Man and Environment. Issues of Neoecology

Experience in mapping erode soils based on remote sensing data

2026-05-30T09:08:31+00:00

Purpose. Demonstration of the capabilities of modern Earth remote sensing data and geoinformation technologies for the identification and large-scale mapping of eroded soils with a special emphasis on the detection of sheet water erosion, which remains insufficiently represented on the existing soil maps of Ukraine.

Methods. Data processing was performed on the Google Earth Engine platform by generating a bare soil composite image based on the Bare Soil Index (BSI), scene classification masks, and median pixel reduction. Identification of eroded areas was carried out by visual interpretation taking into account spectral, spatial, and morphological features of water erosion.

Results. The study was conducted within the territory of the Novoodeska territorial community of Mykolaiv region using archival maps of agro-production soil groups at a scale of 1:10,000 and multitemporal Sentinel-2 satellite images for the period 2020–2025. Significant discrepancies were identified between archival soil maps and the current spatial distribution of eroded soils, indicating an intensification of degradation processes over recent decades. The application of multitemporal bare soil composites ensured reliable delineation of severely eroded soils and outcrops of parent materials within agricultural landscapes. As a result, an updated large-scale map of severely eroded soils at a scale of 1:10,000 was created, which significantly exceeds existing cartographic materials in terms of detail and reliability.

Conclusion. It has been proven that the integration of multitemporal Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and cloud-based geoinformation analysis significantly increases the accuracy of water erosion mapping, especially its sheet forms. The proposed approach is an effective tool for updating soil-cartographic materials.

Transformation of cultural landscapes of the Kharkiv urban geosystem under war impact: constructive-geographical approach to assessment and recovery

2026-05-30T08:55:22+00:00

Purpose. To substantiate a constructive-geographical approach to assessing the transformation of cultural landscapes of the Kharkiv urban geosystem under war impact and to define directions for their preservation, optimization and integration into the system of post-war environmentally balanced urban recovery.

Methods. The study uses systemic, comparative-geographical, cartographic, geoinformation, typological and expert-assessment methods.

Results. Cultural landscapes are considered as components of the natural-economic territorial system of the city combining natural basis, anthropogenic development, territorial functions, historical memory, visual-landscape characteristics and safety parameters. It is shown that war impact caused not only physical damage to cultural objects and urban spaces, but also transformation of functions, symbolic meanings, visual integrity, recreational potential and perception of the urban environment. The category “visual-landscape comfort of the urban environment” is proposed as a broader methodological alternative to the narrow term “videoecology”. A system of criteria for assessing the current state of cultural landscapes is developed, including spatial, ecological, cultural, functional, war-transformation, visual-landscape and managerial blocks.

Conclusions. The cultural landscapes of Kharkiv should be considered as a resource of urban resilience, environmental safety, spatial continuity, local identity and post-war recovery. Their assessment should be integrated into GIS monitoring, green infrastructure, heritage protection programmes, memorialization and spatial planning.

Analysis of the water resources state in Kharkiv region

2026-05-30T08:55:24+00:00

Purpose. Analysis of the state of water resources in the Kharkiv region, assessment of anthropogen-ic impact under current conditions.
Methods. System analysis.
Results. The Kharkiv region is characterized by a low capacity of water resources. In the region, wa-ter resources are formed due to the inflow of surface water from the Siverskyi Donets River, local river runoff, as well as sewage, mine and quarry waters. The analysis shows a gradual decrease in water con-sumption from natural sources in recent years, while industry remains the main consumer. Periodic ex-ceedances of permissible norms for turbidity, color, total hardness and concentrations of iron, sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, chlorides and fluorine have been identified. Currently, water quality remains unstable due to the combined impact of industrial discharges and the consequences of military operations. A com-parative analysis of monitoring data for the past year revealed a cautious trend towards improving surface water in terms of organic pollution (BOD5) and mineralization (sulfates, chlorides).
Conclusions. The hydroecological situation in Kharkiv is due to the introduction of martial law and climate change. An urgent need for modernized intake systems and additional water purification measures has been identified.

Dynamics of formation of ecosystem relationships in roadside landscapes of the left-bank part of Cherkasy region

2026-06-02T10:12:57+00:00

Purpose. A study of the dynamics of new ecosystems forming as a result of highway construction on sites that were once natural or anthropogenically altered landscapes, with a view to restoring future biodiversity.

Methods. Field observation and photographic documentation, geochemical analysis, and instrumental monitoring.

Results. The authors focused primarily on the ecosystemic aspect of the broader issue—the anthropogenic transformation of natural landscapes. This is because ruderal vegetation, which largely forms new ecotopes resulting from human activity, plays a restorative role for degraded substrates. It actively participates in biogeochemical processes and is a key factor in the restoration of native flora following its complete destruction due to road construction. An assessment was made of the differences between roadside ecosystems on the left bank of the Cherkasy region (Kaniv–Zolotonosha–Chornobai route) and local ecosystems. The greatest prevalence of species from the Asteraceae family was observed. In addition, the spread of invasive flora was recorded in all studied areas. At the same time, ruderal and native flora families along roadways jointly contribute to the formation of ecosystem connections. Polygons were identified where abnormal deviations in the studied indicators were observed.

Conclusions. Roads function as habitats, sources, sinks, barriers and channels. As habitats, road corridors can support entire populations of plants and animals and may be important for their conservation. If they contain some of the last local or seed habitats of a species, they may be critically important. The study of individual parameters that characterize the formation of ecosystem ties in roadside landscapes of highways of the right bank of the Cherkasy region and the comparison of these parameters with the National Biotope Catalog allows us to establish certain patterns of the distribution of ruderal vegetation, which will subsequently form ecosystems resistant to external disturbances.

Ecological status assessment of fishery water bodies in relation to ecosystem service provision

2026-05-30T08:55:30+00:00

Purpose. To assess the ecological status of fishery water bodies in the context of ecosystem service provision based on the analysis of key hydrochemical indicators and determination of their influence on the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.

Methods. Analytical, computational, and comparative methods, hydrochemical analysis, and ecological classification methods for assessing water quality in fishery water bodies.

Results. The ecological status of a fishery technological water body was assessed in the context of ecosystem service provision based on the analysis of key hydrochemical indicators. It was found that most of the studied parameters correspond to water quality classes II–III, indicating an overall good to satisfactory condition of the aquatic environment. Supporting ecosystem services are realized at high and satisfactory levels due to the stability of the acid–base regime and adequate oxygen conditions. Regulating services related to self-purification processes and nutrient cycling are predominantly provided at a satisfactory level, reflecting a moderate level of organic loading. Provisioning ecosystem services are also characterized by a satisfactory level, indicating the preservation of water suitability for fishery use. At the same time, certain deviations were identified, particularly elevated concentrations of total iron, which may affect the functioning of the aquatic ecosystem. The generalization of results based on block indices revealed a transitional character of water quality between good and satisfactory conditions.

Conclusions. Assessing the ecological status of fishery water bodies through the lens of ecosystem services enables the integration of water quality characteristics with the analysis of ecosystem functioning. The ecological status directly determines the effectiveness of supporting, regulating, and provisioning ecosystem services, while certain hydrochemical indicators may act as limiting factors for their full realization. The proposed approach provides an opportunity for a more comprehensive assessment of fishery water bodies and can be used to improve monitoring systems and water resource management based on the ecosystem approach and principles of sustainable development.

Assessment of the ecological and tourism potential of Kharkiv region under wartime safety and environmental risks

2026-05-30T08:55:33+00:00

Purpose. To assess the ecological and tourism potential of Kharkiv Oblast using the current administrative framework, updated data on the nature reserve fund, and wartime safety and environmental restrictions.

Methods. The research applies analysis of official environmental and regulatory sources, cartographic generalization, normalized scoring, expert ranking, territorial clustering and SWOT analysis.

Results. Kharkiv Oblast has considerable potential for ecological, educational, scientific and recreational tourism due to the combination of forest-steppe and steppe ecosystems, river valleys, forests, wetlands and dendrological objects. The integrated assessment combines four components: natural and ecological potential, tourism infrastructure, transport and information accessibility, and safety accessibility. Five priority ecotourism clusters were identified: Homilshany-Siverskyi Donets, Slobozhanskyi-Krasnokutsk dendrological and nature conservation, Pechenihy-Staryi Saltiv, Kupiansk-Dvorichna-Borova and Kharkiv suburban forest-park cluster. The highest effectively realized potential is recorded for the Kharkiv suburban and Homilshany-Siverskyi Donets clusters, while the Kupiansk-Dvorichna-Borova cluster retains very high natural value but has critically low safety accessibility under current wartime conditions.

Conclusions. The future development of ecotourism in Kharkiv Oblast depends on environmental rehabilitation, demining, infrastructure restoration, digital visitor information and integration of territorial communities into a post-war sustainable nature management model.

Remote sensing assessment of the spatio-temporal transformation of the Kakhovka reservoir after dam destruction using Sentinel-2 data

2026-05-30T08:55:36+00:00

Purpose. To identify and characterise the spatio-temporal transformation of the Kakhovka Reservoir and adjacent landscapes after the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam on 6 June 2023 using Earth remote sensing data. The study focuses on detecting changes in the open water surface, identifying the spatial structure of the exposed reservoir bed, and assessing early vegetation colonisation of drained bottom sediments under conditions where field surveys are limited or impossible due to active hostilities, mine contamination and safety risks.

Methods. Frequency distribution analysis of pixel values and visual interpretation of natural-colour imagery were used as additional tools to support the interpretation of spectral changes.

Results. The study is based on low-cloud multispectral Sentinel-2 MSI Level-2A imagery for 2023 obtained through the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem. The Normalized Difference Water Index was used to identify open water surfaces and assess the spatial fragmentation of the reservoir water body. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was applied to detect vegetation cover and evaluate early plant colonisation on the exposed reservoir bed. Key temporal scenes before and after the dam destruction were compared to determine the main stages of landscape transformation. The NDWI analysis revealed a rapid reduction and fragmentation of the open water surface of the Kakhovka Reservoir during the first weeks after the dam destruction. The continuous water body that had characterised the reservoir before the disaster was transformed into a narrow Dnipro river channel, a system of isolated residual water bodies, and extensive areas of exposed bottom sediments. The NDVI analysis for the autumn period of 2023 showed the formation of vegetation cover across part of the drained reservoir bed. Positive NDVI values and a shift in the frequency distribution of pixel values toward vegetation-covered surfaces indicate rapid pioneer vegetation colonisation of areas that had been submerged only several months earlier.

Conclusions. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam caused a rapid reorganisation of the lower Dnipro hydroecosystem, with a transition from an artificial reservoir to a complex mosaic of riverine, wetland, meadow-like and exposed substrate areas. Sentinel-2 imagery combined with NDWI and NDVI indices provides an effective, objective and reproducible tool for documenting such transformations when direct field access is restricted. The detected early vegetation colonisation of the exposed reservoir bed has ambiguous ecological implications. On the one hand, it may indicate partial spontaneous restoration of floodplain habitats similar to those that existed before the reservoir was created. On the other hand, it may be accompanied by risks of secondary pollution, dust transport from contaminated sediments, fire hazards and uncontrolled landscape transformation. Further monitoring should combine optical and radar satellite data, multi-temporal NDWI and NDVI series, and, where possible, field validation.

Landscape-ecological fundamentals to the revitalization of the pond in the B. F. Ostapenko dendrological park of the State Biotechnological University

2026-05-30T08:55:39+00:00

Purpose. To justify the comprehensive revitalization of the pond within the B.F. Ostapenko Arboretum of the State Biotechnology University as a nature-based solution for adapting the arboretum's ecosystem to climate change and implementing the landscape design proposed by A.D. Zhirnov.

Methods. Retrospective analysis of archival project decisions, landscape and environmental planning, digital terrain modeling, field, laboratory analytical.

Results. A retrospective analysis of archival design decisions from 1970–1971 revealed the main cause of the water body's dysfunction: the high infiltration capacity of the sandy bottom of the reservoir, which prevented natural water accumulation. A comprehensive landscape-ecological assessment of the territory was conducted, justifying the feasibility of restoring the pond through the implementation of modern engineering solutions, specifically the installation of an impervious liner based on bentonite barriers. A three-dimensional model of the pond bed was developed, incorporating a dedicated bio-plateau zone. A phytoremediation system involving oxygenating plants was proposed. The high quality of snowmelt water as a resource for filling the water body was demonstrated.

Conclusion. The landscape and ecological conditions of the area, combined with the application of modern technologies, will facilitate the restoration of the pond's aquatic-anthropogenic ecosystem. This will transform the dysfunctional territory into an active ecological hub, providing climatic moderation through the creation of a "moist oasis" and an autonomous irrigation reservoir. The implementation of the project directly contributes to the achievement of UN SDG 15.1 by ensuring the sustainable functioning of introduced species collections in the context of climate change.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in bottom sediments due to long-term exposure to TPP

2026-05-30T08:55:43+00:00

Purposes. To assess the geochemical and ecological status of bottom sediments within the “Gnyla Lypa River – Burshtyn Reservoir – Dniester River” hydrological system.

Methods. Field and analytical methods, with a systematic approach to synthesizing the results.

Results. Sediment samples were collected at seven representative sites within the hydrological system. To interpret data on heavy metal content (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb), the following indicators were used: geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, pollution index, and toxicological screening. The obtained geoaccumulation index values indicate ecological well-being, and the geochemical cycle of Zn in the Gnyla Lypa River basin is determined exclusively by natural lithogenic processes. The calculated enrichment factor values for Cd at the third section indicate an anthropogenic component. It has been established that the pollution index values at sections No. 3 and No. 5 indicate a state of anthropogenic degradation; at the background and terminal sections, the index indicates the absence of pollution. The highest toxicological screening was detected for Cd at section No. 3, which provides grounds for asserting the presence of a latent ecological load that, under unfavorable hydrochemical conditions, could transform into a real threat to benthic biocenoses. The calculated values of total toxicity vary within ranges corresponding to low and moderate levels of ecotoxicological risk. The highest value of the coefficient was recorded in the accumulation zone (station No. 3), indicating an increase in biological risk due to the synergistic effect of accumulated heavy metals. The values of the pollution load index and the pollution index indicated that the environmental risk associated with the presence of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of rivers and reservoirs was moderate.

Conclusions. The results of the study are of practical significance for the development of environmental management strategies for the Hnyla Lypa–Dniester river system. The measured levels of heavy metal accumulation in bottom sediments serve as a basis for assessing the ecotoxicological status of the reservoir and predicting the resilience of aquatic ecosystems to anthropogenic impacts.

Generator noise as a factor influencing the environment and human health (on the example of Kremenchuk)

2026-05-30T08:55:47+00:00

Purpose. To investigate the impact of operating generators on the ecological conditions of the urban environment and public health, using the central part of Kremenchuk as a case study, with a view to reducing this impact.

Methods: analysis, synthesis, comparison, questioning method, statistical method, cartographic method.

Results. Low-power generators are mainly installed in the central part of Kremenchuk: petrol generators, which are not equipped with protective enclosures, diesel models of the same power rating without protective enclosures, low-power petrol generators without enclosures, inverter models, petrol generators of different power rating, equipped with protective enclosures. There are zones with a high concentration of generators in the centre of Kremenchuk, where the noise level does not comply with health standards; this is unacceptable as the area features by residential developments and numerous educational, medical and recreational facilities. Generators are installed at the distance of 1 to 2-3 metres from a pedestrian zone and this has a negative impact on the local population. The distance between them is negligible, so their areas of influence overlap. A study of the impact of generator noise on the quality of human sleep showed that it constantly or often interferes with a full night's rest. A study of the impact of generator noise on the ability to concentrate showed that there were constant problems with concentration at work. Generator noise causes a person to be irritable and creates a feeling of discomfort.

Conclusions. Inverter generators and other models equipped with protective enclosures for reducing the negative noise impact on the town environment and the population health are recommended for installation. Optimal places for their location shall be selected, sound isolation shall be improved, and a legal reasoning for a generator exploitation for the town residents’ interest’s protection shall be established.

Environmental aspects of baby food production

2026-05-30T08:55:51+00:00

Purpose. To study the current state of the baby food market in Ukraine in terms of environmental aspects of production, quality and safety management of raw materials and finished products, environmental labelling and harmonisation of national legislation in the field of baby food with European standards.

Methods. System-structural, abstract-logical, statistical method, methods of induction, deduction, comparison, as well as system-analytical method.

Results. The article presents the national (commodity and medical) and European classification of baby food. It is determined that 64 % of the Ukrainian market is made up of imported products (mainly Nestlé, Danone, HiPP brands), which have advantages due to the use of specialised European raw material zones. The article describes domestic baby food producers that compete with imported analogues. It is noted that some of them are introducing environmental innovations in production and packaging. The author highlights the impact of the latest legislative changes of 2025-2026 on environmental labelling, safety control and environmental friendliness of baby food products. This indicates a significant shift in the vector of greening at the legislative level towards the harmonisation of Ukrainian legislation with European legislation. The article also examines the problem of greenwashing in Ukraine and the effectiveness of the national legislative framework in combating the misuse of pseudo-environmental labelling.

Conclusions. The article confirms that the introduction of an environmental labelling system is a key preventive mechanism for ensuring the safety of baby food. Global and Ukrainian sociological studies show a high demand for organic baby food. However, the spread of greenwashing reduces the trust of Ukrainian consumers in local brands in favour of European ones. Overcoming this problem and focusing on the concept of Zero Waste and sustainable development are critical to increasing the competitiveness of domestic producers.

Murals as an element of urban art and a factor in the development of urban tourism (a case study of Ivano-Frankivsk)

2026-05-30T08:55:55+00:00

Purpose. To provide a comprehensive analysis of murals in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk as components of the urban cultural space and objects of tourist attractiveness.

Methods. Analysis and synthesis, systematization and classification, cartographic analysis, descriptive method.

Results. The conclusions highlight that murals in Ivano-Frankivsk constitute a significant element of the urban cultural landscape and a promising resource for the development of cultural and educational tourism. The study include an analysis of the geospatial distribution and thematic content of murals in Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as the development of an urban art tourist route. It has been established that a distinctive feature of murals as a tourism product is their dynamic nature, characterized by continuous renewal through the emergence of new artworks. The study emphasizes that an important aspect of promoting the tourism product “Murals of Prykarpattia” is raising awareness among local residents about this art form and its culture, alongside the dissemination of an ethical code among amateur artists (muralists). A key constraint identified in the promotion of this art-cultural product within the tourism market is the lack of professionally trained guides specializing in muralism.

Conclusions. Their geospatial configuration creates favorable conditions for their integration into the city’s tourism infrastructure as attractive cultural sites. The combination of murals with other cultural and historical locations enables the creation of innovative tour programs, contributing to the diversification of the tourism product.

Assessment of military impacts on protected areas of Ukraine using Sentinel-1 and machine learning

2026-05-30T08:55:59+00:00

Purpose. To assess military impacts on protected areas of Ukraine using Sentinel-1 Radar Vegetation Index (RVI) data and machine learning methods in order to identify spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation disturbance and ecosystem transformation under wartime conditions

Methods. Spatial and temporal changes are analyzed using remote sensing techniques combined with machine learning methods, including unsupervised classification algorithms to detect patterns of vegetation disturbance and ecosystem transformation. Additionally, comparative analysis and time-series analysis are applied to assess the impact of military activities on forest ecosystems under wartime conditions.

Results. This study assesses the impact of military activity on forest ecosystems in eastern Ukraine using Sentinel-1 SAR data, the Radar Vegetation Index (RVI), baseline-relative change analysis, and unsupervised machine learning. The primary objective was to detect, quantify, and characterize war-related forest disturbance in the Serebrianskyi Botanical Reserve which is directly exposed to active military operations and to understand the extent, severity, and temporal dynamics of that damage relative to a pre-conflict baseline. A conflict-free control site, Homilsha Forests National Nature Park, was used to distinguish military-driven change from background ecological variability. The study addresses whether Sentinel-1 RVI, VV, and VH backscatter can capture the spatial patterns and progressive development of military-induced forest disturbance over the period 2020–2025. Sentinel-1 data were processed in Google Earth Engine and restricted to forest pixels using a land-cover mask. Annual summer composites were generated for each year, and a pre-conflict baseline (2020–2021) was used to quantify post-disturbance change. The analysis encompassed annual RVI trend assessment, rule-based damage classification, K-means clustering, and detection of isolated forest anomalies. After 2022, Serebrianskyi ROI showed a marked RVI decline from stable values in 2020–2022, with changed forest pixels in 2025, including severely disturbed pixels increasing. Homilsha ROI remained stable, and no deterioration trend. Machine-learning results were consistent.

Conclusions. SAR methods have proven to be effective for remote monitoring with limited field access, although derived categories of damage should be interpreted as remote sensing indicators and not as field validated categories of damage.

Degradation of forest ecosystems in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and impact on agricultural landscapes: DPSIR approach

2026-06-02T10:33:45+00:00

Purpose. An analytical synthesis of degradation processes in forest ecosystems of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and examines their relationship with the ecological condition of adjacent agricultural landscapes using the DPSIR framework.

Methods. The DPSIR approach (EEA, 1999) was used as a conceptual framework to structure cause-and-effect relationships; methods of systematization and generalization of biotic pressure factors based on forest pathology survey data were applied, along with a comparative analysis of scientific sources.

Results. The empirical basis comprises data from surveys of more than 5,000 common ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior L.), conducted over multiple years (mainly in the 2010s) across 52 permanent and 125 temporary sample plots in stands of seven forest enterprises. Methodological approaches to forest pathology monitoring in the plain regions of Ukraine were used to substantiate management measures. The main biotic pressure factors were systematized, including stem pests, defoliating insects, pathogenic fungi, and bacterial diseases, whose interaction is characterized as complex (synergistic). A causal chain P → S → I was identified. The decline in erosion-control and water-regulating functions of degraded forest ecosystems is consistent with the deterioration of soil properties and a decrease in soil fertility; the intensification of erosion processes in adjacent agricultural landscapes is consistent with findings reported in the scientific literature.

Conclusions. The sanitary condition of ash stands is regarded as an integral indicator of forest ecosystem degradation and an early marker of environmental risks for agricultural landscapes. The scientific novelty lies in the formalization of cause-and-effect relationships between biotic factors of ash stand degradation and ecological changes in adjacent agricultural landscapes within the DPSIR framework, as well as in the use of the sanitary condition of stands as an integral indicator of these processes.

Application of the Google Earth Engine platform for the study of agricultural landscape conditions

2026-05-30T08:56:06+00:00

The unprecedented degradation of Ukraine's soil cover as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation is complicated by long-term processes of water and wind erosion. Traditional methods of surveying territories are currently limited due to mine danger, which makes remote sensing of the Earth a key tool for environmental assessment.

Purpose. Practical use of Google Earth Engine to assess the impact of soil erodibility and heavy metal contamination on the state of vegetation.

Methods. The study is based on a phytoindication approach using multispectral data from the Sentinel-2 satellite.

Results. Experimental studies were carried out during 2024-2025 on the basis of two representative test sites located within the Rohansk territorial community (Kharkiv district, Kharkiv region). To assess the state of vegetation (using the example of sunflower), the vegetation indices NDVI and NDRE were used. Processing of large data sets was carried out automatically in the GEE environment on the basis of two test sites in the Kharkiv region. At site No. 1, a comparative retrospective analysis of zones of potential heavy metal contamination (due to bomb disturbance) and background areas was conducted. It was established that phytoindication anomalies may have a natural origin, which emphasizes the importance of comparison with pre-war indicators for a correct assessment of war damage. At site No. 2, a clear correlation was found between the degree of erosion of black soils and the values of the NDRE index: the loss of every 10 cm of the soil genetic profile correlates with a decrease in the index by 0.01 units. The total crop loss due to erosion was calculated, which for the experimental site amounted to over 650 c.

Conclusions. The high efficiency of the NDRE index as an indicator of chlorophyll content in the late stages of vegetation has been proven. The results confirm that the integration of GIS technologies and satellite monitoring is an alternative basis for developing post-war land remediation strategies and implementing precision agriculture systems.

Creation of breeding material based on genetic control of the fatty acid composition of flaxseed oil

2026-06-02T12:19:35+00:00

Purpose. To study the inheritance of the fatty acid composition of flaxseed oil for the successful development of new breeding material with varying levels of α-linolenic acid that is drought-tolerant.

Methods. Genetic analysis, individual selection, statistical analysis, gas-liquid chromatography.

Results. Crossbreeding was conducted between contrasting parental forms: the low-linolenic variety Soniachnyi and the high-linolenic lines M-17, IZ-2, M-28, and M-48. Intermediate inheritance of linolenic acid (ω-3) and linoleic acid (ω-6) was established in the F₁ population. When determining true and hypothetical heterosis, the phenomenon was not detected. In the F₂ populations, high heritability coefficients in the broad sense were calculated for unsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 and ω-6). Heritability in the narrow sense in the F₃ populations also showed high values for the unsaturated fatty acids studied.

Conclusions. For the first time in Ukraine, genetic control of the fatty acid composition of flaxseed oil has been conducted. The results of genetic analysis of unsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 and ω-6) in the F₁, F₂, and F₃ populations indicate the effectiveness of selection for unsaturated fatty acids. High heritability indices also demonstrate the additive effect of genes and independence from very arid growing conditions for oil flax. Effective selection for linolenic and linoleic acids made it possible to identify a number of breeding materials of high value and to create a new variety, “Nutritious,” intended for food use, with a linolenic acid content of up to 10%, whose oil is characterized by extended shelf life

Control of Solidago canadensis L. using various herbicide protection schemes

2026-05-30T08:56:12+00:00

The aggressive spread of the invasive plant Solidago canadensis L. poses a serious threat to Ukraine's phytocenoses. This species rapidly colonizes areas due to the high viability of its root system and its wide ecological adaptability, making control by traditional methods difficult.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of three herbicide treatment schemes for controlling Solidago canadensis L., using herbicides based on dicamba, triasulfuron, and glyphosate.

Methods. The effectiveness of three chemical control schemes was studied from 2021 to 2025 in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Herbicides based on triasulfuron, dicamba, and glyphosate were tested. Effectiveness was assessed by measuring the toxic effect on plants, reduction in biomass, number of viable shoots, and the weed's ability to regenerate. Observations covered the growing season and analyzed long-term effects of herbicide application.

Results. The highest effectiveness was shown by the herbicide Lintur 70 WG, containing triasulfuron and dicamba. It caused up to 94.3 percent plant death and minimal regeneration during the season. Herbicides based on glyphosate and dicamba alone were less effective, particularly in long-term control and root suppression. The use of Lintur 70 WG significantly reduced Solidago canadensis density and lowered the risk of repeated proliferation.

Conclusions. The results indicate that the combination of triasulfuron and dicamba is suitable for effective control of Solidago canadensis in agricultural lands. These findings can serve as a basis for practical recommendations for chemical protection of crops, aimed at maintaining productivity and ecological stability of phytocenoses.

Climate drivers of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) spread and phytosanitary risk forecast for berry production in Lviv region

2026-05-30T08:56:16+00:00

Purpose. To assess the impact of climate change on the dynamics of spread of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) in Lviv region and to forecast phytosanitary risk for berry production up to 2030-2035.
Methods. Analysis of meteorological trends using data from Lviv meteorological station (2001–2023); calculation of degree-day sums (SAT/SET); IPCC RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenario-based projection; linear extrapolation of generation number; calculation of potential economic losses for major berry crops.
Results. Over 2001–2023, the sum of active temperatures increased by 270 degree-days (p < 0.05), and the number of days with temperatures below –7 °C decreased twofold. Under the RCP4.5 scenario, conditions for 4–5 generations of D. suzukii per year will form by 2030–2035. Under RCP8.5, up to 5–6 generations are projected. Potential economic losses for berry production in Lviv Oblast are estimated at 284–339 million UAH/year (RCP4.5) and 310–380 million UAH/year (RCP8.5).
Conclusions. Results justify the establishment of a regional phytosanitary monitoring system with attractive trap networks, mandatory inclusion of D. suzukii in Ukraine's quarantine organism list, mandatory planting material certification, and harmonization of Ukrainian phytosanitary standards with EU Regulation 2016/2031.

The Fresh AIR 2026 hackathon as a tool for developing innovative skills: the experience of the ukrainian team from the Erasmus+ DOMANI project

2026-05-30T08:56:19+00:00

Purpose. To highlight the experience of student teams from V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in the international Fresh AIR 2026 hackathon under the Erasmus+ DOMANI project, and to analyse the role of the hackathon as a tool of non-formal education for developing innovative competencies in the fields of green economy, environmental monitoring and sustainable development.

Results. Theare presents the preparation process for the hackathon, which included: competitive selection (16 applications, from which 8 students were selected for 2 teams from V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University; and 12 applications, from which 8 students were selected for 2 teams from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv); conducting team-building activities to establish team interaction; mentoring support; and a 48‑hour prototype development marathon. Four created projects are described: S.E.N.S.E. (intelligent ecosystem for monitoring energy consumption and acoustic load), AgroImpact AI (platform for analysing war‑damaged lands), AquaFire Climate System (ecosystem for water balance management to prevent fires), GreenX (environmental monitoring platform integrated into "Digital Kyiv"). Thirty‑seven teams from Ukraine and the world competed. A post‑hackathon survey (N=16) showed a high level of satisfaction with participation in the hackathon: 87.5% rated their experience as "good" or "excellent", 100% positively assessed mentoring support, and the greatest progress was reported in teamwork (81.3%) and critical thinking (62.5%).

Conclusions. The Fresh AIR 2026 hackathon demonstrated the effectiveness of the non‑formal education format for developing interdisciplinary competencies: creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, environmental awareness, social responsibility, communication skills, and stress resistance (confirmed by survey data: 81.3% and 62.5%). Purposeful team‑building contributed to psychological compatibility, role structure, and stress resistance in the context of online learning and security threats. The synergy of formal academic training and intensive competitive formats within the DOMANI project is a strategic direction for training specialists capable of effectively responding to environmental challenges of wartime and post‑war times.