Megaproject on innovative transformation of the plant breeding system to increase productivity and yield (second half of the twentieth century)

The purpose of the article is to reconstruct the events and analyze the scientific activities of the geneticist Oleksii Sozinov (1930–2018) aimed at the development of agricultural science in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the creation and development of the phytotron at the All-Union Breeding and Genetic Institute (now the Breeding and Genetic Institute - National Center for Seed and Variety Studies) in the second half of the twentieth century. The innovative transformation of the plant breeding system initiated by O. Sozinov, aimed at increasing the productivity and yield of agricultural crops, is studied. The use of methods of microhistory and comparative historical analysis allowed to reveal more deeply the scientific contribution of the scientist and his influence on the development of breeding science and technology. Based on the processing of archival materials, a set of sources was first introduced into scientific circulation, which allows us to rethink the importance of the developments of O. Sozinov and his colleagues in the creation and functioning of the phytotron. The analysis of documentary materials of the State Archives of Odesa Region and other sources allowed to expand the understanding of the use of phytotron technologies in breeding activities and their impact on agricultural science and crop yields. The contribution of O. Sozinov to the development of scientific research in the field of breeding and genetics, in particular the introduction of advanced experimental methods and the use of phytotron for research on grain crops, is outlined. It is proved that the scientist's many years of experience in plant breeding and genetics became the basis for the formation of long-term scientific directions in this field. The experimental approaches he introduced contributed to the innovative transformation of the breeding system, which ensured a significant increase in crop productivity and yield. It is concluded that the scientific achievements of O. Sozinov not only laid the foundation for further research, but also determined the prospects for the development of the industry for decades to come. The use of the phytotron has significantly expanded the possibilities of studying the influence of various factors on plant growth and development, which, in turn, has contributed to the creation of new highly productive varieties.