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The paper presents the results of the assessment of yield and laboratory tests of biogas parameters of two species of the genus Bromus, compared to the tetraploid perennial ryegrass. Silage was prepared from whole plants in the heading phase, using the laboratory method in plastic sleeves. Biogas yield was determined by the eudiometric method according to the accredited testing procedure of the implemented DIN 38 414-S8: 1985 standard. Along with the analysis of the results, the possibility of using the examined silage as alternative substrates for agricultural biogas plants was presented.

In the years 2018 ? 2019, field trials were carried out on light soil on the effect of foliar fertilization of potato plants with biostimulators: Krzemian (silicon preparation), Naturamin Plus and Naturamin WSP (amino acid preparations) with regard to the yield and quality of potato tubers. Each year, two foliar fertilization treatments were carried in BBCH 19 and 39 phases - Naturamin Plus and Naturamin WSP preparations, and 39 and 70 ? silicate preparation. The control was without foliar fertilization, water being used instead. The soil was amended each year by incorporating through ploughing, straw from winter triticale and green intercrop from white mustard, while mineral fertilization was applied in the following doses: 100 kg?ha-1 N, 26.2 kg?ha-1 P and 99.6 kg?ha-1 K. Under the influence of the preparations used in the studies, a similar increase in tuber yield was obtained, higher by 17.3% compared to the control. A greater increase in tuber yield under the influence of preparations was obtained in the year of 2018, with less rainfall deficiency and higher air temperature than in the year of 2019. Under the influence of the preparations used, a significant increase in the content of starch, dry matter and vitamin C in tubers was obtained, but the preparation of Krzemian caused a decrease in the level of nitrates (V) in tubers, compared to the control.

Using the ESCAA data from 2004?2019, an analysis was carried out on the status of seed production of selected species of grasses and legumes in Poland in terms of the area of seed crops and their seed yield on the background of the European market. Particular attention in the analysis was paid to the dominant species in the reproductive area of varieties of this group of plants in Poland and in Europe, i.e. Lolium perenne L., Lolium multiflorum Lam., Festuca rubra L. and Trifolium pratense L. It was found that over the years, the importance of the Polish grass seed market in Europe is growing. In 2019, our country?s share in the area of certified grass seed plantations in Europe was 12%. In the years 2016?2019, this share has increased by 56% and was next to Denmark (60%) one of the largest on the European continent. Currently, Poland ranks second in the area of seed crops of Lolium multiflorum and Festuca rubra, and in the case of Lolium perenne is one of the three leading European market countries. In legumes grown for seeds, Poland is less important in Europe, however, in the case of Trifolium pratense, it is in recent years a significant player on the seed market with a clear trend of increasing the plantations area of this species. Harvested seed yields from grasses and legumes grown for seeds in Poland are lower compared to many European countries, so increasing seed yield is a prerequisite for our country?s further expansion in this segment of the seed market in Europe.

Septoria disease severity assessment is time consuming and laborious task. In this paper a computational detection of diseased and healthy leaf tissue using simple software developed in Python programming language was discussed. Software automate labels reading from digital images and facilitates septoria disease severity examination. Program extracts each leaf from input image, examine septoria severity and summarizes results, thus there is the possibility for outliers elimination, thereby minimizing experimental error.

The aim of the study was to determine the content of nutrients and bioactive substances in two- and three-variety mixtures of spring wheat in comparison to varieties growing in pure stand and to demonstrate whether this method of grain production allows, in addition to better yielding, improvement of its nutritional value. The material for analysis consisted of 14 varieties and 60 varietal mixtures, including 10 two-component mixtures harvested in the years 2014, 2016 and 2018. The content of protein, lipids, minerals and starch, constituting nutrients and dietary fibre, including its basic components and phenolic compounds, was determined as bioactive substances of cereal grains. The results showed that the improvement of the end-use value is possible by cultivating spring wheat varietal mixtures. The genetic factor had a significant impact on the content of nutrients and the complex of dietary fibre in the variety mixture of spring wheat. Identification of suitable varieties for mixed sowing is necessary to improve the nutritional value of spring wheat.

The material for the study included three two-component mixtures of spring cereals, barley and triticale with narrow-leafed lupine and barley with pea, as well as their components derived from pure sowing. The nutritional value of components and mixtures was determined on the basis of the chemical composition and the biological value of protein, determined directly in the model system in rats. Spring cereals and legumes, as well as mixtures composed with their participation, differed significantly in nutrient and antinutrient content. The results showed a significant effect of the component selection on the nutritional value of cereal-legumes mixtures. The share of narrow-leafed lupine in the mixture contributed to improving the quality and concomitantly increasing the content of protein, and also of dietary fibre. This applies in particular to mixtures with barley. Cereals, due to high content of starch, increase energy value of the mixture. Based on chemical indicators and study in vivo, a greater protein nutritional value was shown for cereal-legume mixtures than their components from pure sowing. Studies have revealed that a mixture of spring barley, variety Radek, with peas, variety Model, characterized with the best chemical composition and the highest nutritional value of protein, determined in vitro and in vivo.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the most economically important cereals and holds fourth place in the world by harvest area. Powdery mildew, caused by the pathogenic fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei, is one of the most important diseases that decrease the quantity and quality of the yield. Since there is a limited number of resistance genes presented in cultivated crop varieties, there is a need to search and identify new sources of resistance.

Plants have developed a number of mechanisms that are responsible for repairing the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. The base excision repair system is the main repair system for removing such changes. Herein, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase are the two enzymes of importance for removing 8-oxoG. Researchers have confirmed that FPG and OGG1 levels increase during seed imbibition. Indeed, many researchers note the relationship between the accumulation of oxidative changes in the cell and the activity of OGG1 and FPG and the aging of seeds. This short review aims at presenting the published data on the operation of the base excision repair system in the process of repairing oxidative damage affecting seed aging.

The ageing of seeds is a process that leads to irreversible changes that cause the loss of seed value over time. Many interrelated molecular, biochemical, physiological and metabolic processes are involved in it. The degradation of the natural environment requires intensive plant species protection. Preserving germination capacity plays a key role in protecting the biodiversity damaged by genetic erosion. The studies conducted so far show that miRNAs are involved in the dynamic germination process of seeds. However, little is known about the state of specific miRNA regulations and their targets. These, are potentially important factors contributing to the ageing of seeds during long-term storage. This review includes literature review of research concerning the role of miRNA in the regulation of processes leading to seed ageing and germination.

Over the last 20 years, the progress in molecular biology through the introduction of new generation molecular markers has allowed many areas to move forward. It has now become possible to obtain more accurate genetic information to better understand the genetic resources of organisms. A molecular marker can be any nucleotide sequence (selected DNA fragment) scattered throughout the genome, whose variability between individuals or taxonomic groups allows precise identification of the individual/taxon. The effectiveness of restriction digestion and polymerase chain reaction based on molecular markers has already proved their usefulness in taxonomic, evolutionary and ecological plant research.

Collecting missions are among the most important sources of collecting materials at the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources (KCRZG). The choice of Lithuania as a place to search for genetic resources was associated with historical relations with Poland. In the years 2011 - 2013 three collecting missions took place, collecting 32 accessions of Avena sativa L. with passport data. Collected samples were sown on 2.5 m2 plots at Radzików IHAR in 2012, 2013, 2014. 600 seeds were manually sown on each plot. During observations, plant lodging andemerging diseases were noted, and thousand grain weight and yield was calculated. For most accessions, panicles appeared later than in reference varieties. Local objects in this category were higher than the reference objects and had a low lodging degree. Local oat can be a source of individual, unique traits for breeding.

Parastagonospora nodorum is a wide spread necrotrophic pathogen of crop that primary attack wheat and triticale. It is casual agent of septoria nodorum leaf and glume blotch (SNB), which in favorable weather conditions causes large yield losses. This pathogen uses a number of specific protein effectors that in sensitive genotypes trigger signaling pathways leading to programmed cell death, resulting in necrotic changes in infected tissue. This work presents the procedure for testing breeding objects for sensitivity to the Tox3 effector using non-purified filtrate from P. nodorum culture. This approach allows achieving satisfactory selection results without the need for troublesome purification procedures or expression based on genetically modified microorganisms.

Oats are among the most important cereals grown in the world. Oat grains are used in the production of food, animal feed and in industry. In order to conserve the diversity of oat species, a collection including both cultivated and wild forms was established at the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources. The main task of the collection is also the collection and evaluation of collected accessions.

Plant genetic resources are protected by international agreements. They were considered to be the common heritage of mankind, thus the benefits of their use must be fairly shared. Since the regulation has been established on the international level over the past 15 years more than 5.5 million seed samples have been made available. It is estimated that the use of plant genetic resources generates billions of benefits worldwide.

The structure, stages and breeding specificity of purple fleshed potatoes at Zamarte Potato Breeding Ltd. ? IHAR Group are characterized in the article. The health-promoting effects of anthocyanins occurred in the purple tubers have also been described. The progress of breeding works has been presented. As a result of breeding efforts registration of the potato purple clones, with the planned name ?Provita?, is scheduled for 2021. Presumably, it will be the first Polish variety of potato with purple flesh.

Established in 1981 in Bonin, the In Vitro Potato Gene Bank is the Polish collection of completely healthy potato tetraploid in vitro forms. Currently, the in vitro collection has 1612 objects, including 286 Polish varieties. Every year, valuable new materials are introduced as part of exchanges with other research and breeding units. The source of introduced and maintained plants in vitro are potato tubers tested for the presence of ring rot caused by the bacterium Clavibacter sepedonicus, Ralstonia solanacearum, the causes of the myxoma and potato tuber spindle viroid (PSTVd). In vitro genotypes maintained in the bank are also free from common potato viruses: A, S, M, Y, X, and leafroll. Genetic resources are stored under conditions of slowed growth in special rooms called phytotrons, on properly modified culture media. This allows for long-term plant maintenance without frequent passaging. The resources collected in the Bank are described and valorized in terms of botanical and functional characteristics in the field during the identification of genetic stability and varietal purity. The in vitro gene bank is of great importance in the preservation and accumulation

Plants have developed a number of mechanisms that are responsible for repairing the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. The base excision repair system is the main repair system for removing such changes. Herein, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase are the two enzymes of importance for removing 8-oxoG. Researchers have confirmed that FPG and OGG1 levels increase during seed imbibition. Indeed, many researchers note the relationship between the accumulation of oxidative changes in the cell and the activity of OGG1 and FPG and the aging of seeds. This short review aims at presenting the published data on the operation of the base excision repair system in the process of repairing oxidative damage affecting seed aging.

The aim of the study was to generate a mapping population derived from an 'Elsanta' and ?Senga Sengana? cross, so as to be useful for genotypic-phenotypic studies, and subsequently, to construct a 'skeleton' of the strawberry genetic map. The first stage of the research was based on molecular assessment of parental plants for genetic polymorphism. After analysis of 450 selected SSR markers, 418 polymorphic alleles were identified in the genome of the 'Elsanta', and 337 alleles in the genome of the 'Senga Sengana'. The study confirms the high degree of genetic heterozygosity of both of the strawberry varieties. In the next stage of the work, molecular analysis of seedlings resulted from the cross of the heterozygous parental forms, as well as the confirmation of genetic status of hybrid genotypes were conducted. These studies confirm that the origin of the prepared mapping population was the result of the controlled pollination. Moreover, segregation of heterozygous alleles in the mapping population enabled the preparation of the 'skeleton' of an integrated map of 'Elsanta' x 'Senga Sengana'. Herein, the initial genetic map was found to contain 27 linkage groups representing the loci of 53 polymorphic allele, covering 1 033 cM of the strawberry genome. Generally, as a result of the tests, we confirmed that the obtained population represents valuable material for research related to the development of a strawberry genetic map. Additionally, the 'skeleton' of 'Elsanta' x 'Senga Sengana' genetic map enlarged the database for further gene localization and for identifying QTL regions linked to important strawberry traits.

The aim of presented study was to identify putative candidate genes associated with apple rootstock winter hardiness. The assessment of changes in expression profile of isolated differentially expressed genes, was performed using two subsequent experiments: RNAseq (based on New Generation Sequencing, NGS) and qRT-PCR (Real Time transcript amplification). In terms of traits of interests two apple rootstocks P 66 (frost tolerant) and M.9 (frost sensitive) were evaluated. As a result of the RNA sequence readings (de novo sequencing, Illumina Solid system), approximately 167 million reads of unique sequences were identified. Finally, fifteen functionally annotated expressed tags, representing different expression profile, were chosen. Selected putative genes coding: structural and integral proteins of cell membranes and cellular vacuoles, transcription factors, proteins regulating intercellular and intracellular transport, C-O and C-N bonds hydrolyzes, and proteins binding macro- and microelements. In order to verify the type of regulation of the transcriptome sequences obtained in NGS technology, qRT-PCR tests were carried out for the same samples layout. Three of studied sequences, represented identical type of regulation in both RNA-seq and qRT-PCR experiments. The selected genes seems to represent potential candidate sequences (functional molecular markers), enabling the early selection of frost-tolerant apple rootstocks.

The aim of the study was to evaluate phenotypically and genetically, 15 gooseberry genotypes plants propagated in vitro and ex vitro by cuttings grown in the second year in field conditions. The outcome of this was that in vitro propagated shrubs were shown to grew more strongly. Their height and the number of shoots were significantly higher for the 11 genotypes and a width of 12 genotypes for gooseberry. However, fruit abundance was greater in much more traditionally multiplied plants. Beyond the aforementioned, Genetic stability analysis of clones derived from in vitro cultures of five gooseberry varieties was performed. Herein, 13-15 plants with in vitro and mother plants were analyzed. The number of products generated by the AFLP primer pairs ranged from 33 to 108. The highest total number of amplification products was obtained as a result of the AFLP reaction for the plants ?Hinnonmaki Rot? (300), and the lowest for the varieties ?Hinsel? and ?Resika? (262). Genetic variability in gooseberry in vitro plants ranged from 1.03% for ?Captivator?, to 10.3% for ?Hinsel?. Genetic stability was also assessed using ISSR markers. Plants of five genotypes derived from conventional and in vitro reproduction were used. Accordingly, a total of 2294 amplification products were obtained, of which 2.8% were polymorphic. The size of the obtained products was from 250 to 2900 bp, depending on the starter and variety. ISSR-PCR analysis showed different degrees of polymorphism - from 0 for the ?Hinnonmaki Rot? and ?Resica? to 11.6% for the ?Hinsel? variety.

Blackcurrant gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis) is one of the most dangerous pests of blackcurrant. It causes deformation of blackcurrant buds and reduces fruit yield. The selection of the most favorable molecular markers coupled to resistance to C.ribis, can accelerate the breeding process and improve efficacy when choosing genotypes that are resistant to this disease. The aim of this study was to analyze genome regions conjugated with resistance of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) to blackcurrant gall mite by assessing the degree of polymorphism in coupling groups, including the Ce and P regions, and by searching for new genome fragments regulating C. ribis resistance. As a result of the analysis of electrophoregrams with CAPS reaction products, 119 polymorphic DNA fragments were identified, out of which 100 were selected for sequence analysis. As the end product of sequencing, 9 specific readings were obtained on DNA matrices of the varieties ?Ceres?, ?Ojebyn?, ?Vir?, ?Ores?, ?Foxendown?, ?Ben Finlay? and ?Bona?.

The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of several apple cultivars for breeding of new genotypes resistant/low susceptible to apple scab and powdery mildew based on their general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities. Infection degree of the apple seedlings, being the progeny of 11 cultivars crossed in the model: ?4 x ?7 ? 4 maternal cultivars (?Alwa?, ?Golden Delicious?, ?Free Redstar?, ?Gold Milenium?) and 7 paternal cultivars (?Glogierówka?, ?Kronselka?, ?Kosztela?, ?McIntosh?, ?Oliwka Żółta?, ?Malinowa Oberlandzka?, ?Koksa Pomarańczowa?) by both apple pathogens was evaluated in July 2019. Significantly negative value for the GCA effect for the infection degree by apple scab was estimated for ?Free Redstar?. This indicates that this cultivar is a good donor of genes responsible for resistance to apple scab in the progeny. Negative value of GCA effect for susceptibility to powdery mildew was also stated for ?Free Redstar?. This means that this cultivar may serve as good donor of genes determining resistance/low susceptibility to powdery mildew in its progeny. Negative SCA effects for resistance/low susceptibility to apple scab, moreover, were indicated for 3 cross combinations: ?Free Redstar? x ?McIntosh?, ?Alwa? x ?Malinowa Oberlandzka? and ?Alwa? x ?McIntosh?. This indicates that genetic interaction of both parental genotypes results in genetic determination of resistance or high tolerance to apple scab in their progeny.

The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of extending the genetic variability of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) stock existing in the genetic resources of the Research Institute of Horticulture in terms of such biological characteristics as ripening time, attractiveness (appearance), size and weight of fruit, spine production by plants, growth vigour and health of shrubs. The paper presents the results of research from 2019, i.e. the first year of clone evaluation. The study includes the most valuable genotypes selected from a population of 2640 seedlings of the F1 generation, obtained from hybridization made in a diallel system, according to the Griffing II method (Griffing, 1956) of 10 cultivars of raspberry (?Canby?, ?Glen Ample?, ?Laszka?, ?Polana?, ?Polka?, ?Radziejowa?, ?Schönemann?, ?Sokolica?, ?Veten? and ?Willamette?). The obtained test results confirmed that it is possible to broaden genetic variability using conventional breeding methods, as well as to combine in one genotype such features of raspberry as the ability to produce high quality fruit, extend summer-autumn fruiting and produce spineless shoots.

Research on widening genetic variation in strawberry around the world is focused mainly on improving external and internal fruit quality. The aim of the research undertaken at the Research Institute of Horticulture was to determine the possibility of increasing the content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, anthocyanins and organic acids) in strawberry by conventional breeding. Based on a two-year phenotypic evaluation, 90 valuable genotypes were selected from 6097 hybrids obtained as a result of intra- and interspecific hybridization within the Fragaria genus. In 2019, these genotypes were assessed in terms of fruit yield, weight, attractiveness and firmness, as well as the content of the extract, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid in the fruit. We found that the largest, most attractive and firmest fruits were produced by clones T-201536-16 and T-201536-08 (?Clery? × ?Grandarosa?), T-201514-04 and T-201514-05 (?Candiss? × ?Panvik?) and T-201560-07 (?Onda? × ?Panvik?). The highest extract content was noted in the fruits of genotypes T-201536-16 and T-201536-09 (?Clery? × ?Grandarosa?). The greatest number of phenolic compounds were encountered in the fruits of clones T-201501-02 (?Alba? × ?Grandarosa?), T-201512-04 (?Camarosa? × ?Panvik?) and T-201567-01 (?Patty? × ?Panvik?), while the highest anthocyanin levels were evident in the fruit of clones T-201514-08 (?Candiss? × ?Panvik?), T-201508-01 (?Alice? × ?Matis?), T-201517-05 (?Chandler? × ?Matis?) and T-201580-01 (Fragaria chiloensis Del Norte × ?Elsanta?). Moreover, the richest levels of ascorbic acid were in the fruits of clones T-201526-05 (?Cigaline? × ?Grandarosa?), T-201501-03 (?Alba? × ?Grandarosa?), T-201536-15 (?Clery? × ?Grandarosa?) and T-201567-01 (?Patty? × ?Panvik?). Finally, the highest total content of all analyzed bioactive compounds in fruits was noted for clones T-201514-08 (?Candiss? × ?Panvik?), T-201517-05 (?Chandler? × ?Matis?) and T-201567-04 (?Patty? × ?Panvik?).

The aim of the study was to determine the breeding value of 12 highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) parental genotypes based on the estimation of their general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) for seedling growth. The research material was a population of 2,100 F1 plants obtained from the 2014 crossing program. Crosses of 7 maternal forms (?) - ?Aurora?, ?Bluecrop?, ?Brigitta Blue?, ?Chandler?, ?Draper?, ?Duke?, ?Northland? - and 5 paternal forms (?) - ?Earliblue?, ?KazPliszka?, ?Polaris?, ?Toro?, ?Weymouth? - were made in a factorial design (7x5). In autumn 2014, the field experiment was established in complete randomized block design, in 4 replications, with 15 seedlings per plot. In 2019, a phenotypic evaluation of the seedling population was done for plant growth . We found that the seedlings differed significantly in this plant morphological trait. Based on the results of the phenotypic evaluation of the seedling population, the GCA effects for 12 parental cultivars and SCA effects for 35 hybrid families for this trait were determined. Statistical analysis showed that the parental forms differed significantly in their combining ability (GCA and SCA effects) for plant growth. The parental forms possessing significant and positive values of GCA effects were potentially useful donors of genes determining strong growth, while, conversely, significant and negative effects in other parental forms influenced the deterioration of this trait in the assessed offspring. Statistically significant positive or negative values of SCA effects were the results of genetic interaction of both parental forms within these hybrid families, and could, therefore, inform the breeder of the improvement or deterioration of plant growth in blueberry seedlings.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of distant hybridization of selected fruit tree varieties in three species of the genus Prunus ? Japanese plum (P. salicina Lindl.), apricot (P. armeniaca L.) and myrobalan plum P. cerasifera Ehrh.). The hybridization programme was carried out in a high plastic tunnel in the Pomological Orchard of the Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice, in the spring of 2019. Eight parental genotypes, i.e. apricot ? 4 genotypes (?Early Orange?, ?Harcot?, ?Sirena?, ?Somo?), Japanese plum ? 3 genotypes (?Czarnuszka?, ?Trumlar?, D 17?73) and myrobalan plum ? 1 genotype (?Amelia?) were used for the study. The hybridization programme was carried out while following the system of Japanese plum × apricot ? 12 cross combinations, Japanese plum × myrobalan plum ? 3 cross combinations. The obtained results showed that the influence of the Japanese plum genotype as a maternal form was greater than that of apricot as a paternal form on fruit-setting in the distant hybridization of these species. Furthermore, Japanese plum ?Czarnuszka? set fruit much better than ?Trumlar? after pollination with pollen of the same paternal forms of apricot. The ripe fruit also contained both properly developed seeds (viable), as well as those that had a wrinkled seed coat and malformed embryos (non-viable). The proportion of fruits with underdeveloped seeds varied and depended on the crossed species and on the genotype of the maternal form. In the crossing of Japanese plum × myrobalan plum, less underdeveloped seeds were obtained in relation to the total number of seeds (stones) obtained than in the crossing of Japanese plum × apricot. Embryo mortality and abnormal seed formation indicate the existence of post-zygotic barriers to crossability in the crossing of Japanese plum, apricot and myrobalan plum.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of water deficiency on germination ability and growth of onion seedlings, and identify promising accessions for use in future breeding programs of new onion varieties with drought tolerance. We evaluated 150 onion lines/cultivars derived from Polish and foreign breeding and seed companies and from the Gene Bank of the Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice. Experiments were performed under laboratory conditions inducing drought stress by using 18% polyethylene glycol (PEG8000) in the seed germination phase and 10% PEG in the seedling phase. Significant differences in reaction to drought stress were observed among onion accessions, confirmed by the high values of the coefficient of variation (CV) for the assessed parameters: maximum percentage of seedling (56,3%). The received results showed, that water deficiency reduced seed germination the least by 23%, then the root length by 36%, and the fresh weight of seedling and cotyledon length by 52% and 53,5%, respectively. A high correlation (r = 0,81?0,86) between the features describing the growth of seedlings under drought conditions was found, indicating that water deficit reduced growth of whole seedlings. However, no correlation (r = 0,19?0,24) between them and germination under drought conditions was observed. Among 150 onion accessions, genotype 171026 showed a high level of drought tolerance, both in seed germination stage and in seedling growth stage.

In the years 2014-2016 at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute in Jadwisin, an experiment was carried out to assess the impact of various ranges of chemical protection on the infestation of potato plants by Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria and the amount of tuber yield. Varieties of different earliness and resistance to late blight were tested. The following fungicide protection scopes were compared: control (without protection), limited protection (1-3 treatments) and intensive protection (4-5 treatments). The influence of years, protection ranges and varieties on the development of fungal diseases and the amount of tuber yield was proved. On average, for the years of research, the lowest degree of plant infestation with Alternaria and the slowest rate of the spread of late blight and the highest tuber yield was recorded for intensive protection. The average increase in yields caused by the application of fungicides was 19%. The highest average yield increase - 21.3% was achieved between control and intensive protection. A significant differentiation between intensive and limited protection in terms of disease development and yield was dependent on pathogen pressure in the year of the study.

The large cultivation area of maize and the simplification of applied agrotechnics increased the occurrence of pathogens, including Ustilago maydis causing common smut. Monitoring this patogen population at 9 locations representative for different agroclimatic regions of Poland across 2016?2019, significant differences between years, locations and cultivars for the frequency of plants with symptoms of the disease were determined. Weather conditions significantly affected the development of the corn smut disease. In 2017, when temperatures were lower than in other years, the frequency of plants with symptoms of the disease was very low. In the other years the for some cultivars it was 26,7% in 2016, 32,0% in 2018 and 20,0% in 2019. In the other years, for some of the selected cultivars, it increased to 26.7% in 2016, 32.0% in 2018 and 20.0% in 2019 respectively. In the locations representing Central Poland (Lućmierz and Kawęczyn) and Western Poland (Krościna Mała), the frequency of plants with symptoms of the disease was the highest. In Przecław (South-Eastern Poland), the severity of the disease was very low throughout all the years. The differences between the cultivars in terms of the frequency of plants with symptoms of Ustilago maydis infection indicate that it is possible to obtain genetic gain for resistance to the corn smut. Monitoring the degree of plant infection with corn smut combined with forecasting weather conditions, is an important part in integrated maize protection system.

Crop protecting plays a key role in increasing the efficiency of plant production. So far, a number of methods dedicated to the identification of plant pathogens have been developed. The most important of them are molecular methods employed polymerase chain reaction ? PCR and immunological methods based on specific interactions of antibodies with antigens. However, current methodologies are time-consuming, expensive, require complex laboratory equipment, are being not suitable for in-vivo plant pathogen detection. Therefore there is a strong need to develop alternative, low-cost, rapid and with high specificity methods for the detection of plant pathogens which would enable diagnostics both in laboratory and environmental conditions. Over the years biosensors are gaining increasing attention due to their wide range of applications. High sensitivity and selectivity, the possibility of real-time measurements, and often small sizes make them extremely attractive analytical tools. In this work the conventional methods of the plant pathogens identification as well as the structure, principle of operation and a wide range of applications of biosensors are described. Special attention was paid to electrochemical and optical biosensors including as sensing elements antibodies ? immunosensors or fragments of nucleic acids ? DNA sensors designed for the detection of plant pathogens.

In the years 2016-2018, the IHAR-PIB Branch in Bonin assessed the effect of the application of micro 1 B and Micro 1 K micronutrient fertilizers as supplementary fertilization for basic fertilization for potatoes. The highest tuber yield was obtained for the combination in which the basic fertilization was additionally applied with Micro1K. In the plots where this set of fertilizers was applied, the highest increase in the total yield and the yield of large tubers (over 55 mm) suitable for processing was observed.

In years 2015-2018 in ZDD Złotniki, close to Poznań, field experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness of susceptibility plants of a view variety sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. Sacharata) on pest occurrence. Research was conducted on ten differences crossbreed: Golda, GSS 1453, GSS 3071, GSS 5829, GSS 8529, Overland, Noa, Shinerock, Sindon and Tessa. The cultivars studied significantly differed in terms of damage caused by frit fly (Oscinella frit L.),European corn borer (Ostrinia nibilalis Hbn.) and cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopa L.) in all years of the study. The cultivar Tessa was characterized by the highest percentage of plants damaged by frit fly (Oscinella frit L.) in 2016 and 2018. The infestation of individual analyzed maize cultivars was significantly diversified in the years of the study. Tessa cultivar was the most susceptible to damage by corn smut Ustilago maydis (D.C.) Corda in all the years of the study. The highest percentage of plants damaged by Europen corn borer (Ostrinia nibilalis Hbn.) was recorded in 2016, when in the case of the Golda variety it exceeded 50%, on average in the years of the study this variety was damaged by this pest in the highest percentage.

Maize has a significant economic impact all over the world. Fungi in the genus Fusarium that cause Fusarium ear rot (FER) of maize have significant effect on the yield quality and quantity. The main threat is the contamination of grain with the mycotoxins they produce - as these are harmful to humans and animals. Such mycotoxins are a group of secondary metabolites of varied structure, which belong mainly to trichothecenes, fumonisins and zearalenones. As no efficient chemical control read and pink rot in the field is possible, prevention relies on cultural practices and use resistant hybrids. Insects play an important role in the infection, which is why it is recommended to control their prevalence during growing season.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of selected seed treatments on the health of grass seeds: meadow fescue and perennial ryegrass from three years of harvest, obtained from breeders. The material for the research was the seeds of four varieties of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and four varieties of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Seed material treated with four treatments: two biological Bioczos (garlic extract) and Polyversum (oospores of the fungus Pythium oligandrum) and two chemical Maxim (fludioxonil) and Vitavax (carboxin and thiuram) and the untreated grain, surface disinfected with sodium hypochlorite. Seeds of the studied species and cultivars were colonized by both saprotrophic fungi: Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Epicoccum purpurascens and Penicillium spp. as well as pathogens: Fusarium spp., Drechslera spp. and Bipolaris sorokiniana. It was found that the use of chemical treatments, especially the use of Vitavax, has a positive effect on the improvement of seed health expressed by the number of fungal colonies, including the main pathogens. However, no significant increase in the germination capacity of the tested seeds was observed.

Scientific progress in plant breeding and the globalization of seed production led to a rapid increase in the value of seed trade. Apart from pesticides, seeds are characterized by the most global character. In recent years, we have observed a progressive concentration and monopolization of the seed industry. ?The big four? seed companies can decide the fate of global agricultural production. In the worlds public sector, expenditure on R&D is decreasing, while in private sector it is growing. The seed industry, next to the pharmaceutical one, is the most innovative economic sector. Average R&D expenditure is 17% of turnover per year. Some European countries like Denmark and the Netherlands have made the seed industry their national specialization.

The aim of the study was to analyse the genotypic and environmental variation in yield, as well as the structure of the yield of tubers of medium-early cultivars of table potato. The field study was carried out in the years 2015?2019 at the experimental station in Prusy near Krakow (50o07?N, 20o05?E) on chernozem soil. The following five potato cultivars were evaluated: Finezja, Oberon, Laskara, Satina and Tajfun. The total and commercial yield of tubers, the average tuber mass, the quantity of tubers from a plant, as well as the share of the fraction of large, commercial and small tubers were determined in the study. Of the potato features that were evaluated, the share of the commercial tuber fraction was the most stable. A low diversity was also found in the case of total and commercial yield of tubers, whereas the share of the fraction of small tubers was the least stable feature. The size of yields and their structure were determined mostly by environmental factors. Only in the case of the share of fractions of large and small tubers were the varietal properties more decisive than the genotypic-environmental interaction.

The long-standing market and customer demand for processed potato products and the demand for washed and packaged potatoes mean that tubers' quality (smooth skin, no signs of disease) and suitability for processing are of great importance. This tendency makes any pathogen causing skin damage of economic importance. One of them is the fungus Helminthosporium solani, the preparator of silver scab. The importance of the disease and its cause is also due to other factors: the lack of resistant varieties, the complex cycle of disease development with a less significant field phase, and a difficult-to-control phase of development during storage. An additional factor is the lack of available chemical disease control agents. The resistance to thiabendazole used both in spring and autumn, found in the 1970s and 1980s, was one of the most important reasons for the increased importance of the disease. Due to the complex cycle of disease development (field and storage phase), combating this disease is difficult and requires all available methods of integrated protection.