FEATURES OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF Hyssopus officinalis L. IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE SOUTHERN STEPPE OF UKRAINE

Each year, the pharmaceutical industry`s demand for high-quality medicinal raw materials increases, leading to the need for the cultivation of the most commonly used medicinal plants. According to statistics, over 40% of all drugs, including 75% of medicines, are produced from medicinal plants. In the southern regions of Ukraine, the cultivation of stress-resistant crops with high productivity and enhanced quality characteristics of raw materials is essential, especially those that can thrive under high temperatures and low relative humidity conditions. Medicinal and essential oil crops could be suitable for this region. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) is a non-traditional plant from the Lamiaceae family, which has been cultivated in Ukraine over the past decade. The article presents the results of phenological observations and biological growth and development characteristics of Hyssopus officinalis L. under introduction conditions. The growth dynamics of the plants are studied, and three developmental stages are considered: the latent stage, the vegetative stage, and the generative stage. The obtained results can be used in breeding work and in providing practical recommendations for the cultivation and propagation of hyssop.