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Postregistration Experiments are conducted since 1998 as part of the Post-registration Variety Testing System (PVTS). In this system series of varietal and varietal-agronomic experiments are performed. Experiments in PVTS represent the last stage in the implementation of biological progress to agricultural practice. PVTS is coordinated by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in terms of design and methodology. The implementation of a series of experiments in PVTS is held throughout the country in environments (Cultivar Testing Stations) representing well the spatial variability of agro-ecosystems in the major growing areas of the particular plant species in Poland. In this paper the theoretical basis is proposed, as well as classical, adapted and adequately developed statistical methods, i.e. the combined analysis of variance, multiple comparison, AMMI analysis and cluster analysis are presented. Moreover, the usefulness of these methods for analyzing the data in the complete classification of Cultivar × Crop Management × Location Year, coming from PVTS is presented.

Introduction of new varieties to the cultivation is associated with the risk of failure in the production which increases with decreasing knowledge of their response to different environmental conditions and crop management factors. Thus, the implementation of each variety does not stop at the stage of preliminary tests and its registration, but next to the reproduction of the seed, it also includes an assessment of the economic value of variety in multiple series of post-registration trials. A steady supply to agriculture of newly registered varieties requires from the post-registration experimental variety testing, the efficient and reliable verification of the economic value of tested varieties. These field experiments allow to significantly reduce the risk of introducing the cultivation of varieties unsuitable for agriculture, i.e. those which do not provide high production and economic effects in different or only selected (specific) environmental conditions and systems of crops and agricultural techniques. Data from these series of experiments require the use of specialized and complementary statistical methodology. In this work, an overview of a series of varietal and agrotechnical experiments is presented and the statistical methodology described.

The black scurf is one of the symptoms which can be caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Actually 14 anastomosis groups (AGs) of this fungus are known to exist. The AG3 is considered to be the most pathogenic with the biggest ability to cause black scurf. The AG3 was identified as the dominant one in our country. The results of the studies on the severity of black scurf occurrence indicate that it is determined by the weather conditions. Opinions, in which period the meteorological factors have the strongest effect on the development of sclerotia on the tubers, are ambiguous. The influence of rainfall, air temperature and the hydrothermal condition (Sielianinov coefficient) in full growth of plants and during the 30 days prior to harvest on the share of tubers with black scurf and degree of infestation were evaluated. The results of the evaluations of the incidence of black scurf in the cultivar trials carried out in Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute-NRI, Agronomy Department in Jadwisin, in the years 2007-2013 and meteorological data from the local meteorological point have been used. Studies have shown that the strongest factor determining the share of infected tubers and the degree of tuber infestation in all maturity groups of cultivars is the Selianinov coefficient in full plant development. A significant influence of the levels of other factors in this growth phase on the occurrence of sclerotia of R. solani was also found. Along with the growth of Sielianinov coefficient and total rainfall, the share of tubers with sclerotia and the symptom severity increased. The rise of temperature is limited the black scurf occurrence. Analysis of the role of the above factors the in period of maturation showed a significant effect of thermal conditions only.

Since 1st January of 2014, all countries of the European Union are under an obligation to apply the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in accordance with Directive 2009/128/EC and Regulation No 1107/2009. In this paper the definitions relating to the integrated pest management are discussed and the differences between the IPM (integrated plant protection) and the IP (integrated plant production) are defined. More fungicides are applied to protect potato crops than in any other crop. Integrated management therefore requires a combination of management techniques in order to keep fungal and bacterial pathogens, pests and weeds at low levels and at the same time to maintain the quality of the environment. The results of long-term experiments carried out by a team of authors and the literature data allowed to arrange the most important, non-chemical elements of the IPM of applied in potato crops at all stages of its development. Control measures can be divided in strategic and tactical measures. Strategic measures (non-chemical methods), aiming at reducing the occurrence of agrophages and the infection pressure, such as rotation, fertilization, cultivar choice and measures to limit primary inoculum sources, are presented in this part of the work.

Control measures in integrated pest management (IPM) can be divided into strategic and tactical measures. Tactical measures include elements of sustainable chemical protection such as pesticide choice, limiting the number of sprays and use of decision support systems (DSS) in control of pathogens or using economic thresholds of harm in control of pests. According to the obliging principles of integrated pest management, chemical method can be used only in case of necessity, at the time of significant risks or above the threshold of economic harm of controlled agrophages. Before the application of chemical protection, it is also important to monitor the protected potato crop and to forecast risks. In control of potato late blight constant monitoring of populations and characterization of invasive genotypes are prerequisite and necessary for the deployment of IPM measures and sustainable using of fungicides. Changes in P. infestans populations directly influence the deployment of resistant cultivars, the reliability of disease warning systems and the efficacy of fungicides. A control strategy can be based on a schedule with more or less fixed intervals or based on recommendation derived from a DSS. DSSs integrate all relevant information to generate spraying advice, increase the efficacy of control without increasing risk and can also be used to justify fungicide inputs. In the paper we also presented the principles and the possibility of proper pest control without a decrease in protection efficacy and increasing of pesticides input into the environment (eg. use of the threshold of economic harm or use of biological products in protection).

Damage of tuber flesh by soil pests, in particular wireworms — larvae of genus Agriotes spp., grubs (Scarabaeidae larvae) and cutworms (caterpillars of Noctuinae), often observed after the harvest, is an increasing problem at present. The severe damages occur locally, in the fields where larval development was facilitated (potatoes grown after fallows, insufficient agricultural procedures, monocultures). Tubers harvested from such unprotected fields, are characterized by low visual quality and low technological value. The quantity and density of pits (shallow or deep flesh damage) caused by the larvae depends on the population of larvae in the field and the length of the growing season. The damage appears as holes of small diameter (2 mm), inside the tubers as channels of irregular shape (refers to wireworms), as well as the outer holes and large deep cavities within the parenchyma (refers to grubs and cutworms). When modern technologies are applied and in potato trade, a high quality product is required, without visible injuries caused by pests and without symptoms of diseases. Low-quality of tubers can cause a decrease of sale for the market and for the processing, and low cost-efficiency or even losses. Damaged tubers are not suitable for the production of French fries, crisps, slices, cubes and other frozen products. Processing factories are very restrictive to any damage of tubers (caused mechanically, by pests and pathogens), which can cause problems later in the technological process. During the laboratory evaluation in autumn, a degree of damage and the quality of the tubers for processing is assessed. Potato processing factories are using a point system to evaluate the delivered product, in which the lots below a specified value are rejected, while tubers of above average quality are bought and properly granted.

The aim of the study was to present consumer opinions on the quality of potatoes available on the market, to characterise consumers’ knowledge in this field and its influence on the purchasing decisions. It was also determined which factors were important to consumers buying potatoes and in what form potatoes were usually consumed by respondents. In order to obtain essential information, a survey research was conducted in a group of 100 people aged 20 to 80 years. The group was also diverse with regard to gender, education and place of living. The research revealed that the level of consumers’ knowledge on the subject of potatoes was diversified. According to respondents, the quality of potatoes varied, which might be caused by a different point of purchase. When choosing potatoes, most consumers were predominantly guided by their taste, mealiness and the lack of damages. Most respondents consume dishes prepared directly from the raw potato material. A significant number of respondents consume frozen potato products, whereas only a small group of consumers choose dried potato products. Consumers displayed substantial knowledge of the nutritional value of potatoes, however further market measures should be related to consumer education and the creation of marketing strategies to promote products of very high quality.

The objective of work was to determine the thermal and rheological properties of potato acetylated starch oxidized at different levels. Potato starch was oxidized by sodium hypochlorite at four levels, and then acetylated using acetic anhydride. To assess the effectiveness of the oxidation and acetylation processes, the carboxyl and acetyl groups, respectively, were determined in the modified starches. The starches were also examined for the thermodynamic characteristics of gelatinization by DSC, pasting characteristics by RVA and the flow curves of starch pastes. The results showed that oxidation level influences the effectiveness of starch acetylation. Starches having more carboxyl groups oxidized at III and IV level were less susceptible to acetylation then the starch oxidized at I and II level. Moreover, modification of oxidized starch has reduced the onset temperature (To) and the maximum gelatinization temperature (Tp) and the enthalpy ( H) of all modified starches except acetylated starch oxidized at the II level, where the enthalpy increased. Pastes of acetylated oxidized starch were characterized by different rheological properties which were dependent on an earlier oxidation.

The aim of this work was to analyze the properties of the gels obtained on the basis of potato starch in the presence of pectin and inulin with different average degree of polymerization, stored for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The gels were characterized using a rotational rheometer. The impact of storage time, the addition of pectin and the additive of inulin with different degree of polymerization on the values and character of variation of the storage modulus and loss modulus were determined. It was found that the addition of inulin results in a decrease of the values of the modules of analyzed samples magnified with the increase in the average value of the DP of the inulin. Using multifactor analysis of variance, it was showed that the interaction of inulin and pectin had a significant impact of on the properties of stored starch gels, the nature of which was dependent on a average value of DP of the inulin. The obtained results showed that the additives of inulin and pectins make the stored gels more viscous, and this process is getting stronger with the increase of the average DP value of inulin. In the case of pectin it has been shown that an increase in the concentration causes a strong stabilization of the rheological properties of gels during storage.

The aim of this work was to characterize selected physicochemical properties of potato starch oxidized at four different levels. Starch was oxidized with different amounts of sodium hypochlorite, and the resulted starches were analyzed in respect of carboxyl and carbonyl group content. Thermodynamic (DSC) and viscometric pasting characteristics were determined as well as the viscosity curves, which were described by power law model. It was found that carboxyl and carbonyl group contents were increasing with increasing amount of the oxidizing agent, and they were 0.03–0.94% and 0.02–0.12%, respectively. Values of onset, peak and end temperatures of starch gelatinization and pasting temperature of starch were decreasing with increasing the oxidation level. It was also found that the viscosity of modified starch pastes, both during heating and cooling stages, was decreasing with increase in oxidation level. The oxidized starches exhibited non-Newtonian, shear-thinning fluid behavior, and their apparent viscosity was decreasing with increasing oxidation level.

The potato juice is a material of various biological activities. It reveals anti-inflammatory effect within gastrointestinal tract, as well as antiproliferative activity against stomach and intestine cancer cells. Moreover, it stimulates the growth of probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, inhibiting the development of pathogens — Clostridium perfringens and E. coli at the same time. However, due to the high susceptibility of potato juice bioactive substances to degradation by light, oxygen and possible interaction in the food product, the use of potato juice for food products fortification may be limited. Encapsulation into liposomes may be the solution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of lecithin of different biological origins for the encapsulation of potato juice into liposomes by a thin film hydration method. Prior to encapsulation process, potato juice was subjected to cryoconcentration and then to a proteolysis performed in a membrane reactor equipped with an ultrafiltration separation unit. The hydrolysate was diluted in phosphate buffered saline and encapsulated into liposomes. Liposomes were prepared by thin lipid film hydration technique. Size distribution of the obtained particles was determined by dynamic light scattering method as well as was their stability by the ζ potential measurement. At the same time, the nanocapsules morphology was studied by flow cytometry. Additionally, the encapsulation process efficiency was evaluated. It was found that, both sunflower and soya lecithin may be used for potato juice hydrolysate encapsulation into liposomes. Egg yolk lecithin, due to the unsatisfactory encapsulation efficiency cannot be recommended for this purpose. The highest encapsulation yield was observed for sunflower lecithin, but the obtained liposomes were characterized by relatively low stability. Soy lecithin however, provided stable liposomes with a satisfactory efficiency, and without a necessity of a strong dilution of the hydrolysate in a phosphate buffer saline. It was shown that the obtained population of liposomes was homogeneous both in terms of size and structure of the nanocapsules.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of frying temperature and degree of oil degradation on the quality of potato chips. Potato tubers of cv. Lady Rosetta were the material used for the research. After washing, potato tubers were cut into 1.0 mm thick slices, washed in cold water and, after drying (paper towels), fried in palm oil at three temperatures: 150, 165 and 180°C. Frying was conducted in 30 minutes cycles for eight hours per day. Total oil heating time was 40 hours. In potato chips fried in fresh and degraded oil (after 8, 16, 24, 32 and 40 h) the following parameters were determined: moisture content — by gravimetric method, fat content — by a Soxhlet extraction method, texture — by an objective method using Instron 5544 apparatus, colour — by an objective method using Minolta spectrophotometer type CM-5 and organoleptic assessment involving: colour, flavour, odor and texture. With decreasing frying temperature, regardless of the degree of frying oil degradation, the chips absorbed higher amount of fat. Potato chips fried in oil at temperature of 165°C exhibited the hardest consistency. The darkest colour characterized chips fried in oil at highest temperature (180°C). Frying at this temperature resulted in the deterioration of flavour and odor of chips fried in oil in the subsequent hours of frying. The chips fried at 165°C were of optimal sensory qualities.

Biodynamic agriculture is one of the organic agricultural farming methods. Different from organic farmers, biodynamic farmers add eight specific preparations (made from cow manure, silica, and various plants) to improve crops growth and nutrient composition. In 2012–2013, in organic farm (Prienai district), potato cultivars with coloured flesh were grown for research. The aim of two years’ research was to evaluate effects of biodynamic (BD) preparations (500 and 501) on the growth and yield parameters of the coloured fleshed potatoes. An experiment included two factors: I — three potato cultivars (purple fleshed — Vitelotte, Blue Congo and red-fleshed Red Emmalie), II — using of BD preparations in field sprays (four treatments: 1. Control without BD preparations; 2. BD preparation 500; 3. BD preparation 501; 4. complex application of BD preparations (500+501). The individual productivities of potato plants were analyzed in the field experiment (chlorophyll content index values of leaves, tuber weight per plant and tuber number per plant). The results revealed that combination of BD preparations (500 + 501) was the best among all the treatments for most of the growth and yield parameters under study. It was found, that, compared with the control variant, combination of BD preparations (500 + 501) substantially increased the chlorophyll content index in leaves, the weight and number of tubers per plant of cvs. Blue Congo and Red Emmalie. BD preparation 501 substantially increased the chlorophyll content index in leaves of Red Emmalie at 9th (1.07 times) and 13th (1.13 times) week, and of Blue Congo only at 9th (1.07 times) week after planting. However, more research is needed to determine whether the BD preparations affect growth and yield parameters of colour-fleshed potato tubers.

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of addition of waxy starches of different botanical origin on the rheological properties, texture and color of tomato ketchup. Waxy and normal native starches of potato, corn and rice origin were the experimental material. Tomato ketchups contained 3.3% of investigated starches, and their recipes met the Polish Standard requirements. Rheological properties were measured using RotoVisco1 rheometer (Haake). Universal texture profile was analyzed using TA.XT2 texturometer (Stable Micro Systems). Color parameters were determined with CR-300 chroma meter (Minolta). It was found that all investigated ketchups were non-Newtonian, peseudoplastic, thixotropic fluids with yield stress. The highest apparent viscosity was recorded for the ketchups containing waxy potato and waxy rice starches. Ketchups with waxy potato starch revealed the lowest loss of viscosity caused by increasing temperature. Universal texture parameters which differed mostly were: hardness, adhesiveness and gumminess. The texture of ketchups was mostly influenced by normal potato and waxy corn starches. Color of ketchups containing corn and rice starches differed slightly, whereas ketchups thickened with potato starches were darkest. It was evidenced that waxy potato starch should be recommended for thickening of tomato ketchup.

Presented studies evaluated the effectiveness of breaking the tuber dormancy immediately after harvest for new potato varieties, as a part of procedure of the grow-out test. Knowledge of this varietal characteristics significantly improves the performance of the grow-out test executed right after harvest. Examined varieties (23) were following: Bogatka, Boryna, Danuta, Etiuda, Eurostar, Gwiazda, Hermes, Honorata, Hubal, Ignacy, Igor, Innovator, Jubilat, Jurata, Jurek, Kaszub, Lavinia, Malaga, Mondeo, Oberon, Riviera, Sylvana, VR 808. Tuber samples were collected from the plots according to the official schedule of tuber sampling for virus indexation. To break the dormancy, eye-plugs were soaked for 15 min in aqueous solution of gibberellic acid, thiourea, Biseptol 480 (Sulfamethoxazolum, Trimethoprimum) and daminozide (B-Nine 85 SP). For most of the studied cultivars it was relatively easy to break the dormancy. In the case of cultivars Boryna, Hermes and Sylvana, breaking was slightly more difficult, therefore, it is preferable to shift the treatment to at least 2–3 weeks after harvesting. Cultivars Hubal and Etiuda required at least 5 weeks of resting for efficient dormancy breaking. For these cultivars sprouting occurred only for 36–64% eye-plugs if dormancy was broken too early. There was no correlation between the length of the resting period of each variety and difficulty of the dormancy breaking. However, when analyzed by different groups of maturity significant negative correlation was observed (r = -0.66) in the medium early cultivars indicating that a longer resting period in these varieties is relatively easier to break.

The field experiment was conducted in 2008–2010 at the Agricultural Experimental Station Zawada belonging to the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce. The experiment was two-factorial in a split-plot design with three replications. I factor was three cultivars: Cekin, Satina, Tajfun, and II factor — weed control methods: 1. mechanical cultivation — a control, 2. Command 480 EC 0.2 dm3•ha-1, 3. Command 480 EC 0.2 dm3•ha-1 + Afalon 450 SC 1.0 dm3•ha-1, 4. Stomp 400 SC 3.5 dm3•ha-1, 5. Stomp 400 SC 3.5 dm3•ha-1 + Afalon 450 SC 1.0 dm3•ha-1. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of mechanical and chemical care using herbicides and their mixtures on the nutrient yield of three potato varieties. Favorable distribution of weather in 2008 resulted in obtaining high yields of dry matter — 9.97 t•ha-1; starch — 6.37 t•ha-1 and protein — 1.22 t•ha-1. The lowest yield was obtained in 2009, which was characterized by extreme weather conditions in individual months of potato growing. Analyzing particular methods of weed control using herbicides, it was found that the highest yields of the dry weight, starch and protein were obtained in the third variant weeded mechanically, and then sprayed with a mixture of herbicides: Command 480 EC + Afalon Dispersion 450 SC. In the experiment, yields of the individual components of the tubers differed for potato varieties. The variety Tajfun was characterized by the greatest accumulation of dry matter, starch and protein, on the contrary to the variety Satina, which showed opposite effect.

The aim of this paper is to present different farming systems in agriculture and cultivation technology of potato in a sustainable system. The main aim of the sustainable agriculture is to obtain optimum yields of very good quality with reduced doses of mineral fertilizers and pesticides. Important cultivation factors affecting the level and quality of potato yield include: selection of potato cultivars resistant to diseases and pests, proper soil tillage, organic and intercrop supplemented with mineral fertilization, precise and timely planting, proper cultivation and protection of crops against diseases and pests, preparation for harvest and harvesting.

Resistance to Fusarium head blight was studied in 25 spring wheat cultivars from the Polish National List and 35 cultivars/lines from the collection of the resistant forms of the Department of Plant Pathology. Experiments were conducted over years 2010–2012 in the experimental fields in Radzików, Poland. Heads of spring wheat were inoculated with Fusarium culmorum. Severity of the head infection (Fusarium head blight index) was evaluated. Spring wheat cultivars were on average moderately susceptible, however wide, statistically significant, variability of reaction occurred. Fusarium head blight index was 28.1%, at a range 15.8–45.6%. Resistant cultivars were found (Napola, Raweta, Torka, Histra, Pasteur), as well as some highly susceptible cultivars were observed (Banti, Nawra, Griwa). Cultivars and lines from the collection were in majority highly resistant to FHB. Fusarium head blight index was 5.5%, at a range 0–26.0%. Lines ‘CJ 9306’ i ‘CJ 9311’ and cultivar Sumai 3 were very highly resistant and showed no symptoms of disease.

The objective of this study was to identify effective male fertility restorers among rye genotypes developed from Polish varieties, Turkish landrace populations and specially created breeding populations. Restoring ability of numerous inbred lines developed from these groups of rye populations were studied in the years 2009–2013. Single plants of inbred lines were crossed to a hard-restoration tester (CMS-Tt) under isolation bags. The level of male fertility of test hybrids was assessed in plastic tunnels and/or in field by scoring visually pollen shedding of plant plots and/or anther dehiscence of single plants in a 1–9 scale. The restoration indices (RI) were calculated according to the formula: RI = % of male fertile (% mf) plants + 1/2% of partially male fertile plants (% pmf). Low frequency (mean 3%) of effective restorers (RI above 70%) was found among the inbred lines derived from Polish varieties. Majority of inbred lines of this group were only partial restorers. In contrast, the inbred lines developed from specially created breeding populations were highly effective in restoration of male fertility of their test hybrids (68%). Moreover, inbred lines derived from the Turkish landrace populations proved to be very effective restorers. Frequency of effective restorers among genotypes assessed in 2009 and 2010 was 48.3% and 82.3%, respectively. Several genotypes with different origins were able to restore completely pollen fertility of their test hybrids cultivated in plastic tunnels and in field conditions (IR = 100%; % mf = 100). Introduction of these restoring gene donors into the father pool should result in improved male fertility in Pampa-based rye hybrids. Utilization of identified restoring gene donors in breeding programe of rye hybrids was discussed.

Resistance to Fusarium head blight of 35 winter triticale lines and two cultivars was evaluated. Triticale was sown in field experiments in two locations. Triticale heads were inoculated with three Fusarium culmorum isolates. FHB index was scored and after the harvest percentage of Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) was assessed. Grain was analysed for a content of trichothecenes B (deoxynivalenol [DON] and derivatives, nivalenol) and zearalenone. The average FHB indexes were similar in both locations and amounted to 7.8 in Radzików, and 10.2% in Cerekwica, however they differed statistically significantly. Percentage of Fusarium damaged kernels was higher in Cerekwica (43.0%) than in Radzików (28.7%). An average content of DON in two localizations ranged from 1.528 to 7.613 mg/kg, with mean: 3.994 mg/kg. The content of nivalenol in the grain was also high and amounted from 1.673 to 19.735 mg/kg, with mean: 7.213 mg/kg. A statistically significant correlation between the sum of the trichothecenes and FDK (r = 0.706) and the sum trichothecenes and of reduction of grain yield per head (r = 0.407) was found. Concentration of toxins nivalenol and zearalenone also correlated with FDK (r = 0.697 and r = 0.339, respectively). Analysis of k-means created three clusters of triticale genotypes. Cluster one consisting of 15 genotypes had a medium FHB index, low kernel damage and low content of Fusarium toxins. Reduction of grain yield and TKW was at an average level, while the reduction of the kernel number per head was the lowest in this group. Second cluster of 11 genotypes, was characterised by the lowest average head infection, and accompanied by higher FDK than in the first cluster. Toxins content in the grain was also higher in this cluster. Reduction of yield and kernel number was not different from that for the first cluster. The reduction of the TKW was lower. In the third cluster there were 11 genotypes of the highest susceptibility to head infection, kernel damage and toxin accumulation. In this group, reductions of yield components were also the highest.

The aim of field experiment conducted in the years 2010–2012 in Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Department at Jadwisin, was to assess yielding, uptake and utilization of nitrogen from mineral fertilizers by tubers of early and later potato cultivars in different weather conditions. The investigation was carried out on the light soil fertilized organically with straw and aftercrop of white mustard. In these experiments 5 levels of nitrogen fertilization were applied: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N•ha-1 with the constant level of phosphorus 17.5 kg P•ha-1 and potassium 108.0 kg K∙ha-1. Climatic conditions during growing periods and the level of nitrogen fertilization were main factors that influenced uptake of nitrogen with tubers yield and utilization of nitrogen from fertilizers. The utilization of nitrogen decreased from about 50 to 35% for early cultivars, but in the case of later cultivars from about 55 to 36% with increasing N rates from 50 to 200 kg N•ha-1. Significant differences of nitrogen uptake and utilization were found between cultivars groups. The later cultivars showed higher uptake and utilization of nitrogen than early cultivars. In the years favourable for cumulation of tuber yield, a higher nitrogen utilization was observed than in years with big fluctuations of rains and air temperatures in vegetation period of potato plants.

Dry and brown leaf spots commonly known as early blight disease of potato, are in fact a group of diseases with an increasing role in recent years. Field experiments estimating the effectiveness of fungicides Altima 500 SC (fluazinam), Dithane M-45 80 WP (mancozeb), Unikat 75WG (mancozeb+zoxamide), Tanos 50 WG (cymoxanil + famoxadone), Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG (metalaxyl-M+mancozeb) and Infinito 687.5 SC (propamokarb-HCL+ fluopicolide) against potato early blight were carried out in Bonin in the years 2009–2011. The results showed that all tested fungicides significantly reduced the development of potato early blight compared to the unprotected control. The study also confirmed the hypothesis that chemical protection has the beneficial effects on tuber yield. Field experiments conducted in Bonin, showed that due to the chemical protection (delay of the critical moment of haulm destruction), the tuber yield can be higher by 27% when compared to control.

The results of three-year study on the influence of foliar application of Ekosol macro- and microelement chelating fertilizers, together with nitrogen soil fertilization at different doses (50, 100 kg N∙ha-1) on the yield and tubers quality were presented. The experiment was carried out on light soil, to which straw and aftercrop of white mustard were ploughed in. In these experiments constant levels of phosphorus — 19.6 kg P•ha-1 and potassium — 99.6 kg K•ha-1 were applied on the basis of the evaluated soil fertility. The soil mineral fertilization without foliar application was a control object. Significant increasing of the yield (mean about 15%) was obtained in combination with triple foliar application of Ekosole in comparison to the control object. The highest increase in tuber yield was observed after application of multicomponent fertilizer Ekosol K (with macro- and microelements) and the least - in case of macroelement fertilizer Ekosol PK. The yield obtained after application of dose of 100 kg N∙ha-1 without any foliar applications was similar to the yield obtained at dose of 50 kg N∙ha-1 supplemented by foliar application of Ekosol K. The foliar application effect on increasing share of big tubers (above 60 mm), decreasing share of tubers with deformations, common scab infestation and higher content of starch and vitamin C in comparison to control object was observed.

The work presents results of studies carried out from 2006 to 2009. They were undertaken to determine the influence of undersown catch crops, which were either autumn-incorporated or retained on the soil surface till spring as mulch, on total and true protein contents in tubers of potato cultivated in integrated and organic production systems. The experimental factors were as follows: 1. undersown catch crop fertilizer (no undersown catch crop control treatment, farmyard manure, white melilot, white melilot + westerwolds ryegrass, westerwolds ryegrass, white melilot applied as mulch, westerwolds ryegrass + white melilot applied as mulch, westerwolds ryegrass applied as mulch) and 2. production system (integrated, organic). Edible potato immediately followed undersown catch crop fertilization in the field. Potato tubers were sampled to determine total and true protein contents. The highest total and true protein contents were recorded in the tubers of potato fertilized with white melilot and white melilot/westerwolds ryegrass mixture retained on the soil surface until spring as mulch and autumn-incorporated white melilot. Higher total and true protein contents were determined in the tubers of potato grown in the integrated production system than in the organic one.

The aim of presented study was stability analysis of reaction observed in laboratory tests for resistance to Phytophthora infestans. In these tests, detached leaflets and tuber slices collected from plants of various potato cultivars were inoculated with suspension of spores of this pathogen. In four-year study, the reaction was evaluated in 22 potato cultivars that were diverse in terms of resistance level and maturity. Stability was evaluated on the basis of the share of cultivar (i.e. genotype) by environment interaction (G×E) and other interactions (genotype by year and genotype by date of test) in the observed variability by applying Scheffé-Caliński mixed model. For calculations Sergen program was applied. This allowed identifying cultivars with stable reaction of resistance in leaflet test (Wawrzyn, Lawina, Beata, Anielka) and in tuber slice tests (Meduza, Nimfy, Vistula, Klepa, Mors). The stability of reaction in laboratory tests did not completely correspond to the stability of reaction observed in other study performed in field conditions.

Potato is one of the most appreciated crops in the world, with total production near 340 million tons making it the fourth most important crop plant. Potato production is severely reduced by late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. This pathogen is so successful thanks to proteins secreted during interaction with the host — effectors. The identification and knowledge of functions of a wide variety of effector proteins are very important for understanding the interactions of plants with pathogens and may find practical use in resistance breeding. The plant is defended by resistance (R) proteins. In this review the knowledge about interactions between effectors and R proteins was summarized with potato — P. infestans pathosystem as an example. Two different classes of effectors were presented. The plant immune system model was discussed as well as the host responses to infection. We presented examples of the most studied effectors which employ different mechanisms for evading recognition by the resistance proteins.

The beginning of sprouting and sprouts’ length during storage at temperature 3°C, 5°C, 8°C and influence of weather factors in vegetation period on date of beginning of sprouting was evaluated. The beginning of sprouting of potatoes stored at temperature 8°C depended on varieties and begun in 2nd decade of January. After storage period, the length of sprouts was 84 mm. The 5°C temperature of storage caused delay in sprouting beginning of about 4 decades in relation to storage at temperature 8°C. Potatoes storage at 3°C caused delay in the beginning of sprouting of about 2 months in relation to storage at 8°C. Sum of rainfall during vegetation season had the largest influence on the date of sprouting beginning. Higher rainfall and also higher Sielianinov coefficient in vegetation season caused an extension of the dormancy period. The date of the start of sprouting for each variety and growing conditions was determined by degree-days calculated for the period from September to the beginning of sprouting during storage (at the 5°–8°C).

Introduction of varying agronomic treatments into breeding experiments calls for the choice of a selection strategy which takes into account the production systems. Decisions concerning direct or indirect selection depend on the genetic correlation and on the heritability of the traits. To assess the selection efficiency, we used yield data from 2005–2009 PDO experiments performed at two agronomic levels: standard and intensive (with full protection and additional N fertilization). For both levels, we estimated phenotypic variances, repeatability coefficients, phenotypic and genotypic variation coefficients and stress degree coefficients. The computed genetic correlation coefficients were relatively variable (from 0.60 to 0.97). The obtained results concerning selection efficiency indicated some possibilities of the effective selection at two levels of agronomic treatments.

Barley is one of the economically important crop species and net blotch caused by Pyrenophora teres f. sp. teres has a significant impact on the quantity and quality of grain yield. Therefore the aim of the current study was identify sources of resistance to barley net blotch in the collection of landraces. The resistance was assessed after inoculation using isolates with different spectrum of virulence and avirulence, in relation to differential set of genotypes with known level of resistance. The study was carried out under controlled conditions — as detached-leaf test (scale ratings: 1–4) and in a greenhouse and field (scale ratings: 1–10). In the first stage of the study the virulence of 32 isolates was characterized. They were isolated from leaf samples collected in different regions of Poland and for further work 15 isolates were chosen. As a plant material 34 local varieties originating from Egypt, Nepal, Jordan, Turkey, Portugal and Greece were used. Their levels of resistance to specific isolates were evaluated on detached-leaf fragments and then under greenhouse and field conditions using mixture of all Polish isolates and one isolate, representing Finnish P. teres f. sp. teres population. Based on the obtained results it was found, that one landrace originating from Turkey and one landrace originating from Jordan are especially valuable sources of resistance to net blotch of barley (resistance level higher than resistant control cultivar CI9819). Three landraces from Nepal can be also used as sources of resistance. Their levels of resistance were assessed at the level of cultivar CI9819.

The resistance to infections by Puccinia coronata and Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae was studied in 250 common and 47 naked grain oat genotypes in the years 2010–2013. Studies were carried out in greenhouse at the seedling stage and at the adult plant stage in Grodkowice and Kopaszewo by applying artificial inoculation with urediniospores of P. coronata. In the third location Strzelce, genotypes were tested under field conditions with natural inoculum of the pathogen. In the case of B. graminis f. sp. avenae the studies were carried out in all locations under field conditions and natural infection. The studies have shown differences in reaction to crown rust infection in respect to plant stage, location and year of the experiment. All genotypes were susceptible to B. graminis f. sp. avenae at the seedling stage. Powdery mildew has occurred every year under field conditions in Strzelce, but only over two years in Kopaszewo location. The study allowed to select 20 common oat genotypes resistant to crown rust under field conditions and among them 17 were resistant at seedling stage. Among the naked grain oats, six were resistant to crown rust under field conditions, and four of them were resistant at the seedling stage. Resistance to powdery mildew was recorded for 188 common and 38 naked grain oat genotypes. Resistance to both diseases was observed for 16 common and 4 naked grain oat genotypes. These genotypes can be used as sources of resistance to P. coronata and B. graminis f. sp. avenae in breeding programs.

The naked oat strain 5T8.33, derived from wide crosses between winter oats and Avena macrostachya, was investigated in field trials, on 5 m2 plots, in four locations, in the years 2012 and 2013. In relation to the standard naked oat cultivar Siwek the strain showed better average scores for several important characters. High and stable values of thousand kernels mass (TKM = 32.7 g, 139.2% of the standard), grain protein content (18.8%, 112% of the standard), dietary fibre content (7.0%, 117.9% of the standard), resistances to lodging and to crown rust were combined with low contamination with husked grain (4.0% in relation to 16.9% in the standard). Contrary to the Siwek cultivar, the high grain quality parameters were not negatively correlated with yield. The yield potential was also high, but its stability was low. Usefulness of the strain as a source of new variation is discussed for application in oat breeding.

Red and pink ear rot diseases are the most economically significant diseases of maize. Infection by Fusarium spp. results not only in yield reduction but also in contamination with mycotoxins. Breeding for resistance is the best method to control this disease. Therefore, in the years 2008–2009 ear rot resistance of maize hybrids was evaluated based on the phenotypic symptoms under natural infection in three locations: Radzików, Smolice and Kobierzyce and after inoculation with F. graminearum and F. verticillioides in Radzików and based on the ability to DON and fumonisins accumulation. Under natural infection, in Radzików and Smolice, the levels of the disease and toxins contents were low. In Kobierzyce the level of the disease was higher. After inoculation, the differences between hybrids in ear rot resistance were significant. In 2008 and 2009 correlation between ear rot symptoms and toxins content was positive and significant. Correlations between ear rot resistance and stalk rot resistance were negative. In comparison to the results obtained after silk channel inoculation, results obtained after kernel inoculation more significantly correlated to the results obtained under natural infection.

Field studies were carried out in the years 2005–2007 at the Experimental Station of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce. The experiment was arranged as a two-factorial split-plot design with three replicates. The following factors were examined: two potato cultivars: Irga and Balbina, and four weed control methods: mechanical cultivation (control), Plateen 41,5 WG (flufenacet 24% + metribuzin 17.5%) at the rate of 2.0 kg•ha-1, and Racer 250 EC (flurochloridon 250g) at the rate of 3.0 dm3.ha-1, and Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin 70%) at the rate of 1.0 kg•ha-1. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of applied herbicides and their impact on marketable yield and the presentation of the relationship between weed control and marketable yield of tubers. The greatest weed air dry matter was obtained prior to row closure and harvest in plots where mechanical cultivation was accompanied by an application of Plateen 41.5 WG, and in plots where mechanical cultivation was accompanied by chemical control prior to emergence: hilling and harrowing and, just before emergence, Sencor 70 WG. Racer 250 EC was least effective compared with the control. The efficiency of the weed control methods was also influenced by the weather conditions in individual study years. The studies revealed that both the cultivars and weed control methods had a significant effect on the marketable yield of potato tubers. A close relationship of the air dry matter of weeds determined prior to row closure and tuber harvest with the marketable yield of potato tubers was found. The regression equations indicate that the increase in dry mass of weeds per 1 ha reduced the marketable yield.

Permanent grasslands are a source of healthy forage for a large group of ruminant animals. They also conserve biodiversity, reduce environmental pollution, including nitrogen oxide and sulfur in the air and prevent soil erosion. Because of this red fescue, meadow fescue, timothy-grass, Kentucky bluegrass, wood bluegrass, tall meadow oat and redtop cultivars and ecotypes were evaluated using conventional and organic fertilizers during 3 years. Resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and plant morphology including leaf area and green and dry mass production were described. Fertilizing system had no significant effect on the level of resistance of the red fescue, timothy-grass and redtop to biotic and abiotic stresses. Green and dry mass production were higher under conventional fertilization system than under organic fertilization system. Content of the dry mass in the green mass was higher under organic fertilization system. Based on the obtained results it was possible to conclude that from the marginal group of the grass species, the redtop and red fescue could be recommended for ecological and conventional types of agriculture.

In years 2011–2012 we tested grass and legume plants species suitable for biological reclamation and their soil-forming effect on municipal waste stockyards covered by furnace ash and enriched with municipal waste sediment. Reclamation cover of municipal waste stockyard with soil forming layer of ashes and municipal waste sediment created conditions for intensive plant vegetation and initiation of soil- forming process. On reclaimed land each year Dactylis glomerata and Bromus inermis were developing best, then Festuca pratensis, that systematically decreased in share similarly to Phalaris arundinacea, Lolium perenne and Phleum pratense. After period of weaker expansion, increases in the shares of Agropyron cristatum and Leymus racemosus in the growth were noted. Very numerous species of spontaneous succession appeared on the stockyard. Sewage sludge, together with growing vegetation, gathered organic matter and nutrients, increased moisture capacity and buffered soil pH. Fertilization of ash layer on municipal waste stockyard increased the content of heavy metals in the surface layer of the reclaimed soil, but did not influence significantly the contents of these components in plants.

The aim of this study was to determine the cellulolytic activity and virulence on eggplant (Solanum melongena) of pool of 34 strains of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (Cms). It was demonstrated that all of Cms isolates and strains produced enzyme cellulase. Increased enzyme activity caused higher virulence, expressed as intensity of symptoms on eggplant. Linear correlation between these traits was R = 0.75.

Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a useful medicinal plant showing antiseptic activity towards a broad spectrum of bacteria, anti-inflammatory activity, lowering blood sugar, treating stomach ailments, and even having an antioxidant effect. The applicability of a number of chemicals present in the essential oil of sage increases the interest in cultivation this species using biotechnological methods. The development of efficient methods for plant regeneration is important for a medicinal plant, such as sage. It opens up a number of possibilities ranging from unravelling of metabolic pathways and increasing the production of secondary metabolites, the micropropagation of homogeneous genotypes, and finally to genetic transformation and production of biopharmaceuticals. The aim of this study was to develop efficient methods for regeneration of sage in in vitro cultures through direct and indirect organogenesis. Direct organogenesis was induced on Murashige Skoog medium (MS) and the half-strength MS medium (1/2 MS) containing different combinations and concentrations of plant growth regulators: BA, mT, NAA and IAA. The callus induction and plant regeneration trials by indirect organogenesis were conducted in three different experiments, consisting of a set of different media. This experiment included various output explants. As a result of the studies efficient regeneration of sage was developed through direct organogenesis using MS media containing 0.3 mg / l BA and 0.3 mg / l mT. Multiplication rate during cyclic culture was in the range of 3.08 - 3.82 for the media containing BA and 2.44–3.41 for the media with mT. In studies on indirect organogenesis we also obtained induction of callus on all the substrates, while the induction of morphogenetic properties of the tissue requires further development.

The technological value of wheat is determined to a large extent by the amount and composition of storage proteins (glutenin and gliadin) included in the gluten. The enhanced knowledge on the polymorphism of gluten protein, their genetic background and the methods of their identification, allows the selection of varieties with characteristics that fulfill defined requirements, not only for farmers but also for representatives of the flour and the baking industry. This article aims to characterize low molecular weight glutenin proteins (LMW) from 30 to 50 kDa, which have been given the most of attention for recent years because they have important effect on the quality of wheat. These proteins constitute 45% of gluten proteins and generate above 30% of the variation of grain and technological characteristics of wheat flour. Due to the high polymorphism and strong affinity for gliadin proteins to LMW glutenin, these proteins are not well known, and their accurate identification and understanding of the physicochemical qualities are still the subject of many studies.