova on the topic "Preliminary results of 2022. Support and financing of the agro-industrial complex: changes in 2023".

   From January 25 to 27, 2023, Crocus Expo will host the International Exhibition of Breeding, Feed, Veterinary Medicine and Technologies for Animal Husbandry, pig breeding, poultry and Feed Production "AGROS". On the eve of its opening, we met with Gennady Myndru, General Director of the event organizer LLC DLG RUS, to find out about the directions of the exhibition's development, about what interesting things will be presented at it this year.

   Federal Law No. 248-FZ of July 14, 2022, which comes into force on March 1, 2023, "On by-products of animal husbandry and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation" encourages agricultural producers to reconsider the procedure for storing manure, manure and bedding materials. There are several months left to restructure internal regulations and logistics in order to avoid large fines (from 250 thousand rubles for legal entities or suspension of activities for 90 days).

   Relevance. Today, a significant place in the feeding of farm animals is given to such inexpensive waste from the oil extraction industry as sunflower husk. In this regard, one of the promising and modern methods for optimizing feed production can be the use of liquid media activated in various ways, in combination with ultrasonic treatment.
   Materials and methods. The object of research was crushed sunflower husk (1.0 mm) (sample 1), as well as husk sonicated (cavitated) in hydromodules with water (in the ratio “husk: water” 1 : 3 (sample 2)), and with lactic acid (“husk: lactic acid” 1 : 3 (sample 3)). The obtained samples were used in in vitro studies with rumen fluid in the “Daisy D200I” incubator (“Ankom Technology”, USA). The following indicators of the exchange of nitrogenous metabolites in the cicatricial contents were determined – residual and total nitrogen by the Kjeldahl method according to the method of K. K. Akhazhanova (2016); ammonia nitrogen – by microdiffusion method according to Conway. The taxonomic composition of the scar fluid was determined by NGS-sequencing using the “MiSeq device” (“Illumina”, USA).
   Research results. Data analysis showed that the use of cavitated sunflower husk increases the digestibility of dry matter by 19.0 % (Р ≤ 0.01), and cavitated together with lactic acid husk – by 20.7 % (Р ≤ 0.01) in comparison with crushed husk. When incubating cavitated sunflower husk and cavitated together with lactic acid sunflower husk, there were a decrease in the number of archaea, in particular the class Methanobacteria, by 23.73 % and 20.36 % (Р ≤ 0.05) and an increase in the number of bacteria of the phyla Bacteroidetes by 10.2 % and 11.27 %, Firmicutes – by 4.66 % and 6.86 % relative to the use of crushed husk.

   Mastitis is a serious problem for modern livestock complexes. According to the International Dairy Federation, as well as the results of scientific research, mastitis can affect up to 25-30 % of dairy cows.

   Relevance. There is increasing information that glyphosates can have a range of adverse effects on animal, bird and human health, raising serious concerns about global feed and animal and poultry product safety.

   Methods. The experiments were carried out in the vivarium of OOO “BIOTROF+” on broilers of the Ross 308 cross. The birds were divided into 3 groups: 1st (control), which received a diet without additives, 2nd (experimental), which received a diet with the addition of glyphosate, 3rd (experimental), which received a diet with the addition of glyphosate and a strain of the microorganism Bacillus sp. GL-8. Analysis of the gene expression of the caecum of the intestines of broilers was carried out using quantitative PCR with reverse transcription. To analyze mRNA expression, specific primers for antimicrobial peptide genes were selected. Amplification reactions were performed using “SsoAdvanced™ Universal SYBR® Green Supermix” (“Bio-Rad”).

   Results showed that the residual amounts of glyphosates which are present at sterns of broilers influence an expression of genes of antimicrobic peptides AvBD1, AvBD2, AvBD4, AvBD6, CATH-2, NK-lysin, strengthening it. For example, in experimental group 2, there was an increase in gene expression of defensins AvBD1, AvBD2, AvBD4, AvBD6 by 21.9, 29.9, 35.1 and  33.5 times, respectively, compared to control group 1 (Р ≤ 0,001). A decrease (31 to 41%) in LEAP-2 gene expression when feed is contaminated with glyphosates may likely lead to a decrease in resistance to bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella enterica typhimurium, Streptococcus spp. and increased severity by the symptom of coccidiosis in poulty. The probiotic had a «leveling» effect on the expression of AvBD1, AvBD2, AvBD4 and AvBD6 defensin genes. This is likely due to the enhancement in the probiotic-modified gut microbiota of glyphosate metabolic opportunities, which may have acted as a physical barrier.

   Relevance. On the areas of many cities and suburbs farm animals, which include pigs, quails, sheep, and even cows, are kept. Despite environmental complexity of this problem, it can be successfully solved, otherwise it will become a challenge for modern consumer society. The main ecology problem of the urban environment at farm animals keeping in cities is their biowaste and qustions of its disposal and processing.
   Methods. The method of this study is scientific analysis of literary data, GOST standards, SNIPS, technical regulations and own research and observations in the conditions of existing enterprises for the maintenance of animals in the urban environment.
   Results. According to Rosstat, in 2020 in Moscow 1,3 thousand tons of livestock and poultry of all kinds were raised, including 0,5 thousand tons of cattle; 0,013 thousand tons of pigs; 0,8 thousand tons of sheep and goats; 0,015 thousand tons of poultry. In 2021, sheep and goats production here increased by 20,3 %. For comparison, in Sevastopol, “only” 0,7 thousand tons of livestock and poultry of all kinds were raised, including 0,313 thousand tons of cattle; 0,251 thousand tons of pigs; 0,1 thousand tons of sheep and goats; 0,1 thousand tons of poultry of all kinds. Houses and enterprises built according to “green” environmental standards and new technologies reduce the thermal (carbon) footprint generated by keeping animals in the cities with coatings and building materials’ help. At present there are other technologies with high environmental friendliness, such as ergonomic air ventilation and heating’s systems. The biowaste’s recycling, composting, incineration, burying practice, as well as investments made in the cities urban environment ecology industry bear fruits, and this sector is now developing by 3,5 times faster than other agricultural sectors.

   Relevance. In the Republic of Armenia, the leading branch of animal husbandry is cattle breeding. More than 95 % of the milk and 60% of the meat are obtained from cattle breeding. In order to further develop cattle breeding in the republic within the framework of various state and commercial programs, since 2007, Holstein, Brown Swiss, Simmental and Jersey heifers have been imported from European countries. In this regard, the study of adaptive and productive qualities of not only imported, but also received from them animals of the first generation is relevant.
   Methods. Experimental studies were carried out on the number of dairy cows in the leading livestock farm of OOO “Agroholding “Armenia”” near the city of Spitaka. The processing of the research results was carried out using the method of variation statistics. The article substantiates the age-related changes in the indicators of milk productivity of the daughters of the Brown Swiss breed of the first generation, obtained from mothers imported from Germany, at I; II and III lactation (2016–2021). The farm has a system of keeping cows year-round stall, with loose-box method of keeping. Cows are fed and milked twice a day. The study determined the milk yield, the fat and protein content in milk (monthly control milking), the live weight of cows (by weighing), the lactation coefficient and milk yield repeatability coefficients.
   Results. According to the results of the research, Brown Swiss cows obtained from imported mother cows had sufficiently high indicators of milk productivity and live weight, which naturally increased with age. In cows, milk yield from I to III lactation was 6845; 7630 and 8450 kg, respectively, the fat and protein content in milk was 4.08; 4.03; 4.0 % and 3.2; 3.16; 3.12 %, live weight was 550; 595 and 630 kg, and the milk coefficient was 12.4; 12.8 and 13.4.

   Relevance. Milk contains a large number of biologically active compounds (including antioxidants) and is deservedly considered one of the main food products both in its original form and after technological processing.
   Materials and methods. In this work, the measurements of the total amount of antioxidants (TOA) in milk samples of cows (from the «Ladozhskoye» breeding farm) at the peak of lactation were carried out by the amperometric method, and milk parameters during morning and evening milking were assessed by classical methods.
   Results. As a result of the study, new data of TOA were obtained for 38 milk samples of Black-and-White breed cows of 5 groups depending on the lactation period: 1) 151–165 days; 2) 166–180 days; 3) 181–210 days; 4) 211–225 days; 5) 226–240 days, respectively. Moderate and strong correlations were obtained between TOA data and single milk yields (morning and evening milking), which are not only fundamentally new, but also important for assessing the total antioxidant activity in certain periods of lactation. Since the level of antioxidants significantly affects the shelf life, nutritional value, and many other parameters of milk, the authors suggest using the TOA level as an additional parameter in the overall assessment of milk quality. The data obtained are of great importance in assessing the physiological-biochemical status, including the state of the system of antioxidant defense of the body of cows.

   Relevance. The demand for organic meat products is constantly increasing. Organic agriculture is the leading global trend. The organic market for 2020 is estimated at $ 130 billion with an annual growth of 13–15 %. During the pandemic, sales of organic products in developed countries increased by 30–40 %.
   Methods. The object of the study were chickens of the Pushkin breed and the Ross 308 cross (broiler). The birds were grown up to 85 days of age under the same conditions, the stocking density was 10 birds/m². At the age of slaughter in industrial production (48 days – broiler) and organic production (85 days) according to the methodology of the All-Russian Research and Technological Institute of Poultry (2001), anatomical cutting of 9 heads was carried out. Analysis of quality indicators of meat by high performance liquid chromatography (M02-902-142-07) was carried out in the certified laboratory «Leningradskaya MVL». Dry matter was determined by the express method according to the Rygalova E. A. and the water binding capacity of meat was determined by the Grau – Hamm method in the Volovinskaya – Kelman modification.
   Results. Extending the fattening period of broilers to 85 days to meet the requirements of organic poultry farming does not sufficiently improve the quality of their meat. Low livestock safety (58.16 %) reduces the profitability of organic broiler production. An increase in the total protein content from 20.44 % to 24.41 % and amino acids (tryptophan and prolin), as well as a decrease in fat content from 5.1% to 1.35 % in the pec-toral muscle of broiler chickens from 45th to 85th day improves the dietary qualities of broiler meat. However, a decrease from 51.46 % to 48.54 % of the water-binding capacity of meat reduces its taste and techno-logical qualities. In chicken of the Pushkin breed this figure is 51.35 %. Thus, using the example of the Pushkin breed of chickens, it is shown that breeds of the combined direction of productivity are more suitable for long-term cultivation in organic poultry farming for obtaining meat products.

   The main costs of livestock production, including poultry farming, are related with the feed. Therefore it is very relevant to increase digestibility of feed, apply compound feeds from cheap raw materials produced domestically without reducing of nutritional value, and fully provide the poultry with substances necessary for their normal life. It is possible to achieve with the application of new feed additives, including biologically active substances. As a result of the research it was found that all broiler chickens showed high parameters of body condition during the boilers growing. The chickens from the II experimental group, which received the additive “Ares” in amount of 0.6 g/kg of feed, showed the highest live weight gain. Lower values were observed among the chickens of I and III experimental groups. However, in terms of live weight gain at the age of 36 days, these chickens exceeded the normal value parameters of the cross and the results obtained in the control group. The increase in the average daily weight gains in the first and third groups was observed throughout the entire period of fattening, and a slight decrease was observed in the second group in the period from 24th to 31th day with a sharp surge of weight gain in the last period from 31th to 36th day.

   Seven cities of Siberia: from Irkutsk to Omsk, the Ural Kurgan and the finish line in Krasnokamsk. Experts Center for the Promotion of Dairy and Beef Animal Husbandry in September made a rally "The Road to Big Milk", having traveled 5969 kilometers to share the experience of using “Senage in line” with farmers from the regions of Siberia and demonstrate to them effective technologies for harvesting bulky feed. Who and why in Siberia is interested in packaged feed, how industry officials treat them, and what is wrong with regional subsidies for the purchase of agricultural equipment - Anna Shumilova, agrotechnologist, forage auditor, shared her observations on the results of the rally.

   In terms of optimizing the cost of feed for cattle in livestock farms, the most convenient and effective option for providing an economical healthy diet can be your own preparation of compound feed with the addition of vitamin and mineral premixes.

   Relevance. The creation of biological material cryobanks is one of the key methods for the conservation and maintenance of the biodiversity of animal genetic resources. The biomaterial widely used for preservation in cryobank conditions are mature germ cells of males – spermatozoa. As a promising alternative for these purposes is considered the use of testis stem cells – spermatogonia which makes it possible to select biomaterial from immature animals with a valuable genotype. The article presents data on obtaining a culture of spermatogonia of males of interspecific hybrids of domestic sheep with argali.
   Methods. The object of research was spermatogenic cells of sheep's interspecific hybrids from the Romanov breed with argali. The testes of hybrid males served as a material for obtaining a spermatogenic cells culture. The conditions for isolating and maintaining spermatogonia in culture in vitro were optimized using histological, cytological, immunohistochemical and cultural methods.
   Results. It has been established that the effectiveness of obtaining a spermatogenic cells culture, maximally enriched with spermatogonia, are affected by the age of the males from which the biomaterial is taken, the preliminary purification of spermatogonia from other types of spermatogenic and somatic testicular cells, the growth medium and the type of feeder layer used for the cultivation of spermatogonia. It is shown that the optimal age of males for the selection of biomaterial is the age period from birth to 4 months. During this period, the cells of the epitheliospermatogenic layer in the seminiferous tubules of the testes from hybrid males are mainly represented by one type of spermatogenic cells – spermatogonia (92–100 %). The maximum purification of spermatogonia from other types of cells is achieved by separating them according to adhesion. High intensity of growth and formation of spermatogonia colonies is observed when they are cultivated on the feeder layer formed by the primary culture of own Sertoli cells, as well as Sertoli cells from another rams. Under these conditions, the attachment of spermatogonia to the cells of the feeder layer is noted on the 1st – 2nd day of cultivation, the formation of colonies – on the 6th day of cultivation.

   Relevance. Breeding work in animal husbandry can be successful if in result animals with high rates of productivity, required from them economically useful features (EUF), are obtained. Obviously, it is necessary to analyze several EUFs for qualitative assessment of animals. Recently, the knowledge of the regularities of individual development of the organism and their interrelation has become more and more important, it's research is an urgent task. The study of these regularities or combinations between individual phenotypic traits will serve as the basis for the development of a better system of breeding work in sheep breeding.
   Methodology. The studies were carried out in the Collective stud farm named after Lenin, Stavropol Territory. The object of the research were breeding records of primary zootechnical registers for the last 5 years on elite and first-class animals of fine-wool sheep breeds – Russian meat merino and Soviet merino; their live weight, quantitative and qualitative indicators of wool productivity of different sex and age groups were studied.
   Results. In our researches it was established that the connection between the length of wool and the trimming both on the group of adult ewes and on the yearlings of Russian meat merino sheep was relatively big – from r = + 0.425 to r = + 0.594 and of the Soviet merino – from r = + 0.280 to r = + 0.592 with high reliability of sampling correlation coefficients in both cases (P < 0,01 and P < 0,001); the correlation of wool cutting in physical weight with indicators of pure fiber turned out to be high – equal to + 0,766 in sheeps of Russian meat merino breed. 

   Relevance. The nucleolus regulates many aspects of cell physiology, including genome organization, stress response, aging, and lifespan. The number of visible nucleoli per cell varies depending on the cell cycle, cellular activity, or differentiation status.

   The aim of the study was to study the influence of abiotic factors on the parameters of animal nucleoli depending on their species (genus Ovis and genus Capra) and type of crossing (interspecific hybrids).
   Materials and methods. The studies were carried out at the Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L. K. Ernst. The object of the study were domestic sheep (Romanov breed) and its hybrids (½ Romanov sheep x ½ mouflon), as well as goats of the Karachay breed and their hybrids (¾ Karachay goat x ¼ caucasian tur). The material of the study was preparations obtained from venous blood and prepared according to the Havell – Blake method. For microscopy and visualization of preparations, a “Nikon Eclipse Ni” microscope equipped with a “DS-Qi2” digital video camera was used. The processing of photo- and videomaterials was carried out using the “NIS-Elements BR4.30” and “Image Scope 1.0” software.
   Results. It has been established that in interspecific hybrids of goats (¾ Karachai goat x ¼ caucasian tur) the number of nucleolar-organizing regions (NOR) is 17 % more than in purebred individuals, while individual of interspecific hybrids of sheep (½ Romanov sheep x ½ mouflon) exceeded their purebred counterparts in this indicator by 47 %. The kurtosis and asymmetry of NOR in the population of purebred goats and their hybrids with the caucasian tur have the same directions. The results of the analysis of variance indicate that the effect of species on the size of the nucleoli in the studied populations is not statistically significant. The average value of the nucleolus diameter in representatives of the genus Capra was 6.17 ± 0.45 μm, genus Ovis – 6.63 ± 0.32 μm.

   Relevance. Modern plant growing technologies are associated with the use of nanoparticles for pre-sowing seed treatment. The article presents the results of studying the effect of pre-sowing treatment of Pisum sativum seeds with solutions of iron and silicon nanooxides on the germination, viability and yield of plants in the conditions of the Southern Ural.

   Methods. For pre-sowing treatment of seeds, solutions of nanoparticles of SiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ were used at a concentration of 10^–2, 10^–3 and 10^–4 mg/l, as well as a solution of mixture of two oxides. Cell viability was assessed by the method of Vijayaraghavaraddy, superoxide dismutase activity was determined by Giannopolitis and Ries, catalase, lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde content – by Heath and Packer, and the fractional composition of proteins in seeds – by Chen.

   Results. Determination of the germination of P. sativum showed a significant stimulation of seed germination and an increase in catalase activity when seeds were treated with SiO₂ in two concentrations (up to 83 % and 146 %), Fe₃O₄ (up to 111 %) and Fe₃O₄ + SiO₂ (up to 47 %). A decrease in the content of malonic dialdehyde due to the treatment with SiO₂ and its mixture with Fe₃O₄ (up to 40 %) was noted. Against the background of the use of nanoparticles for pre-sowing seed treatment, the composition of the protein complex changed due to an increase in the pool of albumins by 88 % and a decrease in the content of globulins down to 9,8 %.

   Relevance. To study regularities of severe droughts influence and to develop measures on decreasing their negative consequences on crop capacity are important tasks of arable farming.
   Methods. A long-term experiment was laid in the Prikumskaya experimental station in 1969. The research was conducted in the 6-field grain and fallow crop rotation in the years with HC 0,12–0,30 in July – October.
   The aim of the research was to study the effect of the most severe droughts of the summer-autumn period on the moisture supply, growth, development and yield of winter wheat on background of bare fallow and semi-fallow in the arid zone of Stavropol Territory.
   Results. The reserves of productive moisture in the 1 m layer of soil in autumn for sowing on background of bare fallow in 4, semi-fallow – in 5 out of 7 years were below the norm, and in 3 years on non-fallow predecessor were completely absent. This leads to a significant or complete delay of seedlings, weak plant development, thinning and formation of a reduced number of productive stems for harvesting, and this indicator of the structure largely determines the value of the crop. By spring, the moisture content on background of fallow in 3 (43%) and semi-fallow in 4 years (57%) was lower than the average annual value. Of the 7 years in 3 severe summer-autumn droughts were combined with varying degrees of aridity in the spring-summer period. Yields of winter wheat averaged 3.71 t/ha on background of bare fallow and 1.85 t/ha on semi-fallow but in some years ranged from 2.74 to 5.68 and from 1.06 to 2.79 t/ha, or by 2.1–2.6 times, respectively. The size of a yield on background of fallow is by 2 times higher, than that on non-fallow; that testifies to expediency of application of fallow and of its stabilizing role in droughty conditions.

   Introduction. In order to realize productive potential of any crop, a variety is of great importance. There is a number of requirements imposed on modern varieties, including not only productivity and quality, but also
compliance with environmental and climatic conditions, resistance to unfavorable conditions, adaptability to mechanized harvesting.

   The purpose of the current work was to identify effective methods for developing sweet sorghum varieties, to estimate the sweet sorghum varieties developed by the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”” according to productivity and quality of green mass for silage.
   Methods. The paper presents the study results on the development and research of new sweet sorghum varieties in the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”” (Rostov region) through the years 2019–2021. The soil was an ordinary carbonate chernozem, with 3.6 % of humus in the arable layer. The objects of the study were sweet sorghum varieties. The ways to conduct trials, soil tillage and cultivation, as well as zootechnical analysis of green mass were determined according to generally accepted methods.
   Results. When developing a new variety, a number of characteristicsneeds to be taken into account according to which breeding is carried out from year to year, namely suitability for mechanized harvesting, stem succulence, tillering, stem diameter, length of a vegetation period, sugar content in stem sap, productivity and its main elements, etc. There are such methods for developing sweet sorghum varieties in the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”” as hybridization, incubation and selection of constant forms. As a result of the breeding work, there has been developed a number of varieties. In the State List there are 5 varieties of the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy””. Green mass productivity of the new varieties Yuzhnoe and Feniks was 36 and 42 t/ha, respectively. The sugar-protein ratio of the variety Feniks was normal (1.1 : 1). Silage is recommended to be combined with protein cultures. The yield of exchangeable energy in green mass for silage (for cattle) obtained from new sweet sorghum varieties was 13.5–14.1 MJ/ha.

   Relevance. For the intensification of cotton growing, an important component is availability of varieties adapted to specific growing conditions, capable of forming a crop in extreme climatic conditions and with optimal economically valuable characteristics. Therefore, the agrobiological study, evaluation and selection in the natural and climatic conditions of the Astrakhan region of promising and high-yielding cotton samples of various origins in order to involve the selected samples in further breeding work is relevant.
   Methodology. The cotton collection of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources named after N. I. Vavilov served as the material for variety study. During the research work, the scheme of the selection process was built in accordance with the methodological instructions of N. P. Goncharov. The technique of laying and conducting field experience was according to the methodology of B. A. Dospekhov. The accounts, observations and measurements in the experiment were carried out in accordance with the G. G. Davidyan's methodological guidelines for the study of collection of spinning crops. The assessment of agroclimatic conditions for the growth and development of cotton was carried out by the calculation method. Interpretation of experimental data was carried out by common statistical methods, specifically, digital material was processed using variational statistics.
   Results. As a result of variety study of cotton, samples capable to adapt to the zone of growth, as well as productive and with optimal economically valuable characteristics were identified. These qualities make it possible to use the selected samples for further breeding.

   Relevance. The choice of forms and types of preparations for presowing seed treatment, as well as growth regulators is important for the development and level of crop yields. Therefore, the search and application of effective and safe means for seed treatment is an urgent task.
   Methods. The vegetation experiment was laid in 2018–2020 on oats and barley in 5 kg Wagner vessels. Seeds of cultures before sowing were soaked in suspensions of sapropel and biohumus in the usual form and ultrafine form, obtained by ultrasound dispersion in deionized water. Harvest accounting – in the phase of full ripeness of crops from all plants in the vessel. Qualitative analysis of plant samples was carried out on devices in accordance with the established state standards.
   Results. In the experiment with oats, the maximum significant increase in grain was obtained in the variant with seed treatment with an ultrafine form of biohumus – 17.8% compared to the background, in the variant with ultrafine sapropel – 9.6 %. In the 2019 experiment with barley, the yield increased by 12.0 (treatment with sapropel) and 11.5 % (treatment with biohumus) compared to the background, when using ultrafine forms – by 34.8 % and 29.8 % respectively. In 2020, the yield increase when using usual form was 15 and 21.0 %, ultrafine form – 21.3 and 28.0 % respectively. The content of ash, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in oat grain increased by 7.2; 4.8; 20.5 and 14.3 % respectively, reaching a maximum with the usage of ultrafine form. In the 2019 experiment with barley, the ash content increased by 16.1 %, nitrogen – by 27.7 %, protein – by 16.4–18.3 %, phosphorus and potassium – by 12.6 and 28.3 % respectively. In 2020, the ash content was the highest among all variants and increased by 11.3 %, phosphorus – by 13.6 %, and nitrogen – by 1.75–1.95 %. The protein content in the grain was 10.3–10.7 %, potassium – up to 7 %.

   Relevance. The number of scientific papers dealing with the indirect effect of the use of fungicides during the growing season on wheat yield through their effect on physiological processes and pigment composition in plants of this crop is not numerous. There are only a few domestic and foreign works on this issue. The need to conduct research on the effect of treatments with fungicidal preparations on the pigment composition in plants is dictated by the fact that modern chemical plant protection products, being physiologically active substances, can have a certain effect on plants by inhibiting or enhancing their physiological and biochemical processes.
   Methods. The material for laboratory and field studies were five fungicides («Amistar Trio, CE» (125 g/l propiconazole + 100 g/l azoxystrobin + 30 g/l ciproconazole); «Triada, СSC» (140 g/l propiconazole + 140 g/l tebuconazole + 72 g/l epoxiconazole); «Folicur, CE» (250 g/l tebuconazole); «Evito T, CE» (250 g/ l tebuconazole + 180 g/ l fluoxastrobine); «Soligor, CE» (224 g/l spiroxamine + 148 g/l tebuconazole + 53 g/l protioconazole)), that are used to protect spring wheat from diseases during the growing season. To study their effect on the content of pigments in the leaf apparatus, we carried out treatments with these preparations of spring wheat varieties Daria and Leningradskaya 6 in the maximum application rate. The amount of pigments in the experimental and control variants was determined by the spectrophotometric method followed by statistical processing of the data obtained using a computer program for dispersion analysis “Diana 1”.
   Results. The preparation “Triada, СSC” on the 4th day after single application on spring wheat plants of the Daria variety led to a significant decrease in the content of chlorophylls and the total amount of pigments in the leaf apparatus. Significant changes in the direction of increasing the content of photosynthetic pigments were detected on the 8th day after the 2nd treatment with “Soligor, CE” used in field experiments on the Daria variety.

   Relevance. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of modern fungicides and their effect on the development of leaf infections of grain sorghum in order to optimize plant protection against diseases.
   Methods. The studies were carried out in the fields of the Volga Scientific Research Institute of Selection and Seed-Growing named after P.N. Konstantinov on grain sorghum variety Premiere in 2014–2016. Leaf diseases were estimated by eye in the field during the phases of flowering, milky, waxy, and full grain ripeness. The average lesion of each plant was evaluated, and the prevalence and intensity of disease development was established. Seeds were treated immediately before sowing. Biological effectiveness of the studied fungicides was determined by prevalence and intensity of disease development.
   Results. Analysis of leaves showed that quite a wide complex of pathogens belonging to the kingdom of fungi caused blotches on sorghum leaves. Mycelium and spores of fungi Alternaria sp., Fusarium sp., Helminthosporium sp. and others were detected on the affected leaves in the stain area. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the development of the fungal leaf blotches in sorghum in the conditions of forest-steppe of the Samara region considerably depends on hydrothermal conditions of the year: the more arid are conditions of May and June, the higher amount of precipitation and thelower temperature is in July, the higher is leaf blotch infestation of sorghum. Seed pretreatment with fungicides suppressed fungal leaf blotch development in the Premiere variety by 13.6–47.0 % in 2014, 6.9–62.2 % – in 2015, and 3.5–53.7 % – in 2016. At the same time, the highest biological efficacy showed treatment of seeds with fungicides of contact-system action “Fundazol” and “Vitaros”; was 25.0–75.0 % in prevalence and 26.2–62.2 % in the intensity of leaf blotch development.

   Relevance. Currently, growth regulators are gaining increasing popularity and are in great demand both among amateur gardeners and among scientists and researchers; this is due to the ir ability to stimulate and regulate the growth and development of various crops. Currently, the use of cultivar stimulants in nursery practice has been studied variants with non-root treatments in the callusing room at nursery garden and when soaking the basal part of the cuttings immediately before planting. There is no study of the use of growth stimulants on the components of grafting immediately before its implementation in the literature, which makes our research desirable and relevant.
   The aim of the study is to improve the elements of the technology of production of grafted grape seedlings by soaking the components of grafting in growth-stimulating preparations to improve the quality and yield of grafted grape seedlings from the callusing room.
   Methods and results. Methods of research – generally accepted in the practice of grape nursery (Kolesnik L. V., Melnik S. A., Shchiglovskaya V. I.). It was found that the greatest regenerative activity for the Tsimlyansky Cherniy variety was shown in the variant with soaking of the rootstock component of the grafting in the “NanoCremniy” preparation, in which 96.7% of plants had budding on the 15th day of callusing and 95.9 % of grafting seedlings had a circular callus. On the Cabernet Sauvignon variety, a variant with soaking of the graft part in the “NanoCremniy” preparation was distinguished (93.3 % and 92.5 % respectively). The most complete stimulation of growth processes after planting is reflected in the variants with the use on the Tsimlyansky Cherniy variety preparations “NanoCremniy” (80.0 %) and “Cultimar” (88.3 %).

   Relevance. Blooming Sally – (fireweed) is popular in folk medicine, which recommends a decoction of rhizomes or tea from brewed leaves for treatment of a number of diseases. Official medicine also recommends the use of fireweed leaves in some cases, although fireweed has not been included in the register of medicinal plants. Cultivation of fireweed under controlled conditions guarantees quality, but is difficult because the seeds are extremely small and easily blown away by the wind. Results of fireweed leaves fermentation, taste, aroma and content of biologically active substances cannot be standardized, as it depends on the composition of wild yeast involved in fermentation. The use of specially selected yeast strains for directed fermentation enriches the product with targeted biologically active substances.

   Relevance. Tractors are distinguished by long inter-service ranges and easy maintenance. But if the tractor components are not serviced in a timely manner (oil change, filters, and so on), the resulting contamination will begin to damage the parts, and increased friction will contribute to their wear and overheating. Since there is currently an acute shortage of original spare parts and their prices are quite high, the development of technological solutions for the restoration of worn-out seats of tractor parts is relevant. One of the coating methods, namely electric arc spraying, can solve this problem.

   The purpose of the study: using the example of the drive axis of a cylindrical straight tooth gear of a “John Deere” tractor, develop a technology for restoring a worn-out seat by electric arc spraying for the installation of a bearing or an oil seal.
   Methods. The brand of the axis material corresponding to the Russian analogue has been determined. The hardness of the axis base was measured with a TK-2M hardness tester. Preliminary mechanical treatment of the restored surface has been carried out. Additionally, jet-corundum treatment of the worn surface was carried out. The technology of electric arc spraying has been applied to obtain the necessary coating. Turning of the restored surface was performed until the nominal diameter of the axle seat was obtained.
   Results. The technology of restoration of the axle seat by supersonic electric arc spraying has been developed. The expediency and necessity of preliminary mechanical action on the seat, consisting in threading and jet-corundum processing, before the process of supersonic electric arc spraying are established. The results of the study showed the effectiveness of the electric arc spraying method for restoring the worn-out seat of the drive axis of a cylindrical straight tooth gear in tractors. The cost of restoring one worn-out axle seat was 3,000 rubles, which is more than 10 times cheaper than the original spare part. At the same time, all the mechanical properties of the part have been preserved. It is recommended to use the method of electric arc spraying to restore the worn-out seat of the axles of all imported agricultural machines.

   Relevance. Soil cultivation in the aisles of perennial plantations has its own characteristics. In this connection, there is a constant improvement of units for tillage.
   Methods. The present research in the direction of no-till maintenance of row spacings was carried out in the conditions of fruit-bearing apple orchards of the varieties Renet Simirenko, Idared, located in AO “KSP “Svetlogorskoe””, Krasnodar region. Modification of the existing units for tillage was carried out on our own in the conditions of the farm's workshops. Long-term studies of the quality of work of the units and the advantages obtained through their operation have been carried out.
   Results. А constructive scheme of a double-row discator with cut-out discs in conjunction with needle rotary discs for surface tillage in the aisles of apple orchards was proposed, which makes it possible to improve the qualitative performance of the discator, reduce specific, energy and labor costs, change the intensity of seam turnover, and create a multifunctional tillage unit in the future, capable of carrying out not only surface tillage, but also (after replacing the working organs) to cut rows, ridges, and apply physiologically active substances. Optimized modes of operation of the modernized double-row discator BDM 2.5 x 2 in the spacing of garden plantings have been developed: at the working speed of the discator BDM 2.5 x 2 7–8 km/h, the productivity was 2–2.3 ha/h, the tillage depth was 7–15 cm, the soil was crumbled into fractions up to 50 mm in size, weeds were cut to 98 %, the ridging of the soil was 5–17 cm, the fuelconsumption was 6–6.5 kg/ha, the traction resistance did not exceed 980 kg.

   The modern world is constantly changing, developing and improving. Now, during the last decades, humanity is going through the next stage in the development of the scientific and technological revolution in many sectors of the national economy; including its achievements are actively implemented in the system mu agro-industrial complex, and in the development of dairy farming technologies in Russia.

   Replenishment of macro- and micronutrients in case of their deficiency in the children is the leading task of modern dietetics and a fundamental factor in the children’s healthy development. The development of new types of food products can solve this task. This article presents the development of technology for production of fermented milk product for children nutrition. The option of introducing spirulina algae into a fermented milk product was experimentally investigated. On the basis of physical and chemical, rheological and organoleptic characteristics it was defined that the introduction of 2% of spirulina allows obtaining a product with acceptable physical, chemical and rheological characteristics. The organoleptic profile was corrected by adding fruit filler in volume of 20 % from the raw material mass. The conducted research made it possible to develop a fermented milk product for child nutrition, which can satisfy 10–16 % of the daily demand for nutritional elements, and which features high consumer-oriented characteristics.

   Relevance. In the context of deglobalization, economic sanctions, and the disintegration of the world economy, the most important socio-economic and political task is to ensure the food and economic security of Russia and its regions. In connection with the new demands of practice caused by the formation of the market mechanism of management, changes in the forms and methods of state support for dairy cattle farming, further research of the problem of increasing the productivity of the industry is required.
   Methods. The information base of the study was the materials of regional statistics, annual reports of agricultural organizations of the regional agro-industrial complex, data from the consolidated annual report on the totality of the districts of the Bryansk region. The study was conducted on the basis of studying mass data using a set of methods: dialectical, economic-statistical, correlation-regression, computational-constructive, abstract-logical and other methods.
   Results. Using statistical methods, the authors evaluated the established patterns and trends in the dynamics of labor productivity in dairy cattle farming in the Bryansk region. The growth rates of wages and labor productivity have been determined. The strategy of development of the studied indicator in the future, taking into account the factors affecting its level, is revealed. Significant factors of labor productivity growth in dairy cattle farming are the selling price of 1 ts of milk, the load of cows on 1 operator of machine milking, the stock of labor, the average monthly salary of the operator of machine milking. At the same time, the main reserves of labor productivity growth are laid down in the factors of wages and workload of dairy cattle workers. In the work, based on a multiple regression model, a forecast of labor productivity for the medium term is carried out.

   The present article presents an evaluation of economic efficiency of the introduction of meals acoustic freezing. Based on the initial data, like the amount of investments, the volume of products and the main competitive advantages of the technology under consideration, the main economic indicators were calculated. It has been proved that the introduction of new technology will increase the organization’s revenue due to its capability to increase the selling prices for frozen meals with new quality properties. The profitability of the new production line accounted for 11%. The payback period for implementation of this technical solution will be less than 2.5 years. It has been proved that the technology of meals freezing with application of acoustic effects is cost-effective.

   Relevance. The problem of the dynamic development of agricultural cooperation is again becoming a priority item on the agenda of agricultural producers, politicians and scientists, due to new complexities and challenges of a political, climatic, biological and other nature.

   One of its points is the assessment of the quality of the institutional environment for the functioning of agrarian cooperatives, in connection with which the purpose of the study presented in the article is the review and analysis of its content, moreover, taking into account the existing regional characteristics.
   Methods. To study and assess the state of formal and informal institutions that favor or restrict the activities of cooperatives, the work uses qualitative and quantitative survey and analytical methods (in particular, formal-logical, historical, cultural, comparative) and corresponding tools. At the same time, the empirical base was made up of statistical information from Rosstat and its regional body (Department of the Federal State Statistics Service for the Sverdlovsk region and the Kurgan region), as well as materials obtained as a result of sociological surveys, including in-depth interviews with agricultural producers (actual and potential participants in cooperation).
   Results. The main results of the study include theoretical and applied (rigorously verified) generalizations regarding: (1) the directions and degree of influence of the institutional environment on the success of agricultural cooperatives, (2) the possibilities of transforming the institutional environment in a positive direction for cooperation, (3) options for coordinated changes in formal and informal institutions for the formation of positive trends in the development of agricultural cooperation. The main conclusion is that, while informal institutions, being conservative and immobile, significantly impede the rapid and effective formation of agricultural cooperatives in the Russian Federation, it is the formal environment, which has great potential for timely adaptation, that is able to neutralize some of the serious obstacles to successful evolution of cooperative practices in agricultural sector.