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UDC 633.11:581.1:58.056:58.084                              https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0404        

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1). 5–13

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

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

Topicality. Bread winter wheat is one of the main food crops among cereals, occuping an important place in the grain production in Ukraine and worldwide. Changes in long-term average air temperature and precipitation during the current climatic period indicate increasing instability of moisture regimes and growing aridity of the country’s climate. Purpose. To study collection samples of bread winter wheat for adaptability under the Forest-Steppe conditions of Ukraine and, using cluster analysis, to identify the best genotypes characterized by consistently high yield levels. Materialsand Methods. The studies were carried out at the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat NAAS of Ukraine during 2022/23–2024/25. Twelve samples from the working collection of bread winter wheat were examined. The Podolianka variety was used as the standard. To assess the adaptability of winter wheat collection samples, the following statistical parameters were applied: arithmetic mean (X̅), range of variation (R), coefficient of variation (V), breeding value (Sc), homeostaticity (Hom), and regression coefficient (bi). Cluster analysis was performed based on adaptability parameters. Results. During the 2022/23–2024/25 growing seasons, meteorological conditions differed markedly in terms of temperature regime and moisture availability, both throughout the entire growing period and at specific stages of organogenesis of bread winter wheat. According to the hydrothermal coefficient, the growing conditions were classified as sufficiently moist in 2022/23, extremely dry – in 2023/24, and dry – in 2024/25. The relative environmental index for grain yield indicated generally favou-rable conditions for wheat growth and development in all years of the study; however, its lowest value (91 %) was recorded in 2023/24. The highest mean grain yield over the three-year period was observed in the following cultivars: Bodycek (7.08 t/ha), Pavlina (6.78 t/ha), T-51 (6.55 t/ha), Fotima (6.31 t/ha), and Zorepad Bilotserkivskyi (6.26 t/ha). Conclusions. Highly adaptive genotypes of bread winter wheat – Bodycek (bᵢ = 0.68), Turkoaz (bᵢ = 0.53), Zorepad Bilotserkivskyi (bᵢ = 0.68), and Fotima (bᵢ = 0.72), with a low response to changes in environmental conditions and ensuring a yield of 6.13–7.09 t/ha. These samples can be used in breeding programs as sources of valuable agronomic traits for developing new high-yielding varieties with enhanced adaptability.

Key words: Triticum aestivum L., variety, hydrothermal coefficient, yield, environmental index,   adaptability.

UDC 633.16: 631.527         https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0405

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1). 

Vyskub, R. S., Viniukov, O. O., Bondareva, O. B., Udovichenko, S. M., Volenshchuk, Ye. V.  

onetsk State Agricultural Research Station of NAAS of Ukraine,1 Zakhysnykiv Ukrainy St., Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, 85307, Ukraine

Topicality. Enrichment, study and systematization of spring barley collection material allows breeders to obtain new sources of valuable agronomic traits of varietal material, therefore, work on the formation, maintenance and preservation of collections is of undoubted scientific and practical interest. Purpose. To study and systematize spring barley collection samples according to valuable agronomic traits in the conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine. Materials and Methods. In 2021–2025, the Donetsk State Agricultural Research Station of NAAS of Ukraine conducted a study of 78 barley collection samples. Research methods included field trials, measurement, calculation and comparison, and mathematical statistics.  Results. The shortest period from seedling to heading stage was observed in the Sozonivskyi (UKR) variety – 43 days, and the longest – in the Tselinnyi 60 (KAZ) variety – 56 days. The shortest period from heading to dough stage, which indicates the rate of variety ripening, was observed in the Tselinnyi 60 (KAZ) variety – 27 days, and the longest in the Kriazh (UKR), Timofey (RUS), Avanhard (UKR), Aleks (UKR), and Skhidnyi (UKR) – 36 days. Based on the duration of period from seedling to dough stage, the following short-season barley varieties (76–77 days) Donetskyi 14 (UKR), Avers (UKR), Sozonivskyi (UKR), Adapt (UKR) and Donetskyi 12 (UKR) were identified. Short-stem barley varieties (58.0–60.3 cm) Vzirets (UKR), Saliut (UKR), Master (RUS), Svitoch (UKR) were characterised by high resistance to lod-ging and are recommended for yield formation when grown with increased fertiliser rates. The productivity determines the economic value of a variety and is directly dependent on the quantitative characteristics of each structural element. We found two varieties with increased spike length (7.5–7.9 cm) Doridnyi (UKR) and Adapt (UKR); five large-grain barley samples (50.5–53.5 g) Sozonivskyi (UKR), Avanhard (UKR), Aleks (UKR), Kriazh (UKR), Sviatovit (UKR); the variety Sviatovit (UKR) had the highest grain weight per spike (1.1 g). The highest yields (5.39 and 5.44 t/ha) were recorded for the spring barley samples Avatar (UKR) and Shubin (UKR) over the study period. Conclusions. Based on research conducted between 2021 and 2025, collection samples of spring barley were systematised according to valuable economic traits for the conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine, with the aim of further use in breeding programmes. A working collection of spring barley samples has been registered in terms of yields (Certificate No. 357 dated 18 December 2025). A catalogue of 26 spring barley samples has been compiled according to their intended uses. An electronic database has been created for 74 barley samples based on their valuable economic characteristics. 

Key words: spring barley, variety, valuable economic trait, sample, catalogue of collection samples, working collection, database.

UDC 57.085.2:633.111:633.16:581.2         https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0406

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1). 24–33

Shestopal, O. L., Zambriborshch, I. S., Chekalova, M. S., Afinohenov, O. A., Vasiliev, O. A., Traskovetska, V. A., Sauliak, N. I., Holub, Ye. A., Kirchuk, Ye. I.

Plant Breeding and Genetic Institute – National Centre of Seed and Cultivar Investigation, 3 Ovidiopolska Road, Odessa, 65036, Ukraine

Topicality. Modern wheat breeding in Ukraine is focused on reducing the time required to develop new varieties, improving their adaptability and the stability of their valuable economic traits. Given the increasing phytosanitary load and climate variability, the introduction of biotechnological methods to improve the efficiency of the breeding process is becoming particularly relevant. One such method is the production of doubled-haploids of wheat using in vitro anther culture, but it requires continuous refinement for greater efficiency. Purpose. To evaluate the efficiency of in vitro androgenesis in bread wheat using liquid and agar-solidified induction media for anther cultivation. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in 2025 using the isolated anther culture in vitro. The following parameters were determined: percentage of formed calli, percentage of green and albino regenerant plants relative to the number of cultured anthers, percentage of plants that survived after the stages of soil adaptation and vernalization. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results. In vitro androgenesis in anther culture was investigated in 26 bread winter wheat genotypes. The frequency of callus induction varied on both solid and liquid media, ranging from 0.23 to 41.7 % and from 0.22 to 15.0 % of the cultured anthers, respectively. The percentage of green plant regeneration in most genotypes did not exceed 1–1.5 % and ranged from 0.22 to 4.33 % on liquid medium 190-2, and from 0.04 to 17.33 % on agar-solidified medium. Albino plants developed in small numbers regardless of the culture media. Two-way analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant effect of genotype, medium type, and their interaction on the number of green regenerants (p < 0.001). After adaptation to ex vitro conditions and vernalization, 64 green plants were obtained and are currently being grown under controlled climate conditions. The adaptation rate of regenerants was significantly higher (69.6 ± 6.8% vs. 41.6 ± 5.6%) in plants derived on liquid medium. Conclusions. Genotype is the key determinant of androgenic response, while the culture medium modulates its expression. A significant interaction between genotype and medium highlights the need to tailor culture conditions for each genotype. Solid medium enhanced callus formation and green plant regeneration, whereas liquid medium improved the adaptive potential of regenerants.

Key words: Triticum aestivum L., in vitro anther culture, regenerant, induction nutrient medium.

UDC 633.14:631.527:575           https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0407

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1). 34–42

Yehorov,  D. K., Hlukhova, N. A., Nepochatov, M. I.  

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

Topicality. Heterotic winter rye hybrids are multicomponent systems involving a CMS line, a sterility maintainer, and a fertility restorer. However, insufficient attention is often paid to the sterility maintainer, which is frequently regarded merely as an intermediate link in the development of heterotic hybrids. Purpose. To analyze the research conducted by the Laboratory of Winter Rye Breeding and Genetics at the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS within breeding programs for developing maternal components of winter rye hybrids based on Pampa CMS. Materials and methods. The analysis covered the Laboratory's research from 1960 to 2025. The study objects were sterility maintainers developed through saturating cros-ses, the backcross method, repeated inbreeding, and the use of self-fertility genes for Pampa CMS. The total number of lines annually ranged from 242 accessions in 2020 to 568 accessions in 2007. The lines were evaluated for quantitative morphogenetic traits. Results. A significant increase in spike productivity was observed when obtaining hybrids with unrelated maintainers in combinations involving lines l.961358 B, l.90693 B, l.90691 B, and l.961157 B, which are currently used to develop A-lines. Self-fertility donors, cultivars Kharkivska 98 and Stoir, as well as approximately 150 lines, were developed. A collection of 15 sterility maintainers has been registered by the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine. A method for developing CMS genetic systems for both Kharkiv (R-type) and Pampa (P-type) sterility has been developed and is being continuously refined. Conclusions. To develop sterility maintainers, the following algorithm should be followed: introduction of Sf-genes into the breeding material; self-pollination and selection of fertile plants; progeny testing; screening for the absence of Rf-genes; and evaluation of combining ability. For a sterility maintainer, the presence of self-fertility genes (Sf-genes) is desirable, while for a fertility restorer, the greatest advantage is the presence of both fertility restoration genes (Rf-genes) and self-fertility genes (Sf-genes). The results of maintaining ability can be analysed starting after the fourth year of saturating crosses. To prevent inbreeding depression, a mixed pollination should be used, combining self-pollination of individual plants with the production of sibs. The specific characteristics of self-pollinating genes should be utilised to obtain a sufficient quantity of seed. A high level of cross-pollination is expected following a previously high level of self-pollination. The use of an unrelated (alien) sterility maintainer allows for an increase in spike productivity parameters.

Keywords: rye, heterosis, CMS, sterility maintainer, self-fertility.

UDC 633.15:631.53.01:631.52            https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0408

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1).

Denysiuk, K. V., Cherchel, V. Yu., Bodenko, N. A., Dziubetskyi, B. V., Haidash, O. L., Kruhlova, M. O.          

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

 Topicality. Selection of cold-resistant maize genotypes is a relevant area of modern research, as it allows preventing crop losses associated with damage to seedlings and uneven seedling emergence due to the action of low temperatures in the early stages of vegetation. Purpose. To assess the cold tolerance of maize hybrids belonging to different heterosis models, to investigate the effect of genotype on the manifestation of the trait and to identify heterosis models characterized by a high level of cold tolerance. Materials and Methods. Eleven maize hybrids were used as the material for the study. The cold tolerance was assessed using a laboratory method involving the determination of seed germination and root length at a low temperature (+8 °C). Results. A significant variation was observed among maize hybrids in terms of seed germination at low temperature (+8 °C) (14.7–93.3 %), compared with laboratory germination rates (at +26 °C) of 95.0–100.0 %. The length of the radicle formed under cold stress conditions was in the range of 1.1–14.6 mm, depending on the genotype. The effect of the hybrid genotype on laboratory germination was 65.8 %, on germination at low temperature – 90.0 %, on radicle length – 96.5 %. Conclusions. The cold tolerance of eleven maize hybrids was assessed, and the effect of genotype on this indicator was established. Four highly cold-resistant, four cold-resistant and three non-cold-resistant hybrids were identified from the total number of samples. Hybrids (DK4168M × DK365SVZM) × DKD3074MV, (DK1693M × DK3068) × DK2323MV, (DK9527S × DK2532ZSZM) × DK744SVZM and DK3263ZSZM×DKD3074MV are defined as highly cold-resistant, (DK4441M×DK4401)×DKD3074MV, (DK365MxDK7744)×DKD3074MV, (DK7443M×DK8816)×DK2323MV and (DK7443M×DK7400)×DK2180 – as cold-resistant and (DK7443M × DK7436) × DK2323MV, (DK7455M × DK7443SVZM) × DK2323MV and (DK296S×DK2980)×DK9178 – as non-cold-resistant. The highest indicators of cold tolerance were more often observed in hybrids of heterosis models Iodent×Lancaster, Mix×Lancaster, Mix×Iodent, Mix×BSSS.

          Key words: Zea mays L., hybrids, heterosis models, cold tolerance, resistance to stress abiotic factors, seed germination.

UDC 633.34:631.527:631.559:581.19              https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0409

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1). 

Chernyshenko, P. V., Skydan, V. O., Hlubokyi, O. M. 

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

Topicality. Given global climate changes and growing instability in hydrothermal conditions for crop cultivation, a key objective of soybean breeding is to develop high-yielding varieties with stable yields and high seed quality characteristics. Soybeans are one of the world’s leading grain legumes. This is a result of their high protein and oil content, which contributes to their importance for the food, feed and processing industries. Consequently, the assessment of breeding material based on productivity indicators, seed biochemical composition and adaptability to changing environmental conditions is of significant relevance. Purpose. To determine the adaptive potential of soybean breeding lines based on yield, seed protein and oil content, as well as homeostaticity (Hom) and stress tolerance index (STI) parameters. Materials and Methods. The studies were carried out at the experimental fields of the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS in the competitive variety testing nursery in 2023–2025. Soybean breeding samples of various origins were used as the test material. Yield was determined in separate plots with subsequent recalculation to standard seed moisture content. Protein and oil content were determined by infrared spectroscopy using the InfraLUM FT-10 spectrometer. The adaptability of genotypes was assessed based on indicators of homeostaticity (Hom) and the stress tolerance index (STI). Results. Significant differentiation of breeding samples was revealed in terms of yield and seed protein and oil content. In the experiment, the average yield was 1.69 t/ha, with the highest yield (1.77 t/ha) recorded for sample L 2-21. The genotypes KSV 35-19, KSV 55-18 and KSV 30-18 showed the highest adaptability in terms of homeostaticity and stress tolerance index. The average protein content in the seeds was 40.6 %, with the highest protein content (41.7 %) recorded in sample L 18-17. The average oil content was 19.8 %, with the highest level (20.6 %) recorded in samples L 720-21 and KSV 30-18. Conclusions. Soybean breeding samples with high productivity and seed quality were identified. The most promising genotypes for further breeding were KSV 35-19, KSV 55-18, KSV 30-18 and KSV 33-19, which are characterised by a combination of high yield, protein and oil content in the seeds, and adaptability to abiotic environmental factors.

Key words: soybean, homeostaticity, stress tolerance index, yield, protein content, oil content, yield, protein content, oil content.

UDC 633.112“321”:631.527(292.485:477)         https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0410

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1).   62–72

Fedorenko, M. V., Fedorenko, I. V., Blyzniuk, R. M., Dovbysh, O. S. 

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

Topicality.Systematic study of collection material contributes to the identification of samples with valuable traits and characteristics for effective use in practical breeding.Global breeding experience shows that developing new plant varieties that meet the demands of modern production requires the use of genetically distinct forms. Therefore, the use of genetic diversity of species is an important principle in the development of new high-yielding crop varieties.Purpose.Comprehensively study and identify sources of collection samples of durum wheat based on valuable agronomic traits, and include them in the breeding process to develop new high-yielding varieties.Materials and Methods.The research was conducted during 2021–2025 at the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS of Ukraine.The study included 115 collection samples of various ecological and geographical origins. Laboratory and field methods, as well as mathematical and statistical methods, were used. Results.For breeding purposes, the following collection samples are of practical interest due to their valuable economic traits and characteristics: Meica, Leukurum 17–04, Leukurum 17–46, Nadiusha, Remarka (UKR), CBC 509, ALTAR 84/BINTEPE 85/3/STOT// ALTAR, CBC509, CHILE/6/ECO84/4AJAIA (MEX), Ambral, Flodur (W8607) (GBR), Meridiano (ITA) and Milana (KAZ) of various ecological and geographical origins. They are recommended as parental components for crossbreeding in programmes aimed at developing varieties with high yield potential and drought tolerance.Conclusions.According to the results of the research, sources of collection samples of durum spring wheat were identified according to valuable economic characteristics, which contribute to the efficiency of breeding work for developing high-yielding varieties that meet the demands of modern production.High-yielding genotypes of various ecological and geographical origins have been identified for involvement in scientific and breeding programmes as source material, based on plant productivity traits (spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike) and plant height (medium-grown, short-grown, semi-dwarf), as well as drought tolerance (moderately tolerant and highly tolerant). Thus, sources of valuable breeding material have been identified within the collection samples, forming the basis for the development of competitive new-generation durum wheat varieties.

Key words: Triticum durum Desf., collection samples, yield, productivity, drought tolerance.

UDС 633.15:631.52                  https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0411

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1). 

Kostenko, V. V.

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

Topicality. Nowadays, maize breeding is focused on intensifying the process of developing new hybrids with improved valuable economic traits. One innovative method involves the production of double haploid maize lines, reducing the time required to obtain homozygous material from 6–7 years—as is typical with conventional inbreeding—to 1–2 growing seasons. However, certain elements of this method require improvement to enhance its effectiveness. Purpose. The study aims to evaluate maize double haploids of Lancaster plasm, related to the DK6356 ZSZM line, in terms of morphological traits, productivity and combining ability regarding grain yield, and the selection of promising double haploid lines for the development of short-season high-yielding maize hybrids suitable for dissemination in Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted at the experimental field of the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS in the conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine in 2023–2025. Twenty double haploid maize lines were evaluated using the following criteria: duration of the period from seedling to silking stage, plant height, ear insertion height, and general combining ability in terms of grain yield based on 75 test crosses. The evaluation was carried out in the control and breeding nurseries according to generally accepted research protocols. Results. Significant variability in the morphological and biological characteristics of the diploid haploid maize lines was established. The following double haploids  DK 23-57, DK 23-61, DK 23-65, DK 23-66, and DK 23-72 flowered on average 5–6 days earlier than the parental line DK6356 ZSZM. The DKD 23-57, DKD 23-58, DKD 23-59, and DKD 23-60 samples had plant heights 15 cm above the standard; while DK 23-65, DK 23-63, and DK 23-75 had ear insertion height of 60 cm or higher. The samples DK 23-60 and DK 23-61 stood out for their consistently high general combining ability. Hybrids developed using these double haploids exceeded the DB Khotyn standard in grain yield by 0.32–0.79 t/ha. Conclusions. Promising double haploid maize lines (DKD 23-60, DKD 23-61, DKD 23-57, DKD 23-59) with high combining ability in terms of grain yield should be involved in breeding programs to develop hybrids adapted to the arid conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine.

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

633.15: 631.52                 https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0413

Grain Crops. 2026. 10 (1). 

Kulyk, O. V.

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

Topicality. Modern maize production is characterised by increasing instability in agroclimatic conditions, manifested in rising temperatures, uneven rainfall distribution and an increase in the frequency of droughts. Therefore, assessing the interaction between genotype and environment in determining the morphobiological traits and productivity of early-maturing maize using multivariate analysis is a pressing scientific priority for the development of new breeding material. Purpose. To assess the influence of genotype and growing conditions on the formation and manifestation of morphobiological traits and the productivity of early-maturing inbred maize families synthesised on the basis of mixed germplasm, and to identify promising breeding material for the conditions of the Steppe of Ukraine. Methods andMaterialsThe research involved the application of general scientific methods and systematic analysis of statistical data to identify patterns of trait variability. The methodology was based on a combination of a systematic approach to the assessment of biological systems using variation statistics to substantiate the reliability of the results obtained under contrasting weather conditions. The source forms for the research were families of seven hybrid combinations: DK2815×DK247MV, DK2815×DK315, DK2815×DK3152, DK2835×DK3152, DK2835×DK247MV, DK3152×DK247MV, DK3152×DK285/315. DK315SVZM line was the common genetic basis for these hybrids. Results. Significant variability in the traits studied was observed depending on genotype and the weather conditions of the year. The most favourable conditions for maize growth and development occurred in 2023, resulting in maximum values for most indicators. In 2024, elevated temperatures and a moisture deficit led to a shorter growing season and reduced plant productivity. In 2025, trait manifestation was relatively stable, allowing for the identification of crop genotypes with enhanced adaptability. Inbred families were identified that combined precociousness, optimal morphological parameters and a relatively high level of productivity in different years, depending on weather conditions. Conclusions. Promising genotypes were identified that combine precociousness, optimal plant architecture and stable yield under various growing conditions. The results obtained confirm the practical value of these genotypes as source material for heterosis-based breeding and the development of precocious maize hybrids adapted to the conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine.

Keywords: maize, precociousness, inbred families, germplasm, plant height, ear insertion height, yield, adaptive potential.