Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important and popular crop all over the world. An economically significant decrease in its yield is due to disease infection the most harmful of which is the loose smut (Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr.). The most effective, cost – effective and environmentally friendly way to fight the disease is to create resistant varieties using molecular biological methods. The research gives an analysis of domestic and foreign literary sources over the past 10 years. The features of the biology of Ustilago tritici and its interaction with the host plant are presented. The possibilities and experience of using various PCR markers are considered both in the diagnosis and study of the causative agent of wheat smut, and in marker-assisted breeding (MAS-breeding) of disease-resistant cultivars. The importance of PCR as one of the most widespread modern, highly sensitive, specific, fast and economically affordable laboratory methods for detecting the causative agent of the disease, as well as studying its racial composition, is shown. The list of currently known genes, donor cultivars and DNA markers linked to genes and loci of wheat resistance to dust smut is analyzed. The above research results indicate that there is a sufficiently large database for the use of PCR markers in the creation of resistant wheat cultivars.

Modern science refers to substances that are potentially toxic and not natural metabolites for the mammalian organism as xenobiotics. Due to the intensification of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the concentration of such compounds in the air, water, soil, and animal feed increases proportionally to the increase in production turnover of specialized enterprises. The biotransformation of xenobiotics and medicines, or the detoxification process, is a natural and most effective way to remove foreign metabolites from a living organism. Special enzyme systems take an active part in this process, including the cytochrome system. The functions and role of individual types of P450 cytochromes in the process of xenobiotic biotransformation in animals and humans have been partially studied, but a significant number of enzymes are at the research stage. The review provides the analysis of the results of 60 scientific articles on the problem of biotransformation of xenobiotics by the cytochrome systems, the basic features of this process are revealed and the estimates of its application for the diagnostics of different pathologies is given.

The effectiveness of using the biological growth regulator Biosil (100 g/l of a mixture of triterpenic acids) with a consumption rate of 0.02 l/ha was studied in crops of ‘Yaromir’ spring barley (2021-2023) in the Ryazan region (Non-Black Earth zone of the Central Region of the Russian Federation) on dark gray soil of average fertility. The scheme of the field experiment: 1) control (without treatment); 2) single spraying of crops with a Biosil growth regulator in the "tillering" phase; 3) double – in the "tillering", "shooting" phases; 4) triple – in the "tillering", "shooting", "flag leaf emergence" phases. It was revealed that the yield value depended on the number of plants preserved for harvesting (r = 0.709). The maximum indicators of plant safety before harvesting (76.2 %) were recorded in the variant with three-fold spraying of plants, the minimum (58.9 %) – in the control variant. It was found that the treatment of Biosil crops in all experimental variants contributed to a statistically significant increase in the yield of spring barley grain in comparison with the control from 11.4 % (single spraying) to 20.7 % (triple spraying). A significant contribution to the formation of biometric elements was revealed: the length of the ear (r = 0.503), the number of grains in the ear (r = 0.830), the weight of grain from the ear (r = 0.746) and the weight of 1000 grains (r = 0.996). The greatest accumulation of protein (13.3 %) was due to single spraying of crops in the "tillering" phase, the least (12.6 %) was due to triple spraying. When calculating economic efficiency, it was found that the maximum indicators of conditional net income and profitability (74.8 %) were achieved with a single application of the Biosil growth regulator in the "tillering" phase with a yield of ‘Yaromir’ barley of 7.78 t/ha.

The study is devoted to assessing the current state of agro-climatic resources and their impact on pea yield in Falenki district of the Kirov region. We used data from the Falenki Meteorological Station for 1991–2020. (in comparison with the base period of 1961–1990) and the results of the competitive variety testing of 7 cultivars of peas at the Falenki Breeding Station, a branch of the for 2011–2020. In the period of 1991–2020, a steady increase in air temperature was detected at a rate of 0.44 °C/10 years, while moisture availability remained at the same level. The pea cultivars ‘Krasnoufimsky 93’, ‘Ryabchik’, ‘Severyanin’, ‘Falensky usatii’, ‘Vita’, ‘Falensky Yubileyny’, ‘Vyatich’, which were the objects of the study, were distinguished by a wide yield dispersion and high coefficients of its variation (36.3–55.0 %). As a result of clustering, the cultivars were divided into three groups according to the yield, one of which was a single feed cultivar ‘Vyatich’, the other was a pair of valuable and related cultivars ‘Falensky Usatii’ and ‘Falensky Jubilee’, the third united all other cultivars. Correlation analysis indicated an average negative relationship between yield and air temperature in summer (-0.402...-0.560) and a positive effect of precipitation and increased humidification (0.455...0.669). Significant regression dependences of crop yields on air temperature in July were obtained, which determined 39.4–54.0 % of the productivity variance. According to the results of a two-factor analysis of variance, both weather conditions (76.1 %) and varietal characteristics (6.3 %) had a significant impact on pea yields.

The comparative effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds by different methods is not sufficiently studied in the published results of scientific research. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of pre-sowing treatment of maize seeds with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, microwave (MW) radiation, gaseous ozone, fungicidal preparation Scarlet (control) on corn yield in the field experiment. The studies were carried out in the south of Rostov region in 2021–2023. Seeds of maize hybrid ‘Sapsan MV’ were treated with UV, MW and ozone on the day before sowing, and with fungicide on the day of sowing. It has been established that pre-sowing treatment of maize seeds by the studied methods increases its yield compared to semi-dry treatment with Scarlet preparation (0.4 l/t). Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with UV radiation (UVA 200–280 nm and UVC 315–380 nm, 10 min) had the greatest statistically significant effect on corn yield: +41.0 % to biological yield and +40.7 % to actual yield in comparison with treatment by fungicide. Ozone treatment (60 mg/m3 , 5 min) was slightly less effective than UV treatment: +39.9 % to biological yield and +36.3 % to actual yield. Microwave treatment (2450 MHz, 700 W, 1 min) of maize seeds showed the lowest efficiency: +25.6 % to biological yield and +24.1 % to actual yield. Increase in corn yield was achieved as a result of pre-sowing seed treatment by increasing the number of plants per unit area and the number of corncobs on them, as well as the mass of corn per corncob and the mass of 1000 grains. Methods based on the action of UV radiation and ozone are the most suitable to replace the traditional method of pre-sowing treatment of maize seeds (fungicide treatment). These methods provide the greatest increase in corn yield compared to fungicide treatment.

For successful cultivation and production of sweet corn (Zea maуs var. saccharata) in the risk farming zone, a detailed study of the adaptive capacity of new cultivars and hybrids is necessary. The objective of the research was to evaluate 47 cultivar samples of sweet corn based on the response of quantitative traits of the cob to the impact of abiotic environmental factors in the conditions of the Right Bank of the Saratov Region (arid steppe zone, continental climate of temperate latitudes, soils – southern black earth). The studies were carried out in 2021–2023. The vegetation periods from the second ten days of May to the second ten days of September were characterized by close values of the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC): 2021 – 0.62, 2022 – 0.75, 2023 – 0.69, but differed significantly in the distribution of precipitation and air temperature by months. As a result of the research, the share of influence of the factors “genotype”, “year”, their interaction, as well as an unaccounted factor on the variability of the studied characteristics of sweet corn cultivar samples was revealed. It has been established that the variability of the cob diameter and the number of grains in a row were influenced by the “year” factor to the greatest extent (46.48 and 37.57 %, respectively); the variability of cob length, rows number and the number of grains per a cob – by “genotype” factor (55.70; 54.53 and 36.49 %, respectively); grained part of a cob – by the factors interaction (32.87 %). There have also been identified the samples having steadily high average values by the “number of grains per a cob” indicator over all three years of the experiment: ‘Tsukerka’, k-4455, k-4471, k-4840, k-1976, k-5811. The greatest number of genotypes had an average resistance degree to environmental influence by the “ecological plasticity” indicator Hi (S. P. Martynov, 1989). Among them the most stable were ‘Uslada’, k-4475, ‘Zabava’, k-4468, k-4456, k-5768, k-5467, k-103. In future, they should be used in topcrossing for evaluation of combining ability.

The apple cultivar ʻRozochka’ developed by the breeders of Sverdlovsk Horticultural Breeding Station L. A. Kotov and D. D. Telezhinskiy, was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements recommended for use in the Volga-Vyatka region in 2023. Breeding work and variety studies were carried out in 1990–2020. The cultivar ʻRozochka’ obtained through hybridization of the ʻSerebryanoe kopytce’ and ʻOrlovim’ cultivars is characterized by high yields (up to 12.2 t/ha), excellent winter hardiness, and resistance to scab. The fruits are medium-sized, weighing from 85 to 130 g, with a correct flat-round shape and smooth surface. Their main color is greenish-yellow, but a significant part of the surface is covered with a reddish-dark blush. The flesh is white, moderately dense, fine-grained, juicy, and easily breakable. The taste is pleasant, well-balanced, sweet-sour, with a light aroma. The harvest ripens at the end of summer, and the storage period under controlled conditions can last up to 60 days. The fruits of this cultivar are versatile: they can be consumed fresh or used for further processing.

Gray mold is one of the main harmful diseases of strawberries. Breeding for resistance to this disease still begins with identifying resistant phenotypes and using them in crosses. Since strawberries are a polygenic, heterozygous species, then in order to increase the effectiveness of breeding work, it is necessary to conduct a breeding assessment of the original forms for resistance to gray mold. The studies involved cultivars and forms of breeding of the Sverdlovsk breeding station of horticulture – ‘Duet’, ‘Forsazh’, ‘Gejzer’ 1-14-10, 2-43-10, 3-44-10, 2-45-10, 3-45-10, 2-54-11, introduced cultivars ‘Ol'viya’, ‘Solovushka’, ‘Belrubi’, ‘Cardinal’ and their hybrid offspring – 600 seedlings of 10 families. The maximum development of gray mold on the original forms of strawberries was observed in the years of epiphytoties – 2017, 2018, 2024. According to the results of the surveys, only two forms 2-45-10 and 2-54-11 were resistant to this disease. The hybrid offspring was assessed in 2024 against a natural phytopathogenic background. According to the results of breeding assessment for the yield of disease-resistant seedlings (29.0–34.1 %), families were identified in the origin of both parental forms of which cultivars with dense berries participated – ‘Marmolada’ and ‘Totem’: 1-40-10 × 3-44-10; 2-43-10 × 2-54-11; ‘Forsazh’ × 2-43-10 (29.0–34.1 %). The use of resistant forms 2-45-10 and 2-54-11 in crossings (except for the family 2-43-10 × 2-54-11) gave a lower yield of seedlings without signs of the disease (6.3–16.7 %). During the research, 10 selected strawberry seedlings were selected, combining in their genotype, in addition to resistance to gray mold, a set of economically valuable traits. These seedlings represent new source material for further selection work.

Fusarium dry rot of tubers (FDR), caused by Fusarium fungi, is a widespread potato disease that reduces seed quality both during planting and storage. The aim of the study was to establish the distribution of FDR in Russia and to reveal the species diversity of fungi causing this disease. In 2018–2024, tuber analysis of 342 potato batches obtained from various regions of 5 Federal Districts of the Russia was carried out. The share of batches with FDR and the occurrence of the tubers with disease symptoms were assessed, and Fusarium fungi were isolated from these tubers, followed by identification of them based on the morphological and cultural characteristics. It was found that 82.7 % of the analyzed potato batches contained tubers infected with Fusarium fungi, the proportion of which varied from 5.7 to 13.5 %. Potato yield of 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 can be characterized as a relatively low-infected by FDR, the frequency occurrence of tubers with disease symptoms did not exceed 6.5 % on average, whereas in 2018 and 2019, high potato infestation was noted – 15.3–20.5 % of tubers. According to the results of the dispersion analysis, a reliable effect of the factors “origin”, “year”, “cultivar” and “reproduction” on the FSGC occurrence in potato batches was established. Fusarium fungi isolated from tubers were represented by members of seven species complexes: F. sambucinum (FSAMSC), F. oxysporum (FOSC), F. tricinctum, F. incarnatum-equiseti, F. redolens (FRSC), F. solani and F. nisikadoi. In the Siberian, Central and Northwestern Federal Districts, FSAMSC isolates were the most common in the tuber with FDR symptoms (34.2–66.7 % of all isolated Fusarium fungi), and F. sambucinum dominated among them. xIn the North Caucasian Federal District, FOSC isolates prevailed – 68.8 % of all isolated Fusarium fungi. In the Volga Federal District, the F. redolens from the FRSC was detected with a high frequency (33.3 %). Understanding the key factors facilitating on FDR and the species composition of pathogens will make it possible to justify the control of this potato disease.

In the Republic of Tatarstan, common spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occupies a leading position in crop rotations and is sown annually on more than 400,000 hectares. Diseases caused by the phytopathogen Puccinia striiformis, which can reduce yields by up to 90 %, are a particular threat to wheat crops. In our work, 25 breeding cultivars of soft spring wheat bred by the Tatar Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture were genotyping for yellow rust resistance genes – Yr1 (gwm311), Yr5 (S23M41 and S19M93), Yr10 (Xpsp3000), Yr15 (Xgwm413) and Yr17/Lr37/Sr38 (Ventriup/LN2). The presence of the Yr5-associated marker S23M41 in the genotype was detected in 56 % of the tested cultivars. The S19M93 marker was identified in 84 % of the studied cultivars. The presence of the Xgwm413 marker was detected in 32 % of the tested spring wheat varieties. Negative results were obtained for the identification of the molecular marker Ventriup/LN2 associated with genes for resistance to stripe, leaf and stem rust in all the studied cultivars. The results obtained indicate the genetic diversity of these cultivars with regard to resistance to P. striiformis. The presence of three yellow rust resistance genes (Yr1, Y5 and Yr15) was detected for ‘Barakat’, ‘Yoldyz’, ‘Kazanskaya Yubileynaya’, ‘Sitara’, ‘Ekada 113’ and ‘Ekada 214’.

The article presents the results of research on the effect of technological methods (seeding rates, macro- and microfertilizers, chemical and biological plant protection) on the growth and development, productivity elements, disease affection, seed germination and quality of seed material of the sunflower maternal line VK1-klp, as well as on the changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of microbiota in the rhizosphere of sunflower. The research was conducted in 2023-2024 in the conditions of the Krasnodar region on ordinary and leached chernozems. Disease recording was carried out at sunflower stages BBCH 51 and BBCH 85 (according to the international BBCH-scale) in accordance with generally accepted methods of phytopathological research. Mycological analysis of soil samples (by the method of sequential soil dilution by A. I. Netrusov, identification of micromycetes in sunflower rhizosphere by M. A. Litvinov and A. Ya. Semenov (et al.)) was carried out before sowing and at the onset of the physiological maturity stage of the crop (soil sampling in the rhizosphere). The samples were counted and analyzed according to the methodology of V. S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. It was established that agrotechnical methods had no effect on the mycological composition of the sunflower rhizosphere, contributed to the decrease of plant affection and positively influenced the growth and productivity of the crop. The application of fertilizers and chemical plant protection against diseases contributed to a 10 % decrease in the prevalence of sunflower dry rot (Rizopus spp.), an increase in plant height by 8.1 cm and the achievement of a high yield – 1.25 t/ha. Decreasing the seeding rate from 75 to 65 thousand pcs/ha resulted in a significant increase in the thousand-seed weight from 53.6 to 57.3 g. The best laboratory germination of seeds (98.0 %) was obtained with the combined use of biological plant protection and microfertilizers, field germination (95.4 %) – with the use of fertilizers and chemical plant protection. The results of the research can be the basis for the preparation of recommendations for increasing the production of seed material of maternal lines of sunflower with improved quality.

Cultivation of calli on media with culture filtrates (CF) of fungi of the genus Fusarium is used in breeding for the resistance to these pathogens of somaclonal lines of many plant species. The key is to determine the response of plant tissue culture to different concentrations (20 and 40 %) of CF. The dynamics of the growth and development parameters of spring soft wheat callus culture (CC) was assessed under simulating F. sporotrichioides infection in vitro in long-term cultivation (up to 119 days). Callusogenesis was induced in the culture of embryos on Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium with 2.4-D (1 mg/L for immature embryos, 4 mg/L for mature embryos). Calli were then cultured on media with the same levels of 2,4-D under different levels of CF (20 % and 40 %). The response of CC to CF was noticeable already by the 14th day of cultivation. Signs of necrosis were observed in 10–15 % of samples on media with CF. The proportion of calli with chlorophyll containing areas (CСA) at this period was half as much on media with CF compared to MS. By day 28, the medium with 20 % of CF had CCA quantity less than MS by 2-3 times, medium with 40 % of CF – had CCA quantity less by 5–7 times. The size of calli turned out to be less informative in the analysis of the response of CC to CF. After the 42nd day, media with CF showed the resumption of CC growth, slowing down of necrosis, and activation of chlorophyll synthesis. On the MS medium, the senescence of CC progressed, the frequency of calli necrosis increased. The same experiment but including passaging calli on the 14th day onto fresh media of the same composition did not reveal the increase in selective pressure. The results were either close to (CCA, necrosis) or higher (callus size) than those of the samples under continuous cultivation. Thus, the levels of CF used ensure the selection of wheat cell lines resistant to F. sporotrichiodes toxins within 28 days of cultivation. There is a potential to increase selection pressure.

To increase the efficiency of feed production in Russian regions where there is a shortage of atmospheric soil moisture and unstable weather conditions, it is necessary to develop a set of measures to obtain highly nutritious feeds based on the rational use of local plant resources, which in specific soil and climatic conditions provide the highest output per unit area. From 2021 to 2023, the natural phytocenosis of the southern cane in the floodplain of the Volga River in the Trusovsky district of the Astrakhan region was studied: morphobiological features in different phases of development; dynamics of accumulation of raw and dry aboveground biomass; yield, feed value and protein productivity of dry aboveground biomass in the phase of its maximum accumulation. It was found that in an arid climate (HTC – 0.45-0.46) due to the use of groundwater, the yield of raw and dry aboveground biomass of the southern cane reached: in the «shooting» phase – 19.0 and 5.1 t/ha, in the «earing» phase – 22.8 and 7.2 t/ha, in the «full ripeness» phase – 38.4 and 8.2 t/ha, respectively. The collection of feed units by growth and development phases amounted to 2.24; 3.39; 3.61 t/ha, protein content – 4.5; 10.0; 11.0 %, protein harvest – 0.20; 0.77; 0.91 t/ha, crude fiber content – 13.6; 30.1; 36.0 %, crude fiber harvest – 0.69; 2.32; 2.95 t/ha, respectively. Southern cane in the full ripeness phase contains a complete set of proteinogenic amino acids, while the proportion of essential amino acids exceeds the proportion of non-essential amino acids by 1.32 times, which is atypical for cereals. The significant content of critical amino acids (10.6 %) makes it a promising protein source comparable to legumes. It has been revealed that in terms of yield, feed value and protein productivity, southern cane (raw and dry aboveground biomass) is of undoubted interest as a fodder crop and should be involved in domestic feed production technologies in order to create a solid feed base.

The kappa-casein and beta-casein genes control milk yield, quality of milk and dairy products, therefore they represent important breeding criteria for dairy cattle breeds. The frequency of occurrence of different kappa- and beta-casein genotypes was studied in 68 Holstein bulls of imported and domestic breeding owned by Kirovplem JSC of the Kirov region, data on the milk productivity of their mothers and the results of the evaluation of their daughters were analyzed. It was found that among the analyzed bulls for kappa casein, the AA genotype prevailed - 50.0 % of producers. The AB and BB genotypes were found in 30.9 and 19.1 % of bulls, respectively. The highest productivity according to yield, fat content and protein content in milk (14,573 kg, 4.39 and 3.47 %, respectively) was obtained from mothers of bulls with the AB genotype, while their superiority in milk yield and protein content was statistically significant compared to mothers of bulls with the AA genotype. Relative to their peers, the daughters of bulls with the AB genotype were also more productive, their weight gain was 720 kg, 0.21 %, 0.12 %, which was significantly higher in fat and protein content in milk compared to the AA genotype. Beta-casein was dominated by bulls with the A1A2 genotype (51.5 %). There were fewer producers with the A1A1 and A2A2 genotypes, respectively – 27.9 and 20.6 %. The highest milk yield was found in mothers of bulls with the beta-casein A2A2 genotype – 14482 kg. Significantly higher fat content – 4.49 % in mothers of bulls with the A1A2 genotype. Mothers of bulls with casein A1A1 and A1A2 also have significantly higher milk protein content (3.43 and 3.41 %). A comparison of daughters with their peers showed that the greatest increase in milk yield was given to daughters from bulls with genotypes A2A2 – 745 kg and A1A2 – 717 kg, which was statistically significant, in mass fraction of fat – daughters of bulls with genotype A1A2 – 0.17 %, and in protein – with genotype A2A2 – 0.11 %. To increase milk productivity and improve the quality of milk in the average herd, the number of animals from bulls with these kappa- and beta-casein genotypes should be increased.

To improve the efficiency of dairy production, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of rearing young cattle the growth and development of which depend not only on paratypical, but also on genetic factors. The research goal of the work was to identify the relationship between the leptin gene type (site A80V) and changes in live weight indicators in cows of the Kholmogory breed at different age periods. The studied livestock included 330 cows of the Kholmogory breed from the Arkhangelsk region. The whole blood was used as biomaterial. The results were visualized by electrophoresis in 2 % agarose gel with a molecular weight marker Step50 (Biolabmix LLC, Russia). The results of the study showed the predominance of carriers of the A allele, therefore, the AA genotype was the most common. Animals with the AV genotype had the highest weight gain over 6, 10, 12 and 18 months. The age of the first insemination, the first calving and the first fruitful insemination did not differ significantly. However, significant differences in live weight were found at the first insemination between groups with AV and VV genotypes (+16.94 kg), as well as between animals with AA and VV genotypes (+15.49 kg). The average weight gain per month was also higher in animals with the AV genotype (+18.03±0.31 kg). It has been established that the most preferred genotype of the leptin gene of the A80V site in the sample of cows of the Kholmogorsky breed is the AV genotype. The further study of the leptin gene and its effects will help to gain a more complete understanding of its role in shaping the growth of living tissue in animals.

The work is devoted to the study of reproductive qualities of sows subjected to heat stress after insemination during the period of insemination and before insemination (I, II and III groups, respectively). The breeding reproducer maintains a constant temperature in the range of 18.0...21.0 °C. Heat stress conditions (22.08±4.28…25.02±5.02 ℃) arose as a result of a malfunction in the air conditioning system in the premises of an industrial pig complex and lasted for six weeks. The greatest negative effect was observed in sows subjected to maximum heat stress during insemination (II group) – they had a decrease in fertility compared to the I group by 4.6 %, an increase in the number of underdeveloped piglets – by 2.5 and 6.1 % compared to the I and III groups, stillborns – by 4.3 and 4.1 %, respectively; the number of mummified piglets was also higher compared to the III group. In sows exposed to high temperatures before insemination (III group), there was an increase in underdeveloped piglets compared to the I group by 3.7 %. In sows inseminated before exposure to heat (I group), no negative consequences were found for their reproductive indicators.

High pathogenicity avian influenza remains a great challenge for poultry farming industry worldwide. High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses cause devastating epizooties leading to significant economic losses. Moreover, high viral genome reassortment probability could result in abrupt virus pathogenicity expansion and the virus will become dangerous for humans. Considering this, development of specific vaccines against avian influenza is of great importance. The research was aimed at the evaluation of protective effect of “AviFluVac” inactivated vaccine against avian influenza based on H5N1 low pathogenicity AIV Yamal strain antigen. The vaccine was tested for its protective effect by challenge using H5N1 highly pathogenicity AI virus A/gull/Kirov/998-1/2023 strain isolated in Russia in 2023. “AviFluVac” vaccine used in parallel with the pilot vaccine based on H5N1 HPAI virus antigen as a reference vaccine. Both vaccines were tested at different concentrations (D) of relevant antigens. Constant vaccine inoculation volume contained undiluted antigen (D = 1); 1/25; 1/50; 1/100. Vaccine containing each antigen concentration was inoculated to a separate group of chickens (n). Mean logarithmic antibody titres (T, log2) to avian influenza virus were determined in the groups 28 days after vaccination and then chickens were challenged with high pathogenicity avian influenza virus. Proportions of clinically diseased and dead chickens (c) were registered daily in each group. Group clinical scores (C = Ʃс/n) and protective index values (PI = 1 - C) were determined 10 days after challenge. PI values were converted into linear equivalents: f = log(PI/(1 - PI)). Regression models, 'f = k(lgD) + f0, were constructed for tested and reference vaccines and used for calculation of relative antigen concentration required for protection of 50 % of vaccinated chickens (PD50). It was shown that “AviFluVac” inoculation volume contained (1.982±0.088) lgPD50, or ≈ 96 PD50 and reference vaccine inoculation volume contained (1.581±0.122) lgPD50, or ≈ 38 PD50. The calculated values were significantly different (p≤0.01). The study of the relationship between f and T values revealed that the expected antibody titers corresponding to the 95 % protection of vaccinated chickens, were statistically equal (log2) for the AviFluVac vaccine and reference vaccine – 5.85 and 6.09 respectively.

Automation of the process of laying potatoes and vegetable crops for storage is a significant factor in increasing production productivity. The article presents theoretical modeling of the functional parameters of a robotic clamp stacker. Based on the obtained models, a robotic clamp stacker with a digital automated motion system was developed, the development of which was carried out using the methods of classical and agricultural mechanics, automated design systems with the Solidworks and "Compass" application software packages. To reduce the contact stress of a potato tuber when it comes off the surface of the conveyor belt of a robotic clamp stacker, it is necessary to provide a device for damping the energy of the tubers falling onto the storage surface. Theoretical modeling of the energy damper when laying potatoes for storage was performed. The working surface of the vibration damper is made of rubber material and is a nonlinear elastic surface that can be restored after deformation. For the working state of the interaction of the potato tuber with the fall energy absorber, the maximum contact stress during the tuber fall is 0.107 MPa, and the displacement during the fall is 33 mm. To test the developed algorithms for the functioning of the digital system of automated movement of the robotic complex of machines for laying potatoes and vegetable crops for storage, experimental studies were conducted on the implementation of the technological process of movement along the storage facility with the definition of the main indicators of the quality and operability of the machine. The results of the potato tuber detection assessment in the storage facility for the expanded model of the artificial neural network were determined: accuracy (T = 93.9 %), reliability (P = 98.2 %), completeness level (P = 94.8 %) and assessment (F1 = 96.5 %), as well as the dependence of potato tuber detection in the storage facility on the accuracy of deepening, the accuracy of constructing the machine movement trajectory under natural and artificial lighting.

Insufficient study of the dynamics of moisture movement both in the soil loosened by the tillage tool and in the zone of uncultivated subsoil wall in the conditions of moisture deficient south of Russia necessitated for development of a mathematical model of subsoil moisture transfer. A distinctive feature of this model is the study of moisture transfer in the zone of the upper soil layer of 0.60 m by the developed universal tillage tool for cultivating of sloping and plain lands. To study the moistening process in the slope soil layer treated by the new method, the following assumptions were made: the soil skeleton was geometrically unchanged; hysteresis was excluded in the system under consideration; the moisture inside the soil was not compressed; the air pressure inside the treated soil horizon was equal to the atmospheric pressure; capillary and gravitational phenomena were the main causes of moisture movement inside the treated layer; subsoil moisture transfer was related to isothermal processes; the Cartesian coordinate system was used, and the z-axis was directed vertically upwards. These assumptions made it possible to consider in the model of subsoil moisture movement only the dynamics of capillary forces and sorption occurring due to soil moistening. As the result, a mathematical model of subsoil moisture transfer was proposed on the basis of the Navier-Stokes equation for water movement in a porous medium. This let to determine the main parameters of the moisture transfer dynamics in the layer under consideration: the coefficients of diffusivity, moisture conductivity and capillary absorption capacity. At the same time, a computer program was developed to solve the boundary value problem of dynamics – subsoil moisture transfer on a slope, taking into account the heterogeneous structures obtained during soil treatment using a new method.

The article provides a brief overview of the 70-year development of agroengineering science at the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named N. V. Rudnitsky, a scientific institution with a 130-year history. The stages of formation are described – from the Department of Mechanization (1955-1995) to the scientific and engineering center (from 1995 to present ), which initially included laboratories for field husbandry mechanization, grain and seed cleaning machines, livestock mechanization, agricultural engineering and technical development, and a design bureau with over 80 engineering and technical staff members, including 8 doctors, 15 candidates of technical science, and 14 graduate students in mechanics. Over the past 29 years, agricultural engineers have developed over 40 names of new energy-saving technologies and machines for the mechanization of crop and livestock production, the design of which is protected by more than 150 copyright certificates and patents of the Russian Federation for inventions. Mass production of more than 60 designs of new machines and equipment has been mastered. Sixty-eight people have completed postgraduate studies in technical specialties, 47 of them have defended their dissertations. Dissertation councils have been successfully functioning since 1996, in which 108 dissertations have been defended, 17 of them doctoral ones.