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Aim. The aim of this research was to compare the efficiency of DNA isolation methods from herbarium specimens of Camelina microcarpa Andrz. Ex DC., further modification of these methods to increase DNA yield, and determine the method that would provide the best yield of isolated DNA. Methods. Modifications of the DNA isolation methods using the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (QIAgen) and the CTAB method were used. PCR was performed using degenerate primers for method of β-tubulin intron length polymorphism (TBP). Amplicons were fractionated in polyacrylamide gel followed by visualization by silver nitrate staining. Results. DNA was successfully extracted from C. microcarpa herbarium specimens sampled with leaf parts and seeds, using the modified by CTAB method, and four modified methods using DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (QIAgen). Conclusions. The study revealed that the most effective method tested was the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (QIAgen) No. 2. Prolongation of the cell lysis stage had the best effect on the increase of DNA yield. We found that the success of DNA isolation was influenced not so much by the age of the herbarium specimen as by the methods of drying and storing the plants in the collection.

To develop marker systems based on the study of intron length polymorphism of various genes (ILP) in Ae. tauschii, to test the possibility of their use for genetic differentiation of Ae. tauschii and Ae. biuncialis. Methods. The NCBI database was used to obtain EST sequences, online tools CD-HIT, BLAST and Primer3Plus (for the development of primers). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with the developed primers was done. Amplified fragments were separated by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and stained with silver. Results. Molecular markers Aet_ILP1, Aet_ILP6 were developed and tested for different genotypes of Ae. tauschii and Ae. biuncialis. No intraspecific differentiation was observed in all studied samples, but amplicons of introns of different species differed significantly. It was also found that the studied species had one copy of the HO222074.1 gene and 1 to 3 copies of the CX244643.1 gene. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate a low level of intraspecific variability of the developed ILP markers and the possibility of their use for interspecific differentiation of Ae. tauschii and Ae. biuncialis.

Aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the natural antagonists of white mistletoe (Viscum album L.), which may affect the number and speed of spread of this species. Methods. The plant material of V. album, collected in urban plantations of Kyiv, was used in the study. The research was conducted mainly in park zones and urban plantations of Podilskyi district. Samples of affected white mistletoe were collected by the route method during 2019-2021. Plant material was also inspected during the sanitary cutting of utilities. Results. Different species of vertebrates and invertebrates, fungi, lichens and bacteria that form close ecological links with V. album were analyzed. It has been established that several species of fungi can parasitize on V. album, showing a fairly high level of specialization. Hyperparasitic disease has also been reported. Conclusions. A list of species associated with white mistletoe was identified and the possibility of their use in the development of biological methods to control the semi-parasite was assessed.

Aim. The aim of the study was to establish genetic differences between V. album growing in different parts of Ukraine. Methods. White mistletoe samples collected in different regions of Ukraine were used in the study. The method of estimating the intron length polymorphism of β-tubulin genes was used. Amplified DNA fragments were fractionated by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualized by silver nitrate staining. Results. The genotypes of 91 white mistletoe plants were analyzed. DNA profiles of white mistletoe with a specific amplicons of β-tubulin gene introns were obtained, which allowed to differentiate the samples from each other. Fingerprinting data were used for cluster analysis and dendrogram construction. Conclusions. It was found that the analyzed mistletoe samples did not differ by geographical factor and were characterized by a low level of genetic diversity in the studied samples. Keywords: Viscum album L., intron length polymorphism, β-tubulin, genetic variability, Ukraine.

Background: The allelic composition of the gene Lr34/Yr18/Sr57/Pm38/Bdv1, which is associated with resistance to leaf rust in varieties of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), has been investigated. Methods: Three DNA markers were used to determine the allelic state of the gene Lr34/Yr18/Sr57/Pm38/Bdv1: the co-dominant molecular genetic markers cssfr5 and csLV34 and the microsatellite marker Xgwm295. Results: Among 32 cultivars evaluated for resistance to leaf rust, 4 were highly resistant, 26 were resistant and 2 were moderately susceptible. Using the co-dominant marker cssfr5 based on the detection of the polymorphic state of one of the exons of the gene Lr34/Yr18/Sr57/Pm38/Bdv1, the Lr34(+) allele, which confers resistance to leaf rust, was found in 25% of the studied varieties. The coincidence between the results obtained with the markers cssfr5 and csLV34 was 84.5%. Conclusion: The data of the conducted molecular genetic analysis were supplemented by observations of the resistance of the studied varieties to leaf rust in the field. The obtained data can be used in breeding programs to develop new varieties and breeding lines with leaf rust resistance.

Yellow rust caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis West. (synonym P. glumarum Erikss. et Henn.) is a dangerous factor contributing to significantly lower yields of common wheat grain and its poor quality. Recent studies indicate that highly virulent strains of yellow rust expand their range from the near-Himalayan region and replace less pathogenic European races of P. striiformis, posing a real danger to the agricultural sector in Europe, including Ukraine, since most wheat varieties resistant to local races of P. striiformis are susceptible to these new highly virulent strains. In this regard, we assessed resistance to the yellow rust pathogen in 558 cultivars and lines of winter common wheat, in particular, 171 in the infection background and 387 in the natural background. Winter wheat samples in the collection variety trials originated from 17 countries, although most of them were of Ukrainian breeding. Screening of winter wheat cultivars and lines for yellow rust resistance showed that only 19 (or 3%) samples exhibited appropriate resistance. Analysis of the yellow rust-resistant wheat specimens using molecular markers for the Yr10 and Yr36 genes did not reveal samples containing either of these genes. At the same time, screening using molecular markers Xbarc8, S23M41-310, S23M41-140, and dp269 indicated the presence of DNA fragments of various lengths associated with resistance alleles of the genes Yr5, Yr15, and YrSp in four cultivars of Ukrainian breeding.

Based on the analysis of intron I length polymorphism of the β-tubulin genes (TBP analysis), differences between two mistletoe subspecies (Viscum album ssp. austriacum (Wiesb.) and V. album ssp. album L.) have been shown. The possibility of using the Tubulin-Based Polymorphism (TBP) analysis for the sexual differentiation in mistletoe plants has also been demonstrated. We were successful in identifying particular white mistletoe genotypes using the simple sequence repeats (SSR) method. Application efficiency was comparatively assessed in both types of DNA markers, and the TBP analysis was shown to be more usable for differentiating between white mistletoe subspecies, whereas the SSR analysis is more suitable for studying genotypic variability within a particular subspecies.

Aim. The aim of this research was genetic profiling and identification of genetic differences between V. album speciments, growing on deciduous and coniferous species of woody plants using RAPD markers. Methods. The method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with random primers (Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA - RAPD) was used. Amplified DNA fragments were fractionated by electrophoresis in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. DNA bands were detected using the staining with silver nitrate. Results. All the studied mistletoe samples were differentiated from each other, and their unique molecular genetic profiles were obtained. 241 amplified DNA fragments were detected in the range from 200 to 2000 bp, 152 fragments (63%) were polymorphic. The samples were divided into two separate groups depending on the type of host plant. Conclusions. The fact that the samples formed two separate clades confirms the assumption that mistletoe, which grow on pine and grow on maple, represents two separate subspecies of V. album. Keywords: Viscum album L., molecular genetic markers, polymorphism, RAPD.

Aim. The aim of the work was to analyze current genetic structure of honey bee populations in Ukraine that belong to different subspecies: A. meliffera meliffera, A. meliffera carnica, A. meliffera macedonica using microsatellite markers. Methods. SSR-analysis was used for evaluation of the honey bee polymorphism. Amplified fragments were fractionated by electrophoresis in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. DNA bands were detected using silver nitrate staining. Results. The analysis of the sample of honey bees (workers and male-bees) collected from different regions of Ukraine was performed by using two SSR-markers (Ac011 and A007). In this sample reasonably high polymorphism was observed, especially for the SSR-marker A007. Conclusions. It was estimated that SSR-analysis method can be applied in molecular-genetic analysis of honey bees for evaluation of genetic diversity and cross-subspecies hybridization. Keywords: microsatellite markers, Apis meliffera, PIC (Polymorphism Information Content).

—Camelina or false flax (Camelina sativa) is one of the most promising oilseed crops as a feedstock for biofuel production. It is thought that this species originated in the Eastern European region, where this species emerged due to polyploidization or crossing between wild representatives of the Camelina genus. As a result, camelina is characterized by a low level of genetic diversity, which imposes limitations on breeding and improvement of this crop. Although there are some studies discussing genetic polymorphism among the existing camelina cultivars, the assessments of Ukrainian genotypes are scarce, although this region belongs to the center of C. sativa’s origin. For the first time, an integrated assessment of genetic diversity among Ukrainian camelina breeding lines and cultivars, as well as analyzed the morphometric and yield parameters of their seed oil and its fatty acid composition, has been performed. Based on the results of chromatographic analysis, two camelina genotypes (FEORZhYaF-2 and FEORZhYaFD) with seed lipids to a greater extent composed of fatty acids with a short carbon chain (below C18) have been distinguished. Genetic distances between the studied genotypes have also been identified using ISSR, SSR, and ILP (actin and β-tubulin) markers. The obtained data were compared with the crop productivity and morphometric parameters, which allowed for differentiating the most promising pairs of phenotypes for further cross breeding. For example, crossing the FEORZhYaF-2 and FEORZhYaFD breeding lines with the cultivars Mirazh and Peremoha in different combinations may hypothetically provide the trait of heterosis in the first generation. This approach to the analysis of camelina breeding samples and genetic resources may become a powerful instrument for improving the given oil-bearing crop.

Aims. Verification of the possibility of using the γ-tubulin gene intron length polymorphism method in genetic studies of plants on the example of Arabidopsis thaliana. Methods. The γ-tubulin gene intron length polymorphism evaluating method was used. Amplified fragments DNA were fractionated by electrophoresis in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. DNA bands were detected using silver nitrate staining. Results. Arabidopsis was first time analyzed using the γ-tubulin gene intron length polymorphism method. During amplification with degenerate primers 2 amplicons (520 bp and 555 bp) were formed in all samples. However, using selected arabidopsis-specific primers for the second intron of the γ-tubulin genes, it was possible to find several samples that differ in their DNA profile. Conclusions. It is established that the proposed method can be used in molecular genetic studies of plants. Moreover, the developed specific primers for γ-tubulin gene introns can probably be used both for the study of Arabidopsis and related species. The use of degenerate primers can be useful in the study of plants for which there is no information about their genome. Keywords: molecular-genetic markers, intron length polymorphism, γ-tubulin, A. thaliana.

Aim. Main aim of this research was identification of genetic distances between different genotypes of napa cabbage (B. rapa ssp. pekinensis) and diversity identification in var. glabra and var. laxa forms. Methods. Molecular genetic analysis of napa cabbage genotypes was conducted out using method of β-tubulin intron length polymorphism (TBP). Results. Molecular profiles of different napa cabbage (B. rapa ssp. pekinensis) genotypes were identified. Number of amplified β-tubulin intron fragments was significantly varying – from 12 to 24 for each genotype. Basing on obtained results a dendrogram was built, which shows genetic distances among studied accessions. Conclusions. In present study 7 genotypes of B. rapa ssp. pekinensis were analyzed, received from IPK (Gatersleben) and Crop Research Institute (Prague) gene banks. Basing on obtained results it was established that systematic diversification of two forms var. glabra and var. laxa is not being confirmed by molecular genetic methods, such as TBP, and in this case, genetic difference between populations and cultivars was more significant. Keywords: Brassicaceae, Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis, ILP, TBP, napa cabbage, β-tubulin intron length polymorphism.

Considering the continuing increase of morbidity and mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases, the search for novel compounds able to affect the hemostasis system is among the current trends of modern science and pharmacology. Fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes because of their role in dissolving blood clots as well as prevention of their formation attract special attention. The main goal of the current research was to develop the methodological approaches to obtain fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes from Antarctic hydrobionts and study their effects on the functioning of the hemostasis system. A complex approach which included affinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography was applied to isolate the fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes from the tissue of Antarctic nemertea (Parborlasia corrugatus), Antarctic sea urchin (Sterechinus neumayeri), and Antarctic sea star (Odontaster validus). The presence of proteolytic activity was monitored by zymographic technique. Fibrin(ogen)olytic activity was assessed by incubation of the samples with fibrinogen followed by 10% SDS-PAGE analysis. To test the substrate specificity of the enzymes, the chromogenic substrates such as H-D-Phe-Pip-Arg-pNA, pyroGlu-Pro-Arg-pNA, H-D-Val-Leu-Lys-pNA and Bz-IIe-Glu(γ-OR)-Gly-Arg-pNA were used. The influence of fib rino(geno)lytic enzymes on platelet aggregation was assessed in platelet-rich plasma. To analyze the effect of the fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes on coagulation the blood coagulation time was assessed. The obtained results clearly indicated the presence of enzymes with activity toward fibrinogen in the tissues of tested hydrobionts. Based on the results of SDS-PAGE and zymography the molecular weight of the fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes was in the range of 26–34 kDa. The fibrinogen cleavage pattern analyzed by SDS-PAGE revealed the susceptibility of fibrinogen chains to degradation by enzymes from tissues of Antarctic hydrobionts. The fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes from all tested hydrobionts cleaved preferentially the Aα-chain and more slowly the Bβ-chain of fibrinogen. The fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes mediated the significant prolongation of blood clotting time in chronometric tests and inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. The enzymes exhibit activity against chromogenic substrates, which was more expressed in case of pyroGlu-Pro-Arg-pNA — a specific synthetic substrate for activated protein C and factor XIa. The enzymes isolated from the tissues of Antarctic marine hydrobionts possess a fibrin(ogen)olytic activity and can be of medical interest as therapeutic agents in the treatment and prevention of thrombotic disorders.

The degree of intraspecific genetic polymorphism and heterozygosity, the germinal death, viability of seeds, and the cytogenetic state of vegetative Ulmus pumila and U. suberosa meristems were analyzed for determining the mechanisms of plant population invasiveness in the steppe Dnieper region under climate changes. The studied U. pumila population were different in terms of germinal (embryonic) death, seed viability and seed productivity. Populations grown under more favorable environmental conditions had the best reproductive, physiological and genetic conditions. For the majority of used microsatellite loci, population studies were characterized by a relatively low level of genetic variability, an excess of homozygous genotypes and a deficiency of heterozygotes, which indicated a certain level of inbreeding of the analyzed plants. The highest deficiency of heterozygotes was found in U. pumila populations with high stand density and significant indices of germinal seed loss; smaller deficits were in populations with a larger area and low stand density and, accordingly, low rates of germinal death. The low index of chromosomal rearrangements in the vegetative meristems also confirmed an insignificant level of genetic variability and the probable absence of hybridization and genetic homeostasis in U. pumila. The U. suberosa population was characterized by increased indices of germinal death, seed damage and low seed productivity, which correlated with an excess of homozygous genotypes. All U. suberosa specimens were monomorphic by the microsatellite loci. In general, by genetic and reproductive indices, seed reproduction and distribution of U. pumila in the steppe Dnieper region is not significantly limited under climate change. At the same time, seed reproduction of U. suberosa may be limited.

Aim. The purpose of the work was to evaluate the possibility of using the polymorphism of the Ist and IIIrd introns of actin genes for DNA plant genotyping using flax varieties as model. Methods. 16 varieties of Ukrainian flax were analyzed. PCR was conducted using self-developed species-specific primers for the Ist and IIIrd introns of flax actin genes. DNA fragments were separated by electrophoresis in a 6% polyacrylamide gel and visualized by silver stains. Results. As a result of the evaluation of the Ist and IIIrd intron length polymorphism of actin genes, the species-specific DNA profiles of 16 flax varieties containing the target amplicons were obtained. The 7 allele phenotypes (PIC = 0.62) were detected for the Ist introns of the actin genes, and 3 allelic phenotypes (PIC = 0.32) for the IIIrd intron of actin genes. The highest level of polymorphism in the flax varieties was detected by evaluating the Ist intron length polymorphism of actin genes. Conclusions. Evaluation of the polymorphism of the Ist and IIIrd introns of actin genes allows genotyping and obtaining DNA profiles of flax varieties, which demonstrates the feasibility of further using both approaches for molecular genetic analysis of plants. Keywords: gene introns, length polymorphism, actin genes, flax (Linum usitatissimum L.).

Aim. Analysis of seed embryonic death and seed viability as a indexes of the genetic and reproductive state of Ulmus pumila L. and U. suberosa Moench to determine the mechanisms of invasiveness of their populations in the Dnieper steppe. Methods. Morphological, anatomical, cytological, statistical. Results. Investigated U. pumila populations differed on indexis of the embryonic death, seed viability and seed productivity. Populations growing in more favorable environmental conditions are distinguished by a better reproductive, physiological, and genetic conditions. Two from three U. pumila populations are characterized by low rates of embryonic death, high viability indices and seed productivity. This can indicate their heterogeneous origin and a significant level of heterozygosity. Vice versa, U. suberosa population has a high rates of embryonic death of seeds and low seed viability which may be due to population's limited and/or its poor physiological state and a decrease in heterozygosity. Conclusions. There are different levels of heterozygosity in the U. pumila population at the steppe Dnieper. Probably seed reproduction and distribution of this species is not significantly limited by genetic, physiological or environmental factors. Populations of U. suberosa in this region are characterized by worse genetic status. Seed reproduction of invasive populations of this species can be significantly limited. Keywords: seed embryonic death, empty samara, seed viability, heterozygosity, invasive populations, Ulmus pumila L., Ulmus suberosa Moench.

Aim. The aim of the work was to study the species diversity of mistletoe host trees with the establishment of damage degrees and the study of the mistletoe genetic characteristics in Kiev. Methods. The β-tubulin first intron length polymorphism evaluating method (TBP) was used. Amplified fragments DNA were fractionated by electrophoresis in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. DNA bands were detected using silver nitrate staining. Results. The species diversity of Viscum album L. host-trees was studied in Kiev. Among them, plants of the genus Pinus and angiosperms that belong to 8 genera (Acer, Fraxinus, Acacia, Populus, Tilia, Salix, Malus, Sorbus), wherein 47% belong to the genus Acer. It was revealed that among infected trees, 30% had severe damage to mistletoe, 28% moderate and 42% weak. Based on the analysis of DNA marker polymorphisms, the molecular-genetic profiles of V. album, which grows on various species of host trees, were obtained and analyzed. Conclusions. The species diversity of V. album host-trees was studied and the degree of their infection was assessed in Kiev. Mistletoe, which grows on angiosperms, is characterized by a greater degree of genetic polymorphism than that which grows on gymnosperms. Keywords: Viscum album L., host-plant, introns of genes, length polymorphism, β-tubulin.

The origin of one from two native vascular plants in Antarctic, the Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctic E. Desv.) (Poaceae), remains unclear. Molecular genetic analyses have demonstrated low genetic heterogeneity among representatives of this species. The search for new marker nucleotide sequences of the Antarctic hairgrass is justified, which would be useful in clarifying the phylogeographic origin, heterogeneity and population dynamics of D. antarctica. Here we report the results of a comparative analysis of the introns of β-tubulin genes for several populations of the Antarctic hairgrass across the maritime Antarctic. We demonstrate that the first intron of the β-tubulin gene contain markers capable of discriminating D. antarctica subpopulations in the maritime Antarctic. The sequence of the first intron of the β-tubulin gene can therefore be used for more detailed population genetics studies of D. antarctica.

The expression profiles of 15 α-tubulin genes in spring and winter wheat varieties during cold acclimation were studied. Among the studied genes, two subfamilies (three genes in each) were identified with elevated expression levels detected at the initial stages of cold acclimation. The Tuba-2-3 gene, which, within its subfamily, is characterized by the most significant amplitude of the increase in the initial expression level, deserves special attention. In addition, the greatest differences in expression levels between varieties were found for this gene within its subfamily. For the winter variety, higher expression levels of this tubulin gene remaining for a long time (up to the seventh day of acclimation) were detected. A significant initial increase in expression levels for all α-tubulin genes of the fourth subfamily reaching maximum values during further acclimation was revealed. The high initial values of the expression levels of genes from this subfamily may also indicate their important role in the resistance of wheat microtubules to low temperatures in the early stages of cold acclimation.

Based on the analysis of the intron polymorphism of β-tubulin genes, the genetic variability of old Quercus robur L. trees from “Holosiivsky” NPP was investigated. The genotyping of 55 old Q. robur trees was carried out; 40 polymorphic and one monomorphic (about 880 bp) TBR fragments were found. High frequency (70–90%) of occurrence of fragments with an approximate molecular weight of 275, 490, 500, and 1110 bp was observed.The genetic polymorphism of old Q. robur trees was assessed as quite high: РІС is 0.22 – 0.39, the effective number of alleles per locus was 1.174–1.268. The Shannon information index was in the range of 0.204–0.269.The geographical differentiation of the genetic structure of centuries-old oak trees from “Holosiivsky” NPP was not pronounced. The share of inter-selection genetic variability (AMOVA) accounts for about 6% of genetic variability, and the geographic component – about 1%. Around 93% of genetic variability is concentrated on the individual level. Using the ТВР method, we found that Q. robur forest stands do not have a stabilized genetic and visible spatial structure, but at the same time they possess a sufficiently large genetic diversity. The absence of a spatial genetic structure may indicate the artificial origin of Q. robur trees from different seed materials, and also that a small number of the plants have survived to this time. In this case, the main influence on the structure of oak stands in “Holosiivsky” NPP was from anthropogenic factors, both in the form of cutting down trees and, possibly, the introduction of alien seed material.

The intron length polymorphism of actin genes and microsatellite loci was investigated to evaluate the genetic homogeneity of flax cultivars of Ukrainian breeding. It is established that the vast majority of flax cultivars are genetically heterogeneous. The cultivars Esman, Siverskyi, and Glazur, bred at the Institute of Bast Crops of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine, were found to be genetically homogeneous according to the results of analysis of the intron length polymorphism of actin genes and microsatellite markers. It was shown that the intron length polymorphism of actin genes is not a less-informative marker system for genetic profiling than popular SSR markers. Data were obtained confirming the expediency of further simultaneous use of the mentioned DNA marker systems to evaluate the genetic diversity of flax cultivars.

Aim. The aim of the study was a search of Sr2 and Sr33 gene resistance alleles in foreign and domestic wheat samples using molecular genetic markers. Methods. The PCR with provided molecular genetic markers and with specific primers of own design was used; CTAB method was used for DNA extraction; electrophoresis in agarose gel was used. Results. The analysis of 16 wheat samples using molecular genetic markers for stem rust resistance genes Sr2 and Sr33 was performed. In general, among 16 analyzed samples only two have Sr2 gene resistance allele, and another two – Sr33 gene resistance allele. There were no alleles of resistance of Sr-genes among the sorts of Ukrainian selection (Kharkivska 6 and Kharkivska 12), which were used in this study. Conclusions. There were four samples among the wheat lines/sorts with valuable traits of domestic and foreign selection that have Sr2 and Sr33 gene resistance alleles. Keywords: wheat, molecular and genetic markers, resistance genes, stem rust.

Aim. Using DNA markers related to the genes encoding β-tubulin in plants, to evaluate the intraspecific genetic polymorphism of Ulmus pumila L. in the Steppe Prydniprov'yia and compare it with the polymorphism of this species within the natural range. Method. Analysis of the intron length of polymorphism of β-tubulin genes (TBPmethod). Results. It was established that the plants differ from each other slightly in terms of the number of identified amplicons and the nature of their distribution when comparing electrophoretic profiles obtained on the basis of the TBP analysis for U. pumila. Half of the fragments found in the samples are rare. The average number of fragments (alleles) on the locus (Ne), Shannon information index (I) and polymorphism information content value (PIC) amounted respectively: 1.26, 0.27, 0.21, and were lower than in natural populations, analyzed using microsatellite markers. Conclusions. U. pumila plants growing in the Steppe Prydniprov'yi for the TBP markers have a lower level of genetic diversity than was found during the analysis of natural populations using other molecular markers. Among the possible reasons may be the nature (methodology) of the creation and age of the tree stands examined, as well as the nature of the genetic markers used to analyze the genetic polymorphism of the species.Keywords: TBP-method, introns, β-tubulin, Ulmus pumila, genetic diversity.

The relationship between the adaptive ability of different linden genotypes to the changing climatic conditions of the Steppe Dnieper and the epicuticular wax component composition of tree leaves was investigated. Specificity of the epicuticular wax hydrocarbon composition of linden autochthonous species (T. cordata) and introduced species (T. platyphyllos and T. begoniifolia) was established. For all genotypes, significant differences in the composition of epicuticular waxes from the surface of shaded and sun-adapted leaves were identified. The greatest accumulation of the epicuticular waxes was on the leaves of T. platyphyllos both under the shading conditions and illumination (11.0 and 17.6 μg/cm2, respectively). The general pattern for the genus Tilia L. species consisted in a substantial increase in the content of very long-chain n-alkanes simultaneously with a sharp decrease in the free fatty acid content in the composition of epicuticular waxes under the intensive illumination of leaves.

Aim. The effectiveness of using the method of intron length polymorphism of β-tubulin genes is analyzed to evaluate the genetic diversity and polymorphism of tree plants by approbating it for a broad sample of tree plants of different taxonomic positions. Method. The method of estimation intron length polymorphism of β- tubulin (tubulin base polymorphism — TBP-method) has been tested. Results. The molecular genetic profiles and the unique patterns for the Quercus robur L., Populus tremula L., Fagus sylvatica L., Fagus sylvatica f. salicifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia L., Morus alba L., Ulmus glabra Huds., Betula pendula Roth., Acer platanoides L., Acer negundo L., Acer saccharinum Marshall, Catalpa bignonioides Walter, Tilia cordata Mill., Tilia platyphyllos Scop., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Populus nigra L., Juglans regia L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Ginkgo biloba L. have been created. Some common fragments inherent in individual genera within the family have been found. Conclusions. TBP-method is rather convenient and reliable. It can be used both for molecular genetic marking and for the study of intra- and interspecific polymorphism of economically valuable, horticultural and forest trees.Keywords: TBP-method, β-tubulin introns, tree plants, genetic diversity.

Efficacy of the β-tubulin introns lenght polymorphism method (TBP) was used for Ukrainian bredeed flax cultivars genotyping. For this purpose, TBP data were compared with data produced using the two most effective species-specific SSR markers. Both methods were used to evaluate intra- and intercultivar flax polymorphism. For each cultivar, PIC data (Polymorphism Information Content) and the range of allele lenghts, as well as the number of allele phenotypes, were calculated using TBP and SSR markers. The dendrograms, built using Nei and Li’s similarity coefficient, differ for SSR and TBP markers. Most flax cultivars of Ukrainian selection were genetically heterogeneous. The TBP method was highly efficient for differentiation of flax genotypes versus SSR analysis.

The transcriptomes from different organs and tissues of western poplar, eucalyptus, soybean, and common bean were studied. The expression level of cellulose synthase genes was notably different in different types of tissues and organs in studied plants. For common bean and eucalyptus transcriptome, the domination of certain cellulose synthase genes was typical. These prevailing genes made up more than 50% of the total expression pull of cellulose synthases. On the contrary, cellulose synthase expression pulls of western poplar and soybean were distributed between multiple genes. The different expression strategies of CesA-genes may reflect phylogenetic processes that occurred in genomes studied.

Using bioinformatics analysis, the homologs of genes Sr33 and Sr35 were identified in the genomes of Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, and Triticum urartu. It is known that these genes confer resistance to highly virulent wheat stem rust races (Ug99). To identify amino acid sites important for this resistance, the found homologs were compared with the Sr33 and Sr35 protein sequences. It was found that sequences S5DMA6 and E9P785 are the closest homologs of protein RGAle, a Sr33 gene product, and sequences M7YFA9 (CNL-C) and F2E9R2 are homologs of protein CNL9, a Sr35 gene product. It is assumed that the homologs of genes Sr33 and Sr35, which were obtained from the wild relatives of wheat and barley, can confer resistance to various forms of stem rust and can be used in the future breeding programs aimed at improvement of national wheat varieties.

Genetic diversity of 13 species of the genus Vincetoxicum Wolf found in Ukraine with the use of four of eight nuclear microsatellite markers previously developed for Vincetoxicum atratum from Japan was studied. The number of alleles in studied loci varied in the range from 8 to 25. The expected heterozygosity was 0.690–0.938; the observed heterozygosity varied in the range from 0.205 to 0.806. The total rate of genetic variability of studied species was found to be comparable to the rate of variability of Vincetoxicum atratum from Japan. Microsatellite loci Vinc5, Vinc104, Vinc123, and Vinc124 can be successfully used for estimating the intra- and interspecific polymorphism of the species of genus Vincetoxicum Wolf in Ukraine.

The article discusses the issues of automating the company standards’ development for labor consumption taking into account the projects’ uniqueness and the significant impact of the human factor on labor productivity, which can be indirectly measured at the stage of operational management with the pace and work intensity. In the proposed method, due to the higher frequency of information retrieval and the use of the integrated moving average model (ARIMA), at the early stage of the design work, it is possible to identify and predict their possible deviations from the planned time parameters, and then based on this, analyze and make the corrective management solutions to optimize their time parameters. This approach, combined with the leading design specialists’ expert evaluations, makes it possible to set the planned values for the complexity and duration of work, which are then specified and updated during the specific project’s implementation. The use of the methodology is considered in the context of the application for the collection and processing the large amounts of information of an intelligent design management system (IMS “Design”) developed at DSTU.

The possibility of exploiting carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based nanocarriers to deliver genes into protoplasts, callus and mesophyll explants of plants was examined. Using single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) at the concentration of 20 μg/ml and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) at the concentration of 15 μg/ml genetic transformation of Nicotiana tabacum L. mesophyll protoplasts with plasmid pGreen 0029 was carried out and transient expression of reporter yfp gene in the protoplasts was observed. Using SWCNTs at the concentration of 40 μg/ml and MWCNTs at the concentration of 30 μg/ml genetic transformation of N. tabacum callus and leaf explants with nptII gene as a part of plasmid pGreen 0029 was carried out. As a result plant regeneration on selective medium containing 50 mg/lkanamycin was shown. SWCNTs-based nanocarriers de-onstrated their appli-ability to transform protoplasts as well as walled plant cells. Whereas, MWCNTs-based nano-arriers were suitable only for transformation of proto-lasts due to the limiting role of cellulose walls in cell penetration.

In silico search for the nucleotide sequences encoding cellulose synthases in the flax genome was carried out, together with the comparison of the identified sequences with the orthologous genes in dicotyledonous plants. The analysis resulted in the identification of 32 flax candidate genes, 16 of which encoded cellulose synthases with high possibility rate, while the remaining 16 encoded cellulose synthase-like proteins (Csl). The phylogenetic analysis of the protein products of the cellulose synthase genes allowed dividing them into six groups comprising cellulose synthases of different classes: CesA1/10, CesA3, CesA4, CesA5/6/2/9, CesA7, and CesA8. Paralogous sequences belonging to the classes CesA1/10 and CesA5/6/2/9, associated with the primary cell wall formation, were characterized by the higher intra-class similarity rate, than the orthologous sequences. At the same time, the genes that control cellulose biosynthesis for the secondary cell wall formation constituted distinct clades, CesA4, CesA7, and CesA8. The analysis of the 16 selected flax candidate cellulose synthase genes demonstrated that the flax genome contains at least 12 different variants of cellulose synthase genes, which belong to all six cellulose synthase clades. In such a way, at this stage, the cellulose synthase genes from all ten known CesA classes have been identified in the flax genome; however, their correct attribution to each of these classes requires some additional study.