The article presents the results of vegetation monitoring conducted on the model profile "Nikitsky Ridge," located on the southern macroslope of the Main Range of the Crimean Mountains, with a survey interval of over 45 years (1976 and 2022). The profile spans an altitudinal gradient from 400 to 1400 meters above sea level, encompassing pine forests dominated by Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe and Pinus sylvestris var. hamata. The study includes an analysis of the floristic composition, as well as the taxonomic, chorological, and biomorphological structures, along with species anthoecology in the context of temporal changes. The results indicate that the main characteristics of the vegetation cover have remained stable, despite a slight decrease in species diversity and taxonomic representation. The persistence of key biomorphs was recorded, along with the appearance of newly identified rare species. The preservation significance of the profile is emphasized due to the presence of endemic taxa and species with declining population trends, many of which are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Crimea.

The study of the patterns of enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites by plants continuously exposed to man-made effects is one of the urgent tasks. Violations of the structural organization of biocenoses can lead to complete degradation of vegetation in large areas. One of the sources of man-made stress on the Kola Peninsula is the Severonikel copper-nickel combine (JSC Kola MMC), located in the central industrial part of the peninsula, whose emissions contain high concentrations of heavy metals. One of the dominant species of the herbaceous shrub layer is blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), a deciduous shrub of the heather family (Ericaceae Juss.), whose leaves synthesize flavonoids, polyphenolic acids, stilbens, causing significant hypoglycemic, antiinflammatory, restorative activity. The purpose of this work is to study the variability of the content of flavonoid compounds in the vegetative organs of Vaccinium myrtillus L., growing under conditions of man-made pollution in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. As a result of the work, the dependence of the synthesis of flavonoids and antioxidants on the distance to the source of man-made pollution was analyzed. The general nonlinear nature of the spatial distribution in relation to the amount of flavonoids and total antioxidant activity is noted. A nonlinear tendency of accumulation of heavy metals has been established.

Phytocenoses formed under the influence of the invasion of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. into plant communities of the slopes of gullies in the territory of the Kursk Region have been identified. In the system of ecological-floristic classification, the described communities belong to one variant and three associations within the classes Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and Artemisietea vulgaris. The optimal conditions for L. polyphyllus are in upper and middle parts of slopes, where it transforms the meadow-steppe phytocenoses of acc. Agrimonio eupatoriae–Poetum angustifoliae, reducing their species saturation. The lower sections of slopes and bottoms of gullies occupied by communities of ass. Convolvulo arvensis–Elytrigietum repentis and Convolvulo arvensis–Brometum inermis, are less susceptible to its invasion due to an increase in soil pH and trophicity and competition from other species in conditions of ecological-phytocenotic optimum.

The article presents the results of studies on the study of some biologically active substances (tannins
and ascorbic acid) and total ash in the above-ground organs of plants of the genus Iris L. in the natural and climatic conditions of the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. It was established that the pheno-rhythm type of the studied species and cultivars is early summer flowering, long-vegetating, summer-green, with forced winter dormancy, with a vegetation period of 122-160 days. Mass flowering of iris species and cultivars occurred in the third decade of June. The duration of the flowering period varied from 14 to 30 days. During the flowering period of irises, the sum of positive temperatures was 560-790°C. The cultivar-specificity of morphometric parameters was noted and low-growing, medium-growing and tall cultivars were distinguished. Biochemical indices (ascorbic acid, tannins) and ash content differed in quantitative concentration in the organs of both iris species and cultivars. The highest indices were noted in the leaves of I. pseudocorus for the content of ascorbic acid (15.09-18.01 mg%), tannins (2.42-2.2.64%), ash substances (7.86-9.78%) and in the flowers of I. sibirica – 11.34-19.51 mg%, 1.47-3.08%, 8.33-9.56%, respectively, in comparison with other species. The cultivars differed in the specific content of these substances in plant organs, with the highest concentration in ‘Blue Cup’, ‘Kassandra’, ‘Mandy Morse’, and ‘Vasily Alferov’. The studied species, cultivars of Siberian irises and the sword iris cultivar ‘Vasily Alferov’, cultivated in the forest-steppe of the Ob region, are recommended for use in landscaping the Siberian region.

The paper presents data on the outbreak of Contarinia quinquenotata Loew in 2020-2024 in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden. The biology of Contarinia quinquenotata was studied. The relationship between global warming and outbreaks of the gall midge Contarinia quinquenotata was studied. Biological products with different active ingredients were used in the experiments, namely Insetim, Fitoverm, Bitoxibacillin. Preparations based on entomopathogenic nematodes Nemabact and Entonem-F were used. Vulnerable phases were determined and biological products against this pest were recommended. It was found empirically that the greatest efficiency was achieved with the use of Nemabact. The dependence of damage on the type of variety and color of daylilies was revealed. Measures to combat Contarinia quinquenotata are proposed.

The paper investigates the possibilities of using Brassica napus L. (winter rape) for phytoindication of metals in rock dumps of coal mines. The green rock dump (tunnels 5/6) named after Dimitrov of the DPR was chosen as a model, located within the city of Donetsk. In the course of the study, review, analytical, field and experimental methods were used. Brassica napus L. reduced the concentration from 0.2 to 0.4 MAC for cadmium, from 0.4 to 0.5 MAC for copper, by 2 times for nickel, by 2 times for cobalt, by 0.1 MAC for lead, from 0.6 to 2 MAC for zinc, from 21.8 to 2.2 MAC for iron. Theoretically, it can be used for the reclamation of mining rock dumps in Donbass. To minimize the disadvantages of Brassica napus L., it is necessary to choose the right soil for it, take into account crop rotation and be sure to take measures to restore fertility after its cultivation. If these conditions are met, rapeseed will be an effective siderate that enriches the soil with nutrients.

Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) is one of the most dangerous viral diseases of raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.), causing significant damage to plantations. Therefore, the creation and selection of raspberry cultivars with genetic resistance to RBDV is a priority direction of many breeding programs. Raspberry resistance to RBDV is controlled by the dominant gene Bu, for the detection of which DNA markers have been developed. The presented study shows the results of molecular marking of the Bu RBDV resistance gene in 24 raspberry cultivars from the genetic collection I.V. Michurin FSC using the diagnostic DNA marker rasp_N_gene_1202. The marker fragment of the Bu resistance allele was identified in the raspberry cultivars Cleopatra and Glen Magna, which can be recommended as promising genetic sources of resistance to RBDV.

The reaction of table grapes of ‘Pamyati Uchiyelya’ cv. to the rationing of bushes by shoots and the load by bunches has been established. When the bushes were loaded with shoots of 24 pcs/bush and bunches of 50 pcs/bush, the total weight of grapes from the bush tended to increase and amounted to 22.12 kg/bush. The mass of the commercial crop from the bush had the same tendency, amounting to 16.35 kg/bush. The average weight of a commercial bunch increases to 0.656 kg. The average cluster weight of the bush also increases to 0.422 kg, compared with the control. The mass of non-commodity bunches decreases and amounts to 4.76 kg/bush. The yield of commercial grapes increases to 13.34 t/ha. When the bushes are loaded with shoots of 30 pcs. /bush and bunches of 30 pcs/ bush. There is an increase in the average weight of a commercial bunch by 13.9%, relative to the control, to 0.690 kg and a decrease in non-commodity conditions by 86.3%. The highest yield value is only 17.61 t/ha, when loaded with shoots of 30 pcs /bush and bunches of 50 pcs/bush. However, the weight of the commercial bunch is reduced to 0.606 kg and the average bunch to 0.411 kg.

In the plant taxa surveyed in 2012–2023, 29 new species of invasive organisms for the Sochi «Dendrarium», previously absent in Russia, were discovered. Of these, 4 species are quarantine pests absent in the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union. Among the new invasive arthropod phytophages from the Insecta class, representatives of the Hemiptera order dominate, numbering 14 species. The second place is occupied by the Lepidoptera order, which includes 7 species. Of the Hymenoptera orders, 3 species are harmful, Coleoptera and Diptera - 2 species each. The Arachnida class is represented by 1 species. The assessment of the harmfulness of 29 new species of invasive organisms for the «Dendrarium», carried out according to the maximum and average scores of plant damage, made it possible to identify the most harmful species for the collection and to conclude that mandatory monitoring of all new invaders is necessary. Information about the harmfulness of invasive phytophages is necessary for timely implementation of measures to combat them, which contributes to the preservation of the unique collection of the «Dendrarium».

The article presents the research results of 12 initial strawberry forms from the collection of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens, as well as 4 selected elite hybrid forms obtained with their participation, and their selection assessment for the main economically valuable traits is given. The work was carried out from 2012 to 2020 according to generally accepted methods. Weather conditions over the years of research were variable, which made it possible to more objectively assess the main biological features of cultivars and forms that determine the level of their adaptation to the conditions of the zone, the stability of fruiting and yield. Based on the results of the study, promising combinations of crosses for a separate trait were identified: drought resistance – Sunrise × Krymchanka 87, Sunrise × Krymskaya Early, Sunrise × Uniol, Sunrise × Red Gauntlet, Sunrise × Clery, Sunrise × Antea, Sunrise × Festival Chamomile, Sunrise × Darselect, Sunrise × Zarya, Sunrise × Senga Sengana, Sunrise × Joli (15,0-44,1% of the total number of seedlings); large–fruited - Sunrise × Senga Sengana, Sunrise × Krymchanka 87, Sunrise × Antea, Sunrise × Clery, Sunrise × Darselec, Sunrise × Zarya (8,0 -40,0); high degree of fruiting Sunrise × Antea, Sunrise × Zarya, Sunrise × Clery, Sunrise × Darselec, – Sunrise × Krymchanka 87 (13,8–25,0); disease resistance – Sunrise × Krymchanka 87, Sunrise × Clery, Sunrise × Antea, Sunrise × Darselec, Sunrise × Zarya, Sunrise × Senga Sengana (2,3–8,0), taste qualities – in all presented combinations (10,1–35,4%). Using cluster analysis based on morphological features, the initial cultivars and forms were combined into clusters. A dendrogram has been constructed to visually represent the relationship. According to the complex of valuable traits, combinations of crosses Sunrise × Krymchanka 87, Sunrise × Antea, Sunrise × Zarya, Sunrise × Darselect were identified, in which elite seedlings were selected. They passed the state variety testing and in 2023 were included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation.

This article provides information about improving of the clonal micropropagation technology and in vitro reproduction peculiarities of rare and valuable plant species. The collection in vitro plant, includes 50 rare species listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the Red Book of the Volgograd Region – belonging to 19 families and various ecological and phytocenotic groups. The optimal mode of rare species explants' sterilization has been selected - a 5% solution of Lysofornin® 3000 at an exposure of 7 minutes. When using this regime, the percentage of viable seeds of Tulipa L. and Fritillaria L. was maximum and amounted to 90% and 70%, respectively. For the majority of rare plant species, nutrientmedia containing 6-BAP at a concentration of 0.1-0.5 mg/l in combination with IAA at a concentration of 0.01-0.1 mg/l are optimal; in 90–100% of plants, the absence of abnormal shoots and the formation of 4–12 axillary ones per plant were noted.

Due to the current circumstances, against the background of a reduction in the supply of imported planting materials for landscaping to Russia, the need for growing ornamental plants in our country is increasing. There was a need to grow quite a large number of floral, ornamental and deciduous perennial plants. Scientific research work was carried out in the Stavropol Botanical Garden to study various methods of reproduction. Vegetative propagation is a more rational way, because it allows you to get the right amount of planting material in a shorter time, which is often impossible with seed propagation. From 2000 to 2005, the method of green cuttings of perennial plants was studied in order to organize a pilot production field for the cultivation and further introduction of plants in the Stavropol Territory. Various types of cuttings and queen plants were used in the experiments. The green cuttings method was studied in 145 taxa, and three years later an assortment of commercially available products (standard plants) for landscaping was obtained. Methods of dividing mother plants (2006-2010) have been studied for accelerated reproduction of perennial plants. Experiments on the propagation of large-leaved (L.) Fritsch badan and some species of the Asteraceae family have shown high efficiency.

The results of introduction tests of some taxa of Malus Mill. – Malus baccata (L.) Borkh, Malus niedzwetzkyana Dieck, Malus toringoides (Rehder) Hughes, Malus× prunifolia (Willd.) Borkh., grown from seed material obtained by exchange from introduction centers are analyzed. The results of the studies showed that none of the plants older than 50 years has category 1 (healthy). In older apple trees, resistance to unfavorable conditions decreases, in particular, drought resistance, especially in group plantings. In plants aged 38-39 years, no drought damage was found. All apple trees older than 55 years are infected to varying degrees with the semiparasitic plant Viscum album L. This leads to dry tops and general weakening. The greatest decorativeness and resistance are noted in M. toringoides. M. niedzwetzkyana, M. baccata, M. prunifolia f. lutea (Bean) Al.Fed. are also suitable for urban greening, provided that care recommendations are followed. The plum-leaved apple tree M. prunifolia is less promising in Stavropol Botanical Garden conditions.

The article presents the united map-scheme, newly developed, that includes area ecological evaluation of landscape units, culturephytocenosis and phytocenosis in terms of the specially protected natural territory of the park-monument «Alupkinsky» being considered as landscape art, that has got regional significance in the Republic of Crimea. This park was measured into 7 tracts: I-A; I-Б that cover 3 facies; II-В (14 facies); II-Г (13 facies); II-Д (11 facies); II-E; II-O (4 facies). 43 culturephytocenosis and three phytocenosis were identified as well. Topographic humidity index was calculated to rate the morphological units of the park. The plants of each morphological unit were classified into ecological groups according to the moisture regime. The natural complexes as tracts and facies were evaluated from the point of growing of mesophytic, mesoxerophytic, xeromesophytic, hemixerophytic and xerophytic plants. At the same time the park area was assessed for having favourable conditions in certain morphological units using a complex of phytoecological parametres. As a result of the data comparison in terms of morphological unit assessment and culturephytocenosis examining, four phytoecological area (soil) categories were successfully identified according to degree of favorability for introduced plants. The most resistant (adapted to a certain place) ornamental plant cenoses, possible to recommend for reconstruction of non-structural, but similar by habitat conditions park area were also determined.

In modern pharmacopoeial analysis, there is an increasing demand for high-precision qualitative and quantitative data on plant raw materials used in pharmaceutical production, mainly due to strict quality control and safety standards. In addition, raw materials of the same species can vary significantly in the composition of secondary metabolites. Currently, in the field of phytochemical analysis, conventional high-performance liquid chromatography with various detection options or spectrophotometry in the visible and ultraviolet range are commonly used for qualitative and quantitative determination of substances. However, most of these methods have significant disadvantages such as long sample preparation time and the need for authentic standard samples [1, 2]. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is devoid of these limitations and therefore appears to be a perspective method for the identification and quantification of bioactive substances of plant origin. In this work, a targeted metabolomic analysis of Angelica archangelica L. by NMR spectroscopy was made, as a result of which 23 metabolites were detected and quantified in the water extract, and preliminary studies were carried out to develop a methodology for the identification and quantification of ostol in DMSO-d6 extract of Angelica archangelica L. roots by 1H NMR spectroscopy.