No 2 (2024)

The results of scientific papers reviewed at the meetings of the Bureau of the Department for Agricultural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2023 are presented. The main attention was paid to the state and development of domestic breeding and seed production of vegetable crops; analysis of the genetic resources of Crimean plants for the development of domestic breeding of fruit, berry crops and grapes; laser and spectral technologies in the production of agricultural products; innovative technologies for biological protection of animals; scientific support for the prevention of land desertification; rational land use in the context of natural, climatic and social challenges; digitalization of food systems; training of a new generation of young researchers in the field of agricultural sciences.

The studies were carried out on ordinary carbonate chernozem in the zone of sufficient moistening in the Stavropol region in 2021–2023. The effectiveness of foliar additional fertilizing with fertilizer Batr Zinc (1.0 l/ha) was studied on corn hybrids Mashuk 220 MV and Mashuk 355 MV in the 5 and 8 leaves phases. Additional fertilizing was carried out on a background without any mineral fertilizing, as well as backgrounds of nitrogen (N₃₀) and complete mineral fertilizing (N₃₀P₃₀K₃₀). Data were obtained on the terms influence of foliar additional fertilizing with fertilizer Batr Zinc on the corn plants height, the yield of green mass and grain, and crop structure elements. Foliar additional fertilizing of corn in 5 or 8 leaves phases with fertilizer Batr Zinc at a dose of 1.0 l/ha had a positive effect on plants growth. Without the use of mineral fertilizers in the flowering phase, the plants height of the hybrid Mashuk 220 MV increased on average for 2021–2023 by 14 and 16 cm, hybrid Mashuk 355 MV – by 17 and 23 cm. On average, over 3 years without the use of mineral fertilizers, corn fertilizing in the phases of 5 or 8 leaves with fertilizer Batr Zinc increased the yield of green mass of the hybrid Mashuk 220 MV by 5.2 and 6.0 t/ha (15.1 and 17. 4 %), hybrid Mashuk 355 MV – by 7.7 and 6.8 t/ha (23.2 and 20.5 %). Depending on the fertilizing terms, the grain yield of the hybrid Mashuk 220 MV increased by 0.59 and 0.63 t/ha (9.2 and 9.9 %), of the hybrid Mashuk 355 MV – by 0.83 and 0.74 t/ha (12.9 and 11.5 %). There was no significant difference in the yield of green mass and grain between the fertilizing terms. Against the background of mineral fertilizers, foliar additional fertilizing with the agrochemical Batr Zinc was ineffective.

The aim of the research is to evaluate the general and specific combinational ability of inbred winter rye lines in plant height and identify relatively short-stemmed combinations. The starting material for the crossing was 22 homozygous rye lines carrying sterile cytoplasm of the Pampa type. The male fertile homozygous lines mf H-1423, mf H-1247, m fH-732 and mf H-842 were used as testers, in which the plant height was 122 cm, 120 cm, 102 cm and 100 cm, respectively. Test crosses were carried out in isolated plots according to the topcross scheme. A total of 88 simple F1 hybrids were produced. They were tested on plots of 8.0 m2 in 3 repetitions. The average height of plants in F1 hybrids was 129 cm and ranged from 114 cm to 145 cm. The hybrids with the participation of the mf H-732 and mf H-842 tester turned out to be the shortest-stemmed, and the tallest ones with the participation of the mf H-1423 tester. Both general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combinational abilities made a significant contribution to the variance of the plant height trait. The genotypes ms H-422 and ms H-1179 had a significantly higher GCA compared to other lines, and ms H-700 and ms H-1058 had a lower one. Among the testers, the high-stemmed mf H-1423 and mf H-1247 lines had a reliably high GCA, and the short-stemmed mf H-732 and mf H-842 testers had a reliably low GCA. Combinations involving short-stemmed testers made up a group of the shortest-stemmed hybrids, in which plant height varied from 114 to 120 cm. It is shown that lines with low effects are of great value for practical breeding not only for GCA, but also for SCA. The ms H-700 line is of interest, which simultaneously combines low grades in GCA and SCA.

The studies were conducted to assess the dependence of the biochemical parameters of oat grains (crude protein, starch, oil and β-glucans) on the genotype and weather conditions to determine the prospects for their use in the breeding process. In the forest-steppe of the Trans-Urals in 2021–2023, 21 samples of naked and 64 samples of covered oats were studied, which are most actively used in breeding in Western Siberia. Tyumen nudibranch was taken as the standard for naked cultivars, and for covered cultivars it was Otrada. It was found that the genotype played a significant role in the content of crude protein and β-glucans in oat grain (78…80 %); weather conditions – 12…15 %, with minimal interaction of these factors – 4 and 7 % (F_{fact .}> F_theor.) respectively. Retention of oil and seaweed at 85…86 % exceeds the permissible values, and now to a minimum extent – 3 and 6 %, respectively (F_fact. > F_theor.). The effect of the genotype and the subsequent level on the oil content is 11 %. A close relationship between content and consumption has been established. Protein and oil in naked oats (r=0.96; p=5 %), in frequent cases it was the average (r=0.25; p=5 %). The content of β-glucans had an inverse average correlation with protein in the grain of filmy genotypes (P= –0.38), it was absent in nudibranchs. A negative correlation was established between the content of β-glucans and oil (g= –0.32; p=5 %) in covered samples. The analysis of variance and correlation showed the possibility of targeted selection in terms of protein and oil content. It is recommended to introduce the following genotypes into the breeding process to increase the content: starch (60.1…62.3 %) – Vyatsky (14960), MF 9521–281 (15096), MF9714–32 (15227), Progress (15339), Korolek (15461); β-glucans (6.1…6.3 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Argamak (14648), Neklan (14936), Konkur (15068); Ozone (15473); protein (16.1…17.5 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Percheron (15275), Pomor (15117), Taidon (15183); oils (6.1…7.4 %) – Sapsan (15444), Pegas (15114), Petrovich (15691).

The purpose of this study is a detailed metabolomic analysis using tandem mass spectrometry of the soybean variety Locus, selected from the collection of the Federal Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnologies of the Far East named after A. K. Chaika», to identify both the polyphenolic composition of seeds and the determination of other chemical groups in the composition of the seed. Tandem mass spectrometry studies were further supported by visual data obtained for the first time using laser microscopy. The object of the study is the seeds of the soybean variety Locus, grown in 2022 at the field site of the soybean breeding laboratory of the Federal Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnologies of the Far East named after A. K. Chaika», located in the village of Timiryazevsky (near the city of Ussuriysk). Experiments were carried out on a CLSM-800 laser confocal microscope and mass spectrometry of biologically active substances on an amaZon SL ion trap. Laser microscopy made it possible to clarify in detail the spatial distribution of the content of phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins in soybean seeds. The studies were able to convincingly show that soybean polyphenolic substances and, in particular, anthocyanins are spatially localized mainly in the soybean seed coat. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap (tandem mass spectrometry) was used to identify target analytes in soybean seed extracts. Using tandem mass spectrometry, the presence of 59 compounds was identified, of which 35 compounds represent the group of polyphenolic compounds. 15 compounds were identified for the first time in soybean extracts of the Locus variety. These are flavones: apigenin, acacetin, cirsimaritin; tetrahydroxyflavone aromadendrin 7-O-rhamnoside; lignan medioresinol; coumarin tomentin and other polyphenolic compounds. The data obtained will help intensify future research on the development and production of new drugs, dietary supplements, food additives and various functional and specialized products containing targeted soybean extracts.

The purpose of the research is to estimate the intensity of absorption of light energy by crop rotation crops during the growing season and determine the amount of atmospheric carbon absorbed during photosynthesis. In a long-term stationary experiment, the absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (FAR) by crops of meadow clover for 2 years of use and spring wheat in variants without fertilizers and when applying N₆₀P₆₀K₆₀ was studied. Chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B and carotene, which serve as photoreceptors-pigments of photosynthesis in higher plants, were used to assess the intensity of absorption of light energy. The most active period of absorption of HEADLIGHTS by meadow clover leaves was noted from the stalking phase to flowering, the amount of chlorophyll A and B in the leaves was 11.08…14.32 mg/g dry weight, carotene – 2.2…3.3 mg/g dry weight. During photosynthesis, the carbon content in clover leaves varied in the range of 40.4…45.5 %. The content of the main products of photosynthesis, sugars, decreased from 9.8 % in the stalking phase to 3.4 % during seed formation. The most intensive process of photosynthesis of spring wheat took place during the period from the tillering phase to the beginning of maturation, the chlorophyll content was 9.14…11.90 mg/g dry weight, carotene was 2.5…4.3 times lower. Most sugars were noted at the beginning of entering the tube: without fertilizers – 15.3 %, when applying NPK of 60 kg d. v./ ha – 17.2 %. The amount of carbon absorbed by meadow clover crops during photosynthesis during the growing season, depending on the experimental options, was 2.26…2.42 t/ha (8.09…8.66 t/ha CO₂), spring wheat – 1.49…1.93 t/ha (5.33…6.90 t/ha CO₂).

The research was carried out for the purpose of a comparative assessment of the allele pool of the Novoaltayskaya horse breed and the breeds that participated in its creation. The experimental sample included 5736 horses, including: Novoaltayskaya breed – 363, Altai – 39, Lithuanian Heavy Draft – 159, Russian Heavy Draft – 617, Soviet d Heavy Draft – 288, Orlov trotter – 4,177, Budenny – 93. Population genetic analysis was performed using generally accepted methods. The following indicators were determined: the total number of alleles at 17 loci, the average number of alleles per locus, the level of polymorphism, observed and expected heterozygosity, coefficients of intrapopulation inbreeding, genetic similarity and genetic distances. It was established that horses of the Novo-Altai breed had the highest level of genetic diversity (154 alleles) and polymorphism (Ae = 4,909). Analysis of genetic differentiation showed the absence of intrapopulation inbreeding in the groups of Altai, Lithuanian Heavy Draft and Budenny breeds. Groups of horses of the Novoaltayskaya, Orlov trotter, Russian Heavy Draft and Soviet Heavy Draft breeds were distinguished by a slight deficiency of heterozygotes. It has been established that horses of the Novoaltayskaya and Heavy Draft breeds are characterized by a high frequency of occurrence of the HTG6 O allele, and the Altai breed is characterized by a high frequency of occurrence of the HTG4 M allele. A number of loci of alleles identical in spectrum to those of the Altai, Russian Heavy Draft and Soviet Heavy Draft breeds were identified in the Novoaltayskaya horse. Cluster analysis demonstrated a high level of genetic similarity of horses of the Novoaltayskaya breed with the Russian Heavy Draft (0,903) and Altai (0,899) breeds. As part of the study, using molecular genetic markers, new data was obtained on horses of seven breeds, with the help of which it is possible to improve breeding programs in horse breeding, allowing to control the biodiversity and genetic similarity of populations, preserving the originality and heterogeneity of the allele pool of horses of different breeds.

The Carousel, the most capital–intensive and loaded milking unit, is a rotating platform that carries a large mechanical load. Its own weight, combined with the weight of the animals being moved, can reach 1200 kg per milking place or more. To reduce friction in the wheeled systems of high-loaded vehicles, large-sized assemblies and mechanisms of machinery and equipment, including agricultural machinery and aggregates, the use of magnetic suspension technology is promising. The research was carried out in order to develop a new technological scheme of a levitating rotating milking platform Carousel based on the principles of magnetic levitation. The creation of a fundamentally new resource-saving design of the Carousel milking platform based on the principles of magnetic levitation in order to increase its reliability and reduce operating costs due to the exclusion of wear on the propellers of the rail-wheel system is possible. A new scheme of a rotating milking platform Carousel using permanent magnet magnetic suspension technology without the use of wheel thrusters is proposed. Its force calculation was performed in the main mode of steady motion with the platform fully filled with animals and partially filled at the beginning and end of the milking cycle of animals, obtaining basic equations for determining the necessary repulsive forces in horizontal and vertical magnetic assemblies providing magnetic levitation (suspension) and lateral stabilization (centering) of the rotating platform.

The studies were carried out in 2018–2022. in the Samara region in order to identify the influence of the parameters of the carbohydrate-amylase complex and protein content in grain on baking properties in order to use the most informative indicators in the selection of winter rye for baking in the conditions of the Middle Volga region. The material was 4 varieties and 3 promising lines – Saratovskaya 7 (standard), Bezenchukskaya 87, Bezenchukskaya 110, Antares and lines GK-80, GKNP-3, GKNP-4. The soil is ordinary chernozem, medium deep, medium loamy, predecessor is pure fallow, repeated four times. The main parameters that determine the state of starch and influence the rheological properties of rye dough and baking evaluation reached: the «falling number» indicator – 188…255 s, the maximum viscosity on the amylograph – 424…570 u. a. The relationship between the height of the ammylogram and the «falling number» in 2019, 2020 and 2022. was strongly positive (r= 0.95; r= 0.89; r= 0.92). In 2020 and 2021 There was a positive correlation between the height of the amylogram and the volumetric yield of bread (r = 0.86; r = 0.82), the falling number also in these years was significantly positively correlated with the volumetric yield of bread (r = 0.65; r = 0.76). On average, over the years of research, the content of water-soluble pentosans, depending on the variety, varied from 2.46 to 3.00 %. In 2019, the highest values of this indicator were noted – 2.70…3.55 %, the volume of bread was also the highest – 520…655 cm3, and only this year a positive relationship was noted between the values of these indicators (r = 0.72). The relationship between pentosans and the «falling number», which is also responsible for the baking properties of winter rye, was significantly positive in 2019, 2020 and 2022. (r= 0.80; r= 0.78; r= 0.70). Protein content was positively correlated with bread volume yield (r=0.80; r=0.75) only in 2018 and 2019. A negative correlation was established between protein content and amylogram height in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. (r= –0.80; r= –0.80; r= –0.82; r= –0.78). There is also a negative relationship between protein content and the number of falls in 2019, 2020 and 2022 (r = –0.84; r = –0.80; r = –0.67). When selecting varieties of winter rye for baking, it is necessary to carry out conjugate selection based on the height of the amylogram and the «falling number» while stabilizing the protein at an acceptable level of 12.0…12.8 %.