Janina Gospodarek

Accumulation of heavy metals and antioxidant responses in Vicia faba plants grown on monometallic contaminated soil

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of soil contamination by selected metals (cadmium, copper, nickel, lead or zinc) on the antioxidant response of Vicia faba plants. The levels of the antioxidants: glutathione, proline, non-protein thiols, as well as guaiacol peroxidase and catalase activities were measured in the upperparts of plants. Additionally, the potential bioavailability of metals in the soil and their concentrations in V. faba plants were compared. Treatment with metal caused the problem of an elevation in its bioavailability in soil and its concentration in leaves and stems. The most serious problems seemed to be metal elevations in soil, especially Zn and Ni as well as in the aerial parts of V. faba plants. The antioxidant responses appeared to be metal specific. The elevation of guaiacol peroxidase activity in leaves and stems as well as the proline in leaves was the only more general reaction to metal exposure. Upon analysis of the effects of soil metal contamination on V. faba plants, we recommend the use of some measurements such as guaiacol peroxidase activity and proline level as useful tools in biological monitoring.

Effect of petroleum-derived substances on life history traits of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) and on the growth and chemical composition of broad bean

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of various petroleum-derived substances, namely petrol, diesel fuel and spent engine oil, on life history traits and population dynamics of the black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scop. and on growth and chemical composition of its host plant Vicia faba L. Each substance was tested separately, using two concentrations (9 g kg−1 and 18 g kg−1). The experiment was conducted in four replications (four pots with five plants in each pot per treatment). Plants were cultivated in both control and contaminated soils. After six weeks from soil contamination and five weeks from sowing the seeds, observations of the effect of petroleum-derived substances on traits of three successive generations of aphids were conducted. Aphids were inoculated separately on leaves using cylindrical cages hermetically closed on both sides. Contamination of aphid occurred through its host plant. Results showed that all tested substances adversely affected A. fabae life history traits and population dynamics: extension of the prereproductive period, reduction of fecundity and life span, reduction of the population intrinsic growth rate. In broad bean, leaf, roots, and shoot growth was also impaired in most conditions, whereas nutrient and heavy metal content varied according to substances, their concentration, as well as plant part analysed. Results indicate that soil contamination with petroleum-derived substances entails far-reaching changes not only in organisms directly exposed to these pollutants (plants), but also indirectly in herbivores (aphids) and consequently provides information about potential negative effects on further links of the food chain, i.e., for predators and parasitoids.

The Effects of Water Extracts from Lemon Balm on Pea Leaf Weevil and Black Bean Aphid Behaviour

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various concentrations of water extracts prepared from the fresh or dry matter of lemon balm on Sitona lineatus L. and Aphis fabae Scop. behaviour. The assessment pertaining to the feeding intensity of beetles was carried out by measuring the surface of feeds caused by S. lineatus. While examining the effect of extracts on A. fabae, the mortality of wingless female and aphid larvae was determined. In the studies on the olfactory reaction glass olfactometer “Y‐tube” and 4‐armed arena olfactometer were used. The results of the experiment showed that the water extract prepared from dry matter of lemon balm with 2% concentration limited the feeding of both female and male of S. lineatus. The increase in the mortality of the black bean aphid females and larvae was obtained only after applying the extracts from fresh and dry matter at highest concentrations. The evident deterrent reaction of the odour substances obtained from the lemon balm plants towards the beetles of S. lineatus, could find application in ecological farms via introducing the plant as an accompanying crop to the main crops. The winged individuals of A. fabae did not react to the abovementioned factor.

The Effects of Water Extracts from Lemon Balm on Colorado Potato Beetle Behaviour

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various concentrations of water extracts prepared from the fresh or dry mass of lemon balm on the feeding of Colorado potato beetle larvae in L2 and L4 stages. The extracts from the dry matter were prepared at the concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10% and from the fresh matter at the concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30%. The feeding intensity assessment was conducted by dipping leaves of potato in respective solutions of the extracts and determining the mass of food consumed by larvae, as well as the changes of larvae body weight. In the studies on the olfactory reaction of adult insects, a glass “Y-tube” olfactometer was used. The feeding by L4 larvae of Colorado potato beetle was effectively limited by the extract prepared from the dry matter of lemon balm with 10% concentration. The larvae at L2 stage turned out to be more susceptible to the effects of extracts – the extracts in almost all used concentrations limited the feeding of the studied pest. The body weight gain in L2 and L4 larvae of Colorado potato beetle were effectively limited by the extracts prepared from the dry plants of lemon balm in as low concentration as 5%. However, the effect of extracts prepared from the fresh matter of lemon balm plants was effective in limiting the body weight gain of L4 larvae at the minimum concentration of 20%, whereas for L4 larvae the effective concentration was 30%. The evident deterrent reaction of odour substances originating from lemon balm plants towards the females of Colorado potato beetle was found. The males did not react to the above-mentioned factor.

Antioxidant responses of Triticum aestivum plants to petroleum-derived substances

Winter common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants were cultivated on petroleum products contaminated soils with and without using biopreparation ZB-01. We determined the impact of soil contamination with petrol, diesel fuel and engine oil on selected antioxidant enzymes and the levels of antioxidants in the leaves of winter wheat. The impact of petroleum products on selected morphological characteristics of the plants, levels of nutrients and heavy metals was also assessed. Winter wheat was relatively resistant to soil contamination with petroleum products, and did not show a significant impact on the morphological characteristics of the plants. The levels of nutrients and heavy metals in the plants depended on the type of pollutant and the analyzed component.‬ Biopreparation ZB-01 generally resulted in an increase in calcium levels in the plants.‬ The winter wheat plants growing in soil contaminated with engine oil were characterized by higher levels of zinc, lead, manganese and cadmium than the control plants.‬ Biopreparation applied to the soil contaminated with petrol resulted in a slight increase in the levels of lead and zinc in the plants.‬ The petroleum products affected the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of antioxidants in the plants.‬ The general markers of soil contaminated with diesel fuel and petrol were POD activity and proline levels. Use of the ZB-01 biopreparation caused an increase in the levels of proline and -SH groups and an increase in the levels of carbon and calcium in the plants and had no effect on the morphological characteristics of plants.‬

EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACT FROM MINT ON SELECTED CROP PESTS FEEDING AND SURVIVAL

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of dried mint (Mentha piperita L.) in concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%, and fresh parts of this plant, in concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% on feeding of pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus L.) and survival of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) on the leaves of broad bean (Vicia faba L.), variety “Bartek”. In the studies of the effects of aqueous extracts of mint on the dynamics of Sitona lineatus feeding on the beans leaves, 9 laboratory’s observations in 12-hour intervals was made. Leaves injuries on their edge surface caused by adult individuals were measured. Observations were carried out in 6 replicates divided into males and females. In these researches on impact of water extracts from mint on mortality of wingless females and larvae of black bean aphids, 14 laboratory’s observations in the 8-hour intervals was made. Aqueous extracts of dry and fresh peppermint significantly limited the feeding of pea leaf weevil females, and the extracts from dried material were more effective. Extracts from peppermint caused mortality of black bean aphid larvae compared to wingless females to a greater extent, and the higher the concentration of the extract, the more beneficial effect was observed. An extract from dried material at a concentration of 2% was too weak to effectively combat the larvae of A. fabae, while in the case of aphid females, an effectiveness was only demonstrated for the extracts at the highest concentrations, i.e., 10% of dried and 30% of fresh peppermint.

EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACT FROM CHAMOMILE ON BLACK BEAN APHID AND COLORADO POTATO BEETLE

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of dried chamomille (Matricaria chamomilla L.), in concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%, and fresh parts of this plant, in concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% on survival of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) on the leaves of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) variety “Bartek” and on feeding of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say.) on the leaves of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety “Bellarosa”. In these researches on impact of water extracts from chamomille on mortality of wingless females and larvae of black bean aphid, 15 laboratory’s observations in the 8-hour intervals was made. In the studies of the effects of aqueous extracts of chamomille on the dynamics of Leptinotarsa decemlineata feeding on the potato leaves, 4 laboratory’s observations in 12-hour intervals was made. Observations were carried out in 6 replicates divided into L2 and L4 larvae stages. Aquatic extracts of chamomile limited the survival of black bean aphid larvae and wingless females – the higher the concentration, the stronger the effects of the extract, where young insects were found to be more susceptible. Extracts of the dried plant whose concentration was below 5% and extracts of the fresh plant whose concentration was below 20% were found to be ineffective against black bean aphids. In all the analysed concentrations the aquatic extracts of chamomile were found to be ineffective against L2 and L4 larvae of Colorado potato beetle.

THE EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACTS FROM WINTER SAVORY ON BLACK BEAN APHID MORTALITY

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of water extracts prepared from fresh and dry matter of winter savory (Satureja montana L.) on mortality of wingless females and larvae of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory, in six replicates. Dry extracts were prepared at concentration of 2%, 5% and 10%, while the fresh plant at concentration of 10%, 20% and 30%. Stomach poisoning of extracts was determined by soaking broad bean leaves in the respective solutions, and then determining mortality of wingless female and larvae feeding on leaves thus prepared at 12 hour intervals. The results of the experiment showed that the extract prepared from dry matter at the highest concentration (10%), as well as the extracts from fresh matter at concentration of 20% and 30% contributed to an increase in mortality of wingless female of black bean aphid. Meanwhile, extracts prepared from both dry and fresh matter at two highest concentrations caused an increase in mortality of larvae of this pest. Furthermore, with increasing concentrations of analysed extracts prepared from both fresh and dry matter of winter savory, their negative effect on wingless females and larvae usually increase.

Effect of Sage Water Extracts on Reduction of Feeding of Pea Leaf Weevil

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of dried sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%, and the fresh parts of the plant in concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% on the feeding of Sitona lineatus L. on the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves. The olfactometry response of the pest (response to olfactory stimuli) was also determined in relation to the sage. Extracts of dry and fresh parts of sage reveal the inhibitory effect on feeding of both males and females of pea leaf weevil, the stronger, the higher their concentrations, however, no apparent differences were registered between the analysed sexes. Dry plant extracts in 10% concentrations and 30% extracts of fresh sage parts caused 2–3 time reduction of Sitona lineatus feeding after 4 days of the experiment. An apparent repellent response of aroma substances originating from sage towards weevil beetles (both males and females) was registered, which suggests potential applications of this plant as a neighbouring plant in mixed stands or, e.g., as a component of border belts.

THE INFLUENCE OF NON-CHEMICAL METHODS OF PLANT PROTECTION ON THE PRESENCE OF HERBIVOROUS BEETLES IN BROAD BEANS GROWING

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of accompanying plants: sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.) and white mustard (Synapis alba L.), on the incidence of pests of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) variety Bartek, in the intercropping system. The observations of the number of the beetles of Bruchus rufimanus Boh. and Sitona spp were made. The broad bean was grown along with two other plants in varying spacing (the distances between rows were 50, 65 and 80 cm) and in homogeneous cultivation (the distances between rows were 50 cm). Broad bean in a homogeneous cultivation served as a control. In addition, the broad bean from homogeneous cultivation subjected to a standard protection by chemical insecticides was also analyzed. The measurements were carried out in field conditions, by using an entomological bucket, through the shedding of insects from randomly selected 30 plants per plot. The sweet alyssum as an accompanying plant showed no significant influence on the occurrence of herbivorous beetles of Bruchus rufimanus Boh. and Sitona spp., regardless of the spacing between the rows. The white mustard as a companion plant showed a significant impact on increasing the number of Bruchus rufimanus Boh. beetles in the middle row spacing (65 cm). The impact of white mustard on other beetles has not been detected.