Aim. Analyse available literature data about the possibility of coronavirus infection with and the severity of the course of infection in various animal species in order to evaluate the significance of this possibility in the context of preservation of the well‐being of both wild and domestic animals.

Discussion. SARS‐CoV‐2 is thought to have originated from bat CoV. The virus enters the cell by binding to the ACE2 receptor, the affinity for which differs depending on the animal species. Infected animals show viral RNA and may show clinical symptoms. It is known that the virus originated from some animals, while others may be carriers. Moreover, it can be that wild as well as domestic and farm animals are in close contact with humans. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a study of the degree of threat to humans associated with the persistence of the virus in animal communities.

Conclusion. There is ample literature on the possibility of infection in various animals. However, it is not enough to fully understand how significant is the role that animals can play in the spread of coronavirus infection among humans and how much harm it can bring to themselves.

Aim. To refine the LWR coefficients for the Baikal omul Coregonus migratorius (Georgi, 1775).

Material and Methods. The data set (number of fish, standard length (SL), weight (W), sex and morpho‐ecological group (MEG) for the study of the LWR coefficients were taken from the Baikal Omul database. The analysis includes data from 3,091 specimens of Baikal omul, collected in May to June 2003, 2006 and 2007 and in September 2004 in the area adjacent to the delta of the Selenga River. The construction of regression models of LWR was carried out for all data without taking into account gender and MEG. In addition, regression models of LWR data were obtained, grouped by gender and belonging to a certain MEG.

Results. Dependencies with close values of the coefficients of the power function are obtained. There were no significant differences between fish of different sexes and MEG, the coefficients differing at the level of statistical error. It is shown that the LWR in fish during feeding periods of different years is quite stable.

Conclusion. We offer the equation W=10,9(SL_dm)^3.02 that has acceptable coefficients for C. migratorius resource estimations during feeding period without carrying out controlled fishing.

Aim. To carry out an ecological and faunistic review of weevils of the tribe Baridini Schoencherr, 1836 of Dagestan; study of the ecology and chorology of the most harmful species, the green rutabaga baride (Aulacobaris coerulescens Scop.).

Material and Methods. The work was based on observations and materials obtained in 1996‐2020 in various regions of Dagestan, using classical methods of field study of invertebrates. Collection materials and data from different authors for the period from 1872 to 2010 were also used. Stationary studies of the ecology of Aulacobaris coerulescens Scopoli, 1763 were conducted on the basis of agricultural cooperatives and peasant farms of Buynaksky, Levashinsky, Akushinsky and Gergebilsky districts of Dagestan.

Results. Studies have shown that the fauna of the tribe Baridini in Dagestan is represented by 26 species from 8 genera. In zoogeographic terms, it is composed of 7 complexes with the main core being formed by steppe species. In the altitudinal range, the fauna of lowland Dagestan is the richest, where 20 species live. Trophic specialization is dominated by broad oligophages; the main food base is the Brassicaceae family. The most important agricultural species and dangerous pest of cabbage in Dagestan is the green rutabaga baride (Aulacobaris coerulescens Scopoli, 1763). The features of its ecology and distribution were studied and a phenological table and a map of the range were compiled.

Conclusion. The fauna of the Baridini tribe of Dagestan is rich and varied. It is represented by various zoogeographical and ecological complexes in all altitudinal zones of Dagestan. Phenological data and a distribution map of rutabaga baride can be used to optimize control measures and minimize impacts on ecosystems.

Aim. The study of some biological features of the potentially dangerous for the south of Russia species of Metcalfa or citrus flaccid planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Homoptera, Flatidae) and the possibility of regulating its abundance with low‐hazard pesticides (hazard class 3‐4): actara, phytoverm and the biopreparation, bitoxibacillin.

Material and Methods. Metcalfa's monitoring was carried out on trees and shrubs in the city of Krasnodar and its environs in various zones of anthropogenic load in 2018‐2021.

Results. An initial assessment of the effectiveness of pesticides was carried out, as well as the identification of possible sites of the presence of Metcalfa and the study of phenology. The hatching of larvae of this species occurs in spring from late April to June, one generation per year. However, in late August – early October, larvae of younger ages were found, which indicates the development of a second incomplete generation and confirms the literature data on a possible increase in the number of planthopper generations in new areas. Joint colonies of Metcalfa with lace beetles were also noted. Monitoring was carried out using light traps based on superbright LEDs.

Conclusion. Based on the results of route surveys in our studies, plants from the Rosaceae family turned out to be the most attractive for planthoppers, which accounted for about 25% of the recorded species. At the peak of flight, the catchability of light traps in our experiments was up to 210. As a result of testing preparations on larvae of younger ages, treatment with Aktara (2 l/ha) showed 100% efficiency; 92‐85% – Fitoverm (1 l/ha) and 83‐78% Bitoxibacillin (4 l/ha).

Aim. To identify features of the accumulation and distribution patterns of Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co, Hg, Cd, Pb in organs and tissues of the Caspian seal.

Materials and Methods. Sampling was carried out according to generally accepted methods and the determination of heavy metals was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy using an atomic absorption spectrometer with electrothermal atomization MGA‐915 MD.

Results. In the body of the Caspian seal, zinc, manganese, chromium, cobalt and mercury are mainly deposited in the liver, nickel and cadmium in the kidneys, copper in the stomach and lead in adipose tissue. Under the same living conditions, females have in most cases higher coefficients of accumulation of trace elements than males. Female Caspian seals accumulate more copper, mercury and cadmium than males. Sexual differences in the accumulation of zinc, nickel, cobalt and lead by organs and tissues of the Caspian seal were not detected. With age, the Caspian seal has a significant increase in the concentration of zinc, copper, mercury and cadmium, and the digestibility of manganese, chromium, cobalt and lead decreases.

Conclusion. Chemical elements are distributed unevenly in the body of a seal, depending on the properties of metals and the functional features of organs. Significant concentrations of metals are noted primarily in organs that are characterized by active metabolic processes on the one hand, and on the other are actively involved in processes aimed at maintaining homeostasis.

Aim. To assess the consequences of long‐term consumption by pigs of feed experimentally contaminated with T‐2 toxin in an amount close to the most commonly found in feed.

Material and Methods. The experiments were carried out on pigs, which were fed food contaminated with T‐2 toxin in the amount of 200 mkg/kg for 45 days. During the experiment, the clinical condition of animals, feed and water consumption, the dynamics of live weight, analysis of blood parameters, the state of internal organs and tissues and statistical processing of the data obtained by conventional methods were undertaken.

Results. Long‐term consumption of feed contaminated with mycotoxin T‐2 by pigs did not cause a pronounced clinical picture of toxicosis. However, the treated animals had diarrhea and lag in growth and development. According to the results of the blood test, it was concluded that the toxin suppressed the hematopoiesis process, inhibited protein synthesis, reduced resistance and microphagocytic function of the body, metabolic disorders and the functioning of most organs and systems. Pathological conditions and degenerative changes of cells and tissues of internal organs were recorded and mediated by the initiation of oxidative stress, inflammatory processes and cytotoxic effect.

Conclusions. The consumption of feed contaminated with T‐2 toxin in a dose of 200 mkg /kg by pigs was accompanied by disturbances of metabolic processes, functions of organs and systems, manifested by a decrease in growth intensity, changes in the blood picture, activity of enzyme systems, induction of oxidative stress, immunosuppressive and inflammatory reactions and pathomorphological disorders. Thus, the oral intake of T‐2 toxin, even in small concentrations, was found to have a complex negative effect on the body.

Aim. The aim of the research was to identify the influence of the climate factor on the soil processes in sandy podzols in the forest‐steppe of the Central Russian province.

Material and Methods. Traditional methods (soil survey method, profile method, microbiological methods, etc.) and the latest methods (direct measurements [in situ] of soil CO₂ emission) of investigation were used.

Results. It has been established that soil formation processes in azonal Al‐Fe‐humus sandy soils are reflexive to variations in climatic parameters of the forest‐steppe zone. In warmer and arid conditions of the forest‐steppe (southern part), sandy sod‐podzols are formed, in colder and humid conditions of the forest‐steppe (northern part) – sandy podzols. The soddy‐podzols of the southern part of the forest‐steppe can be characterized by a more humous soil profile, the content of which is 19.2% higher than in the sandy podzols. More over sod‐podzols have greater availability of mineral nutrition elements for plants and a higher microbiological activity (the number of bacteria is 12.7 times higher, micromycetes – 10.5 times, actinomycetes – 4.5 times) than sandy podzols. In summer, the rate of CO₂ emission in Al‐Fe‐humus sandy soils in the northern part of the forest‐steppe zone reached 9.1 g CO₂ m²/day, in the southern part – 12.5 g CO₂ m²/day.

Conclusion. Further climate changes, which have an arid trend in the forest‐steppe zone, can possibly lead to transformation of sandy podzols into sandy sod‐podzols.

Aim. The objective of this research was to establish the reasons for productivity reduction and changes in the species and quantitative composition of phytocenoses of multiple‐aged fallows and to develop methods for their use optimisation.

Material and Methods. The research was conducted as a stationary field experiment. The fallow was formed since 2004 on the site of a field crop rotation. Fallow soil was moderately and heavily washed black earth.

Results. It was established that the availability of soil with plant nutrients in all experimental variants did not differ much during the entire period of research. The bases for changes in the fallow productivity were not chemical but rather physical soil processes. During the first three years of the fallow formation, the soil became more firm. The unit weight of the arable layer reached 1.48 g/cm³, hardness reached 24.4 kg/cm² and water permeability reached 59 mm/hour. The soil’s ability to recover its initial parameters began after 7‐10 years and after 30 years of fallow formation, the soil firmness was the same as in the steppe area, the unit soil weight acquired an equilibrium state, and the water permeability of the soil became optimal.

Conclusion. In the first 3‐4 years after the assignment of an area for fallow, it is optimal to mow plants twice or three times before their seeding, using mowed biomass for green manure or composting. In the next 4‐7 years, moderate grazing or mowing is recommended. Fallows over 8‐10 years old are used for grazing and haying.

Aim: to determine the importance of protected areas (PA) in the formation of a comfortable urban environment formation.

Methods. The following activities have taken place: collection of the route‐floristic descriptions, inventory of plantations, analysis of regulatory and stock materials, determination of the relative living condition of stands and calculation of ecosystem services.

Results. PAs as unique natural objects have become a counterbalance to aggressive urban environments and serve as a tool for stabilising the ecological state of a territory as well as for keeping its population healthy. For the first time, in accordance with a systematic approach, the role of protected areas in different parts of urban life that define the comfort of an urban environment was analysed. The network of PAs of Khabarovsk includes 29 objects with a total area of 585.45 ha, which amounts to 1.51% of the total city area. The PA’s specifics were determined according to the urban planning and economic development of the territory and were divided into 6 categories: natural recreational complexes, nurseries, park zones, natural monuments, nature parks and public gardens. According to the systematic approach, we have analysed the role of protected areas in the formation of a comfortable urban environment for Khabarovsk. The example of the “Orekhovaya Sopka”, a protected area of local importance with an ability to intercept water in the form of precipitation, made it possible to increase the economic and ecological value of the protected urban lands in ecosystem service calculations.

Conclusions. Urban PAs are protected natural objects with multipurpose use. The main function of PAs is to form a comfortable urban environment which is closely intertwined with architectural and urban planning and the economic, social and environmental spheres of urban life. The insignificant share of PAs in the total area of Khabarovsk indicates the necessity to expand their areas. It is proposed to use the indicator "PA’s share in the total area of a city" in urban environment quality index development.

Aim. An assessment and cartographical analysis of landscape‐ecological stability in agricultural regions of Ural and West Siberia, subjects of Asian Russia, using eight steppe areas as an example.

Material and Methods. An assessment of landscape‐ecological stability through calculating the coefficient of the ecological stability of a landscape on the base of the conjugate analysis of 13 indicators grouped into two blocks – stable and unstable landscape components. Monitoring of the state of an agricultural area using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of crops on the base of Earth remote sensing.

Results. Specific territorial features and inter‐regional relations were determined according to separate landscape components. A schematic map reflecting the state of ecological stability was formulated; it was shown that this rises the more easterly the location.

Conclusion. The Tyumen region is distinguished by clearly expressed ecological stability, which is also well expressed in the Novosibirsk region. Most other regions are characterized by a conditionally stable state. The Orenburg region’s landscapes are in an unstable state. Arable lands are characterized by the most instability among unstable components of a landscape. The coefficient of landscape ecological stability (CESL) is tightly connected with the proportion of tillage in a region’s total area. It rises with the reduction of a tillage area in 74% of cases studied. Withdrawal from cultivation of unstable and degraded lands during the intensification of agriculture in highly fertile areas and transfer to fodder lands (including protected areas), which contribute to an increase in the proportion of stable landscape elements, can be considered as the main direction for increasing their stability and preserving biological diversity.

Aim. The purpose of the research is to determine the method of soil cultivation and the dose of NPK, based on in‐depth adaptation of winter wheat cultivation technology, ensuring the minimum cost of producing grain of the crop of the required quality in the Central Black Earth Region (CBER).

Materials and Methods. The efficiency of winter wheat production largely depends on the adaptation of the technology of its cultivation to soil and climatic conditions, which are identified at the level of the agroecological province. But the main object of farming systems ‐ the soil cover within the agroecological province is distinguished by a high territorial diversity in fertility, which is not taken into account when developing agricultural technologies and thus lowers the level of their adaptability. Therefore, it is proposed to minimize the use of resources in intensive technologies due to in‐depth adaptation of tillage and fertilization in accordance with the initial state of the soil of a particular field.

Results. It was found that for the conditions of the CBER, the optimal values of the factors are the dose N₁₉P₃₉K₃₉ and the combined method of tillage for winter wheat, which correspond to the minimum cost of grain of 5.38 thousand roubles/t with a yield of 3.38 t/ha and a 12% protein content in grain of 3^rd class.

Conclusion. In addressing agricultural problems when there is an interaction between the factors, the effectiveness of in‐depth adaptation increases with the complex optimisation of factors according to innovative methodology using the mathematical method of indefinite Lagrange multipliers. Comprehensive optimisation of the factors made it possible to determine the method of tillage and the dose of fertiliser that would ensure the minimum cost of producing grain of a given quality under the conditions of the CBER.

Aim. To study the influence of weather conditions on the formation of the spring barley crop under prevailing climatic changes.

Material and Methods. The object of research was varieties and lines of spring barley of the FITZ Nemchinovka selection, which were studied annually in 2001‐2020 in a competitive test in the conditions of the Moscow region. According to the meteorological data for the FITZ Nemchinovka, the average monthly indicators of precipitation, air temperature and GTCM were calculated. Mathematical processing of yield data was undertaken on a computer using the Excel programme.

Results. A significant increase in the average monthly air temperature during the spring‐summer season, an increase in the amount of precipitation in May and a decrease in other months of the growing season indicate a change in the climatic conditions of the region. In favorable years, with a GTCM value from 1.32 to 2.34, the average yield of barley was 5.88 t/ha and in dry years with GTCM values from 0.48 to 1.26 – 3.28 t/ha. In the spring‐summer period, there was a relatively stable variability in yield from the dynamics of precipitation and GTCM (r= 0.346...0.572). The negative correlation dependence of the yield of varieties on the average monthly air temperature throughout the season had a relatively unstable character and manifested itself as very weak or medium (r= ‐0.021...‐0.372).

Conclusion. The positive yield trend observed in the conditions of the Moscow region with the annual use of the same agricultural machinery is due to an increase in the adaptive potential of new varieties and breeding lines of FITZ Nemchinovka.

Aim. In the arid zone of the Central Caucasus it is especially important to grow crops with a high adaptive capacity to changing weather and climatic conditions. In this regard, the purpose of this research work was to determine the influence of hydrothermal factors of the region on the pigment complex and the ability of plants to accumulate nitrogen, protein content in grain and productivity of various varieties of winter wheat.

Material and Methods. In the experiment, statistical and mathematical methods were used comprehensively to determine the influence of weather and climatic factors of the region on the pigment complex, the ability of plants to accumulate nitrogen, grain quality and yield of 3 varieties of winter wheat (Zustrich, Bagheera and Bagrat).

Results. With the aid of statistical and mathematical analysis, the spectrum of changes in the individual reaction of genotypes of various varieties of winter wheat (according to chlorophyll, carotenoids, nitrogen content in plants, grain quality [protein content) and productivity) in arid conditions of the region was revealed. As a result of the research, it was found that the Bagrat variety optimally realizes its potential to neutralize the negative impact of external environmental factors. The remaining varieties in the agrocenoses of the region had average indicators.

Conclusion. The varietal reaction of winter wheat to the phases of plant vegetation was been established. Varieties of agricultural crops with high adaptive stability for economic use in the prevailing conditions of precipitation reduction and temperature increase were identified. Practical recommendations for optimising plant nutrition and obtaining the highest productivity of winter wheat grain are proposed.

Aim. The work describes the experience of developing a geographic information system for the floodplain lands of the Don basin. Playing a large role in the economy, river floodplains provide reproduction of hayfields and pastures, fish, waterfowl and birds which live near water, and in the arid zone they concentrate forest resources and wild animal populations. However, until the present there has been no single database that would allow us to analyse the most important characteristics of floodplain landscapes.

Material and Methods. The implementation of the database elements was carried out using the following methods. The area of the river basin (tributary), the slope and exposure of the sides of the valley, the slope of the river bed and the length of the watercourse, the area of floodplains, agricultural land on floodplain lands, forest land, the tortuosity of the river and the development of the floodplain and the number, area and volume of small reservoirs were obtained by processing digital terrain models employing functions of the Spatial Analyst module and satellite images in automatic mode.

Results. During this first stage of the study, the authors developed 14 important characteristics that form the basis of a modern database for the floodplains of the Don River Basin and determined algorithms and methods for calculating each indicator.

Conclusion. The creation of a specialized geographic information system for the floodplain lands of the Don basin permits the solution of particular problems of data unification and the interaction of individual electronic atlas modules with each other and with the external resources of web‐mapping services and databases. The resulting atlas should find wide application in the areas of water and land management and nature conservation.

Aim. To study the methodological aspects of accounting for expenditures on environmental safety and environmental restoration, the specifics of regulatory regulation of this area of accounting and to identify the main trends and problems of accounting methodology in various accounting systems.

Methods. The study was conducted using theoretical system analysis, induction, deduction, comparative‐descriptive analysis and the general scientific method of accounting.

Results. The authors consider the main concepts in the accounting system in relation to the sources of covering the costs of environmental safety and environmental restoration, taking into account the current regulatory legal acts. Ways of solving the issue related to the need for a scientifically‐based choice of the model of accounting for the costs of environmental safety and environmental restoration and for the formation of an effective system of financing these costs for commercial companies and private investors are proposed. Conclusions are drawn about the need to prepare an accounting standard dedicated to accounting for expenses and income in the field of environmental activities and environmental safety.

Conclusion. The authors’ proposals regarding the methodology of accounting for expenditures on environmental safety and environmental restoration will create prerequisites for the formation of a theoretical model for financing the "green economy".