RUDN Journal of Agronomy and Animal Industries

Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zucc.) is a rare and endangered species found in the south of Primorsky Krai, having significant economic importance. The high value of the plant and its limited distribution area necessitate measures for protection and active reproduction. In the article, the prolonged effect of two growth stimulants of natural origin (Zircon and HB‑101) on biometric indicators of four-year-old seedlings of Pinus densiflora were studied. Seeds of Pinus densiflora, collected from the arboretum of Gorno-Taezhnoye village (Primorsky Krai, Ussuriysky urban district) at the end of 2018, were sown in nursery beds. During the first year, the seedlings were subjected to root fertilization with Zircon at a concentration of 0.01%. In the second growing season, HB‑101 stimulator was applied at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.005%, in the third growing season, the stimulants were not used. In the control group the stimulants were not applied. After the end of the fourth growing season, biometric indicators (height, height increment, root collar diameter, root length, and dry weight of plant parts) were measured in seedlings. The study revealed that application of Zircon and HB‑101 growth stimulators positively affected biometric parameters of four-year-old pine seedlings. The use of HB‑101 at 0.01% concentration was more effective and increased the plant height by 16.8 %, root neck diameter — by 71.4%, root length — by 45.5% and seedling dry weight — by 177.5%, compared to the control group. These results suggest that such seedlings are suitable for use in landscape planting.

To mitigate climate change and support the global agricultural economy, plant breeding and improvement programmes have received significant attention to obtain genetic resources rich in tolerant genes. In our study, twenty ISSR primers were used to evaluate genetic variation for 23 genotypes. SSR markers and the Sanger sequencing method were used to detect drought-tolerant genotypes and identify target gene loci. ISSR-PCR results showed a total of 820 DNA bands, of which 172 bands were polymorphic (117 non-unique bands and 55 unique bands) with a polymorphism percentage of 88.6. In the similarity matrix and dendrogram, genotypes were divided into clusters according to the genetic origins of the parents. These results demonstrated that ISSR markers are a valuable method for determining genetic variation, and identification of wheat genetic origins. Using primers SSR-PCR (Malek 1, Malek 2), genotypes (AB, NF, CL, UD, SA, TB) were detected as having drought tolerance genes. DNA sequencing by Sanger sequencing method of the genotypes, genes (DRF1, NAC20L) were identified in the wild parent (Triticum turgidum L), which is considered the source of the tolerant genes. Sample sequences and genotypes were recorded in the Gene Bank and The NCBI Bankit platforms. DNA sequencing technology has proven its effectiveness in confirming field results and identifying targeted genetic sites in the wheat genome.

Seabuckthorn is one of the most popular crops in industrial horticulture of Siberia and quite unique species for degraded lands reclamation as well as for erosion processes control. In this regard seed propagation is a promising method for increasing the production of planting material. Significant number of papers have been found in scientific literature which describes the varietal specificity of germination percentage and seedling vigor, as well as permissible storage periods. However, most of the data are contradictory, which does not allow them to be reasonably applied in practice. In this regard, the main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of storage periods on the sowing qualities of seeds of seabuckthorn genotypes of Altai selection. The studies were conducted from 2021 to 2023 at the Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnologies. As research objects the seeds of Afina, Avgustina, Altaiskaya, Essel, Anastasia cultivars and hybrid 185–99–5 of different years of collection have been used. Dry, unstratified seeds stored indoors for one to six years were used in three-year experiment. It was established that the seeds of all varieties with a storage period from one to two years had high germination quality, with germination percentage ranging from 92.5 to 97.5% throughout the study period. These seeds are characterized by rapid and uniform germination, taking between 4.6 and 8.0 days. The Anastasia cultivar showed the highest germination rate; in 2022, 80% of its one-year-old seeds sprouted by the second day. Starting from the third or fourth year of storage, germination significantly declined to 10.0–26.3%, a trend observed in two out of the three study years. Within three years old seed the lowest germination percentage (5%) was noted in hybrid 185–99–5, within four years old — 10% on average. By 2023, after six years of storage, the germination ability of the seeds of all varieties decreased up to zero. Conversely, in 2022, five-year-old seeds had a high germination rate, the same as one- and two-year-old seeds. The data obtained, on the one hand, do not allow us to recommend storing sea buckthorn seeds for more than two years before sowing, but on the other hand, they demonstrate their potential viability even after five years of storage.

Strawberry anthracnose, caused by fungi of the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex, is one of the most aggressive diseases affecting this crop worldwide. With the intensification of production and growing demand for fresh berries, the development of control methods that ensure high quality and environmentally safe production while maintaining cost-effectiveness is becoming increasingly urgent. Bioagents represent a promising solution for strawberries, given their short vegetative period until fruit bearing and the fact that berries are primarily consumed fresh. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial strains as potential biocontrol agents against anthracnose pathogens. Fungi of the C. acutatum complex were isolated from planting material using a moist chamber technique and plating on nutrient medium. Bacterial potential antagonists were obtained from the collection of All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center. Pathogen identification was carried out using cultural and morphological methods, with confirmation by Sanger sequencing. Antagonistic activity was assessed using the dual-culture method, and the biochemical profile of the bacteria was determined using the API 20 E test system (bioMérieux, France). The most active isolates were: 0739-Bacillus velezensis, 0084-Bacillus halotolerans/mojavensis, 0075-Bacillus stercoris/subtilis, 0585-Bacillus subtilis, 0089-Bacillus subtilis/Azohydromonas sediminis, 0076-Azohydromonas sediminis/Bacillus subtilis, and 0552-Bacillus pumilus. Analysis of literature data indicates the absence of phytotoxicity in the selected strains. Biochemical testing revealed the absence of tryptophan-dependent indole‑3‑acetic acid synthesis pathway, which is characteristic of pathogens, and demonstrated high adaptability through the ability to utilize a wide range of substrates. The obtained data suggest that the isolates possess plant growth-promoting and stress tolerance-enhancing properties. High antagonistic activity, potential absence of phytotoxicity, adaptability, and growth-stimulating potential make these strains a promising basis for developing a biocontrol agent against strawberry anthracnose.

The study of fallow lands is of great importance for sustainable development of agriculture. In addition, the materials presented in this work not only significantly complement the previously published works of the authors but also significantly replenish the knowledge of physical processes occurring in the fallow soils of the right bank of the Ob River in Novosibirsk Region. The aim of the study was to determine the structural and aggregate state of fallow soils of the right bank of the Ob River differentiated by age in the Novosibirsk Region by three parameters: structure coefficient, criterion of water stability of aggregates, and water resistance. For each age category of fallow lands (young, middle-aged, and old), the two most representative soil profiles were selected. The studies were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods of selecting soil samples and chemical-analytical processing. To identify the reliability of the differences, the obtained data were analyzed by statistical analysis methods in Google Colab with the SciPy Python library. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out based on the non-parametric Kruskal — Wallis and Wilcoxon — Mann — Whitney tests. Regarding the structure coefficient within the arable horizon, the values of this indicator for fallow lands of all ages are at a good level, being in the range of 0.9…5.7. According to the water stability of the studied soils, it is evident that they are actually in the same group, with values ranging from good to excellent throughout the sampling depth. Changes in the water stability down the profile of the studied fallow soils have a similar character in the soils of middle-aged and old fallow lands, as well as virgin lands. According to the structure coefficient, water stability criterion, and water resistance, the studied soils of fallow lands of different ages exhibit generally good indicators of the structural-aggregate state, which is especially important in connection with the dissected relief of the Pre-Salair region. It can also be considered established that the structural and aggregate state of soils of fallow lands of different ages is determined primarily not by the age of the fallow land but by the state of its soils at the time of conversion of arable land into fallow land.

The aim of this study was to evaluate structural and functional changes in the rumen wall of Edilbaev sheep when soy feed (30.3% fiber, 16.15% protein) is included in the diet. The experiment was conducted at the private farm ‟Mashrapov” (Amur Region) on 20 sheep aged 7–8 months. Samples from the rumen atrium, dorsal sac, and ventral sac were fixed in 10% formalin, sectioned (5–6 μm), and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Morphometric analysis (n = 34) was performed using a Hariomed IW-A1350C microscope, and the data were processed in Excel (p ≤ 0.05). Feed nutritional value was analyzed at the Federal State Budgetary Institution ‟Amur Agrochemical Service Station”. In the absence of a control group, data from the dissertation by Melnikov SI (2022) on histological and morphometric characteristics of the rumen in Edilbaev sheep fed a hay-concentrate diet were used for comparison. The dorsal sac showed the highest papilla density (80.21 ± 1.27 per cm², +167...300%) and height (3561 ± 14.6 μm, +97...197%) compared to the control (20...30 per cm², 1200...1800 μm), as well as thinning of the stratum corneum (2.55 ± 0.07 μm, –15...36%), indicating enhanced absorption of volatile fatty acids associated with high fiber content. The ventral sac was characterized by thickening of the muscular layer (3577 ± 16.9 μm, +38...79%) and papillae (120.02 ± 4.76 μm), likely due to increased mechanical load. High protein content enhances nitrogen metabolism. The results confirm the value of soy feed as a roughage that optimizes digestion and reduces feeding costs. For more precise interpretation, further studies with a control group and microbiome analysis are required.

The study presents the results of early postoperative esophagostomy feeding in cats after ureterotomy performed for ureteral obstruction, with initial creatinine levels around 1200 µmol/L. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of esophagostomy tube placement on recovery in the postoperative period in cats with ureteral obstruction. Two groups were formed: a control group consisting of 8 patients, and an experimental group consisting of 5 patients. Initial creatinine values were approximately 1200 μmol/L, urea values were ranged from 51 to 53 mmol/L. Drug therapy was identical in both groups and included analgesia, infusion therapy with crystalloid solutions (recalculated daily), and antibiotic therapy throughout the study period. In the experimental group, during the surgical intervention to eliminate urethral obstruction, a feeding tube was placed for esophagostomy feeding. Additionally, metoclopramide infusion at a dose of 1–2 mg/kg/day was included in the treatment protocol. Urea and creatinine levels were assessed before surgery and on days 3, 5, 7, and 14 postoperatively. The results demonstrated a clearly improved rate of reduction in azotemia in the experimental group. By day 14, urea levels in the experimental group were 6.5% lower than in the control group, and creatinine levels were 7.5% lower. On average, azotemia decreased 11% faster in the experimental group. Additionally, patients in the experimental group showed spontaneous appetite earlier (2.8 ± 0.4 days) compared to the control group (4.8 ± 0.5 days), which positively affected their overall condition. Early postoperative esophagostomy feeding in cats with ureteral obstruction is therefore an important component of therapy, improving the dynamics of urea and creatinine reduction.