Freesia grown under cover to be marketed as cut flower is highly sensitive to substrate temperatures exceeding 15–18°C. However, freesia varieties of Beach group are especially attractive plants that may be easily cultivated under cover and do not require substrate cooling. Experiments were conducted in summer and fall of 2011 and 2012 in an unheated plastic tunnel. Planting material consisted of daughter bulbs of ‘Summer Beach’ freesia. The plants were treated with chitosan with a molecular weight of 8000 g∙dm^–3. Experimental variants involved methods of chitosan application (watering vs. spraying), its concentration (0.2 vs. 0.4%) and frequency of application (7 vs. 14 days). During the flowering period and at the end of vegetation, freesia leaves were collected to determine the content of following micro- and macronutrients: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe. The leaves collected at the end of vegetation season contained more P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn than those collected during flowering. The content of Mg and Cu was similar in both cases, but N level was lower at the end of vegetation. Irrespective of experimental variant, leaves of all plants treated with chitosan accumulated more N, P, Ca, Cu, Fe and Mn and less Zn during the entire vegetation season than the control ones. At the end of the vegetation season, plants sprayed with chitosan revealed higher concentration of N, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, and lower concentration of K, Cu, and Mn than those watered with the investigated compound. No clear patterns of micro- and macronutrient accumulation depending on chitosan concentration were observed. Plants treated with 0.2% chitosan contained more P, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn than those exposed to its two times higher concentration. A contrary response was observed for the leaf accumulation of N and Fe.

Most of chemical and nutritional plum properties presented in the literature relate to cultivars grown in warm climates. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of prune consumption on blood lipid profiles in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia. It used plums originating from temperate climates, characterized by lower sugar and higher polyphenol content than fruits grown in areas with greater sunlight. The study was conducted using Prunus domestica cv. ‘Valor’ plums, dried using the pulsed fluid bed method at the temperature of 80°C. Subjects were given 100 g prunes daily for 6 weeks. During that time, biochemical and morphological blood indexes, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were monitored. The intake of nutrients and energy value was determined based on 24-hour diet recall interviews. Consumption of prunes resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL fraction and the LDL/HDL atherogenicity index. Dried plums of temperate climate origin exhibit a health-promoting effect on individuals with a disturbed blood lipid profile.

Preservation of spice plants usually leads to changes in the structure and content of biologically active substances. The present study determined the effect of lyophilization and convection drying on the content and chemical composition of the essential oil from leaves of two leaf celery cultivars. Compared to lyophilization, convection drying allows a larger amount of essential oil to be retained in leaves of leaf celery (respectively by 0.48 and 0.21%). The oil obtained from the material preserved using the convection method had higher amount of limonene, γ-terpinene, (Z)-β-ocimene and β-selinene than that extracted from the lyophilized material, whereas the essential oil from freeze-dried celery had more myrcene and 9H-purin-6-ol than oil from convection-dried celery.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of biostimulants on the content of selected microelements in the skin and flesh of potato tubers. Five potato cultivars were grown: Irga, Satina (with cream- and yellow-colored flesh), Valfi, Blaue St. Galler (with purple-colored flesh) and Highland Burgundy Red - HB Red (with red-colored flesh). Potatoes were treated with the following biostimulants: Asahi SL, Bio-Algeen S 90, Kelpak SL and Trifender WP. Control plants were not treated with biostimulants. Samples of potato tubers were analyzed immediately after the harvest and after 5 months of storage (4°C). The highest content of micronutrients in the skin and flesh of potato tubers was determined at harvest in the driest 2015 year. In all years of the experiment, micronutrient concentrations were lower in the flesh than in the skin of potato tubers, and the greatest differences were noted in the content of Fe. The concentrations of Zn, Mn and Fe in the skin and flesh of potato tubers increased as a response to the Bio-Algeen S 90 biostimulant, and the content of Fe was also higher in the skin of potatoes treated with Kelpak SL. In general, the skin and flesh of potatoes cvs. Valfi, Blaue St. Galler and HB Red were more abundant in microelements than cvs. Irga and Satina potatoes. Content of Zn and Mn increased and the content of Cu and Fe decreased (excluding the first year of the study) in the skin and flesh of stored potatoes. The skin and flesh of stored potato tubers treated with biostimulants were characterized by Mn concentrations that were higher or similar to those recorded in the control treatment (excluding the skin of potatoes treated with Bio-Algeen S 90) and a smaller decrease in Cu content.

Water absorbing geocomposite (GC) consisting of SAP, geotextile and internal skeleton is a novel method of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and fertilizer application. Roots can overgrow the geotextile and thus obtain access to water. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of the geocomposite on the growth of container-grown Brunnera macrophylla. The geocomposite was used as a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol^® U) carrier and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The doses of fertilizers were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g plant⁻¹. The geocomposite positively influenced the plant traits after 8 and 16 weeks of cultivation. The number of leaves increased by 42% and 60% and the biomass of the above-ground parts of plants increased by 260% and 340% in comparison to plants treated with other fertilizers. The effect of the fertilization rate on plants was weakly pronounced, but a positive influence of a higher dose and the GC combined on all the examined traits of Siberian bugloss plants was detected.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the geocomposite (GC) on macronutrient uptake of container-grown Brunnera macrophylla and substrate properties. The GC consists of superabsorbent polymer (SAP), internal skeleton and non-woven geotextile. It was designed to retain water in the soil in a form available for plants, by roots overgrowing the geotextile to access water. The GC was soaked in a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol^® U) and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The fertilizer rates were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g N plant⁻¹. Nitrogen uptake of Brunnera cultivated with the geocomposite was approximately twice and three times as high as that of plants fertilized with SF and CRF, respectively. Exceptionally high N content was observed in plants cultivated with the GC-0.72 g N plant⁻¹. The use of the GC also enhanced the accumulation of K and P, while CRF strongly reduced their content in plants. Distinct relations could be observed in the case of Ca accumulation. GC-0.72 g N plant⁻¹ increased EC and water content in the medium without direct contact between SAP and substrate.

Foliar application of micronutrients (both in common and nano-forms) to meet the nutritional demands of plants and even to overcome the stressful environments has gained great attention of agricultural systems. In our experiments, we tried to use the foliar nano-zinc and common zinc sources under salinity conditions and study their effects on some morpho-physiological traits of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as factorial experiment based on RCBD design. ANOVA results revealed the interaction effects of salinity and zinc foliar application on elemental content (K⁺, Na⁺ and Zn²⁺), as well as essential oil yield of the plants. Carotenoids were influenced by the salinity levels. Soluble sugars content, flavonoids, H₂O₂ and MDA contents were influenced by individual levels of salinity and zinc foliar applications. Eventually, nano-zinc foliar spray was able to overcome the mild salinity effects on the plant growth and physiological parameters and it could be administered to the production systems and pioneer plant producers.

In the study, physico-mechanical properties [geometric mean diameter (D_g), sphericity, surface area, weight (W), bulk and fruit density, color, fruit removal force (FRF), puncture and compression force, puncture and compression deformation, friction coefficient] and biochemical attributes [pH, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C, total phenolics (TPs), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] of cherry laurel fruits (Prunus laurocerasus) and stones were investigated. Geometric mean diameter, surface area, fruit weight, bulk and fruit density significantly increased, but L*, a* and b* values significantly decreased with the progress of ripening. Fruit removal force decreased from 5.04 N to 3.09 N. On the other hand, W/FRF increased with the progress of harvest date. Static friction coefficient of fruits significantly increased over plywood and silicone surfaces and friction coefficients of stones increased over plywood, galvanized mild steel and silicone surfaces with the progress of harvest date. The pH, SSC, vitamin C, TPs, TMA and TAC (according to FRAP and TEAC assay) values significantly increased with the progress of ripening. It was concluded that fruit maturity stage at harvest had significant impact on physico-mechanical attributes and bioactive compounds of cherry laurel fruits.

Pinellia ternata is one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, its yield is hard to meet the market demand, therefore the system of in vitro micro-tubers was developed for its propagation and endogenous GA was revealed probably function negatively during micro-tubers induction. However, the mechanism is still unknown. In this study, 70 mg/L chlormequat chloride (CCC) was successfully used to inhibit the endogenous GA content and promote the micro-tubers induction. Subsequently, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed to identify GA-related genes associated with in vitro micro-tubers formation in P. ternata. The cDNAs of micro-tubers induced with and without CCC were used as the “tester”, and “driver”, respectively. SSH library sequencing yielded 300 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Finally, 226 ESTs were retained after screening, 84 of which had no significant homology to any of previously identified genes and 39 of the remaining 142 ESTs represented singletons. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the expression patterns showed that all 5 transcripts showed signal alteration during the process of in vitro micro-tubers formation. The sequences appeared to be highly homologous with 60S ribosomal protein, 26S ribosomal RNA gene, zinc transporter protein, 12kD storage protein and malate dehydrogenase, respectively. These results would facilitate the functional characterization of the GA-related genes associated with in vitro micro-tubers development and subsequent in vitro manipulation.

Mycorrhizal mycelium can simultaneously colonize two and more neighboring plants to form common mycelium network (CMNs), whereas the information regarding CMN effects on endogenous signal substances is limited. In this study, a rootbox was separated by 37- or 0.45-μm mesh to establish donor chamber (the presence of roots and hyphae) and receptor (hyphae presented or not, free of roots) chamber, where an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Paraglomus occultum was inoculated into trifoliate orange seedlings of donor chamber to illustrate the underground communications of signal substances by CMNs. Mycorrhizal colonization resulted in better plant growth performance and greater root morphology in donor and receptor plants. AM inoculation increased significantly the root nitric oxide (NO) and calmodulin (CaM) levels of donor plants, regardless of 37- and 0.45-μm mesh, and subsequent CMNs induced higher root NO and CaM levels in receptor plants. Mycorrhizal colonization did not produce significant changes in root zeatin riboside (ZR) levels of donor plants, but CMN hyphae modulated lower root ZR levels of receptor plants. Mycorrhizal inoculation and subsequent CMN hyphae induced lower root gibberellin levels of donor and receptor plants, and only CMN hyphae produced lower root methyl jasmonate concentrations of receptor plants. Our results first reveal the underground communication of CaM, NO, and ZR by CMNs with P. occultum between trifoliate orange seedlings.

This study was performed to depict the anatomical changes in apical meristems in order to determine the flower initiation and development of Iranian lily (Lilium ledebourii). Observations carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM) on groups of bulbs with different age and size showed that only large (≥55 g and ≥6 cm in diameter) 9-year-old and older bulbs expressed flowering transition, abandoning the juvenile condition. The switch from vegetative to reproductive in the apical meristem was characterized by flattening its dome. Flower initiation started between 10 and 20 days after planting, once the bulbs have passed a period of vernalization of two months at 3°C. The first hint of floral organ definition was noted 30 to 50 days after planting when the outer perianths started to grow followed by inner perianths in a pattern of 3−3. After complementation of flower formation by stamen and pistil appearance and development, flower abortion occurred in some bulbs 30 days after flower initiation. Flower bud abortion could not be linked to the bulb size. Identification of the exact time of flower initiation will be useful to provide proper management of Iranian lily in the process of domestication of this endemic endangered lily.

The aim of the present study was to examine physiological and morphological characteristics of Spartina pectinata ‘Auremarginata’ in response to various soil salinity conditions. Investigating the plant’s response and time-point of potential adjustment to salinity stress will help determine the suitability of the species for growing in the roadsides. The effect of various levels of salinity on S. pectinata ‘Aureomarginata’ was examined. The NaCl was applied at five different levels (g·dm^–3): 0 (control), 15, 30, 45, 60. The plant response was analysed after 14, 28, 42 and 56 days of the experiment. The highest concentration showed the strongest negative effects, which were indicated by a decrease in net photosynthesis rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration rate (E), specific leaf area (SLA), relative water content (RWC) and the number of shoots, number of young shoots and length of mature shoots. Plants have even some types of adjustment to stress conditions, at medium levels. This was especially valid for P_N and g_s after 28 days of the experiment. Principal component analysis revealed negative relationship of salinity level with P_N, g_s, E, RWC, SLA, number of young shoots and number of shoots, whereas a positive relationship was recorded with CMS, C_i, number of young leaves and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD).

This work is a continuation of research on Diaporthe genus isolates obtained in 2010−2012 from fruit trees in Poland, which on the basis of previously conducted molecular tests, have been identified as one species belonging to the Diaporthe eres species complex. The aim of this study was to determine the morphology and pathogenic abilities of tested Diaporthe eres isolates. The experiment included cross tests, in which the shoots of apple, pear, cherry and plum trees were inoculated with each of the 4 isolates derived from each mentioned host plants. As a result of experiment, the pathogenic nature of D. eres in relation to the shoots of fruit trees, was confirmed. The isolates were also characterized on the basis of the colony appearance and spore dimensions. Morphological features of studied D. eres cultures were very similar, regardless of the isolate and the host plant, from which they were obtained. All tested isolates formed alpha and beta conidia having the same range size.

In the cultivation of herbal plants, besides the size of the crop, the quality of obtained raw material is extremely important, which is proven not only by the appearance and taste, but also biological value. Factors that affect these parameters include plant nutrition. The main nutrient affecting the correct course of metabolic processes in a plant is potassium. To obtain high yield in terms of quantity and quality, the nutritional requirements of plants must be met. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of potassium nutrition on the quality of basil herb. The experiment was established in a two-factor scheme, in which the factors were: potassium dose (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g K·dm^–3) and the type of potassium fertilizer (KCl, K₂SO₄, KCl + K₂SO₄). The yield of basil plants was influenced by the dose and type of potassium fertilizers used (0.5 g K·dm^–3 – 92.5; 1.0 g K – 67.3; 1.5 g K – 69.75 g·plant^–1). The highest content of L-ascorbic acid was found in basil plants fed with the average potassium dose (65.9 mg·100 g^–1 FW). The least nitrates (V) were contained in basil fertilized with KCl in the highest dose of K (63 mg·100 g^–1 FW). No effect of the dose and type of potassium fertilizer on the content of phosphorus and sulfur in the plant material, was recorded. The content of Ca and Mg was influenced by both the potassium dose and the type of potassium fertilizer. The most of these components was revealed by plants fed with KCl, and with the increase of the dose, the content of both these mineral components decreased. Chlorine content in the herb increased with the applied potassium dose, the effect on the concentration of chlorine in the plant material was exerted by the type of potassium fertilizer applied – the highest concentration of this element was recorded. The content of macroelements in the substrate from basil cultivation was influenced by the dose and type of potassium fertilizers used. The best quality parameters of basil were obtained after application of 1.0 g K·dm^–3 substrate in the form of KCl + K₂SO₄.

Gall-inducing insects may cause multiple physiological changes in host plants, such as the loss of photosynthetic pigments and reduced photosynthetic capacity. However, the direction of these changes is usually insect species-dependent. Therefore, the objective of this research was to characterize the indirect effects of galls induced by asexual generation of Neuroterus numismalis (Fourc.) and N. quercusbaccarum L. on photosynthesis by comparing changes in photosynthetic and photoprotective pigments and chlorophyll a fluorescence in foliar tissue with and without galls in naturally growing pedunculate oak trees (Quercus robur L.). The presence of galls of both Cynipidae species caused a significant decrease of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids contents. Moreover, photosynthetic parameters (F₀, F_m, F_v/F_m, Y, qP, qN) were significantly decreased. These results provide valuable information for diagnosing the oak infections using a non-invasive method, such as chlorophyll a fluorescence and predicting the effect of infections on photosynthetic productivity.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the weeds accompanying potato crops can be a source of Alternaria spp. causing Alternaria leaf blight and to determine the genetic similarities of Alternaria alternata isolates infecting selected weeds: Chenopodium album, Cirsium arvense and tested potato cultivar. Three-year field experiment was conducted on the potato cultivar ‘Vineta N’. The isolates were classified into different species on the basis of macro- and microscopic features. In each year of the study, A. alternata dominated among the isolated fungi colonizing the leaves of potato plants and the selected weeds. The genetic similarities of A. alternata isolates was determined by the RAPD-PCR method. Tested genetic forms of A. alternata were closely related; only small differences in the pattern of the separated amplification products was evidenced. The dominance of A. alternata on the weeds accompanying potato crops suggests that if weed infestation is extensive, the pathogen is very likely to spread and its population to increase.

Plant essential oils of six aromatic herb species and interspecies hybrids of the family Lamiaceae – chocolate mint (Mentha piperita × ‘Chocolate’), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’), apple mint (Mentha × rotundifolia), spearmint (Mentha spicata), orange mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Granada’) and strawberry mint (Mentha × villosa ‘Strawberry’) – were investigated for antimicrobial effects against plant pathogenic bacteria: Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina. The screening was carried out in vitro on agar plates filled with the target organism. All essential oils screened exhibited a higher level of antibacterial activity against A. tumefaciens and X. arboricola pv. corylina than streptomycin used as a standard in all tests. The antimicrobial effect of streptomycin and five mint oils was at the same level for P. syringae pv. syringae. There were no significant differences in the influence of the chocolate mint oil on the growth inhibition of all bacteria tested. Plant essential oils from pineapple mint, apple mint, spearmint and strawberry mint showed the weakest antimicrobial activity against P. syringae pv syringae and the strongest towards A. tumefaciens and X. arboricola pv. corylina. The essential oils from strawberry mint, pineapple mint, spearmint and apple mint had the strongest effect on A. tumefaciens, and the lowest inhibitory activity was exhibited by the chocolate mint and orange mint essential oils. X. arboricola pv. corylina was the most sensitive to the strawberry mint, pineapple mint and spearmint oils. The chocolate mint oil showed the greatest activity against P. syringae pv. syringae.

It is commonly believed that gall inducers have the ability to control and program the host plant growth to their own benefit. The pattern of changes in the contents of reducing sugars, protein and phenolic compounds as well as the activity of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase in galls, galled and intact leaves of Ulmus pumila were investigated during three stages of Tetraneura ulmi gall development. High protein accumulation in galls at the initial period of gall formation, increased biosynthesis of total phenolics during galling process, and the highest activity of pathogenesis-related protein at the stage of mature galls were detected. Therefore, it can be suggested that T. ulmi can manipulate the biochemical machinery of the galls for its own needs.