Impact of cultivation methods on properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds

The aim of this study was to determine the physical properties of black cumin seeds subjected to various cultivation methods (n=10) (level of nitrogen fertilization, sowing date, row spacing and integrated protection). The experiments were carried out in two years. Thousand seed weight ranged from 2.11 to 2.44 g in first year, and from 1.96 to 2.39 g in second year. In first year, bulk density ranged from 0.464 to 0.506 g*cm-3, true density – from 0.956 to 1.017 g*cm-3, and porosity – from 49.6 to 53.9%. In second year, bulk density ranged from 0.441 to 0.465 g cm-3, true density - from 0.996 to 1.061 g*cm-3, and porosity – from 54.3 to 58.4%. The mean values of optical properties were also determined. In seeds harvested in first year, the values of parameter L* reached 33.04-33.56, a*: 0.42-0.76, b*: 1-1.69, and YI E313: 5.61-7.91. In seeds harvested in second year, the respective values were as follows: L*: 32.84-33.93, a*: 0.39-0.97, b*: 0.82-2.06, and YI E313: 5.22-9.78. In first year, seed length (L) was in the range of 2.61-2.73 mm, width (S): 1.67-1.72 mm, mean thickness factor (W5): 0.805-0.858, and roundness (W13): 0.792-0.815. In seeds harvested in second year, the respective values were as follows: L: 2.59-2.95 mm, S: 1.57-1.66 mm, W5: 0.667-0.742, W13: 0.825-0.871. The most beneficial influence on the physical parameters of black cumin seeds had nitrogen fertilization at 100 kg*ha-1, seeding delayed by 20 days, row spacing of 15 or 30 cm, and the application of Penncozeb 80 WP

Fermentacja i proteoliza procesu kiszenia świeżej i podsuszonej zielonki z di- oraz tetraploidalnych form koniczyny czerwonej

form of red clover (2n – 4n), cultivars within the genetic form: 2n (Krynia, Parada), 4n (Jubilatka, Bona) and DM x form, DM x 2n, DM x 4n. Fermentation and proteolysis during the ensilage of red clover were affected primarily by wilting, whereas genetic factors (genetic form, cultivar) exerted a lesser effect. However, the genetic form of red clover affected the true protein content of silage and the extent of proteolysis during the ensiling process. The effect of the genetic form of red clover on the extent of proteolysis in silage (at similar levels of water-soluble carbohydrates and buffering capacity) suggests that diploid and tetraploid red clover cultivars differ with respect to chemical properties (poliphenol oxidase activity, polyphenol content) affecting proteolysis.Analizowano wpływ podsuszenia surowca, formy genetycznej koniczyny czerwonej (2n – 4n), odmiany w obrębie danej formy genetycznej: 2n (Krynia – Parada), 4n (Jubilatka – Bona) oraz SM x forma, SM x 2n, SM x 4n. Uzyskane wyniki wykazały dominujący wpływ czynnika podsuszenia nad czynnikami genetycznymi (forma genetyczna, odmiana) na przebieg fermentacji i zakres proteolizy podczas zakiszania koniczyny czerwonej. Stwierdzono jednak wpływ formy genetycznej koniczyny na zawartość białka właściwego w kiszonkach oraz stopień proteolizy w trakcie zakiszania. Stwierdzony wpływ formy genetycznej koniczyny na zakres proteolizy w kiszonkach (przy zbliżonym udziale cukrów rozpuszczalnych i pojemności buforowej zakiszanych zielonek) pozwala przypuszczać, że występuje zróżnicowanie innych chemicznych cech zielonek wpływających na proteolizę (aktywność PPO, zawartość polifenoli) między formami genetycznymi i odmianami

6-Benzylaminopurine Alleviates the Impact of Cu2+ Toxicity on Photosynthetic Performance of Ricinus communis L. Seedlings

Copper (Cu) is an essential element involved in various metabolic processes in plants, but at concentrations above the threshold level, it becomes a potential stress factor. The effects of two different cytokinins, kinetin (KIN) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), on chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, stomatal responses and antioxidation mechanisms in castor (Ricinus communis L.) under Cu2+ toxicity was investigated. Ricinus communis plants were exposed to 80 and 160 MCuSO4 added to the growth medium. Foliar spraying of 15 M KIN and BAP was carried out on these seedlings. The application of these cytokinins enhanced the tissue water status, chlorophyll contents, stomatal opening and photosynthetic efficiency in the castor plants subjected to Cu2+ stress. The fluorescence parameters, such as Fm, Fv/Fo, Sm, photochemical and non-photochemical quantum yields, energy absorbed, energy trapped and electron transport per cross-sections, were more efficiently modulated by BAP application than KIN under Cu2+ toxicity. There was also effective alleviation of reactive oxygen species by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidation systems, reducing the membrane lipid peroxidation, which brought about a relative enhancement in the membrane stability index. Of the various treatments, 80 M CuSO4 + BAP recorded the highest increase in photosynthetic efficiency compared to other cytokinin treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that BAP could effectively alleviate the detrimental effects of Cu2+toxicity in cotyledonary leaves of R. communis by effectively modulating stomatal responses and antioxidation mechanisms, thereby enhancing the photosynthetic apparatus’ functioning

Improvement of growth, yield, seed production and phytochemical properties of satureja khuzistanica jamzad by foliar application of boron and zinc

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad is a valuable and endemic medicinal plant. Boron and zinc are essential elements for the vegetative and reproductive growth of plants and have significant effects on yield, essential oil composition and the seed production of plants. To investigate the effects of the foliar application of zinc and boron on the growth, yield, seed production and phytochemical properties of S. khuzistanica, a study was conducted in a factorial experiment with three replicates in two consecutive years based on a randomized complete block design. The foliar application of boron (B) at three concentrations (control or distilled water, 0.4% and 0.8% as H3BO3) and zinc (Zn) at three concentrations (control or distilled water, 0.3% and 0.6% as ZnSO4) was carried out. Our results showed that the foliar application of B resulted in a significant increase in the fresh and dry weights of plants, the dry weight of stems, drug yield, seed yield, seed germination and 1000-seed weight. At the same time, the application of B resulted in a significant decrease in seed emptiness. The fresh and dry weights of plants, drug yield, seed yield, 1000-seed weight and seed germination were also significantly improved by Zn foliar spraying compared to the control. Application of 0.8% B resulted in a significant decrease in seed emptiness by 14.16% and 22.37%, as compared to the control. The foliar spraying of B and Zn improved the total phenolic content, the essential oil content and the yield and antioxidant activity of S. khuzistanica. Moreover, B application generally concentrated more carvacrol in the essential oil (in the first experimental year). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between Zn treatments in carvacrol content and total flavonoids. The use of several microelements, such as B and Zn, could improve both the quantity and quality of S. khuzistanica. Additionally, improvement of seed set and seed quality by the foliar spraying of Zn and B may be useful for growing plants in arid and semi-arid areas

Charakterystyka agronomiczno-ekonomiczna uprawy ekologicznej pszenicy zwyczajnej i pszenicy orkisz

Background. This study investigated the agronomic and economic determinants of production of selected common wheat and spelt cultivars in an organic farming system. The aim of the study was to identify the production and economic factors which determine profitability of spelta growing in the regime of organic farming in comparison with common wheat. Knowledge related to production costs is an important element of improving the competitiveness of cultivation of these species. Material and methods. The experiment had a randomized complete block design with four replications. Common wheat and spelt were grown in an organic farming system during a two-year field experiment. The analysis of economic effectiveness was calculated according to agricultural accounting standards. Results. The total costs associated with the production of spelt cultivars significantly exceeded the total costs of common wheat production. This difference was attributed to direct costs, in particular seed prices. Spelt generated marginally higher agricultural incomes that were closely related to the higher market prices of spelt grain. The highest income margin ratio of 2.61 was noted for the late-sown spelt cv. Speltz T. The profitability ratio was lowest (2.16) for the early-sown spelt cv. Roter S. Conclusion. Spelt production was characterized by considerably higher total costs than common wheat due to higher direct costs, in particular seed prices. Delayed sowing increased the agricultural incomes generated by spring cultivars of both common wheat and spelt.W pracy zaprezentowano badania dotyczące uwarunkowań produkcyjno-ekonomicznych wybranych odmian pszenicy zwyczajnej i pszenicy orkisz w systemie uprawy ekologicznej. Wykazano, że koszty całkowite uprawy odmian pszenicy orkisz były znacznie wyższe od kosztów odmian pszenicy zwyczajnej. Wpływ na to miały koszty bezpośrednie, których poziom w największym stopniu generował zakup materiału siewnego. Z kolei dochód rolniczy w niewielkim stopniu był korzystniejszy w przypadku uprawy orkiszu i był ściśle związany z wyższym poziomem uzyskiwanych cen na rynku. Najkorzystniejszy wskaźnik ekonomicznej efektywności, wynoszący 2.61, wystąpił w orkiszu odmiany Speltz T. w przypadku opóźnionego terminu siewu

Effect of cultivation system on quality changes in durum wheat grain and flour produced in North-Eastern Europe.

Grain of the highest hardness was produced from durum wheat grown without the use of growth regulator, at the lowest sowing density (350 seeds m-2) and nitrogen fertilization dose of 80 kg ha-1. The highest values L* and b* were determined in the grain of wheat cultivated without additional agrotechnical measures (growth regulator and nitrogen fertilization). Study results, supported by correlation analysis, indicated that high-quality grain with desired flour quality parameters (level of: FER ≈ 64%; FPS ≈ 98%; L* ≈ 92) can be produced from spring durum wheat grown without the growth regulator and at 80 kg·ha-1 nitrogen fertilization. Additionally, this variant of applied cultivation system can reduce costs of durum wheat production and contamination of the natural environment

Land Use Indicators in the Context of Land Use Efficiency

In recent decades, the land use changes induced by various economic activities in agricultural ecosystems have affected many aspects of human life. This is the reason why land use change is considered as one of the agriculture-related environmental impacts in a sustainability assessment of food and bio-based products. At the same time, the methodology applied for the quantification of land use change effects is still under intensive research, stimulating scientific discussions. The overall objective of this paper is to fill the gap in knowledge of responsible and sustainable land use management. Specifically, the research provides a comprehensive set of land use change indicators in the context of land use change and land use efficiency. The indicators can be measured based on publicly available databases with the applicability to agricultural sustainability assessment of land use change on a local, regional and global scale. The high share of artificial land and dominant agricultural use of land with low land use intensity were noted in Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Slovenia, Cyprus, Croatia, Finland, Germany, and United Kingdom. However, land use efficiency was also low. In turn, heterogeneous land cover (but less artificial areas than in other EU countries) and heterogeneous land uses with diverse land use intensity were noted in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. The challenge in future research could be aggregation of different indicators in assessing the similarity of land use between countries

Edible Insect Farming in the Context of the EU Regulations and Marketing—An Overview

Insects are increasingly being considered as an attractive source of protein that can cater to the growing demand for food around the world and promote the development of sustainable food systems. Commercial insect farms have been established in various countries, mainly in Asia, but in Europe, edible insects have not yet emerged as a viable alternative to traditional plant- and animal-based sources of protein. In this paper, we present an interdisciplinary overview of the technological aspects of edible insect farming in the context of the EU regulations and marketing. Based on a review of the literature, we have concluded that edible insect farming can be a viable business sector that significantly contributes to the overall sustainability of food systems if the appropriate regulations are introduced and food safety standards are guaranteed. However, the success of the edible insect industry also requires consumer acceptance of entomophagy, which is rather low in Western societies. Therefore, targeted marketing strategies are indispensable to support the implementation of edible insect programs

Fermentation and Proteolysis During the Ensilage of Wilted and Unwilted Diploid and Tetraploid Red Clover

The effects of the following factors were analyzed in the study: wilting degree, genetic form of red clover (2n – 4n), cultivars within the genetic form: 2n (Krynia, Parada), 4n (Jubilatka, Bona) and DM x form, DM x 2n, DM x 4n. Fermentation and proteolysis during the ensilage of red clover were affected primarily by wilting, whereas genetic factors (genetic form, cultivar) exerted a lesser effect. However, the genetic form of red clover affected the true protein content of silage and the extent of proteolysis during the ensiling process. The effect of the genetic form of red clover on the extent of proteolysis in silage (at similar levels of water-soluble carbohydrates and buffering capacity) suggests that diploid and tetraploid red clover cultivars differ with respect to chemical properties (poliphenol oxidase activity, polyphenol content) affecting proteolysis