OPTIMIZATION OF AGROTECHNICAL BASES AND PROPAGATION METHODS FOR SOUR CHERRY (CERASUS VULGARIS MILL.) SEEDLING PRODUCTION IN INTENSIVE HORTICULTURE

Abstract

This study focuses on investigating the agrobiological characteristics of sour cherry (Cerasus vulgaris Mill.) varieties and optimizing their propagation technologies under the soil and climatic conditions of Uzbekistan. Six widely cultivated sour cherry varieties in the country (“Griot Ostgeimsky”, “Lyubskaya 15”, “Podbelskaya”, “Samarkandskaya”, “Turgenevka” and “Shpanka Chornaya”) were selected as research objects. The study scientifically substantiates the efficacy of propagating green and semi-lignified cuttings in artificial mist irrigation facilities, as well as generative (seed-based) propagation methods. The results demonstrate that the use of amino acid-based biostimulants, such as "Radimax" and "Megafol," increases the rooting rate of cuttings up to 85-88%. For generative propagation, it was determined that a 90-day stratification process ensures the highest germination rate of seedlings. Furthermore, this study highlights the advantages of planting schemes at 3x3 m and 4x3 m in intensive orchards. The findings and the developed agrotechnical recommendations serve as an important scientific and practical resource for increasing the export potential of fruit crops, providing the pharmaceutical and food industries with high-quality raw materials, and implementing resource-saving technologies in horticultural farms.