Comparative Analysis Reveals Changes in Some Seed Properties in Amaranth Mutant Variety ‘Zobor’ (A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus)

The aim of our long-term research program is to improve the quality and quantity of amaranth production through mutation breeding using γ-radiation. In this paper, we present the characterization of the new variety ‘Zobor’ of A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus developed by radiation-induced mutagenesis of hybrid K-433. Multiyear phenotypic characterization of an important yield parameter (1000-seed weight) showed that the studied mutant variety ‘Zobor’ has an advantage in seed weight over the nonirradiated control seeds of K-433 with predictable performance of this yield trait. ‘Zobor’ exhibited changes in seed morphometric parameters, starch particle size, and pasting properties with no change in amylose content and swelling power. Moreover, the seeds of ‘Zobor’ showed the significantly highest folate content among selected amaranth varieties. The mutant variety could, therefore, be interesting for the development of functional foods and as a low-management crop, attractive for cultivation in Europe

Comparative Analysis Reveals Changes in Some Seed Properties in Amaranth Mutant Variety ‘Zobor’ (A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus)

The aim of our long-term research program is to improve the quality and quantity of amaranth production through mutation breeding using γ-radiation. In this paper, we present the characterization of the new variety ‘Zobor’ of A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus developed by radiation-induced mutagenesis of hybrid K-433. Multiyear phenotypic characterization of an important yield parameter (1000-seed weight) showed that the studied mutant variety ‘Zobor’ has an advantage in seed weight over the nonirradiated control seeds of K-433 with predictable performance of this yield trait. ‘Zobor’ exhibited changes in seed morphometric parameters, starch particle size, and pasting properties with no change in amylose content and swelling power. Moreover, the seeds of ‘Zobor’ showed the significantly highest folate content among selected amaranth varieties. The mutant variety could, therefore, be interesting for the development of functional foods and as a low-management crop, attractive for cultivation in Europe

Results of Oilseed Poppy Breeding and Production Potential of New Varieties

Breeding of poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) for food use of poppy seeds has a long tradition in Slovakia. Conventional breeding methods have brought several successes in the form of registration of new varieties with better yield parameters. In the breeding process, the methods of crossing and selection of offspring were used. In the years 2016–2018, the testing of selected poppy seeds was performed at the Central Control and Testing Institute in Agriculture with the aim to register new varieties. Testing was carried out according to the valid methodology in five localities of the Slovak Republic. The experiments were based on the block method on plots with an area of 10 m2 in four replications. The obtained poppy seed yield and empty dry capsules were compared to the parameters of standard—control varieties (‘Opal’ and ‘Major’). In the year 2019, four new food poppy varieties—‘Azurit’, ‘MS Diamant’, ‘MS Topas’, and ‘MS Zafir’—were registered. On average, the obtained poppy seed yield during three years from five experimental localities ranged from 1.77 t·ha−1 ± 0.16 (‘Azurit’) to 1.90 t·ha−1 ± 0.17 (‘MS Diamant’). For comparison, the average yield of control varieties was 1.76 t·ha−1 ± 0.12. An important additional indication in evaluation of the variety economic value is the yield of empty dry capsules. This ranged from 0.98 t·ha−1 ± 0.12 and 0.98 t·ha−1 ± 0.09 (‘Azurit’ and ‘MS Diamant’, respectively) to 1.09 t·ha−1 ± 0.21 and 1.09 t·ha−1 ± 0.16 (‘MS Topas’ and ‘MS Zafir’, respectively). The average dry capsule yield of control varieties was 0.93 t·ha−1 ± 0.13. Statistical evaluation by analysis of variance did not reveal significant differences in seed yield between the tested and control varieties (p = 0.661). The difference was significant in the yield of dry capsules (p = 0.048). The locality had a statistically significant effect on the yield of seeds and capsules (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference on the yield of seeds (p = 0.050) and capsules (p < 0.001) was also found in the experimental year. New poppy varieties showed a generally higher seed yield potential compared to standard varieties. Based on the knowledge on soil and climatic conditions of individual experimental localities and test years, it is possible to choose a suitable variety for specific growing conditions in order to be able to maximize its genetic potential

Biomass production and essential oil in a new bred cultivar of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.)

Mentha Ã\u97 piperita L. (peppermint) is one of the most economically important aromatic plants. The plant and its essential oil are used in medicine, cosmetics and food industry. Peppermint was obtained by crossing M. aquatica and M. spicata, and the industry is searching for new cultivars, with high biomass productivity and high content of essential oil (EO), with menthol and menthone as main components. A method of selection of clones and lines was used for breeding of the new cultivar Ê»Kristinkaʼ in East Slovakia. The present work describes the evaluation of the biomass production and qualitative and quantitative parameters of the essential oil during the breeding process of this cultivar. Average biomass production was 4.6 kg m2, average content of EO was 1.38%, with menthol and menthone amounts of 69.3 and 12.5%, respectively

Testing of different iron sources and concentrations on shoot multiplication of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.)

The aim of this work was to evaluate shoot multiplication of two blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) cultivars ‘Black Satin’ and ‘Loch Ness’ on two culture media: Murashige & Skoog (MS) and its modification Murashige & Skoog Van der Salm medium (MS VDS) which differ only in iron source (FeNaEDTA, FeEDDHA, respectively). Statistical analyses showed no significant difference in shoot multiplication between different iron sources for both tested cultivars. For ‘Black Satin’ it was shown that double concentration of chelates FeNaEDTA and FeEDDHA in culture media negatively affected on shoot growth and multiplication. These results can be very useful for further optimization of micropropagation process for different Rubus cultivars

Influence of environmental factors on content and composition of essential oil from common juniper ripe berry cones (Juniperus communis L.)

The present study evaluated the influence of some environmental factors on the quantity and composition of essential oil (EO) in ripe berry cones of Juniperus communis L. The berry cones were collected from juniper shrubs growing wild at five localities of north-east Slovakia during the years 2012–2014. The EO yield ranged from 0.4 to 1.9%, depending on the locality and year. In the EO, eight monoterpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, limonene, terpinene-4-ol, borneol, bornylacetate) and one sesquiterpene (β-caryophyllene) were identified. The dominant component was the monoterpene α-pinene, ranging from 31.0 to 49.0%. The amount and composition of the EO was affected by soil composition (content of humus and pH) and topographic environmental factors, including air temperature and precipitation. According to the composition of the EO, the studied juniper shrubs belong to the α-pinene chemotype

New Mutant Amaranth Varieties as a Potential Source of Biologically Active Substances

Amaranth species represent a diverse group of plants. Many of them are a rich source of secondary metabolites with many positive biological effects. Total phenolic, total flavonoid and rutin content, antioxidant activity against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, FRAP (Ferric-reducing ability of plasma) assay and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay were determined in ethanol extracts of dried leaves of the new Slovak amaranth varieties ‘Pribina’ and ‘Zobor’. The amount of total phenolic substances (‘Pribina’ GAE 38.3 mg.g−1 DM and ‘Zobor’ GAE 26.1 mg.g−1 DM), content of total flavonoids (‘Pribina’ QE 26.5 mg.g−1 DM and ‘Zobor’ QE 20.3 mg.g−1 DM) and rutin (‘Pribina’ 50.8 mg.g−1 DM and ‘Zobor’ 15.2 mg.g−1 DM) were higher in the variety ‘Pribina’, compared to the variety ‘Zobor’. A statistically higher antioxidant activity against superoxide radical (1.63%·mg−1g−1 DM), hydroxyl radical (3.20%.mg−1g−1 DM), FRAP assay (292.80 µmol.L−1·mg−1.g−1 DM) and DPPH (54.2 ± 1.78 µg.mL−1 DM) were detected in the ‘Pribina’ variety. Antiradical and antioxidant activities of both extracts showed high positive correlations in relation to the content of total phenolic substances, total flavonoids and rutin. Amaranth is an undemanding crop on specific environmental conditions and is resistant to abiotic and biotic stress

Comparative Analysis Reveals Changes in Some Seed Properties in Amaranth Mutant Variety ‘Zobor’ (A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus)

The aim of our long-term research program is to improve the quality and quantity of amaranth production through mutation breeding using γ-radiation. In this paper, we present the characterization of the new variety ‘Zobor’ of A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus developed by radiation-induced mutagenesis of hybrid K-433. Multiyear phenotypic characterization of an important yield parameter (1000-seed weight) showed that the studied mutant variety ‘Zobor’ has an advantage in seed weight over the nonirradiated control seeds of K-433 with predictable performance of this yield trait. ‘Zobor’ exhibited changes in seed morphometric parameters, starch particle size, and pasting properties with no change in amylose content and swelling power. Moreover, the seeds of ‘Zobor’ showed the significantly highest folate content among selected amaranth varieties. The mutant variety could, therefore, be interesting for the development of functional foods and as a low-management crop, attractive for cultivation in Europe

Influence of six essential oils on invasive Solidago canadensis L. seed germination

Solidago canadensis L. (SC) (Canadian goldenrod) is a dangerous plant invader in Europe, which suppress the indigenous flora. Essential oils (EOs) are considered biological control agents. GC-MS analysis for identification of main components was conducted and the potential phytotoxicity of six EOs were also evaluated. Limonene and β-thujone were dominant components in Salvia officinalis L., menthone and menthol in Mentha × piperita L., carvacrol in Origanum vulgare L., estragole/anisole and anethole in Foeniculum vulgare Mill., limonene and carvone in Anethum graveolens L., and anethole in Pimpinella anisum L. Along with EOs, anethole, anisole, camphor, carvone, estragole, limonene, menthol, menthone, thujone and thymol were used independently to evaluate phytotoxic effect against Canadian goldenrod seed germination. A significant inhibitory effect was registered for origanum (1.250 µg.ml−1). The influence of single components was significant. The highest phytotoxic activity was registered with anethole and estragole. Phenolic compounds were the inhibitoriest, followed by oxygenated and hydrocarbon monoterpenes

Does the Invasive <i>Heracleum mantegazzianum</i> Influence Other Species by Allelopathy?

Heracleum mantegazzianum is an invasive species in middle Europe. The mode of action of its invasiveness is still not known. Our study focuses on observation of potential allelopathic influence by the production and release of phytochemicals into its environment. Plant material was collected four times within one season (April, May, June, July 2019) at locality Lekárovce (eastern Slovakia) for comparison of differences in composition and potential allelopathy. Water extracts from collected samples were used for different biological assays. The total phenols and flavonoids were determined spectrophotometrically. The profile and content of phenolic components, including coumarins, were determined by two techniques of liquid chromatography along with in vitro evaluation of the free radical scavenging activity of extracts (DPPH, Hydroxyl, Superoxide, and FRAP). The changes in composition in extracts in different seasonal periods were evident as well as potential phytotoxic activity in some concentrations on specific model plants. The slight antioxidant activity was noted. The invasiveness of the current species could be supported by the excretion of its phytochemicals into its surroundings and by different modes of action influencing living organisms in its environment