There has been carried out an estimation of promising spring wheat lines of the species Triticum sphaerococcum (sphaerococcum wheat, T.sph) in a competitive variety testing in Tatarstan in 2022–2023, in comparison with the sphaerococcum wheat variety ‘Sakara’ and the common wheat variety ‘Yoldyz’ (standard of the State Variety Commission). Productivity of the promising lines was inferior to the standard spring common wheat variety ‘Yoldyz’ by 23–31 %. The productivity of these lines in 2022 did not differ significantly from the sphaerococcum wheat variety ‘Sakara’ and amounted to 3.27...3.89 t/ha. In 2023, productivity of the lines ‘Sh-359-11-8-2’ and ‘Sh-15-15-28’ was significantly higher compared to the variety ‘Sakara’ by 0.56 t/ha and by 0.31 t/ha, respectively. The developed lines T.sph have a high protein and gluten percentage in grain. The protein percentage in grain averaged from 16.2 % for the line ‘Sh-15-15-13’ to 19.2 % for the line ‘Sh-15-15-12’, gluten percentage in grain ranged from 30.2 % for the line ‘Sh-15-15-13’ to 33.5 % for the line ‘Sh-15-15-28’, which corresponds to the standards of “strong wheat”. The lines T.sph have a large grain size of 805–813 g/l, which is significantly higher than that of the variety ‘Sakara’. The line ‘Sh-359-11-8-2’ has 1000-grain weight of 35.8 g, at the level of the common wheat variety ‘Yoldyz’, other lines are inferior in 1000-grain weight to the variety ‘Yoldyz’ by 3.7...11.6 g. The line ‘Sh-15-15-28’ has the maximum grain uniformity of 95.9 %, which is significantly higher than that of the varieties ‘Yoldyz’ and ‘Sakara’ by 10.4 and 12.6 %, respectively. The lines T.sph differ significantly according to the rheological properties of the dough. The flour strength varied from 95 u.a. of the line ‘Sh-15-15-12’ to 300 u.a. of the line ‘Sh-359-11-8-2’, the degree of dough dilution was from 26 u.f. of the line ‘Sh-359-11-8-2’ to 113 u.f. of the line ‘Sh-15-15-13’. According to protein and gluten percentage, dough dilution and resilience, and P/L ratio, the line ‘Sh-359-11-8-2’ meets the classification standards of “excellent improver.” The general baking assessment for the lines T.sph was 4.25–4.74 points, and the baked bread was of good quality.

The current paper has presented the results of environmental testing of various winter common wheat varieties in 2018–2020 and given an estimation of their productivity. The purpose of the study was to evaluate winter common wheat varieties of different geographical origin according to a set of adaptability indicators in the soil and climatic conditions of the Kursk region to use them as initial material for the development of new adapted and highly productive varieties. The material for the research was 16 winter common wheat varieties among which the varieties ‘Gubernator Dona’, ‘Bogema’, ‘Donmira’ and ‘Oktava 15’ developed by the FSBSI “Federal Rostov Agrarian Research Center”; the varieties ‘Yuka’, ‘Grom’, ‘Vekha’, ‘Svarog’, ‘Akhmat’ and ‘Dolya’ developed by the FSBSI “National Grain Center named after P. P. Lukyanenko”; the varieties ‘Volny Don’, ‘Krasa Dona’, ‘Donskaya Step’, ‘Volnitsa’ and ‘Etyud’ developed by the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”. The standard was the variety ‘Lgovskaya 4’ developed by the Lgov experimental breeding station of the branch of the FSBSI “ARRISS named after A. L. Mazlumov”. The index of environmental conditions developed differently. There were unfavorable conditions for yield formation in 2019 (I_j = -1.01), and favorable ones in 2018 (I_j = 0.28) and 2020 (I_j = 0.74). According to the conducted study, the winter wheat varieties ‘Vekha’ and ‘Akhmat’ were of maximum experimental productivity with 7.49 and 7.67 t/ha, had high genetic flexibility (Ymin + Ymax)/2 = 7.54 and 7.97, and the indices of environmental adaptability IEA were 1.16 and 1.17. The variety ‘Donskaya Step’ is characterized by high yield stability (S²d = 0.003; Сv = 1.47 %; Hom = 418.89; PUSS = 613.0) and stress resistance (Ymin – Ymax = -0.22). It can be recommended to use the isolated genotypes in breeding for high productivity and adaptability of varieties.

The current paper has presented a comparative evaluation of productivity and grain quality of spring barley varieties in the Primorsky Territory. The study was conducted at the FSBSI "FRC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A. K. Chaika” in the laboratory for breeding grain and groat crops in 2019–2022. The objects were 18 spring barley varieties of various origins, such as ‘Vostochny’, ‘Primorsky 89’, ‘Primorsky 98’, ‘Tikhookeansky’, ‘Primorets’, ‘Primorsky 100’ developed in the Primorsky Krai; ‘Melius’, ‘Kreshendo’, ‘Despina’, ‘Margaret’, ‘Laurite’, ‘Kal’kul’, ‘Greis’, ‘Charls’, ‘Salome’ developed in Germany; ‘Orlan’, ‘Medikum 157’ develop in the Samara region and ‘Bulat’ developed in the Stavropol region. Over the years of study, the studied varieties were characterized by a wide range of yield variability from 2.0 to 6.7 t/ha, with an average of 3.3–4.6 t/ha. According to the study results the variety ‘Greis’ was the best with maximum productivity (4.6 t/ha), high adaptability (b_i = 1.0 and S²d_i = 0.0) and biochemical indicators of protein and starch percentage (7.3 % and 57.6 % respectively). In the monsoon climate of the Primorsky Krai, the varieties ‘Primorets’, ‘Laurite’, ‘Orlan’ are of great interest for breeding for environmental adaptability, characterized by stability and responsiveness to improving growing conditions. The spring barley varieties ‘Tikhookeansky’ and ‘Margaret’ are better to be grown on an extensive background (b_i < 1.0), where the greatest feedback can be obtained from them with a minimum of costs. One of the important indicators of varieties’ adaptability is environmental sustainability (U_min–U_max). The smaller the gap between the maximum and minimum yields, the higher the stress resistance of the variety and the wider the range of its adaptive capabilities. A high level of stress resistance (-0.7) was identified in the variety ‘Primorsky 100’ (from the Primorsky Krai). The mean productivity of varieties under contrasting (stressful and non-stressful) conditions (U₁+U₂/2) means their genetic flexibility. The variety ‘Melius’ (from Germany) was found to have maximum ratio between the genotype and environmental factors (4.8), and the highest homeostatic index (Hom – 101).

The main sown areas in the Republic of Crimea are occupied by winter grain crops. The study conducted by Crimean scientists over many years and confirmed in production has shown that productivity of winter grain crops is unstable and varies significantly in years with different weather conditions. The difference in productivity is also found to depend on a variety. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the main elements of productivity and yield of new winter common wheat varieties developed by the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” in the contrasting weather conditions of the steppe Crimea. The current paper has summed up the results of the long-term study of winter common wheat cultivation and identified the varieties most adapted to dry conditions. The trials were carried out on the fields of the FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture in Crimea” after black fallow in the years of different weather conditions (2018–2023). The objects of research were 12 winter common wheat varieties from the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”, the standard variety being ‘Ermak’. The registration area of the experimental plots was 25 m² . The placement of plots was systematic and repeated four times. The wheat sowing rate was 5 million pcs. of germin. grains per hectare. The trials and statistical processing were performed according to the methods of B. A. Dospekhov and the State Variety Testing. The study of winter wheat varieties bred by the ARC “Donskoy” has shown their different responses to the contrasting weather conditions of Crimea from the early periods of plant growth and development up to the formation of basic productivity indicators. Under unfavorable conditions of 2020, the mean productivity of varieties was 3.90 t/ha; in 2019, 2022 and 2023 it exceeded 5.0 t/ha. The study has made it possible to identify varieties with maximum productivity, such as ‘Donskaya Step’ (5.38 t/ha) and ‘Razdolie’ (5.33 t/ha). The main component of the productivity of the variety ‘Donskaya Step’ was grain weight per ear, and that of variety ‘Razdolie’ was a productive stem.

According to the Law “On Seed Production”, all varieties or hybrids included in the state register shall be provided for genetic passports, as well as making a list of plants’ species, the production of which is aimed at ensuring food security. However, the use of morphological characteristics does not allow distinguishing genetically similar samples, identifying hidden genetic variability and ensuring control of the homogeneity of the initial material. In connection with these limitations, the purpose of the current work was to develop approaches for the selection of molecular genetic mic- rosatellite markers (SSR markers) to differentiate common wheat varieties. In accordance with the purpose, there has been conducted a literature review regarding methods for genetic certification and evaluation of the diversity of spring common wheat based on polymorphism of microsatellite loci, and there has been generated a set of Triticum aestivum genome assemblies from the NCBI Gen Bank. Based on the literature data, there have been selected the most polymorphic SSR markers using the invented algorithm. The analysis of databases of SSR markers in the genome of common wheat using bioinformatics methods allowed establishing a minimal discriminatory set of 20 markers that can detect 419 different alleles in Triticum aestivum. The results obtained can become the necessary theoretical foundation for further practical research.

Chlorophyll in a flag leaf is an important indicator of drought resistance of wheat. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of chlorophyll content may accelerate breeding for drought tolerance. The current paper has presented the analysis results of the state of the pigment complex of flag leaves of winter common wheat samples and their effect on productivity under various growing conditions. The trials were carried out in the laboratory for cell breeding in 2021–2023. There were studied 11 winter wheat samples, developed in the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy”. The purpose of the work was to identify the possibility of using indicators of photosynthetic pigments as traits responsible for drought resistance and high productivity. The study of the reaction of the pigment complex of winter wheat plants was carried out in the flowering phases and milk-ripe stages of grain. The quantitative content of chlorophyll pigment was determined by the I. G. Shmatko method (1976). Varieties’ testing for drought resistance on a growing plot was conducted according to the V. V. Maimistov method (1988). Having analyzed the ratio of chlorophyll content (a+b, a/b) and productivity under drought conditions in comparison with optimal conditions, there have been identified the varieties ‘Donchak’ (98.4, 84.0 and 81.4 %), ‘Razgulay’ (83.3, 80.8 and 70.9 %), ‘Flagman’ (87.9, 76.2 and 82.7 %) and the line ‘597/18’ (98.5, 87.6 and 75.2 %). The identified samples were characterized by high preservation of the total pigment in both phases with a slight productivity decrease. The lines ‘1762/17’ (43.3 and 79.2 %), ‘2060/17’ (71.1 and 79.2 %), ‘597/18’ (76.1 and 75.2 %) and ‘1724/18’ (75.0 and 79.7 %), which combined a minimal productivity and chlorophyll a/b ratio decrease, had a high adaptability under drought conditions.

Over a period of 5 years, there was conducted a series of trials on the use of γ-irradiation of the female gametophyte of spring common wheat before remote hybridization with maize to study the effect of the phytohormonal changes during irradiation at various doses on ovaries’ growth after pollination with maize. Optimal timing of work on castration, irradiation, and pollination with maize pollen were established. It has been concluded that it is necessary to conduct such experiments in controlled conditions of a climatic chamber to avoid additional stress during fertilization and development of an embryo. The best results in ovaries’ growth were obtained (7.89–11.30 % of developed ovaries) with γ-irradiation in the dose from 3 to 15 Gy. There have been found changes in the level of various phytohormones and the possible influence of these changes on ovaries’ setting and growth, as potential sources of haploid and apomictically developed genotypes. The variants with the best indicators of developed ovaries are characterized by an increase in the ratio values of the salicylic acid/indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid/abscisic acid in relation to the same values before irradiation.

The current paper has presented a detailed analysis of the production of winter barley over a long period, taking into account their sown areas, gross yields and productivity in farms of all categories in the Russian Federation and the Rostov region. The purpose of the study was to estimate the production and monitor the varietal composition of sown winter barley seeds in the Rostov region. In the region, the sown area occupied by winter barley annually amounts to more than 41.1 thousand hectares with a mean yield of 3.9 t/ha. An analysis of the sown winter barley varieties in the Rostov region was carried out according to the year they were included in the State List of the Russian Federation. As a result of study, there was found that there were 6–9 barley varieties included in the State List in the period up to 4 years; 4 ones in the period of 5–8 years; 5–6 ones in the period of 9–12 years; 4–6 ones in the period of more than 12 years. There was established that the largest area under winter barley was occupied by the varieties of local breeding of the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” (49.5–58.5 %), about 16.0–25.1 % of the area was occupied by the varieties of the Krasnodar breeding of the FSBSI “NGC named after P.P. Lukyanenko”. There was found out that the most popular varieties in the Rostov region over the past three years were the varieties ‘Erema’ (18.4–18.4 %), ‘Timofey’ (12.5–13.3 %), ‘Vivat’ (11.9–12.7 %), ‘Marusya’ (5.7–12.6 %), ‘Foks 1’ (1.9–3.6 %), ‘Karrera’ (8.7–13.2 %), ‘Iosif’ (7.4–10.2 %), ‘Dobrynya 3’ (1.8–2.9 %), ‘Samson’ (0.6–3.4 %), ‘Luran’ (0.8–4.5 %) and ‘Dostoiny’ (2.6–8.5 %). Thus, to improve the production of winter barley grain in the Rostov region, it is necessary to cultivate varieties that are most adapted to local conditions, have high productivity and grain quality, and are included in the State List for the North Caucasus region.

The purpose of the current study was to identify the differentiating ability of environmental conditions and estimate spring durum wheat varieties developed by the Samarsky RIA according to a falling number (FN). There were studied 19 varieties and 3 breeding lines, representing 3–6 breeding stages. According to the chronology of deve- lopment, breeding lines belong to the 6th stage. Data on the Bezenchukskaya 139 variety were used as a standard. The study was carried out in the steppe zone, on heavy loamy chernozems of the experimental plot of the Samarsky RIA in 2018–2023. FN was determined on grain samples taken from 2 repetitions on the Hagberg-Perten device “Falling Number”. In 2023, the factor ‘environment’ was represented by four backgrounds: 1) grain samples 1 month after harvesting at full maturity; 2) grain samples a month after harvesting with a dead-ripe stage of 7 days; 3) grain of the first option after 6 months of storage; 4) grain harvested at the moment of maturing and moistened after 6 months of storage. There were calculated genotype variances, environment, their correlation, parameters of general (GAC_i), specific (CAC_i), relative adaptability (S_gi), breeding value of a genotype (GBV_i), linearity coefficients (L_gi), genotype compensation (K_gi), parameters of the environment differentiating ability (EDA_k) and its relative value (S_ek), typicality coefficients (tt_k), environment predictability (P_k). There was established that FN was affected by a genotype with a share of 6,01 %, by environment with a share of 72,24 % and by a genotype-environment correlation with a share of 16,86 %. The best genotypes in terms of SVG_i, taking into account the GAC_i parameters, include the following: Marina (GAC_i = 10,3, SVG_i = 228,7), 2084D-6 (GAC_i = 41,8, SVG_i = 208,6), Bezenchukskaya Yubileinaya (GAC_i = 25,8, SVG_i = 211,8), Bezenchukskaya Zolotistaya (GAC_i = 11,7, SVG_i = 221,7). For the standard, these parameters were GAC_i = -27,0, SVG_i = 205,6. Among the 6 studied backgrounds by DCE_k (182–241), S_ek coefficient (42–90), K_ek coefficient (3,26–5,71), 5 analyzing backgrounds and one stabilizing one were identified, distinguished by high estimates of typicality (tt_k = 0,83) and predictability (P_k = 0,32), which allows predicting the response of varieties in the system of environments. In general, the environmental conditions of the experimental field of the Samara Research Institute of Agriculture, which have been developing over several years, form a fairly effective system of backgrounds for the selection and stabilization of the "falling number" trait of spring wheat durum.

The purpose of the current work was to evaluate new winter common wheat varieties developed by the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” according to the main economic and biological traits and properties. The competitive testing was carried out after two forecrops, such as maize for grain and sunflower. As initial forms when deve- loping new genotypes, there were taken the varieties of Zernograd breeding (‘Donskoy syurpriz’, ‘Rostovchanka 5’, ‘Spartak’,’ Don 107’) and of non-regional breeding (‘Zolushka’, ‘Sibirskaya niva’, ‘Irishka’) released in different years.

The mean three-year productivity of new varieties (2021–2023) when sown after maize for grain varied from 7.77 t/ha (‘Volny Don’) to 8.32 t/ha (‘Flagman’), exceeding the standard variety ‘Don 107’ by 0.45–1.00 t/ha. When sown after sunflower it ranged from 6.64 t/ha (‘Volny Don’) to 6.82 t/ha (‘Donets’), with an increase relative to the standard variety from 0.45 to 0.63 t/ha. New winter common wheat genotypes produced higher yields relative to the standard variety due to various components of its elements. Maximum impact on productivity of the new winter common wheat varieties in 2021–2023 was made by 1000-grain weight (r = 0.54±0.37) and grain weight per ear (r = 0.77±0.26). New winter common wheat varieties had the same high and even higher frost resistance (72.2–84.5 %) as the highly frost- resistant standard variety ‘Don 107’ (74.1 %), short stemness (88.3–100 cm), lodging resistance (4.8–5.0 points). On an infectious background they were affected by brown rust and powdery mildew to a lesser extent compared to the standard variety ‘Don 107’. They formed good grain quality with protein (12.75–13.78 %), gluten (23.4–25.7 %), grain nature weight (787–812 g/l), hardiness (60–83 %).

The goal of the breeding program is to develop a variety with high productivity potential, capable of realizing this potential in a wide range of environmental conditions. The purpose of the work was to establish the features of the formation of the green forage crop, to estimate the adaptability of varieties and its individual parameters in the conditions of the steppe part of the Rostov region. The climate of the territory was arid, with uneven precipitation and frequent dry winds. The soil cover is represented by southern medium-deep clayey blackearth. The objects of the study were 6 winter varieties of feed triticale of the own breeding. The varieties were sown according to two forecrops, such as weedfree fallow to identify potential productivity opportunities, and millet to determine the capabilities of the variety in conditions close to production. There was found that the largest share of the effect on productivity range was of environmental conditions, 89.0 %, and only 4.6 % of the effect of the variety. The largest mean productivity over the years of study was formed by the variety ‘Styuard’ (90.1; maximum 104.5 t/ha) when laid in fallow, and the variety ‘Bemol 20’ (51.6; maximum 67.1 t/ha) when sown after millet. Green mass productivity is closely related to a number of stems per 1 m² (r = 0.81). There was determined that during the studying period of green mass, stem stand per 1m² ranged from 801 (‘Tornado’) to 954 pieces (‘Bemol 20’). By this period stem reduction of the varieties ‘Tornado’, ‘Styuard’, ‘Ariozo’ and ‘Bemol 20’ was 13–16 %, that of the varieties ‘Argo’ and ‘Agraf’ 26 % and 4 % respectively. The productivity range of the varieties when sown in fallow varied from 9.9 % (‘Ariozo’) to 19.5 % (‘Bemol 20’), it was twice as high when sown after millet, from 19.3 (‘Bemol 20’) to 30.3 % (‘Styuard’). Analysis of the adaptability parameters of the studied varieties allowed a comprehensive estimation of the adaptive properties of the varieties. Thus, the variety ‘Agraf’ had rank 1 in terms of stability (S²), ‘Styuard’ in terms of maximum productivity and genetic flexibility (GF), ‘Bemol 20’ in terms of average productivity in the entire set of environments, adaptation coefficient (AC). According to the sum of ranks of the main quantitative and qualitative indicators of adaptability, the variety ‘Argo’ was the best one (sum of ranks 20), with rank 1 for stress resistance (SR), homeostaticity (Hom), and breeding value of the genotype (Sc and GBV_i).

For effective breeding work, clear guidelines (the so-called variety model) are of great necessity. Winter common wheat breeding is no exception. There has been given characteristics of the optimal variety model for the Non-Blackearth region according to the data obtained in the laboratory for winter wheat breeding and primary seed production of the FSBSI “Federal Research Center “Nemchinovka”. There should have productivity of more than 10.0 t/ha, winter resistance of 90 % and higher, 310 days of vegetation period. The plant height of the variety model was 60–70 cm, lodging resistance was 5 points. The variety must have field resistance to leaf rust, powdery mildew, and leaf and ear blight. Yield structure elements were as follows: stem density was of 650–700 pieces per 1 m², number of grains per ear was above 50 pieces, grain weight per ear was 2.0–2.5 g, 1000-grain weight was above 50 g. There was 15 % of protein and 30 % of gluten in grain. The purpose of the current work was to study the lines of winter wheat breeding according to a compliance degree with a given variety model according to the data of 2023. There was established that these lines had characteristics corresponding to the optimal variety model for the Non-Blackearth Region, individually or in combination. In terms of plant height, productivity, grain weight per ear, a number of grains per ear and 1000-grain weight, the frequency distribution of lines was normal. Correlation analysis has found out that a mean positive correlation was between grain weight per ear and a number of grains per ear (r = 0.56±0.05), and grain weight per ear and 1000-grain weight (r = 0.48±0.06). A mean negative correlation was found between a number of grains per ear and 1000-grain weight (r = -0.44±0.06). Correlation between other studied indicators was weak or absent, which indicates the possibility of combining optimal productivity parameters in one genotype.

The purpose of the current study was to estimate the adaptive potential of four varieties and three lines of spring durum wheat developed by the FSBSI FRARC based on the results of their testing in the steppe part of the Rostov region in 2020–2023. The estimation of ecological adaptability and stability of the varieties and lines was conducted according to the method of S. A. Eberhart, W. A. Russell as presented by V. A. Zykin; homeostatic indicator was identified according to V. V. Khangildin. There has been presented an estimation of varieties and lines according to their productivity, environmental stability, adaptability, and technological indicators of grain. There was found that the mean productivity of the varieties and lines was 3.44 t/ha, varying over the years from 1.81 to 4.72 t/ha. The varieties ‘Donskaya lazorevaya’ and ‘Volnodonskaya zolotistaya’ formed the maximum mean productivity over the years with 3.52 and 3.58 t/ha. They were characterized by the greatest stability and adaptability, with a low coefficient of variation (3.6 and 2.4 %, respectively) and the greatest homeostaticity (42.37 and 67.06). There was found out that ‘Volnodonskaya zolotistaya’ was a variety that combined high indicators of adaptability, stability and homeostaticity (bi = 1.08; S_i² = 0.016; Hom = 42.37). The variety ‘Volnodonskaya’ and the lines ‘Gord.4699/19’, ‘Gord.4924/20’ and ‘Gord.4465/21’ were characterized by full compliance of the productivity level with changes in cultivation conditions with a regression coefficient b_i ≤ 1. The line ‘Gord.4699/19’ was characterized by the greatest stability in productivity (S_i² = 0.007). The regression coefficient (b_i) was 0.93, homeostaticity was 67.06, which also indicated its high ecological adaptability. In terms of protein percentage in grain, almost all varieties and lines met the requirements of the 1st class of GOST 9353-2016. Gluten content varied from 20.0 to 25.5 % (the 2–4 class). According to the comprehensive estimation of productivity and grain quality, and adaptability parameters in the conditions of the steppe part of the Rostov region, there have been identified the varieties ‘Donskaya lazorevaya’, ‘Volnodonskaya zolotistaya’ and the line ‘Gord.4699/19’, recommended for breeding for productivity and grain quality.

The current paper has presented the results of 2020–2022 testing carried out with ten parental forms of maize hybrids in such three locations, differing in moisture availability and other growing conditions as FSBSI “All-Russian Research Institute of Maize” (Stavropolsky Krai), the Voronezh branch of the FSBSI ARRSI of Corn (the Voronezh Region) and the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” (Rostov region). The purpose of the work was to study parental forms of new sterile simple maize hybrids in various soil and climatic zones, to identify promising ones for specific conditions, to identify correlations for optimizing the breeding process. In terms of moisture availability and temperature regime, weather conditions at the ARRI of Maize and the Voronezh branch were characterized as favorable, while at the ARC “Donskoy” they were unfavorable for the growth and development of maize plants. According to the results of a two-factor analysis-of-variance of grain yield, there was established that in the total variance at all points, the largest share of influence belongs to the interaction of the factors “genotype × conditions” (59.0 %, 70.4 %, 48.6 %, respectively). There were identified the parental forms ‘IK 4310-53 S’, ‘Avrora S’, ‘PG 11’, which formed the maximum grain productivity (5.97.4 t/ha) in the conditions of the soil and climatic zone of the Voronezh region; at the ARRI of Maize the maximum grain productivity was obtained from the parental forms ‘IK 4310-53 S’ (5.9 t/ha) and ‘PG 11’ (6.6 t/ha). In arid conditions of the ARC “Donskoy” there were identified the forms ‘SSK 53-277 M’, ‘IK 4310-53 S’, ‘PG 11’, promising for use here as parental forms. They were characterized with the smallest decrease in grain productivity (37.3–50.0 %), compared to moisture-supplied locations, with the highest absolute productivity values (3.0–3.7 t/ha). At all locations of the environmental testing, there was found a correlation between grain productivity and plant height (r = 0.72–0.88). Simple sterile hybrids with a high productivity rank, as a rule, had high ranks in height. Selection of parental forms according to plant height made it possible to select more productive forms.