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The efficiency of element accumulation depends on numerous factors, where the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil seem to be very important, and the role of taxonomic rank in the accumulation of elements by mushrooms seems to be important. The aim of the study was to compare the mineral composition of 7 species belonging to Leccinum and Suillus genera, collected between 2019 and 2021 from localizations in the west-central part of Poland. The research aimed to indicate the role of selected soil parameters in stimulating/inhibiting the accumulation of elements by selected Boletales mushroom species and to answer the question about the role of species belonging to the genus as an indicator determining the specific mineral composition of fruiting bodies. Soil pH and other soil properties (granulometric composition, organic carbon, degree of organic matter decomposition) may significantly affect mushrooms' mineral composition. Mushroom species belonging to Leccinum genus exhibited the higher amount of essential major and trace elements than species of Suillus genus). It suggests that the affiliation of the studied mushroom species to a specific genus may affect their mineral composition, and the physicochemical properties of the soil may be responsible for the lack of a clear division in the efficiency of element(s) accumulation. Selected species contain high amounts of K, Cu, Fe, and Zn, while others, such as selected Suillus gravellei fruiting bodies, also contain As and Cd. The results described serve as an introduction to a broader scientific discussion and require many further studies to confirm the role of taxonomic ranks and the influence of soil characteristics on the accumulation of elements by fruiting bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus aucuparia L. (rowan tree) is a widely distributed European plant, valued for its nutritional and medicinal qualities. The medicinal application of rowanberries, relying particularly on their antioxidant and antidiabetic effects, is closely connected with the presence of numerous phenolic compounds. However, the broad geographical occurrence of rowan trees may contribute to fluctuations in fruit composition, influencing their biological properties. This study aimed to identify the constituents most involved in this variability to facilitate effective quality control. The investigation encompassed 20 samples collected from diverse locations across Poland, evaluated in terms of the variation in composition and bioactivity. The UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn study identified 45 different constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acid and flavon-3-ols. The detected compounds were quantitatively assessed by HPLC-PDA, alongside spectrophotometric evaluation of total phenolic content and the content of high-molecular-weight proanthocyanidins (TPA). Additionally, •OH scavenging capacity and α-glucosidase inhibition were included as bioactivity parameters. Chemometric analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, revealed geographically dependent variability, with low to moderate variation observed for most factors (variation coefficients 20.44–44.97%), except for flavonoids (variation coefficients 45–76%). They also enabled the selection of seven constituents and TPA as the key markers of variability and biological activity of rowanberries. These markers could be employed for quality control of the fruits, offering a more efficient and cost-effective approach compared to full phytochemical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has led to a change in climatic conditions. Since 2006, drought has contributed to a reduction of food production and other agriculture-based products in many countries. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has caused some changes in the composition of fruits and vegetables, making them less nutritious. To analyse this situation, a study was conducted on the effect of drought on the quality of fibres provided by the main fibre crops in Europe, namely flax (Linum usitatissimum). The experiment consisted of growing flax under controlled comparative conditions with designed different irrigation levels, such as 25%, 35% and 45% field soil moisture. Three varieties of flax were grown in 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the greenhouses of the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants in Poland. Fibre parameters, such as linear density, length and strength, were evaluated according to relevant standards. In addition, scanning electron microscope images of the cross-section and longitudinal view of the fibres were analysed. The results of the study indicated that deficiency of water during the flax growing season resulted in lowering of fibre linear density and tenacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornelian cherry is a little-known plant that can be grown in Poland both on a commercial and amateur scale. The commercial cornelian cherry plantations should be established using selected cultivars or vegetatively propagated valuable ecotypes, as only this guarantees a uniform yield, maturation and standardization of fruit quality. The experiment was carried out in 2014 and 2015 in the private plantation of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) located in Dąbrowica, near Lublin (22.454 N; 51.270 E). The subject of the research were ecotypes No.: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15 obtained as seedlings in 1998. Cornelian cherry plants obtained from seeds differed very much in the yield and quality of fruit. The fruit characteristics for the examined ecotypes ranged to 1.63-2.21g for fruit weight, 1.30-1.61 for fruit shape index, 10.13-15.32% for content of stone, 17.85-22.68% for soluble solids content (SSC), 2.32-3.0% for titratable acidity (TA), 6.59-8.36 for SSC/TA, 54.9-75.97 for vitamin C content. Among the ecotypes studied in terms of external fruit features, ecotypes No. 3 and 4 were distinguished due to the largest fruits (mass and diameter) and relatively small share of the stone in the whole mass of the fruit. However, due to the chemical composition, the fruits of ecotype No. 5 were distinguished by the content of extract, extract to acids ratio, sugar, dry matter, anthocyanins and vitamin C content. These fruits enjoyed 55% strong acceptability among adults. The indicated ecotypes can be used in breeding as well as in nursery for obtaining valuable varieties of cornelian cherry for production in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of documentation on the consumption of toxic fruits by carnivores. To quantify the importance of toxic fruits in the diets of badgers ( Meles meles), foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) and martens ( Martes sp.), we collected faeces of these animals along nine transects (total 30.4 km long, 2 m wide) during the fruiting seasons (June-November) in 2010 and 2011. From 619 faecal samples we found seeds of 16 fleshy-fruited plant species, including four species with toxic fruits. Surprisingly, the fruit of Convallaria majalis having a high content of toxic substances was also eaten by these animals. Fruits of C. majalis were found in faeces in late summer/autumn after early frost when maturing processes had reduced the content of toxic substances in the mesocarp. Toxic fruits were detected in 6.3% of all faeces sampled ( n = 619). The proportion of toxic fruits in the diet was the highest (up to 10.5%) in martens as compared with that in badgers and foxes (2.2% and 0.7%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1979 world production of mushrooms has increased almost 10-fold, but it is not known whether the mineral composition profile of fruit bodies has changed over time and if so, what the patterns of changes are. This work attempts to determine alterations in the mineral composition of Agaricus bisporus produced in Poland in the years 1977–2020. The obtained results indicated a general decrease in the content of most of the analysed elements, which was most likely associated with changes in the growing substrate (horse manure in the first years, followed by the production of compost containing straw and poultry manure). The observed alterations in the content of elements in around 2010 probably resulted from the introduction of supplements during the optimisation of mushroom cultivation. Consuming A. bisporus fruiting bodies produced in Poland has never caused a risk to human health or life. Despite fluctuations in the content of elements in selected years, the results indicate a gradual reduction in the content, especially of nonessential and toxic trace elements. The results obtained from the archival and unique research material reflect current cultivation trends described by changes in the mineral profile of white button mushroom production. [Display omitted] • Content of 45 elements in Agaricus bisporus between 1977 and 2020 in Poland is reported. • Intake of mushrooms from Polish producers was not associated with health risk. • Despite diverse mineral profile a general decrease of element contents was observed. • The high content of elements was most likely the result of using horse manure. • Changes in the mineral profile are an effect of using supplements in compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our experiment was carried out in experimental plots of the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Agricultural University in Mydlniki near Kraków, Poland in 2008-10. The year 2008 was characterized by the driest season of all three years, whereas in the other years of the study the vegetation season seemed moderately humid. Based on the analyses of regression, we found a significant influence of pluvial and thermal conditions on the fruit quality features of tomatoes. A directly proportional relationship between the hydrothermal index (K) and the number of seed chambers, dry matter, and content of lycopene, magnesium, and calcium of the tomato fruit was observed. However, the relationship between the hydrothermal index (K) and fruit weight, potassium content, and total acidity turned out to be inversely proportional. The impact of the hydrothermal conditions on the thickness of the pericarp, the shape coefficient, phosphorus; L-ascorbic acid content, and the reducing sugars of the fruits was not observed. The value distribution of the tested tomato features in all of the years of the experiment points to the different sensitivities of individual tomato cultivars to thermal and precipitation conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of hydrothermal conditions represented by the hydrothermal index (K) on the morphological features of tomato fruits and their chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in the years 2007-2012 at the Didactic and Experimental Station of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in order to select plum cultivars suitable for growing on 'Wangenheim Prune' rootstock in northeastern Poland. The study encompassed the following plum cultivars: 'Herman', 'Čačanska Rana', 'Dąbrowicka Prune', 'Promis', 'Elena' 'Tolar', 'Bluefre', 'Top', 'President' and 'Valor'. The measurements taken included: trunk growth, yield, weight of one fruit, size of fruit, the content of dry matter, ascorbic acid, total and simple sugars and organic acids. We found that the 'Valor' and 'Herman' trees grew the best and 'Top' grew the most poorly. The highest yields were gathered from the 'President', 'Valor' and 'Bluefre' trees. 'Bluefre' had the largest fruit size. The highest content of dry matter was found in the fruit of 'Tolar', 'Valor' and 'Promis'. The fruit of 'Bluefre', 'Tolar' and 'Top' had the highest concentration of ascorbic acid. The highest content of total sugars and simple sugars was detected in the fruit of 'Tolar', while the highest concentrations of organic acids were found in the fruit of 'Čačanska Rana', 'Dąbrowicka Prune' and 'Top'. 'Promis', 'Herman', 'Valor', 'Top' and 'Tolar' had the highest sugar/acid indexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloudy juices from six apple cultivars from Poland ('Ariwa', 'Gold Milenium', 'Florina', 'Melfree', 'Novamac', and 'Rajka') and four French cultivars ('Ariane', 'Chanteline', 'Judeline', and 'Judor') were produced and chemically characterised. The analyses encompassed 23 chemical parameters and phenolics profiles. The most important parameter, differentiating cloudy juice from clear juice, was turbidity. Cloudy juices were characterised by having an average total turbidity of 1,210 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) and a stability of turbidity of 42%. Some of the results deviated from the accepted ranges given in reference values for apple juices in the Code of Practice of the European Fruit Juice Association. This occurred in the cases of simple sugars and saccharose contents of the Polish apple juices (e.g., up to 56.9 mg l-1 of saccharose vs. a maximum value of 30 mg l-1, and for some mineral compounds in the French apple juices (e.g., sodium values up to 10 mg l-1). Large variations were found in case of important health-conferring components. Water-soluble pectin contents varied from 205 mg l-1 for 'Chanteline', to 1,289 mg l-1 for 'Gold Milenium'; while, in the case of phenolic compounds, the range was from 85.7 mg l-1 for 'Novamac', to 524.8 mg l-1 for 'Melfree'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out in 2005-06 in the experimental orchard at Garlica Murowana in the Kraków area. The effect of early (0.4%) and late spraying (0.8%) with Ca(NO3)2 on storability and the calcium content as well as elemental mutual relations in 'Elise' fruit of a 5-year-old apple tree were studied. Trees were sprayed 3 times at 10-day intervals in the first time of fruit development (beginning of June) and 30 days before fruit harvest. Fruit mineral composition was estimated after harvest. Foliar sprayings with calcium before harvesting (30 days before) significantly increased the Ca concentration in apples in both years of the experiment. This dependence was only slight and observed in the case of early spraying (at the beginning of June). The late foliar treatment with calcium nitrate significantly reduced the N/Ca and K/Ca ratios in fruits. Fruits harvested with Ca(NO3)2 had higher flesh firmness and titratable acidity than the control ones. The use of 0.8% Ca(NO3)2 before fruit harvest reduced the percentage of physiological disorders and fungal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sea buckthorn flesh oil is rich in rare in nature palmitoleic acid. • This oil is also abundant in carotenoids, tocopherols, and sterols. • Composition of the sea buckthorn flesh oil depends significantly on used cultivars. • Sea buckthorn oleosomes can be easily separated from the juice using centrifugation. • The efficiency of oleosomes is mainly related to the values of the centrifugal force. Sea buckthorn berries contain lipids rich in palmitoleic acid, carotenoids, tocols and sterols, but their composition varies greatly depending on the cultivar and region of cultivation. Therefore, the current study presents the chemical composition of fruit flesh oils of cultivars grown in Poland and compares them with plants grown worldwide. Among tested cultivars, the highest shares of palmitoleic acid were determined in Golden Rain and Luczystaja cvs. Ten grams of sea buckthorn flesh oil provides at least 28% of vitamin A, 50% of vitamin E and 5% of sterols of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values for adults. The final part of this study is dedicated to a preliminary study of the optimization of the oleosome yield by the centrifugation method. The maximum oleosome yield can be obtained at a relatively low centrifugal force (below 8000× g), while optimal temperature and time should be laboratory determined for each cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study, which involved a field experiment conducted in north-eastern Poland, is to evaluate the phytometric parameters, yield, and biological value of fruit of three tomatillo cultivars grown in soil mulched with black PE (polyethylene) film and covered with PE film and non-woven PP (polypropylene) fabric. A two-factor field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2017–2018 in the Agricultural Experiment Station owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. In the control treatment, tomatillo plants were grown without protective covers or mulch. Tomatillo fruits were harvested gradually, upon physiological maturity, which was determined based on changes in the color of the peel and calyx, and the aroma. The growth and development of tomatillos were evaluated based on plant measurements performed in the field. The chemical composition of tomatillo fruits was analyzed at the stage of full fruiting. During the three-year study, the weight, vertical diameter, and horizonal diameter of fruit were highest in cv. 'Rio Grande Verde' and lowest in cv. 'Purple'. The combined use of mulch and plant covers accelerated fruit ripening. The total and marketable yields of tomatillo fruit were highest in cv. 'Rio Grande Verde' and lowest in cv. 'Purple'. The fruit of cv. 'Purple' had the highest content of dry matter, total sugars, extract, β-carotene, and total polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• On the loamy calcic soil, blueberry bushes grew best in peat and sawdust. • The cocoa shell is not suitable for growing highbush blueberries. • Substrates influence the chemical changes of the soil. • Mineralization of substrates releases excessive amounts of nutrients. • Mostly the reaction, not the nutrient richness, influences the development of bushes. The substrate and especially its reaction is the most important aspect affecting the success of highbush blueberry cultivation. The limited availability of suitable soils forces producers to look for alternative cultivation methods. The substrates can be used in a variety of growing systems, including forming substrates in the mound form or filling with them trenches. Both systems require different outlays to set up a plantation. They also create different conditions for plant growth.The experiment evaluated the yield, chemical composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) of highbush blueberry leaves and fruits and changes in chemical composition of soil and substrate during cultivation (pH, general and available mineral nutrients). The research materials were collected at a research station of the West Pomeranian University of Technology Szczecin in Poland in 2014-2016. Two-year-old bushes of the 'Brigitta Blue' were planted in 2012. In the field experiment, sawdust, peat and cocoa husk were used in the cultivation in the flat (trenches with a depth of 35 cm and a width of 100 cm) and mound systems (with 35 cm in height and 100 cm in width). The blueberries used for growing sawdust, peat and cocoa husk substrates had a different chemical composition. The most suitable conditions for the growth of blueberries were provided by sawdust and peat substrates and the worst of cocoa husk. The cocoa husk substrate had a high pH and was resistant to changes in reaction (start 6.58; end 6.32–6.61 in KCl). It was also characterized by excessive abundance in macroelements. The growth of bushes was the weakest and yielding at a low level (0.39–0.53 kg per bush). The substrate of sawdust was more prone to lowering the pH (6.12; end 4.15–4.53 in KCl). Peat pH was stable during the experiment. Better grew and yielded bushes resulted when planted in peat in the flat system, or in sawdust in the mound system. The mound cultivation system had a more favorable effect on the substrate's chemical properties than the flat soil system. In general, in the flat cultivation system, the plants took better off the macro and micronutrients from the tested substrates. Due to the lower workload, it is recommended to prepare the plantations for growing highbush blueberries in the mound system. The mound cultivation system shaped the chemical properties of substrates more advantageously than the flat system. Sawdust and peat affected the soil negatively - mainly for lowering pH and mineral composition. Larger changes were found in the mounds cultivation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]