Five different methods of drying (microwave-drying, oven-drying at 50 and 70°C, sun-drying and shade drying) the fresh fruits of two hawthorn species – Crataegus azarolus L. (yellow) and Crataegus orientalis L. (red) – were investigated in this study to determine its impact on their antioxidant capacity and antioxidant content. The results showed that antioxidant capacity increased, and at the same time the number of total phenolic compounds decreased with increase in the temperature in oven drying, whereas in other drying methods (microwave, sun and shade-drying) the amount of total phenolic compounds increased. It was observed that in all samples the vitamin C content decreased. Samples dried in a microwave appeared to have the strongest antioxidant capacity. Microwave-drying appeared to be the best method for preserving bioactive chemicals.

Explants of apical buds of sandy everlasting Helichrysum arenarium L. Moench sterilized with calcium hypochlorite – Ca(OCl2) were placed onto Murashige-Skoog (MS) growth medium enriched with 1 mg∙dm^-3 KIN (kinetin) in two consecutive passages. To optimize the procedure of in vitro micropropagation, the axillary shoots of Helichrysum arenarium L. Moench were transferred during the third passage onto 9 different combinations of MS medium without plant growth regulators (PGRs-free medium), with different concentrations of KIN (1.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 mg∙dm^-3) and KIN (1.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 mg∙dm^-3) with IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) (0.5 mg dm^-3). The highest mean number of shoots (24.7) was observed on MS medium with 5 mg∙dm^-3 KIN and 0.5 mg∙dm^-3 IAA. The achieved branched shoots were rooted and acclimatized. Rhizogenesis was intensified by the presence of growth hormones: 0.5 mg∙dm^-3 IAA or 0.5 mg∙dm^-3 IBA (indole-3-butyric acid). At the stage of acclimation of plantlets the application of a water solution of MS salts (25%) for watering the plants increased the efficacy of plant acclimation from 56 to 75%.

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.) is a popular ornamental woody plant grown for its very decorative flowers and large, dark-green leaves. The leaves remain on the shrubs for a long time. The fungus, Ascochyta syringae, is a pathogen which deteriorates the decorative value of the leaves. It causes brown irregular spots on leaves. In this study, 20 fungal isolates were tested in terms of their pathogenicity towards the leaves of S. vulgaris, and mycelium growth rate, while genetic variability was determined by RAPD-PCR. It was found that some isolates do not cause the formation of brown spots on leaves. Isolates differed considerably in terms of mycelium growth rate, ranging from 0.5 mm day^-1 (B96 at 30°C) to 8.8 mm day^-1 (B92a at 25°C). A positive dependence between mycelium growth and the capacity to cause leaf spots was observed. No close dependence was found between the genetic variability of isolates and the other examined traits of the isolates.

Six coriander accessions of different origins were grown on an experimental field in Mošorin, Serbia during 2014. The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil showed that the major components in all samples were linalool (69.3–72.0%), γ-terpinene (6.0–9.6%) and α-pinene (6.7–8.2%), while other compounds were present at less than 5%. Antifungal activity of coriander oils against two phytopathogenic fungi from Colletotrichum genus (C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides) was evaluated using the inverted petriplate method. Experiments show that coriander essential oil has antifungal properties against the apple bitter rot pathogens from Colletotrichum genus, but only at higher application rates (≥ 0.16 µl/ml of air). According to the obtained data, it can be concluded that tested coriander accessions differ in essential oil content and composition, as well as in influence on mycelial growth. Coriander essential oil has potential for being applied as a biological control agent against these two fungi from Colletotrichum genus.

Plum is the major fruit species in the area of North Montenegro. A study conducted over a period of 4 years in North Montenegro region included in situ identification of autochthonous plum cultivars. Observation and recording of their phenological and pomological traits were performed using IBPGR and UPOV methodologies. Flowering started between 26^th March and 12^th April and fruit ripening between 13^th July (Petrovača) and 18^th September (Trnovača). Fruit weight ranged from 6.65 ±0.235 to 53.88 ±0.654 g and stone weight from 0.16 ±0.003 to 2.20 ±0.711 g. The cultivars were classified as being extremely small in terms of fruit size, except for cv. Crvena durgulja (bigger fruit size). Rounded fruit shape and light green ground color were dominant. Skin color ranged from amber to black. Yellow green was a dominant flesh color and medium flesh firmness predominated. The fruits of the above cultivars could be processed, particularly into plum brandy, or they could be used fresh or dried. The selected plum cultivars can be used both in breeding programmes and as cultivars for organic plum orchards. This study was made to assess the performance of autochthonous plum cultivars (in situ) and seedling. Selection process consisted of 3 stages: a) initial selection from the population and pomological characterization, b) morphological and quantitative characteristics of one-year old seedlings for autochthonous brandy varieties of plum on Myrobalan seedling (Prunus cerasifera Erhr.), and c) water attaining capability of leaves in autochthonous plum cultivars as an indicator of their resistance to drought.

The pollen morphology of eight species from three subgenera and five sections of the genus Allium L. was studied by LM and SEM (i.e.: A. angulosum, A. carinatum, A. senescens subsp. montanum, A. oleraceum, A. scorodoprasum, A. ursinum, A. victorialis and A. vineale). The material came from natural sites of these species located in Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and Italy. For measurements a sample consisted of 30 pollen grains. In total, 240 pollen grains were analysed. They were analysed in respect to six quantitative features (i.e.: length of long axis – LA, length of short axis – SA, thickness of exine along long axis – Ex, SA/LA and Ex/LA ratios and length of sulcus) and the following qualitative ones: pollen outline and shape, exine ornamentation. Taxonomic value of these pollen features is considerable, especially on the sections level. On the basis of these features, it is impossible to distinguish individual Allium species but only their groups. The examined features were characterized by moderate (LA, SA and SA/LA) or high variability (Ex, Ex/LA). Among studied species the lowest variability was found in A. victorialis and the highest in A. vineale and A. oleraceum.

Potted chrysanthemum is one of the most important floriculture plants which commercially produced in greenhouses where silicon (Si) is available in limited concentration because of using several substrates as growing media. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the supplemental effects of Si nutrition on growth, flowering, flower longevity as well as shelf life and nutrients content of potted chrysanthemum in relation to Si application. Moreover, the effects of Si treatment on some physiological parameters i.e. chlorophyll content, stomatal resistance, membrane stability index (MSI) and total carbohydrates were also investigated. Si application as K2SiO3 was added whether as foliar application at 25, 75 and 125 mg L^-1 Si or soil drenches at 50, 100 and 150 mg L^-1 Si. Except plant height and leaf area, the other vegetative growth and flowering characters were improved as a result of both Si supplementation methods compared with untreated control. Flowering was earlier and shelf life was longer in Si-supplemented than nonsupplemented plants. Generally, Si application increased the macro and micronutrients concentrations (except Ca) estimated in this study. Chlorophyll content, stomatal resistance, MSI and total carbohydrates were increased among Si treated plants. Improving the floricultural traits, extending longevity and shelf life of greenhouse grown chrysanthemum may give an impact of its greenhouse commercial production if appropriate level was used.

This research was conducted to determine the effects of three grafting methods (chip budding, side and splice grafting) and topical applications on graft scion of IBA (0 and 4000 ppm) and three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains (Bacillus subtilus-OSU142, Bacillus megatorium-M3 and Burkholderia gladia-BA7) on graft success and plant growth in black mulberry sapling production. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Bolu, Turkey in 2014 and 2015. The black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) were used for grafting scions. Two-year old white mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedling were used for rootstocks. The results showed that in general all of the bacterial strains and IBA had significant effects on all parameters tested in graft scion compared with the control. Application of 4000 ppm IBA and Bacillus megatorium-M3 increased the success graft take rate (74.44 and 72.22%, respectively), graft sprouting rate (61.11 and 60.00%, respectively), graft shoot diameter (6.21 and 5.70 mm, respectively) and graft shoot length (35.50 and 35.31 cm, respectively). Grafting methods had significant effect for all parameters and grafting methods increased the graft success. The best graft take rates (75.33 and 70.67%, respectively), graft sprouting rates (62.67 and 57.33% respectively), graft shoot diameter (5.56 and 5.88 mm, respectively) and graft shoot length (34.14 and 37.86 cm, respectively) were obtained from splice grafting and chip budding methods. In conclusion, the present study showed that 4000 ppm IBA and PGPR strains (especially M3 and OSU142) increased the graft success of black mulberry graft. The PGPR application may be of benefit for grafting in mulberry cultivars, particularly for organic farming. Besides, splice grafting and chip budding were found to be successful to black mulberry plant production.

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is the most important and widespread virus infecting brassicas worldwide. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, twenty-three cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) breeding lines from Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute (BSARI, Samsun, Turkey) were screened for their reaction to TuMV-BA isolate by mechanical inoculation under controlled conditions. On the basis of 0–5 disease rating scale and ELISA, of the lines tested, nine (39.1%) were categorized as highly resistant (Grade 1), one (4.3%) as resistant (Grade 2), seven (30.4%) as moderately resistant (Grade 3), however, two cabbage lines and four lines were found moderately susceptible and susceptible, respectively to TuMV-BA isolate under controlled conditions. The results suggested that Brassica oleracea L. from the BSARI contain valuable breeding lines resistant to TuMV, and the screened breeding lines in the current study could provide promising resistance sources for cabbage breeding.

During 2012–2014 in southeastern Poland the species Colletotrichum fuscum was isolated from the leaves of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) showing the symptoms of necrotic, concentrically zoned spots with a lighter center and a slightly raised edge. Morphology of nine randomly chosen isolates from the fungus population and reference isolate CBS obtained from CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre were studied. Each isolate was cultured on PDA medium, at the temperatures 24°C for 14 days. The character of the cultures, the color of the averse and the reverse, the formation of morphological structures of the fungus, i.e. acervuli, conidia, appressoria and chlamydospores were studied. Ultrastructural observations of morphological structures were undertaken using scanning electron microscopy. The presence of setose acervuli, conidia, chlamydospores and appressoria was visible. Moreover, studies on the biotic effect between C. fuscum and other species of phyllosphere fungi of oregano showed that all tested fungi inhibited the growth of C. fuscum, but the size of the limiting effect was different. Fungi from genera Trichoderma and Clonostachys were found out to be the most effective and positive antagonists. Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium spp. – despite the high values of IBE were considered negative antagonists.

The aim of this study was to determine the graft performance and to follow the graft compatibility of Bornova Misketi, Trakya Ilkeren and Sultan 1 grape cultivars grafted on 5BB and 1103P rootstocks. Grafts were made by using omega technique. Following waxing, grafts were packed in plastic boxes filled up with fungicide humidified sawdust and chips (3:1) and were placed in callusing room (25°C, 85% relative humidity) for three weeks. Post callusing, grafts were evaluated for their callusing rate at graft union (0–4 scale), sprouting rate (%), rooting rate (%) and sapling yield (%). According to obtained data statistically significant differences were determined in all parameters except sprouting rate. Graft samples were taken each month for histological analysis during six months following callusing. No significant differences were observed among combinations in respect to histological development of graft unions. Callusing rate (3.73/5 BB–3.70/1103 P) and potted sapling yield (86.66/5 BB%–90.00/1103 P%) were the highest in Bornova Misketi among all combinations for two rootstocks.

The present study deals with biochemical and physiological methods for assessment of the optimal nutrient supply for the growth and development of garden rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.), edible vegetable. Two nitrate (0.3; 0.6 g N dm^-3 of medium) and three potassium doses (0.3; 0.6; 0.9 g K dm^-3 of medium) in the form of sulphate or chloride were examined. At the higher nitrate dose and the sulphate form of potassium the intense green colour of leaves, higher content of nitrates, flavonoids, L-ascorbic acid and lower carbohydrates content correlated with elevated growth parameters, e.g. the number of leaves and partially plant fresh weight. The proline and anthocyanin contents weakly diversified the nutrient supply. Despite the lack of modification in the photosynthetic pigment concentration, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were significantly improved when the higher nitrate dose accompanied the sulphate form of potassium (higher values of fluorescence decrease, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry in the dark-adapted state, photochemical quenching and lower values of the fraction of absorbed light energy not used for photochemistry). The biochemical and photosynthetic parameters corresponding to the morphological characteristics (leaf colour, number of leaves and plant fresh weight) indicated that better nutrient conditions were provided to plants under the combined fertilization of the higher nitrate dose and the sulphate form of potassium.

The content of alkaloids and flavonoids and the yield of herb were analyzed in greater celandine cultivar ‘Cynober’ during six following phases: spring rosette formation, the beginning of flowering, full bloom, green fruit, seed harvest, fall rosette formation. Yield of celandine herb was different at the investigated phases and in years of cultivation. The highest yield of herb was observed at the beginning of flowering, then a decrease was noticed, up to the phase of seed harvest, when the yield grown up. The lowest yield of celandine herb was obtained in last phase – fall rosette formation, except 2011 when the lowest yield was in spring rosette formation. The average content of alkaloids was the highest in phase of green fruit (1.097%), while in 2012, the highest content was reached in phase of fall rosette formation – 1.200%. The lowest content of alkaloids was obtained in herb of the beginning of flowering (0.608%) in both years. The mean content of flavonoids was from 0.310% (the beginning of flowering) to 0.522% (seed harvest) and was the same in both years. The stable high content of total alkaloids and flavonoids and individual alkaloids was noticed in phase of fall rosette. Our results suggest that seed maturity is the best time for celandine herb harvest regarding the herb yield and content of alkaloids and flavonoids.

All rose cultivars are propagated by asexual methods and the one of them is hardwood cuttings rooting. The aim of the study was to verify the possibility of effective propagation of shrub and pillar roses of different origin by hardwood cuttings. The shoots were collected in autumn. The cuttings were prepared and planted in spring. The rooting were conducted in open field and greenhouse. There were used commercial rooting powders containing IBA or NAA: Ukorzeniacz ABaqua, Ukorzeniacz Baqua, Rhizopon AA 020 XX, Chryzotek beige 004 XX, Ukorzeniacz – korzonek D DS. Of the ten cultivars chosen for the present experiment, only two took root effectively, with good quality rooted cuttings: ‘Excelsa’ (31.2% in open field, 56.5% in greenhouse) and ‘New Dawn’ (18.7% in open field, 14.3% in greenhouse). Using commercial rooting stimulants did not guarantee an increase in the number or in the parameters of growth of the rooted cuttings. The most effective preparation was Chryzotek beige 004 XX for ‘Poppius’ (38.0%) rooted in the open field, and for ‘Kew Rambler’ (23.5%) in the greenhouse.

Capsaicinoids are secondary metabolites characteristic of plants of the genus Capsicum and are only found in the pepper fruit. Their biosynthesis occurs mainly in the placental cells as well as in the interlocular septa of the fruit. In the present study, the content of capsaicinoids (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) was determined by HPLC in two hot pepper cultivars (‘Orkan’ and ‘Bronowicka Ostra’), identifying the percentage of these compounds in the whole fruit and in the following fruit parts: placenta, seeds, pericarp, and pedicle. Significantly more capsaicinoids were found in ‘Bronowicka Ostra’ peppers (262 mg∙kg^-1) compared to ‘Orkan’ peppers (175 mg∙kg^-1). The highest capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content was found in the placenta (401 mg∙kg^-1). The capsaicin content in the whole fruit and its parts is on average more than 10 times higher in relation to the dihydrocapsaicin content. Fruit harvest time contributes to the differences in the capsaicinoid content in the individual fruit parts. A higher capsaicin content was shown in the pericarp and seeds, while the dihydrocapsaicin content was higher in the pedicle of peppers harvested at the later date.