Different nutrient media (MS [Murashige and Skoog 1962]; QL [Quoirin and Lepoivre 1977] and WPM [Lloyd and McCown 1980]); plant growth regulators BA (benzil adenin), GA₃ (gibberellic acid), IBA (indole-3-butyric-acid), NAA (naftalen acedic acid); and sucrose concentrations were studied to determine the in vitro culture effects on healthier and faster seedling development from mature lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus L.) seeds. After 28 days of culture, the percentage of germinated seeds was the highest (70%) in the full-strength MS medium. The cytokinin BA was superior to other tested treatments in terms of its ability to promote germination of lentisk seeds. When tested at different concentrations, sucrose gave the best results obtained at concentrations of 1–4%, whereas high concentrations (6 and 8%) mainly decreased germination rate and there was no a regular pattern for elongation of the aerial parts of plants. With this described protocol, on average 76.67% seeds germinated 4 weeks after culture. Developed seedlings were satisfactorily acclimatized in sterilized peat, soil and perlite containing compost, with high percentage survival viability was obtained 9 months after transfer to in vivo conditions (93.33%). The results obtained showed that the enriched full-strength MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L^–1 BA and 3% sucrose induced homogeneous and healthy seedling development in a period of 4 to 8 weeks of culture.

Nutrition of grapevines is very sensitive issue in vineyards. Soil quality is very important matter for growth and quality in vine growing. Rootstocks affect the growth and productivity of grapevine as well as increase or decrease of the nutrient uptake. The present study was conducted to determine the phenological changes of nutrient uptakes in 10 years ‘Trakya İlkeren’ grape variety (Vitis vinifera L.) in the heavy clay soil conditions. The grapevines are grown on 5BB and 5C rootstocks. The changes of macro and micronutrients in leaf blades from bud burst to post harvest period were investigated in the experiment. Leaf nutrient contents of leaf blades show varied depending on the phenological stages and rootstocks (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). Nitrogen and phosphorus content of leaf blade was decreased until veraison stage for both rootstocks. The highest potassium (K) content was obtained at blooming stage. In blooming stage nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) nutrients was found high on 5C rootstock whereas calcium (Ca) was high on 5BB. Grapevines were found insufficient for P, K and Mg nutrients in the study. Total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a/b ratio showed significantly varied among to rootstocks and phenological stages (P < 0.01). While the highest leaf chlorophyll content was measured during flowering period it was found at the lowest through to harvest on both rootstocks. Overall total chlorophyll contents and chlorophyll a/b ratio were significantly higher on 5BB grafted vines. In the research, 5C was found to be more successful rootstock than 5BB for nutrient uptakes.

Bio-stimulants are in excessive demand for the sustainable production of floriculture crops. The current investigation was designed to find out the effect of naturally occurring growth stimulant moringa leaf extract (MLE) on the growth, flowering, post-harvest life and corm production of two gladiolus cultivars (cvs.) ‘Rose Supreme’ and ‘White Prosperity’. The research trial was laid out in the factorial arrangement under randomized complete block design. Corms were grown in the open field under local climatic conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Potential of exogenously applied (MLE; 30 times diluted) was evaluated. Treatments including spraying MLE at 3 leaves, 5 leaves, floral bud stage, one combination of these three stages relative to control with no foliar application. Application of natural bio-stimulant produced maximum height in both cvs. against T₄. Both cvs. gave maximum stalk length in response to T₄. The number of florets spike^–1 found the maximum (13) in T₁ compared to control T₀ which yield (9) florets. Maximum vase life in sucrose solution (13.33 days) was exhibited by T₁ for both cvs. while minimum (10 days) in T₀. In cultivar comparison earlier spike emergence was observed in ‘White Prosperity’. In ‘Rose Supreme’ maximum corm weight was attained in response to T₃ (43.43 g) while minimum (30.33 g) in T₀.‘White Prosperity’ produced maximum weight (40.33 g) against T₄ whereas minimum by control. The cultivar mean comparison showed the superiority of cormel diameter in ‘Rose Supreme’ (10.93 mm) than ‘White Prosperity’ (9.13 mm). In treatment comparison, T₄ produced maximum diameter (12.04 mm) in ‘Rose Supreme’ moreover, T₂ induced maximum (9.57 mm) diameter in ‘White Prosperity’.

Indian jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) is mostly cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Many native and exotic jujube cultivars are grown for fruit production in Pakistan. However, little research work has been conducted on various aspects of jujube i.e. morphological and biochemical characterization of available germplasm. Therefore, fruits of thirteen genotypes were collected to study the biodiversity through physico-chemical analysis during the years 2015 and 2016. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship among various physico-chemical attributes of the jujube through Pearson’s correlation that may have greater importance for breeders during the selection of desirable genotype. The cultivar Foladi had the maximum fruit weight (30.49 g), pulp weight (28.42 g) and fruit diameter (36.75 mm) among all the cultivars. The maximum fruit length was recorded in Umran-13 (45.16 mm), while the maximum seed weight (2.70 g) was found in Dilbahar. Khobani had the maximum TSS (14.92 ºBrix). The highest level of acidity (0.74%) was recorded in Gorh. Akasha had highest vitamin C content (72.53 mg 100 mL^–1 juice). The cultivars Sadqia, Umran-13, Mehmood wali, Yazman local and Gorh were much sweeter due to the maximum total sugars content (9.74–10.09%). The maximum antioxidant capacity was measured in Mahmood wali (616.13 mM Trolox 100 mL^–1), Pak white (615.02 mM Trolox 100 mL^–1) and Seedless (600.46 mM Trolox 100 mL^–1), while antioxidant activity was significantly higher in Sadqia (40.604%). The maximum amount of total phenolic content was determined in Umran-13 and Sadqia (243.06 and 239.25 µg GAE mL^–1 juice, respectively). The highly significant correlation (0.99) was observed between the fruit weight and pulp weight. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were also strongly correlated (0.70). Principal component analysis was made to determine the relationship among the genotypes and their variables. Dendrogram constructed on the basis of morphological attributes, divided 13 genotypes into four main clusters. Among the cultivars, Khobani and Mehmood wali share the maximum similarity (78%). Biochemical characteristics also divided the genotypes into three main clusters. The cultivars Pak white and Seedless had the maximum similarity (75%) among all the cultivars.

The tripartite associations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), rhizobia and legumes play a vital role in preserving and even restoring fertility of poor and eroded soils. The present study attempted to quantify relationship between legumes and symbiotic microorganisms (rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi) by describing the mycorrhizal status and the occurrence of nodualtion of legumes growing in different areas of Jazan. The effect of legume species on soil microbial biomass was also investigated. Mycorrhizal and nodulation intensity varied greatly between legume species. The higher number of nodules (14 nodules per plant) and mycorrhization intensity (54%) were registered in root of Argyrolobium arabicum. Rhizosphere soils of all legume species harbored higher AMF fungal spores than bulk soils. Our results suggest also a significant effect of legumes species on soil microbial biomass. Thus, legume species investigated in this study are potentially useful for replanting and soil protection of most degraded regions of Saudi Arabia.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of pre-harvest Harpin treatments and post-harvest MAP treatments on fruit quality attributes and bioactive compounds of ‘0900 Ziraat’ cherry cultivar throughout cold storage and shelf life of the fruits. Weight loss and decay ratios were significantly reduced with Harpin and MAP treatments. In general, lower L* and chroma values were measured in Harpin-treated fruits. As compared to control fruits, higher firmness, titratable acidity and vitamin C contents were measured in MAP and Harpin + MAP treated fruits throughout the cold storage and shelf life. On the other hand, lower solible solids content (SSC) values were observed in the same treatments. At harvest and shelf life measurements, higher total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) and total phenolics (TPs) were measured in Harpin-treated fruits than in control fruits. Although lower anthocyanin contents were obtained from MAP-treated fruits throughout the cold storage, higher values were observed throughout shelf life. Throughout cold storage and shelf life, MAP-treated fruits had lower total phenolics and total antioxidant activity (according to FRAP and TEAC assay) values than the control and Harpin-treated fruits. It was concluded that Harpin and MAP treatments could be used reduce weight losses and decays throughout the cold storage.

Effects of prohexadione-calcium (ProCa, 125 and 250 mgL^–1) and ProCa + ammonium sulfate (AMS, 500 mgL^–1) treatments on vegetative characteristics (shoot growth, branch diameter, trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), canopy volume, number of flower per cm², number of fruits per cm²) and quality parameters (fruit size, flesh firmness, color, titratable acidity and soluble solids content (SSC)) of ‘0900 Ziraat’ sweet cherry were investigated in this study. Solutions were sprayed when the shoots were just 10 cm long in 2014 and 2015. As compared to control, in 2015, TCSA decreased only with ProCa treatments (125 and 250 mgL^–1) and canopy volume and shoot length decreased with all treatments. On the other hand, number of flower and fruit per cm² significantly increased with all treatments. While there were not significant differences in fruit size, flesh firmness, color, SSC and titratable acidity values were significantly lower in 250 mgL^–1 ProCa and 250 mgL^–1 ProCa + AMS treatments. It was concluded that ProCa treatments could be used as an efficient tool for suppression of shoot growth and to increase the number of flower and fruits per cm² in ‘0900 Ziraat’ sweet cherry cultivar.

Water shortage is a major problem that limits growth and productivity of plants in arid and semi-arid regions. Protecting plants from adverse environmental conditions by using simple methods could be of great value under these conditions. In the present study, we examined water status and drought tolerance of snap bean, a drought-sensitive plant, and Jerusalem artichoke, a relatively drought tolerant plant in response to the application of salicylic acid (SA). Different levels of SA were applied and several physiological, growth, productivity and quality parameters were recorded together with the relative water content. Foliar application of SA improved growth, productivity, quality as well as some physiological parameters of snap bean and Jerusalem artichoke plants exposed to drought stress. Total chlorophyll content and relative water content were higher in plants treated with SA compared to control plants when subjected to drought stress. The specific responses of snap bean and Jerusalem artichoke to SA under drought stress as well as the possible explanations of the effects of SA are discussed.

This study evaluated the effect of Pseudomonas strains and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) in enhancing strawberry yield and phenolic and antioxidant capacity on a phosphorus (P) deficient calcareous soil. The experiments were conducted in three replicates with six treatments (four Pseudomonas strains, AMF and control) and three rates of P-fertilizer (0, 75, 150 kg P ha^–1). Application of higher phosphate rates decreased total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and flavonols content, whereas AMF and Pseudomonas strains increased quality and P concentration of fruit. The use of AMF and Pseudomonas strains resulted in better quality when used along with 75 kg P ha^–1. These results demonstrated that the rhizospheric microorganisms improved the quality of fruit, especially when they applied in combination with lower rates of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, application of these microorganisms in sustainable agriculture is recommended.

For its specific physical and physicochemical properties, the water treated with low-frequency low-pressure glow plasma (GPTW) affects the growth of plants and enhances the phytoavalibility of selenium (Se) ions from the nutrient solution. The basic biometric and physiological parameters of cucumber and the uptake of Se ions applied as selenate (Na₂SeO₄) from the nutrient solution prepared using GPTW or distilled water (DW) were compared. In the presence of Se, the fresh weight (f.w.) of shoots of plants growing in water-differentiated nutrient solutions did not differ, whilst their dry weight (d.w.) and leaf area (LA) were higher in plants grown in the GPTW- than in DW-containing medium. The use of GPTW for preparation of the nutrient solution was associated with a substantial improvement of Se ions phytoavailability, compared to the regular growth medium based on DW. Despite the higher Se bioaccumulation in the GPTW- than in DW-based medium, the phytotoxicity of this element was not enhanced. GPTW-induced Se accumulation was remarkable and hence recommended for further study to understand the detailed mechanism GPTW action.

Globally, the application of rootstocks for grapevine cultivation has been a standard, while in the northern regions, like in Poland where the viticulture tradition is relatively short, the selection of the most suitable rootstock types requires multi-year observation and research. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of six following rootstock types: ‘101-14 Mgt’, ‘161-49C’, ‘125AA’, ‘5BB’, ‘SO4’, ‘SORI’, and own-rooted vines on yield quantity and quality of ‘Regent’ grapevine in south-eastern Poland. The three-year research period indicates that the vines on ‘125AA’ tended to produce not only the highest yields but had positive influence on the number and weight of clusters and berry weight as well. Whereas the vines grafted onto ‘161-49C’ gave the lowest yields and had the smallest number of clusters per vine. The fruit extract content in ‘Regent’ grapes on ‘101-14 Mgt’ rootstock was found to be significantly lowest among those under study. The extract content and yield of grapevines evaluated in the own-rooted vines and those grafted to the rootstocks which formed one group, did not differ.

Astragalus nitidiflorus is an endangered legume endemic to the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. This species develops symbiotic relationships with N-fixing bacteria. However, the problem of isolating its rhizobia has not been solved. Because poor N fixation in plants can be corrected by fertilization, the effect of N-P-K fertilizers on growth, leaf chlorophyll and mineral ions was studied. Plants of A. nitidiflorus were grown in 100%-substrate with different N-P-K fertilizer rates (mg l^–1): 1-1-8 (S0), 69-29-35 (SL), 144-43-131 (SM) and 245-58-235 (SH). A treatment with substrate plus soil from the natural habitat and no fertilizers (T0) was included. The reference foliar contents of N, P and K were 42.5, 3.5 and 36.5 mg g^–1, respectively. Although the species did not form root nodules when grown in substrate, T0 plants produced active nodules that allowed the plants to grow properly without fertilization. In the absence of nodules, both N fertilization (~144 mg l^–1) and Fe fertilization (>12 mg l^–1) are vital, as is, to a lesser extent, K fertilization (~75 mg l^–1 K₂O). The S0 and SL reduced leaf chlorophyll, while SM prevented its degradation.

Kalanchoë daigremontiana leaves contain phenolic compounds, which are one of the determinants of plant therapeutic properties. Light and scanning electron microscopes were used to analyse the structure of leaves. The main aims of the study included the analysis of the anatomy of leaves, localisation of phenolic compounds, and identification of phenolic acids. The thickness of the amphistomatic leaf blades, the number, the size of stomata, and the value of stomatal index, as well as the structure of the parenchyma cells have indicated that K. daigremontiana is adapted to arid environments. The histochemical assays revealed the presence of phenolic idioblasts in the leaf blades and petioles. The idioblasts were located in the epidermis, subepidermal layer, a deeper portion of the mesophyll, and in the sheaths of vascular bundles. The phytochemical analyses of leaves demonstrated the presence of gallic, ferulic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and protocatechuic acids in the form of esters. We carried out the research of the anatomical structure of K. daigremontiana leaves, which has been insufficiently documented to date. We have also revealed new localisation of phenolic compounds in the leaf tissues of this species.

Garden perennials are a source of floristry material produced in field or under covers. A perennial producing long, leafy shoots, which in flower arrangements might successfully substitute fern or palm leaves, is Polygonatum multiflorum. The variety characterizing with decorative white margined leaves is ‘Variegatum’. To improve their quality, the growth stimulator Actisil Hydro Plus, which contains 0.6% of active silicon in a form of orthosilicic acid was applied. The aim of the conducted experiment was to estimate the influence of silicon and a place of cultivation (tunnel and open field) on post-harvest quality determined with morphological features, vase life longevity and mechanical properties of Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. ‘Variegatum’ stems. The plants were sprayed with water solutions of Actisil in concentrations: 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, six times during the growing season in weekly intervals, starting from the first decade of May, always in the morning. It was stated that cultivation of Polygonatum in the unheated foil tunnel increases quality of shoots for cut greenery, determined with morphological features and post-harvest longevity. Cultivation of Polygonatum in a foil tunnel and spraying plants with Actisil in concentrations of 0.3 or 0.4% is advantageous due to possibility to increase a number of shoots from 20% to over 31%, their length from 9% to 11% and fresh weight from 52% to 71%, in comparison to control plants. It is advised to treat plants cultivated in a tunnel, with Actisil in concentration of 0.4% as it improved shoots quality evaluated with their diameter and lower leaves blade area. Spraying plants with Actisil in concentrations of 0.2–0.4% in the tunnel and 0.2% in field prolongs post-harvest shoots longevity by 3–4 days. Plants cultivated in the tunnel characterize with higher strength of shoots determined with higher maximum force causing permanent damage and lower stem deflection than plants cultivated in field. Plants grown in a tunnel and sprayed with Actisil in concentrations of 0.4% characterized with the strongest shoots after 14 days of storage, however a similar effect was observed with the concentration of 0.3% and in case of plants cultivated in field and sprayed with 0.4% of Actisil.

The research objective was to determine and compare dry matter, crude protein, mineral elements (total), dietary fiber, easily hydrolysable sugars, vitamin C, and minerals (K, Na, Mg, Cu) as well as the content of epicatechin and phenolic acids (homovanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, coumaric, and ferulic) in the flesh and peel of ‘Šampion’ cv. apples grafted on 4 different rootstocks types: M.26, P2, M.9, and P22 in 2014–2015. The apples from trees grafted on the P22 rootstock had the highest content of dry matter, crude protein, fiber, easily hydrolysable sugars, and vitamin C. The highest mineral compound concentration was exhibited by apples from trees growing on rootstocks P22, P2, and M.9. The highest concentration of phenolic acids was determined in the peel of fruits from trees growing on P22 and M.9. The observations confirm that rootstocks characterized by the lowest growth rate (P22, M.9) ensure the highest accumulation of nutrients in ‘Šampion’ fruits

Colletotrichum coccodes (Wallr.) Hughes has been recognized as one of casual agents of anthracnose roots pepper in south-eastern Poland. During 2007–2012 the species was isolated from roots of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivated in the field. The purpose of the study was morphological characterization and biotic activity of C. coccodes isolates. Five randomly chosen isolates from fungus population and one reference isolate obtained from Bank of Plant Pathogens and Investigation of their Biodiversity of IPP-NRI in Poznan in Poland were studied. The character of culture like growth rate, the colour of averse and reverse and the formation of morphological structures of the fungus such as acervuli, conidia, sclerotia were studied. Ultrastructural observations of morphological structures were made using light and scanning electron microscopy. Biotic activity of C. coccodes was conducted using the method of biotic series on PDA. Seven species of test fungi were used in the study: Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Gibberella avenacea, G. intricans, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium aurantiogriseum, Trichoderma harzianum. The biotic activity test showed that C. coccodes is a weak competitor, and its development in the rhizosphere of sweet pepper may be limited by numerous antagonists.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of HPS and LED assimilation lighting and LED interlighting on the yielding and as cucumber fruit quality in autumn cultivation cycle. The possibilities of increasing the density of plants due to the use of LED technology were also assessed. The study was conducted in three compartments: I with HPS top light only; II with top light HPS + 2 line LED interlight, III with 100% LED, top LED + 2 line LED interlight. Light level was in every compartment kept at the level of ~320 µmol m^–2 s^–1. PAR. The number and weight of cucumber fruits were investigated. The harvest was carried out every day. To assess the harvest quality for the plants grown in the two terms fruits were then examined for the chemical quality attributes of cucumber fruit, such as the content of total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars (TS), ascorbic acid and nitrate (NO₃) P, K and Ca. Another part of fruits was subjected to sensory analysis performed with the scaling method. The cucumber grown in the autumn growing cycle gave higher yield and the quality of fruits produced appeared more balanced for the plants lighted with HPS+LED or 100% LED as compared to the traditional, overhead HPS lighting. The above, together with the results from the rate of buds’ abortion assessment seem to legitimate the increase in the cucumber crop density when applying LED lighting.

In recent times, pomegranate has been one of Turkey’s most important commercial fruit crops for consumption and export. In this study, the chemical composition of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits grown in the central area of Bitlis province (Eastern Turkey) was investigated. For this purpose, total phenolic content, ascorbic acid content, total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity and minerals content were evaluated. The highest total phenolic contents were determined in 13BIT1 (6477.78 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g^–1 fresh matter). The highest ascorbic acid was determined in 13BIT2 of pomegranate genotype (60.78 mg 100 g^–1). Radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were determined between 13BIT18 (78.15) to 13BIT1 (31.49). Total anthocyanin of genotypes was measured between 13BIT19 (156.03) to 13BIT17 (55.37), respectively. The highest mineral compositions of the pomegranate genotypes were 998.00% N, 301.00 mg 100 g^–1 P, 1708.61 mg 100 g^–1 K, 55.21 mg 100 g^–1 Ca, 116.79 mg 100 g^–1 Mg, 5.1 mg 100 g^–1 Fe, 1.91 mg 100 g^–1 Cu, 0.41 mg 100 g^–1 Mn and 1.20 mg 100 g^–1 Zn, respectively. The results indicate that pomegranate genotypes have an important value of health and nutrition for the human.