The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), manure and mineral fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L. Rausch) yield and raw material quality. Unfertilized chamomile plots were the control treatment. This study hypothesized that due to its high content of organic matter and macro- and micronutrients, SMS could be an alternative and innovative method of fertilization of this herbal plant. Given that the possibility of using organic fertilization is very limited, we should seek new methods to increase the organic matter content in cultivated soils. A three-year field experiment with a split-block design was conducted on podzolic soil under the climatic conditions of the central Lublin region (Poland). SMS used in this experiment was richer in dry matter and total nitrogen, but less rich in total organic carbon, phosphorus and potassium than farmyard manure. In each year of the study, the highest total yield of chamomile raw material was recorded in the treatment with SMS supplemented with mineral NPK fertilization in spring. The above-mentioned treatment also proved to be most beneficial for the majority of the analyzed quality parameters of the chamomile raw material. It was proved that due to fertilization of a chamomile plantation with SMS, herbal raw material characterized by the best health-promoting parameters (a high content of natural antioxidants) can be obtained.

Potato is an important nutrient source in human nutrition. Potato tuber quality is affected by a cultivar, environmental conditions and agricultural practices. The study examined the effect of dose (0.2 dm³ ha^–1 and 0.4 dm³ ha^–1) and date of Tytanit^® application (a single foliar application at the leaf development stage – BBCH 14–16 or at the tuber formation stage – BBCH 41–43, and a double foliar application at the BBCH 14–16 and BBCH 41–43 stages) on the tuber quality of very early potato cultivars (‘Lord’ and ‘Miłek’). Potatoes were harvested 75 days after planting (the end of June). Tytanit^® (8.5 g Ti in 1 dm³) did not affect the content of dry matter, starch, monosaccharides, protein, L­ascorbic acid or nitrates in potato tubers. The very early potato cultivars responded differently to the Tytanit^® applied. This growth stimulant caused an increase in total sugars content in the tubers of ‘Miłek’ and had a greater effect on the discoloration of tuber flesh after cooking of this cultivar. The contents of dry matter, starch, total sugars and protein in ‘Miłek’ tubers were higher than in ‘Lord’ tubers, while the content of monosaccharides, L-ascorbic acid and nitrates in tubers of both cultivars did not differ significantly.

The interaction between foliar treatment with 100 mg∙dm^–3 of both gibberellic acid 4+7 (GA₄₊₇) and benzyladenine (BA) and vase solution containing 3% sucrose was analysed in cut Lilium ‘Alma Ata’. GA₄₊₇+BA considerably delayed leaf senescence, suppressed anthocyanin accumulation in the leaves of plants held in the sucrose solution and improved the average longevity of the flowers and the vase life of the stems. Sucrose in the vase solution strongly reduced the abscission of leaves and contributed to the enlargement of the top flower. The number of significant interactions between the treatments indicated that the investigated factors acted dependently mainly on flower quality, while their action on leaf quality was mostly independent. Results show that combined treatment with growth regulators and sucrose may considerably increase postharvest quality of cut Lilium ‘Alma Ata’.

The aim of this 3-year study was to determine the influence of harvest time on dry matter, total dietary fibre, fractional composition of dietary fibre (acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF)), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) and inulin content in tubers of different cultivars of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.): ‘Rubik’, ‘Albik’ and ‘Sauliai’. The tubers were harvested in spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November). Our study shows that the largest amount of WSC to exist in ‘Rubik’ tubers harvested especially during October. In contrast, the largest amount of total dietary fibres and their fractions (NDF and ADF) accumulated in ‘Albik’ tubers during the spring harvest month (April). The largest amount of inulin was obtained from ‘Sauliai’ tubers harvested in October. Based on our results, it is advisable to use the ‘Sauliai’ tubers from the harvest time during October to obtain the largest amount of inulin.

Isatis concstricta Davis (an endemic plant of Turkey) suffers from low propagation rates under natural conditions and is threatened due to fast unplanned urbanisation. The study compared the effects of variants of BA + NAA on shoot regeneration on leaf and petiole explants excised from one week old in vitro regenerated seedlings. MS medium containing 1 mg L^–1 BA + 1 mg L^–1 NAA induced maximum proliferation on petiole and leaf explants with 13.33 and 12.75 shoots per explant repectively. However, leaf explant induced shoots were sturdy and healthier compared to petiole explant induced shoots. These shoots were rooted on MS medium containing 0.5 mg L^–1 IBA and the plants were acclimatized in peat moss and sand (v/v). They grew to flowering under ex vitro conditions. This system of regeneration is advantageous for conventional propagation and the results will help in establishment of a powerful and meaningful micropropagation system for I. constricta.

This study aimed determining the contents of soluble protein, free amino acid, phenolic, flavonoid, soluble carbohydrate, sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and elements in selected wild growing and cultivated mushroom species collected from various locations of Turkey. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found for the contents of total free amino acid, soluble protein, phenolic, flavonoid, soluble carbohydrate and sugars. The total free amino acid, soluble protein, phenolic, flavonoid and soluble carbohydrate contents of mushrooms ranged from 33.57–126.57 mg g^–1, 2.77–7.55 mg g^–1, 28.68–157.39 mg g^–1, 8.55–30.66 mg g^–1 and 59.89–343.55 mg g^–1, respectively. Elemental analysis showed that mushrooms contained significant amounts of potassium (1345.07–9310.17 mg kg^–1), phosphorus (1462.44–6159.45 mg kg^–1), calcium (18.78–349.15 mg kg^–1), sulphur (952.41–12486.63 mg kg^–1), iron (80.62–606.26 mg kg^–1), manganese (22.65–147.57 mg kg^–1), zinc (103.26–522.81 mg kg^–1) and selenium (0–115.40 mg kg^–1). Nutritient composition varied with mushroom species. The means of total soluble protein, total phenolic, total flavonoid, potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, sodium, iron, calcium, manganese, selenium, zinc and copper contents in wild growing mushrooms were found higher than cultivated mushrooms.

Plants, as well as their residues (mulches), release physiologically active substances (allelochemicals), which may affect plant germination, development, and productivity. In this study we investigated the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of organic mulches (winter wheat straw, peat, sawdust, and gramineous grass) at different concentrations on germination and early growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), carrot (Daucus sativus Röhl.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). It was found, that the strongest negative effect on the germination and shoot and root development of investigated vegetables was with the highest concentration (1 : 10) of the grass aqueous extract. Peat mulch aqueous extracts had the least negative impact on all vegetable seed germination. Straw and peat mulches stimulated the early growth of R. sativus shoots, but there was a negative affect on D. sativus shoot development. The aqueous extracts of various organic mulches had negative effects on R. sativus, while mostly positive effects found on L. sativa root development.

This study was done using three nitrogenous compounds to evaluate their effects on postharvest characteristics of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) cut flowers. The study consisted of three separate and parallel experiments, in which ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate were used in different concentrations of zero, 50, 100, 200 and 500 mg dm^‒3 N for pretreatment of stems for 6 hour before transferring to holding d-water solution. The results showed that petal ion leakage and leaf SPAD values were increased by increasing ammonium sulfate, but not calcium or potassium nitrate. Petal carotenoids were increased by pretreatment of ammonium sulfate and potassium nitrate. There was constant increase in water uptake by increasing the levels of calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate, while ammonium sulfate at high concentrations (200 and 500 mg dm^‒3 N) resulted in significant less water uptake compared to control. Ammonium sulfate in 50 and 100 mg dm^‒3 increased shelf life of pretreated stems, but higher concentrations significantly reduced cut flowers shelf life. Increasing concentrations of calcium nitrate and particularly potassium nitrate have led to prolongation of flower shelf life to 12 days compared to 6 days of control. The results indicate that pretreatment of chrysanthemum cut flowers with ammonium sulfate in rather low concentrations or with moderate to high concentrations of calcium nitrate or potassium nitrate can significantly improve shelf life and postharvest flower qualities.

A present study was conducted to determine the impacts of organic and organo-mineral fertilizers on total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin and antiradical activities of Okuzgozu (Vitis vinifera L. cv.) grapes. Study treatments included organic fertilizers (green fertilizer (vetch), green fertilizer (barley), green fertilizer (vetch + barley), farmyard manure, bactoguard, lifebac NP, humanica) and organo-mineral fertilizers (bactolife quality organo, bactolife high organo, bactolife high organo, bactolife super organo power). The control treatment did not receive any application. The organic, and organo-mineral fertilizers applications positively influenced the total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin productions, and antiradical activity (DPPH). The maximum total phenolic production was significantly higher under Bactolife Super Organo Power (785.49 μg GAE/mg in pulp) application, followed by those under bactolife high organo 5-5-5 (780.40 μg GAE/mg in pulp). The total flavonoid production in berry skin (34.26 μg QUE/mg), pulp (137.00 μg QUE/mg) and seed (23.52 μg QUE/mg) were the highest under the bactolife super organo power whereas the antiradical activities (DPPH) of berry pulp and seed were at the maximum level under the bactolife quality organo treatment. Total anthocyanin content of berry skin and pulp of Okuzgozu grape cultivar was the highest under the organic humanica.

Silybum marianum (milk thistle) is among the top selling herbal products in the U.S., in Italy and in other countries. Despite its economic importance as an officinal and medicinal species, only few improved genotypes exist and the species is still marked by traits that are typical of non-domesticated plants. Based on this evidence, further genetic improvement is required for the complete exploitation of milk thistle as a crop species. The first step in order to allow further breeding programmes of the species is the setup of a reliable crossing protocol. The present paper, after a brief review of S. marianum flower anatomy, describes a crossing method for this plant. The correct phenological stage for emasculation is BBCH growth stage 54. If manual pollination is repeated two days after emasculation, a significant increase of F1 fruits can be obtained. By utilizing the proposed protocol, an average 70–90 florets per flower head are emasculated and percentage of success (F1 fruits harvested) usually ranges between 27 and 70%. The proposed crossing protocol will constitute an important tool in order to allow the further genetic improvement of this species.

Honeyberry’s popularity has been increasing because of its valuable traits: nutritional value of fruits (a high amount of ascorbic acid, potassium and polyphenolic compounds), early ripening (14 days before strawberry), exceptional hardiness and easy cultivation. However, there is still little known about the pollination biology of this species, which is essential for practical breeding purposes. In this study we evaluated pollen fertility in five cultivars and three breeding clones of this species. The impact of the manner of pollination on the fruit set and forming seeds has also been studied. The highest percentage of viable pollen was found in cultivars ‘Duet’ and ‘Wojtek’ (96%), whereas the pollen of ‘Chelyabinka’ cultivar had the lowest fertility (90%). The percentage of blue honeysuckle fruits obtained from open-pollinated flowers was high (on average 94.7%) compared to isolated flowers (on average 8.6%). The effect of cross-pollination with cv. ‘Duet’ indicates that the percentage of the fruit set, fruit weight and mass of produced seeds was higher when this cultivar was applied as maternal than paternal form. The number of seeds affected significantly the weight of the fruit in the case when cv. ’Duet’ was used as a paternal (correlation coefficient r = 0.45) or maternal form (r = 0.66), while for other methods of pollination this effect was insignificant. These results may be used to the most efficient establishment of plantations as well as for the realization of the breeding program of this valuable species.

Control of flower induction is one of the most important aims in the floriculture industry as it determines the usefulness of plants for cross-pollination and production of flowering plants. The Kalanchoë genus contains around 140 species and numerous interspecific hybrids with a broad range of morphological traits, which makes this genus one of the most cultivated potted plants in the world. Commercial cultivars are easily induced to flowering by short days photoperiod, however, the number of species used for breeding is limited due to the lack of knowledge of flower inducing factors. Many studies suggested that cold night temperature can positively affect flowering in some Kalanchoë species. This study aimed to evaluate flowering in K. prittwitzii, K. marmorata and K. longiflora exposed to different night temperatures (6°C, 12°C and 18°C) combined with short day photoperiod (8 h). K. prittwitzii exhibited 100% flowering in all treatments, and flowering was enhanced by low night temperatures. K. marmorata had minimal flowering response to the treatments and K. longiflora did not flower in any of the treatments. The results support a postulate that interaction between different stimuli is required for flower induction in Kalanchoë species and demonstrate that night temperature can modify the flowering response. Therefore, the interaction between different factors during the plant life cycle requires further investigation.

The flowering, nectar production and sugar content were examined in 2012–2013 seasons for three Campanula species (C. persicifolia L., C. glomerata L., C. trachelium L.). The flowers of all studied Campanula spp. are distinctly protandrous; most of them opened between 10.00 and 14.00; only the flowers of C. glomerata continued the opening process until 16.00 (GMT + 2 h). The flower life-span differed between species and was the longest for C. persicifolia – ca. 5.5 days and lasted 3.0–3.5 days in C. glomerata and C. trachelium. The duration of the male phase was 2–3 fold shorter (C. persicifolia and C. glomerata) than the female phase or was equal (C. trachelium). Irrespective of the year of study and the species, the female-biased nectar production pattern was evidenced. The amount of nectar accumulated at the female phase reached 70–87% of the maximum nectar produced by a flower. The total sugar yield (0.4–12.2 g/10 m²) established for the studied species is low compared to other herbaceous meadow species. However, due to diverse insect visitors groups, the Campanula flowers can be recommended to support pollinators in home gardens or on idle lands.

Hyacinthoides hispanica (Mill.) Rothm. is a valuable bulbous ornamental plant grown in parks and gardens. It comes from the Iberian Peninsula, hence its cultivation under Polish conditions may be inefficient. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of growing conditions and foliar feeding using phosphorous fertilizer on the growth and decorative qualities of H. hispanica. It was found that the pine bark layer effectively protected the plants from freezing, which had a beneficial effect on their growth and flowering characteristics. Flowering of plants grown without the mulch was minimal, which clearly indicates that mulching of the soil under H. hispanica can be necessary. Plants grown using the mulch produced more and longer leaves, and also formed more inflorescences and fruits as well as longer inflorescence stems. The addition of peat to the soil did not favour the growth and decorative qualities of H. hispanica, while foliar nutrition with phosphorous had a positive effect. In addition, the decorative values of H. hispanica were influenced by the interaction of soil mulching with bark and foliar feeding. Plants grown in this combination had more inflorescences, which were higher, composed of more flowers in the inflorescence and reached a greater diameter than non-fertilized ones. Tested cultivars of H. hispanica differed in their features of growth and flowering.

Micropropagation of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a widely used technique to produce plantlets in commercial horticulture. Unfortunately, in contrast to propagation based on runners, it is also an expensive method and may lead to obtaining plants with changed phenotype. In order to reduce such problems, the influence of chemical method of medium sterilization (application of commercial home bleach – ACE^®) instead of autoclaving on the development of in vitro cultures of four strawberry cultivars (‘Elsanta’, ‘Elkat’, ‘Senga Sengana’, ‘Polka’) was examined. The presented study proved that sodium hypochlorite added into the hot medium is very effective, making aseptic environment agent. Applied in tested dose (2 cm³ of ACE^® per dm^–3) is not harmful to strawberry in vitro cultures and usually causes positive changes in their development (reduced formation of adventitious shoots and callus), except for ‘Elsanta’ cultivar. Thus the application of media sterilized with sodium hypochlorite is beneficial and cost effective and may be recommended both for commercial and especially amateur strawberry micropropagation.