The subtropical ecology of the Mediterranean region in Turkey has an important potential based on precocity for both stone and soft fruits. The aim of this study is to determine the yield and fruit quality properties of some apple cultivars on dwarf (M9) and semi-dwarf (MM106) rootstocks under the subtropical ecological conditions. Harvesting date, yield and pomological characteristics of apple cultivars ‘Vista Bella’, ‘Jerseymac’, ‘Starking Delicious’, ‘Golden Delicious’, and ‘Granny Smith’ were determined. The highest yield per tree was recorded from trees on rootstocks MM106, whereas the highest yield per hectare was detected from M9 rootstocks. Fruit quality varied dependent on cultivars but rootstocks were effective only on TSS and fruit skin color such as L*, b*, C, and h°. There was not found any effect of rootstocks on the other fruit characteristics such as fruit weight, pH, fruit length, and firmness. Result of this study revealed that summer apple cultivars were found to be very promising on both rootstocks (M9 and MM106) in the subtropical ecological conditions of the Mediterranean region in Turkey.

Crop-weed competition (CWC) for water and nutrients can negatively affect orchard performance, especially in high-density apple orchards. With this study, we compared the effects of three CWC levels: Weak, Moderate, and Strong for the orchard performance of apple in the Mediterranean area. The study was conducted at a ‘Golden Delicious’/M.9 orchard in a high-density formation (3.5 × 1 m spacing). Cumulative yield was greatest in Weak-CWC, and it decreased as CWC increased. Overall, Weak-CWC performed remarkable results for successful apple production under Mediterranean conditions.

During plant propagation changes in genetic stability may occur, not only during the in vitro multiplication but also in the ex vitro conditions in response to the sum of stress factors affecting plants. It is therefore necessary to evaluate planting material in terms of its genetic stability. The aim of the work was to assess by the RAPD method genetic stability of the ex vitro rooted blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Duke’) microcuttings. Also an effect of biostimulator Goteo (0.2%) on rhizogenesis was tested as compared to the auxin indole-3-butyric acid IBA (50 mg·l–1) applied as water solution and a commercial rooting powder Rhizopon AA containing 1% IBA. All the rooting stimulators improved the percentage and degree of rooting in blueberry microcuttings. The biostimulator gave results only slightly poorer than the auxin. Both cultivars were genetically stable and no DNA polymorphism was found between the traditionally propagated stock plants growing in a nursery and those rooted in vivo, regardless of the rooting enhancer used.

Demand for fresh grape is increasing globally in accordance with the improvement in living standard since the grape berry contains large amounts of phytochemicals including anthocyanins, phenolics, flavonoids and resveratrol, which have been suggested to be responsible for human health benefits. However, table grapes easily undergo deterioration due to their soft texture and the high water content, which make it difficult to preserve without treatment. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the effect of preharvest calcium sprays on maintenance of postharvest quality of grapes (V. vinifera L. cv. ‘Thompson Seedless’). Three preharvest calcium sprays were applied to leaves and developing green berries with or without leaf removal pruning (a traditional practice performed in commercial vineyards worldwide) during berry development stages. After harvest, grapes were cold stored (1°C, 90% R.H.) up to 3 months. Preharvest micronized calcium sprays, with or without leaf removal pruning, markedly extended the postharvest quality of grapes by delaying weight loss, reducing decay, maintaining rachis chlorophyll concentrations and preserving visual quality during the prolonged cold storage. Besides, in calcite-treated grapes, lower titratable acidity decrease courses with a subsequent lower maturity index during prolonged storage indicate that calcite sprays restricted postharvest physiological senescence of grapes. Overall findings indicated that preharvest calcite sprays may be an environmental-friendly, healthy and sustainable viticulture practice for extending postharvest quality of grapes.

Sweet orange fruits were exposed to vapor heat treatment (50°C) in water bath for 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min in plastic covered structure. The data were recorded on different physico chemical factors immediately after the storage and after seven days simulated marketing under ambient condition (20°C). Low temperature storage enhanced weight loss, surface pitting, disease incidence, total soluble solids accumulation, TSS/Acid ratio but decreased reducing sugars, acidity and ascorbic acid content. Chilling exposure up to 45 days had no significant effect on weight loss and TSS. However, increased weight loss (2.63%), TSS (11.75), TSS/Acid ratio (8.45 ºBrix), disease incidence (8.93%) and lowest reducing sugars (3.90) were noted in sweet orange exposed to chilling temperature for 75 days. Among the VHT durations, the highest weight loss (2.29%) was found in VHT for 0 min while the highest TSS (11.81 ºBrix), TSS/Acid ratio (8.10) and disease incidence (6.22%) and least reducing sugars (4.12%) were found in VHT 20 for min. Vapor heat treatment ranging from 5–10 min resulted in lowest weight loss (1.79%), TSS (10.81 ºBrix) TSS/Acid ratio (7.33), disease incidence (1.00%) and highest reducing sugars (4.75%) in sweet orange fruits. However, non-reducing sugars were least affected by both LTSs and VHTs. It is concluded that the chilling exposure (5°C) beyond 45 days aggravated the decline of fruit physio-chemical quality characteristics. Whereas, VHT with 5–10 min maintained the sweet orange fruit quality during simulated marketing; however, VHT of 15–20 min adversely affected the sweet orange fruit quality attributes.

Nut and kernel size, shape and some sensorial traits in ten hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivars were evaluated using an objective procedure based on multivariate analysis in order to obtain an important value of these cultivars for growers, processing and consumers. Cultivars were compared with nuts and kernels of C. avellana L. and C. colurna L. Significant differences in all physical properties were found among the cultivars, and also among cultivars and hazelnut species. A high correlation was found among some hazelnut traits. Cluster and principal component analysis supported results obtained by analysis of variance, and segregated genotypes in similar groups according to their characteristics evaluated. Procedure described may be useful in analyzing impacts of genotype per se on nut and kernel physical and sensorial properties, and also determine the factors for growers, breeders, especially for harvesting, sorting and other postharvest operations in order to establish optimal machine and equipment design.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of harvest time (November or January) and postharvest treatments (hot water (50°C), H2O2 (1%), NaOCl (175 ppm)) and nonwashed-control of carrots (Daucus carrota L. cv. ‘Maestro F1’) on the changes in nutrient composition and texture under different storage conditions (S-1: 0°C, 98% RH; S-2: 0–2°C, 85–92% RH). Weight loss and quality changes in carrot roots were evaluated after 120 and 180 days of storage period (SP). After SP weight loss ranged from 3.20% (carrots from the first harvest in S-1 with H2O2 treatment) to 34.51% (carrots from the first harvest in S-2 with hot water treatment). Dry matter (DM) content in carrot roots varied in dependence of the harvest time (9.57–12.22%) and increased after the SP exept in carrot from first harvest with hot water and H2O2 treatments in S-1. Total sugar content (TSC) increased after SP, more in S-2 cooling room. Vitamin C content in carrot roots decreased more in S-2 (20.7–52.3%) in comparison to S-1 storage conditions (2.0–18.2%). The hardness and flexibility of carrot roots increased after SP for all treatments. Prestorage washing treatments (H2O2 or NaOCl) and storage in S-1 storage regime at temperature (0°C) with a high relative humidity 98% maintained quality of carrot root.

This research was conducted to determine the effects of five different budding dates and six budding methods on graft success and plant growth in black mulberry sapling production. The experiment was carried out in Bolu, Turkey, between 2014 and 2015. The black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) was grafted on two-year old white mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedling rootstocks in the nursery conditions. The highest bud take (88.33% and 85.0%, respectively to years) and sprouting rate (85.0% and 71.67%, respectively to years) were obtained with chip budding by hand performed on May 1 in both years. The highest mean shoot length (41.33 cm and 39.68 cm, respectively to years) and diameter (6.26 mm in both years) were obtained with inverted T-budding performed on April 15, 2014 and 2015. Among all parameters the best type of buddings was chip budding by hand, followed by T and inverted T-budding. The lowest results in all parameters were obtained with patch budding and chip budding by tool. Budding date on May 1 was the most appropriate and the results obtained were the highest in all parameters.

Mycorrhizal symbiosis is known since the 19th century and has been described as the coexistence of fungus with the roots of vascular plants. Root colonization by endomycorrhizal fungi causes changes in the quantity and quality of exudates produced by roots. The mycorrhiza may also affect plants’ health status, their competitiveness and succession in eco-systems, and the formation of soil aggregates. The presence of a symbiont in the roots of plants causes a direct and indirect effect on rhizosphere microorganisms, fixing free nitrogen and transforming compounds constituting nutrient substrates for plants. The physiological and morphological relations of AMF with the plant promote its vitality and competitiveness by increasing resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Effective activation of the plant immune responses may occur, not only locally but also systemically. Mycorrhizal fungi, through the change of the composition and amount of root exudates, have influence on the development and activity of the communities of soil microorganisms. Certain soil bio-controlling microorganisms frequently showing synergism of the protective effect on plants together with AMF. In some cases, however, no positive interaction of selected microorganisms and endomycorrhizal fungi is observed. Double inoculation with the some species of bacteria and the mycorrhizal fungus can cause a decrease in the yielding the plants. Mycoparasitism of AMF spores and hyphae is also encountered in interaction between saprophytic fungi and AMF. This phenomenon is based on the lytic abilities of some fungi species which can lower the level of colonization and the effectiveness of mycorrhizal symbiosis with plants. Good knowledge of plant symbiosis with endomycorrhizal fungi and activity of these fungi in soils is necessary for their use in plant production.

Micromorphological and anatomical investigations of trichomes on vegetative and generative organs of the drug eyebright (Euphrasia stricta D. Wolff ex J.F. Lehm.) were carried out. Additionally, identification of the main components of the secreted products was conducted. The following types of glandular structures were found: capitate trichomes (i) with a unicellular head, a neck cell, and a 2-celled stalk, (ii) with a unicellular head, a neck cell, and 3-celled stalk, (iii) with a bicellular head and sporadically with a 3- or 4-celled head; moreover, on the surface of corolla unicellular and 2–3-celled clavate trichomes, ribbon-like trichomes, and papillae were present. Using fluorescence microscopy and histochemical tests, various substances such as lipids, phenolic compounds, terpenes containing steroids, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, tannins, and flavonoids were determined but only in the capitate trichomes. The analysis of the essential oil showed that its content in the dry herb of E. stricta was on average 0.257%. Gas chromatography revealed the presence of 28 compounds.

Excess of boron in soil and irrigation water is a serious constrain to crop production in many areas of the World as well as in Turkey. A pot experiment was carried out with to screen safflower cultivars in order to investigate the effects of boron toxicity stress on early growth and ions composition. Three safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius cv. Balci, Yenice, Remzi Bey) were grown in pots containing alkaline and potassium rich soil, additionally supplemented with 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 mg kg–1 boron. Chlorophyll content of all cultivars decreased with excessive boron levels. Plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight significantly increased at 4 mg kg–1 boron level followed by sharp decline with the other treatments. Boron content of cultivars increased and the highest amount was observed at 128 mg kg–1 boron level. Sodium content of all cultivars gradually increased with increase in B concentration. Whereas, potassium and calcium content reduced with increased B. Phosphorus content of all cultivars were least at 128 mg kg boron level. Results revealed that cv. balci appeared to tolerant to boron in soil up to 32 mg kg–1 and can be recommended for growing and breeding material for boron rich soils of Central Anatolia.

Allium tuncelianum (Tunceli garlic) is a single cloved important threatened endemic geophyte of high commercial importance that grows scattered on hot temperate mountains under oak trees in the eastern Turkish province of Tunceli. Tunceli garlic is used diversely in salads, foods and in pharmaceutical industry. They also offer a rich choice for their use in rock gardens and landscaping. There is need to develop appropriate agronomic practices for its propagation outside its habitat. In line with this objective, the study optimized planting time (1st September, 15th September and 1st October) of A. tuncelianum on mild alkaline soils under semi-arid climatic conditions of Diyarbakir, Turkey. The results of the study showed positive gain in morphological characteristics such that bulb diameter of the plants changed between 3.43 to 4.60 cm, bulb circumference ranged 14.4 to 16.1 cm and bulb weight had a range of 35.9 and 46.3 g. These results underscore positive effects of early and mid September plantings of Tunceli garlic outside its habitat under semi-arid conditions for economic production with early harvest.

The nutritive compounds of the onion are influenced by genetic as well environmental factors. Due to its shallow poorly-developed root system, onion has a low potential of using nutrients from soil. Usually mineral fertilisation increasing the yield and change the chemical composition in vegetables, and it is the chemical composition which determines the nutritive value of onion. Over 2003–2006 at Korytowo, about 30 km away from Bydgoszcz, northwards, 2-factor field experiments were set up in ‘split-plot’, in three reps. The aim of the study has been to determine the effect of the nitrogen rate (0, 60, 120, 180 kg N·ha–1) on the content of dry matter, vitamin C and monosaccharides and total sugar in onion of two cultivars: Kutnowska and Efekt. Increasing nitrogen fertilisation has resulted in a decrease in the content of dry matter in the bulbs of the onions under study. The ‘Kutnowska’ showed a higher content of total sugar and, at the same time, a lower content of monosaccharides than ‘Efekt’. ‘Efekt’ reacted with an increase in the content of vitamin C and monosaccharides as affected by higher fertilisation rates. A different reaction was noted in ‘Kutnowska’. The lower the dry matter content in onion bulbs – the greater content of total sugars and less content of monosaccharides.

Black currant contain significant amounts of minerals and vitamins that are associated with an improved health status. The effect of three soil management system (bare fallow, sawdust mulch and black foil mulch) on the content of vitamins and minerals in the fruits of seven black currant cultivars (‘Ben Lomond’, ‘Ben Sarek’, ‘Titania’, ‘Čačanska Crna’, ‘Tisel’, ‘Tiben’ and ‘Tsema’) was analyzed. HPLC-DAD (high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector) technique was used to define the vitamins A, B1, B2 and B3. Vitamin C were evaluated using a spectrometer, whereas the mineral content of the fruit was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Significant differences in the minerals and vitamins content were detected among the cultivars. The berries of black currants are rich in mineral composition, especially potassium, phosphours, sodium, calcium and magnesium as well as iron. Also, black currant is an important source of vitamin C and, to a lesser amount vitamins A and B3. Soil management systems showed highly significant differences in some the tested parameters. Black currants grown on black foil mulch gave the highest levels of K, P and Na, and those on sawdust mulch had a high content of vitamins C, A and B3. On the other hand, soil management system had no pronounced effect on the other vitamins and minerals analyzed. This study demonstrates degree of differences in the amount vitamins and mineral elements depending on the different soil management systems and climatic factors.

Fragaria is one of genus in Rosaceae family. The most popular representative is strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) and wild (woodland) strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.), which taste attributes are very attractive for a huge number of consumers around the world. The plants have many beneficial traits, such as low-caloric, high amount of antoxidants and vitamin C, laxative, diuretic, astringent, antidiarrheal and antiseptic properties. Cultivation of Fragaria plants is widespread worldwide with particular emphasis on moderate climate zone, also with use of a plant tissue culture method. This thesis showed and contrasted other studies about Fragaria plants propagation under in vitro conditions. In this method the most often used explants are leaf explants. Very rarely are used seeds. Mainly, the plants are propagated on basal medium of mineral composition by Murashige and Skoog in 8 hour dark and 16 hour light contidions. The most efficient cytokinin used to root induction is indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The plant acclimatization had varying effectiveness – from a few to several dozen survival percent. During micropropagation of Fragaria plants, somaclonal variation occurs, which is dependent on age culture, frequency of passage and medium composition.

Similarly to other species of the genus Satureja (Lamiaceae), winter savory is valued in traditional medicine in many countries of the world. Most studies on winter savory are primarily focused on the chemical composition and biological activity of its raw material, but few studies concern proper growing conditions. The aim of the present study, conducted on one-year-old plants, was to determine relationships of plant density and number of harvests with selected parameters of raw material yield of winter savory grown in field under temperate climate conditions. The herb of winter savory grown under temperate climate conditions was shown to have an average essential oil content of 1.69%. Yield of herb without stems, the percentage of this herb in dry herb and essential oil content in the herb increase as plant density decreases. On the other hand, essential oil content and yield, do not depend on number of harvests and harvest date.

Recently the interest in borage as a vegetable and medicinal plant has increased, yet the knowledge about a content of biologically active compounds in borage grown in Poland remains very scanty. In the experiment carried out in the south-eastern part of the country, fresh borage flowers and leaves contained 0.02% and 0.12% of lipids with the highest level of palmitic acid, i.e. 44.5% and 33.4%, respectively. Flower lipids contained stearic, oleic, elaidic, linoleic, linolelaidic, arachidonic, myristic and lauric acid as well. Besides, leaf lipids were rich in α-linolenic acid (17.7%), less in palmitoleic acid with absence of arachidonic acid. Leaves were found to have 0.16% of essential oil, 1.0% of flavonoids, 9.2 mg vitamin C∙100 g f.w.–1, 1.9 mg carotenoids∙100 g f.w.–1, 0.77 mg chlorophyll a∙1 g f.w.–1 and 0.22 mg chlorophyll b∙1 g f.w.–1. Flowers contained more essential oil and vitamin C while less carotenoids, chlorophyll a and b and flavonoids. The content of other components was below 3%. Generally, flowers had more polyphenols and their ferric reducing ability was higher than that of leaves. Besides, a content of remaining unreduced DPPH radical was higher in the flowers. Notably, the time necessary for 50% reduction of the initial concentration of DPPH radical was 2.5 times longer in flowers, whereas their antiradical efficiency 3 fold lower compared to leaves.