Renata Wojciechowska

The effect of cultivar type, time of cultivation, and biostimulant treatment on the yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of spraying with Aminoplant on the yield of two spinach cultivars in the spring and autumn cultivations. The experiment was carried out in 2008 and 2009 in the experimental station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. Three factors were taken into consideration: (1) cultivar: ‘Rembrandt F1’ and ‘Spiros F1’; (2) time of cultivation: spring and autumn; (3) dose of Aminoplant: control (without Aminoplant), 1.5 dm3 ha-1 and 3.0 dm3 ha-1. The spinach yield was dependent on the time of production and cultivar type, and ranged between 18.6-44.8 t ha-1. Both cultivars yielded better in autumn cultivation. Spraying with Aminoplant had no effect on spinach yield. Dry matter content in spinach leaves was between 6.3-11.2 g 100 g-1. Spinach grown in the autumn had a greater content of dry matter in comparison to the spring cultivation. In 2009, ‘Rembrant F1’ was characterized by greater dry matter content than ‘Spiros F1’. Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm3 ha-1 lowered dry matter content in spinach leaves as compared to the control. The nitrate content in spinach was differentiated (558-3506 mg NO3 kg-1 f.m.) and depended on the time of cultivation, the cultivar, and the Aminoplant dose.

The Effect of Cultivar and Biostimulant Treatment on the Carrot Yield and its Quality

Summary Modifications in growing techniques can affect the yield and nutritional quality of various cultivated plants. Among them, the use of biostimulants is environmental friendly method of stimulating crop productivity, stress resistance, and affecting yield or chemical composition of the plants. The aim of the investigation was determining of the effect of biostimulant treatment on yield and its quality of carrot grown for summer harvest. The experiment was carried out in 2009-2011 in the experimental station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, south Poland. Two experimental factors were taken into consideration: (1) cultivar: Nandrin F1 and Napoli F1 (2) dose of Aminoplant (foliar application): 1.5 and 3.0 dm3∙ha-1 and control (without Aminoplant). Total and marketable yield, root length, its diameter, leaf mass and leaf : root mass ratio were assessed. The dry matter, soluble sugar, carotenoids and nitrate ions contents were analyzed as main determinants of carrot nutritional quality. Aminoplant influenced not only carrot productivity, but mainly chemical composition of the roots. The present results also suggest that carrot reaction to biostimulant treatment was depended on a cultivar more than on environmental conditions in particular growing seasons. The significant effect of Aminoplant in a dose of 1.5 dm3∙ha-1 on the yield of roots and leaf rosette mass of ‘Nandrin F1’ appeared only in the first year of the experiment. Spraying with Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm3∙ha-1 significantly increased the soluble sugars content in carrot roots of both cultivars but only in 2011. Dry matter content was also affected by biostimulant treatment mainly for ‘Napoli F1’, which showed the lowest dry matter content when sprayed with Aminoplant in a dose of 1.5 dm3∙ha-1. In 2010 control plants contained the greater amount of carotenoids, while in next year roots of plants treated with Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm3∙ha-1 had more these compounds. The significant effect of Aminoplant on nitrates content in carrot roots was observed but were not repeatable in the experimental years, so different climatic conditions modified carrot reaction on biostimulant spraying. Streszczenie We współczesnym ogrodnictwie stosowane są szeroko nowoczesne techniki optymalizujące wysokość i jakość plonu. Wśród nich wykorzystanie biostymulatorów jest przyjazną środowisku metodą zwiększającą produktywność roślin, tolerancję na czynniki stresowe, jak również plon i wartość odżywczą. Celem prezentowanych badań była ocena wpływu biostymulatora na wysokość i jakość plonu marchwi, uprawianej na zbiór letni. Eksperyment przeprowadzono w latach 2009-2011 w Uniwersytecie Rolniczym w Krakowie, obejmował on dwa czynniki badawcze: (1) odmiana: Nandrin F1 i Napoli F1, (2) dawka biostymulatora Aminoplant, zastosowanego dolistnie: kontrola (bez aplikacji biostymulatora), 1.5 i 3.0 dm3∙ha-1. Określono plon ogólny i handlowy marchwi, długość korzenia, jego średnicę, masę rozety liściowej oraz stosunek masy liści do masy korzenia. Oznaczono zawartość suchej masy, cukrów rozpuszczalnych, karotenoidów i azotanów, jako głównych wyznaczników wartości odżywczej marchwi. Aplikacja Aminoplantu wpłynęła nie tylko na produktywność marchwi, ale przede wszystkim na skład chemiczny korzeni. Prezentowane wyniki pozwalają na stwierdzenie, że reakcja marchwi na dolistne zastosowanie biostymulatora zależała przede wszystkim od odmiany oraz od warunków środowiskowych w latach badań. W pierwszym roku zaznaczył się istotny wpływ Aminoplantu w dawce 1.5 dm3∙ha-1 na plon korzeni i masę rozety odmiany Nandrin F1. Aplikacja biostymulatora w dawce 3.0 dm3∙ha-1 istotnie zwiększyła zawartość cukrów rozpuszczalnych w korzeniach badanych odmian, ale tylko w 2011 roku. W korzeniach odmiany Napoli F1 najniższą zawartość suchej masy stwierdzono przy oprysku dawką biostymulatora 1.5 dm3∙ha-1. W 2010, najwyższy poziom karotenoidów stwierdzono w roślinach kontrolnych, podczas gdy w roku następnym - w roślinach traktowanych Aminoplantem w dawce 3.0 dm3∙ha-1. Odnotowano również istotny wpływ badanego biostymulatora na zawartość azotanów, ale bez powtarzalnych tendencji w poszczególnych latach badań. W przypadku tego parametru odmienne warunki klimatyczne modyfikowały reakcję roślin na opryskiwanie biostymulatorem.

The effect of LED lighting on photosynthetic parameters and weight of lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta).

ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out in the winter and autumn of 2011 using lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella locusta Laterr. Em Betce) as a test plant under greenhouse growing conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a prolonged day with modern SSL LED (Solid State Lighting Light Emitting Diodes) technology on photosynthetic parameters and plant yield. Two kinds of LED lamps with different spectral properties were used. The first emitted a white light and the second a mixture of red and blue light. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange were taken in natural and artificial light. Control plants were not treated with additional lighting. During the day with natural light in March (winter growing), photosynthesis intensity, stomatal conductance and transpiration of lamb’s lettuce leaves were higher than in November (autumn growing). In the evening hours of March and November, during artificial plant lighting, similar photosynthesis intensity was observed. This intensity was significantly higher than in the afternoon hours (by natural light) in the autumn. The highest content of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids was found in the treatment with red+blue LEDs in winter growing. Supplemental lighting with red+blue LED light stimulated the high efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus, which was manifested by the highest Performance Index (PI). The highest weight of the rosettes was noted in the autumn growing period in plants that were under the influence of the red+blue supplemental lighting followed by the white LED. This could be the result of a significant stimulation of photosynthesis during supplemental lighting with the LED lamps during this period.

Effect of Maturity Stage and Short-Term Storage on the Biological Quality of Sweet Pepper Fruits

Effect of Maturity Stage and Short-Term Storage on the Biological Quality of Sweet Pepper Fruits Sweet pepper plants of Spartacus cultivar were grown in plastic tunnel on rockwool using the fertigation technique. The three year experiment was carried out in 2006-2008. Fruits were harvested every year in three maturity stages: green, turning and red. The contents of ascorbic acid, phenols, soluble sugars, nitrate and ammonium ions, total nitrogen, free amino acids and dry matter were determined in freshly harvested fruits as well as after short-term (two weeks) storage. Red pepper fruits accumulated significantly more ascorbic acid, soluble sugars and phenols in comparison with the green and turning ones. The level of nitrate ions was highest in the green fruits and decreased during their ripening while the ammonium ion concentration increased. The lowest content of amino acids was observed in green fruits. Two week storage at 5-8°C, followed by two days at room temperature caused the reduction of nitrate ions in green and red fruits. Ammonium ion content as well as phenol and soluble sugar level increased in stored fruits, irrespectively of their maturity stage. Ascorbic acid content increased in the stored turning and red pepper fruits as related to its initial concentration. Dry matter content did not change after storage. Biological quality of harvested pepper fruits depended of their maturity stage, however, their response to short-term storage was similar. Wpływ Fazy Dojrzałości Oraz Krótkotrwałego Przechowywania na Jakość Biologiczną Owoców Papryki Słodkiej Paprykę słodką ‘Spartacus’ uprawiano w tunelu wysokim na wełnie mineralnej z wykorzystaniem systemu fertygacyjnego. Doświadczenie przeprowadzono w latach 2006-2008. Owoce papryki zbierano w trzech fazach dojrzałości: zielone, przebarwiające się oraz czerwone. W materiale roślinnym oznaczono zawartość kwasu askorbinowego, sumy fenoli, cukrów rozpuszczalnych, azotanów i jonów amonowych, a także azotu całkowitego, wolnych aminokwasów i suchej masy. Analizy przeprowadzono tuż po zbiorze owoców, a także po ich krótkotrwałym przechowywaniu. W czerwonych owocach papryki oznaczono istotnie więcej kwasu askorbinowego, cukrów rozpuszczalnych i fenoli niż w owocach zielonych czy przebarwiających się. Zawartość azotanów była najwyższa w owocach zielonych i obniżała się w trakcie dojrzewania, podczas gdy zawartość jonów amonowych rosła w trakcie wybarwiania się owoców. Najniższym poziomem wolnych aminokwasów charakteryzowały się owoce zielone. Owoce papryki przechowywano dwa tygodnie w temperaturze 5-8°C, a następnie dwa dni w temperaturze pokojowej. Przechowywanie wpłynęło na obniżenie zawartości jonów azotanowych w zielonych i czerwonych owocach papryki. W trakcie przechowywania zwiększała się zawartość jonów amonowych, fenoli i cukrów rozpuszczalnych niezależnie od stopnia dojrzałości. W przypadku owoców przebarwiających się i czerwonych obserwowano wzrost zawartości kwasu askorbinowego w trakcie przechowywania. Nie notowano natomiast zmian w zawartości suchej masy w owocach papryki. Wartość biologiczna papryki była zależna od fazy dojrzałości owoców w momencie zbioru, podczas gdy w trakcie przechowywania notowano podobne zmiany składników niezależnie od fazy dojrzałości.

The effect of foliar nutrition with nitrogen, molybdenum, sucrose and benzyladenine on the nitrogen metabolism in carrot plants.

The Effect of Foliar Nutrition with Nitrogen, Molybdenum, Sucrose and Benzyladenine on the Nitrogen Metabolism in Carrot Plants The Kazan F1 carrot was cultivated in years 2004-2005 in open-work containers sized 60×40×20 cm filled in with silt loam and located on the open field under shade providing fabric. The following combinations of experiments were arranged: (1) control - without foliar nutrition, and foliar nutrition with: (2) urea, (3) solution of urea+Mo, (4) urea+Mo+BA (benzyladenine - BA), (5) urea+Mo+BA+sucrose, (6) BA in the concentration of 5 mg·dm-3 and (7) BA in the concentration of 10 mg·dm-3. In combinations 2-5 the following concentrations of components in solution were applied: urea and sucrose each in 20 g·dm-3, molybdenum 1 mg·dm-3, benzyladenine 5 mg·dm-3. Foliar nutrition was applied three times. In leaves sprayed with urea and with solution of urea+Mo as well as urea+Mo+BA, an increased concentration of NO3- was observed when compared to other sites. Foliar nutrition did not result in any significant changes in content of N-total and dry weight in leaves. Foliar application of urea, as well as the solution of urea+Mo+BA, caused an increase in the activity of nitrate reductase (NR) in leaves when compared to the control. Whereas, after spraying the plants with BA only, a noticeable decline in NR activity was revealed in comparison with the control; interestingly, a higher concentration of BA (10 mg·dm-3) was more effective. Foliar nutrition with urea+Mo+BA+sucrose and spraying with benzyladenine only (independently from the concentration) resulted in a significant decrease of the content of NO3- in storage roots when compared to other combinations. The highest level of nitrogen uptake by single storage root and leaves of one carrot plant was found after urea+Mo+BA+sucrose nutrition. In case of N uptake by yield of leaves and biological yield of whole carrot plants (roots+leaves) the highest values were observed in combination no. 6. Wpływ Odżywiania Dolistnego Azotem, Molibdenem, Sacharozą i Benzyloadeniną na Gospodarkę Azotową Marchwi Marchew Kazan F1 uprawiano w latach 2004-2005 w pojemnikach ażurowych o wymiarach 60×40×20 cm wypełnionych glina średnią pylastą, umieszczonych na terenie otwartym pod cieniówką. Badano następujące kombinacje doświadczenia: (1) kontrola - bez dokarmiania dolistnego, oraz dokarmianie dolistne: (2) mocznikiem, (3) roztworem mocznik+Mo, (4) mocznik+Mo+BA (benzylodenina - skrót BA), (5) mocznik+Mo+ BA+sacharoza, (6) BA w stężeniu 5 mg·dm-3 i (7) BA w stężeniu 10 mg·dm-3. W roztworach z kombinacji 2-5 zastosowano następujące stężenia składników: mocznik i sacharoza po 20 g·dm-3, molibden 1 mg·dm-3, benzyloadenina 5 mg·dm-3. Odżywianie dolistne wykonywano trzykrotnie. W liściach roślin opryskiwanych mocznikiem oraz roztworem mocznika+Mo jak i mocznika+Mo+BA nastąpiło podwyższenie zawartości NO3- w porównaniu z pozostałymi obiektami. Dokarmianie dolistne nie powodowało istotnych zmian w zawartości N ogółem i suchej masy liści. Odżywianie dolistne mocznikiem jak i roztworem mocznika+Mo+BA wpłynęło na wzrost aktywności reduktazy azotanowej (NR) w liściach w porównaniu z kontrolą. Natomiast po opryskiwaniu roślin samą BA stwierdzono znaczne obniżenie poziomu aktywności NR w porównaniu z kontrolą, przy czym większe stężenie BA (10 mg·dm-3) było w tym zakresie bardziej efektywne. Odżywianie dolistne mocznikiem+Mo+BA+sacharozą oraz opryskiwanie samą benzyloadeniną (niezależnie od stężenia) powodowało istotne zmniejszenie zawartości NO3- w korzeniach spichrzowych w porównaniu z pozostałymi kombinacjami. Największą ilość azotu pobranego przez korzenie spichrzowe i liście stwierdzono w przypadku roślin odżywianych mocznikiem+ Mo+BA+sacharozą oraz w kombinacji nr 6 - w przypadku pobierania azotu wraz z plonem liści i biologicznym plonem roślin marchwi (korzenie+liście).

The effect of various light conditions and different nitrogen forms on nitrogen metabolism in pepper fruits

Abstract The ‘Spartacus’ F1 sweet pepper was grown in a plastic tunnel on rockwool during 2006-2008. A fertigation technique was used for water and fertiliser application. The tunnel was divided into two parts covered with different plastic films. The first part of the tunnel was covered with a film that transmitted less light than the film covering the second part. In both parts of the tunnel, the plants were divided into two groups. One group of plants was fertilised with just nitrate nitrogen (100% N-NO3) and the other one with three forms of nitrogen (N-NO3:N-NH4:N-NH2 in a ratio of 50:13:37). Fruits were harvested mature green and red. Concentrations of nitrate and ammonium ions as well as total nitrogen and free amino acids were analysed in the plant material. Nitrate and nitrite reductase activities were also investigated, and dry matter content and soluble sugars were also determined. Higher light intensity increased nitrate concentration in red pepper fruits but decreased ammonium ion content. These tendencies were not as obvious in green fruits. In most cases, red fruits fertilised with three nitrogen forms accumulated more nitrates than those fertilised with N-NO3. This observation was similar in the case of green fruits. In most cases, pepper fruits accumulated more ammonium ions in the case of N-NO3 fertilisation than when three forms of nitrogen were applied, but the differences were not always statistically significant. Higher nitrate reductase activity was observed in the case of better light conditions as well as mixed nitrogen fertilisation in red pepper fruits. No differences were observed in the case of nitrite reductase activity between fruits harvested from various treatments in red and also green fruits, with some exceptions. The green fruits of pepper had higher nitrate reductase activity than the red ones. It can be summarised that various light conditions influenced the nitrogen metabolism of pepper fruits as well as the different nitrogen forms applied with fertilisers.

The Effect of Different Kind of Polyethylene Film Used as a Low Tunnel Cover on Celery Yield and Stalk Quality

The Effect of Different Kind of Polyethylene Film Used as a Low Tunnel Cover on Celery Yield and Stalk Quality Earlier experiments showed that celery could be grown under different plastic covers for spring and autumn harvest. The most significant for yield quantity and quality were light conditions. In conducted studies (2005-2007) the effect of three different covers for low tunnels: transparent, white and black film (made of original and recycled polyethylene) on the growth, yield and some quality factors of celery Tango stalks was estimated. Only small differences in the length of celery stalks grown under different films were observed. In the third year of experiment stalks grown under black film were around 1cm longer than all the others. Mean values of the yield indicate that transparent film used as a cover and the control treatment increased slightly the obtained yield but the differences did not exceed several percent. Plants grown in more favourable light conditions accumulated more dry matter as well as more soluble sugars in celery stalks. No such differences were observed under original and recycled films. Plon Selerów Naciowych i ich Jakość W Tunelach Pokrytych Różnymi Rodzajami Folii Polietylenowej Wcześniejsze eksperymenty wykazały, że seler naciowy może być z powodzeniem uprawiany na zbiór wiosenny i jesienny pod osłonami wykonanymi z różnych folii, a czynnikiem w największym stopniu modyfikującym wielkość i jakość plonu były warunki świetlne. W trzyletnich doświadczeniach oceniano wpływ bezbarwnej, białej i czarnej folii pelietylenowej wykonanej z surowców oryginalnych i recyklingowych na tunelach niskich na wzrost, plon i wybrane parametry jakości ogonków liściowych selerów naciowych odmiany Tango. Pomiędzy poszczególnymi rodzajami folii nie stwierdzono różnic we wzroście elongacyjnym roślin. Jedynie pod folią czarna długość ogonków była o 1 cm większa niż w pozostałych obiektach. Plon ogonków liściowych był o kilka procent większy w przypadku stosowania folii bezbarwnej i w obiekcie kontrolnym. W lepszych warunkach świetlnych rośliny akumulowały więcej suchej masy i cukrów rozpuszczalnych. Stwierdzono, że większy wpływ na rośliny wykazała ilość promieniowania przepuszczanego przez folie niż jego skład spektralny. Nie obserwowano różnic pod wpływem folii oryginalnej i recyklingowej.

Supplemental lighting with LEDs improves the biochemical composition of two Valerianella locusta (L.) cultivars

In recent years, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been introduced as a new source of supplemental lighting in winter greenhouse crop production to improve yield and quality. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of light supplementation with LEDs on the yield and the concentration of several health-promoting compounds in two cultivars of lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella locusta, L.), ‘Noordhollandse’ and ‘Holländisher’ in a greenhouse cultivation in winter. Four different LED spectra used to extend the photoperiod (16 h day/8 h night) were tested: 10R:0B (100% red), 9R:1B (90% red, 10% blue), 8R:2B (80% red, 20% blue), and 7R:3B (70% red, 30% blue). The control plants were illuminated by high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. The photosynthetic photon flux density at the plant canopy level was approximately 200 μmol·m -2 ·s -1 in all treatments. The plants were harvested on the 45 th day of light treatment (60 days after sowing). In both cultivars, the 10R:0B LED light treatment resulted in the highest yield, but low concentrations of ascorbic acid, xantophylls, and phenolic compounds. Supplemental lighting with HPS lamps resulted in high concentrations of nitrate and carotenoids, but low fresh mass, ascorbic acid, and total phenols content. The addition of blue light in the spectrum increased antioxidant properties; however, certain effects were cultivar-dependent. High yields with the most satisfactory composition of soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and polyphenols, as well as high antioxidant properties and reduced nitrate levels, in the leaves of the tested cultivars were obtained with 8R:2B LED lighting. Thus, supplemental lighting with 80% red and 20% blue light may be advantageous in greenhouse-cultivated V. locusta ‘Noordhollandse’ and ‘Holländisher’ cultivars.

THE STORAGE ABILITY OF LAMB'S LETTUCE CULTIVATED IN THE GREENHOUSE UNDER LED OR HPS LAMPS

Abstract Leafy vegetables are the source of many valuable components like vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds as antioxidants. Chlorophyll derivatives have antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activity, or may even act as signalling molecules in organisms. However, during the storage of the leafy vegetables in the cold and darkness, numerous biochemical changes usually occurs, demonstrated as the breakdown of chlorophyll. Storage ability of plants depends to some extent on the conditions under which plants grew. Lamb’s lettuce plants were grown in the greenhouse in different light regimes - emitted with sodium (HPS-control) and LED lamps (100% red, 90% red + 10% blue, 70% red + 30% blue and 50% red + 50% blue light). The intensity of radiation at the height of the leaves of the plants was the same in every treatment. After harvesting, the plants were stored at the temperature of 5 °C and high humidity in plastic bags. The analyses of the material were done four times: after harvest and three times during storage at weekly intervals. Fresh weight lost, dry matter, phenolics and chlorophyll content were analysed. Additionally, the fluorescence of chlorophyll a was carried out. Changes in plant fresh weight and dry matter content during storage did not depend on the lighting used during cultivation. After 3 weeks of storage, higher value of indicator of the vitality of PSII (PIABS - Performance Index) was noticed in leaves treated with higher red light intensity during cultivation (100%, 90% and 70% red). LED lamps, which emitted 100% and 90% red light, enhanced concentration of total phenolics in lamb’s lettuce leaves. Light of HPS lamps decreased radical scavenging activity in leaves. Quality and usefulness of plants produced under LED lamps was just as good as those grown under HPS lamps.

Some physiological changes in autumn leaves of Parthenocissus inserta growing in urban conditions

Introduction Autumnal leaf color change is a decorative feature, but the intensity of colors in this period is not always the same. Physiological processes that determine the colors of autumn leaves are affected by many factors, including weather conditions (Feild et al., 2001; Archetti et al., 2009). Red color of the leaves is caused by anthocyanins, which synthesis is stimulated by night temperature falls (up to a few degrees above zero) followed by sunny weather. During autumn low temperature accelerates the chlorophyll breakdown, revealing the yellow-orange carotenoids. An important factor in the selection of species is a similar color change regardless of the weather fluctuations. One of these species is Parthenocissus inserta – Thicket Creeper – fast growing, expansive rambler, climbing by tendrils, with green young shoots, reaching up to 20 m in height (Seneta and Dolatowski, 2008). In addition to the strong spring-summer shoot growth, and quick cover of different areas, the main decorative advantage of P. inserta is intense red leaf color in the autumn. It is successfully planted in urban areas, enduring the pollution of soil and air and water shortages (Borowski, 1996). The compact construction of the city center, including transport routes are the warmest areas of Cracow, while the coldest – water reservoirs surface, large forests and parks, including “Las Borkowski” area (Matuszko, 2007). The aim of the study was to examine selected physiological changes (pigment content, the state of the cytoplasmic membrane), occurring especially in the autumn leaves of Parthenocissu sinserta, growing in three different positions in Cracow. The aim was also to determine how the tested parameters are affected by the location of the plant leaves in the crown.