ISSN 1996-4536 (Print) ISSN 2311-0783 (Online) ISSN Center responsible for the record: CIEPS — ISSN, Record creation date: 23/12/2013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30970/sbi. Founder & Publisher: Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine Member of Ukrainian Council of Science Editors (UCSE) https://www.ucse.org.ua Editor-in-Chief: Rostyslav S. Stoika Frequency of Publishing: Quarterly* *In some cases, one joint issue (N 3–4) of the journal may be published at the end of year. In that case, the articles will appear for the preview on the journal’s website as soon as they have been accepted by the editorial board. Registration of an Entity in the Field of Print Media: Decision of the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine No. 1877 dated 30.05.2024. Media Identifier R30-04924; included in the List of Scientific Professional Editions of Ukraine, Сategory A (091 – Biological sciences) in which the results of dissertations for obtaining the scientific degrees of Doctor of Sciences, Candidate of Sciences and Doctor of Philosophy can be published according to the Resolution No 768 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated by 20.06.2023. Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica publishes original research articles, review articles, brief reports, reports on technical advances, book reviews, comments on all areas of biological sciences (biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, environmental biology, genetics, medical biology, microbiology, physiology, zoology, agrobiology, etc.). Languages: Ukrainian or English, with Abstracts in both Ukrainian and English. Publication Fee: Publication in the journal Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica is free of charge! Open Access Policy: Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica adopts a platinum open access policy to published content in accordance with the principle of free dissemination of scientific information and global exchange of knowledge for common civil progress (http://www.budapestopenaccessinitiative.org and Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0). Archiving: the full archive of the journal Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica is freely accessible without any restrictions in the National Library of Ukraine named after V. I. Vernadskyi and LOCKSS. The online archive is posted on the portal of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. We accept manuscript submissions for Issue 2, Vol. 20 scheduled for publication in June 2026. Please, pay attention to the changes in the requirements for Abstracts, Materials and Methods, and References. Word Template Indexing: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwjG5ay_z6PnAhXroosKHW-qAJIQFjAAegQIBhAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irbis-nbuv.gov.ua%2Fcgi-bin%2Firbis_nbuv%2Fcgiirbis_64.exe%3FZ21ID%3D%26I21DBN%3DUJRN%26P21DBN%3DUJRN%26S21STN%3D1%26S21REF%3D10%26S21FMT%3Djuu_all%26C21COM%3DS%26S21CNR%3D20%26S21P01%3D0%26S21P02%3D0%26S21P03%3DPREF%3D%26S21COLORTERMS%3D0%26S21STR%3Dbist&usg=AOvVaw2iQ7y3NY32Or_0Q3ou6el3" target="_blank">Scientific Periodicals of Ukraine Scopus DOAJ ROAD CROSSREF WorldCat Google Scholar Index Copernicus Open Ukrainian Citation Index (OUCI) Scilit Dimensions Ukrainian Reference Journal “Dzherelo” Link: URL: publications.ln ... Title DOI: doi.org/10.3097 ... UKRINTEI: http://nfv.ukrintei.ua Google: www.google.com/ ... Bing: www.bing.com/se ... Yahoo: search.yahoo.co ... EBSCO SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online) iDiscover (University of Cambridge) British Library Library Hub Discover
Львівський національний університет імені Івана Франка
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EXPRESSION PATTERNS OF SCOTS PINE DEFENSIN GENES UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES
Background. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a highly adaptable forest species, yet it faces increasing threats from climate-induced droughts despite its natural stress tolerance. To cope with environmental stressors, plants deploy defense mechanisms, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, the role of defensins, a key AMP class, in pine stress responses remains insufficiently explored. Materials and Methods. To investigate the responsiveness of PsDef1–4 genes to environmental stimuli, Scots pine seedlings were exposed to biotic stress (phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium verticillioides F3 and Ophiostoma clavatum B0922, and a beneficial endophytic bacterium Pseudomonas putida P57) and various abiotic stressors, including acidification, cold, heat, drought, salinity, flooding, and heavy metals. Gene expression was analyzed via quantitative RT-PCR. Orthologs of PsDef1–4 were identified in the genome assemblies of Pinus tabuliformis and Pinus taeda. Promoter regions (2 kb upstream) were analyzed for cis-acting regulatory elements using the PlantCARE database. Results and Discussion. In silico analysis of the promoter regions of PtbDef1–4 and PtaDef1,2,4 (orthologs of PsDef1–4) revealed a high proportion (44–57 %) of cis-acting regulatory elements associated with stress responsiveness, suggesting their involvement in plant protection. In vivo gene expression analysis showed that both pathogenic fungi and the endophytic bacterium induced upregulation of PsDef1–4 at 48 h post-inoculation. The responses to abiotic stress varied: drought and flooding increased expression of all four defensin genes, while zinc treatment and cold stress caused strong downregulation. Expression responses to heat, salinity, acidification, and cadmium were gene-specific. Conclusion. Overall, Scots pine defensin genes are responsive not only to pathogenic and beneficial microbes but also to a wide range of abiotic stresses, indicating their broader role in adaptive responses to environmental challenges. These findings highlight defensins as promising candidate genes for breeding programs aimed at developing climate-resilient pine genotypes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yurii Yusypovych, Oleh Kit, Yuliia Shalovylo, Valentina Kovaleva http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
KINETIC MODELLING OF SULFATE ION TRANSPORT THROUGH BAND 3 PROTEIN OF ERYTHROCYTES
Background. Assessment of the kinetic properties of ion transport involving band 3 protein (B3p, AE1) is a sensitive tool for monitoring functional changes in erythrocytes under the influence of external factors. The aim of the work was to study the rate of H+,SO42-/Cl exchange in erythrocytes under osmotic and metabolic stress. To achieve this goal, a mathematical model was developed that uses parameter identification methods based on the results of experimental studies. Materials and Methods. Erythrocytes were incubated in a medium of Na-phosphate buffer (0.015 M, pH 7.4) containing 0.15 M NaCl without glucose. During 3 hours of incubation, the ability of cells to anion exchange, the amount of uptake of SO42-, the level of oxidation of sulfhydryl groups and the content of ligand forms of hemoglobin (Hb) in the membrane-bound fraction were tested. To assess anion exchange, a mathematical model was created that involves the search for kinetic parameters using search optimization methods. Results. The results obtained indicate that under the influence of osmotic and metabolic stress and hypoxia, the work of the anion exchanger AE1 slows down, which is reflected in a decrease in the exchange rate constant HCO3/Cl, Vmax, H+,SO42-/Clexchange. The predicted decrease in the content of SO42--ions in cells is has been confirmed by experimental data. According to the modelling results, incubation of cells leads to activation of the Na+,K+,2Cl cotransporter and Na+/H+ exchanger, and inhibition of the flux through the K+,2Cl cotransporter. Assessment of the composition of membrane-bound hemoglobin indicates that the decrease in the speed of AE1 is due to the formation of the deoxyHb-B3p complex and oxidative processes in cells. Conclusion. The results of mathematical modelling and experimental data indicate the existence of universal O2-dependent mechanisms of regulation of molecular processes in erythrocytes that are based on competition between deoxyHb and other proteins for binding sites with band 3 protein.
Copyright (c) 2025 Olga Dotsenko http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ANDROGEN SYNTHESIZING ACTIVITY OF CRYOPRESERVED TESTICULAR INTERSTITIAL CELLS UPON TRANSPLANTATION
Background. Cells isolated from the testes of mammals and humans can be used for scientific purposes, maintaining certain animal lines and breeds, preserving biological material from endangered species, as well as in reproductive technologies. Most approaches for cryopreserving such cells utilize blood serum (or its derivatives) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This can lead to unstable results, the spread of infections, altered expression of certain cell genes, and the manifestation of DMSO’s toxic effects. In our previous studies, serum-free media for testicular interstitial cells (ICs) were develo­ped; the aim of this work was to investigate their ability to synthesize testo­sterone after cryopreservation. Materials and Methods. ICs were obtained from mature rats via enzymatic digestion and cryopreserved in solutions containing 0.7 M DMSO and 100 mg/mL of one of the following polymers: dextran 40, hydroxyethyl starch, polyethylene oxide, or 1.4 M DMSO and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The cooling rate was 1 °C/min. After cryopreservation, the cells were thawed in a water bath, the DMSO was removed, and their ability for basal and stimulated testosterone synthesis in vitro was assessed. Additionally, ICs were transplanted into castrated animals, and changes in free testosterone blood levels, seminal vesicle weight, and sexual behavior were examined. Results. The capacity for stimulated testosterone synthesis was preserved only in cells cryopreserved in the solution containing dextran 40 (0.7DMSO + D40) and FBS (1.4DMSO + FBS). Cryopreserved ICs enhanced sexual behavior parameters in castrated rats upon transplantation without removing the cryoprotective medium (0.7DMSO + D40), including mount and intromission latency, the mount and intromission frequency, ejaculation ability, and copulatory efficiency. Moreover, they helped maintain free testosterone blood levels and seminal vesicle weight in castrated animals after transplantation. Conclusions. It was demonstrated that ICs cryopreserved in the serum-free medium (0.7DMSO + D40) retained their ability to synthesize and secrete testosterone. Furthermore, the use of 0.7DMSO + D40 allows the immediate use of cells after thawing, bypassing the step of cryoprotectant removal, which could facilitate the translation of experimental protocols into practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oleksandr Pakhomov, Olena Protsenko, Natalia Remnyova, Natalia Tkachenko, Viacheslav Mamontov http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
HOST IMMUNE RESPONSE TO FUNGAL SEPSIS: NEUTROPHIL EXTRACELLULAR TRAPS AND CIRCULATING IMMUNE COMPLEX FORMATION
Background. Sepsis is a major global health problem, with fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans emerging as a significant cause of invasive infection. Fungal sepsis has a higher mortality rate than bacterial sepsis and is complicated by antifungal resistance. Although neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) help to contain fungi, excessive NETs can contribute to inflammation and tissue injury. Understanding these mecha­nisms could reveal markers of disease activity and new therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods. Fungal sepsis was induced in twelve male BALB/c mice via an intraperitoneal injection of Meyerozyma guilliermondii (107 cells per mouse). Blood was collected at the beginning of the study and then on days 1–3, 7–9, and 13–15. Serum was analyzed for IgG, IgM, circulating immune complexes (ELISA), and extracellular DNA (fluorescence assay). Results and Discussion. In mice with fungal sepsis, IgG levels remained stable while IgM levels increased significantly between days 7 and 9, before declining from day 13. IgG–IgM immune complexes peaked around days 8–9, reflecting active antigen-antibody responses. Free DNA levels, which indicate NETs formation, increased by day 7 and then declined, showing early neutrophil activation followed by humoral control. Together, these findings suggest a coordinated immune response in which NETs and immune complexes contribute to both pathogen control and inflammation. Conclusion. Fungal sepsis induced by Meyerozyma guilliermondii resulted in early NETosis and an increase in IgM and immune complexes. IgM levels peaked on days 7–9 before declining. Unlike Candida albicans, this strain does not cause rapid lethality, enabling detailed tracking of disease progression over time. After day 9, immune para­me­ters began to normalize, indicating the resolution of the acute phase and supporting the usefulness of this model for studying host immune dynamics in fungal sepsis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Solomiya Paryzhak, Tetiana Dumych http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EFFECT OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA FRUIT NANO AND ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS IN INDUCED-ATHEROSCLEROTIC RATS
Background. Atherosclerosis is a serious chronic disease that affects many people of all ages and requires continuous medication. To reduce the risk of side effects from these medications, the search for a less harmful natural treatment continues. Materials and Methods. This study was designed to isolate an alcoholic extract from the fruit Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear), which was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Silver nanoparticles were also prepared by loading silver nitrate onto the alcoholic extract, and their formation was verified by monitoring colour change, FESEM, and FT-IR, respectively. The effects of these extracts were studied in male atherosclerotic rats by assessing glucose, lipid profile, liver, and kidney function as well as troponin, myoglobin, and creatine kinase. Results. HPLC analysis of the alcoholic extract showed polyphenol compounds: gallic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, rutin, kaempferol, cinnamic acid, tannic acid at concentrations of 88.9, 80.6, 45.2, 74.6, 50.6, 12.6, 20.7 μg/kg of prickly pear fruit, respectively. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles produced a distinct colour change when the mixture was kept in a cold, dark place. FESEM indicated the presence of spherical nanoparticles with a size of 25 nm. The FT-IR also showed peak shifts when comparing the alcoholic extract with the nano-extract. The alcoholic extract produced a lower effect on lipid profiles, cardiac markers, creatinine levels, liver functions, and lipid peroxidation compared to the atherosclerotic control. Also, the nano-extract reduced the levels of kidney and liver function tests, as well as lipid peroxidation, lipid profiles, troponin, and creatine kinase-MB. The results also showed an increase in glutathione levels in atherosclerotic rats treated with the extracts compared to the untreated atherosclerotic control group. Conclusion. High levels of polyphenol compounds were found in the alcoholic extract of prickly pear fruit. The results demonstrated that silver nanoparticle extract was more effective than the alcoholic extract in most parameters. These findings suggest that such extracts may reduce symptoms or complications of this disease.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmed Ali Al-Alfayyadh, Nashwan Ibrahem Al-Lehebe, Nameer Saadallah Ezzat http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
HEART RATE VARIABILITY FOR EVALUATING COGNITIVE STRESS IN HEALTHY STUDENTS: THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL
Background. The impact of adaptation to physical loads on heart rate variability (HRV) responses during cognitive or emotional stress remains insufficiently studied. This study aimed to examine changes in HRV parameters among individuals with differing levels of adaptation to speed-strength physical loads while performing complex visual-motor reaction (VMR) tasks. Materials and Methods. The study compared HRV metrics between trained males (22 karate athletes, Group T) and untrained males (26 students, Group UT). Groups did not differ significantly in age and anthropometric parameters. HRV was recorded both at rest and during three complex visual-motor choice reaction (VMCR) tests involving increasing numbers of stimuli – VMCR60, VMCR90, and VMCR120. The following HRV indices were calculated: the heart rate (HR), the standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), the percentage of successive interval pairs differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50), the length of the short axis of the Poincaré plot (SD1), and the length of the long axis of the Poincaré plot (SD2) Results and Discussion. At rest, values of SDNN, SD1, RMSSD, and pNN50 were 11.80–43.01 % higher in group T than in group UT (p < 0.05), while HR was 7.40 % lower in group T (p <0.05). A tendency towards the prevalence of persons with dominance of sympathetic tone within the group UT was observed. During VMCR tasks, HRV parameters changed in both groups. Specifically, SDNN decreased by 38–42 % (p <0.01), with a more pronounced reduction in group T. We found a nearly significant strong negative correlation between SDNN reduction and the number of stimuli in the VMCR tests (r = -0.99, p = 0.10) in group UT. During the VMCR tasks, group T showed significant decreases in RMSSD (p <0.01) and pNN50 (p = 0.03), whereas no significant changes were observed in group UT. A nearly significant strong negative correlation was found between pNN50 and the number of stimuli in group UT (r = -0.99, p = 0.08), in contrast to group T. The SD1 decreased significantly during the VMCR tasks in both groups (p <0.01), with a nearly significant correlation between these changes and the number of stimuli in group T (r = -0.995, p = 0.06) and group UT (r = -0.992, p = 0.07). The effect of VMCR on SD1 was more pronounced in group T. Furthermore, SD2 significantly decreased during VMCR in both groups (p <0.01), with larger reductions observed in group T. Analysis of HRV at rest suggests that adaptation to speed-strength training is associated with an enhanced parasympathetic tone. Under cognitive load, there is a shift toward increased sympathetic activity. These changes are more pronounced and occur more rapidly in trained individuals, as indicated by the progressive alterations in specific HRV parameters among the untrained group during the sequential series of tests. Conclusion. Individuals adapted to speed-strength training exhibited higher parasympathetic activity at rest and more efficient sympathetic responses to cognitive load, indicating superior autonomic regulation adaptability compared to untrained individuals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariia Fedkiv, Lyubomyr Vovkanych, Bogdan Kindzer http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF RATS UNDER ORAL EXPOSURE TO 2,6-DIMETHYL-N-PYRIDINE OXIDE (IVIN) IN THE ROTAROD TEST
Background. Environmental and human lifestyle pollution with industrial chemicals, intensification of production, a long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychogenic stress lead to the occurrence of a variety of somatic diseases, fatigue, and memory disorders. This may be due to a reduced non-specific resistance and functional reserves of an organism, as well as the development of stressful conditions. Therefore, a current priority in preventive toxicology is the search for synthetic substances with adaptogenic properties that can enhance the immune system’s resistance to adverse effects. In this regard, the task of this study was to investigate the physical activity of rats under the influence of 2,6-dimethylpyridine N-oxide (Ivin) and under conditions of additional chemical load with сhlorpyrifos. The aim of the research was to study the Ivin’s effect on the motor activity and coordination of Wistar Hannover rats and on the resistance of an organism to an additional chemical agent load. Materials and Methods. 2,6-dimethylpyridine N-oxide, 99.9% (Ivin) was chosen for the study. Adaptogen Eleutherococcus was used as a comparison agent. The study was conducted on 50 male Wistar Hannover rats divided into 5 groups (10 rats per group): 1 – intact animals (not treated male rats), 2 – control animals (trained male rats were treated with distilled water as a vehicle), in groups 3 and 4 rats were treated with Ivin at doses of 13.0 and 0.013 mg/kg (1/100 and 1/100000 LD50), respectively, 5 – male rats were treated with Eleutherococcus (as a positive control) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The exposure period with oral administration lasted for 28 days. The physical activity of rats was studied using the rotarod test. Following the completion of Ivin treatment, the animals in the same experimental groups were administered chlorpyrifos (CHP) at a single dose of 37.5 mg/kg to evaluate their physical activity under conditions of an additional toxic load. Results and Сonclusions. It was found that the time spent by rats on a rota­ting cylin­der increased by more than 11 and 10 times after a single exposure to Ivin at a dose of 13.0 mg/kg and 0.013 mg/kg, respectively. Following 14 and 28 days of exposure to Ivin at a dose of 0.013 mg/kg, the covered distance was increased by 172.7 % and 291.5 %, and the time spent on the rod was increased by 2.5 and 3.5 times, respectively, in comparison with intact animals. Significantly relevant changes in the parameters caused by eleutherococcus were observed after the 28-day exposure. After admini­stration of CHP at a dose of 37.5 mg/kg to intact and control (trained) rats, the time spent on the rod decreased by almost 2 times. In groups of animals that received CHP in combination with Ivin, the riding time of the rats was 27–30 % higher compared to the effect of the combination of eleutherococcus reference drug and CHP. Thus, Ivin at a 13 mg/kg single exposure, and at a 0.013 mg/kg single and long-term exposure significantly increases the time spent by rats on a rotating rod (rotarod test), which indicates an increase in motor activity, balance, and muscle strength of animals. The efficacy of Ivin was comparable to, or greater than that of the reference drug, eleutherococcus. chlorpyrifos significantly reduces the physical activity of intact and control (physically trained) rats in the rotarod test. Ivin, at the tested doses, dimini­shed the negative effect of chlorpyrifos on the physical performance of rats, indicating an increase of the organism resistance to additional chemical load.
Copyright (c) 2025 Olesia Vasetska, Inna Rashkivska, Mykola Prodanchuk http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ACCUMULATION OF MINERAL ELEMENTS IN THE LONGISSIMUS DORSI MUSCLE OF BULLS OF DIFFERENT AGES AND BREEDS
Background. In the context of growing demand for higher-quality food, it is imperative to determine the biological value and safety of beef based on the level of vital trace elements. There is limited knowledge about the course of their formation, which underscores the need for further in-depth research in this area. Materials and Methods. The object of the research was samples of the Longissimus dorsi muscle of bulls of six breeds of cattle of dairy and combined productivity. The calcium content in the samples was determined by the complexometric method. The phosphorus content was determined by the colorimetric method using a photoelectric colorimeter. The content of other trace elements was determined by the standardized atomic absorption method using an AAS-30 spectrophotometer (Sagle Zeiss, Germany) at the research base of the Testing Center of the Institute of Animal Science of the NAAS, accredited by the National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine, in accordance with the requirements of DSTU EN ISO/IEC 17025:2019. Results. The findings indicate that the age factor is associated with the accumulation of mineral elements in muscle tissue, while breed plays a key role in regulating overall mineral metabolism. Studies of the mineral composition of the Longissimus dorsi muscle of bulls at different growth stages identified 12 elements, five of which were classified as macroelements (Ca, P, Mg, K, and Na), and seven as trace elements (Cu, Co, Mn, Zn, Fe, Pb, and Cd). The concentrations of these elements varied within a fairly wide range but did not exceed the maximum permissible levels established for cattle meat. The content of such heavy metals as lead and cadmium in the meat of mature, intensively raised 21-month-old steers was significantly lower than in the veal of 3-month-old steers. Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the absence of natural changes in the content of all trace elements during different growth periods. Only specific features of accumulation for each trace element and growth period were revealed, which does not contradict the general trend of similarity of the mineral composition of the meat of dairy and combined bulls. The content of lead and cadmium in the meat of mature, intensively raised 21-month-old steers was significantly lower than in the veal of 3-month-old steers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Stepan Michalchenko, Igor Korkh, Anatoliy Paliy, Nataliia Boiko, Kateryna Rodionova, Alyona Siabro, Olena Pavlichenko, Andriy Kudriashov, Natalia Palii, Tetiana Holubieva http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ADAPTABILITY OF SOYBEAN UNDER COMPLEX TREATMENT WITH BIOPREPARATIONS OF DIFFERENT NATURE IN CONDITIONS OF ORGANIC FARMING AND HYDROTHERMAL STRESS
Background. In organic farming conditions and increasing hydrothermal stress, the use of biological preparations as effective tools for improving the adaptability of soybeans is becoming particularly relevant. The integrated application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and phytohormonal regulators allows activa­ting the plant physiological and biochemical processes. This biotechnological approach provides mitigation of the negative impact of hydrothermal stresses and maintains crop productivity even under unfavorable growing conditions. Materials and Methods. The object of the study is the total chlorophyll content, leaf surface area, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, as well as the productivity of soybeans Khorol variety under unstable moisture conditions and influenced by rhizosphere microorganisms and various phytohormones in the composition of the biopreparations. Field, laboratory (physiological, biochemical), and statistical methods were used. Results. The use of biopreparations improved biochemical, physiological, and morphological properties, as well as soybean productivity, indicating an improved plant status. The highest levels of total Chl (a+b) content were recorded in 2023 under the combined application of Mycofriend, Profix, and Violar, showing an average increase of 42.3 % and 26.7 % compared to the control, respectively. The leaf area reached 29.24 thousand m²/ha, while the yield amounted to 3.23 t/ha, exceeding the control by 28.9 % and 47.5 %, respectively. The elevated proline content (7.27 mg/g) and a lower MDA level (7.14 mg/g) during stress reflect reduced oxidative damage and better osmoregulation due to the synergistic action of mycorrhiza, rhizobia, and phytohormones. Conclusion. The complex application of biopreparations (Mycofriend + Profix + Violar) in the organic cultivation system of the soybean Khorol variety promotes the activation of physiological and biochemical processes, increasing productivity and plant stress resistance under hydrothermal stress conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tetiana Chaika, Iryna Korotkova, Ganna Pospielova, Ninel Kovalenko, Victor Liashenko http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BIOCLIMATIC CONSTRAINTS AND EDAPHIC PREFERENCES OF WHEAT: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUITABILITY FORECASTING UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE
Background. Understanding how environmental factors influence the spatial suita­bility of wheat is critical for sustaining productivity under climate change. In regions like Ukrainian Polissia and the Forest-Steppe, where climatic and soil gradients are strong, changes in agroecological conditions may substantially affect cultivation potential. While global studies exist, regional assessments that integrate both climate and soil data remain limited. Identifying key environmental drivers and their response patterns supports targeted adaptation and land use planning, helping ensure food security in a changing climate. Materials and Methods. The spatial suitability of wheat cultivation in the Polissia and Forest-Steppe regions of Ukraine was assessed using agroecological modelling. We compiled a dataset of observed wheat cover from official agricultural statistics. The environmental predictors included 19 bioclimatic variables (WorldClim), soil properties (texture, pH, and organic matter content), and topographic factors. Multicollinearity was reduced via principal component analysis and correlation filtering. Four modelling approaches: ordinary least squares (OLS), ridge regression, generalised additive models (GAM), and random forest (RF), were applied to identify key predictors and response patterns. Results and Discussion. Among the tested models, random forest provided the highest accuracy, followed by GAM and ridge regression, while OLS lagged behind. Key predictors of wheat suitability included warm-quarter temperature (bio10), growing seasonal precipitation, and soil factors, such as pH, clay content, and bulk density. Wheat showed clear sensitivity to high summer temperatures, with response curves revealing nonlinear, bell-shaped patterns indicative of ecological optima. Climate projections suggest a northward shift and fragmentation of suitable areas, especially under SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. While marginal gains are possible short-term, long-term suita­bility is likely to decline in the southern and central zones. These findings underscore the need to integrate climatic and soil data in regional planning and to support adaptation through targeted crop relocation and variety selection. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the spatial suitability of wheat in Ukraine’s Polissia and Forest-Steppe regions is strongly influenced by both bioclimatic and edaphic factors. Random forest modelling proved the most effective for capturing complex environmental responses. Climate change projections indicate a northward shift and reduction of suitable areas, emphasising the need for adaptive land-use strate­gies. Integrating climate and soil data into agroecological assessments is critical for anticipating risks, guiding crop management decisions, and ensuring long-term food security in vulnerable agricultural landscapes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yurii Nykytiuk, Oksana Kravchenko, Dmytro Vyskushenko, Andriy Pitsil, Oksana Komorna, Igor Bezvershuck http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RECORDS OF PARDOSA SALTANS TÖPFER-HOFMANN, 2000 (ARANEAE, LYCOSIDAE) IN UKRAINE
Background. The paper addresses the challenge of distinguishing two morphologically similar species of the Pardosa lugubris species group, namely Pardosa lugubris (Walckenaer, 1802) and Pardosa saltans Töpfer-Hofmann, 2000. To date, P. saltans has not been included in any published summarized lists of spiders in Ukraine. However, it can be assumed that the range encompasses the country because it extends across Europe, from Spain and Ireland to Southern European Russia and Georgia. Consequently, a revision of the collections was conducted with two objectives: confirming P. saltans distribution in Ukraine and verifying the accuracy of identifications of P. lugubris, one of the most abundant species in the family Lycosidae. Materials and Methods. The revision was based on materials collected between 1999 and 2024 from six administrative regions in the western territories of Ukraine and covers such physiographic regions as Volhynian and Male Polissia, Roztochia and the Volhynian-Podolian Uplands, the Eastern Carpathian Foothills, and the Carpathians. Isolated male palps and dissected cleared epigyne/vulvae were examined. Species identification was conducted using appropriate descriptions and keys. Results. The taxonomic revision confirmed the correct identification of P. lugubris in most localities across six regions (oblasts) in the west of Ukraine. The first records of P. saltans from Volyn, Lviv, and Rivne oblasts have been documented. These are also the species’ first confirmed records within Volhynian Polissia and the Volhynian-Podolian Uplands. Photographs of the spiders’ body parts displaying the diagnostic features of the species were provided. Verified localities for P. lugubris and P. saltans were plotted on a map. Conclusion. Given the occurrence of P. saltans in different regions of Ukraine and its locally high population densities, the results of this study confirm the need to review collection materials of Pardosa lugubris (s. lato) to isolate individuals of P. saltans and ensure the differentiation of the two species during the initial processing of samples from the country.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anna Hirna, Olena Lopatka http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DYNAMICS OF SPECIES COMPOSITION IN THE HERBACEOUS-SUBSHRUB LAYER OF PEDUNCULATE OAK (QUERCUS ROBUR L.) PLANTATIONS FOLLOWING CANOPY CLOSURE IN A MOIST, RELATIVELY FERTILE SITE TYPE IN ZHYTOMYR POLISSIA
Background. In recent decades, the area of mature oak forests in Ukraine has been declining due to clear felling. Additionally, the existing network of protected areas is insufficient to encompass the full diversity of natural oak forests. Given these challenges, research is needed to assess plant diversity in forest plantations of different ages established after clear felling, based on forest site type classification. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in the Dyvlyn Forestry, part of the Branch “Luhyny Forestry” of the State Specialized Forest Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” in Zhytomyr Region, Ukraine. The species composition was examined in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) plantations of different ages (10 years and 60 years) and old-aged natural forests (120 years) in moist relatively fertile forest sites. Geobotanical, forestry, and silvicultural methods were employed for data collection and analysis. Results. This study determined the species composition of herbaceous and subshrubby plants in a 120-year-old natural oak forest Quercetum (roboris) franguloso (alni) cаricosum (brizoides). The herbaceous-subshrub layer exhibits considerable species diversity, with 15–28 species in 120-year-old natural oak forests, 35–47 species in 60-year-old plantations, and 35–51 species in 10-year-old plantations. Conclusions. The projective ground vegetation cover was found to be 80–90 % in 120-year-old oak stands and 80–85 % in 10-year-old plantations. The results indicate a predominance of forest species in all stands, with the lowest proportion recorded in 10-year-old plantations (68 %). In contrast, 60-year-old plantations and mature oak forests exhibited nearly identical proportions of forest species (91 and 90 %). The Sørensen similarity index between the herbaceous-subshrub species composition of 10-year-old plantations and 120-year-old forests was 0.51, increasing to 0.66 when comparing 60-year-old plantations with mature stands. The advance regeneration of tree species comprised 6–8 species in 10-year-old plantations, 4–5 species in 60-year-old plantations, and 5–7 species in mature oak forests. It was found that the understory (shrub species) closure varied, reaching 50 % in 10-year-old plantations, 40–50 % in 60-year-old plantations, and 50–60 % in the natural oak forest.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ihor Ivanyuk, Tetiana Ivaniuk, Volodymyr Krasnov, Oleh Zhukovskyi, Iryna Patseva http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0