Photosynthetic activity in the leaf of ten grape varieties was studied in the conditions of the northern part of Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. From 2019 to 2020 meteorological data were recorded by the ‟Meteotrekˮ meteorological station. The influence of weather conditions of the spring-summer period at the beginning of the vegetation phases, which in 2019 took place on average 12 days earlier than in 2020, was noted. Analysis of changes in the induction of chlorophyll fluorescence (ICF) in leaves revealed the more efficient use of quantum energy of absorbed light by F0 in the leaves of most varieties was noted in the phase “the beginning of berry ripening”. During the three periods of the study, the varieties Aromatnyj, Zagadka, Ilichevskij rannij, and Kardishah showed a lower content of chlorophyll molecules, which do not have a functional connection with the reaction centers (RC). According to the Fp index the highest intensity of photosynthesis on average for all varieties was observed in the phase “the beginning of ovary growth”, the lowest – “the inflorescence is visible”. The potential productivity of grape plants determined by the ICF coefficient for all varieties was at a very high level and had a weak or moderate correlation with weather conditions during the growing season. The hydrothermal coefficient and Σ act t ≥10 °С had a weak effect on the efficiency of the light phase of photosynthesis (Ki) and a noticeable one (correlation coefficient r = 0.50 – 0.69) on the efficiency of dark photochemical processes (Rfd) in the leaves of most grape varieties.

The human body needs a constant flow of biologically active substances. Berry products, including raspberries, are a source of natural and affordable BAS. Raspberry berries contain a complex of BAS, in particular fructose, glucose, organic acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, P, E, essential oils, pectins, fiber, complex of polyphenols, copper salt, iron, potassium, folic acid, etc. Berries are salicylic acid and can for a long time maintain the beneficial properties of various processed products. Berries contain a lot of food fibers, it is beneficial for digestion. Berries contain betasitosterol and anthocyanins have anti-sclerotic properties, and coumarins normalize blood coagulation. Berries contain a lot of food fibers, it is beneficial for digestion. Raspberry berries contain coarse dietary fiber, β-sitosterol, anthocyanins and coumarins, these substances have a positive effect on digestion, have anti-sclerotic properties and normalize blood clotting. The purpose of the research aimed at carrying out a comparative characterization of the basic biochemical substances content and the quality of various berries and raspberry hybrids grown at the research field "Fruit and Vegetable Garden" of NULES of Ukraine. During the research the complex of international and state regulatory documents were used, in particular: the berries were selected in the state of technical maturity, in accordance with the state standard 7179: 2010; the sample size corresponded to ISO 874-2002; the determination of the components of the biochemical composition was carried out: the content of dry soluble substances were determined according to ISO 2173-2013, invert sugars – state standard 4954: 2008, titrated acids – state standard 4957: 2008, ascorbic acid – ISO 6557-2: 2014; organoleptic evaluation – according to the generally accepted methodology. Based on the obtained results, it was found that among the studied samples of berry varieties Babine Lito, Sontse Kieva, hybrids – Hybrid №4a, Hybrid №2 were characterized by the highest organoleptic and biochemical parameters, therefore it is expedient to use them both for consumption in a fresh form and for processing. The obtained results should be taken into account during the planning of raspberry planting and in further selective work during the creation of competitive varieties and hybrids of raspberries with a high content of biologically active substances in berries.

Breeding work on Ribes species has been started at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv since 1984 by Petro Sherenhovyj. The breeding programme has been focused on fruit quality, yield, resistance to diseases and pests, as well as on adaptive responses to environmental conditions. As a result of the long-term work, 18 new cultivars were included in the State Register of

The results of research on the quality of seven varieties of red currants (Ribes rubrum L.), five of which are created by the Department of Horticulture named after prof. V.L. Symyrenko NULES of Ukraine.