Essential oils are the main active components of many essential oil raw materials. This is the most numerous group of medicinal raw materials, which has a big tradition and still a wide application in therapeutics. Oil raw materials are obtained from natural stands and from crops. Cultivation method, fertilization, irrigation, date of harvest of plant material can significantly modify both the content and composition of essential oil. Nutrients applied in the form of mineral and organic fertilization are supplied to plants by root and foliar application. Foliar nitrogen application increases essential oil content in some plants and affects essential oil composition. Moreover, essential oil content and yield are modified by the rate of applied nitrogen. Higher nitrogen application increases methyl chavicol concentration and decreases the percentage of linalool in the volatile oil of some aromatic plant species. In the cultivation of some aromatic plants, a higher amount of potassium contributes to an increase in essential oil content and in the percentage of 1,8-cineole, linalool, eugenol, and γ-cadinene in the oil. Other nutrients available in the nutritional environment of plants are also capable of changing essential oil yield and composition. Likewise biofertilization, balanced mineral fertilization of aromatic plants is an important cultivation factor determining essential oil quantity and quality.

Organic acids are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of acetic, ascorbic, citric and lactic acid treatments on zinnia seed germination, vigour and infestation with fungi. Two seed samples, cultivars ‘Jowita’ and ‘Scarlet Flame’, varying in fungi occurrence intensity, were treated with organic acids solutions at concentrations of 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0%. Controls were untreated seeds, seeds treated with fungicide Penncozeb 80 WP, and seeds soaked for 30 min in distilled water. Acetic acid in the highest extent limited fungal occurrence on seeds, however negatively affected seed germination and vigour. Ascorbic and citric acids had no effect on the total seed infestation with fungi. Moreover, the acids significantly stimulated growth of Botrytis cinerea on the seeds. Lactic acid decreased the number of seeds infected with fungi, especially with Alternaria zinniae and Fusarium spp., however at the highest concentration negatively affected germination parameters and deteriorated seed vigour.

The choice of host plants by the phytophagous insects depends on a number of factors, including secondary metabolites which as “specific plant substances” have a significant influence not only on the physiology and behaviour of plant-eating insects but also on the chemism of plants’ defense. The present paper determined the effect of the feeding of Acrobasis advenella caterpillars on the content of flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins in the inflorescences of two species of host plants, namely Aronia melanocarpa and Sorbus aucuparia. The content of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the extracts of both plants where caterpillars were feeding was lower as compared to the extracts from control plants. It was found out that the content of tannins in the plant material of S. aucuparia where caterpillars were feeding increased in comparison to the control material. In 2009, their content was found to be more than 1.5 times higher, reaching over 13% of DW. A reverse reaction was observed in the case of A. melanocarpa, where the content of tannins dropped significantly. The value of that parameter in 2009 decreased more than 1.5 times and it was 5.42% of DW, while in 2010 the decrease was 2-fold, reaching 2.61% of DW.

In case of sulphur shortage in the soil that element has a significant impact on yields of plants and their quality. The objective of the work was the impact of sulphur fertilization on content of Mg and Ca in the dry-mass and in yield of dry-mass of potato tuber. Experience in the field of potato head was in the years 2004–2006 by applying different kinds of sulphur (elemental and K₂SO₄) and rate (0, 25 and 50 kg·ha^-1). The content of Mg and Ca in the dry mass and Mg content in yield of dry mass of potato tuber was significantly determined by S fertilization. The highest content of Mg and Ca was found when using 25 kg S∙ha^-1 in elemental kind and 50 kg S∙ha^-1 in elemental and sulphur kind. Mg content in yield of dry mass of tubers increased S-elemental fertilization regardless of the rate, while this parameter of Ca no depended on S-fertilization. Sulphur fertilization in sulphate kind increased content S-SO₄ in the soil, while S-elemental fertilization in rate 50 kg∙ha^-1 decreased pH value of soil. Negatively correlation was between pH value of soil and Mg content in dry-mass of tuber. Negatively correlation was also between pH value of soil and Ca content in yield of dry mass of potato tubers.

An improvement in growth, condition, raw material quality, and resistance of vegetable plants to adverse stress conditions or agricultural pests can be achieved by using foliar-applied biostimulators. Cover cropping is also of great importance since it contributes, among others, to a better use of environmental conditions and fertilization by plants. In the period 2009–2011, a field experiment was conducted on the effect of growth stimulators and cover crops on the structure of carrot root yield (in the cultivar ‘Laguna F1’) and accumulation of chemical components in the storage root. The study included three growth stimulators: Asahi SL, Bio-algeen S 90, and Tytanit. Plots without foliar application of these biological agents were the control treatment. The other factor investigated in the experiment was the stubble crops to be ploughed under: tansy phacelia as well as a mixture of spring vetch and field pea. Stubble crops were grown after spring barley. Total carrot root yield and its fractions (marketable yield, yield of small roots, unmarketable yield) as well as some components determining root quality (the content of dry matter, carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, and total sugars) were all determined. The present study has proved that all growth stimulators had a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of carrot roots. The absence of application of growth stimulators was minimally more beneficial only in the case of total carotenoid content in carrot roots. Stubble crops, in particular the mixture of legumes, also positively affected productivity and quality of carrot roots.

Phomopsis diachenii belongs to the fungi increasingly noted on herbal plants from Apiaceae family. Considering the documented fungal pathogenicity for herbs, the possibility of limiting the growth and development of P. diachenii was studied. Two biotechnical preparations i.e. Biosept Active and Beta-chikol and 12 fungicides from different chemical groups as well as one isolate of P. diachenii K 651, obtained from caraway were used for the study. Tests were performed by poisoning the culture media with each of the tested preparations, which were then inoculated with the P. diachenii inoculum. The percentage of inhibition of the growth of four- and eight-day-old fungus colonies on the medium with preparations in comparison to the control colonies was a measure of the toxic activity of the preparations. The effectiveness of Beta-chikol in limiting P. diachenii growth was significantly higher than the efficiency of Biosept Active. All fungicides limited the growth and development of P. diachenii, and the effectiveness of inhibitory activity was correlated with the concentration of the active ingredient in fungicide. The most promising compound in reducing the growth and development of P. diachenii was mancozeb.

Since many years the usefulness of different rootstocks has been estimated because of the cropping level, the growth, the physiological incompatibility between scion and rootstock and the mortality of the apricot trees. The Myrobalan, apricot seedlings, ‘Wangenheim Prune’ plum tree cv. and other rootstocks were evaluated in the earlier investigations. The study on the Lower Silesia area was conducted at the Fruit Experimental Station of the University of Environmental and Life Sciences of Wrocław, in 2006–2011. One year old apricot trees grafted on the Pumiselect^® vegetative rootstock were planted in spring of 2006, at a spacing 4.0 × 3.2 m (780 trees per 1 ha), in 4 replications with 3 of ‘Bergeron’ or 4 of ‘Harcot’ and ‘Hargrand’ trees per plot. At the same time the apricot collection was established. Trees of the 9 cultivars were planted at a spacing 4.0 × 4.0 m (625 trees per 1 ha). During the disadvantage weather conditions at the first four years of cropping the significant highest total yield over 40 kg per tree was recorded with ‘Harcot’ on the Pumiselect^® rootstock. The other cultivars did not exceed 30 kg of fruit but all trees characterized the weakest growth in this rootstock. The previous investigation did not clear confirm the usefulness of Pumiselect^® as a vegetative apricot rootstock for ‘Hargrand’ cv. because of the precocious trees decline and too low fruits in case of ‘Bergeron’ tree. The apricot trees on ‘Somo’ seedling growth stronger. Taking into account the yield, fruit quality and also the tree health status ‘Harcot’, ‘Heja’, ‘Karola’ and ‘Leskora’, ‘Łańcut’ cvs. were recognized as a suitable for commercial orchards on the Lower Silesia area.

Tulips belong to one of the most important bulbous plants from the economic point of view. Bulbs are reproduced in order to force for cut flowers. The biggest problem for the Polish producers is to obtain high yield of good quality bulbs, so that it is advisable to verify other than traditional methods of cultivation. The field experiment was conducted in 2006–2009. ‘Ballerina’ tulips were cultivated with a traditional method flat and on the ridges. Bulbs were planted at the depth of 9, 12, 15 and 19 cm. Cultivation methods used in the experiment did not affect the length of tulips flowering shoots. Tulips cultivated on the ridges produced longer tepals. Flowering shoots and tepals were shorter in case of tulips cultivated at the depth of 19 cm in comparison to those cultivated at the depth of 9–12 cm. Cultivation on the ridges led to production of 7.5% more of daughter bulbs and 8.2% of commercial bulbs. Weight of daughter bulbs was higher in ridge cultivation on average by 10.8%, and the weight of commercial bulbs on average by 14% in relation to flat cultivation. Cultivation on the ridges also increased the amount and weight of first grade bulbs (of circumference of >12 cm) by respectively 19.5 and 23.3% in comparison to traditional cultivation. The highest yield of commercial bulbs in ridge cultivation was obtained when bulbs were planted at the depth of 12–15 cm. In flat cultivation, greater amount and weight of commercial yield bulbs and first grade bulbs was obtained by planting tulips at the depth of 15–19 cm. Cultivation on the ridges ensures better aeration of soil, what results in smaller share of bulbs infected with pathogens in the total yield, in comparison to flat cultivation.

Ginkgo biloba preparations from leaves are widely used for the treatment of mild cognitive dysfunctions. This work compared thirteen commercial dietary supplements with fresh G. biloba leaves. Anticholinesterase activities and the levels of total phenolics were studied using corresponding spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant activities were tested using ABTS and DPPH free radicals. Phenolic acids and quercetin contents were determined using HPLC-DAD. G. biloba preparations more effectively inhibited the activity of butyrylcholinesterase than acetylcholinesterase with significant (p < 0.05) differences between preparations. Selected preparations had both the highest content of total phenolics and the antioxidant activity (with ABTS and/or DPPH) whereas in the case of other samples, adverse results were obtained. Significant (p < 0.05) differences in the quercetin content were seen between individual preparations. Gallic, protocatechuic, syringic, 4-OH-benzoic, chlorogenic, caffeic, sinapic, ferulic, 4-OH-cinnamic and o-coumaric acids were detected in studied samples. The preliminary characterization of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors from G. biloba with Sep-Pak C18 and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone revealed that these compounds are phenolics, although non-phenolics exhibiting the inhibitory activity were present in the leaves. The study aiming the purification of cholinesterase inhibitors from G. biloba is in progress.

The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota, AMF) in soils may be crucial for sustainable agriculture. Although AMF impact on the performance and accumulation of therapeutic compounds of several medicinal plant species has been well documented, the investigations on the influence of medicinal plants being cultivated on AMF have been insufficiently studied. The effect of three-year monocultures of mycorrhizal (Hypericum perforatum, Levisticum officinale, Mentha × citrata subsp. citrata and Thymus vulgaris) and non-mycorrhizal (Chelidonium majus) medicinal plant species on AMF propagule abundance, species richness and composition was therefore examined. The AMF non-host plant species C. majus decreased the abundance of AMF propagules in the soil, whereas the mycorrhizal plants maintained the AMF propagule potential at the same level, however, they changed the composition of AMF species. The results showed that the choice of medicinal plant species, grown even for a relatively short period of time in a monoculture, can substantially alter the AMF potential of soils which in turn can influence the performance of other medicinal plants cultivated subsequently.

The study was aimed at determining the attractiveness of neighbouring habitats for Syrphidae (Diptera). The frequency of Syrphidae occurrence in apple orchards and on their edges was studied in 2008–2010. A quality analysis of Syrphidae communities in apple orchards and surrounding habitats was performed. The studied orchards bordered on cultivated fields, shrubberies and a road overgrown with trees and bushes. In total 55 Syrphidae species were reported, which made up 13.9% of this family fauna in Poland, with 38 species recorded in the orchards and 49 species in their vicinity. Both in the orchards and in their edges the dominant were zoophagous species. The analysis of occurrence frequencies for the Syrphidae in orchards and their vicinity established that they were similar and at the same time higher than for all the other habitats except the orchard and the agricultural land bordering on it. All the habitats were dominated by two zoophages, namely Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) and Eupeodes corollae (F.). The study proved that the plants of orchard edges constitutes a more attractive habitat for Syrphidae species than the orchard itself. The orchard edge habitats with abundant blooming greenery are the elements which attract Syrphidae more strongly than agricultural cultivations and which may determine the migration of those useful species onto orchards.

The most frequent Artemisia species found in Poland are ruderal plants and garden or field weeds. Some species can be grown as ornamental, medicinal, or spice plants. Pollen grains of Artemisia contain strong allergens and cause allergic reactions during the late summer period. The aim of the study was to analyse the Artemisia pollen seasons in Lublin, to determine the effects of meteorological conditions on the occurrence of pollen grains of this taxon in the air and to develop statistical predictive models. The present study investigated Artemisia pollen concentrations in the air of Lublin in the period 2001–2012. Aerobiological monitoring was conducted by the standard volumetric method using a Hirst-type sampler (Lanzoni VPPS 2000). The method is currently recommended by the International Association for Aerobiology. The atmospheric Artemisia pollen season lasted on average from the second 10-day period of July to the middle of September. The highest pollen concentrations usually occurred in the first ten-day period of August. The season start date was characterized by the lowest variation, while the daily maximum pollen concentration values showed the highest variation. Forecasting models for the pollen season start date and duration as well as for the seasonal pollen index were developed using regression analysis. The obtained forecast models largely explain the variation of the season parameters. Regression analysis can be successfully used to predict the Artemisia pollen season features on the basis of meteorological data.

The fact that the greenhouse has got fertigation equipment allows for taking apply of various organic materials as substrate. Organic substrata applied in greenhouse cultivations, as compared with rockwool, are biodegradable and as a post-cultivation waste not destroy the natural environment. This research was conducted in glasshouse in the years 2008–2009. The tomato of Admiro F₁ cultivar in the period from February to October for 22 clusters at the density of 2.4 plants for 1 m². The treatment consisted of four substrata: 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 cm = 15 dm³). Straw was cut into pieces (2–3 cm) and placed in boxes 14 cm high, width: 8 cm and capacity 15 dm³. During the growing period after 33 weeks about 60% straw has been decomposed. Drop fertigation was applied in a closed system, without nutrient solution recirculation. In the period cultivar of tomato only in the first weeks in organic substrata a decrease in mineral nitrogen content was reported (albumization), but in cannot affect the plant growth because every day nutrient solution was supplied to plants 9–11 times. The content of N-NH₄ , N-NO₃, K, Ca, Mg and EC in organic substrates did not significantly differ, compared to rockwool. in both study years. This experiment suggests that the nutrient solution for tomato cultivar in organic substrates was may be similar like that in rockwool.

The composition of microorganisms in the cultivation environment is extremely important since it affects the healthiness and hence the yielding of plants. The purpose of the present studies was to determine the effect of oats, common vetch and tansy phacelia as intercrop cover plants on the formation of microorganisms communities in the soil under the cultivation of root chicory and salsify. Before winter, cover plants formed an abundant green mass, which constituted the natural mulch on the surface of the land managed in two ways: 1) pre-winter ploughing, or 2) spring ploughing. The control was the conventional cultivation of these vegetables, i.e. without any cover plants. The microbiological analysis of the soil showed that regardless of the species of the studied vegetable, the total population of bacteria and the population of bacteria Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were the highest when the soil was mulched with oats. A little fewer of those microorganisms occurred after using the mulch of common vetch or phacelia. On the other hand, the fewest bacteria were obtained as a result of the traditional cultivation of those vegetables. The total population of fungi in the soil mulched with oats was the lowest, whereas the most of fungi occurred in the control. The cultivation system, i.e. performing the spring or pre-winter ploughing, rather had no significant effect on the population of the studied microorganisms in the soil. Among the studied vegetables, the following were most frequently isolated: Alternaria alternata, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium irregulare, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Gliocladium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. Laboratory tests showed that both the cultivation of root chicory and salsify which included cover crops promoted the development of antagonistic bacteria (Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.) and fungi (Gliocladium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp.) better than the traditional cultivation of those vegetables.

Allium neapolitanum is a valuable species of snow-white flowers, which is suitable for cultivation in flowerbeds, rock gardens as well as in containers. Whole buds of Allium neapolitanum were excised from bulbs in the beginning of October and then they were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 2 mg BA·dm^-3 and 0.1 mg NAA·dm^-3 for shoot initiation. After several passages on the same medium for shoot multiplication, bases of shoots were placed for 2 subcultures on MS medium supplemented with BA or 2-iP in concentration of 2 or 5 mg·dm^-3 separately or in combination with NAA in concentration of 0.1 or 1 mg·dm^-3 to obtain multiplication. MS medium without growth regulators was used as a control. The best results were obtained on the medium supplemented with 5 mg BA·dm^-3 and 0.1 mg NAA·dm^-3. On average 5.7 shoots regenerated from 1 shoot base during 12 weeks. Three types of auxins, IAA, IBA and NAA in concentration of 0.5 mg·dm^-3, were used for rooting. It was observed that NAA enhanced root formation but reduced roots length. The best quality rooted shoots were obtained on medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·dm^-3 IAA. The survival rate of the plantlets under ex vitro condition was 70% after 4 weeks.