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In Poland about 7–9 mln tons of potatoes are stored in traditional clamps. There are some disadvantages of these clamps: big changes of temperature during a storage period, difficult approach in winter time and high expenses of labour. In an experiment 4 different types of covers were compared to the traditional clamp. The covers were: canvas, fibretex, mineral wool and straw, in different combinations. The following parameters have been estimated: changes of temperature, storage losses and cost of building. The most constant temperature was in the clamp (type E) covered by fibretex, mineral wool and canvas. There were no significant differences among clamps in such parameters as natural losses and diseases. The costs of building were different for different kinds of clamps. The smallest costs (33 PLN/ton) were sustained for the traditional clamp and the clamps of type B (fibretex — straw — fibretex) and type D (fibretex — straw — canvas). These types of clamps may be recommended for farmers.

In 1999 phenotypic and agronomic traits were observed for 300 genotypes of soybean, collected in the gene bank at RadzikĂłw. The evaluated accessions of soybean represented a wide variability range of the examined traits. The standard variety — Aldana — showed the highest agronomic value in our climatic conditions. There were no accessions that were earlier than the standard variety. Among the analyzed accessions only two ones (Glenwood and L 79/1) yielded significantly better than the standard. An application of statistical methods, such as analysis of variance and cluster analysis, was presented in this study for comparison of the soybean collection accessions. These methods allowed distinguishing accessions with high value for breeding and agriculture.

A two-factorial field experiment was conducted on loess soil in the Czesławice Experimental Station in 1997–1999, with the split-plot method with four replications. Two soybean cultivars: Aldana and Polan, and five methods of soil tillage were the experimental factors. The tillage treatments were following: I conventional, II reduced — without stubble operations, III reduced to cultivator, harrow and then subsoiler application, IV reduced with direct sowing of white mustard and harvest of the mustard in late autumn followed by deep moldboard plough, V reduced to direct sowing of white mustard, which was sprayed with Reglone (diquat) in spring and finally soybean was sown with the direct sowing method. The statistically elaborated results proved the same level of soybean yielding (1.72–1.84 t of seed ha-1) under all the tillage systems where plough was applied before winter (the systems I, II and IV). In comparison to the best treatments I and IV, the direct soybean sowing (V) caused a remarkable seed yield reduction (15% and 16%, accordingly). The Aldana cultivar’s yield (1.93 t ha-1) was almost 28% higher than that of the Polan cultivar (1.51 t ha-1). Generally, field emergence of soybean was low (mean about 46% of the assumed).

The seeds of two varieties of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Nida and Prosna and two varieties of pea (Pisum sativum L. ssp. sativum) were irradiated with three doses of laser radiation. The semirandom primers targeting semiconservative sequences of intron-exon junction of plant genes were used for PCR analysis of DNA prepared from seedlings of these varieties. The comparison of DNA amplification profiles revealed polymorphism between control and seedlings from the laser treated seeds. The results obtained indicate, that the irradiation of seeds with increased doses of laser radiation generated some changes of DNA structure, which were maintained also during vegetative growth of plants. The durability of some changes on the DNA level suggests mutagenic effects of laser radiation.

The objective of this publication was to show a possibility of some statistical methods application for non-orthogonal data in plant breeding. The most attention was given to field trials at the first stage of breeding, especially to the one-replication trials. Also, a synthesis of group trials with different genotypes at one or more localities was discussed. Moreover, the analysis and interpretation of genotypic effect and genotype-environmental interaction were given. All the considerations were exemplified with didactic appeals.

The intracellular protein level depends both on the rate of synthesis and degradation. Protein degradation may proceed by two main pathways: the less selective vacuolar pathway and the selective non-vacuolar pathway. The vacuolar proteolysis is energy-independent, although energy is required for the transport of substrates to vacuoles. The non-vacuolar proteolysis may be either energy-dependent or energy-independent. The remodelling of cellular proteins in dehydrated wheat leaves is associated with an extensive proteolysis mediated by both vacuolar and non-vacuolar, ATP-dependent pathways. Experiments with ten genotypes of spring wheat differing in dehydration tolerance and acclimation ability indicate that dehydration tolerance is associated with a lower induction of the vacuolar proteolysis, including cysteine endoproteinases and derepression of the ATP-dependent proteolysis as compared with drought sensitive genotypes. At the heading phase similar compensation did not occur in  the drought tolerant genotypes as well as genotype-dependent dehydration tolerance was not related to the derepression of ATP-dependent proteolysis in acclimated leaves.

Acclimation mechanisms that allow winter cereals to survive freezing temperature are genetically programmed and involve a great number of genes, which are induced and regulated by low temperature. In this review recent findings in determining the function of genes induced by low temperature and their role in freezing tolerance are described. These results summarized here allow further understanding the basic mechanisms that plants have evolved to survive freezing temperatures. In addition, these findings have potential practical implications in selection and breeding of winter cereals cultivars resistant to unfavourable winter conditions.

Basing on the results of an experiment with winter wheat varieties and strains, carried out in the years 1991–2000 as so called working collection, groups of forms being potential source of yield and 14 agronomic traits for breeding programmes were characterized. The forms of the most valuable traits under study were listed, especially those which combined several valuable traits. The varieties and strains currently investigated in the experiment can serve as a good source of yield and yield parameters, resistance to lodging and brown rust, and also sedimentation value. As far as the remained traits are concerned, there is a need to search for or even to generate new sources of the resistance to powdery mildew and ear septoria, resistance to pre-harvest sprouting, grain protein content, and especially resistance to frost and leaf septoria.

Pleiotropic effects of the Ppd1 genes on yield and its components were investigated using homozygous recombinant lines: Avalon (Mara 2D), Avalon (Ciano 2D), Brigand (Mara 2D), Brimstone (Mara 2D), Brimstone (Ciano 2D), Mercia (Mara 2D), Norman (Mara 2D), Randezvous (Mara 2D) and parental cultivars Avalon, Brigand, Brimstone, Mercia, Norman and Randezvous. Experiments were carried out over two seasons (1997/1998, 1998/1999) in the experimental farm in Czeslawice. Every year about 550 germinated kernels per m2 were machine-sown on 5 m2 plots in four replicates. Number of days from May 1st until full ear emergence, plant height, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per ear, weight of grains in ear, 1000 grain weight, spikelet fertility and plot yield were analyzed. During two seasons the recombinant lines with the Ppd1 gene showed accelerated ear emergence. The differences between the analyzed recombinant lines and their control (cultivars with the Ppd1 gene) were significant. Value of some yield components depended mainly on a year and to a lower degree, on recombinant lines.

Hybrids resulted from crosses of

Sixteen winter and 33 spring wheat hybrids, obtained with the use of the Genesis gametocide (Monsanto Co.) were tested in two locations on 10 m2 plots in 1999. The best hybrids produced 15 percent higher yields than standard varieties. The best Monsanto hybrids exceeded standard varieties by 23 and 19 percent in two successive seasons. These hybrids exhibited also high resistance to lodging and fungus diseases.

The experimental material consisted of 21 F2 hybrids obtained from a diallel cross of seven lines derived from the following winter wheat cultivars: Oregon, Jawa, CWW-3547/56, Longbow, Regina, Hana, Norman. Analyses of combining ability were performed according to the Griffing method 2, model I. Fast all investigated features were determined by the additive gene action, only plant height was determined by the additive and nonadditive gene action. The lines Longbow and Oregon were the best parents.

In this paper, fertility of flowers in spikelets, 1000 grains weight and protein content in grain were investigated in strains and cultivars of wheat: Lanca, CZR 1334, triticale: Presto, CZR 1277 and rye CZR 1. Random blocks method was used with three replications. Kernels were machine-sown in 10 m2 plots. Thirty ears from each plot were randomly harvested. Fertility of the first and second flowers in wheat, triticale and rye were similar. Fertility of the 3rd and 4th flowers was significantly higher in wheat in comparison with triticale and rye. The highest 1000 grains weight characterized the 1st and 2nd flowers of spikelets in triticale. Protein content in grains from each spikelet were similar. The highest protein content in grain was found in triticale CZR 1277 and rye CZR 1.

The area of leaf blades of winter wheat culm of the Sakwa variety, cultivated in the years 1998–1999 on the degraded chernozem with different forecrops, was measured with the use of the destructive method. The results indicate remarkable variation of the empirical and indirect traits, caused by the weather conditions. The influence of the forecrop groups on dimensions of the wheat culm in the full ear stage was not significant. The indirect traits should be considered a good additional source of information about the leavage of the culm, because they allow for the comparison of relationnships between two traits in various conditions. The values of the phenotypic correlation coefficients between any of the empirical and indirect traits of a single culm were, in general, high. The phenotypic correlation coefficients were, in general, high, because three of them (between empirical traits) and one of them (between indirect traits) exceeded 0,75. The majority of the Pearson correlation coefficients were highly significant. The distribution of the fresh mass per 1 cm2 of leaf blade differed between erectoidal and hanging leaves. In the hanging leaves the part of a leaf near the bending point had the highest weight per unit (1cm2). In the erectiodal leaves the leaf blade weight per unit decreased in subsequent parts, beginning from the base. The direct comparison of contribution of the two structural components to the total area of the culm leaves indicates that average leaf area prevailed in that context because its contribution was 78,8%. The number of leaves per blade had weaker influence, and its contribution was 21,2%. Leaf area index of the wheat stand was determined mainly by the total area of leaf blades of a culm; the contribution of that component was 98,3%. After taking into account the density of culms in the full ear stage (developed flag leaves) the contribution of that element should be described as very small because its value was only 1,7%.

The data used in this study were obtained from 152 advanced winter wheat strain trials conducted during eleven years. The incomplete block designs with four replications were applied. The standard analysis of variance was performed for each trial. The following genetic parameters were considered: variation coefficient of error, phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficients of variation, genotypic (G), genotype-environment interaction (GE) and error (E) components of variation. The genetic index of gain by selection (GPI) was also estimated. Moreover, the Pearson’s (rp) and Spearman’s (rs) correlation coefficients between yield means with reduced number of replications in relation to those for all replications were analysed. The obtained results show, that two replications were sufficient for yield evaluation of winter wheat strains.

Experimental stations, used as locations of test and pre-registration experiments, were evaluated with respect to the ability to differentiate winter wheat genotypes. The paper concerns the repeatability of the interaction contributions of the locations used in series of the experiments in the years 1999–2000. For these data, the type and magnitude of interaction depended rather on the year conditions than on the given location or the set of tested genotypes.

The field experiment was carried out in the 1999–2000 season at the Plants Breeding Station in Polanowice near Krakow on the degraded chernozem soil. The two — factor experiment was set up with the randomised block method in two replications. The aim of the study was estimation of mineral nitrogen rates and plant protection on plant and ear morphology and on yield — forming potential of winter wheat. The following factors were examined: cultivars Elena, Izolda, Kaja, Kobra, Korweta, Mikula, Mobela, Roma, Rysa, Sakwa, Symfonia, Wanda, Wilga, Zyta, methods of cultivation: A1 — low level of N-fertilization, without growth regulator and chemical disease control, A2 — higher level of N-fertilization + growth regulator + plant protection. The study showed that the selected winter wheat cultivars grown on the good wheat complex yielded very high, the obtained grain yield was 8,71 t/ha. Full protection of plants and top dressing fertilization increased grain yield of the investigated cultivars, which was, about 35% higher in comparison to the low input technology (A1). The highest yields were recorded for the Sakwa, Mikula, Elena, Kobra. Averaged over cultivars, increasing the rate of spring — applied N and chemical disease control, increased grain weight per ear and participation of grains of diameter above 2,8 mm. The data showed that weight of 1000 grains and leaf area index were significantly higher when the cultivars were grown with the favourable cultivation technology (A2). Lodging of plants and infection by diseases (septoria, brown rust) were significant, especially when the objects were not protected. Analysis of path coefficients for all ears revealed a prevailing direct influence of two features upon grain weight per ear, i.e.: number of grains per ear and weight of 1000 grains. The direct influence of ear length on grain weight was insignificant.

The aim of this research was to determine influence of nitrogen fertilization and sowing density on grain yield and yield quality of winter wheat cv. Kobra and Mikon. The study was conducted in the years 1998–1999 and 1999–2000 in three agrotechnical stations in Błonie-Topola, Osiny, and Jelcz-Laskowice. The factors of this experiments were nitrogen fertilization doses: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 kg N/ha and sowing density: 1,5, 3,0, 4,5 and 6,0 mln grains/ha. It was found that grain yield depended on nitrogen fertilization and sowing density. Increase of nitrogen fertilization doses had a positive effect on gluten content, Zeleny test result, water absorption, valorimetric value and a negative one on gluten weaking.

Reaction of wheat to infection by Puccinia striiformis, Puccinia graminis and Puccinia recondita has been studied under field conditions. Spring and winter genotypes originated from 4 and 10 breeding stations, respectively. Almost all out of 500 winter cultivars and breeding lines were resistant to yellow rust. On the contrary, among spring wheats predominated the susceptible ones. The examined plant population indicated high level of susceptibility to infection by Puccinia graminis and Puccinia recondita. Two lines LAD 497 and CWW 97/43 were found to be resistant to all the assayed rust fungi.

Susceptibility of wheat and triticale to infection by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis has been studied in condition of provoked epiphytosis in field. No complete resistance was found among the tested 251 wheat and 328 triticale genotypes. Although mean degree of triticale infection was significantly lower than that of wheat, the middle and heavily infected cultivars predominated in wheat as well as in triticale. Low level of disease severity indicated only three cultivars of spring wheat (Alkora, Ismena, Opatka), two spring triticale cultivars (Kargo, Leguan) and six breeding lines of winter triticale (SZD 535, SZD 539, SZD 555, SZD 599, DED 1153/96, LAD 940/96).

Grain samples of wheat obtained from a field experiment conducted in 1999 in Experimental Station Osiny constitute the material for quality analyses. The investigated factors were following: 3 cultivars of winter wheat (Kobra, Mikon, Sakwa) and methods of plant protection (control, conventional, integrated, integrated with the stimulator Bion. Application of the 3 plant protection methods, in comparison to the control, caused high increase of grain yield and 1000-grain weight, and simultaneous decrease of grain protein content and other quality parameters. Different plant protection methods did not cause significant differentiation of quality traits of wheat grain. The only changes were observed in 1000-grain weight and test weight. Reaction of the cultivars to the investigated plant protection methods was similar. No remarkable differences in grain quality between cultivars were observed.

The effect of Al ions at concentrations of 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 mg dm-3, in acid environment (pH 4.2), on the seed germination and seedling roots growth was analyzed for eight hybrid strains obtained by crossing Aegilops juvenalis and Aegilops ventricosa with Triticum durum Desf. cv. Grandur and Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Arda, Begra, Panda, CZR line (1B/1R), as well as for the parental forms and wheat Atlas 66. The samples of seeds were germinated on filter paper, in Petri dishes moistened with water solution with Al ions. Percentage of germinated seeds and maximal length of roots were determined. Index of tolerance was calculated by means of modified Wilkin’s test (1978). The root length of the seedlings was limited radically with increase of Al ions concentration. Al ions did not influence the seed germination. The seedlings of Atlas wheat and Aegilops ventricosa showed the highest tolerance of aluminium ions. The hybrids strains were characterised with the middle reaction. The most susceptible to this metal were Aegilops juvenalis, Triticum durum Desf. cv. Grandur and Triticum aestivum L. cv.Begra.

Twenty five winter wheat varieties and twenty eight breeding strains were tested in order to determine their tolerance to aluminum toxicity. The nutrient solution screening test for cereals was used. Six varieties (Elena, Izolda, Gama, Kobra, Sakwa and Mikon) and ten breeding strains (MOB 595, STH 796, LAD 594, MIB 496, AND 1796, CHD 996, MIB 697, STH 1096, STH 996, MIB 597) were tolerant to 4 ppm (148 mM) aluminum concentration in nutrient solution. No variety or strain tolerant to 8 ppm (296 mM) Al in nutrient solution was found. All the Polish winter wheat varieties are very sensitive or sensitive to aluminum toxicity.

The milling and baking properties of 5 winter wheat varieties (Elena, Symfonia, Sakwa, Soraja, Zyta) were compared at Plant Breeding Strzelce, in the growing seasons of 1998 and 1999. The following parameters of grain were evaluated: weight of 1000 grains, test weight and hardness. Flours were prepared from the wheat grain on an experimental BĂźhler mill. Physicochemical analysis of the flour were determined: ash, protein content, gluten quality and content, sedimentation test SDS, falling number and granulation. The rheological properties of dough were evaluated using a farinograph. The direct method was applied in the baking process. The obtained results were subjected to analysis of variance. The grains of wheat were characterized by good milling properties. The flour yields from all varieties were over 70%. Although the grains of wheat varieties were markedly differed in yield of break flour (20,7–27,0%), their milling efficiency factors were similar (112–122). The varieties of wheat differend in baking properties. Zyta showed wery good traits of flour, dough and bread. The flour from Zyta was characterized by the highest values of protein content (12,2%), gluten content (40,4%) and the SDS test (78 cm3). The dough had a long stability time (5,8 min) and small softening (29 uB). The bread volume was the highest (315 cm3). The variety Elena indicated a weak-baking quality. The quality traits of flours from Symfonia, Sakwa and Soraja ranged from medium to good.

The number of 1251 winter wheat varieties were introduced into a long-term storage in 1981. At present, 5262 varieties of winter wheat are preserved in this storage at the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources in IHAR-RadzikĂłw. Seed viability was determined in germination tests in 1981, 1996 and 1998. Basing on the results, the reaction to long-term storage conditions was determined for 68 varieties. After 17 years of storage seed germination capacity decreased, on an average, by 5.7 percentage points. The highest germination capacity of 93% was recorded for the variety Weibulls Banco. In the long term storage 42 varieties preserved their seed viability on the same level. An increase of the seed germination ability was noticed in 26 varieties. The Welke Giersleben ST4 variety maintained the 90% seed germination capacity for 17 years.

 

In a study of two spring wheat hybrids heritability estimates were very high for plant height, high for 1000 grain weight, intermediate for no. of grains/ear and very low for no. of ears/plant and grain yield/plant. No. of ears/plant had the highest positive correlation with grain yield/plant. Association of no. grains/ear with plant yield was much lower but significant. There was no significant relationship between 1000-grain weight and grain yield/plant. Correlations between yield components were very low. Negative correlation, which did not reach significance, was found between no. of ears/plant and 1000 grain weight in one cross. The results of this study indicated that no. of grains/ear was the most important character in selection for high grain yield.

Awned and awnless F10 and F11 lines derived from three spring wheat hybrids were evaluated in two field experiments. There were no significant differences between the awned and awnless lines for plant height, no. of ears/plant and no. of grains/ear but the awned lines had higher 1000 grain weight which indicated an association of seed size with awns. This was further confirmed in an experiment with 4 pairs of awned and awnless isogenic lines. The grains of awned lines were about 6% heavier.

The following elements contents were determined using the AAS technique in spring wheat grain: calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, lead, zinc, nickel, copper, cobalt and cadmium. The experimental factors were: wheat varieties (Banti, Torka, Kontesa), nitrogen fertilization rates (50, 100, 150 kg N · ha-1) and pre-sowing grain biostimulation using light (non-treated and treated grain). The studies revealed that the nitrogen fertilization caused the highest differentiation of the potassium and magnesium contents. Higher differences of Mg, Mn, Pb and Cu levels in grain were achieved due to the nitrogen fertilization than to the varieties applied. The pre-sowing light irradiation of wheat grain led to higher contents of Mg, Ca, Co, Mn and Ni as well as to larger amounts of dry matter.

The experimental factors were following: varieties (Banti, Torka, Kontesa), nitrogen fertilization rates (50, 100, 150 kg per hectare) and pre-sowing light irradiation of seed (non-treated, treated). Grain yield and bread-making value indices (total protein, wet gluten content, gluten index, falling number, ash content) were estimated. The pre-sowing light treatment of seed significantly affected grain yield. Due to the operation, the yield was higher by 0.44–1.18 t per hectare, depending on an object. The irradiation exerted also a significant effect on the falling number value.

The influence of laser biostimulation on morphological characters decisive on grain yield (plant height, general and productive tillering, ear length, density and number of spikelets per ear, grain number and grain weight per plant, grain number and grain weight per ear and 1000-grain weight) was evaluated in field experiments conducted with spring wheat cultivars (Alkora, Banti, Eta, Helia, Henika, Hera, Igna, Ismena, Jasna, Jota, Opatka, Omega and Sigma) in the years 1992–1998. Three different kinds of laser were applied (ruby, helium-neon and semi-conducting). The results were analysed statistically with the method for two-factor experiment with randomized blocks. It was found, that the pre-sowing laser biostimulation effect depended on a wheat genotype and on a year of the research.

The aim of investigation was laser biostimulation effect estimation in 10 spring wheat cultivars (Alkora, Banti, Eta, Henika, Hera, Igna, Ismena, Jota, Omega i Sigma), 5 durum wheat cultivars (Ambral, Cosmodur, Duriac, Epidur, Exodur) and 4 triticale cultivars (Bogo, Migo, Presto i Tornado). The following characters were estimated in laboratory conditions sowing value (germination energy and germination capacity), length of primary roots, coleoptile length and first leaf length. The investigation was conducted on control seeds and seeds irradiated by three doses of laser light. The results of the experiment were analysed statistically. Different reaction of cereal genotypes to the laser biostimulation was found. The highest biostimulation effect was observed in triticale, as significantly increased sowing value parameters and seedling characters stimulation.

Combining ability and heterosis effect is reported for some traits of winter triticale, basing on the factorial mating design of three maternal and five paternal forms. The analysis of variance of the F1 generation and parental forms has shown a significant general combining ability for all traits under study except ear length in case of females. The specific combining ability was significant for culm length and grain number per ear. For ear length, grain weight per ear and 1000-grain weight the specific combining ability was statistically non significant. Heterosis effect was negligible for culm length and ear length, but considerably higher for grain weight per ear and 1000-grain weight.

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th multiplications of pre-basic seed of winter triticale varieties Bogo and Presto were conducted in three locations during 3 years (1998–2000). In each location plants were observed on 8 field plots of 1m2 size. Off-type plants were selected which did not fit description of a variety, according to the DUS requirements. Kernels of the randomly selected plants were subjected to cytogenetic and electrophoretic examinations. Chromosome number was determined in seedling roots of 53 germinated kernels and only 7 aneuploids were detected. The occurrence of additional bands in prolamin electrophoregrams was revealed for most of the examined kernels. It suggests that aneuploidy is not the main cause of occurrence of non-typical triticale plants. It could be attributed rather to other factors like cross-pollination or contamination with other varieties’ seed.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to study fingerprints and genetic similarities among 16 Polish cultivars of winter triticale. Polymorphic DNA fragments were sought for by testing of 50 arbitrary primers. Final studies were carried out using 17 selected primers that allowed for amplification of the useful 30 RAPD markers. This set of markers produced fingerprints for all the studied triticale cultivars and constituted a basis for developing a dendrogram presenting genetic similarities among varieties.

The studies on relationships of preharvest sprouting in triticale with other traits (frost resistance, winterhardiness, earliness, plant height, falling number, sedimentation value and total protein content) were carried out in the years 1996–1999. Variation coefficients of the investigated traits and correlation coefficients between sprouting resistance and the other traits were computed. Considering the year-to-year variation of the analysed traits, the correlation coefficients were calculated separately for every year as well as jointly, after elimination of the variation in years. There were no significant relationships between the resistance to sprouting and frost resistance or winterhardiness. The correlation coefficients between the sprouting resistance and the remained traits were significant, being negative in case of plant height.

A field experiment on root growth in winter triticale was carried out on the Experimental Farm in Bezek near Chełm in the years 1996–1999. Three triticale cultivars (Fidelio, Pinokio and Presto) were grown in six replications on a podzolic soil, formed from a loamy sand, at sowing rate of 400 grains per square meter. The root mass was determined in three development stages (tillering, heading and full maturity) in two points of every plot. The samples were taken with the use of a steel cylinder, covering 400 cm2 surface, down to the depth of 30 cm, and divided into three layers 10 cm each. The results were expressed as the air dry mass. The lowest root mass was recorded in the tillering phase, the maximal values were reached in the heading phase and later it was significantly reduced at maturity. The root mass accumulated by the cultivars was significantly higher in the 0-10 cm surface layer than in the deeper layers. The highest ratio of root mass to the mass of aboveground parts was in the tillering phase, significantly lower at heading and the lowest at full maturity. In the soil and climate conditions of the Lublin region, root mass of the winter triticale cultivars depended to the highest degree on overwintering and the resulting density of stand.

The field experiment was conducted in 1998–2000 with triticale and spring wheat mixtures cultivated on very good wheat soil. Yield and its structure was compared of various mixtures containing different proportions of the components with spring triticale (Gabo and Wanad cvs.) and wheat (Henika cv.) in pure cultures. In mixtures the triticale constituted 75, 50 and 25%. Triticale cultivated in pure culture produced better yields than wheat, while its cultivars cropped on similar levels. The studied variants of mixtures produced higher yields than wheat but lower than triticale. Mixtures with triticale proportion exceeding 25% yielded significantly better than wheat. As compared to Wanad cv., triticale Gabo cv. was characterised with finer grains, lower number of grains per ear and lower weight of grains per ear. Triticale grown in mixtures with spring wheat produced smaller grains which caused a decrease in grain weight per ear as compared to the pure culture, especially when its proportion in the mixture was small, i.e. 25%. When cultivated in mixtures, wheat responded either by an increase or decrease in basic yield components. The number of grains per ear and 1000 grains weight of wheat from mixtures did not differ significantly from wheat in pure culture.

The performed studies concerned chemical composition of triticale progeny grain. The experimental factors were as follows: two triticale varieties (Presto and Bogo) and sites where sowing material of these varieties was reproduced. Contents of magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, nickel, lead, cobalt and cadmium were recorded in grain. The differences of metals contents were larger between the sites than between the varieties.