rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Journal of Fruit and Ornamental Plant Researchhttps://sciendo.com/journal/JFORPhttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/647216c1215d2f6c89dbb8be/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/JFORP140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0012-3<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> In organic farming, mineral fertilizers are replaced by various preparations to stimulate plant growth and development. Introduction of new biopreparations into horticultural production requires an assessment of their effects on the growth and yielding of plants. Among the important indicators of the impact on plants of beneficial microorganisms contained in bioproducts is determination of their effectiveness in stimulating the growth and yielding of plants. Moreover, confirmation of the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in the roots and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the rhizosphere is also necessary. In addition to conventional methods, molecular biology techniques are increasingly used to allow detection and identification of AM fungi in plant roots. The aim of this study was identification and initial taxonomic classification of AM fungi in the roots of ‘Elkat’ strawberry plants fertilized with various biopreparations using the technique of nested PCR.</p><p>Tests were performed on DNA obtained from the roots of ‘Elkat’ strawberry plants: not fertilized, treated with 10 different biopreparations, or fertilized with NPK. Amplification of the large subunit of ribosomal gene (LSU rDNA) was carried out using universal primers, and then, in the nested PCR reaction, primers specific for the fungi of the genera Glomus, Acaulospora, and Scutellospora were used. Colonization of strawberry roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was determined on the basis of the presence of DNA fragments of a size corresponding to the types of the fungi tested for.</p><p>As a result of the analyses, the most reaction products characterizing AM fungi were found in the roots of plants treated with the preparation Florovit Eko. The least fragments characteristic of AM fungi were detected in the roots of plants fertilized with NPK, which confirms the negative impact of mineral fertilizers on the occurrence of mycorrhizal fungi in the roots of strawberry plants. The roots of plants fertilized with Tytanit differed from the control plants by the presence of one of the clusters of fungi of the genus Glomus and by the absence of a cluster of fungi of the genus Scutellospora. In the roots of plants treated with other biopreparations there were reaction products indicating the presence of fungi of the genera Glomus, Scutellospora and Acaulospora, like in the roots of the control plants. The results will be used to assess the suitability of microbiologically enriched biopreparations in horticultural production.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0012-32013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0013-2<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> During 2010-2011 the studies were conducted on the cultivation of three broad bean cultivars Windsor Biały, Makler and Bartom with organic and conventional method.</p><p>The aim of research was to determine the influence of cultivar and sowing date on the seed damage caused by broad bean weevil and on the total seed yield. Seeds were sown on April 10 and 20th. At the harvest the yield was divided into following grades: marketable, small seeds, damaged by Bruchus rufimanus Boh. and diseased. Plants selected on each plot were examined towards the relation between plant architecture and seed damage. The effect of applied treatments on seed yield and damage was found. The lowest percentage of injured seeds presented cv. Makler irrespectively on sowing date and growing method. The differences were proved statistically. Delay of sowing restricted the percent of damaged seeds but also decreased the yield in both growing methods. Cluster located at upper parts of a plant contained lower amount of damaged seeds.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0013-22013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0015-0<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> Conducted research involved evaluation of selected soil properties in eggplant cultivation with the use of living mulches from white clover and perennial ryegrass. The mulching species were sown three weeks before eggplant planting, in the term of planting and three weeks after planting this vegetable. In half of August there was assessed stability of soil aggregates on the basis of the following indicators of: cloddiness (B), misting (S), structure (W) of the soil and mean weighed diameter of aggregates - the dry method (MWDa), as well as water stability ( MWD) and waterproof (Wod) index of soil aggregates and mean weighed diameter of aggregates - the wet method (MWDg). Cover plants did significantly decrease soil cloddiness indicator, while the earliest term of their sowing contributed to lowering of that parameter values by nearly 1/3 in relation to the data obtained for mechanically treated plots. Indicator of misting of the soil and soil structure index was higher for the soil of inter - rows covered with living mulches. It was noticed that longer term of covering inter - rows with white clover and perennial ryegrass improved soil structure. Living mulches improved mean weighed diameter of aggregates, determined according to the wet method, as well as indicator of aggregates waterproof and water stability index. After sowing white clover or perennial ryegrass three weeks before eggplant planting, mean weighed diameter of aggregates, measured with the use of the wet method, was higher by 29.0% and by 18.3% than the one characterizing the object with the last term of sowing and it was higher by 31.4% and 17.1% than the value determined for mechanically treated inter - rows. ΔMWD indicator for the soil covered with white clover and with perennial ryegrass was, average, by 15.5% and 34.7% higher than the data featuring mechanical treatment. For Wod index those differences amounted 18.8% and 9.7% respectively</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0015-02013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0011-4<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> We studied the effects of sequentially applied salt stress and Pseudomonas syringae pv lachrymans (Psl) infection in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Infection development, shoot and root growth potential, the concentrations of chlorophyll and proline as well as electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and H₂O₂ production were determined. Cucumber plants were first exposed to salt stress and irrigated for seven days with 50 or 100 mM NaCl and thereafter inoculated by Psl. Abiotic stress compromised the defence response to pathogen and disease severity was the highest in 100 mM NaCl-treated plants. The reduced performance of salinized plants under biotic stress could be related to salt stressinduced plant growth inhibition with leaf expansion being the most sensitive to salinity, decreased chlorophyll content, increased electrolyte leakage and prolonged H₂O₂ accumulation in leaves implying perturbations in redox homeostasis. The response of NaCl-treated and control plants to bacterial infection differed in terms of H₂O₂ generation and lipid peroxidation. This study confirmed that proline is an important component of local and systemic responses to salt stress and infection. The results contribute to our knowledge of the nature of plant response to a combination of abiotic and biotic stresses</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0011-42013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0014-1<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> Modifications in growing techniques can affect the yield and nutritional quality of various cultivated plants. Among them, the use of biostimulants is environmental friendly method of stimulating crop productivity, stress resistance, and affecting yield or chemical composition of the plants. The aim of the investigation was determining of the effect of biostimulant treatment on yield and its quality of carrot grown for summer harvest. The experiment was carried out in 2009-2011 in the experimental station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, south Poland. Two experimental factors were taken into consideration: (1) cultivar: Nandrin F₁ and Napoli F₁ (2) dose of Aminoplant (foliar application): 1.5 and 3.0 dm³∙ha^-1 and control (without Aminoplant). Total and marketable yield, root length, its diameter, leaf mass and leaf : root mass ratio were assessed. The dry matter, soluble sugar, carotenoids and nitrate ions contents were analyzed as main determinants of carrot nutritional quality.</p><p>Aminoplant influenced not only carrot productivity, but mainly chemical composition of the roots. The present results also suggest that carrot reaction to biostimulant treatment was depended on a cultivar more than on environmental conditions in particular growing seasons. The significant effect of Aminoplant in a dose of 1.5 dm³∙ha^-1 on the yield of roots and leaf rosette mass of ‘Nandrin F₁’ appeared only in the first year of the experiment. Spraying with Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm³∙ha^-1 significantly increased the soluble sugars content in carrot roots of both cultivars but only in 2011. Dry matter content was also affected by biostimulant treatment mainly for ‘Napoli F1’, which showed the lowest dry matter content when sprayed with Aminoplant in a dose of 1.5 dm³∙ha^-1. In 2010 control plants contained the greater amount of carotenoids, while in next year roots of plants treated with Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm³∙ha^-1 had more these compounds. The significant effect of Aminoplant on nitrates content in carrot roots was observed but were not repeatable in the experimental years, so different climatic conditions modified carrot reaction on biostimulant spraying.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0014-12013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0018-x<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> The aim of the study was to determine the effect of storage conditions on the quality and health-promoting components of broccoli. Broccoli heads cv. Marathon F1 were stored at 0°C for 100 days in controlled atmospheres containing: 1) 15% CO₂ - 3% O₂, 2) 10% CO₂ - 3% O₂, 3) 8% CO₂ - 1% O₂, 4) 5% CO₂ - 3% O₂. In the control treatment, broccoli heads were stored in normal atmosphere in crates lined with PE film. Before and after storage, chemical analyses were performed for the content of ascorbic acid, total sugars and glucosinolates - sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Additionally, after storage the quality of broccoli heads was assessed visually on a 1-10 point scale, and the percentage of marketable heads was determined. The total content of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol in fresh broccoli was lower in comparison with stored broccoli. The sulforaphane content in fresh broccoli was about twice as high as that of indole-3-carbinol. Storage in an atmosphere consisting of 5% CO₂ - 3% O₂ was more favourable in comparison with the other gas concentrations in terms of glucosinolate content. A decrease in the content of ascorbic acid and total sugars during storage was noted in all the treatments. The highest loss of these components occurred in broccoli stored in an atmosphere consisting of 15% CO₂ and 3% O₂. Broccoli heads stored in normal atmosphere completely lost their market quality due to decay, but the quality of broccoli kept in CA was satisfactory.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0018-x2013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0016-z<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p>Dramatic increase in confocal microscopy observation output has been gained by optimization of a simple trypan blue and aniline blue dual-stain and its application to two model pathosystems: Pseudoperonospora cubensiscucumber and Phytophthora infestans-tomato. Comparison of two dual-stain methods for confocal microscopy studies of P. cubensis-challenged cucumber leaves indicated the 'mild' approach most successful. This methodology provides simultaneous detection of different pathogen structures layered with the plant defense reactions. Moreover, ImageJ-assisted quantification of plant defense responses renders this method useful for addressing the host plant resistance reactions, as well as investigating the given isolate's pathogenicity. Application of this method for the P. infestans-challenged tomato leaf samples resulted in detection of several fungal infection structures, along with plant defense responses. The dual-stain also enabled detection of a peculiar aniline blue-sensitive material in the pathogen cell walls at the area of its hyphae emerging through the leaf stomata. Results presented herein indicate this method is applicable for detailed (possibly quantitative) investigations of multiple plant-fungal pathosystems.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0016-z2013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0021-2<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> Three-year studies on the influence of temperature on vegetative growth and growth of broccoli heads (Brassica oleracea var. italica cv. Fiesta) were carried out at the Experimental Station “Marcelin” of Poznań University of Life Sciences in Poland. The relationship between temperature sum day-degree, number and area of leaves as well as head diameter was estimated. Likewise relationship between number and area of leaves and head diameter was established. The correlations were described using linear, curvilinear and segment linear regression. The relationship between temperature sum day-degree and number of leaves was linear, whereas the correlation between temperature and area of leaves and head diameter was curves function. On the basis of segment linear regression it was found that in the period when slow growth of heads was observed (the size of up to about 1.5 cm), the area of leaves increased the fastest. It occurred between the 24^th and 27^th day after planting. The fastest growth of broccoli heads was noted, when the plant had about 18 leaves and area 4900 cm². In the period of rapid head growth, the increase of sum temperature of 100 day-degree resulted in head diameter increase by 3.5 cm.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0021-22013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0019-9<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> The aim of this study was to determine changes in the content of flavonoids in fleshy scales of shallot bulbs in relation to different compositions of atmosphere during storage. Also antioxidant activity of the bulbs was determined. Bulbs of shallot cvs. Bonilla F1, Conservor F1 and Matador F1 were stored in two storage seasons at the normal atmosphere (NA) and controlled atmosphere (CA) of the 4 compositions: 5% CO₂ + 5% O₂, 5% CO₂+ 2% O₂, 2% CO₂ + 5% O₂, 2% CO₂ + 2% O₂. The temperature of storage was 0-1°C and RH 65%. Before and after 7-month storage the bulbs were examined in respect of flavonoids content and antioxidant activity (AA). Flavonoids were identified in methanolic extracts with HPLC, AA was determined with FRAP and DPPH assays. Three flavonoid compounds were identified in the plants extracts. Quercetin 3,4’ di-O-glucoside and quercetin 4’-glucoside (spiraeoside) were present in the highest amounts. CA conditions influenced content of flavonoids in the bulbs. The highest content after storage was observed at gas composition of 5% CO₂ + 5% O₂. Two major flavonoid compounds, quercetin 3,4’-di-O-glucoside and quercetin 4’-O-glucoside (spiraeoside) showed the increasing tendency, however not all changes were significant. No significant differences were observed between cultivars, but ‘Bonilla’ F₁ showed slightly higher flavonoids content than the other ones. Investigated cultivars did not differ in respect of AA, measured both with DPPH and FRAP assay. There was no significant influence of storage conditions on DPPH level, while FRAP level was influenced significantly. Bulbs from 5% CO₂ + 2% O₂ composition were characterized by the highest FRAP values and the bulbs stored at normal atmosphere - by the lowest.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0019-92013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0017-y<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the cultivation method (organic and conventional) on the sensory quality of carrot roots - fresh, stored, and cooked. The study was conducted in the sensory evaluation laboratory of the Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice in 2009-2011. The carrot roots came from a certified experimental field with a stable ecosystem, adapted for conducting experiments on the organic growing of vegetables. At the same time, in the same soil and climatic conditions, carrots were grown in the conventional system. The experimental material consisted of two varieties of carrot - Perfekcja and Regulska. In a two-year cycle, sensory analyses were performed of fresh carrot roots, and of roots that had been stored and heat treated. The evaluations were conducted by a 10-person panel of specialists using the method of quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The results of qualitative sensory evaluations and the profilograms prepared on that basis for fresh and stored carrot roots indicated differences in the sensory characteristics between the tested varieties grown in organic and conventional systems. The greatest impact on the overall quality was exerted by the attributes: the carrot-taste, sweet taste, juiciness and hardness of the flesh. Organically grown carrots of the variety Regulska were characterized by the highest intensity of sweet taste and the carrot- taste, and by the best hardness, crunchiness, crispness and juiciness of the flesh. Fresh roots of this variety received the highest overall score. There were also some differences in the sensory characteristics of carrot roots after several months of storage, and then after cooking them, depending on the variety and cultivation method. In both years of the study, following the storage period, the cooked carrot roots of the variety Perfekcja from organic cultivation received the highest scores for overall quality. After storing and subjecting carrot roots to heat treatment, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of most of the quality descriptors, such as taste, smell and texture, when compared with the fresh roots under evaluation</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0017-y2013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0020-3<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title><p> Research on synanthropic flora was conducted on the strawberry plantations in Central Poland (surroundings of Skierniewice). In 2007-2010, 104 phytosociological releves were taken on plantations - in herbicide fallow, tillage places, and mulched places. The same number of releves was taken in surroundings of plantations - trodden and rutty places and roadsides. In the plantations examined, the occurrence of 127 species belonging to 30 botanical families was noted, out of which Asteraceae (17%), Poaceae (15%), Brassicacea (11%), Fabaceae (9%) and Polygonaceae (8%) were represented most numerously. 61% of species found in the plantations occurred occasionally or rarely. 21%, among others Equisetum arvense, Polygonum aviculare, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Stellaria media, Capsella bursapastoris, Geranium pusillum, Convolvulus arvensis, Viola arvensis, Galinsoga parviflora, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Poa annua, Echinochloa crus-galli, occurred frequently or very frequently in the herbicide fallow and tillage places. They were recognised as the most significant strawberry weeds. The most numerous group in the plantations constituted of therophytes (64%), which predominated over hemicryptophytes (20%) and geophytes (11%). Apophytes - native species (48%) predominated over archeophytes (39%) and kenophytes (9%). Within the vascular flora of the plantations examined, segetal species (43%), ruderal species (20%) and meadow species (14%) were predominant. Among the 48 species noted in the plantation surroundings therophytes (48%) predominated over hemicryptophytes (35%) and geophytes (13%). In trodden and rutty places and roadsides, apophytes (60%) predominated over archeophytes (25%) and kenophytes (15%). Ruderal species (50%) were more numerous than meadow species (15%) and segetal species (8%).</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0020-32013-05-15T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0007-0<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Impact of Grafting on Watermelon Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality</title><p>Grafting is an alternative approach to reduce crop damage resulting from soil-borne pathogens and increases plant abiotic stress tolerance, which in turn increases crop production. The purpose of this study was to determine whether grafting could improve plant growth and fruit quality of watermelon through monitoring the changes induced by different rootstock-scion combinations. Watermelon (<italic>Citrullus lanatus</italic>) cv. Aswan F₁ was grafted into five rootstocks (Nun 6001 F₁, Strongtosa F₁, Tetsukabuto F₁, Ferro F₁ and Shintoza F₁) hybrids between <italic>Cucurbita maxima</italic> and <italic>Cucurbita moschata.</italic> Highest vegetative growth and fruit yield were obtained by ‘Nun 6001 F₁’ as a rootstock using the tongue approach method. Grafting reduced significantly sex ratio by reducing the number of male flowers. Grafting increased significantly lycopene content in fruit flesh by 57% over the control treatment, but did not affect soluble solids content (SSC). One third of the control non-grafted plants died and <italic>Fusarium oxysporum</italic> was isolated as the responsible pathogen. These results indicate that grafting watermelon onto specific rootstock influences growth, productivity, and quality of the fruit as well as disease resistance. Grafting can be suggested as an alternative method to control of <italic>Fusarium</italic> wilt in watermelon production.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0007-02012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0003-4<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Folic Acid - The Occurrence and the Role in Human Nutrition</title><p>Folic acid occurs naturally in the salt form of folic acid - the so-called folate. The human body cannot synthesize it, and therefore it must be supplied from outside. Folic acid is involved in the synthesis and proper functioning of RNA and DNA acids. It is essential for growth and division of all body cells, which is particularly important during active growth or in the fetal and newborn life. In children and adults, folate along with vitamin B₁₂ are involved in the production of red blood cells. Current research indicate on the existence in Poland and in Central and Northern Europe of significant deficiencies of folic acid in the diet.</p><p>Deficiency of folic acid in our diet is due to the fact that we consume more highly processed food. Stored and heat-treated food loses a large part of folates. The most common pathological processes associated with a deficiency of folic acid in the body are neural tube defects, megaloblastic anaemia, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular system, as well as the development of certain types of cancer. Effective methods to increase folate intake are still being searched for.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0003-42012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0009-y<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Biofortification of Spinach Plants APPLYING Selenium in the Nutrient Solution of Floating System</title><p>Selenium (Se) is a very important element for human health. It is involved in defense mechanisms and biosynthesis of hormones in adult and babies. The Se is a trace element and in the human body is involved in the membrane protection and has anti-cancer action. The Se is a cofactor of glutathione peroxidase and may play an important role against oxidative tissue damage. The aim of this work was to evaluate the floating system for enriching the baby leaf plants by applying the Se directly in the nutrient solution. This experiment was performed using spinach (<italic>Spinacia oleracea</italic> L.) plants grown in the nutrient solution containing 0, 2.6, 3.9 and 5.2 μM Se applied as Na₂SeO₄.</p><p>At harvest time the yield, Se content and quality parameters such as nitrate, reducing sugars and sucrose were determined. The yield was not affected by treatments and depended by seasons.</p><p>The Se content in leaves linearly increased with Se concentration in the nutrient solution. The highest value was 160 mg·kg^-1 DW. Spinach leaves in the 2.6 and 3.9 μM accumulated 9-11 μg·g^-1 DW and were the adequate concentrations for providing the recommended dietary allowance of 55 μg·d^-1 for adults. Reducing sugars expressed as glucose equivalent did not change among treatments and ranged from 6 to 9 mg·g^-1 FW. The sucrose content ranged from 0.6 to 3 mg·g^-1 FW but no differences were observed among treatments. Nitrate contents in leaves were not affected from Se treatments and ranged from 3898 to 4475 mg·kg^-1 FW.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0009-y2012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0004-3<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting the Content of the Chosen Antioxidant Compounds in Vegetables</title><p>Vegetables are a rich source of biologically active substances, which support the body's defense mechanisms. A large group of these substances are compounds with antioxidant properties. Apart from vitamins (A, C and E), tocopherols, carotenoids, glutathiones and thiocyanates, polyphenols are also classified as the compounds of antioxidant properties being found in plants. They include: phenolic acids, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid and among them a large group of anthocyanins. These compounds inhibit DNA damage in cancer cells, induce the production of insulin in the pancreas and protect the human brain from aging. They have also high antioxidant activity, which determines the defense mechanisms of plants under stress, such as temperature varia-tions, UV radiation, attacks by pests and mechanical damage. Their content may vary among individual plants of the same species, which is associated with a number of internal and external conditions, such as genetic factors, environmental and agronomic. The contents of anthocyanins determines plant species, botanical variety and breeding and biological processes associated with ontogenesis. Also climatic and soil factors, the factors influencing the content of antioxidants and agronomic factors such as method, place and date of planting, fertilizing, mulching, salinity may contribute to the formation of stress conditions during plant growth and increase the content of antioxidants in plants. This review focused on the content, composition, and antioxidant capacity of vegetables.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0004-32012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0008-z<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>The Alleviation Effect of Silicon on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato Under Salinity Stress</title><p>This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of silicon (Si) application under salinity levels on seed germination and growth characteristics of tomato seeds. A laboratory experiment was performed on completely randomized design with two levels of salinity (25 and 50 mM NaCl) and 2 concentration of Si (1 and 2 mM) with 4 replications. Germination percentage, germination rate, seedling shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of seedling and mean germination time was measured. Seed germination of <italic>Lycopersicon esculentum</italic> L. was significantly affected by salinity levels, Si and their interaction. Germination characteristics of tomato seeds decreased drastically by increasing NaCl concentrations. However, 1 mM Si had positive effects on seed germination characteristics and improved germination percentage, germination rate and mean germination time. Si alleviated the harmful effect of salinity stress on tomato seed germination at almost all germination characteristics.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0008-z2012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0002-5<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Some Perspectives on Rocket as a Vegetable Crop: A Review</title><p>Baby leaf rocket is consumed worldwide as a salad vegetable. It is usually mixed with other baby leaf crops, such as spinach and lettuce, to form a mesclun-type salad. Rocket crops have become popular due to their distinct taste and textural appearance in mixed salads. There are two common forms of rocket that are commercially cultivated, a perennial species (<italic>Diplotaxis tenuifolia</italic> (L.) DC.) known as perennial wall rocket and an annual species (<italic>Eruca sativa</italic> Mill.) known as annual garden rocket. The popularity of baby leaf crops has increased in recent years due to consumer demand for a convenient, nutritious and easily accessible product. The baby leaf salad sector is now a significant part of the leafy vegetable market, with growth in this sector estimated to continue. The leaves of cultivars of perennial wall rocket and annual garden rocket have been bred to look similar, allowing for a year-round supply of produce. Despite this, there are many differences between the species that affect their responses to abiotic factors during growth and storage. This paper aims to provide some perspectives on the historical importance, botanical classification and cultivation techniques of these economically important plants.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0002-52012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0006-1<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Comparison of Morphological Characteristics of Twelve Cultivars of Tomato Determinate Plants and Their Impact on Yield and its Structure</title><p>Experiment took place in the open field in the Vegetable Experimental Station of Agricultural University near Cracow in the years 2008-2010. In the experiment twelve, polish-bred determinate tomato cultivars: Sokal F₁, Batory F₁, Rejtan F₁, Hetman F₁, Babinicz, Luban, Mieszko F₁, III A F₁, Awizo F₁, Ondraszek, Talon and Hubal were used. In the end of growing season, morphological features of plant were measured, concerning: height of plant, number of lateral shoots, length and thickness of the internode and the number of inflorescences per plant. Harvesting was performed once, at the stage of maturity of individual cultivars. The yield and its structure was calculated. The results were statistically analyzed using NIR Fisher's test, with p=0.05. The dependences of the marketable yield and total yield of tomato plants from morphological characteristics that may affect the yield were analyzed, using multiple regression. The amount of total and marketable yield was negatively correlated with an extensive vegetative growth of tomato plants. Among all the tested cultivars Ondraszek was characterized by the most preferred morphological features and creates one of the highest yields. Cultivars Ondraszek, Sokal F₁ and Batory F₁ were characterized higher marketable yield, than ‘Hetman F₁’. Total and marketable yield depended about 40% on tomato plant morphological features.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0006-12012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0010-5<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Comparison of the Nutritional Value and Storage Life of Carrot Roots From Organic and Conventional Cultivation</title><p>In the years 2008-2011, research was conducted whose objective was to assess the nutritional value and storage life of the roots of the carrot cultivars Perfekcja and Regulska grown in conventional and organic systems. The carrot roots came from a certified experimental field with a stable ecosystem adapted to conducting research on the organic cultivation of vegetables. In parallel, in the same climatic conditions, carrots were grown in the conventional system. The carrot roots were stored at a temperature of 0-1°C and relative humidity of 95-98%. Immediately after harvest and after several months of storage, the carrot roots were analyzed for dry matter content, total sugars, β-carotene, and nitrates. The results of the qualitative chemical assessment of the carrots showed no significant differences in the levels of dry matter and total sugars depending on the cultivar and the cultivation and storage methods (on average for three years). The carrots grown by the conventional method contained significantly more β-carotene than the carrots grown by the organic method, both before and after storage. It was found that the roots of the carrot cultivar Regulska had a higher β-carotene content than the roots of the cultivar Perfekcja grown in both the organic and conventional systems. The nitrate content in carrot roots immediately after harvesting both cultivars grown in the conventional system was significantly higher than in the roots from organic cultivation and ranged from 349.9 to 554.4 mg·kg^-1. There were marked differences in storage life depending on the cultivar, cultivation method and storage period. A higher percentage of marketable roots after storing the cultivars Regulska and Perfekcja was achieved from conventional cultivation compared with organic cultivation. Losses (diseased roots and weight losses) were higher for the organic carrots than for those grown conventionally. There was a markedly higher percentage of marketable roots among the carrots of the cultivar Regulska compared with Perfekcja. For the cultivar Perfekcja, more diseased roots were found among the organically grown carrots. For the cultivar Regulska, the highest weight losses were recorded following the storage of the roots from organic cultivation.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0010-52012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0001-6<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Alternaria Black Spot of Crucifers: Symptoms, Importance of Disease, and Perspectives of Resistance Breeding</title><p>Alternaria black spot of cruciferous vegetables, incited by different species of <italic>Alternaria</italic>, remains an increasing threat to <italic>Brassicaceae</italic> crops throughout the world, including Poland. <italic>Brassica</italic> plants are attacked by conidia of <italic>A. brassicae</italic> (Berk.) Sacc., <italic>A. brassicicola</italic> (Schw.) Wiltsh., <italic>A. raphani</italic> Groves &amp; Skolko, and <italic>A. alternata</italic> (Fr.) Kreissler. The pathogens have a wide spectrum of hosts, such as head cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and other crucifers including cultivated and wild grown plants. <italic>Alternaria</italic> pathogens usually cause damping-off of seedlings, spotting of leaves of cabbages, blackleg of heads of cabbages, and spotting of cauliflower curds and broccoli florets. In oilseed rape, <italic>A. brassicae</italic> is the dominant invasive species, while in the cruciferous vegetables, both species, <italic>A. brassicae</italic>, and <italic>A. brassicicola</italic> are encountered. Infected seeds with spores on the seed coat or mycelium under the seed coat are the main means of distribution for these pathogens. The fungus can overwinter on susceptible weeds or crop debris and on seed plants, as well as on stecklings.</p><p>Methods for disease prevention and control are based on combining agricultural management practices with chemical control. Using disease-free seeds or seeds treated with fungicides can greatly reduce disease incidence. After appearance of the first symptoms of disease, stringent fungicide spray program is an effective way to reduce losses. Many authors seem to agree, that the most economically feasible method of disease control is the development of resistant <italic>Brassicaceae</italic> crops varieties, as transgenic approach proved unsuccessful. Due to our increasing understanding of pathogen-host plant interactions, identification of resistance sources, and assessment of the resistance trait inheritance mode, breeding programs of <italic>Brassica</italic> crops for <italic>Alternaria</italic> resistance can be enhanced. This is of particular importance since recent years experience dynamic development of ecological and integrated plant production with an emphasis on plant biotic stress resistance. Highly resistant genetic resources have not been reported in <italic>Brassica</italic> cultivated species, although some varieties differ in their resistance/susceptibility level.</p><p>Strong cross-incompatibility, polygenic background of the resistance (additive and dominant gene interactions), as well as the differences in ploidy between the <italic>Brassica</italic> species of interest, render the transfer of <italic>Alternaria</italic> resistance from the wild species into the cultivated forms difficult. Additionally, it is often connected with employment of <italic>in vitro</italic> hybridization techniques, including somatic hybridization, embryo and ovary rescue, or protoplast fusion.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10032-012-0001-62012-08-30T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1