FEATURES OF TABLE BEET GROWING IN THE OPEN SOIL CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE OF UKRAINE

Taking into account the situation on the consumer market and the growing demand for white cabbage products, it can be safely assumed that its production will be more profitable, domestic products will differ favorably from imported products in terms of quality and price. However, in order to obtain high economic indicators, an indispensable prerequisite is the cultivation technology, which ensures obtaining planned, high-quality products due to correctly selected agricultural measures. Brussels sprouts are close to white cabbage in terms of their properties, but they are 1.5 times higher in energy value, 2 times higher in vitamin PP, and 2.5–3 times higher in vitamin C. The heads produce little fiber and have higher levels of potassium, magnesium and iron than other species. In terms of protein, dry matter and amino acid content, Brussels sprouts are 2-4 times higher than white cabbage. Protein includes such amino acids as: arginine, histidine, lysine, threonine. Food organs are rich in phosphorus, which is why they are used in baby food. Carbohydrates, mustard substances and organic acids give a special taste. The content of vitamins is mg/100 g of raw substance: B1 – 0.13–2.5; B2 – 0.15–0.8; B6 – 0.28, C – 62.7–207.7; РР – 0.7–3.0; carotene - 0.1–0.5. One Brussels sprout plant can form from 35–70 to 90 or more heads, the weight of one head is 8–15 g, and their total weight can be 300–800 g. Choose a flat, open area protected from the wind for growing Brussels sprouts. Plowing is carried out in autumn, because the plant grows well on moderately compacted soils. With a low content of humus, especially on sandy and loamy soils, apply up to 15–16 kg of compost per 1 m2. 80–90 g of amphoska is added to loamy highly fertile soil, but you can add 30–40 g of potassium nitrate and 40–50 g of superphosphate per 1 m2. High yields can be obtained only in the presence of fertile soil with a sufficient content of humus. For every square meter, 6-10 kg of humus or compost should be applied. It is better to grow cabbage on soils with a low nitrogen content, fertilizing with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers is mandatory, and therefore, before tying the head, it is worth applying potassium monophosphate in the amount of 5-7 g per 10 liters of water. Brussels sprouts are characterized by increased cold resistance: plants tolerate short-term frosts down to -9...10 °С. The best temperature for the growth and development of plants (in the period after planting seedlings before the formation of cobs) is 15...18 °С. High temperatures (above 25 °C) delay crop formation and reduce product quality. In the phase of forming the heads of Brussels sprouts, it is characterized by particularly high cold resistance and better tolerates a short-term decrease in temperature to -8...10 °C. Brussels sprouts should be watered. The greatest need for moisture is observed in the phase of intensive growth of the rosette of leaves and the formation of cobs. Optimal soil moisture is maintained at the level 80 % of HB. In the absence of precipitation, two or three vegetation irrigations are carried out with an irrigation rate of 350–500 m3/ha. Among the best varieties of Brussels sprouts in Ukraine, the Hercules variety should be singled out. Along with the specified variety, other varieties are also in great demand, namely Cassiopeia (Casio), Rosella (Satimex), Machuga, and from the hybrids it is worth noting Franklin F1 (Bejo), Abacus F1 (Syngenta), Dolores F1 (Moravoseed), Profitus F1 (Syngenta), Diamond F1 (Diamond F1) (Hazera), Diablo F1 (Bejo). The purpose of the research was to analyze the morphological characteristics of varieties and hybrids of Brussels sprouts, which were included in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine. Effective use of these researched varieties or hybrids can solve the problem of providing the population with fresh products that meet the requirements of the Ukrainian consumer.