Effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the health of horse chestnut trees in an urban area of north-western Poland

The influence of various damaging biotic and abiotic factors throughout many years have reflected in health status of trees in parks and tree lines. The aim of this research was to reveal the present health status of urban trees in Szczecin with special overview on leaf diseases and insect pests. Research was focused on the most planted tree species: Aesculus hippocastanum and A. ×carnea. The most significant damage caused by pathogenic fungi were in trees infected by Oidium spp. (Erysiphe flexuosa (Peck) U. Braun & S. Takam) and Phyllosticta paviae Desm. (Guignardia aesculi (Peck) V.B. Stewart). A greater number of fungal species was found at localities near roads (12 taxa) than at those in parks (9 taxa). The greatest influence by insect pests had C. ohridella on horse chestnut trees where a high damage of leaves of over 80% were observed

Influence of superabsorbent polymers on the chemical composition of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) and biological activity in the soil

By improving the air and water properties of soils, superabsorbent polymers can affect the increase and improvement of the quality of the yield of berry plants, including strawberries. Their presence in the soil has an influence on its biological activity as related to microorganisms. The aim of the research was to assess the influence of superabsorbent polymers added to the soil on the content of macroelements and sodium in the leaves and fruit of strawberry of the ‘Elsanta’ cultivar and changes in the number of soil bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. The superabsorbent polymer (AgroHydroGel) was used in two doses: 1.8 and 3.6 g dm-3 of soil. The content of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium was assessed using the ASA method, while the content of nitrogen and sulphur was assessed by the elemental analysis method (CHNS analyser). The number of microorganisms was assessed with a BacTrac analyser and the coefficient of microorganism development extent (SR) was also determined. AgroHydroGel increased the content of nitrogen and potassium in leaves and fruit but did not affect the content of phosphorus, sulphur and sodium. The addition of the superabsorbent at a dose of 3.6 g dm-3 of soil reduced the magnesium content both in the leaves and fruit of the strawberry. AgroHydroGel decreased the content of calcium in the fruit. The use of AgroHydroGel contributed to the expansion of the K ion ratio to other ions, both in the leaves and fruits. We observed a significant increase in the amount of soil bacteria (1.8 g dm-3 dose) and no significant influence on actinomycetes and fungi (irrespective of dose used)

THE EFFECTS OF ANITRANSPIRANT DI-1-P-MENTHENE ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF STRAWBERRY

Strawberry is a species sensitive to water shortages, especially during fruit growth and ripening. One method of limiting water loss in plant production involves the use of antitranspirants, which reduce plant transpiration. One method of limiting water loss in plant production involves the use of antitranspirants, which reduce plant transpiration. One of substances used for this purpose is, amongst others, natural terpene polymer - di-1-p-menthene (pinolene). Research on the influence of a pinolene-containing antitranspirant (with the commercial name of Vapor Gard) on gas exchange parameters (intensity of net CO2 assimilation, intensity of transpiration, stomatal conductance for water, substomatal CO2 concentration), the water balance and the content of assimilation pigments (chlorophyll “a”, “b”, total chlorophyll, carotenoids) in the leaves of the cv. ‘Salsa’ strawberry was conducted in the years 2009–2010. The antitranspirant was used once at a concentration of 0.75% before flowering. The measurements were performed four times: before flowering (1st measurement date), when the plants were in full flowering (2nd measurement date), in the middle of the harvest season (3rd measurement date) and after the end of the harvest season (4th measurement date). Foliar application of the Vapor Gard antitranspirant decreases the intensity of strawberry transpiration without changing the CO2 assimilation activity. Plants sprayed with the tested preparation were characterised by a higher relative water content (RWC) in leaves and a higher value of the photosynthetic index of water use efficiency (WUE). The antitranspirant did not influence the content of assimilation pigments in strawberry leaves. The values of the determined physiological features depended on the measurement date (developmental stage) of the tested strawberry cultivar

THE EFFECTS OF ANITRANSPIRANT DI-1-P-MENTHENE ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF STRAWBERRY

Strawberry is a species sensitive to water shortages, especially during fruit growth and ripening. One method of limiting water loss in plant production involves the use of antitranspirants, which reduce plant transpiration. One method of limiting water loss in plant production involves the use of antitranspirants, which reduce plant transpiration. One of substances used for this purpose is, amongst others, natural terpene polymer - di-1-p-menthene (pinolene). Research on the influence of a pinolene-containing antitranspirant (with the commercial name of Vapor Gard) on gas exchange parameters (intensity of net CO2 assimilation, intensity of transpiration, stomatal conductance for water, substomatal CO2 concentration), the water balance and the content of assimilation pigments (chlorophyll “a”, “b”, total chlorophyll, carotenoids) in the leaves of the cv. ‘Salsa’ strawberry was conducted in the years 2009–2010. The antitranspirant was used once at a concentration of 0.75% before flowering. The measurements were performed four times: before flowering (1st measurement date), when the plants were in full flowering (2nd measurement date), in the middle of the harvest season (3rd measurement date) and after the end of the harvest season (4th measurement date). Foliar application of the Vapor Gard antitranspirant decreases the intensity of strawberry transpiration without changing the CO2 assimilation activity. Plants sprayed with the tested preparation were characterised by a higher relative water content (RWC) in leaves and a higher value of the photosynthetic index of water use efficiency (WUE). The antitranspirant did not influence the content of assimilation pigments in strawberry leaves. The values of the determined physiological features depended on the measurement date (developmental stage) of the tested strawberry cultivar

THE EFFECTS OF FOLIAR NUTRITION WITH InCa FERTILIZER ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LEAVES AND FRUITS OF SWEET CHERRY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the foliar fertilizer InCa on the chemical composition of fruits and leaves of sweet cherry cultivar ‘Burlat’. The study involved 14-year old sweet cherry trees of ‘Burlat’ cultivar, grafted onto ‘PHL-A’ rootstock and growing at 4×3 m spacing. The trees were sprayed with InCa calcium fertilizer based on CaT technology (manufacturer: Plant Impact). The fertilizer was applied three times, at a dose of 1.5 dm3∙ha. The first foliar fertilization was performed at the beginning of the flowering period, and the next two took place at fourteen-day intervals. The fruits were analysed for nitrate content, and both fruits and leaves were considered for dry weight and macro- and micronutrient analysis. The use of InCa fertilizer improved the dry matter and calcium content and reduced potassium, magnesium and cadmium level in the leaves and fruits of sweet cherry. The fertilizer facilitated narrowing K:Ca and K:(Ca + Mg) ratioes and extending of K:Mg, and especially Ca:Mg ratio in both leaves and fruits. Foliar supplementation with the investigated preparation resulted in an increase in nitrogen and manganese content, and a drop in phosphorus, copper, nickel and lead concentration in the leaves of the studied sweet cherry cultivar

THE EFFECTS OF FOLIAR NUTRITION WITH InCa FERTILIZER ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LEAVES AND FRUITS OF SWEET CHERRY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the foliar fertilizer InCa on the chemical composition of fruits and leaves of sweet cherry cultivar ‘Burlat’. The study involved 14-year old sweet cherry trees of ‘Burlat’ cultivar, grafted onto ‘PHL-A’ rootstock and growing at 4×3 m spacing. The trees were sprayed with InCa calcium fertilizer based on CaT technology (manufacturer: Plant Impact). The fertilizer was applied three times, at a dose of 1.5 dm3∙ha. The first foliar fertilization was performed at the beginning of the flowering period, and the next two took place at fourteen-day intervals. The fruits were analysed for nitrate content, and both fruits and leaves were considered for dry weight and macro- and micronutrient analysis. The use of InCa fertilizer improved the dry matter and calcium content and reduced potassium, magnesium and cadmium level in the leaves and fruits of sweet cherry. The fertilizer facilitated narrowing K:Ca and K:(Ca + Mg) ratioes and extending of K:Mg, and especially Ca:Mg ratio in both leaves and fruits. Foliar supplementation with the investigated preparation resulted in an increase in nitrogen and manganese content, and a drop in phosphorus, copper, nickel and lead concentration in the leaves of the studied sweet cherry cultivar

NUMBER AND ACTIVITY OF MICROORGANISMS IN SOIL INOCULATED WITH THE RHIZOCELL C BIOPREPARATION IN STRAWBERRY CULTIVATION (FRAGARIA × ANANASA DUCH.)

An experiment involving vegetation pots was conducted to assess the effect of inoculating the soil with the Rhizocell C biopreparation, which includes bacteria from the genus Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT45, on the number and activity of selected groups of soil microorganisms. The biopreparation was applied in strawberries (Fragaria × ananasa Duch.) in a dose recommended by the manufacturer. Microbiological analyses were conducted four times during the vegetation of plants. The obtained results led to a conclusion that the use of biopreparation affects biological activity of soil, and a majority of the observed changes were beneficial. The mean number of the most microorganisms after Rhizocell C biopreparation was higher than in the control object. Soil inoculation had an influence on the activity of microorganisms determined based on biomass content, but the differences were not significant

THE EFFECT OF ANTITRANSPIRANT ON THE CONTENT OF MICROELEMENTS AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN SWEET CHERRY LEAVES AND FRUITS

The conducted study was aimed at evaluation of the effect of antitranspirant produced with natural resins under the trade name Vapor Gard on the content of microelements and trace elements in sweet cherry leaves and fruits. A single-factor experiment was conducted in the randomised block design, with five replications, in 2010–2011. Examinations were performed on 13-year-old sweet cherry trees of the cultivar ‘Burlat’, being grafted on the ‘PHL-A’ rootstock. Tree spraying with antitranspirant Vapor Gard, at a 0.75% concentration, was applied at the stage of fruit colouration. The total content of manganese, zinc, copper, nickel, lead and cadmium in the leaves and fruits was determined by the AAS method. Antitranspirant Vapor Gard had an effect on increasing significantly the manganese, copper, zinc, nickel and cadmium quantities and decreasing the content of lead in the sweet cherry leaves. The antitranspirant being applied did not have any effect on the quantity of microelements and trace elements in the sweet cherry fruits of the cultivar ‘Burlat’

The Effect of Methyl Anthranilate-Based Repellent on Chemical Composition and Selected Physiological Parameters of Sweet Cherry (<i>Prunus avium</i> L.)

Maturing sweet cherry fruits are exposed to damage caused by birds. In order to repel birds from orchards, it is increasingly common to use repellents based on plant extracts and compounds that undergo complete biodegradation. One such compound is methyl anthranilate (2-aminobenzoic acid methyl ester), which has an irritating effect on birds’ senses of taste and smell. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of methyl anthranilate-based repellent (commercial name: Goose Chase/Fruit Shield) on the chemical composition and selected physiological parameters of sweet cherry cv. ‘Burlat’. The repellent containing methyl anthranilate (26.4%) was applied in the form of a foliar spray seven days prior to fruit harvest at a 1% concentration (500 dm3∙ha−1 of working liquid). In the study, methyl anthranilate-based repellent was found to have no influence on the chemical composition of fruits and leaves or the selected physiological parameters of sweet cherry cv. ‘Burlat’. Moreover, the use of methyl anthranilate did not affect the cracking susceptibility of sweet cherry fruits. This compound may constitute an interesting alternative to support sweet cherry orchard protection against birds and in organic cultures

Influence of Organomineral Fertiliser from Sewage Sludge on Soil Microbiome and Physiological Parameters of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.)

The use of a soil fertiliser results in high, good quality yields. The most widely used fertilisers are mineral or organic, but there is increasing attention on organomineral fertilisers produced from sewage sludge. These contain beneficial components which may improve soil fertility and thus plant productivity, but there are some concerns associated with their application due to their composition. Using a short-term pot experiment the effect of such a soil conditioner called FS, produced from sewage sludge after stabilisation with lime, on the qualitative−quantitative composition and activity of soil microorganisms and selected physiological parameters of the maize was analysed. The study was carried out in a completely randomised design, including a control (soil + lime + NPK). The application of the FS had a positive effect on the soil pH, equivalent to the application of lime. Organomineral fertiliser, as a source of organic carbon and macroelements, had a positive effect on the number of soil microorganisms and their activity, and this influence was stable during maize vegetation. FS did not influence the gas exchange activity of maize, the content of assimilation pigments in leaves or and the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus determined by chlorophyll “a” fluorescence analysis, but it increased the light absorption efficiency of the PSII photosystem. Differences in biomass yield from organomineral and mineral fertilisation were statistically insignificant