This study presents the results of the development of numerical models for predicting the timing of apricot flowering, including using experimental data on the emergence of plants from a state of deep dormancy. The best results of approximation of the process of accumulation of the necessary cooling in the autumn–winter period were obtained using the sigmoidal function. Models that take into account the combined effect of temperature and photoperiod on the processes of spring development showed a high accuracy of the process of accumulation of thermal units. Based on the results of testing, two models were selected with an accuracy of 3.0 days for the start of flowering and the absence of a systematic bias, which can be considered a good quality assessment These models describe well the interannual variability of apricot flowering dates and can be used to predict these dates. The discrepancy is no more than 2–4 days in 87–89% of cases. Estimates of the timing of flowering and the end of deep dormancy are very important for increasing the profitability of fruit production in the South of Russia without incurring additional costs, by minimizing the risks associated with irrational crop placement and the selection of varieties without taking into account the specifics of climate change. When constructing a system of protective measures and dates of treatments, it is also necessary to take into account the calendar dates of the shift in the development of plants.

This study explores the application of computer vision for enhancing the selection of rootstock-graft combinations and detecting diseases in grape seedlings. Computer vision has various applications in viticulture, but publications and research have not reported the use of computer vision in rootstock-graft selection, which defines the novelty of this research. This paper presents elements of the technology for applying computer vision to rootstock-graft combinations and includes an analysis of grape seedling cuttings. This analysis allows for a more accurate determination of the compatibility between rootstock and graft, as well as the detection of potential seedling diseases. The utilization of computer vision to automate the grafting process of grape cuttings offers significant benefits in terms of increased efficiency, improved quality, and reduced costs. This technology can replace manual labor and ensure economic efficiency and reliability, among other advantages. It also facilitates monitoring the development of seedlings to determine the appropriate planting time. Image processing algorithms play a vital role in automatically determining seedling characteristics such as trunk diameter and the presence of any damage. Furthermore, computer vision can aid in the identification of diseases and defects in seedlings, which is crucial for assessing their overall quality. The automation of these processes offers several advantages, including increased efficiency, improved quality, and reduced costs through the reduction of manual labor and waste. To fulfill these objectives, a unique robotic assembly line is planned for the grafting of grape cuttings. This line will be equipped with two conveyor belts, a delta robot, and a computer vision system. The use of computer vision in automating the grafting process for grape cuttings offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency, quality improvement, and cost reduction. By incorporating image processing algorithms and advanced robotics, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the viticulture industry. Thanks to training a computer vision system to analyze data on rootstock and graft grape varieties, it is possible to reduce the number of defects by half. The implementation of a semi-automated computer vision system can improve crossbreeding efficiency by 90%. Reducing the time spent on pairing selection is also a significant advantage. While manual selection takes between 1 and 2 min, reducing the time to 30 s using the semi-automated system, and the prospect of further automation reducing the time to 10–15 s, will significantly increase the productivity and efficiency of the process. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the integration of computer vision technology in grape grafting processes brings several other advantages. One notable advantage is the increased accuracy and precision in pairing selection. Computer vision algorithms can analyze a wide range of factors, including size, shape, color, and structural characteristics, to make more informed decisions when matching rootstock and graft varieties. This can lead to better compatibility and improved overall grafting success rates.

The research activities of Dr. K. F. Kostina, a well-known expert in fruit plants in Russia, are also familiar to the international scientific community. A State Prize Laureate and Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, she developed a classification of common apricot varieties and forms, based on their botanical and geographic features, identifying the Central Asian, Iranian-Caucasian, European, and Dzungar-Trans-Ili groups, thus contributing to the progress of Southern Russia’s horticulture. The Chinese group was added somewhat later. Over 48 apricot and 32 cherry plum cultivars, developed with Dr. Kostina’s participation, enabled the cultivation of these fruit trees in various regions. Klavdia F. Kostina promoted N. I. Vavilov’s approaches to the study of wild fruit plant species, which helped to expand the cultivated assortment and use their habitats as a source for selecting and exploiting the most promising genotypes in breeding practice. She worked on the methods suited for the expansion of apricot and cherry plum commercial plantations, all but nonexistent in Russia prior to the 1950s. Her active involvement in the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy (VDNKh) was recognized with numerous gold medal awards.

Background . The apricot crop has a very short period of winter dormancy, and in terms of the speed of springtime development of generative buds, it is the leader among stone fruit crops. In the southern fruit-growing zones, warming is often observed in January – February, which helps the plant to emerge from deep dormancy and start vegetating. Apricot flower buds and flowers perish in the winter-spring period with minor subsequent cold snaps, which is often the main limiting factor in industrial cultivation. Materials and methods . The material consisted of 53 apricot genotypes developed by breeders at the Nikita Botanical Gardens, growing on the southern coast of Crimea (Yalta). The control was the zoned and widespread cultivar ‘Krymsky Amur’. Artificial freezing of branches was performed in a Memmert CTC-256 climate chamber (Germany) under different temperature conditions. Each freezing was considered one variant of the experiment. Then, the percentage of dead buds was calculated. Results . The effect of winter frosts and recurrent spring frosts on 53 promising cultivars and breeding forms of apricot was assessed. The degree of their frost resistance was established under various temperature conditions and taking into account their morphogenesis. The analysis of the statistical processing of the freezing results showed that seven of the studied 53 apricot genotypes significantly exceeded the control cultivar ‘Krymsky Amur’ in terms of frost resistance. Conclusion . Two cultivars with increased frost resistance and slow development rates of their generative system were selected. Taking into account their other characteristics (yield, fruit quality, resistance to diseases, drought, etc.), these genotypes can be used in breeding for frost resistance, and may be introduced into commercial production.

The aim of the study was to develop a methodology for calculating and optimizing devices for the magnetic exploration of fossils containing materials with a high magnetic permeability. The proposed technique is based on the calculation of electrostatic fields perturbed by conducting bodies and of magnetic fields perturbed by ferromagnets with a high magnetic permeability. It uses an integral equation of the first kind. This technique is preferable to the technique consisting in the use of an integral equation of the second kind, since in the situation under consideration, the latter does not have a unique solution and requires transformation. Prospects for the development of this area allow one to bring geophysical services to the service market on a new scientific and technical production level; reduce the environmental burden on nature by replacing magnetometric measurements with energy-saving, environmentally safe technology; and ensure the export potential of magnetometric equipment.