Conducting Scientific Experiments
On July 27, 2026, in accordance with the 2026 schedule for the evaluation of research experiments at the experimental stations of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, an evaluation of research experiments was conducted at the «Mayak» Experimental Station of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the NAAS under Research Program 23, «Vegetable and Melon Growing.»
A commission consisting of the acting director of the «Mayak» Experimental Station of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Dr. Z.P. Linnik, in the presence of research staff members of the Experimental Station«Mayak» of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, in accordance with Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine Orders No. 29 dated May 27, 2026, and Experimental Station «Mayak» of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine No. 31 dated July 24, 2026, inspected the status of the establishment of scientific experiments and seed crops.
Section 23.00.01.04.P «Development of a bee-pollinated salad-type cucumber variety with high yield and resistance to downy mildew.» Phase 2026 – «Conduct a comprehensive evaluation and identify the best breeding genotypes based on a set of economically valuable traits.»
Authors: Research Associate N.I. Ptukha, Research Associate V.M. Nesуn.
The research was conducted in accordance with the technical specifications and the work plan. The experiments were set up according to the following breeding process scheme: collection nursery 60 varieties and hybrids of domestic and foreign origin; hybrid nursery 35 first- and second-generation hybrid combinations; breeding nursery 35 samples. Based on the results of the studies during the reporting period, 11 varieties and hybrids were selected from the collection nursery for early maturity and the highest density of female flowers on plants. In the hybrid nursery, 5 hybrids were selected for early maturity. In the breeding nursery, 3 hybrid combinations were selected based on early maturity. Seven fruit harvests were conducted. The fruits are being salted and pickled. Propagation of the Triumf Nizhynskyi variety is underway on isolated plots covering 0.02 hectares.
As of July 27, there is no sign of downy mildew on the cucumber plants. The experimental plots are in good condition. Video and photo footage are provided.
Section 23.00.01.05.P «Development of competitive varieties of less common vegetable species with high adaptive potential.» Phase 2026 – «Evaluation of breeding material based on a set of economically valuable indicators and morphological and identification characteristics.»
Author: O.V. Poznіak, Junior Researcher.
In accordance with the work program, research is being conducted on the phenophases of growth and development of rare vegetable plant species; analysis and selection of promising varieties based on the distinctiveness and uniformity of morphological and identification characteristics. At the breeding nursery for perennial aromatic and flavoring vegetable plants of the Lamiaceae family, a comprehensive evaluation of breeding-worthy forms is being conducted to create the latest innovative products candidates for new varieties: lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), catnip (Nepeta cataria L. f. citriodora Dum.), and catmint (Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi). Based on the results of the evaluation of agronomic traits, the best lines developed during the previous stage of breeding work were identified. It was determined that the winter hardiness of the selected promising lines from previous planting years was 9 points: no plants were found to have frozen to death. Based on a combination of green mass yield and early maturity (the period from regrowth to harvest maturity), the following samples were selected: lemon balm; catnip; and calamintha catnip. Work is underway to define the criteria and parameters of the morphological and identification characteristics of Calaminta cotonica plants to develop a methodology for evaluating varieties using the DUS test (distinctness, uniformity, and stability) during scientific and technical expert review within the state variety testing system. A nursery for competitive variety testing of two promising samples of edible sorrel has been established. According to the results of phytosanitary monitoring, no pest damage or disease infestation was detected. In the collection and breeding nurseries for rare species, observations and inventories are conducted in accordance with the biological characteristics of the represented species; on seed production fields, plant care, varietal thinning, and phytopathological thinning are carried out.
The experiments are in good condition. Video and photo material are included.
Section 23.00.01.06.P «Introduction of spring garlic and selection of sources with high productivity and resistance to biotic factors.» Phase 2026 – «Based on the introduction, establish a collection of spring garlic and evaluate it according to key agronomic indicators and morphological and identification characteristics.»
Author: Research Associate L.V. Chaban.
In the first half of 2026, research on spring garlic plants is being conducted in accordance with the technical specifications and work program. On April 1, 2026, a collection nursery of spring garlic comprising 36 samples from various regions of Ukraine was established on an isolated plot. The standard variety was Manuilivskyi, which was planted every 10 variants. Planting was carried out based on the amount of planting material for the spring garlic samples in test plots with areas of 1.8 m², 3.6 m², and 5.25 m². Currently, depending on the treatment, the spring garlic plants have either been harvested or are in the bulb ripening phase. Morphological descriptions and biometric measurements have been conducted. The harvested bulbs have been placed for post-harvest ripening.
The experiments are in good condition. Video and photo material are included.
Section 23.00.01.07.P «Development of Highly Adaptable and High-Yielding Varieties of Allium Species (Leeks and Chives).»
Phase 2026 – «Assessment of the existing gene pool of perennial onion plants based on a set of economically valuable traits, selection, and determination of the characteristics of adaptability, plasticity, homeostasis, and breeding value of samples of onion plant species (leeks and chives).»
Researchers: Research Associate L.P. Fesenko; Z.P. Linnik, Ph.D., Research Associate.
On experimental field No. 6, as part of the vegetable crop rotation, trials were established on April 14, 2026. Collection and breeding nurseries (leeks and chives) were sown, and phenological observations and morphological analysis of promising samples are being conducted; phytopathological thinning, recording of green matter yield for the promising chive variety samples under evaluation and the parent forms of other onion species, selection rounds, and determination of the biochemical composition of marketable produce. A total of 29 accessions were sown in these nurseries, including 21 leek samples and 8 chive samples. This year, the breeding nursery conducted a yield assessment of the first harvest of green matter from chives. Based on the weighing results, one high-yielding sample, numbered 14, was identified. Based on the results of phenological studies and biometric measurements among these accessions of onion species, the following were identified: 4 leek samples and 2 chive accessions. Correlations among morphological traits in leek samples were determined. The winter hardiness rating for promising leek and chive samples is 9 points.
The experiments are in good condition. Video and photo material are included.
The necessary primary documentation is available. Field journals have been properly completed, and all observations, records, and evaluations are being carried out in full accordance with the work programs. It is recommended that the experiments be accepted and the research continued.
