<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Carrot (<italic>Daucus carota</italic> L.) <italic>In Vitro</italic> Regeneration</title>Experiments were carried out for optimization of conditions for morphogenic callus production and regeneration of carrot (<italic>Daucus carota</italic> L.) using four cultivars cultivated in Iran. Hypocotyl segments were put on media supplemented with 0.2 mg·L-1 2,4-D for callus initiation and proliferation. Small portions of callus (25 mg) were cut and transferred to new media with different concentrations of 2,4-D including 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg·L-1. MS (Murashige &amp; Skoog 1962) and MSm (Masuda <italic>et al.</italic> 1981) media were used in the experiments to identify the differences between these two media according to callus, embryoid and plantlet production.Obtained results showed that low level of 2,4-D (0.2 mg·L-1) was more effective in morphogenic callus production although higher amounts of it (0.5 mg·L-1 and 1 mg·L-1) caused more callus growth. Kinetin in concentration of 0.1 mg·L-1 was more effective for regeneration than BAP used in concentration 1 mg·L-1 especially according to embryoid production. MSm medium was more useful than MS for callus production and regeneration of carrot plantlets. Among tested cultivars Nantes Improved had more capability to produce viable plantlets.</abstract>

All Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Crops RAAS, Vereja, Ramensky district, Moscow region, Russia

Carrot (<italic>Daucus carota</italic> L.) <italic>In Vitro</italic> Regeneration

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Anthocyanins of Fruits and Vegetables - Their Occurrence, Analysis and Role in Human Nutrition</title>Anthocyanins are one of the largest and most important group of water-soluble pigments in most species in the plant kingdom. They are accumulated in cell vacuoles and are largely responsible for diverse pigmentation from orange to red, purple and blue in flowers, fruits, such as: blackberry, red and black raspberries, blueberries, bilberries, cherries, currants, blood orange, elderberries, grapes, and vegetables such as: red onion, radish, red cabbage, red lettuce, egg-plant, red-skinned potato and purple sweet potato. Anthocyanins in fruits and vegetables are present in glycosylated forms. The qualitative and quantitative determination of anthocyanins in plant can be performed by classical (spectro-photometric) or contemporary methods - HPLC coupled with a various types of mass spectrometers or NMR apparatus. Anthocyanins are widely ingested by humans, mainly due to consumption of fruits, vegetables and red wines. Depending on the nutritional habits, the daily intake of anthocyanins for individuals has been estimated from several milligrams to hundreds of milligrams per person. Anthocyanins as well as other flavonoids occuring in fruits, and vegetables are protective against a variety of diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. Also the visual acuity can be markedly improved through administration of anthocyanin pigments to animals and humans.</abstract>

Department of Plant Physiology and Genetics, University of Podlasie, Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland

Research Institute of Vegetable Crops, Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland

Anthocyanins of Fruits and Vegetables - Their Occurrence, Analysis and Role in Human Nutrition

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizer Effects on Morpho-Physiological Traits of Plants, Yield and Quality of Tomato Fruits: (<italic>Solanum lycopersicum</italic> L.)</title>A field experiment was conducted with an objective to investigate the effects of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer application on morpho-physiological traits, yield and quality attributes of tomato (<italic>Solanum lycopersicum</italic> L.) with an ultimate aim of optimizing nutrient requirements of tomato in mild-tropical agro-climate. The application of vermicompost together with NPK fertilizer increased plant height, leaf area, leaf weight, fruit weight, fruit yield, fruit density, post-harvest life and TSS of tomato. Application of vermicompost alone too increased the shelf-life by 250% and TSS beyond 4.5%, both of which are traits highly desirable for summer production of tomato and the related processing industry. Present study reveals that application of vermicompost in the amount of 7.5 t·ha-1 in combination with 50% dose of NPK fertilizer (60:30:30 kg·ha-1) was optimum for obtaining better quality and productivity of field grown tomatoes in mild-tropical agro-climate, eventually integrated nutrient supply will sustain the soil fertility and plant productivity eco-friendly.</abstract>

Mizoram Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Kolasib-796081, Mizoram, India

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793103, Meghalaya, India

Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizer Effects on Morpho-Physiological Traits of Plants, Yield and Quality of Tomato Fruits: (<italic>Solanum lycopersicum</italic> L.)

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Physical Properties of Potato Tubers CV. Analytic Cultivated in Iran</title>The objective of the experiments was to study some physical properties of potato tubers, such as dimensions, weight, projected area, sliding and rolling friction properties, in order to determine the best post-harvest options. Mean values of weight, length, width, thickness and CPA were 136.69 g, 78.99 mm, 57.12 mm, 50.44 mm, and 33.12 cm2, respectively. The lowest values of the coefficients of rolling and sliding friction were obtained for sheet glass. Tuber mass was predicted based on the dimensions, projected area and volume. Linear models and nonlinear models were investigated. The results indicated that best model for predicting tuber mass was based on projected area with R2= 0.99.</abstract>

Physical Properties of Potato Tubers CV. Analytic Cultivated in Iran

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Alternaria Black Spot of Crucifers: Symptoms, Importance of Disease, and Perspectives of Resistance Breeding</title>Alternaria black spot of cruciferous vegetables, incited by different species of <italic>Alternaria</italic>, remains an increasing threat to <italic>Brassicaceae</italic> crops throughout the world, including Poland. <italic>Brassica</italic> plants are attacked by conidia of <italic>A. brassicae</italic> (Berk.) Sacc., <italic>A. brassicicola</italic> (Schw.) Wiltsh., <italic>A. raphani</italic> Groves &amp; Skolko, and <italic>A. alternata</italic> (Fr.) Kreissler. The pathogens have a wide spectrum of hosts, such as head cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and other crucifers including cultivated and wild grown plants. <italic>Alternaria</italic> pathogens usually cause damping-off of seedlings, spotting of leaves of cabbages, blackleg of heads of cabbages, and spotting of cauliflower curds and broccoli florets. In oilseed rape, <italic>A. brassicae</italic> is the dominant invasive species, while in the cruciferous vegetables, both species, <italic>A. brassicae</italic>, and <italic>A. brassicicola</italic> are encountered. Infected seeds with spores on the seed coat or mycelium under the seed coat are the main means of distribution for these pathogens. The fungus can overwinter on susceptible weeds or crop debris and on seed plants, as well as on stecklings.Methods for disease prevention and control are based on combining agricultural management practices with chemical control. Using disease-free seeds or seeds treated with fungicides can greatly reduce disease incidence. After appearance of the first symptoms of disease, stringent fungicide spray program is an effective way to reduce losses. Many authors seem to agree, that the most economically feasible method of disease control is the development of resistant <italic>Brassicaceae</italic> crops varieties, as transgenic approach proved unsuccessful. Due to our increasing understanding of pathogen-host plant interactions, identification of resistance sources, and assessment of the resistance trait inheritance mode, breeding programs of <italic>Brassica</italic> crops for <italic>Alternaria</italic> resistance can be enhanced. This is of particular importance since recent years experience dynamic development of ecological and integrated plant production with an emphasis on plant biotic stress resistance. Highly resistant genetic resources have not been reported in <italic>Brassica</italic> cultivated species, although some varieties differ in their resistance/susceptibility level.Strong cross-incompatibility, polygenic background of the resistance (additive and dominant gene interactions), as well as the differences in ploidy between the <italic>Brassica</italic> species of interest, render the transfer of <italic>Alternaria</italic> resistance from the wild species into the cultivated forms difficult. Additionally, it is often connected with employment of <italic>in vitro</italic> hybridization techniques, including somatic hybridization, embryo and ovary rescue, or protoplast fusion.</abstract>

Alternaria Black Spot of Crucifers: Symptoms, Importance of Disease, and Perspectives of Resistance Breeding

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title> The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the cultivation method (organic and conventional) on the sensory quality of carrot roots - fresh, stored, and cooked. The study was conducted in the sensory evaluation laboratory of the Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice in 2009-2011. The carrot roots came from a certified experimental field with a stable ecosystem, adapted for conducting experiments on the organic growing of vegetables. At the same time, in the same soil and climatic conditions, carrots were grown in the conventional system. The experimental material consisted of two varieties of carrot - Perfekcja and Regulska. In a two-year cycle, sensory analyses were performed of fresh carrot roots, and of roots that had been stored and heat treated. The evaluations were conducted by a 10-person panel of specialists using the method of quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The results of qualitative sensory evaluations and the profilograms prepared on that basis for fresh and stored carrot roots indicated differences in the sensory characteristics between the tested varieties grown in organic and conventional systems. The greatest impact on the overall quality was exerted by the attributes: the carrot-taste, sweet taste, juiciness and hardness of the flesh. Organically grown carrots of the variety Regulska were characterized by the highest intensity of sweet taste and the carrot- taste, and by the best hardness, crunchiness, crispness and juiciness of the flesh. Fresh roots of this variety received the highest overall score. There were also some differences in the sensory characteristics of carrot roots after several months of storage, and then after cooking them, depending on the variety and cultivation method. In both years of the study, following the storage period, the cooked carrot roots of the variety Perfekcja from organic cultivation received the highest scores for overall quality. After storing and subjecting carrot roots to heat treatment, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of most of the quality descriptors, such as taste, smell and texture, when compared with the fresh roots under evaluation</abstract>

Sensory Quality of Carrots from Organic and Conventional Cultivation

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Inadequate information on the nutrition of pineapple limits its commercial production in Nigeria. The effects of poultry manure and urea (each at 50 and 100 kg N ha-1), as well as their 1:1 (organo-mineral) combinations at 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1, on the early (nursery) growth of pineapple plantlets. Organo-mineral fertilization at 100 kg N ha--1 resulted in the highest D-leaf length, number of leaves, root length and leaf area, while the highest biomass production (approx. 304 g, just within the 300-400 g desirable range for transplanting to the field) was achieved at 150 kg N ha-1.</abstract>

Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan

Effects of Nutrient Sources on the Early Growth of Pineapple Plantlets (Ananas comosus (L) Merr) in the Nursery 

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abastract</title> A series of experiments aimed at testing the usefulness of the new chemical chlorantraniliprole (rynaxypyr) in the control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) were conducted in the 2006-2007 time period. The product was applied in various doses: 0.075, 0.125, 0.175, and 0.2 l/ha. The control treatments were applied 2 or 3 times, depending on pest threat. The insecticide was applied in the period of codling moth mass flight. It was noted, that there was a significant reduction in the amount of fruit the codling moth larvae were able to damage in all the conducted experiments. Very good results in codling moth control were obtained after application of the tested product at a dose of 0.125 l/ha and higher.</abstract>

The Modern Insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole) Used to Control Codling Moth (Cydia Pomonella L.)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Alstroemeria is one of the most popular cut flowers in Europe, due to its postharvest longevity and a wide colour palette. However, premature leaf yellowing reduces the ornamental value of the flowering stems even before opening of the secondary florets in cymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of sucrose, gibberellin and 8-hydroxychinoline citrate as postharvest treatments of cut Alstroemeria ‘Dancing Queen’.Several “flower models” were used to distinguish the effects of the chemicals on senescence of flowers and leaves in the above cultivar. Flowering stems were harvested in November 2011 and March 2012 and the response to treatments for both dates differed: while the longevity of primary and secondary florets was prolonged by the standard preservative (8-HQC+S) in the autumn, there was no difference for the spring collection date. For the March harvest, the secondary flower buds opened faster than for the November harvest, where bud opening was generally hastened by 8-HQC+S. Also, the flower model affected floret longevity and changed the response to the treatments: florets on defoliated flowering stems responded better to the preservative than those on stems with leaves. Florets from different flower models differed in diameter: those from complete stems were usually larger than those from isolated cymes. The secondary florets were much smaller than the primary florets, especially in isolated cymes. Both, GA3 and the standard preservative significantly increased the second floret diameter in all models; however, there were no additive effects of the treatments. GA3 significantly postponed leaf yellowing in all floral models while the sugar-containing preservative had little effect. Generally, the flower model had significant effect on leaf longevity.</abstract>

University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia Nowoursynowska 159, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland

Dept. of Ornamental Plants, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW Nowoursynowska 159, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland

The Effect of Postharvest Treatments on Flower Quality and Vase Life of Cut Alstroemeria ‘Dancing Queen’

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> A field study of dwarf apple rootstock performance using ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ as scion cultivar was conducted during the year 2001-2011. The study included 6 rootstocks from Cornell Geneva rootstock breeding program (G.11, G.16, G.41, G.202, CG.3007 and CG.4013) 4 rootstocks from the Polish rootstock breeding program (P 14, P 16, P 59 and P 60) and 3 Malling rootstocks as control (M.9 T337, M.9 Pajam 2 and M.26). During the eleven years of growth (2001-2011), there was no tree loss due to root system or cultivar damage caused by frost or diseases including fire blight (Ervinia amylovora Burr. Winsl.) infestation on the rootstock. Trees growing on P 59 and P 16 had the weakest growth while the strongest growing trees were on P 14, M.26, P 60, G.202 and CG.4013. The size of the trees on M.9 Pajam 2, G.16, G.41, CG3007 and CG.4013 were similar to that of the trees growing on the standard rootstock M.9 T337, while the trees on P 59, P 16 and G.11 were significantly smaller from standard trees on M.9 T337. After eleven years of the growth, the cumulative yield varied from 56.7 kg (on P 59) to 237.8 kg (on CG.4013). High yields were also obtained from vigorously growing trees on: G.202, P 14, G.41 and M.26. The cumulative yield expressed as yield per cm2 of trunk cross-sectional area was highest for trees on G.11, P 16, M.9 Pajam 2 and G.41 and lowest for vigorously growing trees on P 60, P 14 and M.26. In 2009, a year of good cropping, the mean mass of fruits varied from 140 g on G.16 to 213 g on P 60. The fruit size from trees on P 14, M.26 and P 16 was statistically similar to fruits from trees on M.9 T337. The results of the eleven-year study lead to the conclusion that the rootstocks G.11 and G.41, which are highly resistant to fire blight, can be recommended for growing ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ apple in the Polish climate, similarly to trees on M.9 T337, P 16 and M.9 Pajam 2. For orchards located on light soils the following rootstocks are also promising: G.202, CG.3007, CG.4013 and P 14 and P 60 rootstocks of polish selection.</abstract>

Eleven Year Evaluation of American (Geneva®) and Polish Rootstocks with ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ Apple in Poland

Maternal and Paternal Effect on the Characters of Durian (Durio Zibethinus Murr.) Fruit from Cross-Pollination

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Research on synanthropic flora was conducted in the orchards of central Poland (near Skierniewice, Łowicz and Grójec). In the 2007-2010 time period, 390 phytosociological releves were taken, which included herbicide fallow under trees, swarm of inter-rows, tillage places, trodden and rutty places, roadsides, boundary stripes and drainage ditches. In the examined orchards the occurrence of 186 species belonging to 39 botanical families was noted. The most numerously represented were: Asteraceae (21%), Poaceae (15%), Brassicacea (8%) and Fabaceae (7%). In the examined orchards, 60% of the found species occurred occasionally or rarely. Those species which were found at the 15% level were: Equisetum arvense, Polygonum aviculare, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Stellaria media, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Convolvulus arvensis, Viola arvensis, Epilobium adenocaulon, Conyza canadensis, Taraxacum officinale, Poa annua, and Echinochloa crus-galli. All of these species which occurred at the 15% level were most frequently noted in the herbicide fallow and were recognised as the most significant orchard weeds. The most numerous group in the examined orchards was made up of the therophytes (50%), which predominated over hemicryptophytes (31%) and geophytes (10%). Apophytes - native species (59%) predominated over archeophytes (33%) and kenophytes (8%). Within the vascular flora of the examined orchards, those which were predominant were the segetal species (26%), ruderal species (21%) and meadow species (19%).</abstract>

Synanthropic Orchard Flora in West Mazovia – Central Poland

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title> Modifications in growing techniques can affect the yield and nutritional quality of various cultivated plants. Among them, the use of biostimulants is environmental friendly method of stimulating crop productivity, stress resistance, and affecting yield or chemical composition of the plants. The aim of the investigation was determining of the effect of biostimulant treatment on yield and its quality of carrot grown for summer harvest. The experiment was carried out in 2009-2011 in the experimental station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, south Poland. Two experimental factors were taken into consideration: (1) cultivar: Nandrin F1 and Napoli F1 (2) dose of Aminoplant (foliar application): 1.5 and 3.0 dm3∙ha-1 and control (without Aminoplant). Total and marketable yield, root length, its diameter, leaf mass and leaf : root mass ratio were assessed. The dry matter, soluble sugar, carotenoids and nitrate ions contents were analyzed as main determinants of carrot nutritional quality.Aminoplant influenced not only carrot productivity, but mainly chemical composition of the roots. The present results also suggest that carrot reaction to biostimulant treatment was depended on a cultivar more than on environmental conditions in particular growing seasons. The significant effect of Aminoplant in a dose of 1.5 dm3∙ha-1 on the yield of roots and leaf rosette mass of ‘Nandrin F1’ appeared only in the first year of the experiment. Spraying with Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm3∙ha-1 significantly increased the soluble sugars content in carrot roots of both cultivars but only in 2011. Dry matter content was also affected by biostimulant treatment mainly for ‘Napoli F1’, which showed the lowest dry matter content when sprayed with Aminoplant in a dose of 1.5 dm3∙ha-1. In 2010 control plants contained the greater amount of carotenoids, while in next year roots of plants treated with Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm3∙ha-1 had more these compounds. The significant effect of Aminoplant on nitrates content in carrot roots was observed but were not repeatable in the experimental years, so different climatic conditions modified carrot reaction on biostimulant spraying.</abstract>

Department of Vegetable and Medicinal Plants, Agricultural University in Krakow Al. 29-Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland

Department of Botany and Plant Physiology Agricultural University in Krakow Al. 29-Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland

The Effect of Cultivar and Biostimulant Treatment on the Carrot Yield and its Quality

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Some Perspectives on Rocket as a Vegetable Crop: A Review</title>Baby leaf rocket is consumed worldwide as a salad vegetable. It is usually mixed with other baby leaf crops, such as spinach and lettuce, to form a mesclun-type salad. Rocket crops have become popular due to their distinct taste and textural appearance in mixed salads. There are two common forms of rocket that are commercially cultivated, a perennial species (<italic>Diplotaxis tenuifolia</italic> (L.) DC.) known as perennial wall rocket and an annual species (<italic>Eruca sativa</italic> Mill.) known as annual garden rocket. The popularity of baby leaf crops has increased in recent years due to consumer demand for a convenient, nutritious and easily accessible product. The baby leaf salad sector is now a significant part of the leafy vegetable market, with growth in this sector estimated to continue. The leaves of cultivars of perennial wall rocket and annual garden rocket have been bred to look similar, allowing for a year-round supply of produce. Despite this, there are many differences between the species that affect their responses to abiotic factors during growth and storage. This paper aims to provide some perspectives on the historical importance, botanical classification and cultivation techniques of these economically important plants.</abstract>

Some Perspectives on Rocket as a Vegetable Crop: A Review

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Humic Acid Decreased Hazardous of Cadmium Toxicity on Lettuce (<italic>Lactuca sativa</italic> L.)</title>The binding of Cd to humic acid was studied. The influence of a Cd-humic complex on enzyme activities (superoxide dismutases, peroxidases), availability of Cd, and biomass compared with the behavior of no treatment (control). It was examined through a hydroponics system in lettuce. Treatments were: control (no additions), humic acid (0, 100 and 1000 mg·L-1), and Cd (0, 2 and 4 mg·L-1). Enzyme activities increased significantly with increasing rates of cadmium. A significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in cadmium content of leaves result in a considerable decrease in the biomass (P&lt;0.05). It can be concluded that the humic acid applied in the media led to a decrease the metal adsorption by plant. This material can be used to reduce the availability and mobility of heavy metals in the soils, too.</abstract>

Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture, University of Shiraz, Iran

Department of Horticultural Science, University of Teheran, Karaj, Iran

College of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Department of Plant Nutrition, Zhejiang University, 310029, Hangzhou, China

Humic Acid Decreased Hazardous of Cadmium Toxicity on Lettuce (<italic>Lactuca sativa</italic> L.)

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid Improved the Growth, Yield and Leaf's Bioactive Compounds in Red Amaranth (<italic>Amaranthus tricolor</italic> L.)</title>This study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar salicylic acid (SA) applications on growth, yield and bioactive compounds of red amaranth grown under greenhouse conditions in 2008 at Gifu University, Japan. SA was applied at three different concentrations (10-3, 10-4 and 10-5 M), three times during the vegetation at 7-day intervals one week after sowing. Growth parameters (plant height, stem length, number and size of leaves, root length) and yield (fresh and dry matter weight) were recorded from treated and control plants on 28 days after sowing. Among bioactive compounds, betacyanins, chlorophyll, total polyphenol and antioxidant activity were the determined from the leaves of treated and control plants. All of three doses SA application enhanced the plant growth, yield and leaf's bioactive compounds compared to the control. The growth parameters and yield of red amaranth was significantly influenced by foliar SA applications. The highest yield, antioxidant activity, amount of betacyanins, chlorophyll and total polyphenol occurred in 10-5 M SA treatment. According to our results, applications SA at rate of 10-5 M should be recommended in order to improve yield and bioactive compounds in red amaranth.</abstract>

United Graduate School of Agriculture, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan

Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas, TX 75252, USA

Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid Improved the Growth, Yield and Leaf's Bioactive Compounds in Red Amaranth (<italic>Amaranthus tricolor</italic> L.)

Journal of Fruit and Ornamental Plant Research

Effects of Nutrient Sources on the Early Growth of Pineapple Plantlets (Ananas comosus (L) Merr) in the Nursery

The Modern Insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole) Used to Control Codling Moth (Cydia Pomonella L.)

The Effect of Postharvest Treatments on Flower Quality and Vase Life of Cut Alstroemeria ‘Dancing Queen’

Eleven Year Evaluation of American (Geneva^®) and Polish Rootstocks with ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ Apple in Poland

Maternal and Paternal Effect on the Characters of Durian (Durio Zibethinus Murr.) Fruit from Cross-Pollination

Synanthropic Orchard Flora in West Mazovia – Central Poland