Introduction. Biologically active peptides (BAPs) possess high physiological activity and are valuable for the creation of functional foods. Microbial fermentation is a gentle and effective alternative to chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis for obtaining BAPs from plant materials. The goal of the research was to review current data on the production of BAPs from high-protein plant materials using microbial fermentation for their subsequent use in the food industry. The objective. The objects of the study were high-protein plant raw materials (cereals, legumes, oilseeds) and the proteolytic systems of lactic acid bacteria. The methods included a systematic search and analysis of scientific publications (2021-2026) in the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and eLibrary databases on the profile of microbial fermentation of plant proteins. The results and discussion. The resources and chemical composition of promising oilseeds, legumes, and cereals were analyzed. The three-component proteolytic system of lactic acid bacteria (cell-envelope proteinases, transport systems, intracellular peptidases), which ensured the destruction of stable globular proteins, was considered in detail. Information on the identified peptides demonstrating antioxidant, hypotensive (ACE inhibition), and anti-inflammatory activities was systematized. Microbial fermentation was shown not only to release target peptides but also to improve organoleptic properties, serving as an effective technological method for modifying plant materials without the use of harsh chemical reagents. Conclusion. Microbial fermentation was confirmed to be a highly effective method for producing bioactive pharmaceutical ingredients with a broad spectrum of physiological effects. The review results substantiated the potential of using fermented plant substrates as functional ingredients and served as a theoretical basis for developing a technology for producing bioactive pharmaceutical ingredients from hemp seeds and isolates to create new alternative plant-based beverages with targeted functional properties.

Introduction. The fish processing industry annually produces a significant amount of secondary raw materials – caviar and roe complex, liver, and other organs of ordinary fish species. This raw material is a promising source for obtaining valuable food ingredients, including fractionated lecithin and isolated protein products. However, their widespread use is limited by the presence of a persistent fishy odor, which significantly reduces the organoleptic properties and consumer appeal of the final product. The goal of the research was to investigate the mechanisms of formation of volatile compounds responsible for the undesirable odor in dried catfish liver and raffinate after the extraction of lecithin-containing substances from fish roe, as well as to develop an effective and cost-effective deodorization method. The objects and methods of the research were dried catfish liver and raffinate after lecithin extraction. The paper provides a comparative analysis of physicochemical deodorization methods, including treatment with organic acids and natural antioxidants. Volatile compound concentrations were determined using gas chromatographymass spectrometry. The results and discussion. The research confirmed that the main sources of undesirable odors were three groups of volatile compounds: nitrogenous (trimethylamine, ammonia), carbonyl (hexanal, nonanal), and sulfur-containing (dimethyl sulfide, methyl mercaptan). A comparative analysis substantiated the effectiveness of combined treatment with organic acids and natural antioxidants. Experiments confirmed that a combination of 1% citric acid and 0.3% rosemary extract reduced trimethylamine content by 70%, hexanal by 45%, and improved organoleptic properties by 3 points. Conclusion. The proposed method is technologically feasible, does not require significant capital investment, and can be recommended for the implementation in the food industry. It opens up prospects for expanding the use of secondary protein products in the production of food ingredients with improved organoleptic properties.

The goal of the research was to study the antioxidant properties of peptides obtained during microbiological fermentation of feather waste with keratinolytic strains of Bacillus licheniformis BAL-1 and BAL-2. The methods. The major 17 peptide sequences identified by LC-MS/MS with a relative content of >1% were analyzed in the BIOPEP-UWM database to predict bioactive profiles. The interaction of promising peptides with the Kelch domain of the Keap1 protein (PDB ID: 2FLU) was assessed using molecular docking (HPEPDOCK 2.0) and calculation of the thermodynamic parameters of the complexes (PRODIGY). Experimental assessment of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the hydrolysates was performed using the FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC methods. The results. According to the in silico -analysis, most of the studied peptides contained fragments with the predicted antioxidant activity and formed stable complexes with Keap1. The highest affinity was demonstrated by the GGGDIPRQPLYPPLPPRPG peptide, for which ΔG = -9.8 kcal mol⁻¹ and Kd = 6.6×10⁻⁸ M were calculated; this peptide interacted with the key residues of the binding site (GLU216, ARG146, GLN239), competing with the endogenous ligand Nrf2. In the FRAP and DPPH tests, the activity of the samples was below the detection limit, which was due to the deficiency of reactive amino acids (Cys, Trp) in the peptide fractions. Whereas, according to the ORAC method, the BAL-1 and BAL-2 hydrolysates exceeded the original feather by 25.5 and 31.3 times, reaching values of 812.68±32.62 and 997.46±66.04 μmol-eq. quercetin/L, respectively. Conclusion. The obtained results confirm the potential of fermented chicken feather hydrolysates as a source of bioactive peptides with a dual mechanism of antioxidant action (direct radical scavenging and Nrf2 pathway activation) for the further development of functional feed additives. The practical significance of the research lies in substantiating the possibility of using the obtained hydrolysates as a component of functional feed additives to enhance the resistance of poultry to oxidative stress factors, thereby reducing the dependence of the industry on synthetic antioxidants.

Introduction. Recipe optimization is the key factor in developing functional semi-finished meat products for individuals with disabilities. The goal of the research was to evaluate the influence of rarely used plant-based raw materials on the functional and technological characteristics of meat products at all stages of the technological cycle. The object and methods of the research. Organoleptic, rheological, physicochemical parameters of semi-finished products and products cooked in a combi steamer using modern and generally accepted methods were determined. The objects: minced meat, vegetable raw materials, cutlets (semi-finished products, culinary products). The results and discussion. The combination of meat food systems was carried out using one or more meat components, vegetable additives and spices in the recipe. 8 recipes of meat cutlets were obtained, containing 60.7-75.7 % meat component, 18.5-23.5 % vegetables, 0.8 % spices. The pH of raw semi-finished products was found to be 5.99-6.42, while that of finished products was 6.22-6.48. The minced meat density was 0.958-1.005 g/cm³; moisture content was 73.0-81.6 %, and moisture binding capacity was 73-84 %. Such a high WBC was achieved through plant additives (rice, barley, and chickpeas), which affected the yield of products during heat treatment. The addition of 5-15 % of cereals showed that the taste changed and the technological properties of the minced meat deteriorated. The optimal recipe included poultry, pork, and zucchini. The range of recipe variations was 20 %. The nutritional value of the minced meat system was 8.5 g protein, 0.84 g fat, and 76 g carbohydrates (including 24.6 g dietary fiber) per 100 g minced meat. The optimized Scheffe simplex-lattice method recipe had a high nutritional value: 15.3 g protein, 8.8 g fat, 5.2 g carbohydrates, and 160.4 kcal per 100 g of semi-finished product. The quality of the finished cutlets was 4.5-4.8 points. Conclusion. A series of recipes for minced meat semi-finished products with plant additives were simulated. Semi-finished products, chilled (0-4 °C) or frozen to -18 °C, packaged in bags, have a shelf life of 7-90 days in accordance with TR CU 021/2011.

Introduction. Intensive orchards on the leached chernozems in the foothill zone of the Kabardino-Balkaria require refinement of mineral nutrition systems for apple trees, taking into account varietal characteristics and fruit quality. The goal of the research was to investigate the effect of different doses and ratios of mineral fertilizers on the growth processes, yield, and biochemical composition of the Florina apple tree fruits in order to develop an effective fertilization system for intensive plantings. The objects and methods of the research. Field experiments were conducted in the orchard planted in 2016 with the Florina apple tree variety (SK-2 rootstock, 5x2 m layout) on slightly leached heavy loamy chernozem (pH 7.3; humus 2.5 %; P₂O₅ – 44.8; K₂O – 234.0 mg/kg). The scheme included 15 variants: control, nitroammophoska 16-16-16 (60, 90, 120 kg active ingredient/ha) and 8-24-24 (30, 40, 50 kg active ingredient in nitrogen) against the background of calcium nitrate (25 kg Ca/ha), as well as variants with Izagri foliar feeding. The replication was fourfold. The results and discussion. A dose of 120 kg N/ha enhanced vegetative growth (shoot increment 63.5-64.3 cm), but reduced the content of dry matter, sugars, and vitamin C. The best results were obtained with nitroammophoska 8-24-24 (50 kg N/ha) + Ca + foliar feeding: yield 28.9 t/ha (+15.1 %), fruit weight 182 g (+8.9 %), sugars 13.1 %, vitamin C 10.5 mg %, sugar-acid index 43.7 (1.6 times higher than the control). With a smaller leaf area, these variants ensured higher productivity due to the redistribution of assimilates into the fruits. Conclusion. The optimal system is the following: 8-24-24 nitroammophoska (50 kg N/ha) + calcium nitrate + Izagri foliar fertilizer, providing balanced nutrition and high fruit quality. Nitrogen rates above 90 kg/ha are not recommended due to excessive vegetative growth and deterioration of biochemical parameters.

Introduction. The choice of tillage method significantly influences the agrophysical properties of soil. The goal of the research was to study the impact of moldboard and non-moldboard tillage methods on agrophysical parameters (productive moisture reserves, bulk density, aggregate composition), as well as crop yields. The methods. The research was carried out in the fields of the Adygh Research Institute in 2015-2018. The soils of the Institute are represented by compact chernozem, in a crop rotation with alternating row crops, winter grains and legumes. The experimental design included four options: 1. Plowing (PN-4-35) (control). 2. Chisel cultivation (PC-2.5). 3. Shallow cultivation (KPE-3.8). 4. Surface cultivation (BDM-4). The results. The research established that the largest reserves of productive moisture in the meter-deep soil layer were noted in the options with constant surface cultivation of 85.5-138.5 mm; with annual cultivation with an anti-erosion cultivator 85.1-138.1 mm. The soil bulk density did not exceed the optimal values in the 0-40 cm soil layer (1.03-1.23 g/cm³⁾. The use of chisel tillage ensured a looser soil structure (bulk density of 1.1 g/cm³) in contrast to moldboard and surface tillage, where the soil was denser - 1.20 g/cm³. The highest amount of agronomically valuable aggregates of 2.5-10 mm in the seed layer of the soil was noted in the variant with constant chisel tillage for corn crops for silage (66.0 %). The most blocky soil structure was noted in the variant with constant tillage KPE-3.8-45.1 % for winter wheat. Annual plowing had the most favorable effect on the yield of cultivated crops. With non-inversion tillage, yields decreased: chisel tillage by 2.4 %, KPE-3.8 by 6.2 %, and disc harrow by 8.5 %. Conclusion. Long-term research has shown that non-inversion tillage does affect the agrophysical properties of the soil.

Introduction. Transformation of agrophysical parameters and fertility elements due to the minimization of tillage in crop rotation requires the development of highly effective cultivation practices. The methods. A short-term experiment examined the effects of alternating plowing at 25-27 cm depth with disc harrowing at 12-16 cm depth, combined with mineral nitrogen fertilizer and a complex microbiologically based NPK fertilizer, on changes in agrophysical parameters and fertility elements in leached chernozem. The goal of the research was to develop effective cultivation techniques that facilitate the creation of optimal physicochemical parameters for plant vegetation, based on alternating soil cultivation at different depths in crop rotation, combined with fertilizers, while adjusting their rates for the conditions of the southern foothill zone of Adygea. The results: insufficient water supply during periods of active water consumption, combined with exceeding the norms of daily and average daily air temperatures, contributed to the formation of a critical <20 mm and a negative reserve of productive moisture. The optimal absorption of atmospheric moisture in the form of rain was facilitated by the fact of soil loosening under oats, overwintering and winter wheat in layers. It was 0…10 and 10…25 cm, against the background of disk cultivation: for oats, wheat: 1.19 (in soybean crops); 1.07; 1.03 g/cm3. On average, the density indicators of the studied layers were as follows: 0…10 cm – 1.1; 10…25 cm – 1.17; 30…40 cm – 1.29 g/cm³ did not go beyond the optimal values for crop rotation crops. A greater amount of agronomically valuable aggregates (10-0.25 mm) was formed in the 0-10 cm layer – 49.3 %, while their amount in the 10-25 and 30-40 cm layers, compared to the 0–10 cm seed layer, decreased by 27.75 %, 37.28 %, and 37.28 %, respectively. Conclusion. The proposed method contributed to the creation of optimal soil characteristics and an increase in crop productivity by 11.2-15.4-24.9 %. In the best case scenario, with the application of ammonium nitrate at 162.4 kg/ha, active ingredient N, and biopreparation at 6.0 l/ha, productivity was 5.42 t/ha of ZE.

Introduction. Due to climate aridization, interest in grain sorghum is increasing in arid regions of the country, including the Lower Volga region of the Russian Federation. The potential of grain sorghum as a multipurpose crop is being realized in various areas of the agro-industrial complex, such as forage production, food production, and the starch and syrup processing industry. The development of new productive grain sorghum varieties adapted to biotic and abiotic stressors is impossible without utilizing the rich diversity of genetic resources in the global plant material collection at VIR, which forms the foundation for developing new varieties. The research object and methods. The research was conducted in 2023-2025s on the experimental field of the Rossorgo. The study analyzed 38 collection accessions of grain sorghum of various ecological and geographical origins, assessed for morphometric parameters and grain productivity indicators. Statistical analysis of the data was performed in Agros 2.09 program using the “statistical analysis of a sample” method. The goal of the research was to analyze grain sorghum accessions from the VIR nursery collection for the purpose of developing productive varieties and hybrids for various applications. The results and discussion. High variability of grain sorghum accessions in morphometric parameters and productivity elements was established. The following samples were noted by the weight of 1000 seeds, distinguished by large grain size: k-4075, k-2058, O-k-8803/1 with 31.83-36.22 g, as well as valuable constant samples, characterized by increased grain yield – 06-2037, k-9115, k-2058, O-k-8803 (1) (4.72-5.11 t/ha) and biomass – k-9115, k-10112, B-03-3003 (17.69-19.85 t/ha). Conclusion. Among the studied collection of grain sorghum, three accessions – K-2058, O-K-8803/1, and K-4075-are particularly valuable. They possess a combination of valuable traits: large grain size, high grain yield, significant starch content (71.0-75.0%), light white-blue seeds, and stable annual seed maturation. All these characteristics correspond to those of a model variety optimal for processing into starch and starch products.

Introduction. The article substantiates the orientation of fruit growing toward a system of adaptive landscape farming and adaptive horticulture. The key areas have been identified: specialization and placement of varieties taking into account soil and climatic features, optimization of planting patterns, development of regional soil maintenance and moisture systems. The prospects for implementing the concept in the Republic of Dagestan have been shown: yield increase, economic effect. The goal of the research is to determine the relationships between yield, stability, productivity and adaptability from environmental conditions. The objects and methods of the research are the following plum varieties: Kabardinskaya Rannyaya, Vengerka Belorusskaya, Vengerka Italianskaya, Admiral Nakhimov, Stanley, President, Angelica, Zolotaya Kaplya, as well as the following cherry plum varieties: Rajabli, Obilnaya, Purpurovaya, Dessertnaya, Zhemchuzhina, Sputnitsa, Pionerka, Kometa; local and wild cherry plum root-stock. Observations and records when determining the criteria for the growth and development of the tree and fruit have been carried out using generally accepted methods in fruit growing, using methods of processing experimental data in fruit growing. The results and discussion. A comprehensive assessment of the environmental conditions of the area has been conducted based on the study and synthesis of long-term research results. A comprehensive assessment of the adaptability of plum and cherry plum varieties has been presented, as well as the relationship between adaptability and changes in technological support and economic indicators reflecting the crisis processes in horticulture. The ranges of variation in the coefficient of sustainability of fruiting productivity and long-term yield of plum and cherry plum varieties have been clarified. Conclusion. The identified patterns of relationships between the biological potential of plum and cherry plum varieties and the environment allow for planting in specific microzones and expansion of plantings in dry subtropical regions. An economic assessment of plum varieties has shown that profitability levels range from 70 to 140%. Calculations of the economic efficiency of adaptive (sustainable) cultivation of cherry plum varieties indicate an average annual benefit of 2,172,000 to 4,178,000 rubles.

Introduction. In modern agricultural practices, the use of new-generation biopreparations for normal plant growth and development has become essential. The research was conducted to determine the effect of biopreparations on winter wheat crops to achieve stable yields of high-quality grain. The object and methods. The research was conducted from 2023 to 2025 in the steppe zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania on chestnut soils. Agrochemical parameters of the soil: humus content (according to Tyurin) – 3.0-3.5%, easily hydrolyzable nitrogen 60-68 mg/kg of soil, pH 7.5-7.8, mobile phosphorus content – 15-17 mg/kg (according to Machigin), exchangeable potassium – 201-282 mg/kg of soil. During the experiment, records, observations and analyses were carried out according to the generally accepted methods described in the “Educational and Methodological Guide for Conducting Research in Agronomy”. The results and discussion. It was revealed that the AgroMineral biopreparation in the amount of 2 l/ha provided the photosynthetic potential for varieties of 2.56-2.59 million m² /ha × days, respectively. On average, during the growing season, the NPF indicators in the experiment varied within the range of 4.38-4.72 g / m² per day for the Fedor variety, and 4.42-4.78 g / m² per day for the Bumba variety. The amount of dry matter accumulated from 4.92 to 5.64 t / ha for the Fedor variety experimental variants, from 4.97 to 5.570 t / ha for the Bumba variety, and its greatest amount – 4.72-4.78 t / ha was formed for the varieties using the Biostim Grain in the amount of 1.5 l / ha + AgroMineral in the amount of 1.5 l / ha. Conclusion. It was established that the yield of winter wheat in the control group was 4.23-4.29 t / ha. Biological products increased grain productivity by 11.1-38.1% for the Fedor variety and by 12.8-41.3% for the Bumba variety. Yield increases amounted to 0.47-1.61 t/ha and 0.55-1.77 t/ha, respectively.

Introduction. Potentilla alba L., possessing biologically active substances with a thyroid-stimulating effect, is a promising plant for the production of herbal remedies for the treatment of thyroid diseases. High-quality raw materials for cinquefoil can only be produced through industrial cultivation. To this end, research has been initiated in the Krasnodar Territory to introduce cinquefoil into cultivation. The initial stage involved the development of agricultural practices to enhance the survival rate and further development of the crop. The object and methods of the research. Field experiments with cinquefoil were conducted in 2022-2025 at the North Caucasus branch of the planting site, using methods developed for medicinal crops. To improve the rooting of the planting material, the root system of the cuttings was soaked in a mixture of Kornevin (1.0 g/l) and Zircon (0.2 ml/l). After the seedlings had established themselves, the vegetative plants were treated twice with the Lignohumate AM (250 g/ha) and EcoFus (1.5 l/ha) complexes with Siliplant (0.8 l/ha). The results and discussion. It was found that soaking the seedlings in a mixture of Kornevin and Zircon increases the survival rate by up to 22%. Systematic use of growth regulators when treating the roots of cinquefoil and two-time fertilizing during the growing season with the EcoFus + Siliplant and Lignohumate AM + Siliplant complexes, regardless of weather conditions, contributed to an increase in the aboveground weight to 42% and the roots to 41%, as well as to the resistance of cinquefoil to drought, significantly reducing the loss of the aboveground part to 17% and the roots to 16%, compared to 38% in the control variant. Conclusion. To improve the survival rate of Potentilla alba L., it is advisable to soak the seedlings in a mixture of Kornevin and Zircon. To create optimal nutritional conditions, double spraying with EcoFus and Lignohumate AM with Siliplant is necessary, allowing the plants to accumulate sufficient nutrients for successful overwintering.

Introduction. Wheat is one of the main agricultural crops in the Lower Volga region. However, the area under durum wheat varieties is small, accounting for only 8-9 %. The goal of the research was to evaluate the resistance of winter wheat breeding material to arid climate conditions in order to determine the source material for practical breeding. The objects and methods. The object of the research was seven winter wheat varieties (collection of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources named after N.I. Vavilov). A field experiment was conducted in the Astrakhan region from 2022 to 2025 on light chestnut soils (an experimental land use plot of Pavlov Federal Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences). The experiment aimed at studying and introducing promising durum wheat varieties. The analysis of the primary breeding material, including wheat varieties, was carried out in specialized nurseries using typical experimental methods for grain crops. The results and discussion. A study of the agrobiological characteristics of durum wheat in the soil and climatic conditions of the Astrakhan region revealed a significant correlation between tillering rates (total and productive) and productive stem density on the genotypic characteristics of varieties and environmental factors. Assessing resistance to the abiotic stressors of high temperatures and dry winds was necessary for formulating recommendations for varietal selection. Conclusion. A comparative analysis revealed that the Aksint, Onyx, and Amazonka varieties consistently demonstrated an advantage over the standard: their productive tillering rate exceeded the control values by 7-12 stems/m² annually. According to data obtained during the research period, the Aksint (28) and Amazonka and Onyx (26 each) varieties had the highest grain count per spike. These varieties exceeded the Bezenchukskaya 100 standard, which consistently maintained a grain count of 20-22 grains throughout all observation periods.