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As the water deficit in the area of Poland is predicted to be increasing, the role of drought as the main stress factor will grow and will limit yields. Analyses done on the basis of the recommendation trials showed a lack of registered varieties tolerant to drought stress. Therefore, there is a need for more emphasis on selection of breeding material suited for conditions with frequent water deficits. The presented results show that in the system of pre- and post-registration trials there are locations characterized by a relative high stress index and therefore suitable for efficient selection of new varieties...

A total of 376 isolates of Puccinia triticina were collected from wheat and triticale plants in Poland between 2008 and 2010. The isolates were tested for virulence on seedlings of 38 near isogenic lines (NILs) obtained on the basic of cv. Thatcher and expressing Lr resistance genes. High frequency (70–100%) of isolates that were virulent towards the majority of Lr genes was recorded. Low virulence against the lines expressing Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr26, Lr38 and LrW genes in the population originated from wheat was observed. Regarding the population that originated from triticale, a low frequency of isolates virulent towards the lines expressing Lr1, Lr2a, Lr3, Lr17, Lr20, Lr38 and LrW was observed. However, in both populations isolates virulent towards the lines expressing genes Lr9, Lr23, Lr24 and Lr25 were observed. The results indicate that Lr19 gene was the most effective against P. triticina isolates from both species of cereals. Pathotypes of P. triticina from wheat and triticale were identified with the use 15 NILs possessing the resistance genes Lr1, Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr3, Lr9, Lr11, Lr15, Lr17, Lr19, Lr21, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26, Lr28. Pathotypes 12720 and 12724 appeared to be most widespread in the population originated from wheat, whereas pathotypes 41122 and 41126 were prevalent in the population originated from triticale...

Increased qualitative demand for the knowledge of protein contents in various plant products as well in foods and feeds has led to wider used of the Dumas method, which is even older technique than commonly employed Kjeldahl procedure. Aim of the study was to compare the results of protein contents of 138 samples of cereal grains, such as wheat, barley and oat and 5 samples of meals produced from rapeseed and soybean in Polish agricultural conditions, obtained by the Kjeldahl and Dumas methods. Very high correlation coefficient was obtained between protein contents analysed with the Dumas and Kjeldahl methods, equal to 0.9983 for the entire material tested. However, the results obtained by Dumas method were, on average, by 0.46 percentage units higher than those analysed with Kjeldahl procedure. The differences between methods applied depended on the materials to be analysed. These results suggest that Dumas method can be successfully used as an alternative method for testing content of protein in cereal grains and rapeseed and soybean meals...

Field experiments were carried out in 2005–2007 in the Experimental Station at Winna Góra, belonging to the Institute of Plant Protection — National Research Institute in Poznań. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the herbicide mixtures tritosulfuron + dicamba (Mocarz 75 WG) in spring wheat variety Bryza, spring barley var. Antek and oat var. Cwał, sown separately and in cereal mixtures. Mocarz 75 WG herbicide was applied at a dose of 0.2 kg•ha-1 in the 3–5 leaf stage of cereals, using knapsack sprayer Gloria. Analysis of weed infestation of cereals were made by volume-weight assessment, twice during the growing season (3–4 weeks after herbicide application and 7–8 weeks after application). The efficacy of the herbicide in the cereal mixtures was compared with its effectiveness in the individual species. Analyses indicated that the barley-oat mixtures were the slightest and wheat-oat mixtures were the most infested by weeds. It was confirmed that a mixture of wheat and barley, wheat and oat and barley with oat reduced the influence of weed infestation. The higher efficacy of the mixture tritosulfuron + dicamba in cereal mixtures compared to the individual components was also indicated. Grain yields of cereals in mixtures with wheat as a component were significantly higher than in pure stands of wheat, while the yields of barley and oat mixture yielded higher than the two species sown alone...

Yield level, thousand kernels weight (TKW), test weight (TW) and restoration index (IR) were investigated in a field experiment (5 m2 plots, 4 randomized blocks) with 29 F1 hybrids obtained after the first pre-breeding cycle of winter triticale with the Pampa CMS cytoplasm, transferred from rye. The IR ranged from 4.9% to 91.3%, the yield varied between 25.9% and 91.7% of the Moderato cultivar control (3.1 kg/5 m2), the TKW was within the scope 24.3g–38.5g (27.7 g for Moderato ) and the TW ranged from 56.1 kg/hl to 68.1 kg/hl (63.03 kg/hl for Moderato ). Usefulness of the best selected female and male lines for the next breeding cycle is analyzed and methods are discussed for creation of new cross components ensuring higher levels of heterosis and tolerance of the Pampa cytoplasm...

We investigated the rate of obtaining androgenic plants using anther culture of 15 winter triticale hybrids. Green plants were obtained from all genotypes, with the frequency ranging from 0.4 to 15.2/100 anthers. The medium 190-2, with two different concentrations of kinetin (0.5 and 1.5 mg/l), was used for plant regeneration. Higher number of green plants was observed in the case of the medium with 0.5 mg/l of kinetin (2.5–46.7/ 100 androgenic structures). Ploidy level was determined by flow cytometry in 350 plants and showed from 17.6 to 80.0% spontaneously doubled haploids, depending on the genotype. A total of 80.3% of DH lines was obtained, among which 38.0% were spontaneously doubled haploids, whereas 70.8% of DH lines was obtained from colchicine treatment of 209 haploid plants...

In the paper results of the newest studies on using statistical methods to analysis and interpretation of genotype x environment interaction (GEI) on the basis of multi-environment trials (MET) are presented. The methods presented here facilitate to evaluate stability and adaptability of tested cultivars for yield and other quantitative traits. Both univariate and multivariate methods are considered. The set of the discussed multivariate methods includes mostly those which are based on singular value decomposition of respective GE data matrix, e.g. the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model-based analysis, the genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction effects (GGE) model-based analysis as well as combined cluster and AMMI or GGE analyses called usually pattern analyses. Also, methods involving simple measures of cultivar stability and wide adaptability are overviewed. The all considered methods are addressed to plant breeders and cultivar evaluators who could and should use them in wider scale to improve reliability of testing new germplasm in order to implement effectively genetic gain to agricultural practice in Poland...

Genetic resistance to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei) was investigated among 9 winter barley cultivars and 21 spring barley cultivars included in the registration trials in Poland in the year 2010. Winter cultivars had one or more genes for resistance (Mla6, Mla14). In the spring cultivars the presence of the following genes was detected: Mla1, Ml 1-B-53 and mlo. In 3 winter cultivars and 2 spring cultivars resistance was determined by unidentified genes. Based on the obtained results it was possible to conclude that only cultivars with gene mlo and 2 cultivars with unidentified genes had high level of resistance to population of Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei occurring in Poland...

General (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities of several rye genotypes were determined in two experiments performed in the seasons 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. The first experiment included 45 F1 hybrids produced by crossing nine female components (CMS-SC) with five male components (restorers) in a factorial mating design. The second experiment included 35 F1 hybrids derived by crossing seven CMS single crosses to five restorers. Parental components were created in three plant breeding companies: Danko Plant Breeders Ltd., Poznan Plant Breeders Ltd., Smolice Plant Breeding Ltd. F1 hybrids were produced in spatial isolation fields. Hybrid seed were sown in field trials (3 locations, 3 replicates, plot size - 5m2, sowing density - 250 viable kernels/m2). The following traits were assessed: grain yield, heading date, pollen shedding, plant height, lodging, resistance to brown rust and 1000 grain weight. Statistical analyses were made with the Eksplan computer package. Significant variation was observed among hybrids for all traits in the first experiment. In the second experiment genotype variation proved to be significant for all the traits except for lodging. General combining ability of both males and females was significant for majority traits in both experiments. Significant specific combining ability was detected mainly for the resistance to brown rust in the first experiment and for pollen shedding in the second one. The tests allowed to select CMS single crosses and restorers with significant favourable GCA effects for breeding programme of rye hybrids...

The objective of this study was to identify effective male fertility restorers among rye genotypes developed from Polish breeding populations and Turkish landrace populations. In the years 2009 and 2010, restoring ability of numerous inbred lines developed from both groups of rye populations was studied. 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 pollen shedding visual scores of plant plots and/or by anther dehiscence visual scores of single plants with a 1–9 scale. The restoration indices (RI) were calculated according to the formulae: RI = % of male fertile plants + ½×% of partially male fertile plants. It was found, that majority of inbred lines developed from Polish breeding population were only partial restorers. Frequency of effective restorers among the genotypes assessed in 2009 and 2010 was 1.2% and 0.3%, respectively. In contrast, inbred lines derived from Turkish landrace populations were highly effective in restoration of male fertility of their test hybrids. Frequency of effective restorers (RI above 70%) among genotypes assessed in 2009 and 2010 was 48.3% and 82.3%, respectively. In 2010, half of the tested inbred lines proved to be very effective restorers (RI = 100%). Introgression of these inbred lines into the restorer gene pool  should result in improved male fertility in Pampa-based rye hybrids...

The subjects of the study were 30 lines of winter rye examined in preliminary trials coordinated by the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, the Department of Cereals Crops in Cracow. The results presented in the paper concern objects examined in 6 locations in 2009. Ten traits were taken into account: grain yield, 1000 grains weight, plant height, lodging score, winter hardiness, no. of days to heading, no. of days to maturity, pollen fertility, powdery mildew score and brown rust score. The aim of the study was: firstly, the application of principal component analysis (PCA) on transformed values for traits formulated in valuation scale, secondly, detailed comparison of examined forms of winter rye using principal component regression (PCR). Principal component analysis PCA on values under transformation explained over 15% more total variation than PCA on non-transformed values for three first components. The results of PCR analysis are shown on graphs presenting diversity of examined forms of winter rye with consideration of particular traits. The population form HRSM 4 is similar, by its characteristics, to the hybrid lines...

Yield stability of 12 open-pollinated and 18 hybrid genotypes of winter rye was assessed in preliminary trials conducted in 6 locations in 2009. The aim of this work was to compare parametric and non-parametric stability measures and to indicate stable and high yielding genotypes of winter rye. On the basis of hierarchical cluster analysis 17 stability measures were classified into three groups. The first group related to the dynamic concept of stability and strongly correlated with mean yield included the parameters: Pi, Di, YS and TOP; the second group — stability measures pointing stable genotypes with average yield included: bi, α Si2 i CV; the third group — stability measures reflecting the concept of static stability and indicating genotypes for extensive cultivation included Si(1), Si(2), Si(3) i Si(6), Sdi2, , , Wi i D2. Among the open-pollinated genotypes stable and high yielding ones were CHD62 and CHD 43. On account of average yield open-pollinated line CHD 17 can be used in extensive cultivation. High yielding and highly stable hybrid lines destined for intensive cultivation were CHD 548, CHD 516, CHD 621, SMH 8121 i SMH 8240...

Etephon, chlorocholine chloride and trinexapac-ethyl are plant growth regulators commonly used in cereals. Besides stem elongation inhibition and lodging prevention they strongly affect many processes of plant growth and development. Scientific literature confirms that they influence the photosynthesis through enhancing of chlorophyll content in plant leaves. Under favorable conditions they can enhance weight of 1000 grains, number of grain per ear and yield, even in the absence of lodging. Activity of plant growth regulators is strongly connected with weather conditions during a vegetation season. The aim of experiments was to evaluate the influence of trinexapac-ethyl, chlorocholine chloride and etephon on diploid (traditional) and hybrid winter rye. The plant growth regulators were used in two variants: mixtures trinexapac-ethyl + chlorocholine chloride or trinexapac-ethyl + etephon. The second variant of application was trinexapac-ethyl in a growth stage BBCH 31 and chlorocholine chloride in BBCH 37 or trinexapac-ethyl in BBCH 31 and etephon in a growth stage BBCH 37. Field trials were conducted in the years 2008–2010 in Plant Protection Institute in Poland. The experimental design was a randomized complete block containing four replications. In field trial the following parameters were estimated: plant height, chlorophyll content, lodging, weight of 1000 grains, number of grains per ear, yield, grain density, starch content, protein content and grain humidity. Results show different response of two cultivars of winter rye to the applied plant growth regulators...

The aim was to assess the yield of experience and length of growing new varieties of sweet corn and to determine their suitability for processing and for direct consumption. The experience was conducted in the E-DS Swadzim in the period 2008–2010. In each year of research it was examined the length of the growth period (days), cobs yield (t/ha), share of first class cobs (%), cobs length (cm) and number of grains in the cob (pcs). The economic value of examined varieties was described with the help of the sum of points nine-steps of scale. It was found that among the examined hybrids of processing can be recommended cultivar GSS 5698, Passion and Golda, while hybrids are particularly suitable for direct consumption is Royalty and Passion...

The aim was to evaluate reaction of new varieties of sugar maize to a mixture of mesotrione + S-metolachlor. The study was conducted in 2007–2009 in Experimental Station in Swadzim on ten varieties of sugar maize Basin, Dixon, Garrison, Golda, GSS 5022, Rana, Shaker, Shimmer, Sweet Trophy and Sweet Tasty. Herbicide spraying was performed in the 5–6 leaf stage of maize. In each year of research the cob yield (t/ha), cobs from ha (pcs), class participation (%), cobs length (cm) and number of grains in the cobs (pcs) were examined. There was found transient phytotoxic action of the herbicide in three varieties. A mixture of mesotrione + S-metolachlor reduced the yield in eight varieties, I class cobs yield in seven varieties, cobs length in six varieties and the number of cobs per ha in nine varieties, but had no significant effect on the number of grains in cob...

The article presents the analysis of general and specific combining ability of winter oilseed rape DH lines. The various statistical methods were used to evaluate parental forms on the basis of series of experiments with F2 hybrids obtained from the line × tester crossing scheme. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomised block design with three replications and over three successive years. The article contains the results of general and specific combining ability analyses for parental lines in respect of the content of unsaturated fatty acids in F2 line × tester hybrid generation. For each fatty acid the estimates of GCA and SCA effects for DH lines and testers were obtained and tested. The interaction of these effects with years was also studied. The aim of the paper was to select the most interesting oilseed rape DH lines with regard to the requirements for fatty acids...

The resistance level and characteristics of disease symptoms caused by PVY, PLRV, PVM, PVX and PVS were described for 134 potato cultivars registered in Poland. The cultivars of foreign origin: Kuras, Roko, Sante and Zuzanna and 23 Polish potato cultivars extremely resistant to PVY were not infected with four PVY strains used to the plant inoculation. In these cultivars except Rudawa, Rumpel and Sante the gene Ry was identified. Polish potato cultivars are relatively resistant to old PVY strains (PVYo and PVYN Ny) but majority of cultivars could be infected with PVYNW and PVYNTN. Necrotic rings (PTNRD disease) on tubers infected with PVYNTN appeared in 25 cultivars being on the Polish National List and also in three cultivars growing for processing: Erntestolz, Hermes and Saturna. Among cultivars field resistant to PLRV 12 reacted intolerantly to the graft infection. The disease symptoms caused by PLRV after inoculation with aphids used as the virus vector were evaluated. The reaction to PVM was evaluated after mechanical inoculation of plants with severe PVM strain. Four cultivars: Ametyst, Eugenia, Finezja and Korona possessing the gene Rm are resistant to PVM, while majority of cultivars are susceptible to the infection and reacted with mild symptoms, several are midresistant and reacted with severe symptoms. Extreme resistance to PVX connected with the Rx gene or high resistance of various origin appeared in 37 cultivars (24 of Polish and 13 of foreign origin). Out of 134 cultivars only one cv Neptun possess the gene Ns and is resistant to PVS infection...

Fiber content is one of the most important traits for fibrous flax. Climatic conditions and agricultural measures have a large influence for fiber formation process. Results of the conducted investigations show low variability of this trait, which causes difficulties in breeding of new flax varieties. The aim of the presented research was fiber content analysis in 10 fiber flax genotypes (four parental varieties and six F1 hybrids). The tested hybrids have been received as a result of diallelic crossing. General combining ability of varieties, specific combining ability of hybrids, heterosis and fiber content heritability were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse, in four replications. Measurements were performed on 30 plants from each replication. Statistical analysis was performed by the DGH 2 program...

One of the most serious diseases found on flax plantations is fusariosis caused by a fungi from Fusarium genus. A strong contamination of flax crops may reduce the straw yield to 60% and seeds yield to 80%. Anther cultures of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) allowed obtaining regenerated plants, in which the inheritance of resistance to Fusarium was observed in R2–R4 generations. The provocative flowerpot and field experiments were conducted for this purpose. The following fungi species were used as infectious inoculum: Fusarium oxysporum f.lini, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium gibbosum, Fusarium sambucinum and Fusarium poa. For an Alba variety, which was moderately susceptible, there were resistant lines of regenerated plants obtained. A line Alba 1000 turned out to be the best one as there was 88% of healthy plants in the provocative flowerpot experiment. The line got 9 score in the field experiments, because the plants were always healthy...

Genotypic variation in technological parameters, among them cooking time, of seeds of field pea cultivars from Polish National List was assessed. Seed samples, collected for analysis over two following growing seasons at Radzików, were analysed for 1000 seed weight (TSW), percentage share of seed coat, protein and ash contents, seed hydration capacity, electroconductivity of seed exudates and cooking time. Significant difference among tested genotypes, years of harvests as well as significant interaction genotypes-by-year for all the tested seed parameters were found. The highest variation, expressed by coefficient of variation (CV%), among tested cultivars was found for cooking time (24.1 and 22.3 for CG 50% and CG 80% respectively) followed by electroconductivity measurements (15.8) and 1000 seed weight (10.0). The cultivars with the highest and lowest values of evaluated parameters were identified. Significant interaction cultivars-by-year indicated different reaction among the tested cultivars to environmental conditions during growing season. The use hierarchical cluster analysis according to the Ward’s method allowed to distinguish 4 homogenous groups of pea cultivars considering all physicochemical parameters and cooking time. The findings of this study my be applicable by plant breeders in developing new pea cultivars...

A mutant with spherical seeds was investigated together with two Polish cultivars: Derek and Krab (most probable ancestors of the mutant) as well as an Italian grasspee line, typical for South-Western Europe (Mediterranean Basin region). Variation of traits on phenotypic level was estimated basing on results obtained from field trials conducted in four locations in 2008 and 2009. The multivariate analysis method was used. Genetic variation, expressed by degree of genetic similarity, was established with the use of ISSR markers. Moreover, content of protein, fat, fatty acid composition and neurotoxin content (β-ODAP) in seeds was estimated. The obtained results indicated, that the spherical-seeded mutant, as compared to the cultivars Derek and Krab, was significantly different in the following traits: number of branches and pods per plant, pod length, weight of seeds per pod, seeds number per plant, as well as weight of 1000 seeds. Moreover, all three Polish forms represented different morphotype and yield structure parameters than the Italian line. The seeds of spherical-seeded mutant showed higher content of protein and fat as compared to another analyzed forms, with domination of oleic acid in fatty acids composition. All Polish accessions were similar in neurotoxin content in seeds, markedly lower in comparison to the Italian line. Results of hierarchical grouping (after use of the ISSR method) were presented on the dendrogram which indicated that the cultivars and spherical-seeded mutant showed high level of genetic similarity and markedly differed from the Italian line. The results obtained on the phenotypic level from field trials, estimated with use of multivariate statistics, indicated the population from which  the cultivar Derek was derived as the most probable ancestor of the spherical seed mutant, however on the molecular level the mutant showed closer genetic similarity to the cultivar Krab...

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is a plant with a very wide range of healing properties, from which the most important are disinfecting, anti-inflammatory and antisudoral effects. Sage extracts regulate the digestive system and increase blood sugar level. They are also a strong antiseptic medicine which inactivates bacterial toxins and inhibits reproduction of many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including the antibiotic-resistant ones. Sage owes its versatile properties to its essential oil composition containing among others thujone, cineole, camphor, borneol and pinene. Apart from the above, it also contains catechins, triterpene, flavonoids, carnosol and organic acids, vitamins B1, C, PP and carotene. Use of in vitro techniques enables mass propagation of selected plants with the best healing parameters or plants with new features gained through transformation. The aim of the study was the determination of the influence of selected cytokinins on micropropagation efficiency of S. officinalis. Materials for research were apical explants of sage cultivar Bona. The cultivation was conducted on the Murashige Skoog (MS) medium, containing different concentration of kinetin, BAP and zeatin (2, 5, 10 mg/ml). The best plant multiplication rate was obtained by using cytokinin BAP (3.5–3, depending on the concentration), however an excessive percentage of vitrificated plants limited the use of this phytohormone. Effectiveness and stability of the micropropagation using BAP at concentration 0.3 mg/l was verified during long term cultivation (to n-6 subculture). The work also included use of cytokinin meta-Topolin as alternative for BAP phytohormone. The best results in the sage micropropagation process were obtained by the application of medium with 0.3 mg/l of BAP. In this case multiplication rate varies between 2.4 and 3.4 during the successive propagation cycles...

The subject of our studies was newly introduced and acclimatized grass species of Asian origin — tall wheatgrass. Two experiments were conducted in Radzików during 2009–2011. One for determination of morphological and anatomical properties, especially in generative phase, and second for agrotechnical requirements, i.e. sowing quantity and fertilization. Chemical analyses were performed in two Departments of Life Sciences University in Poznań. It was concluded that tall wheatgrass is quite different form our native grass species considering all measured biological and chemical properties. Some of mentioned differences predispose tall wheat grass to biomass energy production. It is therefore possible to expect relatively high and good quality yields of seed for reproduction and biomass for energy production...

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) is a deciduous tree, native to Balkan Peninsula. It is one of the most popular ornamental trees in Poland and all over the Europe. Thanks to the aescin, A. hippocastanum is widely used for medicinal and cosmetic preparations. The horse chestnut leaf miner moth (Cameraria ohridella) is the most dangerous parasite for European horse chestnut. The insect induces tree defoliation. Second leafing and flowering occur, which result in decrease of the frost hardiness. The most frequently used control measures, although have impact on the leaf miner populations, do not protect the tree completely. The use of modern biotechnology to micropropagate unique genotypes could save this woody plant. The aim of this study was to establish method of efficient propagation protocol for the A. hippocastanum genotype resistant to the horse chestnut life miner using micropropagation. Explants from crown branches were used for culture initiation. Explants were sterilized by rinsing in 15% NaClO and then placed on propagation medium — MS ½ NO3 supplemented with (1 mg/l) BAP. Plant material was transferred to a fresh medium every 4 weeks. The propagation gave satisfying results. The mean number of newly formed shoots was 3–5 during five multiplication cycles. For root induction different treatments were compared. However, all media which were used, did not bring expected result. Therefore, research with rooting and acclimatization of A. hippocastanum needs to be continued...

The paper discusses the cause-and-effect relationship systems in agronomy and plant breeding systems. The systems are limited to those which contain linear relationships between random variables. The following methods and problems are discussed: path analysis, sequential yield analysis, two-dimensional partitioning of yield variation, and analysis of cause-and-effect relationships for a population of genotypes. A theoretic discussion is based on biological aspects of plant development and their interaction with environment. The paper deals also with practical aspects of analyzing cause-and-effect relationships, pointing out interpretational possibilities of the methods discussed, but also their limitations...

Multivariate analyses are increasingly used in agricultural research. The widespread availability of statistical packages pursuing this type of analysis allows for their use. Then, the ability of appropriate application of the analysis and correct interpretation of its results becomes problematic. The paper discusses basic concepts of the multivariate analysis, the multivariate model of observations, the multivariate analysis of variance, the appropriate statistical tests and the multivariate methods for estimation of the objects’ similarity...

While conducting research and analysing experimental data, one often observes and analyses multiple characteristics of certain experimental objects. Often each of these characteristics is analyzed separately. However, to have a complete picture emerging from the research you should use multivariate analysis which allowing a holistic approach to the investigation of the problem. The paper presents a practical example of the calculation methods of multivariate statistical analysis formally described in the first part. In particular, this paper presents the MANOVA analysis and an analysis of contrasts and canonical variables analysis associated with it...

The study aimed at recognition in the influence of some quantitative and qualitative factors, viz. temperatures in January and February, genetic and geographical origin, on winter survival of winter wheat strains at three locations in the 2009–2010 season. The applied procedure of multifactorial variance analysis enabled explanation of simultaneous complex relations between the factors and winter hardiness (dependent variable). The analysis based on two series of field experiments with 133 wheat strains sown in 7 locations, the variation was observed in three ones: Dębina, Smolice and Strzelce. The survival was scored with the 1–9 scale (9 was the best). The minimal temperatures of January and February formed the quantitative explanatory variables while the two series and the genetic and geographical origin constituted the classifying variables. The calculations were performed on the non-transformed data, conformably to the mixed-model ANOVA, using the GLM procedure of the SAS® 9.13 system. The mean square deviation for the applied model was highly significant. The influence of three factors: minimum temperature of February, genetic origin (the objects) and geographical origin (breeding stations) proved to be significant. No significant interaction between the factors was stated...

Data for analyses were acquired in 2009 from two commercial fields cropped with the winter wheat (cv. Fregata and Potenzial) in Kujavia region (villages Miechowice and Osłonki). On the basis of soil and plant samples (with known geographical coordinates) collected in 25 sampling points on each field the following traits were examined: grain yield, grain protein content, soil fertility in P2O5, K2O and MgO and soil pH. Geostatistical methods in R software using geoR package (functions: variog() and variofit()) were applied for the data analyses. Spatial variability of the investigated traits was evaluated using parameters of the theoretical variograms...

Studying distributions of quantitative traits plays a special role in data analysis; the best tools for that purpose appear to be graphical methods. Among various types of plots, most important ones are histograms, density plots and box-plot. In this paper, we introduce a less frequently applied stem-and-leaf diagram, which is a graphical-tabular technique of data visualization. This simple and interesting technique, despite its simplicity, can provide quite deep information about a variable’s distribution. To present how the stem-and-leaf display works, we have used R environment...

Data visualization is a very useful tool supporting analyses of agricultural data at each stage, including data exploration, interpretation, and drawing conclusions. It frequently helps one to observe patterns in data, find outliers or untypical values, which otherwise would be difficult to detect. However, the usefulness of visualization can be greatly improved by the dynamic user’s influence on the graph by interactive visualization. This paper introduces basic possibilities of applying such type of visualization to improve interpretational possibilities in data analysis. In this way we want to direct the readers’ attention to rich opportunities that interactive visualization offers. The R environment is used in the paper; each example includes also the R code, which can be used by the reader to run the example, but can also be used in practical data analysis...

In cereal plants, individual yielding characteristics and the morphological structure of the spike are formed in certain phases of development, which occur in varying environmental conditions. The interaction of genotype with the biotic and abiotic environmental factors during the period of vegetation also affects the formation of yield. In this paper we approximate the yield on the basis of traits that characterize not only the vegetation period, but also the phase of full maturity. For the approximation, an MLP network with a very simple topology, resulting from both the number and structure of available data, was used. The effect of network training was positive. The results obtained show clearly that the MLP network may be used as a support tool for the prediction of the yield of spring barley...

Lawns play an important role in the urban landscape and are good indicators of the environment conditions. In the near road areas they are however exposed to the drought or salinity. Therefore, diverse agrotechnical treatments are applied in order to make the conditions more suitable for vegetation. One of them may be incorporation the hydrogel to soil. These synthetic polymers can absorb huge amount of water and thanks to that are able to decrease the drought stress in plants. Their application is more cost-effective that irrigation. However, too high concentration of ions in soil may decrease efficacy of hydrogel, since it can absorb water and cations as well. The aim of the study was therefore the assessment of the hydrogels efficacy under turf grasses cultivated in the saline soil. The experience was conducted for three months in a controlled green house conditions. The efficacy of hydrogel amendment was measured by the grass reactions (germination, turfs height and condition) to the three levels of salinity. The results allowed concluding that the salinity decreased the germination, height and condition of tested grasses independent on hydrogel addition...

Survey on application of biotechnology in the breeding process of cultivated plants was organized in the frame of coordination of the PBZ-MNiSW-2/3/2006 project entitled: “New methods of molecular genetics and genomics served to variety improvement in cultivated plants”. All of the eighteen invited domestic breeding centers took part in the survey. Fourteen extended questions were focused on current status of biotechnology application to plant breeding, difficulties in achieving expected breeding progress, importance of desired directions in breeding of respective plant species, use of molecular markers — currently and in the future, interest of breeding companies in training of their own staff, necessity of pre-breeding program realization by specialized centers and use of biotechnological services offered to breeders...

The objective of the research was adaptation, presentation, empirical illustration and evaluation of usefulness of the three-way combined analysis of variance and the Tukey's procedure of multiple mean comparisons to inference on cultivars response patterns to agro-ecological conditions (environments, locations) and to two crop management intensities (A1 and A2), using data obtained in post-registration two-factorial multi-environment trials (the PDO trials), arranged in split-block design. Empirical illustration involves the analysis of winter wheat grain yield data recorded on micro-plots within plots of the PDO trials in 2009. The proposed statistical methodology was effective to inference on the studied cultivars response to environments and the crop management intensities. In the weather conditions of 2009 the winter wheat cultivars responded variously with grain yield to varied environments across Poland, meanwhile they showed similar increase of yield under more intensive crop management, independently on the test locations. The mean positive effects of more intensive crop management on yield decreased in locations when their productivity (fertility) decreased...

The field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station in Bezek near Chełm in the years 2005–2007. The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of undersown crops (red clover cv. Dajana, white clover cv. Astra) and herbicide Chwastox Extra 300 SL on grain yield and yield components of spring barley cv. Rataj cultivated in monoculture. Weather conditions of growing season significantly differentiated grain yield and yield components of spring barley. Underplant of red clover significantly increased grain yield, number of ears per 1 m2 as well as the number and weight of grain per ear as compared to the control treatment and the treatment with white clover. Application of herbicide Chwastox Extra 300 SL did not affect either grain yield or yield components of spring barley...

Pectin and arabinogalactan proteins, which are components of the cell wall, are significantly associated with the regulation processes of morphogenesis and differentiation of plants. The aim of this study was to characterize the location of the epitopes of pectins and arabinogalactan proteins in tissues of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) regenerating from unfertilized ovules in in vitro cultures. Considering previous results of immunocytochemical analysis of tissues of sugar beet it seemed important to determine the differences in distribution of these compounds in the cells of sugar beet depending on the type of tissue and medium components that determine the regeneration of explants in in vitro cultures. The presence of specific epitopes was determined in callus tissue with visible meristematic regions , as well as in somatic embryos at torpedo stage, growing in the culture of unfertilized ovules. Detection was conducted using specific monoclonal antibodies, and the location of specific oligosaccharide antigens was visualized in situ by reaction with secondary antibodies conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. It has been shown that the four epitopes typical for pectin, which react with antibodies JIM5, JIM7, LM5 and LM6 are common in all examined tissues and cell types. Among the AGP epitopes that typify arabinogalactan proteins there were distinguished those that occur in callus in relatively large quantities (LM2, and JIM14 JIM13), or only in trace amounts, or which in general are not present. In the control reaction, performed without the incubation stage of the primary antibody, the sections were obtained which showed  no signs of coloration or minimally colored, which indicates specificity of the immunocytochemistry procedures...

The aim of the study was estimation of the influence of reconditioning of tubers of some potato cultivars on the content of reducing sugars and determination of relationship between the levels of the reducing sugars after harvest and after reconditioning. Tubers of the cultivars Finezja, Flaming, Jelly, Oman and Wiarus were stored at 3°C and reconditioned at 15°C for 7 and 14 days. The reducing sugars content was determined after harvest and after 3 and 7 months of storage. In all cultivars concentration of the sugars was low after harvest and increased in storage. The highest effect of reconditioning on decrease of the reducing sugars concentration was observed in the cultivars Flaming and Jelly, independently on the storage time or duration of the reconditioning treatment. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.90) has been stated between the levels of the reducing sugars after harvest and after reconditioning...

The aim of the presented study was determination of differences in photosynthetic activity between ten grapevine cultivars with various level of berries yield. The analysis of photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate was done on one-year old plants. The additional measurements were performed for chlorophyll content, leaf area and specific leaf area. The measurements were carried out twice during the 2010 growing season. The results were related to the mean level of grape yield of mature plants. Significant differences in photosynthetic activity were noticed between the cultivars. The other measured parameters were significantly differentiated, as well. The high chlorophyll content has not been always connected with high photosynthetic activity. It suggests high photosynthesis efficiency for the cultivars with low chlorophyll content. High photosynthetic rate was usually related to high leaf area. High photosynthetic activity of the cv. Vertes Csillaga was probably connected with high grape yield of the cultivar...

The aim of the field experiments conducted in Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute — National Research Institute, Division in Jadwisin was to determine the reaction of the new potato cultivars (Impala, Miłek, Velox, Augusta, Ewelina, Nora, Oman, Elanda, Marlen, Meridian, Roko, Medea, Kuras, Pokusa) to the nitrogen fertilization. In the study, the influence of different nitrogen doses on tubers yield, fertilization efficiency, starch and nitrates content in tubers were determined. The experiment was carried out on the light soil fertilized 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. The mineral fertilization of P and K amounted to: 52.3 kg P•ha-1 and 149.4 kg K•ha-1. It was found that the cultivars Nora and Oman were characterized by high requirements for nitrogen dose, medium ones were suitable for cultivars Augusta, Elanda and Meridian but the requirements for cultivars: Impala, Miłek, Velox, Ewelina, Marlen, Roko, Medea, Kuras and Pokusa were low. The effectiveness of maximum dose oscillated from 20 to 109 kg of tubers per 1 kg of N. The highest fertilization efficiency characterized cultivars: Velox, Kuras and Medea (above 100 kg of tubers per 1 kg of N) and the lowest one cultivar Nora. Along with the increasing nitrogen dose, the content of nitrates in tubers increased but the starch content decreased. The highest content of starch in tubers was noted for the starch cultivar Kuras and within the table cultivars: Marlen and Miłek. The cultivars Impala, Miłek, Velox and Meridian had highest content of nitrates in tubers (above 100 mg NO3•kg-1 fresh mass of tubers) and cultivar Kuras had the lowest one (26 mg NO3•kg-1 fresh mass of tubers)...