  The hadronization procedure of the QGSJET-III Monte Carlo (MC) generator of
high energy hadronic interactions is discussed. Selected results of the model,
regarding production spectra of secondary particles, are presented in
comparison to experimental data and to the corresponding predictions of the
QGSJET-II-04 MC generator. The model is applied to calculations of basic
characteristics of extensive air showers initiated by cosmic ray interactions
in the atmosphere and the results are compared to predictions of other MC
generators of cosmic ray interactions.
