Fusarium langsethiae on kernels of winter wheat in Poland — Occurrence and mycotoxigenic abilities

The object of the study was mycological analysis of settlement of winter wheat grain samples collected in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 cropping seasons with the special respect to a new species — Fusarium langsethiae . Its presence was noted in 38 samples in relatively low intensity (from 0.5 up to 3.5%). PCR assay confirmed identity of 38 isolates as F. langsethiae . Mycelium of tested strains of F. langsethiae was whitish with powdery appearance. Microconidia were formed napiform or globose, nonseptate, formed in heads. Macroconidia, sclerotia, and chlamydospores were not present after 3 weeks of incubation. Growth rates ranged from 5.4 to 10.3 mm/day. No isolate had potential ability to type B trichothecenes. Detailed chemical analyses of two strains showed them as producers of T-2 and HT-2 toxins at high concentrations

Research on health of organically cultivated potatoes

In 2002-2004, the disease incidences of six potato varieties grown under organic or integrated farm practices were studied. Disease incidences were also investigated with respect to soil fungal populations and the practice of pre-germinating of tubers. Organically grown potatoes had a lower occurrence of sprout rot (Rhizoctonia solani) and common scab (Streptomyces scabies) than potatoes grown in integrated system. More saprophytic species were found in the organic rather than in the integrated system. Pre-germination of potato tubers had positive but minimal effect. There were large differences in disease susceptibility among the potato varieties tested

Results of studies on plant health in organic cultivation on the background of other farming systems

Investigations concerned effect of organic and other farming systems on cereal health status. Research material were roots, stem bases, leaves, ears and harvested grain of winter wheat and spring barley. Results showed lower health of spring barley in organic system, while this farming system did not affect winter wheat negatively. Fusarium spp. were prevalent among pathogens of winter wheat in all systems and in the case of spring barley - in integrated and conventional system. The exception was organically grown barley where Bipolaris sorokiniana dominated. Alternative seed treatment methods used in these studies did not limit growth of B. sorokiniana considerably, but some tendencies to lower incidence of this species on barley seedlings were noted. Antagonistic strain of Trichoderma viride did not show advantageous effect as biological seed treatment agent

Studies on plant health in organic production of vegetable seeds

Research covered investigation of efficacy of biopreparations in vegetable protection (onion, carrot, parsley, red beet, dill, radish) against fungal diseases. Seeds were coated with a biopreparation formulated on the basis of Trichoderma viride prior to sowing. After a series of experiments it was found that proper technology enables coating with biopreparation. This process should be as short as possible because of the need to maintain enough number of living colony forming units (cfu). Coated seeds may be stored for a period of several months. Microbiological cleanliness of coat components is also of great importance. Biopreparation in coats to some extent limited the occurrence of rot diseases during germination. During growing season plants were sprayed with Biosept, Chitosan and Bioczos. Effectiveness of these treatments was differentiated. The best results were observed with the use of Biosept. In a year favourable for development of downy mildew of onion (Peronospora destructor) spraying with this biopreparation significantly limited disease compared with the control