Nº 7 (2025)
Vegetable growing
Results of head lettuce breeding for commercial production
Resumo
In recent years, interest in growing iceberg lettuce in Russia, especially in open ground, has increased significantly. This is due to its high cold tolerance, early maturity, and excellent nutritional qualities. Due to its flavor and texture, iceberg lettuce is widely used in cooking and dietetics. Furthermore, the expansion of lettuce cultivation is driven by increased demand for this crop, especially in suburban areas of large cities. To meet this growing demand, Agrofirm Poisk continues to breed new varieties. The Lider variety of iceberg lettuce, developed by Agrofirm Poisk, is intended for the fresh market and processing. This variety exhibits vigorous growth and good resistance to premature flowering. It maintains its marketable qualities for a long time before and after harvesting. Suitable for open ground cultivation. One of its key advantages is the ability to control plant growth timing through agronomic methods, maintaining high product quality both in spring and fall. The experience of leading farms has confirmed the high productivity and flexibility of the Lider variety. The variety has performed exceptionally well in the climatic conditions of the Krasnodar Krai, Moscow, Yaroslavl, and Ryazan regions. It is expected to gain widespread popularity in the near future, as it perfectly meets current market standards and product quality demands. Therefore, expanding the area under head lettuce and advancing breeding efforts offer significant prospects for the development of vegetable growing in Russia and will strengthen the position of domestic producers in the global market.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):23-26
23-26
Cercospora diseases of Soybean and their diagnostics
Resumo
In many soybean-growing regions of Russia cercosporosis remains among the most widespread diseases, typically caused by two phytopathogenic fungi: Cercospora sojina Hara and Cercospora kikuchii (Matsumoto & Tomoyasu) Gardner (a quarantine pest in the EAEU). The aim of this study was to assess the regional occurrence of cercosporosis in Russia and to refine the species composition of Cercosporaon soybean seeds and vegetative tissues. Our objectives were to synthesize two years of observations and to propose a practical, first-line diagnostic workflow based on cultural and morphological characters of the pathogens. The work was conducted in 2024–2025 at the All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center (FGBI “VNIIKR”). Over two years, 98 soybean samples were collected from seven regions of Russia (81 vegetative samples and 17 seed samples). In total 11 Cercospora isolates were obtained in pure culture (C. sojina – 5, C. kikuchii – 6). Within our dataset, C. kikuchii was detected only in territories already designated as quarantine phytosanitary zones, whereas C. sojina was more widespread. Molecular diagnostics employed PCR with universal primers ITS4/ITS5 followed by Sanger sequencing of the amplicons. Many samples presenting cercosporosis-like symptoms proved to be associated with other soybean pathogens (genera Diaporthe, Colletotrichum, Alternaria, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Botrytis, Sclerotinia, etc.), whose generic and species identities were confirmed by sequencing. In total, 446 fungal isolates obtained from soybean fields and seed lots were purified and deposited in the FGBI VNIIKR culture collection. The proposed morphological criteria (colony form and color, mycelial growth pattern, reverse pigmentation, and conidial shape and size) help streamline identification of cercosporosis agents on soybean and reduce the risk of false conclusions during monitoring.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):27-31
27-31
Processing
Comparative evaluation of modern broccoli hybrids as raw materials for various types of drying
Resumo
In our time, we need new sources of food with special nutraceutical properties that can be easily consumed by humans. Broccoli is considered a promising raw material for the production of semi-finished products, as it is a valuable source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds. The period of consumption of fresh broccoli products is very short. Dried products can be stored for a long time without deteriorating their quality. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of three different dehydration methods (convective drying - KD, vacuum freeze-drying - VFD and low-temperature vacuum drying - LVD) on the nutritional value and organoleptic characteristics of dry powders from modern broccoli hybrids of domestic and foreign breeding. The objects of the study were dry powders from 8 modern broccoli hybrids (4 domestic and 4 foreign), obtained by different types of drying: KD, VFD and LVD. Research of raw materials and dry powder was carried out using generally accepted methods. During the study, domestic broccoli hybrids Detskiy Delikates and Fortuna were selected for various dehydration methods. Domestic broccoli hybrids Detskiy Delikates and Fortuna exceeded foreign ones in terms of organoleptic characteristics and vitamin C content in the finished product. NVS preserved vitamin C better than other types of drying. The vitamin C content in the finished product was closely correlated with the vitamin C content in the raw material for all types of drying. Broccoli powder from domestic hybrids Detskiy Delikates and Fortuna, obtained by NVS, can be recommended as a dietary food, as a source of biologically active substances. When choosing the type of drying, the main focus was on ensuring the quality of the product. A possible direction for further research could be to reduce production costs when choosing the type of drying.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):32-36
32-36
The use of abscisic acid in the technology of food potato storage
Resumo
The paper presents the results of a study of the effect of treatments with preparations containing abscisic acid on the storability of ware potatoes. The aim of the research was to study the effect of treatments with abscisic acid (as a solution and as part of a tank mixture) on the storability of early ware potatoes. Two preparations were tested: 0.01% abscisic acid solution and a tank mixture containing 0.01% abscisic acid and 0.02% Zircon. Early potato varieties Red Scarlett, Snegir, Riviera and Meteor were taken as the object of research. The tubers were treated by fine spraying of preparations at a preparation consumption rate of 10 l/t. Potatoes were stored in warehouses with forced ventilation at a specified temperature of +2…4 °C and a relative air humidity of 90-95%. The storage period was 9 months. The assessment of shelf life was carried out based on the indicators of product yield after storage, weight loss, tuber disease and losses from sprout formation. According to the research results, it was found that the use of abscisic acid, both in pure form and as part of a tank mixture, did not affect the dynamics of potato weight loss. The yield of marketable products after 9 months of storage in the variants with abscisic acid treatment and a tank mixture for the Red Scarlett variety was 61.2 and 62.7%, Riviera - 49.7 and 48.5%, Meteor - 51.6 and 54.1%, which exceeded the indicators of both wet and dry controls. For the Snegir variety, prone to bacterial rot, such an effect was not observed; the shelf life of the variant with tank mixture treatment was 36.2%, which was at the level of the dry control, while in the variant with abscisic acid treatment it was 42.8%, exceeding the controls. The effectiveness of using abscisic acid-based preparations is confirmed by the calculated indicators of disease prevalence, the average degree of disease development, and the biological effectiveness of the preparations.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):37-42
37-42
Potato growing
Application of organic fertilizers in the cultivation of early potatoes in the Non-Chernozem zone
Resumo
The results of studies on the effect of organic fertilizers on the formation of early potato harvests in the Non-Chernozem zone are presented. Potatoes are one of the main agricultural crops that are in demand during the winter season, but the demand for early potatoes does not decrease during the summer season, as the previous year's supplies are running out. Early potato varieties are sold fresh to the public and are recommended for table use. In the extreme farming zone, which includes the Moscow region, it is important to choose the right variety and cultivation methods. The use of promising technologies for growing early potatoes is an important area in vegetable growing. The search for resource-saving techniques to increase productivity and product quality while reducing production costs remains relevant. The purpose of the research: to study the influence and effectiveness of organic and organomineral fertilizers on the development of potato plants and the formation of yields in the early stages. The experiment was conducted in 2024-2025 at the Horticulture and Vegetable Growing Research Center with local varieties of early potatoes. Organic preparations Rostovit, Omek-7, and Aminozol were used to optimize growing conditions and develop plant resistance to adverse factors. These broad-spectrum preparations promote the formation of a strong root system and increase crop yields. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact and effectiveness of organic fertilizers on potato plant development and early yield formation. The highest yield was observed in the Riviera variety with Rostovit, reaching 32.6 tons per hectare, which is 15% higher than the control variant. When treated with Rostovit, an increase in productivity was observed due to the mass of tubers in all fractions and their quantity. The minimum increase was observed in the variant with Omek for both varieties. On average, over two years, the increase was 4% for the Riviera+Omek variety and 6% for the Colomba+Omek variety.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):43-46
43-46
Breeding and seed growing
Food security in the vegetable growing for private farms: AIRSC work
Resumo
The key factors for the self-sufficiency of vegetable crops include the availability of competitive domestic varieties and hybrids, as well as the production of sufficient volumes of their seeds within the country, primarily in specialized areas for commercial seed production. The article notes that the Federal Law No.454 “On seed production” introduces new bureaucratic procedures, prohibitive barriers, and requirements without taking into account biological and economic difference between professional and hobby (amateur) markets of the vegetable crops. It has been proven that the existing varieties listed in the State Register don’t meet of hobby growers’ needs, which finally has led to a decrease in interest of vegetable crops production on personal subsidiary plots and gardens. Very high costs of State registration new varieties of vegetable crops have been analyzed, which make the breeding and seed production process economically unfeasible. The problems associated with registration of new varieties in Russian Federation have been identified. The State Commission of the Russian Federation for the Testing and Protection of Breeding Achievements (the State Commission) doesn’t use modern technologies and doesn’t take into account the needs of the vegetable crops marker. Russian seed companies in the vegetable crop sector have a number of issues related to the organization of work of the State Commission which has led to a lack of trust to the institution. The low professional performance of the State Commission, combined with extremely high registration fees for new varieties in the State Register, threatens vegetable crops production in private households, where 60% of the country’s vegetables are produced. It is recommended to exclude seed production vegetable crops on personal subsidiary plots from the Federal Law No.454 “On seed production”. This step will allow to expand the range of available varieties for hobby-market, as well as to cancel the existing mandatory registration new breeding achievements in the State Register.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):47-49
47-49
Current trends in melon breeding
Resumo
The article provides a brief market overview, current data on global melon production and exports, listing the leading countries (China, Turkey, Iran, India, the USA, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan), harvested areas, and a brief description of the cultivated varietal types. An analysis of melon production in the Russian Federation is provided, indicating the leading regions and federal subjects. Over the past 7 years, the cultivated area for this crop has decreased from 42 thousand hectares to 28 thousand hectares. The range of melon varieties grown in Russia is quite extensive and includes both traditional types (Kolkhoznitsa) and new varietal types of foreign and domestic breeding (Ananas type, Canary, Piel de Sapo, Branco). The article outlines the main directions of melon breeding at Gavrish Research and Production company. Breeding models for new varieties and hybrids of the following varietal types are presented: Kolkhoznitsa, Ananas, Canary, Galia. The models specify the main economically valuable traits targeted in the breeding work: yield, early maturity, main fruit characteristics, pulp tasting qualities, soluble solids content, foliage, shelf life, transportability, and resistance to major diseases (Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus). The article also provides a brief description of the melon varieties and hybrids developed at Gavrish Research and Production company, listing their main economically valuable traits. The F1hybrids Altyn, Azovka, and Selena belong to the Ananas type, possessing excellent fruit quality and good disease resistance. The Gannibal variety belongs to the Kolkhoznitsa type, characterized by segmented, round fruits with excellent taste. New hybrids of the Canary type (Model F196/23) and the Galia type (Model F1 174/23) have successfully passed production trials and are recommended for cultivation in the Russian Federation, CIS countries, and the Middle East.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):50-55
50-55
Marker-assisted selection in the creation of rapeseed maitainer lines
Resumo
The article presents the results of a study on the application of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for developing sterility maintainer lines in the breeding of F1 hybrids of spring rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Fifteen lines and hybrids from the collection of LLC “N.N. Timofeev Breeding Station” were analyzed using multiplex PCR to identify five types of cytoplasm (Ogura, Ogura-NWSUAF, Polima, Cam, Nap) based on markers of the orf138, orf222 and orf224 genes. This method enabled a detailed analysis of the genetic material and identified plants with Cam (RYa016) and Polima (DDShf) cytoplasm types. Specifically, molecular genotyping revealed the absence of samples with normal cytoplasm, two samples with Ogura-type cytoplasm, and ten with Ogura-NWSUAF, confirming the prevalence of these variants in the studied collection. Using four pairs of molecular markers and phenotypic evaluation, hybridological analysis and molecular screening of progeny from crosses with the CMS tester line M8ms (Ogura-NWSUAF type) were conducted to assess the presence/absence of the Rfo fertility restorer gene, which restores fertility only for the Ogura cytoplasm type. All plants in the M8ms × RYa016 combination formed sterile flowers with underdeveloped anthers and a complete absence of viable pollen, whereas fertile flowers of the RYa016 line exhibited well-formed anthers with viable pollen (fertility 98%). In other crossing combinations, a 1:1 segregation of fertile and sterile plants was observed, as expected in a typical test cross of a heterozygote Rfrf with a recessive homozygote rfrf. The analysis included evaluation of the genotype and phenotype of the obtained hybrids, revealing that the RYa016 line has Cam-type cytoplasm and lacks the Rfo gene, making it suitable as a sterility maintainer for Ogura-type cytoplasm. The results demonstrate the high efficiency of marker-assisted selection, which significantly accelerates and simplifies the process of creating F1 rapeseed hybrids.
Potato and vegetables. 2025;(7):56-60
56-60