The paper establishes a relationship between the temperature factor, a physico-mechanical parameter — the modulus of elasticity of the Virginian juniper (Juniperus virginianaL.) wood tissues and its crown architectonics. Thus, with high positive temperatures in summer, a decrease in the elastic modulus leads to slow bending of the skeletal branches, which, in turn, affects the crown projection area, as well as its light permeability and, as a result, the temperature and humidity under the canopy. First of all, the temperature will affect the mechanical stability of trees, which is characterised by a critical ratio of the trunk diameter to its length (coefficient d/l ≤ 0.009) and the lowest range of the trunk’s resilience. The article developed a scheme for the mechanical stability of the Virginian juniper — due to the appearance of gaps and, in general, changes in the architectonics of the crown, uneven heating of the trunk occurs, which leads to a disruption of its uniformity in terms of the physico-mechanical properties of tissues. Irreversible deformations and numerous trunk breakages were revealed at an average height of 1.5 ± 0.5 m and in the root collar zone. As a result, the light regime of the forest stand is disturbed, which affects the phytoclimatic and bioecological features of the forest steppe plantations. A change in the phytoclimate under the canopy towards increased illumination due to a change in architectonics leads to a decrease in stability and, as a result, the inability of woody plants to resist the pressure of aggressive herbaceous and tree-shrub vegetation.

Представлены результаты исследования биоэкологических особенностей (аллометрии, жизнеспособности, морфометрии) дуба черешчатого формы пирамидальная ( Quercus robur L. var. рyramidalis ) в условиях антропогенного загрязнения промышленного г. Донецка юга Восточно-Европейской равнины (Донецкий кряж). Показана более высокая жизнеспособность контрольной группы растений (1 балл, здоровые деревья) по сравнению с экспериментальной (1.5 ± 0.5 балла, здоровые деревья, редко ослабленные), произрастающих на территориях с антропогенным загрязнением. Диаметр стволов деревьев экспериментальной группы в среднем выше на 34 %, чем в контрольных насаждениях, объем ствола и фитомасса различных фракций, произрастающих в условиях антропогенной нагрузки, больше на ~ 50-70 %, чем на контрольной территории. При этом аллометрические зависимости на двух территориях имеют одинаковые закономерности и подчиняются степенной регрессии. Аллометрическое соотношение диаметра к длине ствола ( d : l ) как для контрольной, так и экспериментальной группы имело высокое значение и составляло 0.04-0.05. Деформации стволов не наблюдались в связи с высокой механической устойчивостью. Архитектоника кроны подвергалась трансформации при наличии скелетных ветвей с соотношением диаметра к длине d: l < 0.01. В ходе исследований архитектоники кроны выявлены необратимые деформации скелетных ветвей различного порядка (в основном мелких) на двух территориях в равной степени, но при этом разрывов и изменения сомкнутости кроны не наблюдалось, степень аварийности растений была на низком уровне (отсутствие обломов после снятия нагрузок). Деревья дуба черешчатого пирамидальной формы рекомендуется использовать при формировании многолетних насаждений в промышленных городах, так как они сохраняют высокую жизнеспособность, механическую устойчивость и стабильные аллометрические показатели, от которых зависит устойчивость всего растения. Bioecological characteristics (allometry, viability, morphometry) of the pyramidal shape of pedunculate oak ( Quercus robur L. var. pyramidalis ) under conditions of anthropogenic pollution of the city of Donetsk in the south of the East European Plain (Donetsk Ridge) were studied. The higher viability of control group of trees (1 point, healthy trees) compared with the experimental group (1.5 ± 0.5 points, healthy trees, rarely weakened) growing in anthropogenically polluted areas. The diameter of the trunks of the experimental group is on average 34 % higher than the diameter in control pedunculate oak stands. The volume of the stem and phytomass of various fractions of pyramidal pedunculate oak trees growing under conditions of anthropogenic load are ~ 50-70 % greater than for the control area. Moreover, the allometric dependencies in the two territories have the same patterns and are subject to power-law regression. The allometric ratio of the diameter to the length of the trunk ( d : l ) for both the control and experimental groups had a high value and amounted to 0.04-0.05. Deformations of the stems were not observed due to the high mechanical stability. The crown architecture underwent transformation in the presence of skeletal branches with a diameter to length ratio d : l < 0.01. In the course of studies of crown architectonics, irreversible deformations of skeletal branches of various orders (mostly small ones) were revealed in two territories equally, but no breaks or changes in crown closure were observed, the degree of plant accidents was at a low level (no breakages after removal of loads). Pedunculate oak trees are recommended for use in the formation of long-term plantings in industrial cities, because they retain high viability, mechanical stability and stable allometric indexes on which the stability of the entire plant depends.

In order to ensure quality control and food safety, the in vivo effect of hops on the frequency of cell aberrations was studied for the first time using a micronucleus test in human buccal epithelium. Results were obtained of in vivo studies of wort samples to identify possible negative effects of hops, which contribute to an increase in extractive components in the finished drink during dry hopping and contain a large number of biologically active compounds (bitter and phenolic substances, essential oils), on the human body. The frequency of nucleus abnormalities in human buccal epithelium cells of persons using hoped and unhopped must samples was analyzed for the frequency of cellular abnormalities in human buccal epithelium. The following types of disorders were found: cells with micronuclei, two nuclei, notches, perinuclear vacuoles, "tongue" and "broken egg" type protrusions, karyopyknosis, karyolisis and karyorexis. Based on the data obtained, indices of repair and accumulation of cytogenetic disorders were calculated. No effect of hops on the reparation index and the index of accumulation of cytogenetic disorders was revealed. Factor analysis methods show that the main contribution to the variance of the trait system will be made by the factor "specificity of the cytogenetic indices under study".

BACKGROUND: Associations between genetic stability of human somatic cells and solar activity across latitudes have been studied. A human buccal epithelium micronucleus test was selected as a method for evaluating genetic homeostasis. AIM: To assess effects of solar activity on the genetic stability of human somatic cells using the micronucleus test in buccal epithelium in relation to the geographical location of subjects. METHODS: Men aged 18 to 21 years with no harmful habits and taking no medication comprised the sample. Studies were conducted simultaneously in four cities of the Russian Federation: Sevastopol, Voronezh, Tomsk, and Khanty-Mansiysk. The effect of three types of solar flares, whose classification is based on changes in the amplitude of the thermal X-ray burst, was studied. Material for the cytogenetic study was collected on days 3, 7, and 10 after the solar flare. The human buccal epithelium micronucleus test was selected as a method to evaluate genetic homeostasis. At least 1,000 cells were examined on each preparation, among which the number of cells with micronuclei, perinuclear vacuoles, notches, “broken egg” and “tongue” type protrusions, karyorexis, karyolisis, and karyopyknosis was determined. In total, 495 thousand buccal epithelial cells were analyzed. Statistical processing of the data was performed using “Stadia” and “Statistica” software packages. Effecs of solar andlatitude on genetic homeostasis of somatic cells was performed using multivariate analysis of variance and two-factor analysis of variance with fixed effects. RESULTS: Solar activity affected the stability of the human genetic apparatus by increasing the influence of the city pollution and its geographical location on the number of cells with nucleus abnormalities. We also observed a combined effect of solar flare and season on the number of cells with nucleus aberrations. More nuclear anomalies were registered in the winter. We did not detect any difference in the number of cells with nucleus anomalies on the 3rd, the 7th, the 10th, and the 17th days after the flare suggesting no associations between solar activity and the number of cells with nuclear abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The highest number of cells with nucleus abnormalities is observed in Sevastopol reflecting with the greatest level of anthropogenic pollution of this city compared to the other locations. Solar activity increases the influence of the city pollution and its geographical location on the number of cells with nucleus abnormalities. The results obtained can be used in conducting a micronucleus test of human buccal epithelium and in planning measures to assess the genotoxicity of the environment.

Context: Periodontitis characterized by mild symptoms in the early stages, which makes diagnostics problematic. The gingival epithelium can be used for micronucleus assay since gums are the area affected by the disease. Aims: The aim of the study was to study the frequency of occurrence and the range of nuclear anomalies in gingival epithelium of healthy people and people with periodontitis. Settings and Design: Scrapings of the gingival epithelium were made next to the central incisors (1.1) and molar teeth (1.7) in control and experimental groups (ten healthy males 35–50 years old and 10 males with periodontitis). Materials and Methods: The preparations were stained by Romanowsky–Giemsa. The frequency of nuclear aberrations (‰), the accumulation index, and the repair index were determined. Statistical Analysis Used: The differences in the medians of nuclear aberrations were determined using Wilcoxon and the Van-der-Waerden tests. The pathology proportions were compared using the Z-test. To determine the predictors of periodontitis, receiver operator characteristic analysis was used. For multiple comparisons, the Bonferroni correction was used. Results: In the experimental group, the range of nuclear aberrations was wider, the ratio of karyolysis in the unaffected area was higher, than that in control; perinuclear vacuoles were fewer and macronuclei were more in the affected area. The frequency of cells with micronuclei over 1.33‰ in the affected area is the periodontitis marker. Conclusions: Gingival epithelium can be used in micronucleus assay. Micronucleus test revealed a wider range of nuclear aberrations in the cells of the gingival epithelium and a higher frequency of occurrence of micronuclei in patients with periodontal disease compared to healthy subjects. Therefore, cytological signs of the inflammation appear earlier than the clinical ones and are verified more clearly. The markers of apoptosis and destruction of nuclei, and low repair index indicate normal elimination of damaged cells. An increased accumulation index in people with periodontitis may indicate the risk of malignant tumors.

The effect of a 14-day ketogenic diet on the level of erythrocytes with micronuclei, the activity of nucleolar-forming regions in lymphocytes, and the leukocyte blood count of 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice was studied. It was found that in animals receiving a ketone diet, the proportion of erythrocytes with Jolly bodies was 18.7 times higher than in mice in the control group receiving a standard diet. The diet did not cause changes in nucleolar activity in lymphocytic cells of the peripheral blood of experimental animals. A slight increase in the level of neutrophils in mice from the experimental group compared with the control was found, probably induced by a change in the biochemical composition of the blood (ketodiet mimics the state after fasting or heavy exercise, which may be accompanied by slight neutrophilia). A significant increase in the proportion of erythrocytes with micronuclei in the peripheral blood of animals of the experimental group may be due to a violation of cell maturation under conditions of severe deficiency of the main energy source for red blood cells — glucose and the inability to use ketone bodies as an energy substrate.

The article discuss the results of cytogenetic studies of seed offspring of walnut (Juglans regia L.), which is an introduced species in the Voronezh region. Modern ideas about the level of adaptation of introduced plants should be based on an assessment of the cytological foundations of heredity of seed progeny. This will make possible to reveal the level of stability of the genetic system of plants growing outside the habitat conditions usual for a given species. Nuts of the 2017 harvest were collected from mother plants of 30-35 years of age of seed origin, growing on private farmsteads in Voronezh. To study the cytogenetic characteristics, squashed preparations were prepared according to the standard technique. The following cytogenetic characteristics were studied in the root meristem of seed seedlings: mitotic activity, cell fractions at various stages of mitosis, the level and spectrum of mitosis pathologies, the size of nucleoli and the spectrum of their types, and the occurrence of cells with a persistent nucleolus at the stage of metaphase, anaphase and telophase of mitosis. Statistical data processing was performed using the statistical software package Stadia 7.0 Professional (InCo, Russia) and MedCalc 17.5.3. (MedCalc Software, Osten, Belgium). The presence of three polymorphic groups of seedlings according to the studied cytogenetic parameters was revealed: mutable (with a high level of pathological mitosis), low-mutable (with a low level of cytogenetic disorders), and intermediate. The cytogenetic characteristics for each of the selected groups of seedlings were described in detail. The mechanisms of homeostasis maintaining at the cellular level are discussed for above polymorphic groups. A small proportion of seedlings with a high level of cytogenetic abnormalities (7.5 %) and the predominance of seedlings with average (70 %) and low (22.5 %) values of pathological mitoses indicate a high degree of adaptation of the parent trees of the introduced walnut to the environmental conditions of the Voronezh region. Using ROC-analysis, predictors have been established for assigning any seedling to one of the selected model groups (mutable or low mutable). These predictors were: the proportions of cells at the prophase and metaphase stages, the level of pathological mitoses with and without prophase, the frequency of vacuolated and compact nucleoli. The obtained data of cytogenetic studies can be used to develop recommendations for improving the system of seed production and selection of new forms of walnuts.

Разработанная информационная обучающая система содержит наглядный, обобщенный, структурированный материал по механической устойчивости, аварийности и эколого-биологическим особенностям основных видов древесных растений, используемых в озеленении города Донецка: систематическое положение, биология и экология, биогеография, представленность в условиях города Донецка, механическая устойчивость и аварийность, форма кроны, структура кроны, ветроустойчивость, устойчивость к антропогенным факторам, критический возраст в условиях города Донецка, наличие спила / керна в ксилотеке, рекомендации для озеленителей, концепции озеленения, иллюстрации. Информационная система носит обучающий характер, позволяет исследователю достаточно быстро и наглядно ознакомиться с эколого-биологическими особенностями роста и развития древесных растений в условиях степной зоны, на примере промышленного города Донецка, а также с методикой проведения мониторинговых исследований по оценке механической устойчивости древесных растений. Научиться анализировать зависимости параметров механической устойчивости для 18 видов древесных растений, произрастающих в условиях города Донецка. Находить и правильно определять положительные и отрицательные стороны применения различных видов древесных растений с целью озеленения в условиях промышленного города. По окончании обучения, по каждому разделу имеется возможность оценить полученные знания и навыки с помощью интерактивного тестирования. Описываемая информационная система обобщает результаты российских и зарубежных исследований эколого-биологических характеристик представленных видов и дополняет их сведениями об особенностях роста, физико-механических свойств древесины, механической устойчивости к динамическим (ветровым) и статическим (оледенение, налипание снега и т. д.) нагрузкам в условиях крупного промышленного города. Информационная система направлена на качественную подготовку будущих специалистов в области биологии и экологии, способствует внедрению полученных результатов в образовательный процесс (в качестве методического пособия для студентов и аспирантов биологических вузов), а также может использоваться при проведении мониторинговых исследований состояния окружающей среды и оценке аварийности древесных растений. The developed information training system contains visual, generalized, structured material on mechanical stability, accident rate as well as ecological and biological features of the main woody plant species used in the landscaping of Donetsk: systematics, biology and ecology, biogeography, representation in the environment of Donetsk, mechanical stability and accident rate, crown shape, crown structure, wind resistance, resistance to anthropogenic factors, critical age in the environment of Donetsk, the presence of a cross-section/core sample in the xylotheque, recommendations for gardeners, landscaping concepts, illustrations. The information system is educational in nature and allows the researcher to quickly and visually familiarize themselves with the ecological and biological features of the growth and development of woody plants in the steppe zone, drawing on the example of the industrial city of Donetsk, as well as with the methodology of monitoring studies to assess the mechanical stability of woody plants, to learn to analyze the dependences of mechanical stability parameters for 18 species of woody plants growing in the Donetsk environment and to find and accurately identify the positive and negative aspects of employing various woody plant species for the purpose of landscaping in an industrial city. At the end of the training, there is an opportunity to evaluate the acquired knowledge and skills through interactive testing for each section. The described information system summarizes the results of Russian and foreign studies on the ecological and biological characteristics of the species presented and supplements them with information about the features of growth, physical and mechanical properties of wood, mechanical resistance to dynamic (wind) and static loads (glaciation, snow sticking, etc.) in a large industrial city. The information system is aimed at high-quality training of future specialists in the field of biology and ecology, contributes to the implementation of the results obtained in the educational process (as a study guide for students and postgraduates of biological universities). It can also be utilized in environment state monitoring and in assessing the accident rate of woody plants.

Currently, the depletion of the gene pool of forest woody plants is observed due to the fact that in the course of selective felling, specimens valuable for economic characteristics were destroyed and seeds from the remaining specimens were used, which did not have the best qualities. It was noted that a high level of genetic heterogeneity allows the population to adapt to changing environmental conditions, ensures the stability of the population and is a resource for breeding. The selection of valuable genotypes in the creation of forest seed plantations, which is carried out according to the phenotype, is based on the heterogeneity of populations. Meanwhile, studies show that phenotypically normal trees do not always produce good offspring. The cytogenetic method allows assessing the offspring. With its help, it is possible to distinguish among the seed offspring the mother trees of the group with different levels of stability of the genetic material. The aim of the work was to identify markers among cytogenetic parameters for the selection of trees producing seed offspring with different stability of the genetic material. The objects of the study were seedlings of seeds of phenotypically normal Scots pine trees growing in the Khopersky State Nature Reserve (51°10’56.9″N 41°44’17.2″E), and white spruce growing in the Botanical Garden. prof. B.M. Kozo-Polyansky Voronezh State University (51°42’41.57 «N 39°12’17.57″E). The trees had no visible pest damage. The method of preparation and analysis of preparations of seed sprouts is described in the work of Butorina A.K. (2000). In the course of the study, 20 cytogenetic parameters were determined: the mitotic index (counted with and without taking into account cells at the prophase of mitosis), the level of mitotic pathologies (counted with and without taking into account cells at the prophase of mitotic), the proportions of cells at the stages of prophase, metaphase, anaphase , the proportions of cells with 1–10 nucleoli in the nucleus of interphase cells, the proportion of cells with micronuclei, the proportion of cells with residual nucleoli in interphase and mitosis. Statistical processing of the study results was carried out using the STADIA 7.0 and MedCalc 17.5.3 software. The diagnostic value of the indicator is characterized by the area under the ROC-curve: 0.9–1.0 – excellent; 0.8–0.9 – very good; 0.7–0.8 – good, 0.6–0.7 – average, 0.6 and less – unsatisfactory. Among the cytogenetic indicators, there are those that are suitable for separating the mutable group from the weakly mutable and intermediate, as well as the weakly mutable from the intermediate. In pine, these include the proportion of cells at the prophase stage and the average number of nucleoli in the nucleus, in spruce – the mitotic index without taking into account cells at the prophase stage, the level of mitotic pathologies with and without taking into account cells at the prophase stage and the proportion of cells at the metaphase stage. There are indicators that make it possible to distinguish the mutable group from the weakly mutable and from the intermediate, but are not suitable for separating the weakly mutable group from the intermediate. These include the mitotic index, calculated taking into account cells at the prophase stage in pine, and the proportion of cells at the metaphase and ana-telophase stages in spruce. According to some indicators, it is possible to distinguish the intermediate group from the mutable and the weakly mutable, but it is impossible to distinguish the mutable group from the weakly mutable. In pine, such indicators are the proportion of cells in the metaphase, and in spruce, the proportion of cells with residual nucleoli in the interphase and meta-telophase. Indicators have been identified that make it possible to distinguish only mutable group from weakly mutable (in pine, the proportion of cells at the ana-telophase stage), and weakly mutable group from intermediate (in pine, the mitotic index taking into account cells at the prophase stage, the level of mitotic pathologies with and without taking into account cells at prophase stage, in spruce – mitotic index, taking into account cells at the prophase stage, the proportion of cells with micronuclei).

A survey has revealed a relationship between the temperature factor and the biomechanical parameters (the modulus of elasticity) for wood tissues in the silver birch tree (Betula pendula Roth). At thawing temperatures, the elastic modulus decreases, on average, 2–2.5 times. A decrease of this kind is uneven, gradual. The rate of elastic-modulus change relative to the rate of woody-plant specimen/trunk thawing has the greatest effect on the mechanical stability of a tree. During thawing, the mechanical stability parameters tend to fall by 45

Mutations and genetic diseases, caused by genome disorders, frequently manifest at the phenotypic level and, especially, at the dermatoglyphic level, that makes it possible to use dermatoglyphs as markers of any genetic diseases. Rheumatic diseases is a group of disorders, characterized by systemic conjunctive tissue damage, essentially, connected with immune system pathology. Systemic progressive disorganization of conjunctive tissue is morphological base for the whole group of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are multifactorial and difficult-to-diagnose in the early stages diseases, that indicates the need to identify markers, that allows to detect these diseases as early as possible. A special role in the pathogenesis of these diseases is assigned to the genetic component, while recent studies have highlighted the shares of genetic determination in the disease’s advance are somewhat differ. The goal of this research was to identify the features of dermatoglyphic patterns of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Finger dermatoglyphic drawings of patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and representatives of the general population sample were studied. Statistical data processing was performed using non-parametric Van der Waerden test. To establish predictors of these diseases, ROC analysis was used. In persones suffering from ankylosing spondylitis there were found more differences in finger patterns from the control group, than in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. So, the total ridge count and the intensity index of the patterns on the left arm of patients with ankylosing spondylitis were lower than in the control group. Peoples with ankylosing spondylitis had more predictors of pathology than patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The analysis of the results shows that the absence of radial loops on the right arm and double loops in the examined persons may indicate the probability of developing these diseases. All predictors of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis were characterized by high sensitivity and low specificity, which makes them convenient markers for preliminary screening studies and the formation of risk groups for the development of these pathologies. However, it is not recommended to use these predictors for establishing a final diagnosis, since their low specificity will cause to a large number of false-positive results among the examined persons. Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis have more differences in fingerprints from the control group and more predictors of pathology than patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It can be assumed that the genetic component plays a more significant role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis, and the formation of rheumatoid arthritis is more caused by environmental factors. Our study confirms the feasibility of considering dermatoglyphs as an additional genetic marker in clinical medicine. Dermatoglyphic indicators can be used in the formation of risk groups for inflammatory joint diseases for primary prevention, for solving a number of issues of medical and genetic consulting, which indicates the prospects of this research area.

Background: Productivity is increased with breeding techniques and modes for obtaining highly productive cultivars, various agricultural activities, and the use of new technologies for growing planting material. Some of modes to increase productivity are simple. They use different growth stimulants. Many methods were developed to synthesize organic compounds that have stimulating biological activity and can be used as growth stimulants for agricultural crop. Aim: The purpose of this research was to study the effect of synthesized organic compounds of the general formula: 1-alkyl-2,2,4-trimethyl-6-aminocarbothioyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline and 1-alkyl-2,2,4-trimethyl-6-aminocarbothioyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline on growth indicators (by which we meant seed germination and plant height, length, width, and the number of leaves) and the yield of the agricultural crop. Methods: To identify the biological effects of the synthesized organic compounds, morphometric parameters of an annual vegetable crop (Solanum melongena L.) were selected. It is investigated seed germination, growth processes, and yield. Growth processes were studied by biometric indicators. Biometric indicators included the plant height, length, width, and the number of leaves. Results and Discussion: The most effective growth stimulators from compounds of the series 1-alkyl-2,2,4-trimethyl-6-aminocarbothioyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline and 1-alkyl-2,2,4-trimethyl-6-aminocarbothioyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline for common eggplant were revealed. The most effective substances for Solanum melongena are 1,2,2,4-tetramethyl-6-(1-piperidinylcarbothioyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline hydrochloride and 4-[(1,2,2,4-tetramethyl-1,2-dihydro-6-quinolinyl)carbothioyl]-1-piperazinylcarbaldehyde hydrochloride in tested concentrations (0,01 %; 0,05 % and 0,1 %), as well as the compounds of the general formula: 1-alkyl-2,2,4-trimethyl-6-aminocarbothioyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline in concentrations of 0,05 % and 0,1 %. It was established that the synthesized chemical substances cause stimulation of the eggplant growth compared with existing commercial preparation. Compounds of the series 1-alkyl-2,2,4-trimethyl-6-aminocarbothioyl-1,2- dihydroquinoline and 1-alkyl-2,2,4-trimethyl-6-aminocarbothioil-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline increase the seed germination of Solanum melongena from 30 to 80 %, the vegetative mass - from 10 to 40 %, yield - from 28 to 46 %. Conclusions: Tetrahydroquinolines are most effective as stimulants of growth processes (and productivity) for common eggplant. Compounds containing a dihydro-6-quinolinyl substituent stimulate the growth and also increase the yield of Solanum melongena. The expediency of quinoline series compounds for the production of vegetable growing is shown. Used growth stimulators increase the adaptive potential of Solanum melongena.

The chapter presents results of study of cytogenetic indices, germination ability, and total protein content of seed progeny of Betula pendula in areas of Voronezh city (Central Black Earth Region of Russia) with different levels of anthropogenic pressure. The seed progeny of Betula pendula has an increased indicators of germination ability and total protein in areas with low pollution levels as compared to control group (seeds collected in ecologically clean territory) and to the same parameters for areas with high levels of anthropogenic pressure. The study established a high positive correlation between seed germination ability and amount 138of total soluble protein. The parameter "amount of total protein" serves as a seed germination marker determining their germination abilities. It is believed that stimulation of protein synthesis is happening in seed progeny of European white birch collected in the area with low pollution levels.

The study of the seed progeny with different levels of the genetic stability of Rhododendron Ledebour (Rhododendron ledebourii Pojark.) was made. The micropreparations were examined according to following cytogenetic characteristics: mitotic activity, an indicator which is the mitotic index—a ratio of the number of dividing cells to the total number of cells counted, the percentage of cells in stages of mitosis, the level of mitosis pathologies, the level of cells with persistent nucleoli at metaphase and anaphase of mitosis, and the surface area of single nucleoli. The seedlings with high levels of mitosis pathologies were regarded as the mutable group, and with low pathologies were regarded with the low-mutable group. The seed progeny of the mutable group shows a decrease in mitotic activity, but an increase of the mitosis pathologies level, which indicates a high cytogenetic instability. The same parameters reveal the stability of maternal plants producing mutable and low-mutable seed progeny. The cytogenetic method may be used for identification of the seed progeny as the mode of separation the parental plants producing seed progeny with a high level of stability of the genetic material. These investigations may be appropriate for the assessment of the seed quality according to cytogenetic characteristics in parties with unknown origin.

ISHS VIII International Scientific and Practical Conference on Biotechnology as an Instrument for Plant Biodiversity Conservation (Physiological, Biochemical, Embryological, Genetic and Legal Aspects) Technology of sugar beet dihaploid lines development

Surveys were carried out in order to analyze the markers of endogenous intoxication; the hematological, mineral, and hormonal status of the pregnant cows; and their newborn calves in order to reveal the relationship between the parameters in the “mother-newborn calf” system and identify their role in development of predisposition to bronchopneumonia in calves in the neonatal period. The parameters for endogenous intoxication and the hematological, mineral, and hormonal status of 33 pregnant Red-and-White cows (on the 239th…262nd day of gestation) and calves produced by them (24 h after birth) at a large dairy enterprise in Voronezh oblast were analyzed. Bronchopneumonia was diagnosed in 21.2% of newborn calves in the first month of their life. The serum content of medium molecular weight peptides in cows produced the calves affected with bronchopneumonia was 98.1% higher than that in the mothers produced the calves affected with uncomplicated bronchitis ( p < 0.05). Endogenous intoxication and subclinical changes in the blood-serum mineral composition in pregnant cows caused the disorders of hematopoiesis in fetuses and newborn calves. Calves with the pronounced copper deficiency, the excess of blood-serum iron, and predisposition to the development of microcytic hypochromic anemia, which were produced from the cows with the symptoms of hypocuremia, hypocobalthemia, and signs of macrocytosis should be assigned to the risk group for bronchopneumonia. Imbalance between the steroid hormone levels in the “mother-newborn calf” system and fetoplacental insufficiency can cause declines in the immune system function and the barrier function of mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. A conceptual scheme of the relationship between the blood parameters of a mother and a newborn calf and its role in development of a predisposition to bronchopneumonia in calves in the nenonatal period has been proposed.

The paper studies the mechanical resistance of old-age pedunculate oak trees which grow at the environmental boundary of the species distribution in the steppe. The trees of the studied species growing in the south of the East European Plain (Donetsk Ridge) can be about 200 years old and still be viable (good condition) and have a high mechanical resistance (critical mass (m cr )=10 5 kg, and flexural stiffness=9.8·10 7 N·m 2 ) even under unfavourable environmental conditions. A strong dependence of the morphometric parameter of the ratio was established between the tree trunk diameter and its height on the parameters of the trunk bending stiffness, its critical mass, and the relative resistance to bending. The obtained results of statistical analysis can be used to monitor oak forests and scattered trees of Quercus robur L. in order to single out plants with low mechanical resistance with the help of the d/l parameter which serves as a morphometric marker of the tree resistance.

The species specificity of antioxidant activity (AOA) was found in members of the Rhododendron genus of the Dauricum series. The level of AOA varies within one conventional unit in different species (Rhododendron mucronulatum Turcz., Rhododendron dauricum L., Rhododendron ledebourii Pojark., Rhododendron sichotense Pojark.), as well as in the same species Rhododendron ledebourii growing on pollution-free and polluted area. The identified positive correlation of AOA level with the number of vacuolated cells in the apical root meristem, as well as with the level of mitosis pathologies, allow using these indicators for bioindication.