Studies were conducted with tomato of Admiro F₁ cultivar grown in greenhouse in the years 2008 and 2009. Four substrates were applied: 1) rape straw, 2) rape straw + high peat (3 : 1 v:v), 3) rape straw + pine bark (3 : 1 v:v), 4) rockwool (100 × 20 × 7.5 = 15 dm³). Straw, cut into pieces, (2–3 cm), were placed in plastic boxes (height of the box ca. twice large as width) of the capacity of 15 dm³. In each box/slab there grew two plants. The experiment was conducted using the complete randomization method in seven repetitions. Dripping fertigation was applied in a closed system without nutrient solution recirculation. Daily nutrient solution consumption was once up to 4.2 dm³ in 10–12 doses with about 20% overflow. In the conducted studies it was demonstrated that the cut rape straw is a very good substratum for greenhouse grown tomato. Higher fruit yields were obtained from growing in rape straw + pine bark substratum compared to rockwool, and the differences were not significant. The dry matter content in fruit grown in organic substrata was significantly higher compared to rockwool. The content of N-total in fruit grown in rockwool was significantly lower compared to organic substrata. During tomato vegetation about 60% rape straw was mineralized.

Front gardens constitute a traditional form of greenery, mainly characteristic of single family houses. Little gardens established in the areas adjacent to blocks of flats constitute a relatively new phenomenon in urban landscape. The occurrence of plants in front gardens of Lublin’s housing estates was examined in the years 2008–2009. Two years ago were made additional comparative work in Łęczna and Biała Podlaska in order to find out to the effect that species composition of front gardens. The studies were undertaken in order to determine the generic differentiation of the plants in spontaneously setting-up gardens. The list included all plants, if they were planted by the hosts of a darden, the plants from planned plantings performed by specialist firms within housing estate greenery management were neglected. In the case of synanthropic plants and spontaneously passing from natural communities, only those were taken into consideration, which were purposefully planted or incorporated into the gardens and were not an effect of negligence. In total 262 species were determined in 325 gardens. Perennial plants were predominant: 152 species, one-year plants 52 and shrubs were represented by 49 plants, two-year plants – 9 species. As to the numerical force of occurrences in gardens the first place was taken by orris iris – 147 occurences, then tagetes, encountered in 133 gardens and roses – in 116.

Almond mushroom – Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) was discovered and popularised as late as the 20th century. However, it has been known for its exceptional properties in the places of its origin for a long time. Studies have been conducted worldwide for several decades, aiming at the precise determination of these properties and their applicability in medicine. To date it has been proven that almond mushroom extracts exhibit anticancer and antibacterial action, and reduce blood cholesterol level. They are also useful in the treatment of AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and viral hepatitis. Almond mushroom is a very tasty mushroom with an almond aroma. This species is also characterised by high protein content and low fat content. For appropriate growth and development almond mushroom requires relatively high temperatures and air humidity as well as access of light. However, world literature sources contain limited data concerning the cultivation technology of almond mushroom. In Poland almond mushroom is practically unknown, while its considerable therapeutic properties should be an incentive to initiate more extensive studies.

Cosmos atrosanguineus is a tuberous, tender perennial with velvety, dahlia-like, brownish-red flowers that have a chocolate aroma. It is sterile, so no viable seeds are produced. This species is particularly suitable for a border plant in any perennial garden. A study was undertaken to determine whether shoot apex and leaf removal as well as explant orientation had an influence on axillary shoot induction. Explants were prepared from shoots taken from aseptically grown shoot cluster and were cultured for 6 weeks on Murashige and Skoog medium containing BA (1 mg·dm^-3). The study results showed that the removal of the apex from the non-defoliated shoot tip improved axillary branching. The removal of developed leaves from the shoot tip with the apex removed caused a reduction in axillary shoot production. The defoliated shoot tip inserted vertically in the medium in an inverted position regenerated the highest number of axillary shoots characterized by the highest fresh weight. The defoliated shoot tip after removal of the apex, placed vertically with the base down, produced axillary shoots characterized by the greatest elongation growth and the highest percentage of shoots that reached a length of more than 1 cm.

Freesias of Easy Pot group are very interesting complement to an assortment of flowering potted plants. However , there is a lack of information about their requirements and cultivation methods. Experiments were carried out in the years 2006–2007 in the unheated plastic tunnel. Cormlets of three cultivars: ‘Gompey’, ‘Popey’ and ‘Suzy’ were the plant material. Corms were soaked in solution of gibberellic acid in concentration of 10, 20, 40, 80 or 160 mg dm^-3 for 24 hours just before planting, in a dark room with air temperature 28–30^oC. Corms soaked in water were served as the control. During the vegetation season measurements of vegetative and generative traits of plants were conducted. After the end of vegetation period, coefficients of corm weight and number increase were calculated. It was found that cormlets of Easy Pot Freesia can be recommended for cultivation in pots. Cultivar had a significant effect on vegetative and generative parameters of plants. Among evaluated cultivars ‘Gompey’ was characterized by the greatest decorative value. Plants of this cultivar had the longest inflorescence shoots with the greatest number of lateral shoots and the greatest number of flowers. Irrespective of cultivar, gibberellic acid increased plant height, total number of leaves, length of inflorescence shoots and decreased flower diameter. The use of gibberellic acid increased weight of the offspring corms. Among evaluated concentrations the highest effect was noted for 160 mg dm^-3. However, used in the experiment growth regulator did not affect number of obtained new corms.

Ethylene is a plant hormone which play an important role in regulation of physiological plant processes. However, use of ethylene for practical purposes is restricted by its multilateral activity. Experiments were carried out in the years 2006–2007, in summer-autumn period to evaluate the influence of concentration of ethephon solution (125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 mg dm^-3) on growth, flowering, decorative value and yield of the offspring corms of three cultivars of Easy Pot Freesia: ‘Gompey’, ‘Popey’ and ‘Suzy’ grown from cormlets. Soaking corms in ethephon solution had an effect on the delay of germination and prolongation of vegetative phase. Corms soaked in ethephon solution of the highest concentrations, i.e. 1000 and 2000 mg dm^-3 did not blossom. Regardless the cultivar the use of ethephon had an effect on the decrease of number of leaves set on main shoot and greenness index of leaves but also on the increase of number of shoots. The concentration 2000 mg dm^-3 showed the strongest effect on the vegetative traits of plants. Ethephon affected also decorative value of freesia. The use of ethephon solution in concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 mg dm^-3 had an effect on the decrease of length of main inflorescence shoot, and in concentrations of 125 and 250 mg dm^-3 caused the increase of number of flowers in first inflorescence. Soaking corms in ethephon solution had an effect on the increase of coefficient of corm number increase but also on the decrease of coefficient of corm weight increase.

Green moulds caused by Trichoderma result in considerable losses in the growing of several species of cultivated and medicinal mushrooms. Pholiota nameko is a mushroom species well-known in many Asian countries. The aim of the studies was to determine the effect of substrate infestation with Trichoderma isolates on yielding of P. nameko. The experiment was conducted on four strains of P. nameko, i.e. PN01, PN04, PN05 and PN06. The substrate was infested with isolate T361, belonging to the species T. aggressivum f. europaeum and isolate Th14/5, belonging to the species T. harzianum. Infestation of the substrate with both isolates of Trichoderma resulted in a reduction of yield in the analysed strains of P. nameko. A markedly greater yield reduction was caused by infestation with isolate T361 than isolate Th14/5. Infestation of the substrate with the analysed Trichoderma isolates to a slight extent influenced mean weight of fruiting bodies in P. nameko and their morphological traits, such as cap diameter, and stem length and diameter. Substrate infestation with Trichoderma isolates had no effect on dry matter content of carpophores.

Auxins are main promoters of rooting. Cytokinins are considered as auxin antagonists in adventitious root formation, but their role in this process depends on a number of factors, such as concentration and the phase of treatment. Regardless of their role in rhizogenesis, cytokinins stimulate lateral shoot development. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of BA applied in different time of rooting and its cooperation with NAA on Portulaca cuttings and subsequent growth of plants. Stem cuttings of Portulaca umbraticola were treated with BA or BA and NAA in different concentrations and time of BA application (0; 2 and 5 days after placing in medium). BA, administered at the beginning of rooting, negatively influenced percentage of rooted cuttings, while applied two days later stimulated rooting. BA positively determined lateral shoot length and number on cuttings. Application of BA with NAA stimulated root development, but negatively affected the axillary shoot outgrowth. Considering the effect of BA treatment on rooting and branching of Portulaca cuttings the most advantages combinations occurred to be BA applied after 2 days of rooting.

Interaction of auxins and cytokinins affects many aspects of plant development. In root and shoot apical meristems these hormones act antagonistically in order to maintain the balance between the formation of new cells and their differentiation. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of benzyladenine and its cooperation with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid on rooting and development of aerial parts of Fuchsia hybrida cuttings and their subsequent growth. Anatomical analysis of rooting process was also undertaken. Cuttings were treated with BA, NAA or BA and NAA together. BA applied by quick-dip method, delayed root initiation and development and negatively affected the number of primordia. Under the influence of BA cell organization took place in meristem of smaller size. Independently on the year of research and way of treatment BA inhibited adventitious root development, even with the use of NAA. BA, regardless of the presence of NAA, stimulated lateral shoot formation on Fuchsia cuttings, applied by spraying, stimulated also shoot elongation. This effect diminished during subsequent development of plants.

The present study investigated different methods of propagation of the rhubarb cultivar ‘Karpow Lipskiego’: vegetatively from tissue cultures and by division of the mother plant as well as generatively from seed. The study also evaluated the usefulness of propagation material for establishing a rhubarb plantation. To produce in vitro plantlets, shoots were placed on modified Murashige and Skoog medium containing different cytokinins: benzyladenine (BA – 4.4, 11.1, 22.2 µmol·dm^-3), kinetin (4.7, 11.6, 23.3 µmol·dm^-3), isopentenyl adenine (2iP – 4.9, 12.3, 24.4 µmol·dm^-3) as well as on control medium without growth regulators. Cuttings were obtained by division of crowns, while seedlings from seeds. In the period 2004–2006, vegetatively and generatively propagated plants were grown in a nursery. The obtained propagation material was used to establish a rhubarb plantation. Yield of field-grown plants was evaluated in the years 2007–2009. In the first year of cultivation in the nursery, plants propagated in vitro in the medium with the addition of kinetin at a concentration of 11.6 μmol dm^-3 or 2iP at 12.3 μmol dm^-3 developed crowns with the highest average weight of 1.48 and 1.05 kg, respectively. In the second year of cultivation in the nursery in the treatment with grown regulators applied, the average rhubarb crown weight ranged from 2.51 to 3.33 kg, while for the control treatment it was 1.78 kg. To characterize the population of in vitro plants, they were compared with plants obtained by division of the mother plant and from seeds. Plants propagated vegetatively from in vitro plantlets produced crowns with the highest average weight (0.83 kg), followed by those obtained from division of mother plants (0.79 kg), while plants produced from seeds had crowns with a much lower average weight (0.54 kg). In the second year of cultivation in the nursery, vegetatively and generatively propagated plants were characterized by a similar size and greater uniformity than in the first year. In the first year of planting (2007), petiole yield obtained from micropropagated plants was higher by 0.7 kg·plant^-1 compared to generatively propagated plants, whereas in the second year of cultivation this difference was smaller and amounted to 0.6 kg· plant^-1. In the third year of the plantation, plant productivity was more equal. During the study years, by far fewer leaves were harvested from generatively propagated plants compared to plants propagated vegetatively. In the second and third year of the plantation, intensive plant growth was observed; in effect, there were no significant relationships between petiole length and width and propagation method. The cultivation of vegetatively propagated plants gave the best effects in productivity; the average petiole yield was higher by 13.3 t·ha^-1 in the case of micropropagation and by 16.0 t·ha^-1 in the case of division of the mother plant compared to the yield obtained from rhubarb cultivation from seeds. Early yield at a level of 11.2 t·ha^-1 was obtained from tissue cultured plants and its proportion accounted for 25% of total petiole yield.

Contrary to genetic engineering elicitation is a cheaper and socially acceptable methods for improving plant food functionality. In this work broccoli sprouts were elicited with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and Salix daphnoides bark (SD) extracts. The most effective elicitors of phenolics overproduction were 1% SD and 0.5% SC. Treatment with 0.1% SC significantly increased content of ferulic acid, whereas p-coumaric and syryngic acids levels were significantly elevated by elicitation with SC (0.5% and 1%) and SD. All studied extracts appeared to be very effective elicitors of kaempferol biosynthesis (17-fold for 0.1% SC). In the case of mastication-extractable phytochemicals significant increase of SOD-like activity was observed after elicitation with 0.1% SC, 1% SC and 1% SD. All elicitors caused also an increase of OH^• radicals scavenging ability. The most effective was 1% SC, where an increase was about 40%. Elicitation significantly improved potential bioaccessibility of compounds with anti-ROS activities, especially SOD-like active phytochemicals, thus may consist an effective biotechnology.

Lovage is a popular medicinal and spice plant. Its usable organs are roots, fruits and leaves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of plantation establishment and different methods of lovage leaves stabilization on its functional characteristics, including the essential oil content, chemical composition and quality of odor. Higher content of essential oil was determined in leaves harvested from plantations established with seedlings in comparison to the one from late fall sowing (respectively: 0.890 ml·100 g^-1, 0.755 ml·100 g^-1). Freezing, oven-drying and freeze-drying resulted in a decrease of this substance content. Compounds present in the tested essential oils were monoterpenes and their oxygen-containing derivatives (an average of 80.2%). The main component in the analysed essential oils was the α-terpinyl acetate (average 36.6%). Percentage of α-terpinyl acetate, (Z)-ligustylid, (Z)-butylidenoftalid, (E)-butylidenoftalid and (E)-ligustylid increased under the used stability methods. Appearance in the oils collected from stabilized raw materials trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ol, cis-β -elemene, and butylophtalide (compounds that were absent in the essential oil from fresh raw material) was also observed.

Using fluorescent lamps with different colours of light for improvement in vivo propagation of hyacinths by leaf cuttings, was the aim of this experiment. Leaves of three hyacinth cultivars were taken from plants forced in glasshouse, they were rooted in peat in growing room under fluorescent lamps TLD 36W emitting different colours of light: white, blue, green, yellow and red. Light with quantum irradiance of 25 µmol·m^-2·s^-1 was applied for 12 hours per day. Under lamps with white, blue or red colour of light leaf cuttings formed adventitious roots in large number and the longest; their weight was the greatest under lamps with white colour of light. There was no effect of the colour of light on number of adventitious bulbs developed on the leaf cuttings of cultivars ‘Anna Marie’ and ‘Blue Star’. In the cultivar ‘White Pearl’ the greatest number of bulbs was created under white, blue and green colour of light. However, a favourable effect on quality of bulbs was observed. The biggest bulbs with the greatest weight were formed under lamps emitting white and blue colour of light.