South-eastern Region Of Poland Research Articles

Analysis of the Survey Results on the Pro-Ecological Awareness of Young People in the Aspect of Sustainable Development

Abstract The objective of this paper is to propose effective methods to implement sustainable development principles among young people, both in schools and universities. The authors of this article recognize the significant potential among young individuals whose actions and choices have a substantial impact on the environment. By analyzing the knowledge and behaviors of young people towards sustainable development and environmental protection, based on surveys conducted among pupils and students from the south-eastern region of Poland, this paper identifies gaps that require improvement and proposes actions aimed at raising pro-ecological awareness among the youth. The analysis revealed that only 25% of the respondents have heard about the “Agenda for Sustainable Development – 2030”, 20% were familiar with the goals of sustainable development, and few have participated in initiatives for sustainable development. However, 58% of respondents claimed to engage in activities for environmental protection in their daily lives. The article also presents the degree of compliance with the assumptions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on both global and local scales. Furthermore, the paper analyzes two aspects of students’ awareness of sustainable development: their knowledge of goals and documents, and their pro-ecological behavior in daily life. Based on the findings, this paper proposes ways to introduce sustainable development principles in selected areas of school and university functioning to enhance ecological awareness and shape pro-ecological attitudes among young people. Concrete actions to facilitate implementation are also suggested.

The Molecular Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Strains Isolated from the Nasopharynx of Preschool Children 3 Years after the Introduction of the PCV Vaccination Program in Poland.

The genetic mechanisms of resistance, clonal composition, and the occurrence of pili were analyzed in 39 pneumococcal strains isolated from healthy children in the southeastern region of Poland. Strains with resistance to combinations of erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline were found in clonal groups (CGs) related to Tennessee 23F-4 and Taiwan 19F-14 clones. Capsular switching possibly occurred in the Spain 9V-3 clone and its variants to serotypes 35B and 6A, as well as DLVs of Tennessee 23F-4 to serotype 23A. The double-locus variants of Colombia 23F-26 presented serotype 23B. The major transposons carrying the erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes were Tn6002 (66.6%), followed by Tn916 (22.2%) and Tn2009 (11.1%). The macrolide efflux genetic assembly (MEGA) element was found in 41.7% of all erythromycin-resistant isolates. The majority of the isolates carrying the PI-1 gene belonged to the CGs related to the Spain 9V-3 clone expressing serotypes 35B and 6A, and the presence of both PI-1 and PI-2 was identified in CG4 consisting of the isolates related to the Taiwan 19F-14 clone expressing serotypes 19F and 19A. Importantly, in the nearest future, the piliated strains of serogroups 23B, 23A, and 35B may be of concern, being a possible origin of the emerging clones of piliated non-vaccine pneumococcal serotypes in Poland. This study reveals that nasopharyngeal carriage in children is an important reservoir for the selection and spreading of new drug-resistant pneumococcal clones in the community after the elimination of vaccine serotypes.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON AMOUNT OF MUNICIPAL WASTE GENERATION – A CASE STUDY

This paper presents the results of research of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the amount of municipal waste generated in the Sieniawa community (region of south-eastern Poland). The basic assessment was conducted in relation to restrictions and limitations introduced in Poland in order to limit the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The pandemic affected almost every sector of the economy and disrupted the existing social life, including the functioning of the waste management system. The analysis shows that in the study area during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of waste generated changed significantly. It has been shown that in the study area, the introduction of various types of restrictions (including working and/or studying remotely, "national quarantine", restrictions on free movement, etc.) contributed to a clear reduction in the amount of waste generated in households, business entities, educational institutions, commercial and service facilities, among others. It turned out that the results of our observations are opposed with the generally formulated theses in this aspect. Nevertheless, an undeniable and unintended (indirect) effect of the actions taken to combat COVID-19 was the reduction of negative human pressure on the environment (reduction of the amount of waste generated). It follows that, in the current state of knowledge, there are no unambiguous patterns developed which would make it possible to predict the mechanisms responsible for the amount of waste generated during a crisis situation.

FAT AND TOCOPHEROL CONTENT IN THE SEEDS OF RED AMARANTH IN CONDITIONS OF DIVERSIFIED FERTILIZATION WITH MACROELEMENTS

The aim of the study was to determine the content of fat and tocopherols in the seeds of Polish cultivars of red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) – Rawa and Aztek – under the influence of varied macroelement fertilization in the environmental conditions of the Zamość region of south-eastern Poland. In a three-year field experiment (2013–2015) set up in a randomized split-plot design, red amaranth was grown as a test plant at wide row spacing, on good wheat complex soil, in south-eastern Poland (N – 50º71', E – 23º04'). The field experiment had three variables: the weather in the years of research; four combinations of NPK application and two cultivars of the test plant – Rawa and Aztek. The research showed that the factor that most influenced the content of crude fat in the amaranth seeds was the cultivar, followed by the combination of NPK fertilization. The amount of α-tocopherol and total tocopherol depended significantly on the genetic factor and the fertilization combination, while the amount of β-tocopherol was determined more by fertilization than by the cultivar. The content of γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol was dependent only on the cultivar.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BORAGE (Borago officinalis L.) SEEDS

Recently the interest in borage seeds (mericarps) as an important source of γ-linolenic acid and a good natural antioxidant has increased, yet the knowledge about these properties of seeds developed by borage grown in Poland remains very scanty. Seeds collected from borage plants cultivated in the south-eastern region of Poland in the years 2017 and 2018 were characterized by following parameters: length – 5.0 mm, width – 2.7–2.8 mm, thickness 2.2 mm, weight of 1000 seeds – 17.2-19.4 g. The seeds contained 93.7% of dry matter, and in this 32.0% of lipids, 23.7% of protein and 1.1–1.8% of total sugars on average. Seventeen compounds were identified in the lipids with linoleic acid (35.1%), oleic + elaidic acids (20.8%), γ-linolenic acid (17.9%), palmitic acid (11.4%), stearic acid (5.3%), cis 11-eicosenoic acid (4.1%), and erucic acid (2.6%) as major ones. Other fatty acids constituted less than 2%. Saturated fatty acids constituted 17.5% of the total fatty acids. Flavonoids and phenolic acids accounted for 0.012% and 1.60–1.73% of seeds dry weight respectively. Antioxidant activity measured by FRAP assay and Folin – Ciocalteau method accounted for 1225 µmol of ferrous equivalent Fe (II) and 29.7 mg of polyphenols per gram of seeds dry weight respectively. Using antiradical activity against DPPH radical following average parameters were obtained: T 50% – 49 sec., DPPH rem % – 73.7, AE – 0.024 dm3∙(µmol∙s)–1. 100 g of seeds d.w. contained 0.27–0.34 ml of essential oil. Content of four macroelements expressed as % of seeds d. w. was following: P – 0.70, K – 0.48, Ca – 1.37 and Mg – 0.41.

Amanita muscaria: bio-concentration and bio-indicative potential for metallic elements

We examined the bio-concentration of and the bio-indicative potential for 16 metallic elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sr and Zn) by Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam. using validated methods including inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) with an ultrasonic cross flow nebulizer and cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Mushrooms and top soil samples were collected from the large forest complexes of the Gostyninsko-Wloclawskie Forests, the Warcianska-Notecka Forests and the Lubraniec site in the central region, as well as from the Poniatowa site in the Chodel river valley in the south-eastern region of Poland. For topsoil both the leachable and the “pseudo-total” fractions of minerals have been determined. A. muscaria is a good bio-concentrator of toxic Hg, and highly effective for labile forms of Cd, K and Rb, while it bio-excludes Ag, Al, Ba, Fe, Mn and Sr. The bioavailability of several elements, e.g. Ag, Ba, Cd, Hg and Sr, as demonstrated by the bioconcentration factor (BCF) values (the quotient of the element content in mushrooms to the content in soil, calculated on dry weight basis), and their content in fruiting bodies differed between the sites; however, this was not the case for the soils. This forest fungus is omitted by mushroomers, while due to a seasonal abundance, large size of fruiting bodies and high bioconcentration potential of Cd (medians of BCF for the leachable fraction up to > 1000 for caps and > 500 for stipes) and Hg (up to 27 for caps and to 21 for stipes) play a role in transfer of those toxic elements to forest biota feeding on it. Particularly important can be Cd, the median concentrations of which in caps were in the range 13–22 mg kg−1 dry matter for the sites, while medians for Hg were up to 0.58 mg kg−1 dm, and for Ag up to 0.87 mg kg−1 dm. As a source of protein for animal life, it extracts from soil and transfers to fruiting bodies further to consumers also essential minerals, which occurred (median values for caps per site in mg kg−1 dm) in the range: K (35,000–42,000), Mg (810–1000), Ca (76–100), Co (0.24–0.39), Cu (26–58), Fe (82–240), Mn (12–43), Na (37–110) and Zn (120–220). Elements without a specific biological role were: Al (130–620 mg kg−1 dm), Rb (260–910 mg kg−1 dm), Ba (0.52–2.9 mg kg−1 dm) and Sr (0.27–0.64 mg kg−1 dm). The caps usually showed the elements in greater concentration than stipes, and exception was Na that at average was threefold greater in stipes, and for Al, Ba, Ca, Co and Sr, distribution between both morphological structures was near unity.

Impact of Foliar Fertilization on the Content of Silicon and Macronutrients in Sugar Beet.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of various multinutrient foliar fertilization treatments on nutrient accumulation in the roots and leaves of sugar beet. The field experiment was performed in two growing seasons (2013 and 2014) in the southeastern region of Poland. The experiment was conducted as a randomized block design with four replications. To determine the content of the selected nutrients (Si, N, P, K, Mg, and Ca), samples of leaves and roots were collected during harvest. Fertilization treatments applied on the plants’ leaves affected the silicon (Si) content in the roots of sugar beet and the total Si uptake. Moreover, foliar fertilization had a significant effect on the P content in the leaves and the N and K contents in the roots. The Si content in the sugar beet leaves and roots ranged from 0.55 to 1.97 g kg−1 dry matter (d. m.) and from 0.49 to 1.59 g kg−1 d. m., respectively. The total Si uptake ranged from 20.3 to 46.7 kg ha−1. Most of the Si content taken up with each fertilization variant was accumulated in the roots. The yield of pure sugar was not correlated with the Si content in the leaves and roots.

Functioning and Protection of Traditional XIX-Century Wooden Architecture in the Capital of South-Eastern Poland

The south-eastern region of Poland is a culturally interesting area, where there are relatively many harmonious rural landscapes, with the open landscape (fields, tree stands) and the residential buildings consistent with the historical character. Podkarpackie villages, despite their interrupted construction patterns associated with the Second World War and the Communist-era Poland, still retain the traditional character thanks to the wooden housing, sacral and public buildings present in their structure. The research undertaken by the author (since 2015) makes us realize that wooden objects also exist in the Podkarpacie cities are threatened by strong investment pressure and lack of fixed construction patterns. The presented research focuses on Rzeszów city, the capital of the Podkarpackie province. The primary aim of the research was to determine the characteristic features and ways of functioning of 19th-century relics of wooden secular buildings in Rzeszów. The scope of the study included the analysis of documents registering historic objects of the region, including wooden objects. Field studies documenting wooden architecture in Rzeszów, which was created in the 19th century, were documented in the form of pictures and drawings. The collected materials were analysed in terms of preserved, original building materials, formal solutions and details. The transformations concerning the studied objects and their landscape context have been identified. The implemented activities show a significant saturation of the spatial structure of Rzeszów with historic wooden architecture. XIX-century buildings determine historical rural arrangements in the landscape of the developing city and document the construction traditions of the region. Construction with simple forms, generally devoid of decorative elements and details, presents regional patterns resulting from the then economic, cultural and natural conditions. The studied collection of Rzeszów wooden houses preserved in its original location does not contain objects valuable from the perspective of the monument conservator. These objects have largely undergone transformations and modernizations disturbing their original form. The conducted research allows to determine the manner of functioning of these buildings in a completely new cultural and spatial context. The author of the article tries to answer the following questions: How do traditional rural houses from the 19th century function in the contemporary “capital of innovation”? Is it worth taking steps to protect and study these objects?

Knowledge about sexual transmitted disease (STDs) and risks involved amongst young people population living in south-eastern region of Poland

Knowledge about sexual transmitted disease (STDs) and risks involved amongst young people population living in south-eastern region of Poland

Comparative analysis of the incidence of Oropharyngeal cancer and Laryngeal cancer in the region of south-eastern Poland from 1980 to 2013

Comparative analysis of the incidence of Oropharyngeal cancer and Laryngeal cancer in the region of south-eastern Poland from 1980 to 2013

Przypadkowe odkrycia zabytków pradziejowych jako zagrożenia i szanse dla badań archeologicznych na przykładzie kolekcji artefaktów krzemiennych z Łęk Dukielskich

The terrain of south-eastern Poland provides more and more traces of Palaeolithic settlement. The close of the Palaeolithic epoch is relatively well recognised, while the earlier phases of this era are poorly identified. This is why the modest collection of artefacts from Łeki Dukielskie is deserving of attention. In its entirety it contains just 14 flint remains. 13 of them are tools and corresponding fragments. Among the tools 7 examples from the group of bifacials stand out. This small collection was compiled from various types of resources of unknown origin. An interpretation of the remains is extremely difficult. The artefacts are so diverse that their mutual connections are unclear. Analogies may be found at excavations from across the territory of Europe and from an extremely broad time period – from the end of the Middle Palaeolithic Period possibly ranging up to the beginning of the Younger Stone Age. The collection makes an important contribution to discussions on the value of assortments gained in almost unknown circumstances. The nature of the collection forces the question to be asked as to its actual origins. If it were accepted that the find comes from elsewhere, which is a possibility, then the next question should be how did they come to be in a field in Łeki Dukielskie? The fact that they herald from the region in which they were discovered may not be excluded. This would mean that it is the first and only trace of settlement from the turn of the Stone Age to be found in the south-eastern region of Poland, and simultaneously an important source for research into the oldest settlement in the Subcarpathian region. However, if it is a collection of unknown origin then its worth is nothing more than the intrinsic worth of the items themselves – aesthetic beauty – without having any scientific significance in the reconstruction of the oldest events discussed in this region.

The genetic spectrum of familial hypercholesterolemia in south-eastern Poland

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant disorder with a frequency of 1 in 200 to 500 in most European populations. Mutations in LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes are known to cause FH. In this study, we analyzed the genetic spectrum of the disease in the understudied Polish population. Materials and methods161 unrelated subjects with a clinical diagnosis of FH from the south-eastern region of Poland were recruited. High resolution melt and direct sequencing of PCR products were used to screen 18 exons of LDLR, a region of exon 26 in the APOB gene and exon 7 of PCSK9. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was performed to detect gross deletions and insertions in LDLR. Genotypes of six LDL-C raising SNPs were used for a polygenic gene score calculation. ResultsWe found 39 different pathogenic mutations in the LDLR gene with 10 of them being novel. 13 (8%) individuals carried the p.Arg3527Gln mutation in APOB, and overall the detection rate was 43.4%. Of the patients where no mutation could be found, 53 (84.1%) had a gene score in the top three quartiles of the healthy comparison group suggesting that they have a polygenic cause for their high cholesterol. ConclusionsThese results confirm the genetic heterogeneity of FH in Poland, which should be considered when designing a diagnostic strategy in the country. As in the UK, in the majority of patients where no mutation can be found, there is likely to be a polygenic cause of their high cholesterol level.

Prevalence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in south-eastern Poland.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of HPV and EBV in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in south-eastern Poland. The correlation between viral infection, OSCC, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, demographic data (gender, age, place of residence), anatomic location, pre-treatment staging, evidence of metastases to lymph nodes, and grading was also investigated.MethodsThe examination samples were collected from paraffin tissue blocks, from 154 patients. Viral DNA was amplified by the nested-PCR method.ResultsHPV DNA was detected in 29.2 % of the tested samples (in 27.4 % of oropharyngeal and in 30.4 % of oral cavity). The HPV type 16 was detected in 15.6 % of all samples, and in 53.3 % of HPV-positive group. In HPV-positive samples from oropharyngeal HPV 16 constitute 76.5 %, and in HPV-positive samples from oral cavity HPV 16 constitute 39.3 %. Mixed infection (more than one type of HPV) was observed in 23.5 and 60.7 %, respectively, and in 46.7 % of all HPV-positive samples, and in 12.3 % of the whole study group. EBV DNA was detected in 27.3 % of the cases and HPV-EBV co-infection in 7.8 % of samples.ConclusionsIn major patients from Southeastern region of Poland with oropharyngeal cancer HPV type 16 was detected but in oral cavity cancer other mixed infections were observed (i.e. 51, 52, 59, 66, 68, 71, 74). HPV 16 was detected more often among patients younger than 50 years of age, whereas the mixed HPV in the group aged 50–59. The pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma may be connected with EBV infection. Future studies on the mechanisms of HPV/EBV co-infection and/or superinfection and their role in oral squamous cell carcinoma are necessary.

Level of information about gynaecological prevention in teenagers at risk from social exclusion, referred by family court rulings to juvenile attendance centres - a pilot study.

The objective of the study was to present preliminary results of a pilot study concerning the level of knowledge of gynaecological prevention, conducted in teenagers referred by court rulings to a juvenile attendance centre. The instrument was an anonymous survey questionnaire completed by participants in health prevention classes in late 2010 and early 2011. The studied group consisted of teenagers aged 15-17 years (mean age: 15.72 years, median = 16 years, SD = 0.679) who were under probation officers' supervision in the Zamość region of south-eastern Poland. The sample size was 101 persons - 51 boys (50.50%), 50 girls (49.5%). According to the respondents, the most important reasons for seeing a gynaecologist were: menstrual disorders (70.30%), suspicion of pregnancy (63.37%) and pain or burning sensations while urinating (58.42%). The following were regarded as prevalent cancers in women: cancers of the breast (99.01%), cervix (89.1%), and ovaries (62.38%). Over 92% of subjects stated that it was possible to protect oneself from cervical cancer, but only 41.5% of respondents indicated the correct definition of the term 'cytology'. Statistical analysis focused on differences between genders. A higher self-assessment of mental health was shown in boys. Teenagers of similar background may find it more difficult to gain access to knowledge about health prophylaxis, including gynaecological prevention. Efforts should be intensified in order to 'equalize health opportunities' through appropriate preparation of teaching curricula (including health education and philosophy of medicine).

First report of the giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) infection in farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) in Poland – pathomorphological changes and molecular identification

Abstract A 3-year-old female fallow deer was subjected to the necropsy and virological testing, due to a suspected infectious disease in the herd of farmed deer in the Southeastern region of Poland. The animal was found negative for the presence of BVDV, BoHV-1, BTV, and EHDV antibodies and BVDV antigen. The toxicological examination did not reveal any coccidiostats, mycotoxins, rodenticides, carbamate pesticides, and organophosphorus pesticides. The flukes found during postmortem examination were first characterised microscopically as Fascioloides magna and later their identity was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The autopsy revealed lesions characteristic for F. magna infection, including different size cystic spaces in the liver, filled with brownish mucous fluid and flukes, and black pigment covering the surface of parietal and visceral peritoneum with the highest concentrations localised next to the liver. The changes observed in the liver tissue were typical of liver cirrhosis. The results demonstrated that in Poland, where the cervid farming is developing dynamically, the problem of fascioloidosis is present and may probably exert a significantly negative influence on the productivity of such farms if no antiparasitic treatment is performed.

THE EFFECT OF SILICON FOLIAR FERTILIZATION IN SUGAR BEET – Beta vulgaris (L.) ssp. vulgaris conv. crassa (Alef.) prov. altissima (Döll)

ABSTRACT Presented results are extended continuation study of earlier research (2010–2012) on silicon fertilization effect and comes from the research that was conducted in 2013–2014 in the southeastern region of Poland, in Sahryn (50°41' N and 23°46' E). Two variants of silicon foliar fertilization were tested in sugar beet, Danuśka KWS variety. Two kinds of silicon fertilizers (Herbagreen Basic and Optysil) in 3 stages (in the stage of 4-6 sugar leaf, than a week and two weeks later). One of the silicon fertilizer contained marine calcite and silicon (Ca+Si) and the second one contained silicon (Si) only. Seven variants of foliar fertilization including control variant were tested as total. Foliar fertilization regardless of the kind of fertilizer resulted in increases of: 1) the root yield (for Ca+Si variant 10.4–16.2% and for Si variant 13.7–15.9%), 2) biological sugar yield (respectively 11.4–18.1% and 13.7–15.9%), 3) technological sugar yield (respectively 12.2–17.7% and 12.2–15.6%) compared with the control variant. However the tested variants had no effect for technological root quality compared with the control. A tendencies to decrease content of sodium as a result of foliar fertilizations were observed only. Keywords: Beta vulgaris L.; Biological sugar yield; Roots yield; Sugar content; Technological quality of roots.

FINANCIAL EXCLUSION OF FARMERS AND RURAL ENTREPRENEURS

Financial exclusion appears to be greater in rural areas than in cities. The article concludes that the problem is connected not only with the people of low incomes but also individuals running their own businesses e.g. farmers and small entrepreneurs. The extent and reasons for fi nancial exclusion among such entities have been identifi ed and accompanied by the analysis of access to banking services – the key to effective management. The source of empirical data relied on survey questionnaires of farmers and small entrepreneurs in the rural areas in the south-eastern region of Poland. It was stated that in case of persons running their own businesses fi nancial exclusions is mainly connected with a limited access to bank credit, yet the reasons for this situation are diverse. Apart from the internal factors associated with businesses (e.g. low and unstable incomes, aversion to risk, lack of confi dence in banks etc.), signifi cant determinants lie on the side of banks and the structure of fi nancial system in rural areas.

The Effect of Calcium and Silicon Foliar Fertilization in Sugar Beet

In this study we investigated the effect of calcium and silicon foliar fertilization on the sugar beet root yield and quality parameters. Study was conducted in 2010–2012 in the southeastern region of Poland, in Sahryn (50°41′N and 23°46′E). In the experiment two treatments of foliar fertilization were used: (1) in the stage of 4–6 sugar beet leaf–262.0 g Ca/ha, 79.9 g Si/ha, and 3 weeks later–524.0 g Ca/ha, 159.8 g Si/ha; and (2) in the stage of 4–6 sugar beet leaf–524.0 g Ca/ha, 1598 g Si/ha, 3 weeks later–524.0 g Ca/ha, 159.8 g Si/ha. Calcium and silicon foliar fertilization resulted in increase of: (1) the root yield (average for both treatments about 21.8 %); (2) the biological sugar yield (about 24.4 %); and (3) the technological yield of sugar (about 24.8 %) compared with the control treatment. The difference between treatments of fertilization was not significant. Foliar application of calcium and silicon had no significant effect on such sugar beet roots quality parameters features as content of sucrose, alpha-amino-nitrogen, potassium and sodium.

Assessment of consumer exposure related to improper use of pesticides in the region of southeastern Poland.

Plant protection products are widely used throughout the world in order to prevent a reduction in yield. Although the protection of plants brings many benefits, pesticides are toxic to the environment and to humans. To protect human health, pesticide residue risk assessment should be carried out. The aim of the study was to assess acute risk related to the improper use of pesticides. In 2010-2013, 878 crop samples: 382 fruits, 399 vegetables, 82 cereals and their products, 11 herbs and 4 seeds were tested. Pesticide residues were found in 240 samples (27.3%). Pesticide residues were found most frequently in: fruits (41.6% fruit samples), seed (25.0%), vegetables (19.3%) and herbs (9.1%), and least frequently in cereals and their products (2.4%). Improper pesticide use was determined for 49 samples, mainly for vegetables (24 samples) and fruits (22). Most irregularities associated with the use of plant protection products involved application of a substance not recommended for a given crop (36 samples). In nine samples, applications of plant protection products that were withdrawn from the market were found, and in seven samples, violations of maximum residue levels were determined. Despite there being cases of improper use of plant protection products, no hazard to consumer health was determined. The highest values of short-term exposure were obtained in the case of consumption of blackcurrants with iprodione-a substance not recommended in Poland for protection of blackcurrants (4.3% acceptable daily intake (ADI), adults; 6.8% ADI, children). Since potential consumer risk caused by pesticide residues could not be ruled out, inspections should be carried out continuously.

The effect of foliar fertilization with marine calcite in sugar beet

The effect of marine calcite (containing calcium and silicon mainly) foliar fertilization on the sugar beet root yield and technological quality relative to the control (treatment 0) was investigated. Study was conducted in 2011–2012 in the southeastern region of Poland, in Sahryń (50°41'N, 23°46'E). The cultivar of sugar beet was Danuśka KWS. Two treatments of foliar fertilization: (1) treatment (in the stage of 4–6 sugar leaves – 262.0 g Ca/ha, 79.9 g Si/ha, and three weeks later – 524.0 g Ca/ha, 159.8 g Si/ha); and (2) treatment (in the stage of 4–6 sugar leaves – 524.0 gCa/ha, 159.8 g Si/ha, three weeks later – 524.0 g Ca/ha, 159.8 g Si/ha). Calcium and silicon foliar fertilization resulted in increases of: (1) the root yield (average for both treatments about 13.1%; (2) the leaf yield (about 21.0%); (3) the biological sugar yield (about 15.5%), and (4) technological yield of sugar (about 17.7%) compared with the control treatment. At the same time a positive effect on the roots technological quality was found. It was a significant reduction of alpha-amino-nitrogen content and tended to reduce the content of potassium and sodium.