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Introduction: The white mulberry cultivar "Żółwińska wielkolistna" is a rich source of bioactive substances. Objective: The aim of the research was to determine the potential of the Polish white mulberry cultivar "Żółwińska wielkolistna" by determining the content of nutrients, micro- and macroelements and selected flavonoids in the dried leaves of the plant. Moreover, a SWOT analysis was carried out in the scope of the possibility of using the cultivar "Żółwińska wielkolistna" for herbal purposes. Methods: Mulberry leaves were collected in September 2021 from an ecological plantation located at the Experimental Station, Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants in Poznań National Research Institute in Pętkowo. Leaves were dried at 60°C for 12 h and then laboratory analyses were performed. The research objective was to determine the content of selected bioactive substances in dried mulberry leaves. Moreover, the content of nutrients and selected macro- and microelements were determined. Finally, based on the obtained research results, an attempt was made to evaluate the possibility of using the Polish variety in herbal medicine. Results: The dried leaves of white mulberry are a source of nutrients: proteins, fat, sugars and fibre. Moreover, it contains macro- and microelements: calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, sulphur, zinc, chromium and iron. The white mulberry is also a rich source of flavonoids: quercetin, rutin, vitexin, isovitexin, luteolin, and apigenin. In addition, white mulberry leaves are a source of vitamins. The bioactive substances contained in white mulberry leaves can be used to support the treatment of many diseases, including diabetes or atherosclerosis. Conclusions: White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a plant rich in bioactive substances. A native variety of white mulberry "Żółwińska wielkolistna" is adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of Poland. The obtained research results indicate the possibility of using dried white mulberry leaves in herbalism. Developing herbal market in Poland and growing interest in white mulberry are excellent opportunities for the promotion of Polish white mulberry variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sericulture is a branch of agriculture specializing in the cultivation of silkworms and cocoon production as well as the cultivation of white mulberry, which is the sole source of food for silkworm caterpillars. Due to the ecological nature of farming both mulberry silkworm and mulberry cultivation, as well as the possibility of managing and processing waste generated in the breeding process, it is fully in line with the trend of sustainable development. Raw materials obtained from silkworm farming constitute the basis for products valued by consumers due to their environmentally friendly production methods and an organic source of raw materials. Silk production can successfully contribute to the increase in popularity and practical application of the idea of sustainable development in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the impact of two different plant protection products on silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) development. These products are commonly used in agrotechnical treatments and are officially allowed to use in ecological agriculture. They are also fungicides, which suggests lower negative impact on other groups of organisms. The two used products were Biosept Active Spray (grapefruit extract) and Miedzian 350 SC (copper oxychloride) which were sprayed on mulberry leaves used to feed silkworms from the beginning of the 4th instar. As to measure the level of impact, the mortality of larvae (percentage of dead specimens) and cocoon shell ratio (percentage of shell weight in whole cocoon) were checked. The highest mortality was recorded in the group treated with 0,7% Miedzian solution (92,5%) as well as the lowest shell ratio (12,06) comparing to the control group (mortality 7,5% and shell ratio 17,43). In the Biosept group, no significant mortality was recorded (comparing to the control group) but mean shell ratio showed a significant decrease in the cocoon quality. The study shows that one of the pesticides is highly effective against a non-target organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological farming and organic fertilization are getting popular and required in time, when synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals are used and easily overcome. In this article, organic farming of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is presented, and an innovative organic fertilizer the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) breeding waste is examined. This insect breeding is a cheap source of waste, which gives very positive results on the plants yield. Such tests of hemp have not been carried out so far. In this research, three repetition pots were prepared: with silkworm fertilizer 15 Mg∙ha−1, 30 Mg∙ha−1, and pots without fertilization (control). The amounts of three yields – total, straw, and seed – were measured. Moreover, the chemical composition of silkworm waste, soil, and hemp material was tested. The best results of fertilization were obtained in silkworm manure fertilization in dose 30 Mg∙ha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The juvenile stages and adults of two new Tasmanian crotoniid mites Holonothrus minusculus sp. n. and H. glaesarius sp. n. are described and illustrated. Holonothrus minusculus sp. n. is similar to H. mitis Olszanowski, 1991 in body dimensions and because the openings of the opisthosomal gland are situated close to setae f2. It is similar to H. robustus Olszanowski, 1991 in the length and structure of notogastral setae. H. glaesarius sp. n. is absolutely different from other known species of this genus and that is why it cannot be compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astaxanthin (AST) and fucoxanthin (FUC) are natural xanthophylls, having multidirectional activity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Both compounds also show antimicrobial activity, which is presented in this review article. There are few papers that have presented the antimicrobial activity of AST. Obtained antimicrobial concentrations of AST (200–4000 µg/mL) are much higher than recommended by the European Food Safety Authority for consumption (2 mg daily). Therefore, we suggest that AST is unlikely to be of use in the clinical treatment of infections. Our knowledge about the antimicrobial activity of FUC is better and this compound acts against many bacteria already in low concentrations 10–250 µg/mL. Toxicological studies on animals present the safety of FUC application in doses 200 mg/kg body weight and higher. Taking available research into consideration, a clinical application of FUC as the antimicrobial substance is real and can be successful. However, this aspect requires further investigation. In this review, we also present potential mechanisms of antibacterial activity of carotenoids, to which AST and FUC belong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]