Grain Crops.- 2025. - Vol. 9.- № 1

UDC 633.15:631.522/.524       https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0355

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 5–13.                                      

Cherchel, V. Yu., Kruhlova, M. O.  

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS of Ukraine (SE IGC NAAS), 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. The high efficiency of Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) germplasm in the breeding programmes of the world's leading companies has led to the need for wider involvement in the work of Ukrainian breeding companies. However, the distribution of this source material is constrained by a number of factors: late maturity, poor heat and drought resistance, and poor breeding adaptation to the conditions of Ukraine. One of the methods of improving the BSSS germplasm in domestic breeding is crossing their lines with lines of other germplasm adapted to Ukrainian conditions, in particular, Lancaster germplasm. Purpose. The study was aimed to investigate the combining ability in terms of grain yield of families S₄–S₅ developed on the basis of maize line DK2442MV of BSSS plasm. Materials and Methods. The research was carried out in a special three-field crop rotation of the SE IGC NAAS during 2019–2020. For the assessment of combining ability in terms of grain yield of self-pollinated maize families, 94 families S₄–S₅ and 4 original lines were used. The experiment was conducted according to a topcross scheme of crosses based on 4 testers of alternative plasms in terms of the degree of heterosis. Results. Comparatively favourable weather conditions allowed us to obtain a high level of grain yield of maize hybrids at 8.35±0.05 t/ha in 2019 and 7.71±0.06 t/ha in 2020 and to create a good background for the selection of self-pollinated families in terms of combining ability. According to the analysis of self-pollinated families, the samples DK2439 ₅₃₂₃; DK2432 ₅₂₂₁; DK2439 ₄₁₁₂₂; DK2439 ₄₁₁₃₁₁; DK2443 ₁₁₁₁; DK2439 ₅₃₁₁; DK2439 ₅₃₂₁ were classified as the first class of GCA by grain yield and showed plasticity to different conditions of the years of study. In ge-neral, the top 20 included families with indices DK2439 (10), DK2443 (5), DK 2432 (2), DK 2422 (2) and DK2440 (1). We identified hybrids that exceeded the grain yield of the standard hybrids DN Korund (by 0.41–0.81 t/ha) and DK Burshtyn (by 0.37–0.77 t/ha). Conclusions. The study identified self-pollinated maize families that showed high values of combining ability effects in terms of grain yield and their distribution by the type of response to changes in growing conditions. The most productive families in terms of high GCA were the families with the DK2439 index, of which 2 lines DK2439MV and DK4239MV were submitted for qualification examination. They became components of seven promising maize hybrids.

Key words: maize, self-pollinated families, hybrid, topcross, combining ability, grain yield, grain moisture content

UDC 633.15:631.52           https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0356

Cherchel, V. Yu., Kostenko, V. V. 

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 14–22

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of the NAAS, 14, Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. Modern maize breeding is aimed at accelerating the development of new hybrids with improved valuable economic traits. One of the most innovative methods is the haploidy method, which reduces the time required to obtain homozygous material to 1–2 years instead of 6–7 years with conventional inbreeding. However, this method requires constant improvement to increase its efficiency. Purpose. The study is aimed at evaluating doubled haploids of Iodent plasm maize by morphological traits, combining ability in terms of grain yield, and at selection of promising doubled haploid lines for the selection of high-yielding hybrids. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the experimental field of the SE Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS in the conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine in 2023–2024. Doubled-haploid lines were evaluated by the duration of growing season, plant height, productive ear insertion height, and their general combining ability in terms of grain yield. Results. Significant variability in morphological characteristics of doubled-haploid lines was established. Plant height varied from 144 cm to 210 cm on average, and the average duration of the period "seedlings – flowering of 50 % of ears" was 62.3±1.1 days. Lines with high general combining ability were identified, including DKD 23-39, DKD 23-31, DKD 23-35. The hybrids developed on the basis of these lines have exceeded the standards in terms of grain yield (up to 1.38 t/ha) and had low grain moisture content at harvesting (10.1–10.9 %). Conclusions. Promising doubled-haploid lines (DKD 23-39, DKD 23-31, DKD 23-35, DKD 23-25, DKD 23-14) with high combining ability in terms of grain yield were identified, which can be further involved in breeding programmes for the development of high-yielding and well-adapted hybrids, especially in the Northern Steppe of Ukraine.

Key words: maize, doubled haploid, hybrid, grain yield, combining ability, morphological traits

UDC 633.13:631.527          https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0357 

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 23–30.

Solodushko, V. P.

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS of Ukraine, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality.  In recent years, spring oat yields have increased significantly, but at the same time, their stabi-lity has decreased, resulting in a reduction in the adaptive potential of certain varieties, especially under extreme growing conditions. The breeding process for successful development of modern oat varieties requires the involvement of the most valuable genotypes in terms of their adaptability. The search for and identification of new, more valuable oat genotypes based on a set of characteristics is an ongoing and relevant task. Purpose. To determine the adaptability  of oat samples bred by the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS in order to select the most promising samples for further breeding process aimed at developing high-yielding varieties for the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in competitive variety testing using generally accepted methods in the conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine during 2020–2024 To determine adaptability indicators, 18 oat varieties were used as source material, including both promising varieties and varieties listed in the State Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Dissemination in Ukraine. Results. The most favourable weather conditions for plant growth and deve-lopment were recorded in 2021 (Ij=+1.37), which resulted in an average yield of 5.39 t/ha for the test samples. The worst conditions for growing oats were in 2024 and 2020: the environmental conditions index was -0.68 and -0.36, respectively, and the average yield by varieties was 3.16 t/ha in 2024 and 3.51 t/ha in 2020. The range of yield variability was highest in 2021 (1.38 t/ha) and lowest in 2024 (0.91 t/ha), which affected the coefficient of variation of they ields, which was 11.2% and 8.1%, respectively.   The highest-yielding varieties were Azamat (4.40 t/ha), Doskonalyi (4.23 t/ha), Iren (4.02 t/ha), Busol (3.97 t/ha) and Arhus (3.95 t/ha). The studied varieties differed significantly in terms of the coefficient of variation (V = 14.3–24.4 %). The varieties Doskonalyi (24.29), Azamat (23.74) and Iren (20.04) showed high homeostasis values and had the highest yields during the years of research. The high breeding value was demonstrated by the varieties Azamat – 2.45, Konkur – 2.44, Doskonalyi – 2.42, Iren – 2.41, Reia – 2.39, Busol – 2.39. Conclusions. As a result of the research, we found that the varieties Doskonalyi, Azamat, and Iren with high levels of homeostaticity and breeding value can consistently realise their genotype potential in unfavourable conditions and are valuable source material for breeding oats based on these indicators.

Key words: spring oats, variety sample, adaptability, variability, yield, selection, homeostaticity, breeding value

UDC 633.111 «324»:631.526.3       https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0358

Grain Crops. 2025. 9(1). 31–39.

Khoroshko, N. M., Murashko, L. A.   

The V.M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS of Ukraine, 68 Tsentralna St., Tsentralne village, Obukhivka region, Kyiv oblast, 08853, Ukraine

Topicality. The cultivation of new high-yielding crop varieties with high disease resistance is one of the leading factors in improving the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural production. One of the most widespread and harmful diseases of winter wheat is head smut. Purpose. To evaluate and characterise the infection intensity of winter wheat varieties by Tilletia caries (DC.) Tul. on an artificial infectious background of the pa-thogen and to identify resistant genotypes. Materials and Methods. Thirty-two varieties of soft winter wheat developed by different institutions of Ukraine were selected as the material for the study. The inoculum of the head smut pathogen was collected from winter wheat varieties with different levels of resistance to the pathogen, which were grown in the experimental plots of the laboratory. The resistance of winter wheat varieties to head smut was studied against an artificial infection background in the field conditions. In laboratory conditions, the seed was inoculated with chlamydospores of the Tilletia caries pathogen population at the rate of 1 g of spores per 100 g of grain. The methods used in studies were laboratory, field, and statistical analysis. The disease infection intensity was recorded in the milky-wax ripeness stage of winter wheat using a method based on calculation of the number of healthy and diseased spikes. Results. According to the two-year data of 2023–2024, the best winter wheat varieties in terms of resistance to Tilletia сaries were identified: Nyva Odeska with the infection intensity (1.2 %, 3.0 %, respectively), Zorepad (2.1 %, 1.2 %, respectively), Vahoma (2.9 %, 0.0 %, respectively), Zysk (3.1 %, 0.0 %, respectively), Pokrovska (6.2 %, 0.0 %, respectively), and Heizer (4.0 %, 4.1 %, respectively). The following varieties were characterised by the stability in the Tilletia caries infection intensity during the years of research: Heizer (R = 0.1 %), Vidpovid Odeska (R = 0.4 %), susceptible variety Polka (R = 0.6 %), Hlad, Zorepad (R = 0.9 %), Nyva Odeska (R = 1.8 %), Pontiika (R = 2.0 %), Cantata Odeska (R = 2.4 %). According to the results of our research, we found a different rate of response of Triticum aestivum L. varieties to changes in hydrothermal conditions in different cultivation years (ecogradient). Conclusions. The resistance of 32 varieties of soft winter wheat to head smut infection was evaluated and characterised. The study found that 28 % of the varieties had a very high level of resistance to the pathogen on an artificial infectious background in the experiment for two years. The resistant varieties Vahoma, Zorepad, Zysk, Nyva Odeska, Zhuravka Odeska, Pokrovska, Kantata Odeska, Heizer, and Lira Odeska with an infection percentage less than 5 % were identified and recommended as a source of resistance to head smut.

Key words: pathogen, artificial infectious background, winter wheat, variety, head smut, infection intensity

UDC 633.11:581.1: 58.056:58.084        https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0359

Grain Crops. 2025. 9(1). 40–48

Yurchenko, T. V., Pirych, A. V., Pykalo, S. V., Kharchenko, M. V., Humeniuk,  O. V. 

The V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat NAAS, Tsentralne village, Obukhiv district, Kyiv region, 08853, Ukraine

Topicality. Wheat is one of the most strategic and indispensable agricultural crops. High yields require the development of highly adaptive winter wheat varieties. Regional climatic fluctuations significantly affect plant growth and development, which makes it essential to consider plant resistance to abiotic stressors. Meteorological conditions during the autumn-winter period are crucial for the successful overwintering of winter crops. Purpose. To differentiate breeding lines of bread winter wheat by frost hardiness under conditions of Forest-Steppe and to identify the influence of air temperature during the hardening period on the development of this trait in plants. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out at the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat NAAS of Ukraine. A total of 17 bread winter wheat breeding lines from competitive trials were studied. The Myronivska 808 variety was used as a standard. After the plants were hardened in open field conditions, their frost hardiness was determined using the freezing method in KNT-1 low-temperature chambers at -18 °C. The reliability of the data was verified using Fisher’s criterion. Results. The data obtained over three years of research confirmed that the air temperature regime during the hardening period of bread winter wheat plants influenced the formation of their frost hardiness. Sharp fluctuations in air temperature, changes in their daily values from positive to negative during the day and at night led to a violation of hardening conditions, which resulted in a decrease in frost hardiness of plants. The favourable hardening conditions in 2021/22 and 2022/23 resulted in frost hardiness of 96 % and 89 %, respectively. Under unfavourable conditions in 2023/24, the survival rate of plants was recorded at 67 %. A correlation coefficient (r = -0.99) between the percentage of surviving plants after freezing and the average air temperature during the hardening period was determined. Over the three years of research, Latescence 60873 line was identified by the level of frost hardiness, which was at the level or higher than the standard variety. Conclusions. Lutescens 60873 line is recommended as a valuable initial material for further breeding improvement of the crop. The obtained results are aimed at enhancing the understanding of plant responses to temperature fluctuations during the autumn-winter period, which will allow for an objective characterization of the adaptability level of promising winter wheat genotypes and enable forecasting of their performance under specific environmental conditions.

Key words: bread winter wheat, breeding lines, frost hardiness, air temperature, plant hardening

UDC 633.88:575.22:631.52         https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0360

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 49–55.

Hudym, O. V.  

State Biotechnology University, 44 Alchevskykh St. Kharkiv, 61002, Ukraine

Topicality. In order to meet international standards, the gene pool of amaranth lines and varieties with high seed yields, improved grain and seed quality characteristics, and an early maturity should be expanded. To accelerate the breeding process in amaranth, experimental mutagenesis plays a crucial role as a modern breeding method that enhances genetic variability, providing breeders with new initial material for selection and further variety development. Most of these varieties have been obtained using physical mutagens, primarily gamma radiation. Purpose. To assess the seed quality characteristics of new mutant amaranth lines in terms of protein, oil content, and fatty acid composition compared to the original varieties. Materials and Methods. Three varieties of white-seeded amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) Studentskyi, Kharkivskyi 1, and Sem developed by the V. V. Dokuchaev Kharkiv National Agrarian University (now – the State Biotechnology University) were evaluated for seed quality characteristics. Additionally, seven mutant lines LMST15, LMSt150ChR, LMSt150ChN, LMH150, LMH150RV, LMS150ZV, and LMS150Ch induced by gamma irradiation were evaluated. The analysis of oil content, protein content, and fatty acid composition of amaranth seeds was performed at the Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology, and Quality of the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Statistical methods were used to determine the reliability of the results. Results. The conducted research demonstrated that gamma irradiation is a powerful factor capable of significantly altering the characteristics of amaranth plants. The obtained amaranth lines with modified qualitative traits represent valuable initial material for breeding. These lines exhibited increased protein content (by 1.56–3.35 %), enhanced oil content in seeds (by 0.43–0.76 %), and increased behenic, linoleic, and oleic acid content (by 0.10 %, 1.2–2.0 %, and 6.3 %, respectively). Conclusions. Based on the study, mutant breeding-valuable lines LMH150 (IU072495), LMSt150ChR (IU072494), LMSt150ChN (IU072492), and LMST15 (IU072493) characterised by a set of improved grain quality traits were identified. This confirms the feasibility of using radiation mutagenesis in amaranth breeding to obtain mutants with modified valuable economic traits, thereby expanding the range of initial breeding material for this crop.

Keywords: amaranth, gamma irradiation, mutant, protein, oil, fatty acid composition

UDC 633.11“321”:575.222.7(292.485:477)      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0361

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 56–67

Fedorenko, M. V., Fedorenko, I. V., Blyzniuk, R. M. 

The V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat NAAS, Tsentralne village, Obukhiv district, Kyiv region, 08853, Ukraine

 Topicality. Studying the nature of the inheritance of productivity traits, the heterosis degree in hybrids of the first generation of bread and durum spring wheat is an urgent task for developing high-yielding varieties, as well as for predicting the selection and genetic effect of crosses. Purpose. To establish the degree of phenotypic dominance and the heterosis degree in terms of productivity in F₁ hybrids of spring wheat. Materialsandmethods. The research was conducted at the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS of Ukraine in 2023–2024. There were studied 20 hybrid combinations obtained by crossing spring wheat samples of different ecological and geographical origin. Laboratory-field and mathematical-statistical methods were used. Results. It was found that overdominance and partial positive dominance were the most common types of inheritance of the trait “spike length” in F₁ hybrids of spring wheat during the years of the research. For the trait “number of spikelets per spike”, different degrees of phenotypic dominance, which indicates their significant differentiation, were observed. Based on the traits “number of grains per spike” and “grain weight per spike”, we identified combinations in which inheritance occurred by the type of overdominance and partial positive dominance, and as a result, high productivity of the spike was formed during the years of study. Conclusions. Characteristics of productivity elements of ears in F1 hybrids obtained from crossing samples of different ecological and geographical origin of spring wheat had different types of inheritance (from depression to overdominance), depending on the selection of pairs for hybridisation and on the conditions of the year. The most unsuccessful combinations of parental forms were found in combinations of durum spring wheat MIP Kseniia × 211 TIANES, MIP Mahdalena × AR 84/BINTEPE 85-OY and bread spring wheat Hingchun 26 × MIP Svitlana, MIP Vesnianka × Line 15-36, resulting in depression and partial negative inheritance, and the degree of true and hypothetical heterosis had negative values. By the level of manifestation of positive heterosis, the combinations of bread spring wheat Xunzhe 9 × MIP Oleksandra, Yaouyaan 448 × Dubravka, Moyin 2 × MIP Zlata and durum spring wheat MIP Kseniia × MIP Mahdalena, MIP Mahdalena × MUSK DUKE, etc. were identified, which demonstrates the significant genetic potential of the above hybrids.

Key words: spring wheat, hybrid combinations, productivity components

UDC 631.528.632:631.576.331.2:633.111.5"324"      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0362

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 68–78.

Dolhalova, Yu. A.¹, Lozinskyi, M. V.², Kumanska, Yu. O.², Sidorova, I. M.², Yurchenko, A. I.² 

¹Bilotserkivska Experimental Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of NAAS, 1 Tsentrlna St., Mala Vilshanka village, Bila Tserkva district, Kyiv region, 09176, Ukraine

²Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 8/1 Soborna Sq., Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region, 09117, Ukraine

Topicality. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the main grain crop that ensures food security of the population. The combination of yield and grain quality is important in wheat breeding research. Physical indicators of grain quality include the 1000 grain weight, test weight and grain hardness. Purpose. To analyze spelt-like radiomutants of winter wheat by 1000 grain weight, test weight and grain hardness. Materials and Methods. The material of the study was 10 spelt-like RM-samples of Chornobyl radiomutants of winter wheat and the Lisova pisnia variety standard. The research was conducted at the Bila Tserkva Experimental Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of NAAS in 2016–2019. The 1000 grain weight was determined according to DSTU 4138–2002. The grain hardness was determined according to the method specified in DSTU 3768–2019. The test weight was determined according to DSTU GOST 10840:2019. Homeostasis (Hom) and breeding value (Sc) were calculated according to V. V. Khanhildin and M. A. Lytvynenko. Results. On average for 2016-2019, spelt-like wheat breeding samples produced a 1000 grain weight of 41.2 g (RM-3) to 48.8 g (RM-4). The variability of 1000 grain weight in the studied breeding samples was insignificant, with a coefficient of variation of 2.4‒9.0 %. The highest indicator of homeostasis by the 1000 grain weight was recor-ded in Lisova Pisnia variety-standard (4217), high indicators were recorded in the breeding samples RM-8 (1838), RM-7 (1753), RM-2 (1600), RM-3 (1204). The following radiomutants RM-5 (42.5), RM-4 (41.9), RM-10 (41.8), RM-1 (41.4), and RM-7 (41.1) were identified in terms of breeding value. The highest test weight (797 g/l) was found in the RM-3 radiomutant. The breeding samples RM-4 (72270) and RM-3 (48940) were distinguished by the indicator of high homeostasis of grain test weight. The breeding value of the studied radio-mutants was 689.5–771.3. The highest grain hardness was obtained in the breeding samples RM-8 (97.1 %), RM-1 (94.0 %), RM-10 (93.8 %), which also had high homeostatic parameters – RM-8 (3730), RM-4 (1039), RM-10 (1023), RM-1 (1000). According to the indicator of breeding value of grain hardness formation, the breeding samples RM-4 (91.3), RM-1 (75.5), RM-8 (75.1) were distinguished. Conclusions. The identified spelt-like radiomutants of winter wheat, based on the results obtained – the 1000-grain weight, test weight and grain hardness, are valuable for further breeding work.

Key words: winter wheat, Chernobyl radiomutants, 1000 grain weight, test weight, grain hardness, quality

UDC 633.15:631.52:632          https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0363

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 79–83.

Tomash, L. V., Mykuliak, I. S., Linska, M. I., Kozak, G. V., Karp, T. Ya. 

Bukovyna State Agricultural Experimental Station of Institute of Agriculture of Carpathian region NAAS

Topicality. In agricultural production, the urgent issue of combining maize yield and resistance to various environmental stress factors needs to be addressed. In Bukovyna, the most common disease affecting maize is common smut, caused by the pathogen Ustilago zeae (Beckm.) Unger. In Bukovyna, the most common maize disease is the pathogen Ustilago zeae (Beckm.) Unger. Smut affects susceptible maize hybrids the most, infecting 10–25 % of plants. Therefore, the study was conducted in an infectious nursery with artificial infection of maize ears to obtain a more accurate phytopathological assessment of breeding material (self-pollinated lines of Zea mays L.) exposed to the common smut pathogen (Ustilago zeae (Beckm.) Unger). Purpose. To select the most resistant self-pollinated maize lines to the common smut pathogen for breeding programmes aimed at developing new hybrids. Methods. The research was conducted on the fields of the breeding crop rotation of the Bukovyna State Agricultural Experimental Station of the Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian Region of NAAS, in accordance with generally accepted methods for field experiments and methodological recommendations on the artificial infection of maize ears with the causative agent of common smut. Results. The resistance of 58 self-pollinated lines of the collection nursery to the pathogen of common smut was assessed during 2022–2024. We found 9 (15.5 %) self-pollinated lines with high resistance to the common smut pathogen (infection rate of 0–5.0 %), 16 (27.5 %) resistant lines (infection rate 6.0–25.0 %) and 28 (48.2 %) moderately resistant lines (infection rate 26.0–50.0 %). Conclusions. As a result of the assessment, highly resistant samples of self-pollinated lines to common smut infection were selected and included in the breeding programme for the development of new hybrids adapted to the growing conditions in
Bukovyna.

Key words: selection, maize, line, artificial infection, common smut, infection, group of resistance

UDC 633.16:631.527          https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0364  

Kholod, S. M., Illichov, Yu. H., Kirian, V. M., Rohovyi, O.Yu.,Ilichov, O. H. 

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 84–93

Ustymivka Experimental Station of Plant Production of the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS, Ustymivka village, Hlobyne district, Poltava region, 39074, Ukraine

Topicality. The dependence of the main trait, according to which selection is carried out, on other quantitative traits of plant is important for the successful spring barley breeding. The patterns of interrelationship between such quantitative traits as plant productivity and its elements are of particular importance. Purpose.  To identify patterns of the level of manifestation and the interrelationship between productivity, yield attributes and morphological traits of two-row spring barley in the Southern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in the laboratory and field conditions of Ustymivka Experimental Station of Plant Production of the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS of Ukraine during 2019–2021. The research material consisted of 25 genotypes of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) of the two-row subspecies, originating from six countries around the world. Laboratory-field and mathematical-statistical methods were used. Results. Twenty typical plants were selected for each of the 25 genotypes of spring two-row barley varieties. Spring barley samples were examined for the following characteristics: plant height, spike length, number of spikelets and grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain weight per spike and plant, and yield. Significant differences were found in terms of yield levels, yield attributes, and morphological characteristics. Samples with increased yield and yield attributes were identified. Three years of research have established a significant correlation between the spike length and the number of spikelets per spike (r = 0.51–0.77), the number of grains per spike (r = 0.57–0.73) and the spike productivity (r = 0.64–0.77). There is a significant positive correlation between such traits as grain weight per spike and plant height (r = 0.50), grain weight per spike and spike length and number of grains in the main spike and number of spikelets per spike (r = 0.58–0.60), grain weight per plant with spike length (r = 0.55), and grain weight per plant with productive tillering (r = 0.57). Grain weight per plant correlated reliably with productive tillering in all years of the study (r = 0.59–0.79). Conclusions. Barley samples MIP Tytul, MIP Sharm, MIP Deviz (UKR), Arthur (CZE), Velykan (KAZ), CDC Carter (CAN) are of practical interest for breeding work, as they stand out for their complex of characteristics. A close and moderate correlation between quantitative plant productivity traits and its structural elements was reliably determined, which makes selection based on trait relationships in the studied varieties expedient.

Key words: spring barley, yield attributes, level of manifestation, correlations

UDС 633.15:631.526.322:632.954.338.43      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0365

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 94–102

Aldoshyn, А. V., Liashenko, N. О., Kovalov, D. V., Fedorenko, E. М., Svinitskyi, L. М. 

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. Maize is a crop whose yields and economics are entirely dependent on an effective weed control system and its most important element - herbicides. The technological regulations for growing maize seeds include a significant number of different modern herbicides, which are biologically active substances that affect not only weeds but also agricultural crops. Purpose. The study is aimed at determining the effect of soil-applied herbicides on seed germination and development of parental components of maize hybrids and the economic expediency of their application on seed crops. Materials and Methods. In the course of the research programme, the parental components of the following maize hybrids bred by the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS were used: DN Synevyr (FAO 190); DN Svitiaz (FAO 250); DN Halateia (FAO 260); Monica 350 MV (FAO 350); DN Vesta (FAO 370). At the experimental plots, soil-applied herbicides were used at the average rate recommended by the manufacturer: Harness®, (2.25 l/ha); Proponit®, (2.5 l/ha); Dual Gold® 960 EC (1.4 l/ha); Primextra TZ Gold 500 SC, (4.25 l/ha). The trials were conducted at the SE Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS during 2018–2021. Results. The field seed germination of parental components in the control and herbicide background was determined. The toxic effect of the herbicides Proponit, Primextra and Dual Gold on the seed germination of individual parental components was determined. The synchronicity in flowering of female and male inflorescences of the parental components of maize hybrids was studied. A significant difference in the duration of the period ‘’seedlings - flowering‘’ between the female and male components of DN Svitiaz hybrid on the background of Primextra
herbicide was noted. The economic expediency of applying herbicides on seed maize crops was substantia-ted. Conclusions. Maize seed production requires considering the impact of soil-applied herbicides on seed germination and synchronicity in flowering of parental components, as well as the economic expediency of their application at hybridisation plots for specific hybrids.

Key words: maize, parental components, soil-applied herbicides, grain yield, profitability level, economic expediency, prime cost, profit

UDC 663.11:631.547.66:561.1.05      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0366

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 103–108.

Siroshtan, A. A., Zaima, O. A., Kavunets, V. P., Koliadenko, S. S. 

The V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat, Tsentralne village, Obukhiv district, Kyiv region, 08853, Ukraine

Topicality. Pre-harvest sprouting is one of the factors contributing to losses in yield and quality of grain crops. This phenomenon is becoming a growing problem in the face of changing climate conditions. The main method for avoiding undesirable seed germination in the spike is selection for the duration of primary (post-harvest) seed dormancy. The study of this issue is of great practical importance in new varieties of bread and durum winter wheat and is currently relevant. Purpose. To determine the duration of post-harvest seed dormancy in new varieties of soft and durum winter wheat depending on variety characteristics. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on 17 bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and 2 durum (Tri-ticum durum Desf.) winter wheat varieties during 2022–2024. At the beginning of the full ripeness stage, 30 spikes of each variety were selected in the plots. Two to three days after threshing, the grain was sieved on a 1.7x20 mm sieve and 100 seeds were placed on a sandy bed with a moisture content of up to 60 % of the total moisture capacity. The germination dishes were placed in a thermostat with a constant temperature of +20 °C, and then the germinated seeds were counted on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and every 5 days thereafter. In varieties with a short post-harvest dormancy period, 50 % of seeds germinated within 30 days or less, and in   varieties with a long dormancy period, more than 35 days. Results. Most of the bread winter wheat varieties had a short period of primary dormancy. The shortest dormancy period was observed in the varieties Hratsiia Myronivska, MIP Lada, MIP Assol, MIP Dniprianka and MIP Vidznaka. The varieties MIP Nika, MIP Ae-lita, MIP Vyshyvanka, MIP Feieriia can be attributed to the varieties with a long period of post-harvest dormancy, in which more than 50 % of seeds germinated by 40-45 days. The longest period of post-harvest dormancy was found in varieties MIP Nika and MIP Aelita, in which the number of germinated seeds was 53 and 59 %, respectively, on the 50^th day of the study. It was found that the period of post-harvest seed dormancy in the studied varieties of durum winter wheat was much shorter than in bread winter wheat. Thus, MIP Lakomka variety had 2 % of germinated seeds on the 3^rd day, and 79 % on the 5^th day, and Duniasha variety – 4 and 74 %, respectively. Conclusions. The presented experimental data indicate the varietal specificity of the duration of post-harvest seed dormancy in bread and durum winter wheat seeds. The different resistance of winter wheat varieties to pre-harvest sprouting is explained by the different duration of its post-harvest seed dormancy. This trait should be considered in breeding practice, and especially in seed production, in terms of harvesting and sowing dates. Optimization of harvest dates depending on varietal characte-ristics allows minimising yield losses and ensuring maximum seed quality.

Key words: post-harvest ripening, seed germination, bread and durum winter wheat varieties

UDC 595.70:633.34               https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0374

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 169–175.

Vorozhko, S. P., Necheporenko, L. P.  

Verkhniachka Research and Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet NAAS, 1 Shkilna St., Verkhniaсhka village, Uman district, Cherkasy region, 20022, Ukraine

Topicality. Insects, as well as other harmful organisms, are characterised by a certain cyclicality in their long-term population dynamics, as a depressed population is often followed by an increase in numbers or even an explosion of mass reproduction, and vice versa. The nature of such explosions has not been sufficiently studied, and they remain almost unpredictable. In this regard, identifying the species composition of soybean pests and establishing the characteristics of their development depending on weather conditions have determined the priority and relevance of this area of research. Purpose. Determination of the species composition of entomofauna and dominant pests in the ecosystem of soybean fields under modern cultivation technology in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted at the Verkhniachka Research and Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of NAAS. The material was soybean crops of the Pioneer variety. Methods: field and laboratory. Results. Thirty-three species of phytophages from 7 orders and 13 families and 1 species of spider mite were identified. The peculiarities of the formation of the entomocomplex at different stages of soybean development were established. Conclusions. In the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, thirty-three species of phytophagous insects from 7 orders, 13 families and 1 species of spider mite were found in soybean crops. The orders Hemiptera and Coleoptera were the most numerous, accounting for 43.4 % and 39.2 % of the overall harmful entomocomplex, while Diptera was the least numerous (0.1 %). We found that each species is adapted to a specific stage of crop organogenesis.

Key words:soybean, pests, entomofauna, agrocenosis, species composition

UDC 631.582:633.854.78           https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0375

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 176–183.

Kvasnitska, L., Vlasiuk, O., Voіtova, G.  

Khmelnytskyi State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Fodder and Agriculture Podillia NAAS, Samchiki, 1, p. Samchiki, Khmelnutskyi district, Khmelnutskyi region, 31182, Ukraine

Topicality. The most effective factor regulating the level of spread and harmfulness of diseases and contributing to the improvement of the phytosanitary condition of sunflower crops has been and remains scientifically justified crop rotation. The purpose of the research. To establish the impact the influence of predecessors and various sunflower crop rotations saturation on the spread and development of diseases in its crops in the zone of sufficient moisture of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe. Materials and Мethods. The research was conducted from 2021 to 2023 at the Khmelnytsky State Agricultural Experimental Station of the Institute of Feed and Agriculture of Podillia of the NAAS in a stationary field experiment on sunflower crops in five various rotary crop rotations, saturated with it by 14.3–50 %. The predecessors of sunflower in the experiment were grain corn, winter wheat, and oats. Research methods: field, laboratory, mathematical-statistical. Results. In sunflower crops, the lowest degree of disease damage was recorded with a crop rotation saturation of 14.3 %, after a return to the previous place after 6 years, and placement in the sequence 'winter wheat - oats - sunflower'. With a share of sunflower in the crop rotation of 50 %, this indicator was significantly higher than in other crop rotations. The development of sclerotinia was 49.2 %, rust – 57.0 % at 100 %; alternaria – 29.2 % at 90 %, fomopsis – 75 % at 37.5%; phomosis – 42.2 % at 86.6 %, verticillium – 51 % at 85 % spread. In addition to anthropogenic factors (alternation of cultures crop rotation and the degree of saturation with sunflower), the spread and development of diseases were also facilitated by natural factors - high temperatures and limited moisture availability (for verticillium wilt), warm and humid conditions during the growing season (for sclerotinia, rust, alternariasis, phomosis and phomopsis. An increase in the share of sunflower in the crop rotation reduced its yield by 2–12 %, and the level of profitability of cultivation – by 8–21%. Conclusions. A clear pattern has been established regarding the increase in the incidence of sunflower crops by diseases as its percentage in the crop rotation increases. With a decrease in the saturation of the crop rotation with sunflower from 50 % to 14.3 %, the incidence of plants by diseases significantly decreases, i.e. the phytosanitary condition of its crops improves. This increases the yield of sunflower by 11.7 % and the level of profitability of cultivation by 21 %.

Keywords: sunflower, crop rotation, degree of saturation with sunflower, spread and development of diseases

UDC 631.527.5:633.15:581.13:631.8:631.547.8      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0367

Grain Crops. 2025. 9(1). 109–116

Palamarchuk, V. D., Skakun, M. V. 

Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, 3 Soniachna St., Vinnytsia, Ukraine, 21008

Topicality. Maize was and remains one of the main fodder-grain crops, the increase in yields of which is possible primarily due to optimisation of plant nutrition through the application of fertilisers. Purpose. To determine the effect of digestate application and annual climatic conditions on the pre-harvest grain moisture content of maize hybrids of different maturity groups. Methods. Field, laboratory, and combined laboratory-field methods were used in the research. The study was conducted under the conditions of Organik-D LLC in cooperation with the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture of Vinnytsia National Agrarian Uni- versity during 2023–2024. The experiments involved maize hybrids of different maturity groups: early-ripening – Amaroc (FAO 230), P8754 (FAO 240), Bigbeat (FAO 290), Bogatyr (FAO 290); mid-ripening – KWS 381 (FAO 350), KWS Inteligens (FAO 380); and mid-late – DN Anshlah (FAO 420), P0217 (FAO 460). Results. The digestate of biogas plants was obtained by anaerobic digestion of pig manure for 14 days. The chemical composition of the digestate obtained in this way was characterised by a slightly alkaline reaction (pH 7.5–8.2), the presence of macro- and microelements, and a positive microbiological composition. As part of the fertilization system, the micronutrient fertilizer Nanovit maize was applied, which contains macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur, micronutrients such as zinc and copper, and a biologically active complex Nanoactiv. We found that the level of pre-harvest moisture content depended on the climatic conditions of the year. In particular, on average in the experiment, the pre-harvest moisture content of grain was 26.05 % in 2023, and it decreased by 6.06 % and reached 19.9 % in 2024 due to a prolonged dry period. The highest grain moisture content was 27–27.03 % in mid-late maize hybrids (FAO 420–460), while it was 8.93–9.22 % lower in the group of mid-early hybrids (FAO 230–240) and averaged 17.78–18.10 % over the two years of the experiment. The highest grain moisture content was found in the experimental variant, which included the introduction of digestate into the basal fertilisation (60 t/ha) + pre-sowing fertilisation (60 t/ha) + foliar feeding (60 t/ha), for Amaroc variety (FAO 230) – 18.80 %, P8754 (FAO 240) – 20.05 %, Bigbeat (FAO 290) – 24.40 %, Bogatyr (FAO 290) – 25.15 %, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 26.25 %, KWS Inteligens (FAO 380) – 27.30 %, DN Anshlah (FAO 420) – 28.15 % and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 28.90 %. Conclusions. Grain moisture content was closely related to the maturity group of the studied maize hybrids, so an increase in pre-harvest grain moisture content was associated with an increase in the length of the growing season. Climatic conditions in the years of research (2023-2024) had a significant effect on the pre-harvest grain moisture content across all hybrids. Fertilizer application contributed to an increase in grain moisture content in the tested maize hybrids. However, higher grain moisture content require additional costs for post-harvest drying.

Key words: digestate, nutrients, moisture content, maize, fertilization system, macronutrients, micronutrients

UDС 631.52:633.853.494    https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0368

 Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 117–127

Yurchuk, S. S. 

Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS, 16 Yunosti Ave., Vinnytsia, 21100, Ukraine

Topicality. The formation of plant density is a determining factor in the effective use of potential in the winter rape cultivation under conditions of climatic risks and limited resources. The study of dependence of plant density on the sowing method, seeding rate and agricultural background justifies an adaptive approach to increasing crop productivity. Purpose. To study the influence of sowing method, seeding rate and level of mineral nutrition, as well as their interaction on the formation of winter rape plant density, with further justification of optimal technological parameters to ensure a stable disposition of crops and increase the efficiency of agrocenosis. Materials and Methods. Two genotypes of winter rape, Antariia variety and Exagon hybrid, were used in the experiments. Two sowing methods (conventional row and wide-row), four seeding rates, three variants of agricultural background were studied: control (no fertilisers), mineral nutrition (N₁₂₀P₆₀K₉₀) and fertilisers in combination with the growth regulator Caramba. Field method (phenological observations, plant density records at different development stages), laboratory method (determination of laboratory germination, field germination, indicators of plant overwintering), mathematical and statistical method (analysis of variance, regression analysis and graph analytics) were used in the experiments. Results. It was found that the plant density of winter rape largely depends on a combination of technological factors. The Exagon hybrid is more responsive to the agricultural background compared to the Antariia variety, which was manifested in higher rates of plant overwintering and adaptability to changing technological conditions. The constructed multiple regression model showed a statistically significant dependence of the plant density on the seeding rate, agricultural background and their interaction, which allows predicting the optimal plant density parameters before harvesting. Conclusions. It was found that the most stable and effective plant density is formed by combining wide-row sowing with a seeding rate of 0.8–1.0 million seeds/ha and combined application of fertilisers with a growth regulator. The results of our research are of practical importance for implementation and can be used to improve seeding rates and fertilisation systems, taking into account the biological characteristics of winter rape variety or hybrid.

Key words: winter rape, plant density, seeding rate, sowing methods, variety, hybrid, multiple regression model

UDC 631.5, 633.1, 633.16      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0369

Grain Crops. 2025. 9(1). 128–136

Yashchuk, T. S., Samets, N. P., Sydoruk, H. P.

Ternopil State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian Region of NAAS of Ukraine, 12 Troleibusna St., Ternopil, 46027, Ukraine

Topicality. In Ukraine, the leading branch of agriculture is grain production. In the modern grain crop market, winter barley occupies one of the important places in the country's grain balance. A sustainable and uninterrupted production of high-quality grain products at low cost ensures the development of a reliable and powerful foundation for meeting the needs of the population. Purpose. To study and evaluate individual elements of cultivation technology, in particular to specify the sowing dates for different varieties of winter barley for the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine under field trial conditions, assuming the favourable effectiveness of the proposed methods, which provides for the achievement of guaranteed and stable high-quality grain yields. Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the fields of the Ternopil State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian Region of NAAS of Ukraine in 2016–2024. In the experiments, the following winter barley varieties were sown:  Burevii, Deviatyi val, Tutankhamon, Paladin Myronivskyi, Valkiriia, MIP Status. Sowing was carried out in four dates: 15 and 25 September and 5 and 15 October. Field trials were set up and conducted in accordance with generally accepted research methodology (field, laboratory, comparative and analytical methods). Results. The main factors influenced on the formation of winter barley yield were systematised and identified. The optimal sowing dates in the context of climate change were determined experimentally. The dependence of the protein content in winter barley grain on the sowing date was established. The results of the research showed that sowing winter barley at the most optimal dates, namely 15–25 September, ensured higher yields (5.75 and 5.81 t/ha) compared to October (5.24 and 4.92 t/ha). It was found that the highest yield of all varieties was obtained in 2024, which was favourable in terms of weather conditions (6.43 t/ha), and the lowest in the dry year 2020 (3.73 t/ha). The protein content increased from the earliest to the latest sowing date: from 12.3 to 12.6 %. In years with different weather conditions, regardless of sowing dates, the highest quality indicators were recorded in 2019 (14.0 %), and the lowest in 2024 (10.4 %). Conclusions. The highest winter barley yield of 5.75; 5.81 t/ha was achieved by sowing at the optimal dates for the growing region (15 and 25 September), ensuring the profitability and return on investment of grain production in variable soil and climatic conditions and organisational and economic conditions of management.

Key words: weather conditions, variety, impact factor, sowing date, yield, protein content, economic efficiency

UDC  633.15: 631.527.5/559:631.84.7        https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0370

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 137–143.

Moldovan, Zh. A., Moldovan, V. H.

Khmelnitsky State Agricultural Experimental Station of the Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS, Samchyky village, Khmelnytskyi district, Khmelnytskyi region, 31182, Ukraine

Topicality. For high maize yields, the maintenance of sufficient nitrogen levels during key stages of crop growth and development is critical. Split nitrogen application optimises plant nutrition and reduces unproductive losses. Purpose. Study of the influence of foliar feeding of maize with urea or its tank mixtures with sulphur on the formation of biometric indicators of ears short-season maize hybrids in the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Materials and methods. Two-factor experiment studied early-ripening maize hybrid DN Aton and mid-early hybrid DN Astra; variants of foliar feeding with urea and highly concentrated liquid sulphur fertiliser Chimic S in stages 5–6 and 8–9 leaves. Results.  The research showed that biometric indicators of maize ears were significantly influenced not only by foliar feeding, but also by weather conditions during the growing season during the years under study. On average, the maize ear length  under various foliar feeding variants increased by 1.2–4.1 % in the early-ripening hybrid DN Aton and by 1.7–6.8 % in the mid-early DN Astra compared to the control during the years of research. Foliar feeding with urea contributed to an increase in grain weight per ear in the early-ripening hybrid DN Aton by 6.5–18.2 % and in the mid-early DN Astra by 7.0–23.9 %, the 1000-grain weight by 3.1–10.9 % and 3.7–13.0 %, and the grain content of the ear by 6.7–13.9 % and 6.0–20.0 %, respectively. The addition of sulphur in the form of a highly concentrated liquid fertiliser Chemic S to urea resulted in an additional increase in grain weight per ear in the early-ripening hybrid DN Aton by 3.3–4.4 % and in the mid-early DN Astra by 1.3–4.8 %. The 1000-grain weight increased by 2.1–2.2 and 1.9–2.3 %, respectively, and the ear grain content increased by 0.8–3.9 and 1.3–2.4 % compared to the control. Conclusions. The most effective feeding was double treatment of maize with urea in combination with highly concentrated liquid sulphur fertiliser Chemic S in the 5–6 and 8–9 leaf stages, which increased the ear length of early-ripening hybrid DN Aton by 5.3 %, mid-early hybrid DN Astra – by 10.2%, ear grain content – by 16.0 and 22.9 %, grain weight per ear – by 22.1 and 27.8 %, and 1000-grain weight – by 13.2 and 15.2%, respectively.

Key words: maize, hybrid, feeding, urea, sulfur, ear length, grain weight, 1000 grain weight

UDC 633.11:631.5:633.854.78        https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0371

Grain Crops. 2025. 9(1). 144–151.

Popov, Yu. V., Avramenko, S. V.

Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS of Ukraine, 142 Heroiv Kharkova Ave., Kharkiv, 61060, Ukraine

Topicality. In the context of rapid climatic and economic changes, conventional soft wheat cultivation technology requires optimisation; therefore the dates and rates of nitrogen fertiliser application are of paramount importance. Purpose. To determine indicators of the grain yield and quality for soft winter wheat depending on the dates and rates of early spring feedings after sunflower as a predecessor. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in the field grain-fallow-row crop rotation system at the Yuriev Institute of Plant Production of NAAS in 2020–2022 and in 2023–2024. The experiment included five variants of autumn and early spring feedings of soft winter wheat (Zdobna variety) with ammonium nitrate at rates of N₃₀, N₆₀, N₉₀, and N₁₂₀ after sunflower as a predecessor by dates: 1) control (no fertilisers), 2) at sowing, 3) sprouting stage, 4) 1–2 leaf stage, 5) on thawed frozen soil. Results. On average over three years, the maximum yield of 4.56 t/ha was obtained with a rate of N₁₂₀ applied to frozen-thawed soil. The content of protein, gluten and grain hardness increased due to the increase in nitrogen rate during feeding in the 2–3 leaf stage of winter wheat, reaching its maximum at N₁₂₀ and amounted to 12.7 %, 22 % and 69 %, respectively.  The gluten deformation index (GDI), on the contrary, decreased with increasing nitrogen rate for feeding, with the highest GDI value being 48 units at a nitrogen rate of N₃₀ in the 2–3 leaf stage of winter wheat. The dates and rates of nitrogen feeding had no significant effect on the grain test weight, which ranged from 808 to 822 g/l. Conclusions. The study found that the yield of soft winter wheat is primarily dependent on the fertiliser rate rather than the date of nitrogen fertiliser application. No clear correlation between grain quality indicators and the rate and date of nitrogen feeding was observed. The date and rate of nitrogen application had various effects on wheat grain quality indicators: increasing the nitrogen rate resulted in higher protein and gluten content, grain hardness, while GDI decreased. Grain test weight did not depend on the date and rate of feeding.

Key words: nitrogen fertilisers, autumn feeding, winter wheat, yield, sunflower as a predecessor, ammonium nitrate, phenological stage, protein content, gluten content, GDI, test weight, grain hardness

UDC 633.1:631.51.021:631.8(251.1–17:477)           https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0372

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 152–160

Shevchenko, M. S., Havrylenko, N. V.

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. In the Steppe zone of Ukraine, where moisture is the main limiting factor in harvest formation, the issue of rational regulation of soil water regime is particularly relevant for ensuring stable productivity of grain crops. Among agrotechnical practices, the primary tillage system plays a key role, as it determines the level of accumulation, preservation, and efficient utilisation of soil moisture by plants. Purpose.  To determine the effect of different primary tillage methods on the moisture availability of grain crops under the conditions of the Steppe of Ukraine in order to optimise agricultural technologies aimed at the effective conservation and utilization of moisture under conditions of unstable moisture supply and increasing climatic risks. Materials and Methods. A stationary field trial was conducted in a crop rotation system including peas, winter wheat, maize, spring barley and sunflowers, in accordance with generally accepted research methodology requirements over the period 2022–2024. Field trials were carried out at the experimental field of the Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS of Ukraine. Results. The largest productive moisture reserves were recorded in the 0–150 cm soil layer before sowing crops in the crop rotation variant without fertilisers with mulching of soil (151.5 mm) and shallow moldboardless (149.2 mm) tillage, which exceeded the moldboard ploughing indicator (140.6 mm) by 7.7 % and 6.1 %, respectively. A similar trend was observed on fertilised plots: the mulching variant had 151.3 mm (+7.6 %), and the shallow variant had 149.2 mm (+6.1 %). Residual moisture content at the time of harvest was highest (29.0 mm) under shallow moldboardless tillage, followed 27.8 mm – under mulching, and 25.5 mm – moldboard ploughing. The plants on the unfertilised plots used more water during the growing season in the no-till variants (123.5 mm and 120.2 mm compared to 115.1 mm for ploughing). On fertilised backgrounds, total water consumption reached 282.3 mm in variants with mulching (+3.1% compared to unfertilised ones) and 293.8 mm with shallow tillage (+7.3% compared to unfertilised variants). Moisture was used most efficiently for harvest formation under no-till systems: the water consumption coefficient was 79.9 and 88.2 mm/t compared to 75.6 mm/t under moldboard plowing. Without fertilizers, these coefficients were higher due to lower yields with similar moisture consumption. Conclusions. Moldboardless tillage systems, especially mulching, provide significantly higher indicators of moisture conservation and utilisation compared to moldboard plowing. Productive moisture reserves in the crop rotation under mulching before sowing exceeded the ploughing variant by 10.7–10.9 mm (over 7%); residual moisture content at harvest was 2.3–3.5 mm higher, and moisture consumption during the growing season was 4.4–7.3 % higher. The highest total water consumption (up to 293.8 mm) and most efficient moisture utilisation for yield formation (75.6–88.2 mm/t) were observed under no-till systems, especially in fertilised conditions, indicating their advantage in moisture-deficient environments.

Key words: moisture supply, soil moisture content, tillage system, fertilisation, post-harvest residues, yield, productivity

UDC 631.445.4 / .452      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0373

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 161–168.

Chaban,V. I., Podobed,O. Yu. 

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. The qualitative state of soil cover determines the productivity of agrocenoses, which directly affects the yield, chemical composition of plants and, ultimately, the health of the population. However, the intensive and unbalanced land management in recent decades has caused degradation processes that have resulted in a decline in soil fertility. Purpose. To identify changes in the fertility indicators of typical chernozem under long-term anthropogenic load. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in a certified (certificate No. 044) stationary experiment The effect of continuous fertiliser application (since 1991) on the physical, chemical and agrochemical properties of the soil in crop rotation was studied. Analyses and assessment of soil condition were carried out according to the current DSTU. Results. It was established that long-term agrogenic load (from 1991 to 2021) affects the maximum statistically reliable decrease in humus content compared to the initial data on the control and under the mineral fertilisation system by 0.20 % and 0.18, respectively, under conventional (moldboard) tillage. In contrast, under non-moldboard til-lage, the humus content remained unchanged. The highest levels of labile organic matter were re-corded in all fertilisation variants against the background of chiselling. In the variants of absolute control and mineral fertilisation system, a decrease in the pH of the soil solution by 0.28–0.40 units was observed compared to the initial data (7.55). The systematic application of fertilizers improved the mobility of nutrients. The N–NO₃ content increased by 15–22 % on fertilised plots. The P₂O₅ content was most affected by the organo-mineral and mineral fertilisation systems (26–34 %), while the K₂O content was primarily affected by the organic fertilisation system (32–34 %). Conclusions. Long-term anthropogenic load without the involvement of a compensatory mechanism for fertility regulation (control) leads to a decrease in soil solution reaction (pH) and humus content. The use of organic fertilisers helped to maintain the humus content at the initial level, which was determined before the experiment was laid down. The mobility of nutrients increased in the fertilisation system variants.

Keywords:ordinary chernozem,fertility indicators, crop rotation, fertilisation system, tillage