INFLUENCE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS ON HONEY BEE VISITS (Apis mellifera carnica) DURING SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) BLOOMING PERIOD

The objective of the investigation was to determine influence of weather conditions on activity of honey bees during blooming time of six sunflower hybrids. The investigation was carried out in 2002 growing season at Kneževi Vinogradi located in Baranja county, north-eastern edge of Croatia. Honey bees communities were moved to the field trial site inside Langstroth-Rooth\u27s bee-hives. Honey bees visiting sunflower head inflorescence was measured at 100, 200, and 300 meters by counting honey bees four times a day (9.00 am, 11.00 am, 1.00 pm, and 5.00 pm). The influence of weather conditions was analysed by Spearman correlation coefficient. Results of the investigation show significant differences regarding honey-bee visit to the head inflorescences in six hybrids, as well as significant influence of air temperature, humidity, precipitation, minimum and maximum air temperature, as well as wind strength

ESTIMATION OF COMBINING ABILITIES AND GENE EFFECTS FOR PLANT HEIGHT AND HEAD DIAMETER IN SUNFLOWER

Procjena općih (OKS) i specifičnih (SKS) kombinacijskih sposobnosti linija, učinaka gena te izdvajanje najboljih hibridnih kombinacija za visinu biljke i promjer glave sastavni je dio oplemenjivačkog programa na suncokretu, a provodi se zbog izbora linija koje će omogućiti stvaranje hibrida dobrih agronomskih svojstava. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 6 inbred linija, 15 dvolinijskih križanaca, 15 eksperimentalnih trolinijskih križanaca i tri priznata hibrida. U procjeni kombinacijskih sposobnosti korišteni su samo F1 izravni križanci. Značajnost razlika između srednjih vrijednosti hibrida je testirana LSD testom, u prvoj godini u odnosu na prosjek pokusa, a u drugoj u odnosu na komercijalni hibrid Orion, koji je standard za priznavanje hibrida suncokreta. Na oba lokaliteta, najviše učinke OKS za visinu biljke ostvarila je linija L- 5, a za promjer glave linija L- 103. Najniže učinke SKS za visinu biljke ostvarili su križanci 5A x 103B i 101A x 302B. Najbolje kombinacije za promjer glave su 5A x 302B i 103A x 219B. Udio genetske u odnosu na okolinsku varijancu bio je veći za visinu biljke, a manji za promjer glave. Istraživanje je pokazalo da su za visinu biljke aditivni genetski učinci važniji od dominantnih, a za promjer glave važniji su dominantni učinci.Estimation of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities of lines, gene effects as well as extraction of the best hybrid combinations for plant height and head diameter is integral part of sunflower breeding program at the Agricultural Institute Osijek. It conducts it due to choice of lines that will enable creation of hybrids with good agronomic traits. The research included 6 inbred lines, 15 single crosses, 15 experimental three way and three approved hybrids. Only F1 direct crosses were used in the estimation of combining abilities. Significance of differences among mean values of hybrids was tested by LSD test, in the first year in relation to mean of trial, and in the second year in relation to commercial hybrid Orion being a standard hybrid for approval of new sunflower hybrids. On both localities, the highest GCA effects for plant height were realized by the line L-5, and for head diameter line L-103. The lowest SCA effects for plant height had crosses 5A x 103B and 101A x 302B. The best combinations for head diameter are 5A x 302B and 103A x 219B. Portion of genetic in relation to environmental variance was higher for plant height, and lower for head diameter. The research has shown that additive gene effects for plant height were more important than dominant effects, but for head diameter dominant effects were more important

ESTIMATION OF COMBINING ABILITIES AND GENE EFFECTS FOR PLANT HEIGHT AND HEAD DIAMETER IN SUNFLOWER

Procjena općih (OKS) i specifičnih (SKS) kombinacijskih sposobnosti linija, učinaka gena te izdvajanje najboljih hibridnih kombinacija za visinu biljke i promjer glave sastavni je dio oplemenjivačkog programa na suncokretu, a provodi se zbog izbora linija koje će omogućiti stvaranje hibrida dobrih agronomskih svojstava. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 6 inbred linija, 15 dvolinijskih križanaca, 15 eksperimentalnih trolinijskih križanaca i tri priznata hibrida. U procjeni kombinacijskih sposobnosti korišteni su samo F1 izravni križanci. Značajnost razlika između srednjih vrijednosti hibrida je testirana LSD testom, u prvoj godini u odnosu na prosjek pokusa, a u drugoj u odnosu na komercijalni hibrid Orion, koji je standard za priznavanje hibrida suncokreta. Na oba lokaliteta, najviše učinke OKS za visinu biljke ostvarila je linija L- 5, a za promjer glave linija L- 103. Najniže učinke SKS za visinu biljke ostvarili su križanci 5A x 103B i 101A x 302B. Najbolje kombinacije za promjer glave su 5A x 302B i 103A x 219B. Udio genetske u odnosu na okolinsku varijancu bio je veći za visinu biljke, a manji za promjer glave. Istraživanje je pokazalo da su za visinu biljke aditivni genetski učinci važniji od dominantnih, a za promjer glave važniji su dominantni učinci.Estimation of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities of lines, gene effects as well as extraction of the best hybrid combinations for plant height and head diameter is integral part of sunflower breeding program at the Agricultural Institute Osijek. It conducts it due to choice of lines that will enable creation of hybrids with good agronomic traits. The research included 6 inbred lines, 15 single crosses, 15 experimental three way and three approved hybrids. Only F1 direct crosses were used in the estimation of combining abilities. Significance of differences among mean values of hybrids was tested by LSD test, in the first year in relation to mean of trial, and in the second year in relation to commercial hybrid Orion being a standard hybrid for approval of new sunflower hybrids. On both localities, the highest GCA effects for plant height were realized by the line L-5, and for head diameter line L-103. The lowest SCA effects for plant height had crosses 5A x 103B and 101A x 302B. The best combinations for head diameter are 5A x 302B and 103A x 219B. Portion of genetic in relation to environmental variance was higher for plant height, and lower for head diameter. The research has shown that additive gene effects for plant height were more important than dominant effects, but for head diameter dominant effects were more important

Fucus spiralis extract and fractions: Anticancer and pharmacological potentials

Purpose: Sea macroalgae are an important source of biologically highly valuable compounds. The main aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anticancer properties and chemical composition of the dichloromethane-methanol extract and three fractions of the Fucus spiralis from coastline of Morocco. Methods: Fractions were made from dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) extract of Fucus spiralis: petroleum-ether, ethyl-acetate and n-butanol. Extract and fractions were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), colorectal adenocarcinoma (LS-174T), lung carcinoma (A549), and normal human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). Cell cycle distribution of the HeLa cells was evaluated using flow cytometry. Acridine orange (AO)-ethidium bromide (EB) staining was used to assess morphological changes of HeLa cells under fluorescence microscope. Anti-migration and anti-angiogenic properties were investigated using scratch and tube formation assays against human endothelium-derived permanent EA.hy926 cell line. Antidiabetic activity was tested using anti-α-glucosidase assay. Antimicrobial effect was tested using micro- dilution method. Results: Petroleum-ether fraction оf Fucus spiralis rich in fatty acids exerted the highest cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Ethyl-acetate and petroleum-ether fractions induced the highest accumulation of the HeLa cells in sub-G1 and G2/M phases. Extract and fractions showed proapoptotic effect on HeLa cells under fluorescent microscope. They exhibited antimigratory and antiangiogenic effects in vitro. IC50 value for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was much stronger than standard acarbose. n-Butanol fraction exerted the highest antibacterial and antifungal activity. Conclusions: The investigation of various biological activities of the extract and fractions obtained from Fucus spiralis may suggest a promising anticancer and pharmacological potential of this edible macroalga

Ampelographic and genetic characterization of Croatian grapevine varieties

Before the Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) crisis in Croatia more than 400 grape varieties were under cultivation. Today their number is drastically decreased. Recently, many efforts in the preservation of grapevine biodiversity were undertaken: detailed inventory of varieties in different wine-growing regions, establishing of national and regional collections and their systematic ampelographic and genetic characterisation. This paper shows results of multiannual ampelographic and genetic research concerning Croatian grapevines considered as autochthonous varieties. After identification, many synonyms and homonyms were detected and unique genotypes were selected. Basic data of them are shown: description (according to OIV descriptors) and genetic profiles (9 SSR loci), growing area and status of vulnerability. Also, genetic relationship based on the shared allele distance is computed from SSR data. Results show certain level of similarity among varieties, and classify Croatia as important gene-pool in Europe. Some additional accessions which were detected and introduced into collections recently are still being investigated and characterized so that the here presented list of Croatian native grapevine cultivars is not final

Evaluation of the anti-cancer potential of Mahonia aquifolium extracts via apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis

The cytotoxicity of Mahonia aquifolium ethanol and water extracts was examined using MTT test. The morphological changes were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle distribution and possible activation of caspase-dependent pathway of cell death were assessed by flow cytometry. The effects of ethanol and water extracts on migration of endothelial EA. hy926 cells were analyzed by in vitro scratch assay and inhibition of angiogenesis was detected using tube formation assay. Both extracts demonstrated cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines with very high selectivity. Morphological evaluation indicated apoptosis. These results were confirmed with cell cycle analysis, where there was accumulation of cancer cells in the subG1 phase. Ethanol and water extracts induced a caspase-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cells through activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Both extracts showed the ability to inbibit the migration of EA. hy926 cells and initial steps of angiogenesis. In addition, ethanol extract exerted significant anti-angiogenic effect

Guiding principles for identification, evaluation and conservation of Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris

Conservation of grapevine genetic resources is an important and long lasting task. Here, partners of the InWiGrape Activity of the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources have proposed a set of descriptors that will assist in identification, conservation and study of genetic resources of Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris. A distribution map of Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris populations in Europe was produced, with on-line access through the European Vitis Database. The several different aspects of conservation of Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris including bibliographical references, identification in the wild, in situ and ex situ conservation have been discussed. The descriptors and the map will assist different stakeholders, working on biodiversity and ecosystems in more effective conservation of wild grapevine genetic resources

IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING TESTERS FOR STABILITY ESTIMATION IN MAIZE HYBRIDS

Stability and adaptability estimation of the investigated trait(s) is a common procedure in most of maize breeding programmes. It is usually applied to F1 progeny but not to inbreds. This paper deals with stability and adaptability estimation of grain yield for lines and testers within its F1 hybrids. For lines and testers, general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities for grain yield were also estimated. The experiments consisted of twenty-one experimental maize hybrids obtained by line×tester mating design. Two year investigation was performed in random block design in four replications at sixteen environments. Estimated means and parameters describing stability and adaptability - regression coefficient (bi), deviations mean square (sdi) and ecovalence (Wi) detected Os84-28 line and Os84-28 tester, both as most yielded and widest adapted inbreds. Combining ability estimation showed highly significant effects of lines, testers and their respective interactions with environment for grain yield. Os84-28×Os3-48 combination had on average the highest grain yield but was not the most stable and the widest adapted genotype. It suggests that there is no strong relationship between level and stability of grain yield for parental lines and its F1 progeny

Photosynthetic responses of heat-stressed apple leaves to foliar application of salicylic and ascorbic acid

High temperatures have significant impacts on fruit tree production. Foliar spraying application of promoting agents can be a sustainable approach to managing high-temperature stress in orchards. The mechanism of certain improving agents on photosynthesis is not yet well understood, particularly in fruit trees. Photosynthesis, as a vital and very sensitive process in plants, is a pivotal component in fruit production. Therefore, in this study, we explored the potential of two different promoting agents, salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (AsA), to alleviate oxidative stress caused by high temperature in controlled conditions (37°C for 1 h) at the photosynthetic level. For studying photosynthetic responses, we used chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. According to our findings, foliar application of promoting agents effectively increased the high-temperature tolerance of apple leaves, when compared to sole heat stress treatment. Both promoting agents significantly increased photosynthetic efficiency under stress, while the maximum was observed with AsA. In general, AsA and SA applications had a positive effect on the photosynthesis of apple leaves at high temperatures

Chamomile and Marigold Tea: Chemical Characterization and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity

With the aim to evaluate the selectivity in the antitumor action, the cytotoxic activity of chamomile and marigold tea was tested against various malignant cell lines and against healthy immunocompetent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Chemical profiles of chamomile and marigold infusions and decoctions were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; their total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity were determined, too. Results from present research demonstrate that chamomile and marigold tea exert selective dose-dependent cytotoxic action against target cancer cells. It is noteworthy that cytotoxicity of tea prepared from Calendula officinalis is remarkably higher in comparison to that from Matricaria recutita tea. The cytotoxic effect of chamomile tea is very weak to healthy PBMC, while the effect of marigold tea on PBMC is more pronounced. Marigold tea exerts highly selective antitumor effect especially to melanoma Fem-x cells in comparison to the action to normal healthy PBMC. Chemical analyses show that dominant phenolic compounds in examined infusions and decoctions are flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. There are no considerable differences in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity between examined infusions. Antitumor potential of chamomile and marigold tea should be further investigated