Fruit growing
and viticulture of South Russia
Hibiscus x moscheutos L. is a promising decorative perennial for inclusion in green plantings in the southern regions of Russia. Currently, there is no data available on the most effective methods of propagating hibiscus in the conditions of southern gardening in Russia. Since 2014, FSBSI North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine-making (Krasnodar) has been carrying out work on introduction and variety study of H. x moscheutos. The collection includes 47 varieties. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the potential of vegetative propagation of promising varieties using the herbaceous cuttings method. The study included 18 varieties and hybrids. In the experiment 2 cutting periods were studied: 1st period spring (II-III decade of May), 2nd period summer (III decade of June 1st decade of July (control). It was established that herbaceous cuttings can be carried out in 2 periods in the II decade of May, with the placement of mother bushes in protected ground, and in the III decade of June, with the preparation of cuttings from mother plants growing in open ground. For most varieties, spring cuttings are preferable. In this case, young plants overwinter better, and the yield of marketable seedlings after 1 year of growing in pots is higher. During wintering of plants of summer cuttings, a high percentage of death was observed, which is associated with the low winter hardiness of young plants. A significant decrease in the yield of marketable seedlings after 1 year of growing in plants of summer cuttings was detected in the following varieties: Berry Awersome, Midnithe Marvell, Plam Flambe, Perfect Storm a decrease in the yield of seedlings of I grade was observed by almost 2 times in comparison with plants rooted in spring. The best performance in herbaceous cuttings was found in the following varieties: Cherry Cheescake, Cranberry Crush, Peppermint Schnapps, Jazzberry Jam, Summer in Paradise, Krasny Rusanova, Hybrid 5. These cultivars combine in their genotype adaptability to abiotic stress factors and increased productivity of uterine bushes during cuttings and provide a high yield of marketable seedlings when grown in pots.
The results of studying the collection of foreign ornamental varieties of chaenomeles (Chaenomeles Lindl.) of two species are presented: Ch. speciosa (Sweet) Nakai and Ch. japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. et Spach. and two hybrid groups: Ch.×superba (Frahm) Rehder., Ch.× californica W. Clarke ex C. Weber, preserved at the Krymsk EBS branch of VIR, and in a private collection in the Republic of Adygea. Valuable physiological features were determined: the timing, degree and duration of the flowering period in the conditions of the northwestern piedmont of the Main Caucasian Range. The characteristics of 25 varieties of chaenomeles are given in terms of color, diameter and degree of doubleness of the flower, parameters of the bush, characterizing the decorativeness of its plants, which will expand the range of flowering shrubs for landscaping city parks and squares. Four varieties with the largest double flowers (53 to 65 mm in diameter) were identified: Kinshiden, Scarlet Storm, Mango Storm, Pink Storm, and two varieties with a high degree of doubleness Pink Storm and Orange Storm, the flowers of which have more than 30 petals. A clear palette of corolla color of the studied varieties was determined: from white to dark red with various shades, including pink and orange. According to the habit of the bush, the varieties are divided into three groups: eight varieties are tall (above 150 cm), three are low-growing (100 cm on average) and the remaining 14 are medium-sized. It has been established that all the studied varieties are suitable for wide use in landscape construction in the Kuban. As sources for targeted breeding programs, varieties with the highest decorative effect a large double flower of various colors are recommended: Kinshiden, Jet Trail, Wakaba and varieties of the Storm group.
Calendula officinalis L. is one of the most common pharmaceutical crops cultivated not only in the Krasnodar region, but also in the south of the Russian Federation as a whole. In addition to its medicinal qualities, a high content of essential oils, as well as phenols and flavonoids, the crop is an excellent alternative to annual floral and ornamental plants in landscaping. In this regard, the purpose of the research was to evaluate seven varieties of Calendula officinalis L. in terms of duration,intensity and timing of the beginning of flowering, the activity of growth processes, size, color, inflorescence structure and the identification of the most adapted to growing conditions varieties that have high decorative qualities. Proposals were made on the directions of using the studied varieties in ornamental gardening and landscaping of the territory. The studies were carried out in 2022-2023 at the experimental site of private household plots in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. As a result of the research, it was found that the studied varieties of calendula had significant differences in a number of morpho-biometric indicators, but turned out to be highly adapted to the growing conditions in the south of the Russian Federation. According to the combination of ornamental qualities, three varieties of calendula officinalis were identified for cultivation in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. The Tutti-Frutti yellow variety is recommended for planting in flower beds due to the bright flowers of the inflorescence and the low growth of the plants. It is advisable to use the Geisha variety for the design of plots in landscape design and for cutting flowers. In garden and park landscaping, attention should be paid to the King's Cup variety, which stands out for a complex of decorative qualities and a long flowering period.