Viral diseases are a worldwide problem of blueberry which a major limiting factor for production. A survey for Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) by DAS-ELISA in various organs of highbush blueberry conducted from May 2010 to April 2011, showed the occurrence of these virus in cvs Bluecrop and Herbert, which showing virus-like symptoms. Samples of plant materials (bud flower, flower, leaf, bark) were collected individually from each highbush blueberry plant of every cultivar. It was established that the detection of virus of each the investigated bushes cvs Bluecrop and Herbert depended on the tested plant materials as well as the period in which the tests were performed. The effectiveness of the virus detection varied for the investigated cultivars. The presence of the BlScV was confirmed in leaves samples with specific primer pair which amplifies a 430 bp fragment of the 5’-proximal ORF I [RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)].

Sooty blotch is a disease of apple and pear caused by a complex of fungi that blemish the fruit surface. Results of molecular studies indicated approximately 30 different fungi species associated with this disease. Apples and pears with symptoms of sooty blotch were collected in summer and early autumn 2006–2010 from trees grown in fungicide non-treated orchards and small gardens located in various regions of Poland. Fungi causing sooty blotch were isolated from fruits and the isolates were divided into six groups, according to their morphological characters. Growth of the fungi colonies were tested on different agar media (PDA, CMA, MEA and Czapek). The ITS region of rDNA from 16 isolates from the first group was amplified by PCR technique and one representative sequence of this isolates was used to alignment in Gene Bank. This isolate was identified as Aureobasidium pullulans and isolates from this group were compared with it on the base of morphological features.

The present studies determined the effect of fungicide Miedzian 50 WP and grapefruit extract on the healthiness of pea and on the microorganism population in the rhizosphere of this plant. The number of plants grown from the seeds dressed with Grevit 200 SL was similar to, but no significantly, the number of plants obtained after the application of fungicide Miedzian 50 WP. The value of the infection index of plants was the lowest after the application of Grevit 200 SL, but not statistically different from that of Miedzian 50 WP. The following fungi were isolated from the infected plants: Alternaria alternata, F. culmorum, F. oxysporum, F. solani, Phoma eupyrena, Pythium irregulare, Rhizoctonia solani i Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. From the rhizosphere soil were isolated: Alternaria alternata, Fusarium spp., Gliocladium spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., R.  solani, S. sclerotiorum i Trichoderma spp. The population of rhizosphere bacteria in the combinations with Grevit 200 SL and Miedzian 50 WP was significantly higher than in the control treatment. A reverse relationship occurred for the fungi population, but significantly the lowest number of fungi were found with Grevit 200 SL. Antagonistic microorganisms dominated in the rhizosphere of plants grown from the seeds dressed with Grevit 200 SL.

The aim of the research was to analyse the weaknesses of the pH differential method for strawberry anthocyanin determination. The work is based on practical experiments with 12 strawberry cultivars and on analysis of published papers. We used following molar absorption coefficients (εvalues): 26900 and 29600 M^-1 cm^-1 for cyanidin 3 glycoside (C3g) and 15600, 22400, 27300 and 36000 M^-1 cm^-1 for pelargonidin 3 glycoside (P3g). In order to show how the calculated value of total anthocyanins depends on the predominant anthocyanin used for the calculations, we compared the results of spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis. Present research demonstrated that different εvalues may influence the results of total anthocyanins even more than cultivar properties. The most frequently used εvalues 26900 M^-1 cm^-1 and 29600 M^-1 cm^-1 gave underestimated values. C3g was present in minor amounts in all cultivars. Conclusively, P3g with the ε= 15600 M^-1 cm^-1 should be used for ensuring most precise estimation of total anthocyanin content in strawberries.

Ascorbic acid is one of the major metabolite in higher plants cells which is known as effective factor when the cells enter to “S” phase from “G₁” phase of cytokinesis. This metabolite has antioxidant activity and increases plant tolerance against stressors such as salinity, pathogens, ozone, UV rays, etc. The current study used the common cellular and histological methods to evaluate the effect of 0.05 to 2.5 mM ascorbic acid on vegetative meristems of Aloe barbadensis plants obtained from stem explants propagated in vitro culture conditions. Results showed that low concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.5 to 1 mM) increase mitotic index in apical meristem and root quiescent center (QC). Moreover, treatment with ascorbic acid increases cellular dimensions in cell elongation region of root and mitotic divisions in this region. In some measurements, it was clear that in addition to increase root length in plants treated with ascorbic acid, distance from root hairs zone to root cap increases compared to the control, which is a logical conclusion from increasing cell elongation and divisions in cell elongation zone. Also, ascorbic acid increased production of secondary roots through stimulating cells of pericycle and increasing divisions in this region. Apical meristem of stem treated with ascorbic acid had more convexity homogenous with more chromophilic level. Increasing stem length and number of leaves in plants treated with ascorbic acid could be related to the high cells’ mitotic activity in stem apical meristem. Moreover, ascorbic acid could stimulate cell division, increasing area of meristem zone, and effective on severity of differentiation.

Vapour pressure deficit, in addition to light and temperature, is the main meteorological element that influences the degree of transpiration rate, which in turn determines the impact of drought stress on the yield of onions. In this study we attempt to assess the effect of vapour pressure deficit on onion cultivation in Poland and present a temporal and spatial distribution of vapour pressure deficit for the years 1966–2005. During the period “end of emergence–harvest” (Ee–H), vapour pressure deficit had the greatest impact on onion yield in central western Poland and in the Sandomierz Basin (south east). In these regions the average total yield of onion was 15% lower than the long-term average for the entire country, and yields lower than the long-term average occurred every 1–2 years. A statistically significant year-to-year increase in vapour pressure deficit during the Ee-H period indicates the possibility of a further increases in the risk to onion cultivation.

The CIELab colour system is used to evaluate food colours. Its advantage is that the base skin colour of bicoloured apples can be measured on the same fruit before and on the optimum harvest date. Additionally, it makes it possible to take many measurements within a short time. The changes of skin colour (yellowing) are caused by chlorophyll degradation. During fruit development and maturation chlorophyll breakdown is observed, which results in decreasing intensity of green coloration. The aim of the five-year study was to evaluate a fast and non-destructive method of determining the optimum harvest date of apples intended for long storage based on changes observed in the base skin colour. Apples of ‘Ligol’ and ‘Jonagored’ cultivars were collected every 4–5 days starting some weeks before the estimated OHD. On the last four or five sampling dates in all years of the study, apples were collected for cold storage. The storability of apples was evaluated after the same number of days of storage respectively to their harvest date. Storage efficiency was evaluated based on judgment that involved sensoric tests and checking of the incidence of diseases and disorders in apples, as well as on measurement of fruit mass loss and internal qualities (firmness, TSS, TA). From among the evaluated colour indicators L*, a*, b*, Hue_ab angle and chroma, changes in the base colour were best illustrated by the a* coordinate value and the Hue_ab angle value. Based on the evaluation of the quality of apples after storage, it can be stated that the apples had the best quality when the a* coordinate during harvest ranged between -13.5 and -15.5 for ‘Ligol’ and between -4.9 and -5.7 for ‘Jonagored’. The Hue_ab angle assumed a value between 107 and 109 for ‘Ligol’ and between 98 and 99 for ‘Jonagored’ during the optimum harvest date. Therefore, the a* coordinate and the Hue_ab angle can be used as indicators of harvest maturity.

The physiological response of Phalaenopsis × hybridum ‘Innocence’ to biotic stress caused by Pseudococcus longispinus feeding was investigated. The condition of the cytoplasmic membranes expressed by a value of electrolyte outflow (E_L) and TBARS and the activity of antioxidative system enzymes: catalase and peroxidase, and the amount of non-enzymatic antioxidant – proline, were determined. The changes in all the analyzed physiological parameters depended on the duration of the pest feeding. The outflow of electrolytes, TBARS content and catalase activity was the highest in the first period of the experiment (after 24-hour of mealybug feeding). Significant increase of peroxidase activity and proline content was noted after 7 days of insects feeding. The values of all analyzed parameters (except E_L) demonstrated a decreasing tendency after 14 days of P. longispinus feeding. The observed reaction of P. hybridum ‘Innocence’ testifies to mechanisms triggered with the aim of neutralizing the effects of biotic stress and enabling the normal functioning of the cells in the orchid plants colonized by longtailed mealybug.

Similary to other fungal species of the genus Alternaria, Alternaria radicina is a major pathogen that infects both the aboveground and underground parts of carrot plants. Changes in the concentrations of phenolic compounds are observed in infected carrot plants. Carrot seedlings were inoculated with the most pathogenic isolates of Alternaria radicina selected in a laboratory test. A phytopathological analysis was performed to determine the health status of carrot plants. The concentrations of phenolic acids in petioles were determined four weeks after inoculation with A. radicina and at harvest. The results of a greenhouse experiment revealed more severe disease symptoms on carrot plants cv. Koral inoculated with A. radicina isolates, compared with cv. Bolero. The content of the predominant phenolic acid (chlorogenic acid) was found to decrease in the leaf stalks of carrots cv. Koral inoculated with A. radicina. A statistically non-significant increase in chlorogenic acid levels was noted in the leaf stalks of carrots cv. Bolero in the experimental and control groups.

The structure of floral nectaries of ivy (Hedera helix) was investigated under light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopes. The nectar of ivy is located on top of the inferior ovary forming a distinct undulating disc between the base of petals and the style. The ivy nectary represents open and persistent nectaries. During consecutive days of anthesis, nectaries change their colour from green to brown. The secretory epidermis is covered with a thick, deeply striated cuticle, and nectar is released by nectarostomata. Epidermal cells exhibited plastids with plastoglobules and a few starch grains as well as vacuoles containing anthocyanins, the content of which increased during the successive days of anthesis and nectar secretion. Multi-layered glandular parenchyma and, underneath, subglandular tissue are located under the epidermis. The nectary was supplied by vascular bundles with phloem and xylem. Numerous chloroplasts were visible in the cytoplasm of the external layers of glandular parenchyma; they were either typical with small starch grains or untypical with circular arrangement of thylakoids. Amyloplasts containing storage starch grains and numerous small vacuoles were present in the cells of deeper layers of the nectar-bearing tissue. Druses, flocculent residue, myelin figures and spherical deposits of unknown origin were visible in the gland parenchyma vacuoles.

The aim of the present work was to identify GCL, OYD and LYS and to assess the degree of their distribution in crop and ornamental plants from the genus Allium. Two groups of plants from the genus Allium were used. The first group included 10 botanical species, while the second group was composed of seven commercial A. sativum cultivars and two genotypes. Identification of GCL, OYD and LYS in leaves, inflorescences, and bulbs was performed with the use of the ELISA test. All plants in the first group consisting of botanical species of the genus Allium were free from the viruses studied, whereas in commercial A. sativum cultivars a high prevalence of GCLV, OYDV and LYSV infection reaching 88.2%, 75% and 32.1%, respectively, was reported. Varying severity of infection in the particular plant organs was found.

Various fertilizers are used in order to increase the yield and quality of the cultivated vegetables. Therefore, products obtained from different sources can be used as fertilizer. Fertilizers produced with nanotechnology are one of them. Fertilizers derived from nanotechnology have started to attract attention in agriculture nowadays. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of nanotechnology liquid fertilizer on the plant growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture at Ataturk University under unheated greenhouse conditions in Erzurum, Turkey, in 2011–2012. The doses of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 L ha^-1 of Nanonat and Ferbanat were used as fertilizer source. The plant leaves were sprayed with Nanonat and Ferbanat suspension until becoming wet at ten day intervals for three times during plant growth. The results showed that the fertilizer treatments significantly improved the yield compared to control. According to the average of years the highest yield (149.17 t ha^-1) occurred in Ferbanat 4.0 L ha^-1 application. As a result, this study suggested that the foliar applications of liquid fertilizer could improve the plant growth and yield of cucumbers.

Pathogenicity and ultrastructural investigation of the ribwort leaves inoculated with Phyllosticta plantaginis conidia was undertaken using scanning electron microscopy to examine the host-parasite relationship. Pathogenicity experiments demonstrated that all tested P. plantaginis isolates had infected leaves of ribwort. Of all inoculation methods, direct placement of colonized agar plugs on damaged epidermis and soaking leaves in conidial suspension were the most effective. The behavior of the conidia deposited on the leaves was investigated at different time intervals after inoculation: 7, 18, 25, 48 and 72 h. An appressorium appeared directly at the end of a short germ tube grown from conidia. Appressoria were formed over the cuticle in some distance from the stomata. Penetration through the stomata was observed.

In mutation breeding of chrysanthemum the regeneration in vitro of adventitious shoots from ligulate florets can lead to the separation of chimera components and, as a result, to producing a new original cultivar. The success of that method considerably depends on the result being the number of the shoots formed. The more is produced, the greater the chances for an effective separation of chimera components and creating a new stable cultivar. The present research defines the effect of such factors as the inflorescence development stage, the type of the explant as well as the position of its inoculation on the increase in the efficiency of adventitious shoots regeneration. The ligulate florets of Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. ‘Cool Time’ were inoculated on the Murashige and Skoog [1962] medium supplemented with 2 mg∙dm^-3 BAP and 0.5 mg∙dm^-3 NAA. There was shown no significant effect of the inflorescence development stage (incompletely open with a partially visible disk or with the entire visible disk in which tubular florets do not produce pollen or completely open in which two or half of the whorls of tubular florets produce pollen) on the shoot regeneration efficiency. Most shoots regenerate on transversely- or lengthwise-cut into half or on the entire pierced ligulate florets – horizontally inoculated, with the abaxial side on the medium.

Turkey is one of the most important walnut producers in the world. The aim of this study to select superior walnut genotypes among the walnut seedling populations naturally grown in Gumushacikoy district of Amasya province located in Inner Anatolia between 2010–2011 years. In the study, a large number walnut genotypes in Inner Anatolia were screened according to selection criteria and after evaluation twenty promising walnut genotypes were selected as cultivar candidate among genotypes. The average fruit weights, kernel weights and kernel ratios were ranged from 8.93 to 13.92 g, 4.62 to 7.36 g and 47.80 to 58.98% among twenty promising walnut genotypes, respectively. Measurements of fruit dimensions showed that the average fruit length, width and heights were found between 42.80–29.97 mm; 25.73–34.77 mm and 28.86–33.85 mm, respectively. Considering 20 promising walnut selections, 11, 5 and 4 genotypes had been found protandry, protogyny and homogamy. The chemical analyses showed that protein, crude oil and ash contents of selected twenty walnut genotypes were between 13.75–19.69%; 44.08– 70.81% and 1.53–2.15%, respectively.