№ 6 (2024)

The article describes the main stages of development of agricultural science in Russia, starting with the works of Lomonosov M. V. and up to the present day. During this period, from individual fundamental studies of outstanding scientists devoted to soil formation, nutrition and photosynthesis of plants, a well-organised system of research institutions was formed, which included 255 research institutions, 51 selection centres for plant growing and livestock breeding, biotechnological and technological centres. More than 14.5 thousand researchers worked in research institutions, half of whom were doctors and candidates of science. The modern Department of Agricultural Sciences unites 287 members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, including 161 academicians and 126 corresponding members. Under their scientific and methodological guidance and direct participation, fundamental and exploratory research is carried out based on scientific and educational institutions subordinate to the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia and the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. The efforts of the department’s scientists make it possible to annually create about 300 new competitive varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops that are not inferior to world analogues in terms of yield and product quality, about 10 new breeds, types, lines and crosses of animals and poultry, insects and aquaculture, develop about 170 new and improved technologies and technological processes for the production of agricultural raw materials; at least 120 technological methods and techniques for the production of agricultural products; 60…70 units of machines, devices and equipment, 8…10 vaccines, 12…15 preparations and disinfectants; 7…9 biochemical plant protection products.

The study was conducted with the goal of developing a model and forecasting crop rotation productivity using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference. The work utilized data from long-term field experiments (data from 9 types of crop rotations focused on grain production) conducted by the Siberian Research Institute of Agriculture and Chemicalization of Agriculture (Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences) from 1999 to 2019. During the study, an artificial neural network (ANN) training algorithm was applied using a hybrid optimization method, combining the least squares method and backpropagation, to set up fuzzy rules with appropriate membership functions based on input and output data. Based on the use of adaptive neuro-fuzzy modeling and the MATLAB development environment, ANFIS crop rotation productivity model has been developed. The ANFIS rules formed during training allow for fairly accurate determination of significant factor combinations that influence the productivity of the given crop rotations. In predictive modeling of three types of crop rotations, the significant role of winter crops and crop rotation elements in enhancing crop rotation resilience to adverse atmospheric moisture conditions and improving the effectiveness of agrochemical application was revealed. A comprehensive analysis using various accuracy metrics (coefficient of determination – 0.78; root mean square error – 5.66; mean absolute error – 4.31; mean absolute percentage error – 20.07 %) indicates the model has good predictive ability. The developed ANFIS model demonstrates a strong ability to account for complex nonlinear relationships between the features influencing crop rotation productivity and can be used in production decision-making for short- and long-term planning.

The studies were conducted to examine collection samples of oil flax for the main economically valuable traits and to identify the most promising genotypes for involvement in the breeding process. The study was conducted in 2021-2023 in the conditions of the south of the forest-steppe zone of the Middle Volga region. The objects of research are 67 collection samples of oil flax of various ecological and geographical origins. The Kinelsky 2000 variety is taken as the standard. The soil of the experimental plot is typical medium-humus medium-deep medium-clayey chernozem. As a result of the study, the collection samples were differentiated into groups based on the main economically valuable traits that determine the technological effectiveness and productivity of flax (duration of the growing season, total plant height, weight of 1000 seeds, seed yield, elements of the crop structure) in accordance with the broad unified classifier of the CMEA species Linum usitatissium L. (flax). Over the years of study, promising accessions were selected for inclusion in breeding programs as genetic sources of valuable traits: 6 accessions ripening 5-8 days earlier than the standard were selected based on early maturity; 8 accessions exceeding the standard variety by 3.6-13.5 % based on plant height; 11 accessions exceeding the standard by 43.8-87.0 % based on the number of productive capsules per plant; 7 accessions exceeding the standard by 16.9-23.1 based on the number of seeds per capsule; 6 accessions exceeding the standard by 4.4-16.9 % based on the weight of 1000 seeds. Sixteen collection samples were selected (VNIIMK 620, k-4921 (Tajikistan), k-4989 (Ukraine), k-6497 (Kazakhstan), k-6511 (Kazakhstan), Kin x L/2009k, Kin x W/2009k, L-405/2020, Cian (Russia), 27 A-9 (Russia), Betking (Germany), Hindukusz (Afghanistan), Kaufmann (Germany), N.P. 84 (India), Ottawa 5648-M (Canada), Р. 6909 (Czech Republic)) possessing a set of economically valuable traits, the yield of which over the years of research was in the range of 207.8…244.7 g/m², which is 12.1…32.1 % higher than the standard.

The research was conducted in 2019–2023 at the I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center, Michurinsk, Tambov region. The aim of the work was to identify valuable genotypes of apple trees with an increased content of biologically active compounds in fruits for industrial production and use in further breeding. 15 apple varieties by the I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center’s breeding were the objects of the work. It was vatities Uspenskoye, Skala, Vimpel, Flagman, Stela, Bylina, Frigate, Krasulya, Pamyati Nesterova, Blagovest, Academik Kazakov, Munster, Carodeyka, Purpurnoe CGL inncluded at the State Register of breeding achievements approved for use, as well as Gourman variety passing variety testing. Antonovka obyknovennaya and Bogatyr varieties were used as controls. Planting scheme was 6×3 m., year of laying – 2009, rootstock 54–118. The soil type was leached medium-power black soil with a loamy mechanical composition. Fruits biochemical composition study was carried out by generally accepted methods in three-fold repetition. The highest accumulation of vitamin C (mg / 100 g) was noted in the fruits of the Uspenskoye (26.5) and Skala (25.6) varieties, which exceeds the control level (Antonovka obyknovennaya) by 74.3 % and 68.4 %. A high content of P-active compounds (from 231 to 296 mg/100 g) was noted in the varieties Skala, Krasulya, Uspenskoye, which is 9.0… 39.6 % higher than the control (Antonovka obyknovennaya). The Pamyati Nesterova variety in terms of accumulation of SDS (17.5 %) and the amount of sugars (15.2 %) exceed the level of control varieties by 22.4… 63.4 %. The Gourman variety has the highest value of SAI (39.1 units), which exceeds the level of Antonovka obyknovennaya by 4.7 times and Bogatyr by 2.7 times. In terms of chlorogenic acid content the fruits of the Vimpel variety exceeded the average by 38.4 %. Fresh consumption is the main purpose of the obtained apple varieties as well as natural processed products for functional purposes with a high content level of vitamins and biologically active substances production.

Various chemicals, growth regulators, stimulating and accelerating the development of plants are introduced into production. Therefore, the search for physiologically active compounds (FAS) and their effective concentrations is relevant. The aim of the work is to study the effect of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-tetrahydroquinoline, 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline and its derivatives on the growth of yellow rhododendron (Rhododendron luteum Sweet) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) to expand the range of application of compounds. The work was carried out in 2018 and in 2021 in the Voronezh region. The studied FAS were divided into tetrahydroquinolines: 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-tetrahydroquinoline (FAS 1), its derivative FAS 3; dihydroquinolines: 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (FAS 2) and its derivatives FAS 4 and FAS 5. Each compound was tested on rhododendron yellow in concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.10 %. Sugar beet seeds were treated with 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline at the same concentrations. For Rh. luteum dihydroquinolines are more effective and, to a lesser extent, tetrahydroquinolines. The increase in the height of Rh. luteum seedlings relative to the control after FAS seed treatment in different concentrations was 18.2…54.5 %, and the height of seedlings was 3.0…61.2 % relative to the control. This fact indicates the long-term preservation of the stimulating effect of synthesized organic substances on the growth of yellow rhododendron. In all variants of concentrations of aqueous solutions of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, stimulation of sugar beet growth indicators after pre-sowing treatment of undrafted seeds was noted: the length of the leaf blade increased by 5.5…11.7 %, the width of the leaf blade – by 6.5…16.3 %, the number of leaves – by 7.7…20.5 %, the length of the leaf blade petiole – by 14.8…20.3 %, plant survival – by 7.5…11.5 %, relative to the control.

β-casein is a protein consisting of a chain of 224 amino acids, which accounts for about 30 % of all milk proteins. There are two main alleles of the β-casein gene: A1 and A2. Variant A1 differs from A2 by only one amino acid. Researchers have revealed an association between the carrier of the A2A2 β-casein genotype in cows and the absence of milk allergy in people who consume it, as well as the effect of the β-casein gene polymorphism on milk parameters necessary for cheese making. The aim of the study was to study the polymorphism of the β–casein gene in Holstein cows of the Sverdlovsk region and its effect on milk productivity. The work was carried out in 2023 on 221 individuals of Holstein cattle belonging to a breeding agricultural organization in the Sverdlovsk region. The genotyping of animal DNA by the β-casein gene was carried out using the 7500 Real Time PCR System (Applied Biosystem) device using the 7500 Software V.2.0.1 program. Data on dairy productivity of cows were taken from the IAS «SELEX» program – Dairy cattle. The frequency of occurrence of the A1A1 genotype was 15.4 %, the A1A2 genotype was 42.5 % and the A2A2 genotype was 42.1 %. The frequency of the A1 allele was 36.7 %, the A2 allele was 63.3 %. Milk yield for 305 days of the first lactation of carriers of the A1A1 genotype was 11697 kg, A1A2–11639 kg, A2A2–11378 kg. The mass fraction of fat in cows with the A1A1 genotype is 3.65 %, A1A2 is 3.73 %, and A2A2 is 3.69 %. There was no significant difference between the indicators of milk yield and fat mass fraction between carriers of different beta-casein genotypes. The mass fraction of protein in cows with the A2A2 genotype was 3.16 %, which is 0.02 % (p<0.05) more carriers of the A1A2 genotype and 0.09 % (p<0.001) more carriers of the A1A1 genotype.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of the combined use of Enterococcus faecium RCAM05160 culture and synthetic zeolite NaX on the antioxidant status of Phoenix quail. In addition to the main diet, the experimental group of birds were given daily, from the age of one day, a suspension of E. faecium RCAM05160 culture with a cell concentration of 1×10⁹ in 1 ml at a rate of 0.1 ml per 1 kg of live weight and synthetic zeolite NaX in an amount of 3 % of the feed weight together with the main diet. The duration of the experiment was 42 days. The antioxidant status of the quail body was assessed by the following parameters: activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and ceruloplasmin, concentration of malonic dialdehyde, antioxidant activity of blood plasma. In the experimental group, the activity of superoxide dismutase at the end of the observation period was statistically significantly higher than in the control group by 7.0 %, catalase – by 30.2 %, ceruloplasmin – by 33.5 %. The concentration of malondialdehyde, one of the main products of lipid peroxidation, on the 42^nd day of the experiment in the experimental group was lower by 13.6 %, and the total antioxidant activity was higher by 20.7 %. Throughout the experiment, the greatest increase in live weight was observed in quails of the experimental group. The yield of semi-eviscerated and eviscerated carcasses in the experimental group was higher by 6.67 % and 9.49 %, respectively. The combined use of E. faecium RCAM05160 culture and synthetic NaX-type zeolite in quail cultivation has a positive effect on the antioxidant status of quails, live weight dynamics and meat productivity indicators.