In the Baraba Plain, the influence of crop rotations with sweet clover and awnless bromegrass on solonets has been studied in dynamics for more than 30 years. It has been noted that in the soil with phytomeliorative crop rotations total salt reserves have significantly decreased in comparison with the initial virgin soil. In the 0–20 cm soil layer, their number decreased 3.8–4.4 times, in the 20–40 cm layer – 4.6–7.7 times. As a result of grassing of the phytomeliorative crop rotation plots with a mixture of awnless bromegrass and alfalfa blue-hybrid, the effect of desalinization is decreasing (in the upper layer on average by 6.4 and 9.3%, in the lower layer – by 24.9% in the aftermath of the crop rotation with awnless bromegrass). The identified changes in the soil salinity have been reflected in the representation of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive bacteria. The abundance of low salt-tolerant representatives of the class Spartobacteria on the grassed area after crop rotations with sweet clover and bromegrass decreased by 3.2 and 3.6 times, and the abundance of the relatively salt-loving Cytophagia increased by 1.6 and 2.4 times. In the sown meadow after crop rotation with sweet clover, a higher amount of complexly decomposable plant residues (mainly cereals) was observed, as evidenced by the increased content of acidobacteria. According to the abundance of the genera Gaiella from the class Thermoleophilia and Microlunatus from the class Actinobacteria, the meliorative effect in terms of desalinization and aeration of solonets is greater in sweet clover than in bromegrass. Grassing increases mineralization activity and oligotrophic soil in solonetz on average in 20–40 cm layer more strongly than in 0–20 cm layer by 1.6–2.2 times. Potential microbiological humus accumulation under sown meadow decreases in the upper layer of the plot previously occupied by the rotation with sweet clover, and in the lower layer – by the rotation with bromegrass.

The species diversity of wild berry plants of the Far East is presented. Promising sources of biologically active substances, as well as gentle and effective methods of extraction of these substances are considered. A significant number of renewable plant bioresources grow annually in the Far Eastern region, most of the berry plants described in this paper have the potential for industrial harvesting. Scientists of the region carry out breeding works on preservation and increase of the varietal diversity of Kamchatka honeysuckle. The transfer of valuable forms of honeysuckle from the wild to culture for inclusion in the breeding process is in progress. The obtained honeysuckle varieties, their characteristics and yields are presented. There is growing interest in the anthocyanin pigments of the berries and the possibility of using them as natural food colors. Wild plant species of the Magadan region and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug that represent potential sources of anthocyanins include bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), various currant species (Ribes fragrans P., R. acidum, R. dicuscha, R. triste Pallas), honeysuckle (L. chamissoi Bunge ex kirillon, L. edulis Turezaninow ex Freyn) and other wild berries. A significant task is the modification and development of new methods of extraction of bioactive compounds from plant raw materials. The use of a highly efficient and environmentally safe extraction method – supercritical fluid CO₂ extraction – is proposed. The use of supercritical carbon dioxide in combination with other solvents allows for a more complete extraction of biologically active compounds from plant matrices. Studies devoted to the intensification of the processes of extractive compounds extraction from wild berries of the Far East and their subsequent identification will allow to form a scientifically grounded complex approach to the processing of wild fruit and berry raw materials for food and biotechnological industry.

Bee pasturages and natural-climatic conditions in the forest fund of the steppe Pridonye are characterized by great variability. Plantations of European white elm, Scotch elm and English elm occupy 2.2% of the area of the steppe Pridonye. The purpose of this study was to identify honey-bearing species by the forest phytocenosis components in ravine elms and floodplain forests and to determine the honey productivity of plant formations. Accepted methods of scientific research in beekeeping were utilized. The silvicultural and taxational characteristics of the forest stand were obtained, the species composition of the honey-bearing flora was specified and the honey productivity by forest types was determined. Honey productivity of the plant formation of ravine elms is 106.4–203.3 kg/ha. European white elm (Ulmus laevis) provides honey productivity of 32.9 kg/ha in the forest phytocenosis on the shady banks of the ravine oak forests. Field maple (Acer campestre) contributes to this significant index (203.3 kg/ha) in the stand composition on high and steep gully slopes. On the light banks honey production is characterized by honey-bearing undergrowth species, which are found mainly in forest glades and woodsides, as well as the carpet plants representatives. In elm-herbage-nettle-blackberry floodplain forests, the main honey yield (35.3 kg/ha) is given by European white elm and white willow (Salix alba), while in the undergrowth it is given by common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), alder (R. alnus), and European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus). Skillful use of the honey-bearing potential of forest plants not only makes it possible to successfully develop beekeeping, but also to ensure a significant increase in the forest fund of the southern regions of the European part of the Russian Federation.

26 genotypes of winter rye from the selection of FASC of the North-East and 43 samples from the collection of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources named after N.I. Vavilov (VIR) were studied. Field studies were conducted in 2020–2022 in the conditions of the Kirov region on the natural background of fungal disease development in order to search for new genetic sources with complex non-specific resistance to fungal diseases. Disease monitoring (phases 31 to 85 on the Zadoks scale) allowed analysis of fungal infection build-up and identification of susceptible genotypes. Commonly known techniques were used to record the diseases. The nature of plant-microbial interactions and resistance parameters were evaluated by the AUDPC (area under disease progress curve) and the RI (resistance index) figures. By wax ripeness, only one collection sample, Rossiyanka 2, retained high resistance to septoriose in combination with the “slow rusting” trait. The AUDPC indicator was 105 units and the RI was 0.12. The given regression equations are linear in nature, on the basis of which it can be stated that daily increase of diseases according to the trend on the varieties of FASC of the North-East is 5.4...9.9% (brown rust) and 8.4...16.4% (stem rust); on the VIR collection samples – 6.4...12.1% (brown rust) and 15.0...45.0% (stem rust). The value of the coefficient of determination R² = 90-99% is characterized as strong. Higher rust resistance of the FASС of the North-East varieties was noted in comparison with the studied samples of the VIR collection. 24 winter rye varieties with nonspecific resistance to two or more fungal diseases and slow “slow rusting” increase of infection during ontogenesis were identified (Flora, Grafinya, Perepel, Grafit, Grafit FP, Lika, Harmony, Symphony, Rumba large-grained, Wibro, Kaupo, Pastewne Zielone, etc.). These varieties can be used in breeding for increasing phytoimmunity to specific diseases as the trait sources.

Timothy grass is a valuable forage crop used to create hayfields and pastures. The results of research on seed productivity of timothy grass hybrid samples are presented. The purpose of the research is to create a new hybrid material for selection of timothy grass adapted to the conditions of the steppe zone of the Primorsky Territory. The second generation (F₂) hybrids of timothy grass were the object of research. Thirty-nine hybrid accessions were studied in the breeding nursery (F₂)) of the third year of life. The following accessions were found to be the most promising: No. 4 (Narymskaya♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂), No. 12 (Primorskaya mestnaya ♀ × Morshanskaya 69♂), No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂), and No. 36 (Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂). Accessions No. 12 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Morshanskaya 69♂) and No. 36 (Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) had the highest number of generative shoots (19–21 shoots per plant). The seeds productivity of the studied hybrids ranged from 3.95 (No. 4, Narymskaya♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) to 10.0 (No. 36, Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) g/plant. Accessions No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂) and No. 36 (Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) were characterized by the highest productivity (8.15 and 10.0 g/plant, respectively) exceeding the standard by 7.2–31.6%. Analysis of the sowing characteristics showed that hybrid No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂) was the largest seeded hybrid; the 1000 kernel weight was by 0.18 g higher than the standard. Hybrid No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂) stood outfor its complex of economically important traits.

The results of physiological and biochemical evaluation of resistance to heat and drought of five apple tree varieties of different ecological and geographical origin in the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory are presented. The following varieties were studied during 2020-–2022: Interprise (America), Florina (France), Orphey, Margo, Bagryanets Kubani (Russia). Indicators of water regime were determined by the weight method after drying the samples in the thermostat at 105°C to constant weight. The content of photosynthetic pigments was determined spectrophotometrically in 85% acetone extract. The ascorbic acid content was determined by capillary electrophoresis. Under the conditions of tension stress factors of the summer period, the varieties Orphey and Margo showed the smallest decrease in water content of the leaf tissues (by 1.32–1.45%) in comparison with the other studied varieties (by 2.40–3.27%). Orphey and Margo varieties showed the highest values of bound water to free water ratio in all summer months, which in August were 9.95 and 9.97, respectively, in other varieties they were 6.54–7.46. Stable content of the sum of chlorophylls during the summer in the varieties Orphey and Margo, as well as low ratios of the sum of chlorophylls to carotenoids, amounting to 2.65 and 2.74 in August, respectively, in comparison with the other studied varieties (3.15–3.46) indicate increased adaptability of their leaf tissues. In response to drought, Orphey and Margo varieties showed an increase in ascorbic acid content to a greater extent (2.02–2.58 times) compared to the other varieties studied (1.17–1.59 times). Orphey and Margo varieties have shown themselves to be more adaptable for cultivation in the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory. They can be used in breeding to develop the most heat- and drought-resistant varieties.

The results of studying the effectiveness of new fungicides designed to protect spring rape from seed infection and root rot by treatment of the seed material in natural-climatic conditions of the North-West of the Russian Federation are presented. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the area sown to spring rape in the region. At the same time, a trend towards deterioration of the crop’s phytosanitary condition has been observed. With the accumulation of the infection, fungicide seed treatment will be increasingly required. Based on the results of the research, it has been determined that the new preparations Tirada, SC (application rate 2.0 and 3.0 l/t), Vitaros, WSC (3.0; 4.0 and 6.0 l/t) and Sinkler, SC (1.3 and 1.6 l/t) are more effective in reducing the seed infection (Alternaria spp. – 86.6–94.9; 93.2–96.6; 91.7–100%, respectively; mold fungi – 86.7–93.4; 90.9–96.6; 73.5–78.6%) and root rot development (four true leaves formation phase – 37.7–56.7; 27.2–52.3; 31.7–72.7%; stemming phase – 13.4–41.2; 17.9–29.0; 17.9–50.4%) than Scarlet, ME and Redut, SC fungicides used in the region. Treatment of the rape seeds with fungicides contributed to the growth of the crop yield, which depending on the preparation and its consumption rate was 3.0–50.0% higher than in the control. The indices of the biological and economic efficiency obtained according to the results of the experiments testify to the significant prospects of using new fungicides in the protection of spring rape from seed and soil infection by treatment of the sowing material in the conditions of the north-western part of Russia.

The data on biology and ecology of bed bugs Coreus marginatus orientalis and Molipteryx fuliginosa (Heteroptera, Coreidae), which have become serious pests in anthropo- and agrocenoses of the south of the Russian Far East for the last 10 years, are presented. The purpose of the study is to summarize the observation data on these species as pests of cultivated Rose species in the Primorsky Territory. The studies were carried out from May to October 2007–2022: material collection of hemipterans, observations in natural habitats and stationary conditions were conducted. M. fuliginosa was observed in the cultivated areas of the Ussuriisky urban district on Rosa acicularis, R. rugosa, R. davurica, Rubus komarovii, R. crataegifolius used in landscaping. Cases of bed bugs feeding, sucking sap from vegetative parts of the plants and seedballs were recorded. C. m. orientalis was found on homestead plots in the Chuguevsky, Oktyabrsky, Khankaisky districts and the Ussuriisk urban district. It was collected on the bushes of Rubus idaeus, R. caesius, which are common feeding sites for C. m. orientalis and M. fuliginosa. Aggregation, copulation and oviposition of these insects occur on the cultivated plants. As a result of the infestation of plants by M. fuliginosa, normal development of leaf plates is disturbed, wilting of the apical part of shoots is observed. When C. m. orientalis feeds on raspberry seedballs, damage to the flower disc and desiccation of the drupes occur.

The results of research on the effectiveness of multicomponent feed additives based on plant substances as an alternative to antibiotics are presented. It has been observed that prebiotics improve animal health and productivity and increase the efficiency of the production process. At the same time, separate feeding of prebiotics is less effective compared to the use of a complex of substances of different functional purpose. Effect of the organomineral feed additive with and without lactulose on morpho-biochemical composition of blood, digestibility of diet components and productivity of broiler chickens has been evaluated. Three groups (n = 90) were formed for the experiment: the 1st experimental group in addition to the main diet received a complex organomineral feed additive, starting from 7-day-old until the end of the experiment (42-day-old); the 2nd group received the same additive without lactulose. The control group received the standard basic diet. The positive effect of organomineral additive on the productive parameters of broiler chickens was established, to a greater extent in the presence of lactulose. The content of albumin and total protein in the blood of broiler chickens was positively correlated with the growth rate in the animals. Higher concentration of these indices in the group with lactulose may contribute to enhanced growth rate in the experimental animals. The 1st experimental group showed an increase in the live weight gain by the end of the study by 17.9%, while in the 2nd group it was 10.8%. Also, with the diet containing lactulose, the indices of nutrient digestibility increased by the end of the study by 3.8–4.7% compared to the control. The use of the organomineral feed additive in the feeding of broiler chickens is a promising approach.

Nowadays, the idea of healthy eating is gaining popularity, which makes consumers interested in environmentally friendly and biologically nutritious animal products. In this regard, the development of probiotic preparations for farm animals and determination of the effectiveness of their use become urgent tasks. Important stages in the creation of new biopreparations are the study and selection of the most suitable strains, as the probiotic effect of the microorganisms included in the inoculum is determined by a set of technologically valuable properties they possess. In the course of the study, technologically valuable properties of 12 strains of lactobacilli and 15 strains of propionic acid bacteria from the Siberian Collection of Microorganisms (Laboratory of Microbiology of Milk and Dairy Products, Siberian Research Institute of Cheesemaking, FSBSI “Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnologies”) were studied in order to include them in the composition of a new probiotic preparation for farm animals. It was found that all the considered strains of lactic acid bacilli actively digested carbohydrates included in the composition of plant substrates, as well as maintained their abundance not below the therapeutically significant level for 60 days. Propionic acid bacteria produced 0.48 ± 0.01 to 0.64 ± 0.06 μg/cm³  of vitamin B₁₂ and remained viable in numbers of tens of millions of cells for 6 months. As a result, two strains of lactic acid bacilli (SCM 673, SCM 681) and three strains of propionic acid bacteria (11₁, 11₂, 149) were selected according to the best manifestation of technologically valuable properties as promising for inclusion in the composition of a new probiotic preparation for farm animals.

This article presents a review of the literature data of foreign and domestic scientists, as well as an analysis of the results of our own research on the problem of clostridial infections in cattle. This paper provides insight into current etiological structure of clostridiosis in the Russian Federation in accordance with the data of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Center for Veterinary Medicine”. The species composition of bacteria of the genus Clostridium, which causes diseases in cattle in more than 17 regions of Russia, is described. Moreover, data on the Clostridia species diversity in the Ural region and information on vaccination against blackleg of cattle bred in the Sverdlovsk region are presented. The issues of immunogenicity of vaccines and the effectiveness of their use in cattle, depending on various factors, are highlighted. Up-to-date information on immunobiological preparations against clostridial diseases in cattle officially included in the register of medicinal products of the Russian Federation is presented. The advantages and disadvantages of domestic and foreign vaccines used in veterinary practice are analyzed. A review of current data in the field of new developments of Russian immunobiological agents against clostridial infections in cattle is presented. Comparative data on the use of domestic and foreign vaccines in veterinary practice at agricultural organizations are given. In a brief form, the main preventive measures for each infectious disease caused by clostridia are described.

The results of the analysis of patent, scientific and technical information and the own research data on promising biologically active additives: arabinogalactan, dihydroquercetin, polysaccharides, bioactivated wheat grain are summarized. The raw material for the production of arabinogalactan and dihydroquercetin is mainly Siberian larch (Lárix sibírica) of the pine family Pinaceae. Effective economical technologies of their extraction from larch wood have been developed. The main prophylactic or therapeutic properties of arabinogalactan and dihydroquercetin are given: increase in the immune activity of the human body, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and other properties. Functional and technological properties of these additives (high solubility in water, ability to retain moisture and fat) have been established, allowing their wide use for the production of a variety of nutritious and healthy food products. The basic sanitary rules regulating the use of these additives in the food industry are given. The results of the analysis on the use of these dietary supplements in the production of various food products with a complex of therapeutic and preventive properties are presented. The role of dihydroquercetin in preserving the quality of food prepared products during a long shelf life is substantiated. The resulting effect is closely related to its antioxidant activity. Polysaccharides (sodium alginate, carrageenan and beetroot pectin) are used as food additives derived from natural raw materials. Bioactivated wheat grain saturates meat products with a complex of B vitamins, micro- and macroelements. The main results of the patent information analysis are presented. In most inventions various compositions using biologically active additives are patented, which allow to obtain new food products with high nutritional, biological value, capable of maintaining quality parameters during a long shelf life.