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Towards the end of June of 1997 a massive outbreak of blue mold caused by Peronospora tabacina on the experiment plots of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation gave an opportunity to observe and record the response to that disease of 192 different N. tabacum genotypes held at the institute?s tobacco germplasm collection. Both the date of the onset of the first symptoms and the intensity of the symptoms varied. Symptoms were from very severe (e. g. Virgin Mutant A, Burley White) to severe, moderate, mild and none. Less than 10% of the accessions scored for blue mold were symptom-free. They belonged to the flue-cured type (15 out of 71) and dark air-cured (5 out of 49). All the remaining entries including orientals and semi-orientals, burleys and cigar tobaccos were affected to some extent. Except the very susceptible Virgin A Mutant systemic symptoms were rare probably because the fungus attacked relatively late in the season when the majority of accessions had already grown out of the most vulnerable stage and were at either budding or flowering.

F1 hybrids between Triticum aestivum L. (cv. Chinese Spring, Chinese Spring nulli 5B tetra 5D, cv. Roazon, cv. Rusałka, line CZR 1406), Triticum durum Desf. cv. Grandur, Triticum turgidum (L.) Thell. cv. Rampton Rivet and seven Aegilops species - Ae. cylindrica Host., Ae. triuncialis L., Ae. variabilis (peregrina) Eig., Ae. ventricosa Tausch., Ae. crassa Boiss. 6x, Ae. juvenalis (Thell.) Eig., Ae. triaristata Willd. 6x were synthesized. In hybrid seeds, embryos and endosperms were observed. The endosperm was mostly well developed but the embryo varied from almost normal to poorly developed. Hybrids were generated directly from cultured in vitro immature embryos. The total of thirty-eight F1 plants were obtained. Crossability of Aegilops spp. as female with Triticum spp. was about seven times higher (15.30% on average) than in reciprocal crosses (1.99% on average).

It is typical of breeding experimentation to conduct experiments on large breeding material tested on small plots with a limited number of replications. Under such conditions, observations made on adjacent plots are biased by the effect of autocorrelation and fertility trends. The actual treatment effects can be masked and the capability of the breeder to detect true treatment differences is impaired. This paper deals with the problem of the estimation of effects of spatial variability and their impact on the efficiency of treatment comparisons. The considerations are based on the results from a breeding experiment with 25 treatments of fodder pea arranged according to the partially balanced incomplete block design (IBD) with 4 replications. Plant height and seed yield were analysed with the conventional statistical method ANOVA, the nearest neighbour analysis (NNA) and kriging. Eventually, the efficiency of the neoclassical methods relative to the completely randomised design (CRD) and randomised block design (RBD) was calculated. The estimation of the treatment effect on plant height was accomplished most efficiently with the NNA, whereas the efficiency of the alternative methods in the estimation of seed yield was comparable to the efficiency of the RBD.

The object of research were F1 hybrid grains of winter rye resulting from the topcross of 90 yellow-seed inbred lines with the green-seed tester SMH-108. The degree of crossing ability and the effect of xenia on 1000-grain weight were confirmed. In the present investigation quantitative xenia was analysed with regard to the green colour of grain. In the collection of 90 inbred lines of yellow grain differences in% of crossing were ascertained and in 26.7% of the analysed lines a significant quantitative xenia (1000-grain weight) was found. Among the 90 lines as much as 28.9% gave, in conditions of open pollination, from 66 to 85% of hybrid grain. Four lines were selected, which gave a quantitative xenia in 38, 25, 20 and 12% and crossing of 57, 84, 58 and 74%. These lines may be of practical use in producing heterosis hybrids.

Several breeding lines and tobacco varieties were tested for degree of resistance to black root root caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola. The entries in the study represented an array of forms from fully resistant to very susceptible. Artificial black root rot testing included „chlamydospore test” performed at cotyledonary stage and testing at post-transplant stage by either planting 5-leaf plants in black-root rot inoculated soil or immersing their roots in inoculum suspension prior to transplanting. The results were compared with those from a naturally infested field with two levels of the disease. The most inconsistent results were obtained from the chlamydospore test which failed to differentiate between different levels of tolerance of black root rot. It could only be used to make distinction between fully resistant and the remaining entries. Testing at the post-transplant stage showed, with one exception a rather good fit with the results from the field study, especially when transplants were transferred to pre-inoculated soil. Although the general order of response to black root under field conditions was similar regardless of disease severity, some varieties were more sensitive than others to an increased level of black root rot in the soil.

A total of 444 ecotypes Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) collected in Poland were screened for resistance to powdery mildew. A field experiment was established at Hof Steimke, DSV (Deutschen Saatveredelung), Germany. The ecotypes originated from Polish Gene Bank, IHAR – Botanical Garden, Bydgoszcz. The average powdery mildew resistance score for tested ecotypes was 4.3, and the same score for eight varieties used as a control was 4.8. From the control varieties (Limousine, Alicja, Julia, Berbie, Ottos, Jori, Eska and Oxford) the most resistant to infection was Limousine. Plants showed resistance scores 5 or 7, on average 6.17. Sixty-two ecotypes (14.0%) which were scored on average more than 6 were included in two groups: with high resistance (15 ecotypes) and with moderate resistance (47 ecotypes). Ecotypes which plants were scored on average less than 6 were included in a susceptible group (scores on average 4.0 – 5.9), and a very susceptible group (scores on average 2.0 – 3.9). There were 226 ecotypes in the susceptible group (50.9%) and 156 (35.1%) in the very susceptible group.High resistance to powdery mildew showed ecotypes collected from nine habitats: meadow, wet meadow, peat meadow, pasture, field, forest, waterside, ditch and roadside. The highest percentage of ecotypes with high resistance was collected from wet meadows. The value of these newly identified highly resistant ecotypes for control of powdery mildew on Kentucky bluegrass is discussed.

The investigation was undertaken to evaluate the crossability effects of tetraploid durum wheat in crosses with rye and the next to identify the best cross-combinations for primary triticale production. Altogether, 365 crosses were made, 65 700 florets were pollinated, 16.4% seed set was obtained, 5 902 embryos were cultured, 1.1% plant set, 12.7% plant viability and 60.8% doubling rate and 16.2 kernels per plant 2n were obtained. Out of these, 21 cross - combinations with the best crossability effects were identified. They exhibited 27.0% of seed set, 56.0% of seeds with embryos, 14.5% of plant viability, 2.2% of plant set., 70.2% of doubling rate, 1.6% of plant fertile set and 50.1 kernels per plant 2n. The results demonstrated the distinct differences in the crossability effects between the several cross-combinations. Also, the same was observed among the group of 21 cross-combinations identified as having the best crossability effects.

Kernel weight and grain yield depend on the rate and duration of grain filling (GF). Rate of GF represents the rate of dry matter accumulation per kernel and GF period duration from anthesis to physiological maturity. In order to study the relationships among grain yield and yield components and the rate and duration of GF in winter barley, field experiments were conducted during the 1995-1998 period. A quadratic polynomial was used to describe the relationship between kernel weight and time from anthesis and a linear equation to describe the relationship between kernel water content and time from anthesis. Accumulated growing-degree days (GDD) from anthesis were used as a time scale. The rate and duration of GF were obtained from the fitted curve. Depending on the cultivar and year, rate of GF ranged from 0.058 to 0.082mg kernel–1 GDD-1 and the duration of GF from 505 to 887 GDD. Rate positively (r=0.70) and duration of GF negatively (r=-0.57) effected grain yield. Both rate and duration of GF to a large extent were influenced by environmental factors. The correlation between rate and duration of GF was negative. The positive correlations between the rate of GF and kernel weight as well as kernel weight and yield enable indirect selection for yield and a high rate of GF via breeding for a larger kernel.

There was found significant correlation between incidence of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in Phaseolus vulgaris seeds and leaves, pods and stem infection by the pathogen under natural field condition of 1997-1999. There was find in this study positive relationship in the case of 7 genotypes evaluated at Radzików (Central Poland) and Jankowice (South-East of Poland). Cultivar Nida was infected only sporadically. All plots of cv. Prosna showed symptoms of antracnose. Infection degrees of cv. Mela were always the highest. Four tested breeding lines were shown to be susceptible on this pathogen.

The study on oospore formation ability under natural conditions was carried out on the base of comparative characterization of four local populations of P. infestans. It was found that oospores can be formed in potato tissues under natural conditions. The comparison of proportion of both mating types isolates, high level of race complexity and racial diversity indicates, that oospores in experimental fields could play a role as a source of primary inoculum in three experimental localities in Boguchwała, in Przychojec and in Olesno Śląskie.The oospores were produced also in all combinations of pot and field experiments. They were formed most abundantly, when the potato plants were inoculated with mixed inoculum consisted of A1 and A2 spores, in 1:1 ratio and significantly less abundantly, when the inoculum was dominated by one of mating type isolate. The effect of time of subsequent inoculation with A1 or A2 isolates on oospore formation was observed: significantly more oospores were formed when the plants were inoculated with both mating types at the same time.

The paper presents some theoretical assumptions of the SYCA (Sequential Yield Component Analysis) and the application of SYCA followed by TDP (Two-dimensional Partitioning) to analysis of the data from a plant breeding experiment with fodder pea. Partially balanced incomplete block design with 25 morphologically different breeding forms in 4 replications was applied. In both methods of data analysis plant height was the first trait in a sequence of independent traits, followed by different traits depending on the method.The results of the analyses proved that in a morphologically highly differentiated population of fodder pea the contribution of plant height to the yield variability is reduced, with plant height to the first pod being one of the traits that have a significant effect on yield. According to the SYCA method, when the pea forms were divided into groups of plants similar in height, the effect of plant height as the first yield component was high and significant. Generally, the higher were the plants in the groups, the smaller was the share of the trait in the yield, although still relatively high and significant. For the purpose of yield component analysis in pea it is recommendable to divide the breeding material to groups of plants of a similar height.As for the other yield components, the highest contribution into the final yield was attributed to the number of nodes with pods by plant height and seed weight by number of seeds calculated according to the SYCA and the number of nodes with pods calculated according to the TDP method, respectively.The authors, who have used the two yield component analyses for several years, have gained enough experience to claim that the two methods can become effective statistical tools for the elaboration of yield components. Moreover, they can be useful not only in plant breeding studies but also in many other types of agricultural experimentation.

Embryogenesis, microsporogenesis and pollen development in eastern galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) have been analysed. Generally, the embryogenesis in eastern galega is similar to that of goat’s rue (Galega officinalis L.). It is typical for eastern galega to form linear proembryos to the phase of 8 or 9 cells. The proper embryo develops from apical cells of the proembryo, while the remaining cells form the suspensor. The embryo of eastern galega typically forms a long, massive suspensor consisting of several irregular rows of cells on the side of the proper embryo and one large cell on the side of the micropyle. Suspensors were preserved in developing seeds possessing embryos with elongated cotyledons and a massive hypocotyl. In the initial phase of embryogenesis the endosperm is of a nuclear type. The transformation of the nuclear into cellular type of endosperm begins at the heartlike embryo phase and proceeds from the micropylar to chalazal end. Observations on the embryogenesis in eastern galega revealed the presence of degenerating ovules. Causes of degeneration were not analysed.Meiotic division in PMCs leads to the formation of microspore tetrads via simultaneous cytokinesis. Mature pollen grains are two-celled with well-formed sporoderm and three germ pores through which pollen tube can emerge.

To improve crop yield, DNA technology has been used to enhance plant resistance toward pathogens and pests. Genes identified through understanding of host-pathogen interactions in viral, bacterial and fungal diseases, the mechanism of hypersensitive reaction in Arabidopsis and insect toxicity of natural peptides are used for their expression in plants. Progress on the use of simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers for resistance gene identification, development of virus-specific antibody gene expression in plants for virus control, construction of genes for multi-pathogen resistance, and use of viral vectors for gene efficiency evaluation are discussed.

To improve crop yield, DNA technology has been used to enhance plant resistance toward pathogens and pests. Genes identified through understanding of host-pathogen interactions in viral, bacterial and fungal diseases, the mechanism of hypersensitive reaction in Arabidopsis and insect toxicity of natural peptides are used for their expression in plants. Progress on the use of simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers for resistance gene identification, development of virus-specific antibody gene expression in plants for virus control, construction of genes for multi-pathogen resistance, and use of viral vectors for gene efficiency evaluation are discussed.

In our previous studies we found the considerable genotypic variation in N, P, K utilization efficiency at shooting phase of winter triticale plants. The objective of this study was to confirm whether, genetic differences in mineral element utilization at the shooting phase, were related to productivity as well as was nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation by winter triticale plants during entire growth period. The experiment was conducted at reduced level of mineral elements in water culture (50% of standard Hoagland solution) under controlled environments (growth chambers) to full maturity. The efficient winter triticale genotypes showed significantly higher dry matter, nitrogen and phosphorus content and N, P utilization efficiency during the whole growth period. Furthermore these genotypes had higher grain yield and harvest index in comparison to inefficient genotypes. The efficient winter triticale genotypes accumulated most of biomass in post-anthesis period and N, P uptake remained high until the late maturation.

From the ecological and economic points of view it is necessary to change agricultural practice towards low- input cultivation systems. This requires breeding of new cultivars with improved utilization efficiency of mineral nutrients. The response of fifty spring wheat cultivars representing different origin and years of release (from 1990 to 1996) to different concentrations of the Hoagland nutrient solution was investigated under controlled conditions (climatic chamber). A wide variability in N, P, K contents, their utilization efficiency and production of dry matter was found among wheat cultivars at the shooting phase of plant development at all nutrient concentrations applied. The variability coefficient decreased with the increasing concentration of Hoagland solution. Old Polish cultivars (released 1900 – 1960) and most of the intermediate cultivars (released 1961 – 1980) showed high of N, P, K utilization efficiency. The modern cultivars (released after 1981) showed either high or low N, P, K utilization efficiency. This efficiency was determined by dry matter (r= 0.94 - 0.98) and N, P, K contents (r= 0.62 - 0.94). The majority of spring wheat cultivars showed almost linear response of the evaluated parameters to increased nutrient concentration in Hoagland solution. It was been proved that genetic variability of N, P, K utilization efficiency can be assessed as early as at shooting phase.

Twelve DNA fragments amplified on templates of Triticum urartu, Aegilops speltoides and Aegilops squarrosa were separated, reamplified and used as digoxigenin-labelled probes. The species and genome specificity of probes was evaluated by Southern dot-blot hybridisation to Triticum durum, the donors of wheat genomes, rye and rye with introgressed wheat chromosome fragments. In comparison to labelled genomic DNA of T. durum, the probes obtained by labelling PCR-amplified fragments exhibited higher specificity to wheat genomes. Under the applied hybridisation conditions all probes showed different degree of cross-hybridisation to rye DNA. Some probes indicated quantitative difference in their specificity to wheat genomes, but generally the intensity of hybridisation to the genomes A, S and D was independent of the origin of an amplified fragment. Selected probes, used in dot-blot hybridisation system together with genomic DNA of T. durum, may increase the sensitivity of screening wheat chromosomal fragments introgressed to rye.

Experimental material consisted of the seeds of Polan, Aldana and Dornburg soybean cultivars harvested from the field experiments in 1990-92 at Sandomierz with the following herbicides and doses: Sencor 75 WP (1.0 and 2.0 kg/ha), Tribunil 70 WP (1.0 and 2.0 kg/ha), Azogard 50 WP (1.5 and 3.0 kg/ha), Afalon 50 WP (1.0 and 2.0 kg/ha). Seeds from plots treated with a single dose of some herbicides (Tribunil 70 WP, Afalon 50 WP) did not exhibit any herbicide active residues or in case of other herbicides their level were far below permissible limits (0.1 mg/kg). The use of double doses, resulted in accumulation of the active remnants in soybean seeds but still their level did not exceed permissible limits. Differences in the level of herbicide active substances in soybean seed were found to depend on season conditions.

Previously (Grzesik 1980) a number of induced mutants with shortened culm increased loging resistance and changed shape of ear and leaves were obtained from winter wheat var. Flevina. Two of the obtained mutants were crossed with the initial variety to study the mode of  inheritance of the mutated traits such as culm length, ear length, grain weight per ear and boat-like leaf shape. The hybrids were sown in experiment with six basic generations: P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, BC2. The mode of inheritance of the above traits proved to be very complex. Both additive and nonadditive effects of gene action played a significant role. Basing on genetic analysis it can be concluded that a boat-like shape of leaves is determined by two complementary recessive genes.

Changes in the occurrence of the initial late blight symptoms have been noted in some regions of Poland. Observations of potato crops showed that occurrence of the primary infections and blight symptoms is sometimes on the stem rather than on the leaves. It was confirmed that in both cases, a cause of late blight was the same species Phytophthora infestans. Surveys of many potato crops done in 1997-1999, around Poland enabled assessment of the incidence of stem blight in Poland. In 1997 - 80.5%, 1998 - 65.2% and in 1999 – 72.4% of observed crops were primary affected with late blight on stems. Stem form of the disease appeared more often in the years with less rainfall in the period from June to July. The largest number of genotypes with initial blight symptoms on stems was observed among first early clones and cultivars. Glasshouse experiments confirmed the importance of stem lesions in decreasing yield and increasing tuber infection. Results confim that blighted tubers were the least probable source of the late blight appearing on stems.

Combining ability of the varieties and strains of the naked-grain oat  was evaluated on the basis of the following traits: number of days to first heading, plant height and grain yield per plot. Six hundred and thirty nine strains of naked-grain oats were included involving F4-F8 generations over 5 years. Those strains were the progeny of 25 crossbreeding combinations of 9 testers with 13 varieties. The analysis of the variance in a hierarchic scheme showed highly significant values of the mean squares for years, testers, varieties and combinations for all the traits. The values of combining ability for testers, varieties and combinations of naked-grain oat were calculated. The results enabled to distinguish a group of naked-grain oat varieties, which effectively transferred the desirable traits to progeny: heading, shorter straw and high yield. The promising combinations for early heading were: Konradin × (Fl. nova × Swan mutant), and Caesar × (Płatek × Swan mutant), and for a higher grain yield Adam × Maro.

Basing on the response to drought in 1999 of 27 turfgrass cultivars and ecotypes of 9 species made possible ranking of turf grasses in the decreasing order of drought resistance.

An experiment aimed to review differences in the pattern of canopy forming, solar radiation penetration and its use efficiency (RUE) within the canopy of two contrasting pea morphotypes (leafy and semi-leafless) was conducted in the field. The differences in absorption of PAR were significant for both morphotypes in two consecutive years of different climatic conditions. The canopy architecture influenced absorption of PAR, penetration through the canopy and can cresult in different yield forming. For both morphotypes a common linear correlation between intercepted PAR and dry matter accumulation was found until the beginning of pod formation, but then this association was not linear. Differences in CGR and ULRc were significantly bigger in leafy pea morphotypes than in semi-leafless one and the higher values for both were observed at the beginning of pod formation.

Eyespot is one of the most important diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), caused by two pathogenic fungi Oculimacula yallundae and Oculimacula acuformis. There are several sources of resistance to this pathogen, but so far only two genes Pch1 and Pch2 have been transferred to wheat and confer the resistance. The selection of the most favorable genetic markers for determining the presence of eyespot resistance genes may improve the efficiency and accuracy in the selection of wheat genotypes resistant for this disease. The aim of the work was to determine the effectiveness of molecular markers and protein marker for Pch1 and Pch2 genes and to select genotypes of winter wheat with increased resistance in relation to plant infection in inoculation tests carried out at the seedling and adult plant stage. Plant material consist of 159 breeding lines of winter wheat and five control varieties: Artist, Kilimanjaro, Kometa, Patras and Rendezvous. To identify resistant genes, five molecular markers were used. Three for Pch1 gene (EpD1b, XustSSR2001-7DL, Xorw1) and two for Pch2 gene (Xcfa2040, Xwmc525). Considering the molecular analysis of genes, results of seedlings inoculation and the results of plant stem infestation, it was found that there were no infection symptoms of stalks in the winter wheat lines and/or varieties, in which both Pch1 and Pch2 genes were identified. In these lines/varieties, the lowest infection of seedlings was also observed. The highest percentage of infected sheaths was identified in genotypes where Pch1 and Pch2 genes were not found. The highest seedling infection was also observed for these genotypes. It was shown that the presence of Pch1 and Pch2 genes or their absence did not significantly affect the grain yield and the thousands kernels weight (TKW). Genotypes with the Pch1 and Pch2 genes showed slightly higher values for both technological parameters.

The aim of the research conducted in the years 2016 ? 2018 was to perform the effect of nitrogen on the total yield and quality evaluation of edible and starch potato varieties harvested after tuber maturity, as well as to establish fertilization efficiency indices. The quality of tubers was expressed: yield structure, share of deformations, content of starch and nitrates (V), but the nitrogen utilization efficiency as agronomic efficiency (AE) and fertilizer recovery efficiency (FRE) in tubers. Two experimental factors were researched: nitrogen doses (0, 50,100, 150 kg?ha-1) and varieties (Impresja, Mazur, Otolia, Szyper and Widawa) tested under different weather conditions. The total yield fresh matter between nitrogen doses ranged from 42.8 to 53.7 t?ha-1 and for varieties from 42.1 (var. Szyper) to 54.8 t?ha-1 (var. Impresja). Increasing nitrogen doses caused an increase share in the yield structure big tubers (diameter above 60 mm), nitrates (V) and total nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake with tuber yield, but decrease starch content and nitrogen fertilization efficiency indicators. On the basis of quadratic function parameters, it was shown that the varieties of Impresja, Szyper and Otolia were characterized by greater requirements in relation to the optimal nitrogen dose than the varieties of Mazur and Widawa. More assessed features determined the weather conditions during the growing season than the factors studied: the nitrogen fertilization dose and the variety. In the year with the highest amount of rainfall in relation to the average of many years, the largest decrease was recorded: tuber yield, share of big tubers in the yield structure, nitrogen uptake and agronomic efficiency. Year with the most rainfall was characterized by the highest reduction the yield of tubers, share big tubers in the yield structure, nitrogen uptake and its agronomic efficiency.

Grain samples of spring barley from the 2009 and 2010 harvest were analysed for the content of DNA of Fusarium species and Fusarium toxins (type B trichothecenes). Samples originated from different fields in Radzików, Central Poland. Qualitative and quantitative determination of Fusarium species in the grain was performed using a real-time PCR. Fusarium toxins in the grain were analysed by gas chromatography. Seven Fusarium species were detected in barley grain. The dominating species were F. avenaceum, F. graminearum and F. poae. The presence of F. culmorum, F. langsethiae, F. sporotrichioides and F. tricinctum was also detected. The concentration of trichothecene toxins in grain (deoxynivalenol, nivalenol) was low. The highest correlation coefficient of deoxynivalenol vs. Fusarium DNA was found for F. graminearum. Regarding nivalenol, the highest correlation coefficient was with F. poae DNA.

The paper presents the main directions, chronology and achievements in the field of mathematical statistical methods applied to biometrics and agricultural experimentation, conducted from the 17th century to modern times. The achievements of scientists globally and in Poland are taken into account. The historical and present importance of these mathematical and methodological findings for the development and progress of empirical sciences in general, and especially agricultural and biological sciences, is emphasized. The importance of using statistical methods in the recognition of empirical agricultural research as agricultural science is presented. Testimonies and considerations on statistical discoveries and inventions over the centuries are documented and illustrated by the original publications and real activities of the pioneers of statistics, biometrics and agricultural experimentation, as well as contemporary scientists in these fields.

The content of starch may be determined by the physical-chemical (pola-rimetric) methods of Ewers (Nowotny, 1969; Adler, 1971 ), by weighing tubers in air and in water, flotation in solutions of common salt (Lunden, 1956; Nissen, 1967; Burton, 1968), as well as by enzymatic analysis (Boehringer Mannheim Catalogue, 1995).

Variability, heritability and correlations were investigated for 13 parameters characterizing bread-making quality of winter wheat. The grain material of 105 cultivars and strains from the preliminary state trials of the years 2005 and 2006 was analyzed in the Department of Cereal Crops of the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Cracow Division. The statistical analysis, performed separately for each year, included analysis of variance and calculation of means and coefficients of variability, heritability, genotypic correlation and phenotypic correlation...

Changes in DNA methylation are one of the best known mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which in the process of induced androgenesis is associated with reprogramming of haploid microspores development towards the formation of embryos, as a result of exposure of anthers in ears and then anthers culture in vitro to stress factors. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis of whether the use of monochromatic light during induced androgenesis might be associated with epigenetic phenomena. The experiments were carried out on DH plants of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) obtained by androgenesis modified by monochromatic light: blue, green and red. A quantitative evaluation of the effect of light on the degree of DNA methylation was performed using RP-HPLC for the comparison of regenerants obtained under standard, control conditions (darkness) with those obtained with light usage. The differences in the amount of methylated cytidine in comparison to the control were: 0.40%, 0.16% and -0.55%, for blue, red and green light, respectively. The level of global genomic DNA methylation from control plants was in the range 21.32-21.52%. Methylation changes in response to monochromatic light used during callus formation in anthers culture, determined by RP-HPLC, are significant although small.

The accumulation and utilization efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus were studied using hydroponic cultures of seedlings of the ?Presto? and ?Rhino? D(A) and D(B) substitution lines of hexaploid triticale. The results were significantly affected by homoeology group of chromosomes participating in a substitution, the A or B genome origin of replaced chromosome and genetic background of triticale cultivar. The substitutions 4D(4B) and 5D(5B) resulted in an increase of plant dry matter in relation to the non-substituted cultivars. The significant increase of N accumulation was found in 3D(3A) and 4D(4B) of ?Rhino?, and 5D(5B) and 4D(4B) of ?Presto?. The improvement of N utilization efficiency was recorded for 2D(2A) and 1D(1B) of ?Presto?, and 5D(5B), 7D(7A) and 5D(5A) of ?Rhino?. The P accumulation was distinctly improved in ?Presto? 5D(5B) substitution. The P utilization efficiency was improved in all substitutions containing 4D or 6D as well as in ?Presto? 2D(2B) and 5D(5B).

The field experiment with winter wheat was conducted in the years 2016-2019 at the Experimental Station of Cultivar Assessment in Przecław. The experimental factors were: I ? cultivation technologies with different intensity levels (medium-intensive A1 and high-intensive A2), II ? hybrid cultivars and population cultivars of winter wheat. Arrangement of weather conditions had a significant impact on most of the studied parameters, including the quantity and quality of winter wheat yield. Grain yield was higher where technology A2 was applied, as compared to technology A1. Hybrid cv. Hybery had the highest yield-forming potential, while population cv. Belissa and hybrid cv. Hyfi - the lowest. The cultivation of wheat via technology A2 was conducive to obtaining more favourable chlorophyll content in the flag leaf and better grain technological parameters (protein and gluten content and bulk density).

The aim of the research was to use remote sensing and artificial neural networks in the assessment of spring wheat in terms of response to infection of ears caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium spp. The research was carried out on plants of 4 varieties of spring wheat. They were: KWS Torridon and Izera - with higher resistance, Radocha and Nawra - with lower resistance to the pathogen. Pictures of healthy and infected ears of all varieties were taken, and then processed using the Crops Vegetation Control Lab (CVC Lab.) Program. Based on the obtained images, their representations in the form of Growing Neural Gas (GNG) neural networks were created. As a result of photo analysis, 240 patterns were obtained, out of which 6 basic disease patterns were selected for each variety. Next, a comparison of samples of infected ears of a given variety with baseline disease patterns of the same wheat variety was made. As a result of comparing healthy and diseased plant patterns with pictures of healthy and infested plant plots, a diversity of numerical values was obtained that gave rise to the construction of a wheat plantation map detailing spots with diseased plants.

Barcoding analysis of the sequence of several loci was used to identify plant species that compose the Central European graminoid communities. During the analysis, the usefulness of 14 chloroplast regions and one nuclear region for species identification was investigated. Eight of these (matK, rbcL, rpoC1, trnH-psbA, atpF-atpH, trnL, psbI-psbK and ITS) were used to construct a combination of barcodes that will allow a determination of the taxonomic identity of a sample of plant tissue of meadow origin, without the need of utilising standard determination keys based on morphological characters.