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A series of field experiments on optimization of N-fertilization in sugar beet were carried out in 1998–2000 for various in mulch cultivation systems [stubble mulch (SM), white mustard green mulch (WMM), phacelia green mulch (PhM)]. These systems were compared to the classical one, i.e. including ploughing and farmyward manure (FM). Goals of sugar beets cultivation, i.e. yield of roots, biological sugar, recoverable sugar and net return highly responded to the applied N rates. However, the type of the cultivation system affected the optimum N rate more deeply than the management goals. The maximal yields of roots, resulting from the assessed cultivation systems, was the main factor affecting sugar beet profitability and increased in the following order: SM £ WMM £ PhM < FM. The same order of the net return response to N rates was found. With respect to the optimum N rate, two groups of goals were established, the first one characterized by higher Nopt. rate, comprised yield of roots and the second one with lower Nopt. rate — yield of recoverable sugar and net return.

In 1998–2000 field experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the effect of four tillage systems (classical — ploughing + farmyard manure OB., stubble mulch MS, white mustard green mulch MG and phacelia green mulch MF) on Cu and Zn uptake under the differentiated rates of N fertilization (0, 60, 120, 180 kg N/ha). It was found that the tillage system influenced only Cu content in leaves. The total uptake of Cu and Zn was significantly influenced by N rates. It was stated that higher N rate, the lower impact of tillage system on Cu and Zn uptake could be expected. The specific Cu uptake of sugar beet fertilized with 120 and 180 kg N/ha showed high positive effect on sugar content. The content of Cu in leaves, at technological maturity of roots, significantly correlated with sugar content in roots and determination coefficient R2 increased parallel to increasing N rates.

Three-year (1999–2001) field experiments were carried out in Wielkopolska region (Poland) in order to determine the yielding efficiency of three multicomponent fertilizers, namely: fertilizer mixture (0–12–20), mixed fertilizer — blending (6–16–26) and complex fertilizer (6–20–30). Fertilizer rates were properly balanced for the N, P and K as follows: 150 kg N/ha (in ammonium-calcium saltpeter form), 60 kg P2O5/ha and 100 kg K2O/ha, respectively. It was found that root yield and sugar yield were strongly influenced by weather conditions, whereas the application of multicomponent fertilizers was observed to be secondary factor in sugar beet production. The overall analysis of the tested NPK fertilizers revealed that the highest yielding efficiency resulted from the application of the 0–12–20 fertilizer mixture. Such effect can be attributed to the occurrence of sulfur in simple superphosphate. The application of this fertilizer allowed to reach a high technological quality of sugar beet roots. Fertilizer type influenced more content of the amino-alpha N and K in the root pulp and to a lesser extent the sugar content. The significance of molasses-forming elements in the technological sugar yield formation decreased accordingly: K > Na > amino-alpha N.

The effect of potassium fertilization on yield and quality parameters of sugar beet roots was investigated in a three years field experiment. The following factors were studied: three cultivars (Nilla, Merlin, Fontana) and three potassium fertilizers (K, K + Na + 1 Mg, K + Na + 2 Mg). The potassium rate amounted 160 kg K2O×ha-1. In two fertilization treatments sodium and magnesium were applied additionally: 12 kg Na + 24 kg MgO (K + Na + 1 Mg) and 12 kg Na + 51 kg MgO (K + Na + 2 Mg)×ha-1. The differences related to the factors depended on weather conditions over a vegetation period. The highest technological quality of roots was observed in treatments with the K + Na + 1 Mg fertilization.

A three-year field experiment was established in order to assess the effect of  potassium, sodium and magnesium fertilization (K, K + Na + 1 Mg, K + Na + 2 Mg) on the content and uptake of macronutrients by three sugar beet varieties (Nilla, Merlin, Kristall). Potassium rate amounted to 160 kg K2O×ha-1. In two fertilization treatments sodium and magnesium were applied additionally: 12 kg Na + 24 kg MgO (K + Na + 1 Mg) and 12 kg Na + 51 kg MgO (K + Na + 2 Mg)×ha-1. The differences between varieties depended on weather conditions over a vegetation period. Magnesium and sodium uptake depended on the interaction between sugar beet varieties and fertilizers. Yields of roots and sugar of the Nilla and Kristall varieties correlated positively with magnesium uptake, but negatively with sodium and calcium uptake. Nitrogen uptake influenced yield of tops, mainly.

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of potassium, sodium and magnesium fertilization (K, K + Na + 1 Mg, K + Na + 2 Mg) on root yield, quality parameters and uptake of macronutrients by two sugar beet varieties (Fontana, Marathon). The experiment was carried out in the years 1998–2000. Potassium rate, irrespective of the fertilization variants, amounted to 140 kg K2O×ha-1. In two fertilization treatments sodium and magnesium were applied additionally: 10,5 kg Na + 21 kg MgO (K + Na + 1 Mg) and 10,5 kg Na + 48 kg MgO (K + Na + 2 Mg)×ha-1. Root and sugar yields were not significantly affected by the tested varieties. In the year characterized by optimal weather conditions, higher yields were harvested from the plots fertilized only with K. In the years with less favourable growth conditions, higher yields were obtained from the plots fertilized with K together with Na and Mg. Recoverable sugar yield depended mainly on roots biomass, and less so, on polarimetric sugar content. Nitrogen taken up by the final yield influenced significantly yields of recoverable sugar.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of foliar application of titanium ascorbate on yield and quality of sugar beet roots. In the three consecutive growing seasons (1998–2001), nine field trials were set up in the Wielkopolska and Kujawy regions. A comparison was made between controls (NPK) and objects receiving additionally two titanium treatments: at the 6th leaf stage and repeated 10 days later. A roots yield increase of 9% and recoverable sugar yield of 12% has been observed as the affect of titanium ascorbate application, irrespective of location. This fertilization has not influenced the content of molasses forming substances.

The results of investigations are based on static field experiment carried out at Experimental Field Station of Warsaw Agricultural University — Chylice in 2000–2001. Technological value of roots expressed in content of sucrose, N-α-NH2, K, Na, pure sugar and efficiency of sugar in relation to roots mass (fractions: <200; 201–800; 801–1400; 1401–2000 and >2000 g ) is presented in this paper. The obtained results showed that roots with mass in the range of 201–1400 g were characterize by highest sucrose content, pure sugar and sugar output. The large roots and to some extend roots below 200 g were characterized by less desirable technological properties. The important factor determining technological value of beet roots was weather conditions during growing season. Content of N-α-NH2, K, Na was higher in 2000. It results from unequal falls distribution, drought in April — June and excessive falls in July. Such a weather conditions favoured development of leaves, what could have undesirable influence on increase of molasses forming components, mainly detrimental nitrogen in roots in comparison to 2001.

The influence of irrigation, foliar fertilization and nitrogen application on seed yields and economic effects of sugar beet cultivation was investigated in 1998–2000. Irrigation increased seed yield by 0.56 t×ha-1 and crop value by 3959 PLN/ha. The increment of 3.2 kg of seeds per 1mm of irrigation water was achieved. Regression equations showed that the highest yield under non-irrigated conditions was obtained at the dose of 230.5 kg N×ha-1. Under irrigation the yields increased in simple linear way up to the highest nitrogen dose (240 kg N×ha-1). Irrigation enhanced productivity of 1 kg N and value of yield increase per 1 PLN spent on fertilizer. Foliar fertilization had no effect on seed yield.

Sugar beet seed quality became of great importance after monogerm varieties have been developed and introduced on industrial scale enabling the mechanization of this crop. In Western Europe seed are drilled in distance of 18–20 cm within the row. In Poland about 95% of the acreage is drilled in similar way. Seeds should meet certain requirements, they should have high laboratory germination and high field emergence to provide about 90.000 plants/ha. Climatic conditions in Poland (temperatures and rainfall distributions) have not been too favourable for a high quality seed production. The aim of the study was to compare seed quality of three sugar beet varieties reproduced in three sites in Poland and in three South European countries. Seed quality was assessed on the basis of laboratory germination and field emergence. It has been shown that seeds of all varieties reproduced in Italy, France and Greece exceeded those reproduced in Poland in respect of the laboratory, germination and field emergence with the exception of one site in Poland, viz. Elbląg. Seed quality produced at this site was comparable with those from the above mentioned countries.

In 1996–1998 soil samples were taken from sugar beet seed plantations (in stage of developed seed stalk) in main regions of reproduction in Poland. Differences in soil mechanical composition, pH, humus, nutrient and total nitrogen content were stated. Data of rainfalls, air temperatures and insolation were tabulated. The highest rainfalls and temperatures were in 1998. The hydrothermal coefficients were calculated and dry periods were indicated in all the years of study. Seed samples were taken next sorted  into fractions < 3.50; 3.50–4.50, and > 4.50 mm and analyzed in chemical laboratory. In 1996 and 1997 the macronutrient content was diversified in pericarp and seed of fruits with the 3.50–4.50 mm diameter. Correlations were found between macronutrient content in soil and that in sugar beet seeds.

In 1996–1998 analyses were carried out of seeds from sugar beet seed plantations localized in main reproduction regions of this crop in Poland. As a result of laboratory analysis we found significant diversity of vigour, lab germination, share of empty and ungerminated full seeds, radicles health and fresh weight of sprouts depending on weather conditions and localization of seed reproduction. Correlations were estimated between soil and climatic conditions of reproduction sites and elements of seeds sowing value as well as between individual elements of seed quality.

Field experiments with sugar beet were carried out on grey podsolic soil in the years 1997–1999. The used seeds were reproduced in main reproduction regions of this crop in Poland in the last preceding years. Emergence coefficient, quantity and structure of sugar beet yield, content of sugar, a-NH2-N, K and Na, technological sugar yield and consumption of roots per 1 t of sugar were estimated. The highest yield, sugar content and the lowest content of a-NH2-N were obtained from seeds reproduced in 1997. We found significant differences between seed reproduction sites for seeds from 1998. Correlation coefficients between seed sowing value and quantity and quality of sugar beet roots were calculated.

The influence of irrigation, foliar fertilization and nitrogen application on root yields and economic effects of sugar beet cultivation was investigated in 1997–2000. Irrigation increased root yield by 8.65 t×ha-1 (17.31%) and leaves by 3.49 t×ha-1 (13.7%). The increment of 62.7 kg of roots per 1mm of irrigation water was achieved. The optimum nitrogen dose for root yield under non-irrigated conditions was 186.0 kg N; under irrigation 201.8 kg N. However, optimum economic dose of nitrogen fertilization were lower by 23.8 and 14.6 kg N×ha-1 respectively. Irrigation caused increase of productivity of 1 kg N applied and value of root yield increase per 1 PLN spent on fertilizer. Relationship between fertilizer and roots price had insignificant effect on optimum economic nitrogen dose.

The sugar beet yield levels, root mass structure and some technological value parameters of the raw material were determined in the studies on foliage application of sodium chloride, at concentrations 2, 6 and 12%, sprayed in the first decades of July, August and September, on the varieties Kristall, Atair and PN Mono 4. Sodium chloride sprayed on leaves influenced positively the yield level of sugar beet foliage and roots, root mass structure and biological and technological yield of sugar. The concentrations and dates of sodium chloride application significantly affected the root mass structure and technological value. Sodium chloride of 12% concentration increased dry mass, ash and alpha-amine nitrogen contents, but did not affect the concentration of sugar and its yield. Sodium contained in roots affected their yield positively and significantly, but had a negative influence on the content of sugar and its yield. Increasing doses of sodium chloride induced increased concentration of nitrogen, potassium and sodium in the roots, and decreased the concentration of phosphorus and magnesium.

The paper presents results regarding the relation between number of mechanical cultivation measures in sugar beet cultivation and the content of nutrients and mineral components in roots and leaves. The effect of agricultural level on growth, nutrients and mineral components changes was analyzed too. It has been proven that content of nutrients and mineral components depended mostly on whether conditions. The intensive cultivation changed only crude fat content in leaves. Weed control from emergence to shading the ground phase had a positive influence on the content of nitrogen free extract in roots as well as on the content of crude fat in leaves.

During the years 1992–1995 a research was conducted on 187 production plantations of sugar beet located in Podlasian voivodship (near sugar factory — Łapy) and during the period of 2000–2001 — on 155 ones situated in ŁódĹş voivodship (near factories: Dobrzelin and Leśmierz). Yields of roots and sugar content were evaluated, in dependence on 3 soil factors — pH, phosphorus and potassium contents and NPK fertilization. Arithmetic means for the analyzed features were calculated from the frequency distributions for various level intervals of the factors. Furthermore, relationships between root yield or sugar content and the analyzed factors were evaluated using the linear factorial regression analysis. The yield of root was more intensely determined by the specified factors (R2 = 0.27) than the sugar content (R2 = 0.10). All the analyzed factors significantly affected root yield and the highest effect was exerted by soil pH (36.6%), nitrogen fertilization (19.3%) and potassium fertilization (13.5%). The sugar content significantly depended only on soil pH and nitrogen and potassium rates, the factors contributed jointly with 80.9% to the total variability of this feature.

Sugar beet response to varying soil compaction under different organic fertilization (manure and stubble crop) was compared in a field experiment. For compacting of the soil a flat roller of 1.7 t weight was used during the sowing period. The conventional tillage modifications during sowing such as rolling once, two or three times affected only slightly emergence, plant stand and sugar beet yielding. Sugar beet can be grown successfully on compacted soil, particularly after a stubble crop ploughed under.

The field experiment in split block design with three replications was carried out during 1993–1996 at the Agricultural Experimental Stations in Zawady on the soil of strong grain-pasture complex. The following traits were studied: mass of overploughed cover crop (after harvest residues or whole biomass) and the form of organic fertilization (control without organic fertilization, farmyard manure, undersown cover crops: red clover, back medic, Italian ryegrass and red clover + Italian ryegrass, back medic + Italian ryegrass). The amount of macrocomponents accumulated in applied organic mass as well as the effect of ploughed in biomass of cover crop and form of organic fertilizer on field emergence, final plant stand, yield of roots and leaves, biological and technological sugar yields were evaluated. Seed germination, plant stand and yield of sugar depended on the mass of overploughed cover crop and a form of organic fertilizer. Fertilization of sugar beet plants with whole biomass of cover crop, in comparison with after harvest residues, caused significant increase of roots, leaves and biological sugar yields, decreased field emergence and final plant stand but did not diversified technological sugar yield. After harvest residues of mixture of leguminous plants with ryegrass and a whole biomass of the studied cover crops, substituted farmyard manure without decrease of sugar beet roots yield.

In 1993–1996 two factorial field experiment was carried out in order to study the influence of ploughed in biomass of cover crop (after harvest residues or whole biomass) and the form of organic fertilization (control without organic fertilization, farmyard manure, undersown cover crops: red clover, back medic, Italian ryegrass and red clover + Italian ryegrass, back medic + Italian ryegrass) on technological quality of sugar beet roots. The comparison of the effect of farmyard and green manure composed of cover crops on sugar beet root quality was also assessed. Ploughing in whole biomass of cover crop in comparison with after harvest residues, resulted in significant increase of soluble ash (0.021%), potassium (0.21 mval×100g-1), alfa-amino nitrogen (0.21 mval×100g-1) in sugar beet roots as well as caused the increase of deformed roots (1.4%) and decrease of sugar content (0.13%) and alkalinity coefficient (0.04). Independently of the amount of ploughed in biomass of cover crop, applied forms of organic fertilizers, in comparison with control, resulted for most cases in increase of sugar content, soluble ash and molasses producing components and decrease of alkalinity coefficient and share of deformed roots. The amount of sugar in sugar beet fertilized with farmyard manure did not differ significantly from that one in roots fertilized with after harvest residues of leguminous plants with ryegrass and after harvest residues as well as whole biomass of Italian ryegrass.

In the paper the results of an experiment are presented which objective was to compare effects of different tillage methods on selected traits of soil structure. The field experiment was conducted in 1994–2000, according to the randomized blocks method in four replicates, on a medium soil. There were three treatments in the experiment. The control treatment was the object on which traditional tillage of sugar beet was performed. In the second treatment stubble crop was introduced and in the third one plowing was replaced by direct drilling. Before the harvest of sugar beet, soil samples were collected from 0–5 and 5–30 cm soil layers and weighed mean of soil aggregate diameter was determined (MWDa). After sieving wet samples using the Bakszajew method weighed mean of soil aggregate diameter (MWDg), waterproofness (WOD) and waterprofness constant (K) indices were determined. Using a stubble crop before sugar beet increased weighed mean of soil aggregate diameter but reduced waterproofness of the aggregates and soil structure index. In all tillage treatments the 0-5 cm soil layer had the highest mean of soil aggregate diameter (MWDa and MWDg).

In order to investigate effects of various active ingredients of herbicides for broadleaf weed control (phenmedipham, desmedipham, ethophumesate, chloridazon, chlopyralid, metamitron), field experiments were carried out with sugar beet at the Institute of Plant Protection, Poznań, during the last 15 years. At the beginning, all the herbicides were applied separately, later in mixtures. The original guidelines recommended two sprays: immediately after sowing and not earlier than at the two leaves stage. In the middle 80’s the studies had begun on new ways of the herbicides application. The same active ingredients were investigated at different rates and growth stages. The reduction of the applied doses, in three treatments, prevented phytotoxicity and the weed control was successful during the earliest eight weeks of the crop growing, until soil was covered. The method resulted in remarkable economical profits.

In the field experiment carried out in the years 1996–1998 on the rendzina the influence of nitrogen doses (90 and 120 kg/ha), date of their application (twice and three times) as well as three ways of weeds control on sugar beet yield was investigated. It was stated that on rendzina the optimum nitrogen dose for sugar beets was 90 kg/ha. However dividing of the nitrogen doses into three parts and its applying in different dates gives the same effect in the form of root yield as nitrogen fertilizing in two dates. Different ways of weed control, compared in the experiment turned out equally effective. Nevertheless, joint chemical and mechanical weed control resulted in a slightly higher root yield than the chemical one. The tested experimental factors had no significant effect on the technological value of sugar beet roots.

The effect of different postharvest and pre-winter tillage methods on yielding of sugar beet on rendzina was studied in 1999–2001. The following tillage variants were compared: a) skimming + harrowing, pre-winter ploughing (28 cm), b) cultivating + harrowing, pre-winter ploughing (28 cm), c) skimming + harrowing, subsoiling (about 35–40 cm), pre-winter ploughing (about 20 cm), d) cultivating + harrowing, subsoiling (about 35–40 cm), pre-winter ploughing (about 20 cm). It was found that the tillage methods did not modify significantly both the yields and biometrical sugar beet root characteristics. However, the tillage comprising skimming, subsoiling and shallowed pre-winter ploughing turned out to be more profitable to sugar beet yield, compared to other variants.

In the years 1994–1997, a field experiment was carried out on sugar beet cultivation. The nutritional effects of two after crops (horse bean and white mustard) were compared against the manure effect, with diversified nitrogen doses per ha: 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg. The largest amount of organic matter and nitrogen was put into the soil with manure, and the smallest with mustard. During vegetation soil samples were taken from 40 cm soil layer 4 times at 2-month intervals in order to determine the content of mineral nitrogen. At beet technical maturity the yields of roots and leaves were determined, as well as sugar content in roots and general nitrogen in roots and leaves. Of the organic fertilizers compared, the largest amount of nitrogen was found in the soil where bean was ploughed over. Irrespective of organic fertilization and nitrogen dose, the largest amount of mineral nitrogen was found in the second soil sampling (June), which was followed by a distinct drop in the successive soil samplings. Of the organic fertilizers tested, horse bean was found to affect the yield of roots and leaves most favourably. Comparison of the effects of nitrogen on yield has revealed that the highest yield of roots and sugar was obtained with the largest dose of nitrogen. When compared with the 120 kg dose, the yield increase was, however, on the verge of significance. Nitrogen accumulation in the yield of roots and leaves varied between 180 kg (control) and 292 kg after 180 kg of nitrogen per ha.

In this paper the results of tests of soil density and penetration resistance in various sugar beet production systems (traditional, conservation and no-tillage) are presented. The measurement were performed at early stage of growth and root system development on light sandy soil with moisture 4–5%. Density and penetration resistance up to depth of 35 cm were evaluated for the soil between plant rows with ruts caused by tractor wheels during the sowing and between rows free of these ruts. It was stated that analyzed cultivation practices and wheel ruts were the major factors that changed soil properties. The simplification in production systems caused the increase of soil density and penetration resistance. Additionally, soil compaction become worse between plant rows with tractor wheels ruts in all production technologies.

In 1996–1999, selected physical soil properties on sugar beet plantations cultivated with traditional method and on white mustard and oil radish mulch were recorded. Experiments were carried out on different soil and climatic conditions, at the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship at three locations: Minikowo — on grey podsolic soil, Lipie — on chernozem soil and Kokocko — on alluvial soil. Location and years affected actual moisture of soil and its density. Sugar beet cultivation on mulch from white mustard and oil radish influenced positively physical soil (reduction of soil density and compactness), however no effect on actual soil moisture was observed in comparison with traditional cultivation method.

In 1996–1999, field emergence, plant population and yield of sugar beet cultivated with traditional method and on mulch with white mustard and oil radish were evaluated. Experiments were carried out at three locations of the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship: Minikowo — on grey podsolic soil, Lipie — on chernozem soil and Kokocko — on alluvial soil. White mustard mulch and oil radish mulch caused the decrease of emergence and beet stand but had no effect on root and recoverable sugar yield in comparison to traditional cultivation system. Locations and test years differentiated significantly emergence, beet stand, root and recoverable sugar yields. The highest yields were obtained on chernozem soil (Lipie), but emergence and final beet stand on alluvial soil (Kokocko). The most favourable conditions for emergence, beet stand and root yield were in 1998 and for recoverable sugar in 1999.

The assessment of technological quality of sugar beet cultivated with traditional method and on white mustard mulch as well as on oil radish mulch was done in 1996–1999. The field experiments were carried at three locations of the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship: Minikowo — on grey podsolic soil. Lipie — on chernozem soil and Kokocko — on alluvial soil. Sugar beet cultivation on mulch from white mustard and oil radish had no effect on sugar, K and Na content in roots and alkalinity coefficient as wells. Trials localization significantly modified content of sugar, a-NH2-N, K and Na content in roots and alkalinity coefficient. Significantly higher sugar content was observed in beet cultivated on grey-podsolic soil (Minikowo). In 1999 sugar content was higher than in other years. a-NH2-N and K+ content in beet roots cultivated on alluvial soil (Kokocko) and Na+ content on grey-podsolic soil (Minikowo) were higher in comparison to others habitats of experiments.

The assessment of health status of plants of sugar beet cultivated with traditional method and on mulch from white mustard or from oil radish was performed in 1996–1999. The field experiments were carried out at three locations, of the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship: Minikowo — on grey podsolic soil, Lipie — on chernozem soil and Kokocko — on alluvial soil. White mustard and oil radish used as a mulch in sugar beet cultivation caused plant health improvement. Highest seedlings infestation by damping-off and Ramularia leaf spot occurred on alluvial soil and beet rust on chernozem soil.

In 1996–1999, the evaluation of weed infestation on plantation of sugar beet cultivated with traditional method and on mulch from white mustard or from oil radish was performed. The field experiments were carried out at three locations of the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship: Minikowo — on grey podsolic soil, Lipie — on chernozem soil and Kokocko — on alluvial soil. Catch crops from white mustard and oil radish caused reduction of mono- and dicotyledonous weeds number on plantations of sugar beet cultivated on different soils. The highest reduction of dicotyledonous weeds was on grey-podsolic soil in 1997 and in 1999, whereas mono­cotyledonous weeds on alluvial soil in 1998. Mulch mixed with soil before beet sowing caused decrease of the amount of di- and monocotyledonous weeds at all locations.

In 1996–1999, biometrical measurements of sugar beet cultivated with traditional method and on mulch from white mustard or from oil radish were taken. Experiments were carried out at three locations of the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship: Minikowo — on grey podsolic soil, Lipie — on chernozem soil and Kokocko — on alluvial soil. Location, years of experiments and catch crops influenced plant-to-plant distance in row and roots crown height. Cultivation of technology with catch crops increased distance between beets in row and number gaps within the row in comparison to traditional method of cultivation. Catch crop from white mustard and oil radish shallowly mixed with soil and catch crops from white oil radish as a mulch caused on the significant increase of roots crown height.

Because of deficiencies in some important biochemical components the nutritional value of wheat is lower than that of other important crops. Improvement of these traits could be achieved by transferring genes coding specific storage proteins from some spelt to the common wheat. Some near isogenic lines were derived from the cross combination between a spelt and the Elena wheat cultivar, differing in individual ω-gliadin subunits. For the these genotypes protein content, sedimentation value, amino acid composition, zinc, iron and magnesium content as well as some immunochemical properties of gliadins by the ELISA test were analyzed. Spelt wheat turned out to be a valuable source of traits important from the nutritional standpoint. Moreover, the relationships between the spelt specific ω-gliadins and variability of nutritional value suggests that the identified protein subunits could be used as markers of genes responsible for this trait. On the other hand, if we take the results of ELISA test as an indicator of gliadin toxicity for the afflicted with coeliac, it follows that spelt is the most toxic among analyzed wheat forms. Chemically modified „nongliadin” wheat flour samples were also analyzed. Decreasing of baking quality as well as allergenic properties was observed.

Many year investigations of winter triticale breeding materials in freezing chambers allowed to select high yielding strains with satisfactory level of frost resistance. Tests of frost resistance were conducted using modified Koch and Lechman method (Szeląg and Maćkowiak, 1988) on set of strains and lines form Małyszyn and strains from preliminary trials. It has been stated that winter triticale strains from Małyszyn breeding had high participation on the list of strains of preliminary trial with the level of frost resistance higher than check. Several years investigations of frost resistance of lines from maintenance breeding of registered cultivars showed that it was necessary to perform such research in order to maintain appropriate level of the trait. Statistically significant correlation between frost resistance and grain yield of winter triticale on example of lines of Alzo and Bogo cultivars has been confirmed. In 1996/1997 season, in conditions of frosty winter, the correlation coefficient between frost resistance and grain yield of Bogo lines was rs = 0,562 at p£0,001 and in 1995/96 season such correlation coefficient of Alzo lines was rs = 0,609 at p£0,001.

The results of productivity of spring triticale cultivated in crop rotation and in monoculture are presented in this paper. It was found that the productivity (dry matter of roots and above ground parts) of spring triticale in crop rotation was significantly higher than that of monoculture at each developmental stages. Share of roots in total dry matter of spring triticale was the highest from tillering to opening of leaf sheets. Cultivation of spring triticale in monoculture caused significant increase of take-all diseases occurrence as well as increase of dry matter of weeds comparing to crop rotation. Further disadvantages of monoculture were reduction of plant stand and productivity of canopy.

The effects of forecrops (potato, pea and triticale 1, 2 and 3-fold after triticale) along with two crop management systems (minimized and intensive) were evaluated in field experiment of 1998–2000. The highest yield of spring triticale was obtained in combination where potato or pea was the forecrop. The cultivation of triticale in monoculture caused yield reduction with the highest (37%) in combination of 3 years cultivation triticale after triticale. Yield reduction resulted from decrease of number of spikes per unit area, reduction of grain yield per spike and thousand-grain weight. The main reason of yield and yield elements reduction was higher plant infection by take-all diseases in monoculture comparing to other forecrops. Chemical plant protection only partially eliminated the effect of weak forecrop.

The statistical analysis of the results of 5-year trials with brewery spring barley of F4 generation was carried out to evaluate the combining ability for yield potential and resistance to powdery mildew. For yield ca. 1000 strains obtained from crossing of 27 testers with 124 cultivars, and for resistance to powdery mildew 667 strains obtained from crossing of 18 testers with 80 cultivars, were analysed according to hierarchic design. Mean squares for years, testers, cultivars and strains were significant for both investigated traits. The analysis of variance and the effects of GCA showed a group of testers well transmitting the yield potential to progeny. These testers were: Krystal, Rubin, Ilka, Dorina, Candice, Grosso, Gimpel, Lotus and STH 126. Another group of testers, i.e. Krystal, Grosso and Rubin, caused increase of resistance to powdery mildew in their progeny. The latter were the most valuable cultivars, because they transmitted well both traits to their progeny simultaneously.

A short-straw mutant of cultivar Delisa was crossed whit translocation tester. In generation F1 semi sterility was observed. Hybrids of F2 were multiplied. Statistical analysis in F2 was carried out. Evaluated plants segregated in two groups: fertile and semisterile. Plants of each group were evaluated biometrically for their height. Only two lines in estimated breeding material were chosen (mutant Delisa × T2–7b, mutant Delisa × T3–7c). Intensity of linkage between the breaking points of translocation and the gene or genes which conditioning short strawness was calculated by Immer's products method and maximum likelihood.

Two series of pot experiment were carried out in the period of 1997–1999 to determine the response of 12 spring barley cultivars to three nitrogen fertilization rates: 1, 2 and 3 g N/pot. Madonna, Poldek, NS 891132 and RAH 2095 cultivars showed significant increase of yield for each N rate. For the remaining cultivars, significant differences of yield increase were observed between dose 1 g N/pot and 2 g N/pot. Scarlett cultivar characterized by the weakest response to increasing nitrogen rate and at the highest dose of N fertilization yield reduction was noticed. The grain yield increment was due to increase of tillering rate.

The reciprocal crosses have been made between several polish cultivars of rye, Secale cereale ssp. cereale and wild rye species: S. cereale ssp. afghanicum, S. cereale ssp. ancestrale, S. cereale ssp. segetale, Secale africanum, Secale sylvestre and Secale vavilovii. Generally, the crossing efficiency was low, but when cultivated rye was used as female parent, it was a little higher. The best results were obtained from crosses with S. africanum as a male parent. The variation of efficiency of crosses between different rye cultivars and wild species was observed. The Dańkowskie Złote proved to be the most useful cultivar for interspecific crosses.