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Accumulation of anthocyanins in detached leaves and in excised stems of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana kept under natural light conditions in the presence or absence of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) was investigated. When the abaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the adaxial surface (the normal or natural position) under natural light conditions, anthocyanins were not accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. In contrast, when the adaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the abaxial surface (inverted position), anthocyanins were highly accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. These phenomena were independent of the growth stage of K. blossfeldiana as well as photoperiod. Application of JA-Me in lanolin paste significantly inhibited anthocyanin accumulation induced on the abaxial side of detached leaves held in an inverted position in a dose-dependent manner. Anthocyanin accumulation in the excised stem in response to natural light was also significantly inhibited by JA-Me in lanolin paste. Possible mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation on the abaxial side of detached K. blossfeldiana leaves held in an inverted position under natural light conditions and the inhibitory effect of JA-Me on this process are described. The accompanying changes in the content of primary metabolites and histological analyses were also described.

The influence of 1% aqueous extract obtained from a 14-day plants of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) on weed species was evaluated. Seedling roots of wild oat (Avena fatua L.), yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca L.), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus galli (L.) P. Beauv.), common windgrass (Apera spica-venti (L.) P. Beauv.), catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine L.), scentless mayweed (Matricaria inodora L), gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.) and tiny vetch (Vicia hirsuta L.) were exposed to buckwheat extract and compared with control plants grown in water. The obtained results show that the buckwheat extract had lower influence on the growth of shoot than on roots of the evaluated weed species. The use of buckwheat extract in the medium caused the inhibition of root growth in all species except from tiny vetch. In the case of shoot of weeds, inhibition of growth by buckwheat extract occurred only in wild oat. Whereas in yellow foxtail, scentless mayweed and tiny vetch, the stimulation of shoot growth was demonstrated. These results may indicate that the buckwheat extracts act on directly exposed tissues. A different metabolic reaction of wild oat to buckwheat extract after 5 days of exposure than after 2 days may indicate a quick adaptation of wild oat seedlings to stressful conditions.

This study was conducted to determine if common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) residues affect a phenolics composition in soil, and are effective for limiting emergence, growth and metabolic changes in barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), wild oat (Avena fatua L.), yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila Schult.), silky windgrass (Apera spica-venti L.), catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine L.), scentless mayweed (Matricaria inodora L.), and tiny vetch (Vicia hirsuta L.). In the study, the residues of 14-day-old buckwheat plants were used (cv. Hruszowska). After removal of the above-ground parts, the buckwheat root residues (BRR) remained in the soil for an additional 7 days before the weeds were sown. For comparison, under the same cultivation conditions, the effect of entire buckwheat plant residues (BPR) in soil was assessed. BPR and BRR in the soil caused a decrease in the emergence of all weed species except the tiny vetch. The growth of barnyard grass, wild oat, yellow foxtail, catchweed bedstraw, and scentless mayweed was inhibited by BRR, but not BPR. BRR had a particularly strong inhibitory effect on the growth of scentless mayweed (SM) and catchweed bedstraw (CB). Thirty-day-old SM and CB control plants were about 4 and 3.5 times higher, respectively, than plants growing in the presence of BRR. Furthermore, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in the barnyard grass and catchweed bedstraw were more prominently reduced by BRR than BPR. Stressful conditions caused by buckwheat residues in the soil increased the level of phenolic compounds in the tissues of weeds examined. Soil with buckwheat residues contained a low level of phenolic compounds, which may indicate their slow release from the residue or rapid utilisation by microorganisms. These phenolic compounds probably cannot be directly responsible for allelopathic inhibition of weed emergence and growth.

We examined the relationship between individual heterozygosity of male Red-breasted Flycatchers (Ficedula parva; a small long-distance migratory, socially monogamous bird species) and their mating success, arrival time and age. Using eight polymorphic microsatellite loci, we found that male heterozygosity is related to both mating success and arrival time, but not to age. Mated and earlier arriving males had higher heterozygosity than later arrivals and bachelors, but we did not find a relationship between age and individual heterozygosity of males. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence about the relationship between individual genetic diversity and arrival time, thus arrival time could be used as a signal of individual heterozygosity and quality.

The aim of the study was to analyse the content of phenolic acids, total phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidant capacity in cotyledons and hypocotyl of five cultivars of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) sprout. This study presents the first broad profile of phenolic acids occurring in buckwheat microgreen seedlings. In the hypocotyl and cotyledons trans-cinnamic acid and its derivatives: o-, m-, and p-coumaric acids (2-, 3-, and 4-hydroxycinnamic), synapic acid (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycinnamic), caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic), and two isomers of ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic) have been identified. Among the benzoic acid derivatives hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic), gallic (3,4,5-dihydroxybenzoic) and syringic (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic) were found in the organs. In addition to those mentioned, the organs of buckwheat sprouts contain chlorogenic acid as well. The contents of all analysed phenolics were...

The objective of the study was to assess the influence of methyl jasmonate (MJ) vapors on accumulation of 2-phenylethylamine (PEA), phenylacetic acid (PAA) and 2-phenylethanol (PE) in leaves and roots of maize (Zea mays L. subsp. mays, saccharata group, cv. Złota Karłowa) seedlings. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression patterns of eight genes (ADH1, ADH2, AO2, CAO, PDC1, PDC2, PTA and LOX, encoding alcohol dehydrogenase 1 and 2, primary amine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase 2, phenylalanine decarboxylase 1 and 2, phenylalanine (histidine) transaminase and lipoxygenase, respectively) involved in biosynthesis and turnover of PEA in maize tissues. In addition, the effect of MJ application on fresh biomass and growth of the tested seedlings was recorded. One-day MJ exposure increased the fresh weight of aerial parts and roots of Z. mays seedlings, whereas the opposite tendency occurred after 4-day of MJ treatment. One-day application of MJ resulted in an increase in the length of roots and its fluctuations in the aerial parts of maize plants, but extended exposure declined the growth of both parts of the seedlings. Methyl jasmonate elicitation caused various changes in the contents of PEA, PAA and PE in the maize seedlings. MJ treatments led to high upregulation of most genes, with the exception of three genes (i.e., ADH1, ADH2 and AO2) whose expression was downregulated after a 4-day exposure.

Recent avian studies suggest that offspring sex ratios can vary with environmental or parental characteristics. One example is that females may adjust brood sex ratio of fledglings in response to the sexual attractiveness of their mate and are expected to produce more sons when mated with older or more ornamented males. We determined offspring sex ratios at fledging (158 nestlings from 33 broods) in a population of migratory bird species, Red-breasted Flycatchers (Ficedula parva) that were breeding on the western edge of their geographic range, in the strictly protected part of the Bialowieza Forest (north-eastern Poland). The ratio of individual broods ranged from all male to all female, but the average offspring sex ratio at the population level did not deviate significantly from the expected 50:50 sex ratio. Moreover, we found no evidence that sex ratio varied significantly with year, with the incidence of extra-pair paternity, with partial brood losses, or with brood size. However, females ma...

Despite advances in knowledge, in many bird species, the true mating system is unknown, and especially so for birds breeding at low densities under natural conditions. We studied paternity at the population and breeding pair level in the Red-breasted Flycatcher ( Ficedula parva), a small, migrant passerine breeding in old-growth Białowieża Forest. Over seven breeding seasons we genotyped a total of 159 nestlings and 25 adult males as fathers from 33 broods of the Red-breasted Flycatcher. Extra-pair young were present in eight broods (24.2%). Twelve (7.5%) chicks mismatched with the ‘social’ male in several loci. Both low breeding density and synchrony in breeding phenology can explain such findings. Also of interest was the share of extra-pair paternity at the individual level, in relation to the age/ornamentation of the extra-pair male. Male Red-breasted Flycatchers exhibit delayed plumage maturation. Young males (second year) are without an orange badge on the throat and breast, while older males (after-second year) are ornamented and have an orange badge. The extra-pair nestlings were found in eight broods, four with young males as a fathers (36.4%) and four in broods of old males (18.2%). However, in all seven cases when the age of the extra-pair partner was known, irrespective of the age of the social father, the extra-pair partner was a male with an orange patch on the breast. This indicated female preference for ornamented males as partners for extra-pair copulation.

We tested 24 microsatellite markers for the red-breasted flycatcher, Ficedula parva, using the primers for the PCR reaction described for other species from genus Ficedula. The amplification efficiency, specificity of the products, and polymorphism of cross-amplified microsatellites were determined based on the genotypes of 65 adult males from a natural population breeding in Bialowieza Forest (Eastern Poland). Based on obtained results, we identified 9 highly polymorphic microsatellites, consistently amplifying in majority of individuals. Among those markers between 4 and 26 alleles per locus (mean 15.4) were found and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.393 to 0.939. The majority of loci (except for Fhy350 and Fhy458) were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Accordingly, the values of FIS did not significantly differ from zero 0, except for the locus Fhy350. We suggest that this locus could be loaded with high frequency of null alleles. The polymorphic information content (PIC) for the select...

Older red-breasted flycatcher males (after the second year) have an orange patch on the throat and breast. To date, the occurrence of this ornament has been explained in terms of male-male interactions. In this paper, we show that badge size also influences the mating success of red-breasted-flycatcher males. In addition to the size of the ornament, arrival time was a second factor related to the males' mating success, but no effects of body parameters such as wing length, tarsus length, and body mass were observed. Mated males arrived significantly earlier than unmated ones. The arrival time of males was negatively correlated to body mass and positively correlated to tarsus length but no relation to wing length or badge size was observed. No correlations between badge size and body parameters were observed. This ornament was evolved through sexual selection, with both male-male interaction and selection pressure arising from female preference for males with larger badges.

The effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ) vapors on the composition and peroxidation of major fatty acids in the organs of common buckwheat seedlings was investigated. The composition of fatty acids in the hypocotyl and cotyledons of seedlings changed significantly under exposure to MJ vapors in closed jars. Four-day exposure to MJ led to a significant reduction in the concentrations of stearic, linoleic, and linolenic acids in the hypocotyl, whereas oleic acid levels increased approximately 3.5-fold. A decrease in stearic acid levels and an increase in the content of linolenic acid were noted in cotyledons, whereas oleic acid levels decreased in roots. Seven-day exposure to MJ vapor caused a further reduction in stearic acid content and an increase in oleic acid and linoleic acid levels in the hypocotyl. At the same time, the linoleic acid content of roots and linolenic acid levels in cotyledons were doubled, but a 5-fold reduction in linolenic acid concentrations was observed in roots. Methyl jasmonate intensified fatty acid peroxidation in cotyledons after 4 and 7 days and in roots after 4 days of exposure. Peroxidation was inhibited in the hypocotyl and roots after 7 days. The noted changes in the composition and peroxidation of fatty acids are probably indicative of senescence in buckwheat seedlings under the influence of MJ. Senescence seems to proceed faster in cotyledons than in other organs of buckwheat seedlings.

The effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ) vapors on content of phenolic compounds: free phenolic acids, total quercetin, and total phenolics in etiolated buckwheat seedlings were studied. The data presented show that low concentration of MJ (10-8 M) had no influence on trans-cinnamic acid (CA), but stimulated the accumulation of chlorogenic acid in hypocotyls and cotyledons of buckwheat seedlings. A moderate dose of MJ (10-6 M) did not change the level of chlorogenic acid in the hypocotyls and cotyledons, but CA synthesis was promoted in cotyledons, whereas in hypocotyls no significant effect was found. Highest concentration of MJ (10-4 M) caused small decline of CA in hypocotyls, but large stimulation of the acid production in cotyledons was noted. MJ had stimulatory effect on caffeic acid forming, but inhibited synthesis of vanillic acid in hypocotyls and cotyledons. Lowest concentration of MJ (10-8 M) elicited accumulation of quercetin glycosides in both studied tissues of buckwheat seedlings, however at higher doses (10-8 and 10-4 M) did not affect the flavonol level. The obtained results suggest that nonequivalent influence of methyl jasmonate on the phenolics composition can be a result of various mechanisms of MJ uptake, transforming and/or its translocation in buckwheat hypocotyls and cotyledons. Decline of anthocyanins level in buckwheat hypocotyls caused by MJ cannot be explained by enhanced accumulation of quercetin glycosides or free phenolic acids, but probably by synthesis of other unknown phenolic compounds.

Parental care is one of the crucial factors affecting breeding success in birds. The level of parent investment can differ between males and females. We studied the sex-specific nestling-feeding effort by parents of the red-breasted flycatcher. Our study was carried out in the old-growth oak—lime—hornbeam stands in the Bialowieza National Park (NE Poland). The frequency of nestling-feeding and relative nestling-feeding effort (number of visits by male or female expressed a percentage of all visits by both sexes at the nest) depended on sex of parents and age of nestlings but not on their number. Both sexes increased their feeding frequency as the nestlings became older. Sex differences in nestling-feeding have been found in a number of biparental-care bird species. There are many hypotheses to explain this phenomenon. In the red-breasted flycatcher, the most likely reason for differences in feeding efforts are differences in roles the parents play at different stages of brood develompent.

The aim of study was to determine the effect of selected cultivation operations, such as nitrogenous fertilization (60, 90 kg N/ha), row spacing (62, 82, 102 cm), compaction of soil with wheels of farm aggregates (the numbers of passing 2×, 5×, 8×), on quality changes of two potato varieties (Irga and Ekra). The total protein content in the tubers of the tested potato varieties increased with the increase of the nitrogenous fertilization (90 kg N/ha). Genotype features of the tested potato tubers define the amino acid limiting the protein biological value (CS) to be leucine in Irga variety and isoleucine in Ekra variety. It is also genotype that influences the second limiting amino acid. It is the sum of sulphuric amino acids (Cys + Met) in respect to Irga variety and valine in respect to Ekra variety. The dose of 90 kg N/ha decreases the protein biological value (EAAI) of the tubers of Ekra variety, which is high in starch.

Methyl jasmonate has a strong effect on secondary metabolizm in plants, by stimulating the biosynthesis a number of phenolic compounds and alkaloids. Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is an important source of biologically active compounds. This research focuses on the detection and quantification of 2-phenylethylamine and its possible metabolites in the cotyledons, hypocotyl and roots of common buckwheat seedlings treated with methyl jasmonate. In cotyledons of buckwheat sprouts, only traces of 2-phenylethylamine were found, while in the hypocotyl and roots its concentration was about 150 and 1000-times higher, respectively. Treatment with methyl jasmonate resulted in a 4-fold increase of the 2-phenylethylamine level in the cotyledons of 7-day buckwheat seedlings, and an 11-fold and 5-fold increase in hypocotyl and roots, respectively. Methyl jasmonate treatment led also to about 4-fold increase of phenylacetic acid content in all examined seedling organs, but did not affect the 2-phenylethanol level in cotyledons, and slightly enhanced in hypocotyl and roots. It has been suggested that 2-phenylethylamine is a substrate for the biosynthesis of phenylacetic acid and 2-phenylethanol, as well as cinnamoyl 2-phenethylamide. In organs of buckwheat seedling treated with methyl jasmonate, higher amounts of aromatic amino acid transaminase mRNA were found. The enzyme can be involved in the synthesis of phenylpyruvic acid, but the presence of this compound could not be confirmed in any of the examined organs of common buckwheat seedling.

The presented study aimed at establishing the prevalence and co-infection rates of Bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from the central and eastern parts of Poland. The common tick individuals were gathered in the years 2008-2009. Questing ticks were sampled by dragging a white woollen flag over lower vegetation at 17 localities within diverse types of habitats: urban recreational green areas (city parks and squares), suburban forests and rural woodlands throughout the investigated regions of Poland. Detection of B. henselae in tested tick specimens was based on PCR amplification of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene, while screening for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA was carried out by analyzing fragments of two genes: the flagellin (fla) and outer surface protein A (ospA). A total number of 1,571 I. ricinus ticks were sampled: 865 (55.1%) nymphs, 377 females (24.0%) and 329 males (20.9%). The application of PCR assays revealed that 76 (4.8%) tick samples were B. henselae-positive, B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA was detected in 194 specimens (12.3%), whereas the co-existence of these pathogens was evidenced in 22 tested ticks (1.4%). Furthermore, the occurrence of bartonellae and co-circulation of analysed microorganisms in I. ricinus was affirmed only within adult individuals, while presence of the screened spirochetes was ascertained in both nymphal and adult ticks. It should be stressed that the suburban woods of Warsaw and rural forests in Warsaw County characterized the highest prevalence levels of dual infection with investigated tick-borne pathogens, whereas the lowest co-infection rates were recorded in tick populations inhabiting rural forests in Płock County and forested areas in Korczew-Mogielnica (within the Nadbużański Landscape Park).