The structure of the skin and hair in the common hamster, Cricetus cricetus, a species classified as CR (Critically Endangered, IUCN), was studied for the first time using a comprehensive methodological approach (morphometry, histology, light and scanning electron microscopy). The mottled coloration of this species is shown to be determined by a variety of colors of different categories of hairs, from black and white mottled coloration of overhair to zonally colored, monochromatic, or colorless guard and downy hairs. The hairs on the dorsal side of the body are thicker, arranged in irregular rows of small “false” bundles, with the follicles of different hairs lying scattered at different depths and the shafts collected into a common bundle only in the hair funnel. The features of the paired flank (FG) and unpaired midventral (MVG) glands are also considered. The FG represents a glandular field, while the MVG is a saccate organ. The hairs on both types of glands are deformed, which suggests their constant traumatization during marking behavior, lysis, falling out, and incorporation into secretions. The small dark hairs of the central cavity of the MVG have cuticular sinuses, in which the scent secretion of the gland is accumulated. In both types of glands, merocrine hepatoid glands, which add a protein component to the sebaceous secretion, are found for the first time in this species. The holo-merocrine secretion, connective-tissue, and muscular stroma of the FG and MVG differ in detail, suggesting differences in the chemical composition of the glandular parenchyma and the secretions it produces. The structural features of the hair and specific skin glands, as well as their role in the chemical communication of the common hamster are discussed.

This study investigates the Mallomonas adamas species complex in a tropical region using electron microscopy and molecular phylogeny. Analysis of four algal cultures from Vietnam, supplemented by data from two cultures from Europe and one from Australia, all belonging to the M. adamas morphotype, revealed two distinct clades in phylogenetic trees based on SSU rDNA + rbcL cpDNA and ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 rDNA sequences. Based on these results, a new species, Mallomonas imperatoria sp. nov. , is described. Mallomonas imperatoria was found in 22 localities across nine provinces in Vietnam and is also known from Malaysia. This species generally prefers acidic water bodies, including those that are humic-stained, with low mineralization. Thus, findings of this taxon are not very frequent, but it cannot be classified as rare in the tropical region.

The article presents the results of studies of the species composition of phytopathogens of winter soft wheat grain affected by ear fusarium. For the first time, studies were conducted using a complex of electron microscopic, molecular genetics, and mycological methods. The species F. graminearum dominated in all samples (frequency of occurrence 42.8%). The species F. avenaceum (23.3%), F. sporotrichioides and F. equiseti (8.8% each) were noted with high frequency. Next in descending order of frequency of occurrence: F. oxysporum, F. boothii, F. poae, F. proliferatum, F. accumatum, F. incarnatum, F. vorosii, F. tricinctum, F. cerealis, F. sambuticum. For the first time, 7 species were found for the plain zone of the Pre-Caucasus: F. equiseti, F. boothii, F. vorosii, F. cerealis, F. sporotrichioides, F. oxysporum, F. incarnatum.

Essential oils (EOs) of Mentha spicata var. crispa (Benth.) Danert and M. × piperita var. citrata (Ehrh.) Briq. and EO components are widely used in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, hygiene products, the food industry, and other fields, and have a high commercial value. The variety Mentha spicata var. crispa is also used as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive curled leaves. Studying the influence of growing conditions and harvest timing on EO yield and the major compound concentrations is one of the key research directions for Mentha species, aimed at the ascertainment of the ways of increasing EO production and quality. Gas chromatography analysis of the component composition of EOs from leaves of Mentha spicata var. crispa “Kurchavaya” (MscK) showed that it remained stable both in July and September, with carvone predominating (81% and 85%, respectively). In contrast, the EO composition from M. × piperita var. citrata “Apelsinovaya” (MpcA) leaves changed in the course of the vegetation period. In July, menthofuran dominated (30%), while in September, linalool and its acetate were predominant (34% and 47%, respectively), which was typical for this chemotype. At the same time, the content of EOs and the density of glandular trichomes (GTs) (the OE storage sites) in MscK were higher in July and decreased by September, whereas in MpcA, both EO content and the number of GTs increased from July to September. These changes may have been caused by temperature fluctuations. Thus, MscK proved to be more resistant to environmental factors than MpcA.

Using the methods of scanning electron microscopy, morphological and functional features of the mucous membrane of the corners of the mouth in representatives of Bovinae cattle [Bos taurus taurus] with normal and insufficient nutrition and their adaptive significance were revealed. Determination of the morphology of the mucous membrane and its functional structures of the corners of the mouth of ruminants by the specificity of their nutrition and physical condition is shown. Compensatory mechanisms have been identified in the mucous membrane of the corners of the mouth in Bos taurus taurus, caused by poor-quality malnutrition. The ultrastructural features of the architectonics of the mucous membrane and its functional structures of the corners of the mouth and microbiome were revealed in connection with the specific nutritional characteristics of the compared animals. The obtained information can be used in development of the foundations of rational feeding of ruminants, including keeping wild species in captivity and solving the problems of rational nature management and conservation of biodiversity.