Content Of Assimilation Pigments Research Articles

Chemical Composition and Toxicological Evaluation of Landfill Leachate from Białystok, Poland

Leachates from landfills constitute a very complex environmental matrix with potentially toxic properties for both the environment and humans. Due to this fact, toxicological tests were carried out on landfill leachate (LL) obtained from the local landfill in Hryniewicze (Poland). The analyses included physicochemical studies of leachates and their impact on soil and plants, and studies conducted in bacterial models and human cell models. The results obtained indicate high contents of metals and organic matter, especially dangerous PAHs, in the tested leachate. This results in the influence of LL on changes in the content of assimilation pigments and oxidative stress observed in plants grown in soil fed with leachates. The effect of leachate on the growth of Sporosarcina pasteurii, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii and Candida albicans varied depending on the strain and LL dose. A particularly significant increase in proliferation after exposure to LL was noted for S. aureus. In studies conducted on human cancer cell lines representing three types of glioblastomas and one type of colorectal adenocarcinoma, a particularly significant increase in the viability of cells treated with LL was noted for the DLD-1 cell line. The results obtained, especially the stimulation of the growth of cancer cells and an increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria, indicate the potential toxic properties of the tested leachates. This is confirmed by the high level of oxidative stress in plants. The results indicate the need for continuous monitoring of waste landfills and leachates generated there.

Energy Efficiency of LEDs during Micropropagation of Helleborus ‘Molly’s White’

For many years, there has been a growing trend toward producing plants using tissue culture, the most efficient method at present. Every year, more and more protocols for micropropagation of economically valuable species are appearing. Many factors influence the regenerating explants under sterile laboratory conditions. One of the most important is light. The aim of the present study was to increase the efficiency of micropropagation of hellebore ‘Molly’s White’ using energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which were compared to traditionally used fluorescent lamps (FLs). To choose the best light and reduce production costs, white, blue or red LEDs with two levels of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), 40 and 70 μmol/m2/s, were used at the multiplication and rooting stages. LED light color has been shown to affect regeneration rate and plant growth in length during micropropagation, while both light parameters (color as well as intensity) affect the length of regenerating shoots and the content of assimilation pigments in plants. The use of white LED light, which gives the highest multiplication rate, at an intensity of 70 μmol/m2/s saves more than 57 kWh during an 8-week micropropagation cycle compared to conventional fluorescent lamps with the same parameters.

Physiological and molecular features predispose native and invasive populations of sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa L.) to colonization and restoration of drought degraded environments

The aim of this study was to determine physiological and molecular grounds for high adaptation potential of invasive populations of Rosa rubiginosa to soil drought. We assume that the invasive populations possess specific and effective adaptive mechanisms making them capable pioneer and nurse plants in dry environments. By colonizing the land, they limit its degradation and initiate revitalization of areas damaged by soil droughts. We analyzed plant water status, the photosynthetic apparatus activity, carbohydrate and phenolic content, the level of non-enzymatic antioxidants and RbcL protein associated with fixation of CO2. The research involved native (Northern Hemisphere: Poland, Spain) and invasive (Southern Hemisphere: Argentine, New Zealand) populations. Contrary to the native population, the invasive one demonstrated soil drought induced specific responses aimed at maintaining high water potential in the leaves, greater content of soluble carbohydrates, and higher osmotic potential. In the invasive population, the accumulation of soluble carbohydrates prevailed over their consumption for the synthesis of phenolic compounds. The invasive plants also maintained high content of assimilation pigments and showed greater level of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Reduced activity of the photosynthetic apparatus was associated both with increased energy amount dissipated from PSII and the efficiency with which an electron can move from the reduced intersystem electron acceptors to the PSI end electron acceptors. The study results pave the path for further research on the genetic basis of sweet briar response to soil drought in the context of progressive steppe formation and desertification.

Effect of Salt Treatment on the Growth, Water Status, and Gas Exchange of Pyrus pyraster L. (Burgsd.) and Tilia cordata Mill. Seedlings

Two-year-old seedlings of T. cordata and P. pyraster were exposed to salinity for 50 days, whereby each plant was subject to regular applications of a substrate solution containing 100 mM NaCl, amounting to a cumulative volume of 365 mL per plant. The adaptive reactions of the tree species in coping with salt stress were studied. The measured parameters were the growth and distribution of mass to organs, root to shoot mass ratio (R:S), content of assimilation pigments in the leaves, gas exchange parameters (gs, E, An), and water use efficiency (WUE). The relative increase in biomass was reduced under salt treatment for both species. A significant decrease in the total FW and DW was observed only for T. cordata, which deposited 4.5 times more Na+ ions in the plant tissues compared with P. pyraster. In P. pyraster seedlings, Na+ ions mainly accumulated in the root (75%), and their distribution was limited to aboveground organs. Thus, a balanced content of the assimilation pigments in the leaves was maintained under salt treatment. In the initial (osmotic) phase of salt stress, P. pyraster reduced water consumption and maintained a steady rate of photosynthesis (An) per unit area. T. cordata responded to salinity by regulating stomatal conductance and increasing water use efficiency (WUE). T. cordata was not effective in blocking salt intake and transported Na+ ions to the leaves. Due to the high cumulative salt content in the substrate, the water potential of the leaf tissues and the rate of photosynthesis significantly decreased in salt-treated T. cordata seedlings. The results document the important role of the root system in the resistance of woody plants and in ensuring their survival in conditions of excessive salinity. The investment in root growth improved the water supply of P. pyraster seedlings and enhanced the retention of salt ions in the root system, thus limiting their transfer to leaves.

Influence of Organomineral Fertiliser from Sewage Sludge on Soil Microbiome and Physiological Parameters of Maize (Zea mays 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.

Heavy Metals and Sulphur in Needles of Pinus sylvestris L. and Soil in the Forests of City Agglomeration

The content of sulphur and copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and of assimilation pigments in the needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the forests of Bydgoszcz, Poland was determined. The content of those metals and the activity of dehydrogenases (DHA) in the rhizosphere of the trees was assayed. The average total sulphur (TS) content in 2-year-old pine needles was 832.4 mg kg−1 d.w. No significant correlation was found between TS and Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in needles and the content of assimilation pigments indicating no phytotoxic effect of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and metals on Scots pine. The content of metals in the needles pointed to an inconsiderable degree of human impact. The soils in the surface layer were not contaminated with heavy metals. With the principal component analysis (PCA) two principal components were identified which accounted for 68% of the total change in variation. The variables that determined the principal components were the soil content of organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), TS and sulphates (SO42−), the soil content of Mn, Zn, available forms to plants of Cu, Mn, and the content of Cu, Fe in needles.

Physiological reaction of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.) to copper excess in hydroponic medium

Abstract The influence of copper salt, in a concentration range of 50–150 mg·dm−3, on the physiological response of basket willow was studied on Tora variety, which were grown in hydroponics. Content of assimilation pigments, relative water content (RWC), water saturation deficit (WSD), intensity of assimilation and transpiration, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate of water use efficiency (WUE) and instantaneous photosynthetic rate of water use (WUEI) were determined in leaves. It was observed that the decrease in the concentration of tested physiological parameters correlated with the increase in copper salt doses in the medium. The assimilation and transpiration of basket willow were significantly limited by stomata. The addition of copper salt to the medium increased WSD in leaves of the basket willow. The obtained results of the studied physiological parameters may prove useful for the assessment of resistance of the studied willow cultivar to stress caused by increased copper ion content in medium and its applicability in reclamation of areas degraded by humans.

Nutritional value of hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2) in different periods

Article Details: Received: 2018-07-31 | Accepted: 2018-10-18 | Available online: 2018-10-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.04.197-200 The aim of this study was to determine the nutritive value of hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2). Rumex OK 2 can be considered as a technical or energetic plant for renewable production of biomass or as a feed as source of nutrients for animals. In this study two harvestings were planned, firs cut was realised in June (growth from March to June) and second cut was realised in November (growth from July to November). Samples of Rumex OK 2 plants were collected in the 20 th day of the month in March to June and in September to November. Concentration of nutrients were detected according to Regulation no. 2145/2004-100. Fresh Rumex OK 2 samples from March 7.42%, April 8.71% and September 4.89% had very low concentration of dry matter (DM). On the other hand samples from March, April, September and October had high concentration of crude protein in range from 31.42 to 24.54% of DM. From start of growth in spring to time of firs cut in June increased both concentration of dry matter from 7.42 to 56.62% and concentration of crude fibre from 14.86 to 47.38% of DM. Concentration of fat in Rumex OK 2 is low and similar to that of maize plant or alfalfa, whereas concentration of nitrogen free extract in Rumex OK 2 plant is similar only to alfalfa. Results of this article bring compact view over nutritional characteristic of Rumex OK 2, which can be according to gained results about nutritional value used as a source of nutrients in animal nutrition, or as a source of renewable biomass for bioenergy production. Keywords: Rumex OK 2, months, nutrients, fiber complex References BOCKHOLT, R. and KANNEWURF, B. (2001) Rumex obtusifolius in peatbog at Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (widening, forage quality, ensilability, force out by extensiveness). In 45. Jahrestagung AGF, 23.–25. 8. 2001, Gumpenstein, pp. 49–51. (in German). DERRICK, R.W. et al. (1993) Intake, by sheep, and digestibility of chickweed, dandelion, dock, ribwort and spurrey, compared with perennial ryegrass. The Journal of Agricultural Science, vol. 120, no. 1, pp. 51–61. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021859600073585 GALIK, B. et al. (2016) Nutritional characteristics of feeds. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (in Slovak). HEJDUK, S. and DOLEŽAL, P. (2004) Nutritive value of broadleaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius L.) and its effect on the quality of grass silages. Czech Journal of Animal Science, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 144–450. Available from: http://www.agriculturejournals.cz/publicFiles/53197.pdf HRIC, P. et al. (2018) The changes of the assimilation pigments content of turf Festuca spp. leaves after application of different nutrition forms. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 6–10. Doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.01.06-10 JURACEK, M. et al. (2012) Nutritional value and ensilability if maize hybrids. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (in Slovak). JURACEK, M. et al. (2011) Laboratory protocols. In GALIK et al. (2011) Biotechnology and animal food quality – Part II. Animal food quality. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, pp. 122–133. KOVAR, P. et al. (2017) The influence of various dose of nitrogen on botanical composition of turfs on the basis of drought-tolerant fescues cultivated under conditions without irrigation. In Journal of Central European Agriculture, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 494–514. Doi: https://doi.org//10.5513/JCEA01/18.2.1922 PETŘIKOVA, V. (2012) Forage plant – Rumex OK 2. [Online]. Retrieved 2018-07-31 from: https://biom.cz/cz/odborneclanky/krmna-plodina-rumex-ok-2 (in Czech). PETRIKOVIC, P. et al. (2000) Nutritional value of feeds. Nitra: VUŽV (in Slovak). RAKHMETOV, D. (2018) Non-traditional plant species for bioenergetics. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 103 p. Doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/2018.fe-9788055218557 (in Russian). REGULATION of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Slovak republic no. 2145/2004-100 about sampling of feeds, laboratory testing and evaluation of feeds. ROLINEC, M. et al. (2018a) Energy content of hybrid Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A.Los. (Rumex OK 2) samples from autumn months. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 20–23. Doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.01.20-23 ROLINEC, M. et al. (2018b) Energy content of hybrid Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2) samples from spring months and June. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 60–62. Doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.02.60-62 SIMKO, M. et al. (2010) Saccharides in ruminants nutrition. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (in Slovak) TRINACTÝ, J. (2013) Evaluation of feeds for dairy cows. Pohořelice: AgroDigest (in Czech). USŤAK, S. (2007) Cultivation and use of fodder sorrel in condition of Czech Republic. Prague: Crop Research Institute. Available from: http://www.vurv.cz/files/Publications/ISBN978- 80-87011-26-3.pdf (in Czech).

Właściwości antyoksydacyjne papryki ostrej odmiany Hungarian yellow

ABSTRAKTWstęp: Antyoksydanty zawarte w niektórych owocach i warzywach chronią organizm przed stresem oksydacyjnym, który odgrywa główną rolę w patogenezie starzenia oraz chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego, nowotworowych i neurodegeneracyjnych. Papryka jest ważnym warzywem, wykorzystywanym przede wszystkim jako potrawa, ale także jako przyprawa. Świeże owoce są cennym źródłem witaminy C i A, makro- i mikroelementów, karotenoidów oraz polifenoli.Celem pracy była ocena aktywności antyoksydacyjnej oraz zawartości barwników asymilacyjnych alkoholowych i wodnych wyciągów z owoców papryki ostrej.Materiały i metody: Materiał roślinny stanowiły świeże okrywy nasienne papryki ostrej odmiany Hungarian yellow wraz z nasionami. Wyciągi sporządzono metodą ekstrakcji wspomaganej ultradźwiękami przez okres 15, 30 i 60 min, przy czym rozpuszczalnikami były alkohole metylowy, etylowy i izopropylowy oraz woda. Aktywność antyoksydacyjną mierzono metodą z użyciem odczynnika 2,2-difenylo-1-pikrylohydrazylu (DPPH) oraz metodą oznaczania zdolności redukowania jonów żelaza (FRAP), zaś zawartość barwników asymilacyjnych metodą Arnona.Wyniki: Świeże owoce papryki charakteryzowały się zawartością barwników asymilacyjnych, takich jak chlorofil a, b oraz karotenoidy, przy czym stwierdzono nieco większą ilość karotenoidów w porównaniu z chlorofilem całkowitym (a+b). Wyciągi z materiału roślinnego miały aktywność antyoksydacyjną. Najwyższe wartości, mierzone metodą DPPH, stwierdzono dla prób ekstrahowanych stężonym metanolem przez 60 min. W przypadku metody FRAP najwyższym potencjałem antyoksydacyjnym charakteryzowały się wszystkie ekstrakty sporządzone w alkoholu izopropylowym.Wnioski: Ekstrakty ze świeżych owoców papryki wykazują aktywność antyoksydacyjną oraz zawierają barwniki asymilacyjne, dlatego mogą być użyteczne jako surowce antyoksydacyjne w preparatach kosmetycznych i farmaceutycznych.

The changes of the assimilation pigments content of turf Festuca spp. leaves after application of different nutrition forms

The changes of the assimilation pigments content of turf Festuca spp. leaves after application of different nutrition forms

Energy content of hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2) samples from spring months and June

Article Details: Received: 2018-05-26 | Accepted: 2018-06-26 | Available online: 2018-06-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.02.60-62 Aim of this study was to determine the gross energy concentration of fresh, wilted and ensiled Rumex OK 2 ( Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los.) from spring months and June. Samples were collected in spring months and June of the year 2018. The plant of Rumex OK 2 consist in March mainly from rosette of leaves and the stalk is not higher than leaves, from April is stalk higher than rosette of leaves. The height of Rumex OK 2 during analysed months was following, March 60.96 ± 5.22 cm; April 114.70 ± 35.15 cm, May 168.31 ± 39.74 cm and June 197.41 ± 48.44 cm. Rumex OK 2 silage was made from wilted matter, with or without of addition of dried molasses. Gross energy was determined as the heat released after combustion of a sample (Leco AC 500) in MJ per kilogram of dry matter (DM) of the sample. The dry matter and gross energy concentration of fresh Rumex OK 2 increased during study, dry matter from 7.42% in March to 56.97% in June and gross energy from 18.00 MJ.kg -1 of DM in March to 18.88 MJ.kg -1 of DM in June. Statistically significant (P 0.05). From all analysed Rumex OK 2 samples the highest concentration of gross energy had silage from May with addition of dried molasses, 19.04 MJ.kg -1 of DM. The utilisation of Rumex OK 2 from spring months can by neither for bioenergy production as a source of renewable energy, or after evaluation of nutritive value as a source of energy and nutrients in animal nutrition in form of pasture and silage. Rumex OK 2 from summer months seems to be utilized only as a source of heat via direct combustion. Keywords: Rumex OK 2, silage, gross energy, dry matter References BAZHAY-ZHEZHERUN, S. and RAKHMETOV, D. (2014) Nutritional value of shchavnat. Food Industry [Online]. no. 16, pp. 15-19. Retrieved 2018-06-13 from http://dspace.nuft.edu.ua/jspui/bitstream/123456789/24166/1/2.pdf (in Ukrainian). Biro, D. et al. (2014) Conservation and adjustment of feeds. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (in Slovak). GALIK, B. et al. (2016) Nutritional characteristics of feeds. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (in Slovak). HEJDUK, S. and DOLEŽAL, P. (2004) Nutritive value of broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius L.) and its effect on the quality of grass silages. Czech Journal of Animal Science, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 144- 450. HEJDUK, S. and DOLEŽAL, P. (2008) Effect of broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius L.) on grass silage quality. In Acta universitatis agriculturae et silviculturae mendelianea brunensis, vol. 56, no. 5, pp. 75-80. doi: https://doi.org/10.11118/actaun200856050075 HRIC, P. et al. (2013) The influence of mycorrhizal preparations on the growth and production process of turf under non-irrigated conditions. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica [Online], vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1–4. Retrieved 2018-06-13 from http://www.acta.fapz.uniag.sk/journal/index.php/on_line/article/view/58 HRIC, P. et al. (2018) The changes of the assimilation pigments content of turf Festuca spp. leaves after application of different nutrition forms. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 6-10. doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.01.06-10 PETŘIKOVA, V. (2006) Biomass from energy plants. [Online]. Retrieved 2018-06-13 from https://biom.cz/cz/odborne-clanky/biomasa-z-energetickych-rostlin (in Czech). ROLINEC, M. et al. (2018) Energy content of hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los. (Rumex OK 2) samples from autumn months. In Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 20-23. doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.01.20-23 SKLADANKA, J. et al. (2014) Forage production. Brno: Mendel University in Brno (in Czech). USŤAK, S. (2007) Cultivation and use of fodder sorrel in condition of Czech Republic. Prague: Crop Research Institute (in Czech).

Nutritional value and fermentation characteristics of silage made from hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2) in different months during the year

Nutritional value and fermentation characteristics of silage made from hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2) in different months during the year

Calcium Toxicity and Tolerance in Lichens: Ca Uptake and Physiological Responses

Although differential sensitivity of lichens to calcium excess has been documented previously at the community level, ecophysiological studies, which would shed light on the calcifuge or calcicole nature of lichens, are virtually absent. In the present study, we compared physiological responses of two morphologically similar foliose lichens, Dermatocarpon miniatum (calcicole lichen) and Umbilicaria hirsuta (calcifuge lichen) to Ca excess (up to 100 mM). The degree of total Ca uptake by the lichens after 24-h prolonged exposure was compared with selected physiological markers including levels of assimilation pigments, chlorophyll a fluorescence, soluble proteins, ergosterol, TBARS, and hydrogen peroxide. Both tested lichens accumulated Ca from the applied solutes of CaCl2 by a dose-dependent manner, although excess of Ca did not change content of assimilation pigments in both tested lichens, as well as integrity of lichen symbiont membranes (tested as TBARS, K content, and ergosterol content) when compared to respective controls. However, we observed significant, concentration-dependent decrease of chlorophyll a fluorescence, content of soluble proteins, and hydrogen peroxide production in U. hirsuta, while in D. miniatum were all these parameters stable through all tested Ca concentrations.

Oxidative stress in spring barley and common radish exposed to quaternary ammonium salts with hexafluorophosphate anion

Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS), including ionic liquids (ILs), constitute a huge group of substances, which due to their desirable physical and chemical properties still attracts great interest in many industrial sectors. An increased concentration of this compound in the environment may lead to the contamination of the natural environment and may pose a potential threat to all organisms, including terrestrial higher plants. The present study demonstrates the interaction of three QAS with PF6− anions – tetramethylammonium [TMA][PF6], tetrabutylammonium [TBA][PF6], and tetrahexylammonium [THA][PF6] hexafluorophosphates – and its impact on the physiological and biochemical changes in spring barley seedlings and common radish plants. A similar study was also carried out by introducing the inorganic salt – ammonium hexafluorophosphate [A][PF6] to the soil; the results showed the soil became highly toxic to both plants. All the salts used led to significant changes in the metabolism of both spring barley and common radish which can be evidenced, for example, by a decrease in the content of chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), and total chlorophyll (Chla + b), as well as carotenoids (Car). The decrease in assimilation pigments was linearly correlated with an increasing concentration of QAS in the soil. QAS and [A][PF6] led to the formation of oxidative stress in both experimental plants, as evidenced by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content in their cells and the changes in H2O2 level. In response to stress, the plants synthesized enzymatic free radicals (ROS) scavengers that lead to changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity. A decrease in the content of assimilation pigments and an increased POD activity are the most reliable indices of oxidative stress, and concurrently the signs of premature plants aging. Common radish proved to be more resistant to the presence of QAS in the soil compared to spring barley.

Influence of diesel and biodiesel fuel-contaminated soil on microorganisms, growth and development of plants

The paper presents the results of studies concerning the phytotoxicity of biodiesel and its diesel oil blends with a germination and root elongation test. The paper also analyses the effect of fuel on the number and activity of soil microorganisms and the reaction of plants used in the research. Fuel was introduced into the soil at a concentration of 10 and 50 g/kg dry mass soil. Based on the test results, it was found that from among 19 plants species representing 5 families taxonomically, only 4 species showed resistance to the presence of the fuel in soil, regardless of their type and dose (Glycine max (L.) Merill, Helianthus annuus L., Lupinus luteus L., cv. Lord and Pisum sativum L., cv. Eureka). Fuel generally reduced the number of heterotrophic microorganisms, and stimulated the growth of decomposing microorganisms and content of biomass. Significant differences in the number and activity of microorganisms were associated with the presence of biodiesel in the soil. The fuel had a negative influence on the biometric and physiological parameters of plants. A shorter length of shoots and roots was noted, especially in objects with biodiesel, reduced water content, and general content of assimilation pigments.

Silicon alleviates cadmium toxicity by enhanced photosynthetic rate and modified bundle sheath's cell chloroplasts ultrastructure in maize

Silicon was shown to alleviate the negative effects of various biotic and abiotic stresses on plant growth. Although the positive role of Si on toxic and heavy metal Cd has been already described, the mechanisms have been explained only partially and still remain unclear. In the present study we investigated the effect of Si on photosynthetic-related processes in maize exposed to two different levels of Cd via measurements of net photosynthetic rate (AN), chlorophyll a fluorescence and pigment analysis, as well as studies of leaf tissue anatomy and cell ultrastructure using bright-field and transmission electron microscopy. We found that Si actively alleviated the toxic syndromes of Cd by increasing AN, effective photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (ϕPSII) and content of assimilation pigments, although did not decrease the concentration of Cd in leaf tissues. Cadmium did not affect the leaf anatomy and ultrastructure of leaf mesophyll’s cell chloroplasts; however, Cd negatively affected thylakoid formation in chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells, and this was alleviated by Si. Improved thylakoid formation in bundle sheath’s cell chloroplasts may contribute to Si-induced enhancement of photosynthesis and related increase in biomass production in C4 plant maize.

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.

PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTION OF COMMON OSIER (SALIX VIMINIALIS L.) VAR. JORR TO THE PRESENCE OF LEAD IN THE SUBSOIL

The effect of lead ions of the concentrations within the range of 15–1000 mg∙dm-3 on the physiological reaction of common osier var. Jorr was examined. The content of assimilation pigments, the rate the CO2 assimilation, transpiration, the indices of relative water content and the deficit of water saturation and the content of lead in the nutrient solution. The studied physiological parameters in common osier var. Jorr were differentiated by the rate of lead ions in the nutrient solution. The Jorr variety of common osier was characterised by good values of the determined physiological parameters under stressful conditions at a large accumulation of lead. This suggests that it shows quite a high tolerance to the stress caused by contamination of the subsoil with lead.

Impact of silicon on maize seedlings exposed to short-term UV-B irradiation

Enhanced UV-B irradiation is one of the most important abiotic stresses that can influence various aspects of plant morphology, biochemistry and physiology. Silicon as a beneficial element can increase the plant’s tolerance against different abiotic stresses, including UV-B stress. In this work, the effect of silicon supplementation on the sensitivity of young maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings exposed to short-term UV-B radiation was studied. The seedlings were grown with 0 or 5 mM silicon in cultivation medium and on the fifth day of cultivation, they were exposed for 15 and 30 min to UV-B (302 nm) radiation. No significant changes in growth and content of assimilation pigments and the chlorophyll a/b ratio were observed in any of tested irradiation periods in control or Si-treated plants. Under UV-B stress, the content of ROS (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical) and TBARS increased in control plants. The oxidative status of Si-treated plants was only slightly affected even after 30 min. Phenolic metabolites (total phenols and flavonoids), important for their screening function under radiation stress, slightly increased after UV-B exposure in control plants, however, only flavonoids increased after 30 min in Si-treated plants. The measured parameters indicated that to some extent silicon supplementation contributes to higher UV-B tolerance of maize seedlings.

INFLUENCE OF SEWAGE SLUDGE ON THE CONTENT OF SELECTED METALS AND CHLOROPHYLL IN LAWN GRASS MIXTURES

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of municipal sewage sludge from the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant in Sokolka on the content of magnesium and selected micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, copper and iron in the soil and lawn grasses and on the content of chlorophyll a and b in the analyzed plants. These elements are especially important in the process of photosynthesis. In addition, the paper discusses the relationship between the studied elements and the content of assimilation pigments. The experimental plots were sown with two lawn grass mixtures: Eko and Roadside, and three doses of sewage sludge 0.0 (control), 7.5 kg m -2 and 15.0 kg m -2 were used. Chlorophyll a and b content was determined using spectrophotometer by measuring absorbance at = 663 and 645 nm. Metals concentrations in soils with sewage sludge and in plant material were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. It was found that the sludge dose had a significant effect on the manganese content in the soil taken from the experiment in Piastowska Street. In the experiment in Popieluszki Street the application of sewage sludge had a significant impact on the content of zinc and copper in the studied mixtures of grasses and in Raginisa Street - on the contents of zinc, copper and manganese. The analysis of correlations for the results obtained from experiment in Hetmanska Street revealed strong positive correlations between the content of Zn and Mn in the soil and the content of chlorophyll a in plants (r = 0.84 and r = 0.83, respectively) and strong negative correlations between the content of Zn in the soil and the content of chlorophyll b in lawn grasses collected in June and August (r = -0.81 and r = -0.85, respectively). Strong correlations between the concentration of zinc and the content of chlorophyll b in grass samples collected in Hetmanska Street, Piastowska Street and Popieluszki Street (r = 0.85, r = 0.86 and r = 0.98, respectively) and the Cu content in plants and chlorophyll b for plants collected in Hetmanska Street (r = 0.97), Piastowska Street (r = 0.86), Popieluszki Street (r = 0.90) and Raginisa Street (r = 0.82). The content of chlorophyll b was differentiated by dose of sludge and sampling time. The highest average chlorophyll b content in the grass samples collected in June and July was found (1.10 mg g -1 of f.m.), and the lowest in samples collected in October (0.39 mg g -1 of f.m.). The content of chlorophyll a in the analyzed