Zdzisława Romanowska-Duda

Frequently asked questions about in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence: practical issues

The aim of this educational review is to provide practical information on the hardware, methodology, and the hands on application of chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence technology. We present the paper in a question and answer format like frequently asked questions. Although nearly all information on the application of Chl a fluorescence can be found in the literature, it is not always easily accessible. This paper is primarily aimed at scientists who have some experience with the application of Chl a fluorescence but are still in the process of discovering what it all means and how it can be used. Topics discussed are (among other things) the kind of information that can be obtained using different fluorescence techniques, the interpretation of Chl a fluorescence signals, specific applications of these techniques, and practical advice on different subjects, such as on the length of dark adaptation before measurement of the Chl a fluorescence transient. The paper also provides the physiological background for some of the applied procedures. It also serves as a source of reference for experienced scientists.

Effectiveness of cyanobacteria and green algae in enhancing the photosynthetic performance and growth of willow (Salix viminalis L.) plants under limited synthetic fertilizers application

The physiological response of plants to triple foliar biofertilization with cyanobacteria and green algae under the conditions of limited use of chemical fertilizers was investigated. Triple foliar biofertilization with intact cells of Microcystis aeruginosa MKR 0105, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, and Chlorella sp. significantly enhanced physiological performance and growth of plants fertilized with a synthetic fertilizer YaraMila Complex (1.0, 0.5, and 0.0 g per plant). This biofertilization increased the stability of cytomembranes, chlorophyll content, intensity of net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and decreased intercellular CO2 concentration. Applied monocultures augmented the quantity of N, P, K in plants, the activity of enzymes, such as dehydrogenases, RNase, acid or alkaline phosphatase and nitrate reductase. They also improved the growth of willow plants. This study revealed that the applied nontoxic cyanobacteria and green algae monocultures have a very useful potential to increase production of willow, and needed doses of chemical fertilizers can be reduced.

Rapid Evaluation of Germinability of Primed China Aster (Callistephus Chinensis Ness.) Seeds with Physiological and Biochemical Markers

Abstract The correlation between the sowing value of primed China aster seeds represented by germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), germination uniformity expressed as the time between 25% and 75% of germinated seeds (T75-25) and some selected physiological characteristics - total activity of dehydrogenases (TAD), activity of catalase (AC), activity of cell cycle (ACC) and electrolyte leakage (EL) has been analysed in order to find useful markers of biological quality of seeds. To achieve this objective, analyses of effects of three methods of water supply to seeds viz. - hydroconditioning by soaking in excessive amount of water (M1), hydroconditioning by soaking in limited amount of water (M2) or hydroconditioning by contact with solid carrier of water - matriconditioning (M3), three levels (30.0, 35.0 and 40.0%) of seed moisture content (m.c.) and three incubation periods (1, 8 and 10 days) during priming and hence their influence on germination properties (GP, MGT, T75-25) in comparison with TAD, AC, ACC and EL were determined. The results showed that MGT and T75-25 were correlated with TAD, AC, ACC and EL, irrespective of their priming method and sowing value. Therefore, all the investigated physiological/biochemical parameters of seed quality can be used as markers of germinability and sowing value reached by primed China aster seeds. The results also proved that, irrespective of the water supply method applied, hydration of seeds up to 37.5% m.c., and their incubation at 20 °C for 8 days, followed by drying to their initial moisture content, increased to the greatest extent the speed and uniformity of seed germination and their physiological activity.

Biomass Production of Selected Energy Plants: Economic Analysis and Logistic Strategies

Abstract The objective of this article is the conducting of an analysis of the production of selected energy plants that are already a basic source of agrobiomass in Poland. The analysis looks at environmental aspects and production conditions for biomass designated for energy for the Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita), common osier (Salix viminalis), silver-grass (Miscanthus x giganteus), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). What is presented is an economic analysis of the production of selected energy plants, taking into account the costs of establishing plantations and their cost effectiveness. Moreover, logistic strategies for the delivery of biomass intended to secure continuous production of renewable energy as a part of sustainable development is signaled. Celem nieniejszego artykułu było przeprowadzenie analizy produkcji wybranych roślin energetycznych, które w Polsce są już podstawowym źródłem agrobiomasy. W treści analiza zawierała aspekty środowiskowe i uwarunkowania produkcji biomasy na cele energetyczne dla ślazowca pensylwańskiego (Sida hermaphrodita), wierzby wiciowej z rodzaju Salix,i miskanta olbrzymiego (Miscanthus x giganteus) i prosa rózgowatego (Panicum virgatum). Przedstawiono analizę ekonomiczną produkcji wybranych roślin energetycznych z uwzględnieniem kosztów plantacji i ich opłacalności oraz zasygnalizowano strategie logistyczne dla dostaw biomasy w celu zabezpieczenia stałej produkcji energii odnawialnej w zrównoważonym rozwoju.

Utilization of Waste from Methane Fermentation in Lemnaceae Plant Breeding Intended for Energy Purposes

The increase in environmental pollution caused by waste from agro-food industry and methane fermentation in biogas plants is currently one of the most serious problems. More and more governments launch programs supporting biogas plant construction and conversing biogas into electric energy. One of the methods to utilize the waste from methane fermentation in biogas plants is its utilization as a culture medium for breeding Lemnaceae aquatic plants. Water biomass can be diversely used in agriculture, energy production, phytoremediation and as animal feed. The plants Spirodela polyrrhiza were cultured in a phytotronic room at 24 °C. The medium was supplemented with various concentrations of leachate coming from the process of methane fermentation from biogas plants. The following physiological parameters were measured (i) plant gas exchange i.e. net photosynthesis (mmol H2O/m−2 s−1), transpiration (mmol H2O/m−2 s−1), stomatal conductance (mmol H2O m−2 s−1), and intercellular CO2 concentration (μmol CO2 mol air−1), (ii) index of chlorophyll content and (iii) fresh and dry matter. The obtained results justified the use of post-fermentation leachate to supplement the culture medium thus indicating the possible way of its utilization. This method can be an efficient way to recycle waste from methane fermentation in biogas plants, to develop a cost-effective system of high-quality water biomass production with an array of applications in production of liquid and gaseous biofuels, in agriculture (animal feed, fertilizers) and phytoremediation. This will decrease the costs and limit environmental pollution.

Stimulatory Impact of Stymjod on Sorghum Plant Growth, Physiological Activity and Biomass Production in Field Conditions

The effects of a new generation ecological nano-organic-mineral fertilizer Stymjod made by PHU Jeznach Sp.J., Poland [1], applied 1 and 2 times to sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) plants at concentration of 0.1–3.0% on their growth in field conditions and physiological activity were studied, in order to explore the possibility of increasing energy biomass yield. Stymjod applied to plants, greatly increased dynamics of their growth, fresh and dry biomass yield. These improvements were associated with a greater activity of the selected physiological events which make the essential impact on plant development and production of biomass, including activity of enzymes: acid (pH = 6.0), alkaline (pH = 7.5) phosphatase, RNase and dehydrogenase. The growth of plants was related to the increased physiological activities in leaves, measured by the index of chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration. The increased growth of sorghum plants and their biomass yield were determined by the percentage and number of applications of the studied biological compound to leaves. Stymjod applied to plants at concentration of 1.5–3% was most effective in increasing the plant growth, fresh and dry biomass yield and physiological activity in leaves than 0.1–0.75%. Similarly, its double application was more effective in improving growth of plants. The positive effect of Stymjod on development, biomass yield and physiological activity of plants indicates its suitability in sorghum cultivation, which may limit the use of synthetic fertilizers, favorably affect the environment and reduce the amount of toxic substances in plants.

Experimental Studies on Energy Crops Torrefaction Process Using Batch Reactor to Estimate Torrefaction Temperature and Residence Time

Biomass of agricultural origin has the biggest potential from all kind of renewable energy sources in Poland because it provide continuous electricity generation, and is the only widespread source of renewable heat. In this paper an installation with a batch reactor was used to conductor experimental tests on three different energy plants by means of the torrefaction process: willow, Pennsylvanian mallow, and Jerusalem artichokes. Those energy plants were growing ion low-grade soils, which are abundant in Poland. Torrefaction or simply roasting of biomass is a thermal degradation of biomass structures by heating it a inert gas atmosphere like nitrogen under atmospheric pressure. This process removes low weight organic volatile components and moisture as well as depolymerises the long polysaccharide chains of biomass. To build up a demonstration plant for torrefaction process of energy crops plants the information concerning the specific temperature of caring the carbonization process for specific type of fuel and residence time should be provided in order to obtain the best C/H ratio in fuel, which is responsible for High Heating Value, carbonization level and best physico-chemical properties as a new fuel for energy production.

Positive impact of bio-stimulators on growth and physiological activity of willow in climate change conditions

Abstract The aim of this research was to evaluate the physiological activity and growth of willow (Salix viminalis L.) plants cultivated under the conditions of adverse temperature and soil moisture content, and to assess the effect of the foliar application of Biojodis (1.0%) and Asahi SL (0.03%) bio-stimulators, or a mixture of Microcistis aeruginosa MKR 0105 and Anabaena PCC 7120 cyanobacteria under such changing growth conditions. The obtained results showed different reactions to the applied constant or periodically changed temperature and soil moisture content. The plants which grew at periodically changed adverse temperature (from -5 to 40oC) or in scantily (20% m.c.) or excessively (60% m.c.) watered soils, grew slowly, in comparison with those growing at 20oC and in optimally moistened soil (30% m.c.). Foliar application of Biojodis and Asahi SL cyanobacteria increased the growth of willow at optimal and adverse temperature or in scantily and excessively moistened soil. The changes in plant growth were associated with the changes in electrolyte leakage, activity of acid or alkaline phosphatases, RNase, index of chlorophyll content in leaves and gas exchange. The above indicates that the foliar application of the studied cyanobacteria and bio-stimulators partly alleviates the harmful impact of adverse temperature and water stress on growth and physiological activity of willow plants

Heavy Metal Uptake by Herbs. V. Metal Accumulation and Physiological Effects Induced by Thiuram in Ocimum basilicum L.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is extensively cultivated as either an important spice and food additive or a source of essential oil crucial for the production of natural phenylpropanoids and terpenoids. It is frequently attacked by fungal diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of thiuram contact time on the uptake of manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead by Ocimum basilicum L. The relevant plant physiological parameters were also investigated. Two farmland soils typical for the Polish rural environment were used. Studies involved soil analyses, bioavailable, and total forms for all investigated metals, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine concentration of all elements. Analysis of variance proved hypothesis that thiuram treatment of basil significantly influences metal transfer from soil and their concentration in roots and aboveground parts. This effect is mostly visible on the 14th day after the fungicide administration. Thiuram modifies mycoflora in the rhizosphere zone and subsequently affects either metal uptake from the soil environment or their further migration within the basil plant. Notable, those changes are more evident for basil planted in mineral soil as compared to organic soil with higher buffering capacity.

Application of Phytoremediation in Restoring Sustainable Development to the Environment: Economic and Soil Conditions

Abstract The objective of this article is a presentation of priority questions and relations involving economic and soil conditions for the application of phytoremediation technology in restoring sustainable development to the environment. The analysis looks at the justifiability of the application of phytoremediation in restoring a balanced environment as an alternative method to costly land recultivation aimed at eliminating pollutants-a solution that is impossible in the case of large areas. The cost effectiveness of the use of phytoremediation in the recovery of trace element in the soil through the process of phytoremediation was demonstrated. The quality of soils as found in the Voivodeship of Łódź was analyzed from the point of view of potential application of the phytoremediation method, taking into account subdivision by heavy metals found in the soils as well as their origins and properties. Grades of soil purity are presented and border values of heavy metal content were identified. Streszczenie Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie priorytetowych zagadnień i powiązań, dotyczących ekonomicznych i glebowych uwarunkowań zastosowania technologii fitoremediacji w przywracaniu zrównoważonego rozwoju środowiska. Analizie poddano zasadność stosowania fitoremediacji w przywracaniu zrównoważonego środowiska jako metody alternatywnej do kosztownej rekultywacji terenów w celu usuwania zanieczyszczeń, które jest niewykonalne do przeprowadzenia na dużych areałach. Wykazano opłacalność stosowania fitoremediacji w odzyskiwaniu pierwiastków śladowych z gleby w procesie phytominingu. Przeanalizowano jakość gleb występujących w województwie łódzkim w aspekcie potencjalnego zastosowania metody fitoremediacji z uwzględnieniem podziału metali ciężkich zawartych w glebach uwzględniający ich pochodzenie oraz właściwości. Przedstawiono klasy czystości gleb i wyznaczone w nich graniczne zawartości metali ciężkich.