Effect of Biostimulants on the Yield and Quality of Selected Herbs

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of amino acid biopreparations on the yield of summer savory, marjoram, and lemon balm, and the concentrations of selected biochemical and mineral compounds in their herbage. The first experimental factor was plant species: summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) var. Saturn, marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) var. Miraż, and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). The second experimental factor was the effect exerted by two biopreparations, Calleaf Aminovital and Maximus Amino Protect, on herbage yield and quality. In the control treatment, plants were sprayed with water. The analyzed herb species differed considerably in yield and the concentrations of selected biochemical compounds and minerals. Lemon balm was characterized by the highest yield (1.73 kg m−2). Marjoram var. Miraż was characterized by the highest concentrations of reducing sugars (0.89 g 100 g−1 FM) and L-ascorbic acid (39.7 mg 100 g−1 FM). Summer savory was most abundant in total N, K, and Ca. The tested biostimulants contributed to a decrease in nitrate concentrations in the studied plants. The interaction between the experimental factors significantly affected the content of nitrates and mineral compounds and total N, P, K, and Ca in the herbage of the analyzed plant species

Plon i wartość odżywcza bazylii uprawianej w szklarni

A two-factorial experiment was conducted in 2012-2014 in a greenhouse owned by the Department of Horticulture at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The experiment had a randomised block design with three replicates. The first experimental factor were six botanical varieties of basil: sweet basil, Thai ‘Siam Queen’ basil, Greek ‘Minette’ basil, purple basil, lemon basil and cinnamon basil. The second experimental factor was container size and the number of plants per pot: 0.7 dm3 container with one plant per pot, 3.0 dm3 container with one plant per pot, 3.0 dm3 container with four plants per pot. In successive years of the three-year experiment, between 22 and 24 February, containers filled with organic substrate (sphagnum peat) were placed on movable tables in the greenhouse, depending on pot size (0.7 and 3.0 dm3). Once-over harvest of basil herbage was carried out between 17 April and 7 May. The plants were cut at 5 cm above the substrate surface. Total yield and marketable yield were identical because no mechanical damage to leaves or symptoms of leaf diseases were observed. The content of dry matter, total sugars and L-ascorbic acid in basil herbage was determined. Basil ecotype had a significant effect on leaf greenness index, fresh herbage yield, dry herbage yield, and on the content of dry matter and total sugars. Growing basil plants in 3.0 dm3 containers, with four plants per pot, contributed to a significant decrease in fresh and dry herbage yields, in comparison with the remaining treatments.Doświadczenie dwuczynnikowe przeprowadzono w latach 2012-2014 w szklarni Katedry Ogrodnictwa Uniwersytetu Warmińsko-Mazurskiego w Olsztynie. Pierwszym czynnikiem badawczym było sześć odmian botanicznych bazylii pospolitej: bazylia zielonolistna, tajska ‘Siam Queen’, grecka (drobnolistna) ‘Minette’, czerwonolistna, cytrynowa oraz cynamonowa. Drugim czynnikiem doświadczenia była uprawa roślin w doniczkach o zróżnicowanej pojemności oraz liczbie roślin: 0,7 dm3 z jedną rośliną w pojemniku; 3,0 dm3 z jedną rośliną w pojemniku; 3,0 dm3 z czterema roślinami w pojemniku. W kolejnych latach trzyletniego cyklu doświadczenia, między 22 a 24 lutego w szklarni na stołach przesuwnych w zależności od objętości doniczek (0,7 i 3,0 dm3) ustawiono pojemniki wypełnione podłożem organicznym, w którego skład wchodził torf sfagnowy. Jednorazowy zbiór ziela przeprowadzono między 17.04 a 07.05. Rośliny ścinano w doniczce, na wysokości 5 cm od podłoża w doniczce. Nie zanotowano uszkodzeń mechanicznych oraz chorób ziela, dlatego plon ogółem był taki sam jak plon handlowy. W bazylii określono zawartość suchej masy, cukrów ogółem i kwasu L-askorbinowego. Ekotyp bazylii pospolitej miał istotny wpływ na indeks zazielenienia liści bazylii, plonu świeżego i powietrznie suchego ziela oraz suchej masy i cukrów ogółem. Uprawa czterech roślin w pojemnikach 3 dm3 istotnie wpływała na zmniejszenie ich plonu świeżego i powietrznie suchego ziela w odniesieniu do pozostałych obiektów badawczych

Wpływ wybranych biostymulatorów na kiełkowanie nasion czterech gatunków roślin

A laboratory experiment was conducted in 2015 to evaluate the germination energy and capacity of seeds of four ornamental plant species, treated with various biologically active substances. Three replications of the experiment were performed in three independent series. The experimental materials comprised seeds of four ornamental plant species: China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees), scarlet sage (Salvia splendens Sellow ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes), common zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) and French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), which constituted the first experimental factor. The second experimental factor were biostimulants used for seed pre-conditioning: Effective Microorganisms, Trichoderma spp. and Goёmar Goteo. Seeds soaked in distilled water were the control. French marigold seeds were characterised by the highest average germination energy and capacity in three experimental series (mean values) and in each of the series. Scarlet sage seeds had the lowest germination energy, and common zinnia seeds had the lowest germination capacity in experimental series 1 and 3 and in three series (mean values). The biostimulants used for pre-conditioning exerted varied effects on the germination energy and capacity of seeds of the analysed ornamental plant species. The plant species compared in the study responded differently to the tested biostimulants. The germination energy and capacity of seeds of Callistephus chinensis (L.) Ness and Tagates patula L. decreased in response to the applied biostimulants.W 2015 r. przeprowadzono eksperyment laboratoryjny w celu oceny energii kiełkowania i zdolności kiełkowania nasion czterech gatunków roślin ozdobnych, w zależności od zastosowanej zaprawy biologicznej. Trzy powtórzenia eksperymentu przeprowadzono w trzech niezależnych seriach. Materiał badawczy stanowiły nasiona czterech gatunków roślin: aster chiński pomponowy (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees), szałwia błyszcząca (Salvia splendens Sellow ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes), cynia wytworna (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) i aksamitka rozpierzchła (Tagetes patula L.), które stanowiły pierwszy czynnik doświadczenia. Drugim czynnikiem eksperymentu były biostymulatory stosowane do prekondycjonowania nasion: Efektywne Mikroorganizmy, Trichoderma spp. i Goёmar Goteo. Kontrolę stanowiły nasiona moczone w wodzie destylowanej. Materiał siewny aksamitki rozpierzchłej charakteryzowały się najwyższą średnią energią kiełkowania i zdolnością kiełkowania w każdej serii doświadczenia oraz średnio z trzech serii. Nasiona szałwii szkarłatnej miały najniższą energię kiełkowania, a nasiona cynii wytwornej najniższą zdolność kiełkowania w 1 i 3 serii eksperymentu oraz średnio z trzech serii. Biostymulatory stosowane do kondycjonowania wywierały różny wpływ na energię kiełkowania i zdolność kiełkowania nasion analizowanych gatunków roślin ozdobnych. Porównane w badaniu gatunki roślin reagowały odmiennie na badane biostymulatory. Zastosowanie biostymulatorów zmniejszało energię kiełkowania i zdolność kiełkowania nasion Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees i Tagetes patula L

Effect of Biostimulants on the Yield and Quality of Selected Herbs

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of amino acid biopreparations on the yield of summer savory, marjoram, and lemon balm, and the concentrations of selected biochemical and mineral compounds in their herbage. The first experimental factor was plant species: summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) var. Saturn, marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) var. Miraż, and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). The second experimental factor was the effect exerted by two biopreparations, Calleaf Aminovital and Maximus Amino Protect, on herbage yield and quality. In the control treatment, plants were sprayed with water. The analyzed herb species differed considerably in yield and the concentrations of selected biochemical compounds and minerals. Lemon balm was characterized by the highest yield (1.73 kg m−2). Marjoram var. Miraż was characterized by the highest concentrations of reducing sugars (0.89 g 100 g−1 FM) and L-ascorbic acid (39.7 mg 100 g−1 FM). Summer savory was most abundant in total N, K, and Ca. The tested biostimulants contributed to a decrease in nitrate concentrations in the studied plants. The interaction between the experimental factors significantly affected the content of nitrates and mineral compounds and total N, P, K, and Ca in the herbage of the analyzed plant species

Phytometric features of basil grown in pot with different subsoil volume

Doświadczenie dwuczynnikowe przeprowadzono w latach 2012-2014 w szklarni Katedry Ogrodnictwa Uniwersytetu Warmińsko-Mazurskiego w Olsztynie w układzie podbloków losowanych w trzech powtórzeniach. Pierwszym czynnikiem badawczym było sześć odmian botanicznych bazylii pospolitej: bazylia zielonolistna, tajska ‘Siam Queen’, grecka (drobnolistna) ‘Minette’, czerwonolistna, cytrynowa oraz cynamonowa. Drugim czynnikiem doświadczenia była uprawa roślin w doniczkach o zróżnicowanej pojemności oraz liczbie roślin: 0,7 dm3 z jedną rośliną w pojemniku; 3,0 dm3 z jedną rośliną w pojemniku; 3,0 dm3 z czterema roślinami w pojemniku. W kolejnych latach trzyletniego cyklu doświadczenia, między 22 a 24 lutego, w szklarni na stołach przesuwnych w zależności od objętości doniczek (0,7 dm3 i 3,0 dm3) ustawiono pojemniki wypełnione podłożem organicznym, w którego skład wchodził torf sfagnowy. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań wykazano, że spośród uprawianych odmian botanicznych bazylia grecka i tajska były niższe od pozostałych, a bazylia grecka posiadała ponadto najwięcej rozgałęzień. Zastosowanie w uprawie bazylii pospolitej doniczek o pojemności 3,0 dm3, w których uprawiano po jednej roślinie, powodowało istotne zwiększenie masy i liczby rozgałęzień.Two-factor experiment was conducted in 2012-2014 in the greenhouse of the Department of Horticulture at the University of Warmia and Mazury, in a randomised block design with three replications. The first experimental factor was six botanical varieties of basil: green leafy basil, Thai ‘Siam Queen’, Greek (small-leaved) ‘Minette’, red-leaf basil, lemon basil and cinnamon basil. The second factor in the experiment was the cultivation of plants in pots of varying capacity and number of plants: 0.7 dm3 with one plant per pot; 3.0 dm3 with one plant per pot; 3.0 dm3 with four plants per pot. In the consecutive years of the three-year cycle of experiment, between 22nd and 24th of February, in the greenhouse, on sliding tables depending on the pot volume (0.7 and 3.0 dm3), containers filled with an organic substrate which included sphagnum peat were placed. Based on the study, it was demonstrated that the cultivated varieties of basil – Greek and Thai – were lower than the other ones, and Greek basil had the most branches. The use of pots with capacity of 3.0 dm3 in the cultivation of sweet basil, in which on one plant per pot was grown, resulted in a significant increase in the weight and number of branches

No Effect of Biostimulants on the Growth, Yield and Nutritional Value of Shallots Grown for Bunch Harvest

Shallots (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) are cultivated on small areas, mostly to harvest mature bulbs with dry scales. Due to their exceptional taste and nutritional value, and a short growing season, they can also be grown for early bunch harvest. New shallot cultivation strategies are being sought to meet consumers’ growing expectations regarding the quality of vegetables, and their increasing awareness of global food safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected biostimulants on the biometric parameters, yield and nutritional value of shallot bulbs and leaves. The experimental factors were as follows: two biostimulant types—Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Goëmar Goteo (GG), two shallot cultivars—Bonilla F1 and Matador F1, grown for bunch harvest, and year of the study. Shallot leaves had a higher content of L-ascorbic acid, reducing sugars and nitrates than bulbs. Young bulbs had a higher content of DM and total sugars than leaves. The leaves and bulbs of shallot plants treated with EM accumulated the highest amounts of minerals. Macronutrient ratios were closer to optimal in shallot leaves than bulbs. The nitrate content of bulbs was inversely proportional to the nitrate content of leaves. Therefore, an increase in the nitrate content of leaves by around 330% led to an approximately 40% decrease in the nitrate content of bulbs. The correlations between the parameters of the chemical composition of shallots and shallot leaves show that the increase in the dry matter content of the bulbs (by approx. 60%) was accompanied by an increase in the L-ascorbic acid content in the leaves (by approx. 240%). The use of biostimulants in the cultivation of A. cepa L. Aggregatum group contributed to the reduction of L-ascorbic acid content in bulbs and had no positive effect on the leaves. Moreover, no positive effect of biostimulants on the reduction of nitrate content in shallot leaves and bulbs was observed, which is undesirable from the consumer’s point of view. After the use of biopreparations, the yield of shallots was lower than that of the control—by approx. 14% (EM) and approx. 4% (GG). Therefore, the measurable benefits of biostimulants in the cultivation of shallots grown for early bunch harvest do not balance the costs of their purchase and use

An Evaluation of the Physical and Chemical Parameters in <i>Brassica</i> Seedlings Grown on Various Organic Substrates

Horticultural substrates should promote seed germination and seedling emergence. The value of the SPAD index was significantly influenced by the type of substrate. The substrates had a beneficial effect on plant height in comparison with the control substrate. Brassica plants grown on the substrates used in the experiment had a compact growth habit, which is a desirable trait in seedling production. In general, macronutrient uptake differed in Brassica plants grown on various substrates. Significant differences in this parameter were observed mainly in broccoli (increase of approx. 14%) and white cabbage (decrease of approx. 30%) grown on PRO2, and in all plants grown on PRO3 (increase of approx. 9% in broccoli, decrease of approx. 33% in white cabbage, and decrease of approx. 15% in cauliflowers). The substrates decreased the total micronutrient concentrations in broccoli leaves by around 15% (PRO1) to around 40% (PRO3) relative to the control substrate. In comparison with the control treatment, micronutrient levels in cauliflower leaves increased by around 12% on PRO1 to around 35% on PRO3. In white cabbage, the total micronutrient content of leaves increased by around 24% on PRO1, and decreased by around 20% and 35% on PRO2 and PRO3, respectively, relative to the control treatment

A Proposal for a Processing Line for Cauliflower and Broccoli Floretting

The edible portions of cauliflowers and broccoli are immature flower heads composed of florets attached to the stalk. In most cases, larger florets are separated into smaller pieces during processing. Complex processing lines for cauliflower and broccoli floretting are available on the market, but they are very expensive and require a large working area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a proposal for a new floretting unit dedicated to this group of vegetables. The unit will be operated in small farms; it will help producers shorten processing times and sell their goods for higher prices. It was assumed that the unit will feature two main devices: a vegetable crusher and a calibrator. The crusher will remove the florets from the stalk and break larger florets into smaller pieces of appropriate size. Florets with a diameter of 2 to 6 cm will be separated by the calibrator. During the process, leaves, stalks, and very small florets will fall into separate containers, and these fractions will be further processed into food products. The entire process will be carried out directly on the farm, which can increase potential profits by around 25%. Due to a shorter processing time, the product is likely to be fresher and more appealing for consumers

Cauliflower and broccoli floretting machine

Florets are the main edible parts of cauliflowers and broccoli, but stalks and leaves are also used in the production of vegetable soup mixes. In industrial processing lines, large cauliflower and broccoli inflorescences have to be separated into smaller florets with a diameter of 2 to 6 cm. Simple and inexpensive machines for floretting cauliflowers and broccoli, including devices that can be used in small-scale production, are in short supply on the market. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design a floretting machine composed of a load-bearing frame, a processing table, a crushing chamber and a horizontal conveyor. In the first stage of the process, one of the two conical knives is used to separate florets and leaves from stalks. The stalks fall into a container under the processing table, and the leaves are picked manually from the material on the table and are placed in a separate container. In the second stage, the separated florets are manually fed into the crushing chamber where larger florets are separated into smaller parts. The crushing chamber is composed of a rotating crushing roller and a fixed screen at the bottom. Florets that have been cut into the appropriate size pass through the screen and fall onto a conveyor belt under the crushing chamber. The quality of the floretting process can be inspected visually by the operator, and impurities or excessively damaged florets can be removed from the conveyor belt. In the final stage, the separated florets are transported to a container. The designed machine can be operated directly on the farm; therefore, the resulting produce is fresher than products that are transported and separated in a food processing plant