Using DNA banks or gene libraries is the most efficient method of protecting and managing valuable, endangered, and rare gene pools. Genomic libraries are collections of bacteria colonies with restriction sites on their genomic DNA that contain desired genes from a specific organism. The “Scientific Center of Agro- Biotechnology” branch of ANAU has created gene libraries of 34 plant species, which are preserved in the National Genebank of Crops and their Wild Relatives, which forms a basis for genomic selection. This allows genetic identification, barcoding, DNA formula decoding, and, most importantly, is the basis for genome identification. Based on the results, plasmids can incorporate restriction segments of genomic DNA and be efficiently transformed. The high level of correlation between the number of necessary clones and the efficiency of transformation of all studied plant species proves the completeness of the gene pool.

Application of fertilizers is among the prior agriculture measures to achieve sustainable potato yield in conditions of leached soils of Lori region, poor in essential plant nutrients. The field experiments established that to obtain maximum potato yield in addition to the introduction of the main mineral fertilizer (NPK) it is necessary to apply complex water-soluble fertilizer (CWF) via foliar feeding thrice during the vegetation period with 10-12 days of interval. In this case the yield amount was 286 c/ha, 40.0 % of which was large and 35.0 % were medium size. The tuber’s chemical composition was also improved. In the case of using N120P120K120 the yield amount was 261.0 c/ha, out of which 30.2 % were large and 40.5 % were medium size, while in the control variant 207.5 c/ha yield was received, out of which only 15.1 % were large and 35.9 % – medium in size.

The article presents the direction of degradation processes in eroded forest brown soils based on the example of the Bazum community of the Lori region. It also shows the qualitative characteristics of these soils, the thickness, the degree of humus content, and the availability of nutrients. New technologies and methods of resource-saving tillage and plant care are proposed to mitigate erosion processes, degradation, and desertification of soils based on the research conducted.

To study the adaptive and acclimatization capabilities of imported apple cultivars to expand the geographical boundaries of their use in the specific lowland conditions of the Ararat Valley as well as to understand their genetic resources in new growing conditions, production experiments were set up. The following encouraging data were obtained Based on a two-year study of five new novel cultivars of apple trees in three different areas. Five apple tree cultivars were investigated: Granny Smith, Jonagold Decosta, Fuji, Mutsu, and Gala. During observation and study, they showed a high yield productivity. As a result, all five imported cultivars of apple trees are recommended for growing in intensive orchards and under similar agro-climatic conditions.

Drought is one of the main abiotic stresses that depends on soil type and rainfall patterns on agrarian land. However, it is mainly responsible for major yield losses in crops. Climate change further compounds the challenges to advanced crop yields. Failure stress reduces crop yield. This research was conducted on grain yield in fifteen Armenian and Iranian wheat varieties to evaluate grain yield and drought tolerance indices. The study was performed with three replications under normal and drought-stress conditions for two years. According to grain yield, eight drought tolerance indices are estimated, including stress tolerance (STI), tolerance index (TOL), stress susceptibility index (SSI), mean productivity (MP), harmonic mean (HM), geometric mean (GMP), yield index (YI), and drought index (DI) for all varieties. The combination of yield analysis, eight drought tolerance indices, and correlation revealed that Navid, Voskehask, Sabalan, and Zare varieties were desirable for drought tolerance. Other varieties were identified as semi-tolerant and sensitive to drought stress.

Brucellosis is a common bacterial zoonosis caused by Brucella spp., which are facultative intracellular gram-negative cocco-bacilli, causing disease in cattle, small ruminants, and humans. The occurrence of brucellosis is widespread across a wide geographical area as well as endemic throughout the Caucasus region. The Ministry of Agriculture of Armenia has adopted a diagnostic algorithm consisting of screening samples with the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) followed by confirmation with the complement fixation test (CFT). This study determined the feasibility of the algorithm and diagnostics in Armenia. Sampling and testing were conducted in two marzes of Armenia with disparate brucellosis prevalence. The screening was performed in 2020 at regional laboratories, followed by retesting at the reference laboratory with RBT and confirmation by CFT. Results indicated that RBT testing was reproducible between laboratories, although positive rates in CFT testing were slightly higher. Brucellosis incidence in cattle was not geographically dependent, while it was affected by location. The addition of CFT to the diagnostic algorithm improves the results.

The data of the study indicate that the service period of the cows of the 4th-5th lactation is 5-58 days higher than the norm in the “Vamaks” LLC cattle farm of the Syunik region of the RA, and the coefficient of reproductive ability varies in the range of 86.3-98.6%. Due to sterility, the loss of lactations in the 5th lactation is 16 and the loss of milk quantity is 126 tons. We propose to identify and inseminate (mate) animals with sexual desire in a timely manner, as well as to establish strict veterinary control to monitor and regulate the service period of 4-5 calving cows.

In recent years, the successful development of dog breeding in Armenia has been hindered by various diseases, the most common of which is demodicosis. The spread of the demodicosis invasion in Yerevan is mainly due to the uncontrolled breeding of dogs, violation of sanitary and hygiene rules for dog rearing, and unauthorized sale and purchase of dogs. Lack of information about the disease among the dog owner and breeders is another important reason for the spread of the disease. Demodicosis in dogs proceeds with certain variations. The extent of invasion in autumn was 51.7 %, in spring – 34 %, in winter – (32.2 %), and in summer it was 18.5 %. The relatively low temperature of the external environment and the high relative humidity of the air are probably favorable conditions for the reproduction, growth, and development of causative agents of demodicosis in dogs. Studies have shown that the highest degree of demodicosis was observed among maternal livestock, and animals older than three months. The lowest degree of disease damage was observed in puppies up to three months old.

The research was carried out in the Ashtarak and Avan communities of the Aragatsotn region of the Republic of Armenia. During the research enterobacteria were found in the samples brought from the Ashtarak community. Salmonella, Escherichia coli, or Proteus diseases were suspected. API 20 E microbial identification test-system was used for identification. As a result of research carried out in 2022, using the above method, Escherichia coli was confirmed in bees in the Ashtarak community of the Aragatsotn region. The susceptibility of the pathogen to antibiotics was also checked and it was found out that the most effective antibiotics are Gentamicyn, Levofloxacin, Streptomycin, and Amoxicillin.

Research in this area aims to develop a milk-protein product similar to ricotta cheese. This product will be the second component of the newly developed twocomponent Yogrik product, a mixture of yogurt and ricotta. Combination of the biological value of yogurt and ricotta will create a balanced amino acid food. Cheeses obtained by acid and thermo-acid coagulation are usually fresh soft cheese varieties made by the coagulation of milk, cream, whey, or their mixtures, by direct chemical acidification, bacterial cultures coagulation, or by a combination of chemical acidification and high-temperature processing. In appearance and production technology, ricotta is between cheese and cottage cheese. But in terms of the softness of the clot and versatility, it is an outstanding product. Ricotta is rich in proteins including albumin and contains about 11 % protein. Whey cheese proteins are in the most easily assimilated state. Combining the biological value of yogurt and ricotta will create a balanced food with amino acid content.

A nation’s health and mental strength depend on its food consumption which is one of the main conditions for the full functioning of the human body. In modern times, the demand for sour milk products has increased significantly due to their dietary and medicinal features. The research object was pure cow’s milk, almond milk, almond flour, and samples of sour milk products. During the work, a study of the physicochemical and sensory indicators of the raw materials added almond milk, and the finished product was performed. Based on the sensory and physicochemical indicators of the product, the optimal dosages are as 70 % of cow’s milk, 30 % of almond milk, and 1.5 % of almond flour were determined. Based on the above, it is recommended to introduce the developed technology of lactic acid products in production, which will complement the assortment of sour milk products, enrich the chemical composition of the product, and increase the body’s resistance and digestibility.

The second part of the article series is about the study of the influence of yeast and autolyzed yeast derivative on red wines’ qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Wine samples in which the preparation process was explained in the first part of the article were investigated. Wine coloring and phenolic compounds were measured. Organoleptic properties of the wines are presented as spider graphs with tasting notes.

This study assessed potential risks associated with antibiotic residues in Armenian honey. Honey sample analysis revealed multiple antibiotics, in varying concentrations. Estimated daily intakes of antibiotics were calculated for different consumer clusters. The margin of exposure was determined based on acceptable daily intake values. The findings indicate that there are no risks to consumers regarding antibiotic residues in honey. However, it highlights the importance of controlling antibiotics in beekeeping practices to ensure honey safety.

The influence of secondary raw materials in primary winemaking on the organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters of butter cookies made of wheat and oat flour has been studied. It was revealed that cookies with this additive have appropriate consumer properties and physicochemical parameters that meet accepted standards. It was shown that the processed product was enriched with the elements necessary for the body. These elements include Na, C, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu, and the powerful antioxidant resveratrol. Obtaining food additives by processing grape pomace and their use in confectionery products will contribute to primary winemaking with minimal waste.