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Experimental evaluation of the means for agricultural traits in a great number of F1 progenies (as hybrids or segregating populations) and in inbred generations of F1 hybrids is expensive and time-consuming. Then, the progeny means should be predicted using statistical models based on genetic parameters of parents, derived from genetic (molecular markers) and phenotypic parents per se or their offspring data. In the paper, statistical (regression) prediction models involving the estimators of quantitative genetic parameters of parents are presented. The application and usefulness of these models are shown using as an example 7 agronomic characters of 27 F1 winter rye progeny populations obtained in factorial mating design between 9 population varieties (females) and 3 testers (male populations). Two types of models were considered. Models representing the first type include either a mid-parent value of the predicted character only as a predictor variable or both a mid-parent value and parental genetic distance (Mahalanobis distance, D2, of characters studied or absolute difference between parents for the traits studied, |D|) as two predictor variables. Two of the models representing the second type are similar to those of the first type. One of them is based on GCA effects of parents only, whereas the other includes both GCA effects and parental genetic distance. In the studies on winter rye the largest accuracy in predicting progeny means using the model based on the mid-parent value was found for two traits characterized by a relatively larger variation of both parents and F1 progeny families, and their whose performance was affected predominantly by genetic additive effects. The model based on GCA effects of parents was much more efficient for all characters than the other one. Both genetic distances of parents, incorporated into each of the reference models as the additional predictor variables, weakly increased the efficiency of predicting means for F1 winter rye progeny populations.

In the paper, the effects of weather conditions upon forming of oat yield as well as on the percentage of hull, mass of 1000 grains and percentage of offal, are presented. The field investigations were conducted by the COBORU in the years 1992–2003 at 3 localities characterized by similar soil conditions but different weather conditions. The growing season was divided into 7 agrophenology phases, for which calculations were performed using a model method. Such a way of estimation allowed to determine the optimal levels of temperature and precipitation. Close statistical relationships between grain yield and the components of yield were found. The increase in air temperature in the period between earing and wax maturity resulted in the decrease in grain yield, whereas it caused the enlarged mass of 1000 grains. The higher temperature in the period between wax maturity and oat harvesting contributed to the growth both in grain yield and the content of hull in grain. Optimal temperature values were determined. These were usually lower than the mean ones for the investigation period, which suggests the diminished thermal requirements of oat. The rainfall at the level of 281.4 mm was found to be favourable to grain yield. That at the level of 258.4 mm caused the decrease in content of hull. At the 225 mm precipitation the mass of 1000 grains increased, and the proportion of offal diminished. The air temperatures and sums of of precipitation, determined as optimal for yielding and yield properties, were different at different stages of oat development.

Combining ability of crosses, which were obtained by crossing two groups of maize lines (each group consisted of 12 lines) with four testers was evaluated. The experiments were carried out using incomplete block design. Data were recorded on grain yield, dry matter content, smuttiness of plants and tillering. Analysis of GCA and SCA was made. Significant effects were detected for 1553-4 × K202xK208, 1560-17 × S41324A2 and 1481-7 × S245, 1560-5 × K186xK194 hybrids (TD1 experiment) and for 1587-1 × S41324A2 hybrid (TD2 experiment).

The aim of the study was to compare all possible formulas of maize hybrids obtained from the same inbred lines which had already been used to develop commercial hybrids. The experimental material consisted of 4 commercial hybrids: Blask, Grom, Wiarus, Wilga and 17 experimental hybrids obtained from the same or related lines. The material was divided into the following three groups: 1) commercial SC hybrids Blask and Grom and 7 related experimental hybrids, 2) commercial TC hybrid Wiarus and 8 related experimental hybrids, 3) commercial TC hybrid Wilga and 2 related experimental hybrids. The whole set of 21 hybrids was evaluated in 2003 and 2004 in grain trials at 3 locations. No hybrid was found to be better than the commercial hybrid Blask in the first group, but there were 3 experimental hybrids with grain yield comparable to the hybrid Grom. In the second set no significant differences among hybrids were found, although one hybrid was slightly better both in grain yield and dry matter content than the commercial hybrid Wiarus. As a modified three-way cross (MTC) it could be a handy and useful tool in seed production. In the third group neither of the single cross (SC) hybrids did exceed in yielding the commercial hybrid Wilga.

Species of Neotyphodium fungi are presented, such as N. lolii, N. coenophialum and N. uncinatum, living in systemic coexistence with Lolium perenne, Festuca pratensis and Festuca arundinacea. Their taxonomy, biology and the produced alkaloids are described. Beneficial and harmful effects of the grass and endophytes coexistence are shown. The results of research on the endophyte incidence and distribution in the world, Europe and Poland are presented. The necessity of intensification of research on the Neotyphodium fungi in Poland has been emphasized. Methods for endophytes detection in seed and plant are presented.

The history of the sugar beet in Poland can be shortly presented as follows: — the leaf strain (Beta cicla) reached Poland, earlier than Western Europe, probably as early as the pre-Piast era (before the 10th century), and originated from Bizantium, — the root strain of the garden breed (Beta vulgaris) reached Poland probably in the 16th century, — the Silesian sugar beet become common in Poland in the twenties of the 19th century. The sugar beet has caused a revolution in agriculture. Thanks to cultivating sugar beet, agriculture has begun to bring substantial profits. The first sugar mile in the Kingdom of Poland was established in 1826, in Częstocice. The vast development of sugar beet breeding and the progress in agricultural techniques resulted at the end of the 19th century in an over 17% sugar content in the sugar beet. The most intensive development in the production of sugar beet could be observed in the last 15 years. Production of sugar beet for sugar industry will be decreasing in the nearest future due to the overproduction of sugar and the strong competition from cane sugar.

Sugar beet breeding in Poland has got more than hundred years tradition and considerable achievements. When taking into account the methods applied, the history of sugar beet breeding can be divided into several periods. Until the half of last century the population methods of breeding multigerm diploid cultivars were used (mainly genealogical method with progenies evolution). In this way, the cultivar AJ-1, characterized by the highest content of sugar in the world, was bred. A significant increase in root and sugar yield was achieved by applying the method of tetraploid induction using colchicine treatments and creating sugar beet polyploid cultivars. The method was developed at our Institute. In this respect, the pioneer research works on tetraploids by A. Filutowicz and A. KuĹźdowicz should be mentioned. The greatest challenge for breeders was to develop a suitable method for creating monogerm triploid and diploid hybrids. This aim was reached after many years of very costly breeding work using cytoplasmic-genes male sterility lines. In monogerm hybrids a significant increase in root and sugar yield was obtained. This method is now commonly applied in Europe and in the USA. In this paper the main problems of breeding to be solved in the nearest future are outlined.

Monogerm diploid sugar beet varieties are hybrids between CMS lines and multigerm diploid pollinators. In creating sugar beet hybrids inbreeding is necessary to obtain suitable parental lines. These lines should possess valuable agronomic traits associated with a high combining ability. The investigations described in this paper are of great importance because of the recent tendency to produce diploid varieties that are comparable to triploid ones. The aim of the work was to select highly selfcompatible plants originated from a population as well as from pair crosses of diploid plants. In progenies coming from the population seed setting after self-pollination ranged from 2% to 25% in S1 generation, while in S2 generation it was 26.7%. In progenies originated from pair-crossed plants of the same origin seed setting of S1 generation varied in the range 2.6% to 66.7%, and from 4 to 36% in S2. In S1 a high proportion of seeds (15.9%) with only well developed pericarp was noted. Moreover, progenies of S2 generation showing a green-coloured hypocotyl were selected. These can be used for evaluating a crossing level and identifying selected lines.

The in vitro cultures of unpollinated ovules can be successfully used for obtaining dihaploids from tetraploid pollinators. Dihaploid lines from tetraploid pollinators give the feasibility to obtain a new variation from high heterozygous tetraploid materials. Ovules of tetraploid pollinators of sugar beet — N-type, ZN-type and Z-type were used as plant material in the studies. They were incubated on initial medium (MS) with 1 mg·l-1 BAP and 0.1 mg·l-1 NAA. A parental plant genotype affected the ability of gynogenesis. The percentage of plants obtained from ovules varied between 0.2 and 2%. The higher ability of plant regeneration was observed with ZN-type, the lower one was observed with Z-type and N-type. Analysis of ploidy levels of plants obtained from unpollinated ovules showed a 98.5% share of diploids and a 1.5% share of tetraploids. Dihaploid lines obtained from ovules of various genotypes differed in morphological traits.

Field trials were conducted in 2003 at Heuchelheim in the southwestern part and WĂśrbzig in the eastern part of Germany. In the vegetation period yield and quality of four sugar beet varieties were assessed under reinfed conditions and in the irrigated plots. Drought caused the decrease both in yield and technical quality of beet roots, mainly due to the accumulation of melassogenic compounds: sodium, α-amino N, betaine and inverted sugar. The varieties responded in a similar way to changes in soil water content. There were no interactions between beet genotypes and irrigation in relation to yield or the analyzed constituents. Thus, no genotypic differences were found to exist in the response of sugar beet to water supply.

The analysis was based on the results of varieties ranking which was carried out in the post-registration trials. The examined areas were divided into 3 homogenous groups using (Euclid’s square) as the measure of divergence. Low correlation coefficients indicated that there was no relation between the area of sugar beet growing and the plant productivity. The results indicate that sugar beet varieties cannot be regionalized only based on the average temperature and the amount of rain in the growing season.

In the years 2000–2002 investigations were conducted on 202 farm plantations of sugar beet cultivated in ŁódĹş voivodeship (sugar factory region — Dobrzelin and Leśmierz). Yields of roots and sugar content were evaluated in relation to: soil class, soil P2O5 and K2O contents, acidity, fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, forecrops, sowing date, plant density, secondary weed infestation and length of the vegetation period using multifactorial linear regression method. Determination coefficients R2 for root yield and sugar content were 41.1 and 16.7%, respectively. The factors that significantly affected root yield were as follows: plant density, soil class, nitrogen fertilization, date of sowing, pH of the soil, soil K2O and P2O5 contents. Sugar content was affected by plant density, K2O and P2O5 contents in soil, forecrop, harvest date and date of sowing.

The field experiment was conducted with applying split-plot method in four replications on medium textured soil. Two factors were examined: 1) stubble crop fertilization with or without ploughing down straw: 2) autumn-spring tillage system and manure fertilization. Autumn ploughing was performed in three plots, in plot 4 conservation tillage was done, and in plot 5 -spring ploughing. Manure fertilization in plots 1 and 2 was, respectively, 20 and 10 t/ha. Application of different tillage systems combined with two rates of manure fertilization and crop fertilization with or without ploughing down straw, as well as interactions of these factors, had no effect on biomass and biological sugar yield, leaf area ratio (LAR), assimilation area and a number of leaves per 1 dt of sugar. Leaf area index (LAI) was significantly determined by the first factor. A better effect of only stubble crop compared to stubble crop growing without ploughing down straw was observed. In the plots in which stubble crop had been left till spring the number of beet leaves needed to produce 1 dt of sugar was smaller than that in the plots in which traditional tillage was applied.

In the work, an estimation of the costs of sugar beet production in chosen private farms was attempted. The results of 130 surveys carried out in central-eastern Poland were utilized. Financial input per one hectare of sugar beet cultivation was calculated on the basis of current average prices of fertilizers, plant protection agents and fuel in the outlets operating in Siedlce and in the area of the town. In the surveyed farms, a high outlay and both fertilization and plant protection costs significantly and favourably influenced sugar beet root yield. The maximum level of direct surplus (5529.56 PLN) was obtained in the farm applying intensive fertilization and plant protection, in which the root yield was the highest (60 t·ha-1). The production profitability for assumed beet yields was very high (336%–380%). The fertilization level and plant protection determined the index of profitability.

The field experiments were carried out in the years 1997–1999 in randomized permanent plots (split-block design) with four replications. The first experimental factor was a variety of sugar beet: Sonja, Fontana and Evita. The second-rate factor was fertilization, applied in four variants: 1. control (O), 2. potassium at 160 kg K2O per 1 ha (K), 3. potassium, sodium and magnesium in a combination: 160 kg K2O+12 kg Na+14.4 kg Mg per 1 ha (KNaMg), and 4. potassium, sodium and the increased dose of magnesium in a combination: 160 kg K2O+12 kg Na+38.3 kg Mg per 1 ha (KNa3Mg). The yield of roots was very high, and amounted 71.7 t×ha-1. The effects of a variety and of potassium fertilizers on the yield of roots and leaves were greatly influenced by the weather conditions during the vegetation period. Production capabilities of the tested varieties (Fontana > Sonja > Evita) were best expressed under optimal water and nutrients conditions in 1997. That year, the average effects of fertilizers on the root yield were, irrespective of a variety, as follows: control (73 t×ha-1 = 100%) ≤ K (103.6%) < KNaMg (108.3%) ≤ KNa3Mg (111.8%). In contrast, in the years with unfavourable growth conditions, variety-fertilization interactions were strongly pronounced. Fertilization with sodium resulted in the increased root yields throughout the experiments, particularly in dry weather conditions in 1999.

The field experiments were carried out in 1997–1999 in randomized permanent plots (split-block design) with four replications. The first experimental factor was a sugar beet variety: Sonja, Fontana and Evita. The second-rate factor was fertilization, applied in four variants: 1. control (O), 2. potassium at 160 kg K2O per 1 ha (K), 3. potassium, sodium and magnesium in a combination: 160 kg K2O+12 kg Na+14.4 kg Mg per 1 ha (KNaMg), and 4. potassium, sodium and the increased dose of magnesium in a combination: 160 kg K2O+12 kg Na+38.3 kg Mg per 1 ha (KNa3Mg). The weather conditions during the vegetation period were the main factor influencing quality of sugar beet roots. According to sugar content, the varieties were classified as follows: Evita ≥ Sonja ≥ Fontana. The difference between cultivars Evita and Fontana was significant. No significant effect of fertilization with K, Na and Mg on sugar content was observed, although in treatments K and KNa3Mg this trait reached a higher level, as compared to the control, by 0.12% and 0.2%, respectively. The varieties showed different ways of creating their yields, as related to the quality features. Generally, the plants fertilized with KNaMg produced the highest yield of sugar.

The field experiments were conducted in the years 1997–1999 in randomized permanent plots (split-block design) with four replications. The first experimental factor was a sugar beet variety: Sonja, Fontana and Evita. The second-rate factor was fertilization, applied in four variants: 1. control (O), 2. potassium at 160 kg K2O per 1 ha (K), 3. potassium, sodium and magnesium in a combination: 160 kg K2O+12 kg Na+14.4 kg Mg per 1 ha (KNaMg), and 4. potassium, sodium and the increased dose of magnesium in a combination: 160 kg K2O+12 kg Na+38.3 kg Mg per 1 ha (KNa3Mg). Prognosis on yield and processing quality of roots was performed based on mineral composition of plant organs at different growth stages. The rate of specific macronutrients uptake was found to be the most useful estimate because of its good correlation with the yield of roots. Meanwhile, the calcium and magnesium contents of plants were the suitable measures to determine both quantity and quality features of the investigated varieties. These cations significantly increased sugar content, although they negatively affected root yield. Prognosis on sugar yield on the basis of mineral composition of plants or based on specific nutrient uptake was only feasible with the most productive var. Fontana, which showed significant relationships between sugar and root yields (R2= 60%).

To assess the effect of water conditions and K availability level on crops’ yields, the K-exhaustion type field experiment was established in 1991. In the years 1998–2000, the sugar beet, cultivar Mieszko was grown as a test crop. The experimental design comprised two levels of applied K (0, 150 kg K2O/ha) and four water treatments, i.e. control (C — rainfall only), irrigated to 70% FC (I), and 4 weeks drought periods imposed in July (D-I) or in August (D-II). The obtained results showed that long-term lack of K fertilization, even on soil rich in plant available potassium, resulted in about 20% yield of taproots decrease. Yield losses were due to both lower stock (by 11.4%) and lower plant mass (7.3%). The effects of water deficits on the K fertilized plots were much lower than on the K non-treated ones.

High quality of taproots is a major good in sugar beet production. Effect of some experimental factors on technological quality of roots and recoverable sugar yield was assessed. The three years results clearly showed that potassium content in roots was influenced by potassium fertilization and water supply conditions. With respect to quality parameters, the potassium fertilization increased row juice alkalinity and slightly raised sugar losses, but at the same time did not affect recoverable sugar content. Recoverable sugar yield significantly depended on the both experimental factors. Potassium fertilization increased yield of sugar by 21%. In comparison to natural water conditions (water control) irrigated plants produced by 13.4% more sugar. Simulated droughts imposed in July and August depressed yield of sugar yield by 17.4% and 19.2%, respectively.

Optimization of plant nutrition is one of main requirements in sugar beet production. The evaluation of nutritional status should be conducted at early stages of plant growth. The obtained results showed that in the period from the 4–6 leaves stage to the beginning of July, sugar beet plants non-fertilized with potassium produced lower biomass of both leaves and taproots. The main cause of this state was low content and uptake of both potassium and nitrogen. The data could be of diagnostic importance for yield prognosis of sugar beet taproots, provided that water conditions during summer vegetation were optimal. In the described experiment, such conditions occurred on the irrigated plots.

Precipitation is a basic natural factor in sugar beet production. The objective of the study was to assess agronomic and economic efficiency of applied potassium under diversified (simulated) water conditions. Experimentally established total sums of water reaching surface of plant’s canopy and their distribution during vegetation, exerted a significant, effect on yield of beet plants. The average, over years, total sum of water, and productivity of 1 mm of the supplied water in 1999, explained in 97% the variability of sugar beet yields. As a result, the obtained values of gross revenue and net return were determined by the water conditions. Effect of potassium application on all the studied agronomic and economic parameters showed year to year variability. Effects of potassium application were higher in the years with optimal water condition, than in the dry year.

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of different rates of compost and nitrogen on yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots. Four field experiments were carried out in split-plot design in three replications in 2001–2002. The following experimental factors were evaluated: (I) compost rate: 0, 10, 20, 40 t·ha-1, (II) nitrogen rate: 0, 90, 150 kg/ha. Yields of sugar beet roots were high and ranged from 68.7 t·ha-1 to 91 t·ha-1. The effect of the experimental factors on yield was dependent on agricultural environment. Compost and nitrogen fertilization did not have significant influence on sugar beet roots in 2001, when experiments were carried out on light textured soil as well as in 2002, when sugar beet was cultivated on heavy textured soil. No significant effects of compost and nitrogen fertilization on technological yield of sugar were found. Sugar content of roots depended on the level of nitrogen fertilization, whereas compost rates did not influence either this parameter or content of molasses in roots.

The field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Station Brody in 2001–2002. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of different rates of compost and nitrogen on content and uptake of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and to show the influence of these microelements on yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots. Microelement content of sugar beet leaves and roots depended on experimental factors, stands, element analyzed and year of investigations. Significant increase in Zn content of leaves and roots was only found when 40 t·ha-1 of compost on heavy textured soil was applied. The Cu content of sugar beet leaves and roots was relatively small. Significant increase in content of this element in roots, compared to the control was only recorded in the plot with 40 t·ha-1 of compost. The increase of Zn content was more pronounced in roots than in leaves, while Cu, Mn and Fe were essentially accumulated in leaves. Even the highest compost dose (40 t·ha-1) did not cause the Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn contents of leaves and roots to exceed the limit value. Significant correlation between the yield of sugar beet and the increase in Zn total uptake on light textured soil, and in Mn and Fe total uptake on heavy textured soil, was stated.

The difficult economic situation of sugar beet production in Poland creates a necessity of inputs minimalization to improve effectiveness of the crop cultivation. The presented results come from a statical three crop experiment carried out in the Warsaw Agricultural Academy (SGGW) Research Institute in Chylice in the years 2000–2002. Two kinds of organic manure (cow dung, straw + phacelia intercrop, control without manure) and five doses of mineral nitrogen (0, 60, 90, 120, 180 kg ha-1) were applied. The direct surplus economic category was used in effectiveness estimation of the investigated fertilization variants. The analysis revealed the best effectiveness at the use of cow dung (30 t×ha-1) and mineral nitrogen in the dose of 120 kg×ha-1.

The research aimed at evaluation of the effect of biomass of undersown cover crop (the control treatment without organic mass, farmyard manure, undersown cover crop: black medic, Westerwold ryegrass, black medic + Westerwold ryegrass) and barley straw (the treatment without straw and the treatment with straw application) on weed infestation of sugar beet field. The field experiment was carried out in the split-block design with three replications, at the Experimental Farm in Zawady, on a cereal-fodder strong soil, in the years 1997–2000. Species composition, number of weeds and their air dry weight were studied after sugar beet germination and at the harvest date. Sugar beet weed infestation was significantly lower in the combinations including organic fertilization, when compared with the control treatment. The effect of biomass of the mixture of black medic and Westerwold ryegrass, which limited the weed infestation of sugar beet after its germination, was similar to the effect of farmyard manure and even more favourable at the harvest time. After sugar beet germination, the dominating weed species were: Agropyron repens, Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli, Galium aparine, Viola arvensis. At the sugar beet harvest date, Agropyron repens, Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Solanum nigrum, Stellaria media, were found on most of the experimental plots.

In the years 1997–2000, the studies were carried out on the effect of biomass of undersown cover crop compared with farmyard manure (the control treatment without organic mass, farmyard manure, undersown cover crop: black medic, Westerwolds ryegrass, black medic + Westerwolds ryegrass) and barley straw (the treatment without straw and the treatment with straw application) on yield and quality characteristics of sugar beet roots. The field experiment was set up in the split-block design with three replications. In most cases, sugar beet fertilization with farmyard manure and biomass of undersown cover crop, in comparison with the combinations without organic fertilization, increased the sugar root and leaf yield, root weight, length and diameter as well as the protrusion of roots. The straw application significantly increased leaf yield and protrusion of roots. The impact of the biomass of black medic and the mixture of black medic and Westerwold ryegrass on the yield of sugar beet roots and leaves as well as on the weight, length and protrusion of roots was similar to the effect of farmyard manure. The sugar and sodium content in the sugar beet roots did not depend on the applied fertilization. The alpha-amino nitrogen in the sugar beet roots obtained from the combinations fertilized with farmyard manure and the biomass of undersown cover crop was significantly higher compared with the control treatment. The fertilization with the biomass of black medic and Westerwold ryegrass significantly increased potassium content in the sugar beet roots compared with the control treatment.

The long-term storage of sugar beet seeds was started in 1981. Seed samples with moisture content about 7% were vacuum packed in glass containers and placed in a chamber at -15°C in Gene Bank in RadzikĂłw. Seed viability of accessions was determined by germination test before the long-term storage and in the years 1989, 2001 and 2002, according to the ISTA rules. Some of the oldest beet accessions (from 1981–1992) were evaluated for seed germination capacity. Mean germination percentage, variability coefficient (V) and germination index were evaluated. The highest germination indices after 20 years of long-term storage were found for the breeding material M-105 2x (172.0) and for the Dieckmann 7920 cultivar (130.6) after 19 years. The analysis of the results confirmed efficiency of the applied method of long-term storage. All the tested materials revealed good germination though differences in seed germination capacity were observed between the accessions.

Five resistant varieties of sugar beet and one susceptible one, grown on an infected field, were examined in respect of virus content in roots and technological value of roots. The virus BNYVV was detected in all varieties, but the level of its content was differentiated. The highest value of extinction was noted for the susceptible variety. The susceptible variety showed also the worst technological parameters — sugar content was about 2% decreased.

The yield structure (stems, leaves, roots and rhizomes) of the Miscanthus grass was determined in a field experiment, after two years of cultivation. Five clones (two diploids: No 1 and No 19, and three triploids: No 53, No 63 and POL) were tested at two levels of fertilization: 1) control and 2) N60P50K100 per year. After harvest, dry matter of the analyzed parts was determined. The highest yields of the aboveground and underground parts were recorded for the clone No 19, the lowest ones for the clone POL. The NPK fertilization decreased yield of the underground parts of all the investigated clones. The mean energetic value of the aboveground parts dry mass reached 17.25 MJ×kg-1 for all the investigated clones.

Biomass production for the renewable energy purposes becomes more and more interesting for farmers. Both annual and perennial species may be cultivated as the energy plants. In Western Europe, some fast growing perennial grass species with high yield potential have been put into practice. The Miscanthus sacchariflorus and Spartina pectinata are among these plants, they are also under investigation in the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Zamość. As the results show, the both species are very well adapted to the Polish climate conditions. Their yields are considerable even at extensive cultivation without mineral fertilization. The Spartina is tolerant to extreme soil conditions, the Miscanthus shows higher yield potential on fertile soils. The grass biomass can be used for energy production in the combustion process (after transformation into briquettes or pellets). The Miscanthus calorific value amounts to about 19 MJ/kg and the one for Spartina is about 17 MJ/kg. Another possible way of energy production from the fast growing grasses is methane fermentation.

The ensilage suitability of different C-4 grass species and varieties was evaluated on the basis of following chemical analyses: dry and organic matter content, crude fibre and crude protein content, nitrogen-free extracts, structural carbohydrates — NDF (neutral detergent fraction) and ADF (acid detergent fraction) according to standardized methodology (AOAC, 1995), sugar acc. to Lane-Eynon with modifications after Nizowkin and Jamialinowa (Ładoński and Gospodarek, 1986), buffering capacity of green forage and fermentation index (Weissbach, 1992, 1998). As a result of the above it was concluded that the C-4 grass species and varieties showed higher dry matter content and lower crude protein content as compared to the native C-3 grasses. The major dry matter components of grass forage were structural carbohydrates fraction (NDF, ADF). Despite of lower water soluble carbohydrates content (excl. Miscanthus sacchariflorus) the C-4 grass green forage ensiled quite easily. Due to high content of structural carbohydrates fraction in C-4 grass green forage it is necessary to ensile early collected forage and use chemical and enzymatic compounds.

The research aimed at recognition in effects of various amounts of sludge-and-ash or ash-and-peat mixtures on yield and heavy metals content in a mixture of grasses with bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). The studies were conducted as a pot experiment on a mineral soil with 1–30% additions of sludge-and-ash or ash-and-peat mixtures. The experimental design included also the constituents of the substrat mixtures as the separate objects. Plant mixture yield ranged between 4.98 and 38.89 g of dry matter per pot, depending on a soil composition and time of harvest (three cuts were applied). The highest yield was produced by the object of 30% addition of sludge-and-ash mixture and the lowest one — by the pure peat substratum. Heavy metals content was variable and dependent on soil composition. The highest Cr concentrations were detected in the object of 30% addition of  sludge-and-ash mixture, Cu and Zn were most plentiful in the object of sole sewage sludge and the highest Pb content was in the objects grown on the sole ash or sludge-and-ash mixture. The Cd concentrations were most elevated in the plant objects grown on the soil with 30% sludge-and-ash or ash-and-peat admixtures. The Ni element was most abundant in the object of 1% addition of ash-and-peat mixture. The Cd content in plant mixture yield increased with increasing percentage of sludge-and-ash or sludge-and-peat mixtures in the soil, while the concentations of Ni, Cu and Zn declined.

Quality parameters were evaluated for strains and check cultivars of winter wheat from breeding trials of the years 1997–1999. The following coefficients were estimated: for variability (CV%), phenotypic variability (CVp), genotypic variability (CVg) and heritability (H) for the following characters: falling number, protein content, water absorption, dough development time, stability of dough, quality number, degree of softening, gluten content, gluten index, volume of bread, estimated crumb of bread and flour yield. The interaction effect of objects with localities was the highest for dough development time and gluten content. The expressed heritability was high for gluten index and sedimentation value.

Yields of nine cultivars of winter wheat were evaluated in post-registration (recommended list) trials in Lower Silesia in the years 1999–2001.The experiments were conducted in standard and intensive cropping systems at six locations differing in weather and soil conditions. The cultivars Kobra and Jawa were the best yielder in both systems, whereas cv. Sakwa gave high yields in a standard system. The low level of nitrogen fertilization and the lack of fungicides resulted in low yields of cultivars Mikon, Roma and Elena in a standard cropping system. Discriminate analysis revealed the influence of environmental conditions (locations) upon yield variation. The cultivars yielded significantly higher on high fertility soils designated as „wheat and very good rye complex” (soils suitable for growing wheat and rye).

In the years 2000–2001 the experiments were conducted on the effects of N fertilizer rates and application methods on the yield structure, grain yield and its quality of two winter wheat cultivars — Kobra and Roma. N granulate influenced the yield structure and quantity of the two cultivars. Foliar urea supplementation was ineffective considering the yield quantity. The two cultivars on the stand after rape exhibited a significant yield increase at the N- rate of 40 kg/ha, in comparison with the control. The rate of 80 kg N/ha (40 applied at the beginning of the growing season + 40 at the shooting stage) as compared to the rate of 40 kg/ha proved to be more efficient for Kobra than for Roma cultivar. The N rate increased to 120 kg/ha did not show any significant effect on the yield parameters under investigation. Foliar N application improved the protein content of wheat grain, glassiness and sedimentation index.

The effect of three herbicides on seed sowing value and chemical composition of grain was studied in winter wheat, spring barley and spring triticale. The following herbicides (and their doses per ha) were used: Aminopielik D (3.1 l), Chwastox D (3 l for barley and triticale, 5 l for wheat) and Granstar 75 DF (20 g). The residues of herbicides’ active substances in seed were analysed either. Untreated plots served as controls. All the herbicides reduced germination percentage of the first count in all the cereals, but there were no differences in the final percentage of germination. Aminopielik D and Chwastox D significantly increased protein and gluten content in the wheat seed. Aminopielik rised also protein and lysine content in seed of the triticale. However, none of the herbicides influenced protein, starch and fibre content in the barley seed. The protein and starch contents were variable in years as dependent on weather conditions of the vegetation seasons. Seed of all cereals did not contain residues of active substances of the used chemicals.

The influence of three herbicides: Aminopielik D (3 l per ha), Chwastox D (3 l/ha in barley and triticale; 5 l/ha in wheat) and Granstar 75 DF (20 g/ha) on yield and some morphological traits of three cereals: winter wheat cv. Almari, spring barley cv. Edgar and spring triticale cv. Migo was studied in field trials in the years 1994–1996. The experiments were conducted on degraded chernozem, classified as a very good wheat soil type, using the complete randomized blocks design with three replicates. All the applied herbicides limited weed growth in all the studied cereals, which resulted in higher number of earing stems and higher yields in relation to the control (untreated) objects. The highest advantages were noted when Granstar 75 DF was applied on wheat and triticale; the yields increased to 4.59 and 3.40 t/ha, respectively. Application of Aminopielik D in wheat gave an increase of 4.36 t/ha and Chwastox D in triticale produced a surplus of 2.85 t/ha. The respective yields of controls amounted 3.80 and 2.26 t/ha. In the case of barley, the highest yield was achieved when Aminopielik D or Granstar 75 DF were used. All the herbicides reduced height of earing stems in all the cereals, except for Granstar 75 DF in barley and triticale, and influenced positively ear length, number of kernels per ear and thousand kernels weight.