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Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Alopecurus myosuroides seeds were sampled from 32 winter wheat fields from 2010 to 2014. Resistance to herbicides was detected in 17 A. myosuroides populations. In addition to single resistance to herbicides, cross-resistance and multiple resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)- and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides were found. Application of sulfometuron and imazapyr was unable to control some of the resistant biotypes in this study. This result implies that resistance in these populations is due to a target site mechanism. The A. myosuroides biotypes resistant to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides varied in their responses to derivatives of aryloxy-phenoxy-propionic acid (FOPs), cyclohexanediones (DIMs) and phenylpyrazolines (DENs). Resistant biotypes of A. myosuroides that could not be controlled with fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (FOP) and pinoxaden (DEN) were controlled with clethodim (DIM).

Background: In radionuclide therapy, to enhance therapeutic efficacy, an intriguing alternative is to ensure the simultaneous implementation of low- and high-LET radiation emitted from a one radionuclide. In the present study, we introduce the concept of utilizing 109Pd (T1/2 = 13.7 h) in the form of a 109Pd/109mAg in vivo generator. In this system, 109Pd emits beta particles of medium energy, while 109mAg releases a cascade of conversion and Auger electrons. 109Pd was utilized in the form of 15 nm gold nanoparticles, which were coated with a monolayer of 109Pd. In this system, the 109Pd atoms are on the surface of the nanoparticle, while the 109mAg atoms generated in the decay reaction possess the capability for unhindered emission of Auger electrons. Results: 109Pd, obtained through neutron irradiation of natural palladium, was deposited onto 15-nm gold nanoparticles, exceeding a efficiency rate of 95%. In contrast to previously published data on in vivo generators based on chelators, where the daughter radionuclide diffuses away from the molecules, daughter radionuclide 109mAg remains on the surface of gold nanoparticles after the decay of 109Pd. To obtain a radiobioconjugate with an affinity for HER2 receptors, polyethylene glycol chains and the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab were attached to the Au@Pd nanoparticles. The synthesized bioconjugate contained an average of 9.5 trastuzumab molecules per one nanoparticle. In vitro cell studies indicated specific binding of the Au@109Pd-PEG-trastuzumab radiobioconjugate to the HER2 receptor on SKOV-3 cells, resulting in 90% internalization. Confocal images illustrated the accumulation of Au@109Pd-PEG-trastuzumab in the perinuclear area surrounding the cell nucleus. Despite the lack of nuclear localization, which is necessary to achieve an effective cytotoxic effect of Auger electrons, a substantial cytotoxic effect, significantly greater than that of pure β− and pure Auger electron emitters was observed. We hypothesize that in the studied system, the cytotoxic effect of the Auger electrons could have also occurred through the damage to the cell's nuclear membrane by Auger electrons emitted from nanoparticles accumulated in the perinuclear area. Conclusion: The obtained results show that trastuzumab-functionalized 109Pd-labeled nanoparticles can be suitable for the application in combined β−—Auger electron targeted radionuclide therapy. Due to both components decay (β− and conversion/Auger electrons), the 109Pd/109mAg in vivo generator presents unique potential in this field. Despite the lack of nuclear localization, which is highly required for efficient Auger electron therapy, an adequate cytotoxic effect was attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Green Deal assumes a significant reduction in chemicals in agriculture production. Unfortunately, the problem of crop contamination due to the presence of pesticide residues in crops may be related to, among others, inappropriate techniques and conditions for performing chemical protection treatments by non-organic producers whose fields border on organic fields. Comparatively, in organic crops provided with simple plant cover, the average crop losses due to this pest were 19%, while in traditional crops free of any type of plant cover, the crop losses were 23% of the harvest [[3]]. Reducing the use of chemical plant protection products, increasing the area of organic crops in the EU and actions to protect biodiversity are currently the biggest challenge for agriculture, but also for Member States of the EU, which must take a number of economic and strategic actions [[1]]. [Extracted from the article]

Trinexapac-ethyl is a popular plant growth regulator used in various crops, mostly due to its unique anti-lodging properties. Recently it has been found that this substance is also active in stress protection, which may increase its importance in the coming years. This paper presents a new approach to its application. Trinexapac-ethyl belongs to the cyclohexanedione class of herbicide chemistry, thus it is structurally similar to common graminicides frequently used with adjuvants. This study examines the effects of the application of trinexapac-ethyl with adjuvants. Field trials were conducted in the Institute of Plant Protection in Poznań (Poland), in 2014 and 2015. Trinexapac-ethyl was applied at recommended (0.4l・ha-1) and reduced doses (0.2l・ha-1) with organosilicone surfactant, ammonium sulphate and citric acid on spring barley. Stem shortening, yield components and grain quality were examined. The results of the study confirmed the possibility of dose reduction of trinexapac-ethyl by way of combined application with citric acid that reduced the pH of spray liquid or with ammonium sulphate without affecting its effectiveness. The greatest stem height reduction was observed after the application of a full dose of trinaxapac ethyl and its reduced dose in the mixture with citric acid or ammonium sulphate. Depending on the year of study, the effectiveness of the substances on stem reduction ranged from 5.6 to 16.5%. The tested mixtures did not have any significant impact on the number of grains per ear or the yield of spring barley. Trinexapac-ethyl and its mixtures with adjuvants did not influence the crude protein and starch in spring barley grains.

The aim of the field experiments carried out in the years 2009-2011 was to assess the application of reduced doses of chlorsulfuron on yield and quality parameters of winter triticale semi-dwarf and full-height cultivars. The herbicide effect was evaluated in two cultivars, Grenado and Pizarro. The cultivars were of different plant heights. Chlorsulfuron was applied at the recommended dose (15 g a.i. ∙ ha-1), at areduced dose (10.5 g a.i. ∙ ha-1) and at areduced dose with an adjuvant. Treatments with the herbicide were conducted directly after the triticale had been sown. Visual assessment of weed infestation was carried out in spring, after the start of the vegetation of the cultivated plant. The study assessed triticale grain yield, grain number per ear, thousand grain weight, and selected qualitative parameters of grain (protein and starch content). The obtained data proved the usefulness of reduced doses of chlorsulfuron in weed control both separately and in a combination with the adjuvant. The average percent of the weed control was very high for both cultivars and for the assessed doses of herbicide. Both experimental factors (herbicide dose and triticale cultivar) influenced the level of the obtained grain yield of triticale, and the thousand kernel weight. While grain number per ear and protein and starch content depended only on the examined cultivar

Scentless chamomile Matricaria maritima (L.) ssp. inodora (L.) Dostal and common poppy Papaver rhoeas (L.) are species which very often infest winter cereal and winter rape crops. Inhibitors of acetolactate synthase (ALS) are commonly used for control of these weeds. The herbicides are characterised by a single site of action in the plant, which has an influence on selection of the weed population and may result in a rapid development of resistance. In 2012, five seed samples of scentless chamomile and five samples of common poppy were collected from five winter wheat crop fields in Żuławy Gdańskie where the weed species were very poorly controlled. Results of greenhouse experiments showed that two biotypes of scentless chamomile and common poppy were resistant to tribenuron methyl. It was not possible to control resistant biotypes even after use of tribenuron methyl at a dose four times higher than recommended in Poland, it is the first reported case of scentless chamomile and common poppy biotypes’ resistance to herbicides. It is not of economic importance but it does prove the growing problem of weed resistance in the country.

This study was performed to synthesize a radiopharmaceutical designed for multimodal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment involving radionuclide therapy and magnetic hyperthermia. To achieve this goal, the superparamagnetic iron oxide (magnetite) nanoparticles (SPIONs) were covered with a layer of radioactive gold (198Au) creating core–shell nanoparticles (SPION@Au). The synthesized SPION@Au nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 50 emu/g, which is lower than reported for uncoated SPIONs (83 emu/g). Nevertheless, the SPION@Au core–shell nanoparticles showed a sufficiently high saturation magnetization value which allows them to reach a temperature of 43 °C at a magnetic field frequency of 386 kHz. The cytotoxic effect of nonradioactive and radioactive SPION@Au–polyethylene glycol (PEG) bioconjugates was carried out by treating HepG2 cells with various concentrations (1.25–100.00 µg/mL) of the compound and radioactivity in range of 1.25–20 MBq/mL. The moderate cytotoxic effect of nonradioactive SPION@Au-PEG bioconjugates on HepG2 was observed. The cytotoxic effect associated with the β− radiation emitted by 198Au was much greater and already reaches a cell survival fraction below 8% for 2.5 MBq/mL of radioactivity after 72 h. Thus, the killing of HepG2 cells in HCC therapy should be possible due to the combination of the heat-generating properties of the SPION-198Au–PEG conjugates and the radiotoxicity of the radiation emitted by 198Au. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to synthesize multimodal radiopharmaceutical designed for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To achieve this goal, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were used as a platform for targeting molecule (PSMA-617) and for complexation of two scandium radionuclides, 44Sc for PET imaging and 47Sc for radionuclide therapy. TEM and XPS images showed that the Fe3O4 NPs have a uniform cubic shape and a size from 38 to 50 nm. The Fe3O4 core are surrounded by SiO2 and an organic layer. The saturation magnetization of the SPION core was 60 emu/g. However, coating the SPIONs with silica and polyglycerol reduces the magnetization significantly. The obtained bioconjugates were labeled with 44Sc and 47Sc, with a yield higher than 97%. The radiobioconjugate exhibited high affinity and cytotoxicity toward the human prostate cancer LNCaP (PSMA+) cell line, much higher than for PC-3 (PSMA-) cells. High cytotoxicity of the radiobioconjugate was confirmed by radiotoxicity studies on LNCaP 3D spheroids. In addition, the magnetic properties of the radiobioconjugate should allow for its use in guide drug delivery driven by magnetic field gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

New solutions in plant protection applications are still highly desirable. Aiming at higher efficiency, environmental safety and profitability of production which, in addition to reducing the costs of the application of plant protection products, limits the destruction of soil structure combined use of agrochemicals seems to be one of the most important method in modern agriculture. In 2016 and 2017, the Plant Protection Institute - National Research Institute in Poznań, Poland, conducted field experiments on the possibility of combining two popular herbicides used to control monocotyledonous weeds: pinoxaden and fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, with a two-component plant growth and development regulator (mepiquat chloride and prohexadione calcium) on KWS Ozon winter wheat. The tested substances were applied at the BBCH 24 stage of winter wheat - herbicide only, and at the BBCH 31 stage - a mix of herbicides with a plant growth and development regulator. Regardless of the method of application of pinoxaden (herbicide only or mixed), high effectiveness of Apera spica-venti control was obtained in both years of the study. The mix of pinoxaden with mepiquat chloride and prohexadione calcium reduced the wheat crop height to a similar extent as separate application of the substances. The combined application of fenoxaprop-P-ethyl with mepiquat chloride improved the effectiveness of wheat crop height control. The method of application of the substances had no significant effect on winter wheat yield. Grain yields harvested from plots treated with the above substances were significantly higher than control only in the case of high weed infestation of winter wheat. The technological value of wheat grain depended on the year of study, while the method of application did not have a significant impact on the evaluated parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Between 2004 and 2017, multiple studies on the herbicide resistance of weeds were conducted by the Institute of Plant Protection - National Research Institute in Poland. Weed seeds, collected from fields located in various regions of Poland where herbicide use was ineffective, were used in studies conducted under greenhouse conditions. A total of 261 loose silky bent (Apera spica-venti L.) samples were found to be herbicide resistant, which translates to 52.4% of the fields under study. Nearly 50% of the analyzed samples exhibited resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides. Resistance to acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors was found in 18 fields, whereas resistance to photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors (isoproturon) was found in 12 fields. Herbicide resistance of blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) occurred in 26 of the fields under study. In addition, resistance of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) to acetyl CoA carboxylase inhibitors occurred in 10 spring cereal crops. In the case of winter wheat, resistance of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L.) to tribenuron-methyl occurred in 23 fields. Scentless chamomile (Matricaria inodora L.) and field poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) were resistant to tribenuron-methyl in four and three fields, respectively, of winter wheat. In the case of sugar beet, three biotypes of fat hen (Chenopodium album L.) and two biotypes of redroot amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) were resistant to metamitron. Horseweed (Conyza canadensis L.), which grows on railway tracks, exhibited resistance to glyphosate. This paper reviews all studies conducted in Poland on weed resistance. Based on the results, maps of weed resistance in Poland were created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Trinexapac-ethyl is a popular plant growth regulator used in various crops, mostly due to its unique anti-lodging properties. Recently it has been found that this substance is also active in stress protection, which may increase its importance in the coming years. This paper presents a new approach to its application. Trinexapac-ethyl belongs to the cyclohexanedione class of herbicide chemistry, thus it is structurally similar to common graminicides frequently used with adjuvants. This study examines the effects of the application of trinexapac-ethyl with adjuvants. Field trials were conducted in the Institute of Plant Protection in Poznań (Poland), in 2014 and 2015. Trinexapac-ethyl was applied at recommended (0.4l・ha-1) and reduced doses (0.2l・ha-1) with organosilicone surfactant, ammonium sulphate and citric acid on spring barley. Stem shortening, yield components and grain quality were examined. The results of the study confirmed the possibility of dose reduction of trinexapac-ethyl by way of combined application with citric acid that reduced the pH of spray liquid or with ammonium sulphate without affecting its effectiveness. The greatest stem height reduction was observed after the application of a full dose of trinaxapac ethyl and its reduced dose in the mixture with citric acid or ammonium sulphate. Depending on the year of study, the effectiveness of the substances on stem reduction ranged from 5.6 to 16.5%. The tested mixtures did not have any significant impact on the number of grains per ear or the yield of spring barley. Trinexapac-ethyl and its mixtures with adjuvants did not influence the crude protein and starch in spring barley grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]