Potted seedling plants (SP) and micro-propagated potted plants (MP) of swallow root (Decalepis hamiltonii) were inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae, Glomus fasciculatum and Glomus monosporum) to find out their influence on quality of tubers and their flavour content. Respective arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) treatment in general supported better growth of SP and MP plants in terms of increased plant height, number of nodes, number of leaves, number of tubers, and fresh weight of tubers at harvesting stage. A maximum of 82.23% root specific flavour metabolite 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (2H4MB) improvement (4.5 mg g^-100) was found in tubers when MP plant of D. hamiltonii was given 50 g of G. mosseae treatment, followed by 71.43 and 20% improvement of 2H4MB for G. fasciculatum and G. monosporum respectively. The novelty of the present invention is that it provides for the first time an efficient method for improvement of growth and yield of flavour enhanced tubers of D. hamiltonii by using AMF. The symbiosis of mycorrhizal fungi and swallow root would be of benefit for qualitative and quantitative improvement of this endangered and endemic medicinally important climber.

Aim of the project was to test 23 strawberry cultivars in the climate of Poland and evaluate their economic value. 13 of discussed cultivars were newly bread in Poland and 10 are of foreign origin including cultivars that were never tested in East–Central Europe. All of these cultivars were evaluated in comparison to the 4 standard cultivars used in Poland. The experiment was conducted between 2004 and 2011 in central Poland in the Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice. The data were analyzed using linear mixed model. The results shows that cultivar ‘Paladyn’ performed exceptionally well regarding yield and fruit size. Thus, it is one of the best cultivars for including into canon strawberry cultivars, not only in Poland. The rest of tested cultivars, especially those with foreign origin, may need specific treatment or more investigation to accomplish more in the climatic conditions of this geographical region.

Infestation with pathogenic fungi is frequently a cause of poor carrot seed quality. The effect of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) treatment on germination, vigour and health of carrot seeds as well as plant emergence was investigated. Four seed samples were tested. Seeds were soaked in 3, 6, 9 and 12% H₂O₂ solutions for 10, 30 and 60 min. Controls were untreated seeds, seeds treated with fungicide (a.i. 75% thiram), and seeds soaked in distilled water for 10, 30 and 60 min. The fungi from genera Alternaria and Fusarium were frequently detected on tested seeds and dead seedlings. Hydrogen peroxide treatment, regardless of concentration and treatment time, reduced significantly carrot seed infestation with A. alternata, A. radicina and Fusarium spp., however was not effective in the control of A. dauci. Deterioration of seed germination and vigour was observed mostly if seeds were treated with 9 and 12% H₂O₂. Treating seeds with 3% H₂O₂ for 30 min positively affected plant emergence in three of four tested samples, while treatment with 6% H₂O₂ significantly decreased percentage of healthy seedlings in one of these samples and increased it in two of them.

Some biological characteristics of 10 local and internationally well-known plum cultivars grown in Gornje Polimlje, Montenegro were studied between 2009–2011. Čačanska Rodna, Čačanska Lepotica, Stanley, Čačanska Rana, Valjevka and Valerija cultivars showed high productivity. The highest fruit mass was obtained from California Blue cultivar while the smallest fruit mass was measured for Požegača cultivar in all measured years. Soluble Solid Content (SSC), total acidity, total sugars, reducing sugars, sucrose, cellulose, vitamin C, total anthocyanin and ash content of plum cultivars were between 12.60–20.40%, 0.66–1.15%, 10.65–15.24%, 7.17–11.94%, 1.16–6.07%, 0.30–12.49%, 10.69–15.50 mg∙100 g^-1, 0.6–7.7 mg∙100 g^-1 and 0.55–0.78%, respectively. The amount of potassium, which predominates in percentage of minerals in the ash, ranged from 1893 to 2199 mg∙kg^-1. Local cultivar Požegača had the highest content of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, soluble solid content and vitamin C, and second highest content of iron, sugar, reducing sugars and cellulose. Anna Spath had the highest content of iron and sucrose. Highest content of sugar and anthocyanin was observed in Stanley cultivar. Total acids and reducing sugars were highest in cultivar Čačanska Lepotica.

Swiss chard may be cultivated for a single or in small scale of production for multiple harvest. The objective of the field experiment conducted in 2012–2014 was to determine the response of this vegetable crop to nitrogen fertilization. Lukullus and Green Silver cultivars were grown from direct seed sowing into the field and supplied with 100 or 200 kg N∙ha^-1 by using ammonium nitrate and Entec 26. Harvest of leaves started at the end of June was made weekly till half of September, each time the yield of leaf blades and petioles were evaluated. At the end of July the samples were collected for chemical analysis. Results of the study proved that both tested N fertilizers were equally valuable sources of this nutrient for Swiss chard and the increase of its dose from 100 to 200 kg∙ha^-1 was ineffective for crop yield, while caused the significant enhancement of nitrates accumulation. Leaf blades appeared to be a rich source of vitamin C and contained lower level of sugars and Ca while higher amounts of P and Mg if compared to petioles. Nitrates accumulation in leaf petioles was generally twice as high as in the blades. Green Silver cultivar produced higher yield of leaf petioles and higher amounts of chlorophyll showing smaller tendency for nitrates accumulation than Lukullus.

The potential agricultural lands are falling prey to salinity in the world over including Pakistan. The limited water supply is also becoming a serious problem to feed the humans and livestock production. Therefore, research studies were undertaken to enhance the growth and development of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on saline soils to increase productively of crop. The treatments consisted of (a) two lines of sunflower (Hysun-33 and LG-56-63), (b) two levels of salinity (0, 120 mM (NaCl)) and (c) two levels of salicylic acid (0, 200 mg L^-1) and were arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. The results showed that biological yield was significantly reduced due to imposition of salinity at the rate of 120 mM (NaCl) on both sunflower lines (Hysun -33, LG 56-63). The stem length was also reduced due to decrease in biological yield in response to salinity. However, the exogenous application of salicylic acid at the rate of 200 mg L^-1 mitigated the adverse effects of salts and improved the biological yield and stem length under saline and non-saline environments. The quantity of chlorophyll (SPAD) values were impacted negatively in response to salt stress, however, the phenomenon was recovered by foliar spray of salicylic acid. The nutrient concentration of K⁺, Cl^- and Na⁺ were altered because of presence of excess quantity of NaCl in the substrate. The translocation of K⁺ ion was reduced substantially, while higher amount of Na⁺ and Cl^- ions were absorbed, thus creating ionic imbalance in the plant system. The foliar spray of salicylic acid (200 mg L^-1) enhanced the uptake of K⁺ from the soil medium. The salicylic acid proved a potential phytoprotectant to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and thereby improving the physiological and biochemicals attributes, stem length and also enhanced uptake of K⁺ ion while depressing Na⁺ and Cl^- ions in plant system.

The aim of this study has been to determine the effect of cultivation and plant protection on the content of macro- and micronutrients and yield of roots in edible carrots. The cultivation of carrot according to the principles of integrated farming resulted in a higher root mass as well as a higher total and commercial yield than in the ecological cultivation system. The plant protection had a positive effect on the root mass only in ecological cultivation. The content of crude ash in carrot roots ranged from 71.25 to 80.10 g kg^-1 d.m. Roots of carrots from the integrated system contained more N-total and potassium than the ones from the ecological system. In general, carrots originating from the integrated system contained more Zn and Mn, while those grown ecologically had more Cu and Ni. After storage, the content of N-total, K, Na, Ca and Mg in carrot roots increased. Meanwhile, the P concentration tended to decrease. The plant protection methods have significant effect on the content of N-total and K and microelements. The content of nitrates (V) was modified more extensively in roots of carrots grown in the integrated system than in ecological system.

Carbohydrate and protein replacers of fat are frequently used by food manufacturers in response to the increased risk of diseases, which are connected with oversupply of energy and lipids in the diet. Low-calorie replacers such as inulin can limit hunger and normalize blood cholesterol levels. Increases in the nutritional value of food products can be achieved by partially replacing fat by soy protein isolates. Amino acids and deficient minerals like calcium and iron can be provided by food containing protein-based fat substitutes. Some fat substitutes, like maltodextrin, can slightly reduce the bioavailability of the fat-soluble vitamins. As a result, food products containing maltodextrin should be fortified with the affected substances to reduce the risk of malnutrition. The long-term effects of carbohydrate and protein replacers on the human body have not been sufficiently explained, and so fat replacers should be limited in the daily diet.

Alternate bearing is a typical behavior of various fruit tree crops and is common among olive cultivars (Olea europæa L. var. sativa Hoffm. e Lk.). Since this phenomenon affects yield and consequently oil production, it is a concern for olive oil industry in order to offer a constant olive oil amount each year. A 4-year field experiment was conducted on cv Chemlali olive trees in ‘on’ and ‘off’ years in order to study, under arid conditions, both annual macro-element balance and net photosynthetic activity. Shoots growth was much higher in the ‘off’ year with respect to the ‘on’ one (+11.70 cm vs. +2.60). Net photosynthesis rate was much higher in the ‘off’ year with respect to the ‘on’ year and the highest values were observed at spring, when there is an intense vegetative growth. Differences for the mineral elements were observed between the ‘on’ and ‘off’ years. Nitrogen accumulated in leaves mainly in spring in the ‘off’ year, whereas high N values were detected also at the end of summer in the ‘on’ year. Consequently, N fertilization can be accomplished in February–March and possibly after harvest (November–December) to be used at budburst in the successive season. A difference was found between leaf P concentrations in ‘on’ or ‘off’ years from flowering to fruit-set, with the lowest values in the ‘on’ year, in particular in June–July. A supply of P at autumn–winter and partially in spring–summer in particular in an ‘on’ year would be appropriate. K accumulated in leaves in ‘on’ year from spring to summer, thus a supply of K in January–February, before new vegetation, for trees either in ‘on’ or ‘off’ year can be necessary for supporting and implementing the root system activity and the successive shoot growth (‘off’ year) and fruit development (‘on’ year). These results should be useful to partially reduce, through an appropriate fertilization schedule, the alternate bearing in olive tree.

An innovatory protocol for large-scale production of narcissus ‘Carlton’ somatic embryos was developed based on the repetitive somatic embryogenesis (RSE). RSE was established as a stepwise process beginning with primary somatic embryogenesis (PSE) on ovary explants followed by secondary somatic embryogenesis (SSE) and continuously repeating cycles of SSE. A highly embryogenic lines of callus were sourced from primary embryogenic tissue, callus and embryos, which were continuously exposed to Amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (Picloram) or 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (both 25 µM) and 6-Benzyladenine (BA) (5 µM). Thus obtained calluses were multiplicated in six-week repetitive cycles and the efficiency of multiplication was 2.1- to 2.3-fold. Using RSE protocol, on regeneration medium containing 5 µM BA and 0.5 µM α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) it was possible to receive more than 20 embryos per 100 mg of callus. PSE yielded only 3.3–11 embryos. RSE resulted in the production of cream-coloured soft calluses which retained high efficiency of multiplication and differentiation of somatic embryos for over two years.

Among methods for stimulation of plant growth an essential role can be played by seaweed biostimulants. The aim of the study was to assess the response of onion to the method of application of the seaweed biostimulant Kelpak SL. Doses of the seaweed extract applied from the three-leaf stage amounted to 3, 3 + 2, 3 + 2 + 2 dm³ ha^-1, and from the four-leaf stage 2, 2 + 2, 2 + 2 + 2 dm³ ha^-1, for a single, double and triple application, respectively. The biostimulant applied from the three-leaf stage increased the chlorophyll index after double or triple application, whereas applied from the four-leaf stage, also after a single application. The highest increases in the fresh weight yield of bulbs as well as fresh weight of roots resulted from the triple application of the biostimulant from the three- or four-leaf stages. Each dm³ of the biostimulant caused an increase in the fresh weight yield of bulbs by 0.76 t ha^-1, and each additional application resulted in an increase in yield by 1.76 t ha^-1.

Today, several fruit species are used for different purposes in alternative medicine. Among those species, barberry species are commonly used in treatment of various diseases. Jeti-Oguz District of Issyk Kul located around Issyk Lake in North-east of Kyrgyzstan has a unique flora and wild Berberis sphaerocarpa Kar. et Kit. (spherical-fruited barberry) species have a great place in regional flora. The fruits, leaves and roots of these species are commonly used by local people as functional products in alternative medicine. The most significant parameter in this wild population is the morphological variation in fruits and leaves. In this study, pomological analyses were performed on ripened black fruits of 26 wild genotypes. Pomological analyses yielded the fruit weights as between 0.23 g (01-JO-006) and 0.61 g (01-JO-025); total soluble solids as between 16.67% (01-JO-014) and 18.73% (01-JO-010 and 01-JO-018). Fruit shapes of genotypes were identified as long, long-spherical, spherical and oblate spherical. Significant variations were observed in morphological characteristics of spherical-fruited barberry genotypes through pomological analyses and field observations.

This paper presents the results of a three-year research (2010–2012) of unusual growth of pollen tubes in the ovary in eight cultivars of quince in two pollination variants (self-pollination and open-pollination). Unusual behavior of pollen tubes growth could be seen in all parts of the ovary, and it was most often manifested by larger or smaller branching and the formation of bundle in the ovary, without signs of further penetration of pollen tubes to the ovule. In addition, in a small number of cases, branching of the pollen tubes, as well as bypassing micropyle and forming swellings at the tips of the pollen tube was noticed. There were also the cases where the pollen tube filled embryo sac forming a bundle in it. The occurrence of unusual growth of pollen tubes in the quince ovary was primarily dependent on the genotype and pollination type. This phenomenon was more expressed in open-pollination than in self-pollination variant in all examined cultivars. Leskovacka cultivar was characterized by the highest percentage of unusual growth of pollen tubes in both variants of pollination, as follows: 13.23% (self-pollination) and 15.89% (open-pollination).

In moderate climates where milk thistle is grown as a medicinal plant it emerges slowly and unevenly and thus it is exposed to weed infestation. The aim of this study was to estimate if the storage temperature and thousand seed weight (TSW) of the seed material have an effect on the number of emerging plants. In the 3-year field experiment, seed material that had been stored at 23, 15 and 7°C and separated according to TSW: 26–30, 20–22 and 20–30 g (control) was used. The emergence of plants was evaluated 4 times, from the BBCH growth stage 09–12 to 18–19/37–38. Storage of seed material at 23 and 7°C resulted in an increase in the number of emerging plants in comparison with seed material stored at 15°C. These differences were evident only at the first time of measurements and gradually reduced as growth progressed. A significantly higher number of plants per 1 m² was obtained from seed material with TSW 26–30 g as compared with the seed material with TSW 20–22 g. These differences continued at all measurement dates but only in one dry year they did have a positive effect on the achene yield.

Dahlias are propagated through stem cuttings. In the years 2003–2005, in a glasshouse of the Experimental Station in Felin, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, the research was conducted to evaluate rooting of different types of dahlia cuttings. The studied Dahlia pinnata cultivars were: ‘Berliner Kleene’, ‘Gea’, ‘Orange’ and ‘Orietta’. Six types of cuttings were tested: cuttings with heel, without heel, tip ones, tip long ones, lateral and middle ones. The cuttings excision was started when sprouting shoots had 5–7 pairs of leaves. The tip part with 2–3 pairs of leaves was cut off, leaving at least 2 pairs of leaves on the stem (tip cuttings). After about 2 weeks, in the nodes, new shoots start to arise, which might be used as cuttings when they form 2–3 pairs of leaves. When the tip cuttings are excised, new shoots will sprout directly from a tuber. They might be excised with a part of a tuber as cuttings with heel or without it – cuttings without heel. It is also possible to place tuberous roots into a glasshouse early, let the sprouting shoots form 6–8 pairs of leaves, and then excise longer then before tips with 3–4 pairs of leaves (long tip cuttings). The remaining, middle parts of the stems with 2 pairs of leaves, might be also used as lateral cuttings. Different types of cuttings were used and all of them rooted very well. No matter the type of cutting, their survival exceeded 90%. The types of cuttings did not significantly affect the percentage of rooted cuttings. However, the intensity of taking the roots depended on the cutting method. The growth started the earliest in case of cuttings with heel and tip ones. Plants formed from these types of cuttings characterized with the highest weight of the underground part as well. During the three years of the experiment, the highest mean weight of the above ground part was observed in case of tip and long tip cuttings.