The review highlights the main trends in the use of achievements in plant physiology in breeding and the contribution of scientists from the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the NAS of Ukraine to solving the problems of increasing plant productivity and stress resistance. In particular, as a result of many years of research into the genotypic features of morphology and functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of a wide range of wheat varieties at the levels from chloroplast to agrocenosis, a number of physiological and morphological traits have been identified, which are recommended for use as phenotypic markers in the selection of this most important agricultural crop for productivity and drought resistance. A number of studies of the physiological and biochemical characteristics of genetically modified wheat plants with an increased proline content both under normal conditions and under the influence of drought were also conducted. A conclusion was made about the prospects of their involvement in breeding programs to increase resistance to abiotic stress factors. A wide range of highly effective strains of nodule bacteria, complementary to a number of leading legume crops, were selected, including using transposon mutagenesis. New technologies for their use in inoculums were developed, taking into account the genetic characteristics of the crop, which contribute to the maximum realization of the productivity potential of the legume-rhizobial symbiosis and protect against the negative effects of biotic and abiotic stress factors. Technologies for the use of mixtures of specially selected strains of associative and free-living nitrogen-fixing microorganisms to intensify the cultivation of various wheat varieties were also developed. It is known that in order to fully reveal the genetic potential of modern agricultural crops, it is necessary to develop new or significantly improve existing technologies for their cultivation and take care of protection against diseases, pests and weeds. Such technologies have been developed to increase the efficiency of nitrogen use by modern high-intensity wheat varieties. The use of tank mixtures for foliar feeding of plants together with protective agents and growth regulators has been scientifically substantiated and implemented in practice, which has a significant economic effect. Thus, plant physiologists and geneticists of the Institute closely cooperate both in fundamental scientific research and for the benefit of the agricultural sector of Ukraine and strengthening its food security.

Keywords: breeding, food secuirity, new technologies, physiological markers, plant physiology, productivity, stress resistance

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