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The biofortification of leafy vegetables with selenium (Se) and iodine (I) provides the basis for the Se/I status optimization and preservation of human health. The effect of foliar Se, I, and Se + I supply in three different crop cycles (autumn, autumn–winter, and winter) on yield, quality, and mineral composition of wall rocket leaves was investigated using biochemical and ICP-MS methods of analysis. Joint foliar supply with selenate/iodide increased yield, antioxidant activity, total phenolic, ascorbic acid, and protein levels by 1.63, 1.24, 1.22, 1.25, and 1.50 times, respectively, and the content of Ca, Mg, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn by 1.27, 1.24, 1.35, 1.46, 3.67, 2.76, and 1.44 times, respectively. High correlations between Se, antioxidants, P, Mg, and Ca (r > 0.80) as well as between yield and K/protein content were recorded. Despite a significant decrease in yield, protein, and K, Fe, Cu, and Mn contents in the third crop cycle, compared to the first one, 50 g of wall rocket biofortified with Se/I may provide up to 100% of the Se adequate consumption level, 34.3% of I, 9% of K, 24% of Fe, and 17.7% Ca. The results of the present research confirm the high efficiency of Se/I supply to produce D. tenuifolia leaves as a new functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dandelion (Taraxacum sect. Taraxacum, also referred to as Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wiggers coll.), a collective species of perennial herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family, is commonly considered weed; however, in the traditional societies of Central-Eastern Europe, it is a source of food and medicinal raw materials. The growing interest in the medicinal properties of herbal raw materials of dandelion encouraged us to focus on their use in the traditional folk medicine of Central-Eastern European communities. Aim: The hypothesis of the present study suggests that Taraxacum sect. Taraxacum (dandelion), which is widespread throughout Central-Eastern Europe and easily identifiable, has had notable applications in ethnopharmacology. The study aims to examine the medicinal properties of this species, focusing on its traditional uses in folk medicine across the region. The resulting data may serve as a valuable resource for contemporary pharmacognosy research. Methods: The analysis was based on publications dated from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st century, mainly from Poland. In addition, the study includes publications on contemporary Belarus, Ukraine, and European Russia. Results: The research showed that dandelion provided many medicinal raw materials, but the available literature did not mention the use of the herb's root, a raw material popular in contemporary natural medicine. During the period analysed, an increase in the types of raw materials was observed, and the order in which they appeared in the sources was as follows: latex > root = leaf = inflorescence > herb > herb with flowers. Additionally, a review of the literature indicated that the number of conditions under which they were used increased during the investigation period. The variety of ways to prepare the raw material is noteworthy; fresh and dried raw materials were used to make extracts, tinctures, decoctions, infusions, wrap compresses, syrups, and even wine or coffee substitutes. The mentioned preparations were prepared individually for particular ailments. Conclusions: The vast experience of rural communities in Central-Eastern Europe concerning the medicinal applications of common dandelion has developed through centuries. The experience of rural communities may influence the direction of further phytochemical and pharmacological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) incidence rates in cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi, focusing on the roots and stems over a 15-day period after sowing. Seeds were inoculated with Xcc, and infection levels were monitored using confocal microscopy combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Significant differences in incidence rates were observed across the 15 days using a scale from 0 to 5 (0–100% incidence). Kale exhibited the highest mean incidence rates in roots (3.64), while cabbage and kohlrabi showed greater variability (3.4–3.44). Stem infections were more severe, with kale showing the highest mean levels (4.16), followed by kohlrabi (4.0), and cabbage (3.68). In cabbage roots, incidence rates increased until day 11, after which a significant decline was noted, whereas stem Xcc incidence rates remained stable. Kale roots peaked on day 9, with significant fluctuations on days 13 and 15. Kohlrabi displayed moderate, stable root incidence rates over the 15-day period. In stems, kohlrabi showed a significant increase on day 11, followed by a drop on day 15. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive linear correlation between incidence rate and days of observation in kohlrabi roots. However, no significant trends were observed in stem infections across all species, where incidence rates were high and stable from day 7 onwards. Newly acquired data indicate that the incidence rate of Xcc development depends on the type of vegetable. However, the bacterial occurrence in the root parts does not always correspond with the intensity of Xcc colonization in the stem section of the plants. Even at lower levels of Xcc occurrence in the roots, damage to the vascular bundles can be fatal. These findings offer valuable insights into Xcc infection dynamics, contributing to improved disease management strategies for Brassica crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the characteristics of the species Ganoderma lucidum in terms of health-promoting properties. This species is rare in Poland, and is subject to strict protection. Reishi is classified as a medicinal mushroom which fruiting bodies are characterized by a content of active substances with diverse positive effects on human health. G. lucidum is particularly rich source of bioactive compounds, which are obtained from fruiting bodies, mycelium and spores of this species. The therapeutic effect of G. lucidum extracts has been demonstrated in many scientific studies. The most important pharmacological and physiological effects include: immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-atherosclerosis, antidiabetic and anti-aging. Reishi has also a beneficial effect on liver cells and the cardiovascular system and protects in case of stomach ulcers. Due to its properties G. lucidum can be used in the prevention and treatment of life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, stroke and heart diseases.

Engineered TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are broadly produced and utilized in various consumer products. However, plant uptake of NPs may lead to disruptions in physiological and metabolic processes, particularly when the plant's defense mechanisms are overwhelmed. In this study, sweet pepper seedlings were exposed to TiO2-NPs via foliar (2.5% suspension) and root (0.5% suspension) methods, with plants treated with distilled water serving as controls. Results showed that foliar application caused higher accumulation of Ti in leaves as compared to stems, while root exposure led to a higher increase of Ti content in stems than in leaves. Additionally, foliar application led to alterations in chemical composition of the plants, including changes in malondialdehyde (MDA), L-ascorbic acid, total phenolics content, carotenoids, in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and antioxidant enzymes activity. Root exposure also affected enzyme activity and TAC, but also altered H2O2, MDA and glutathione content. Chlorophylls remained at stable level in the leaves of the seedlings. Overall, these studies provide important information on plant-nanoparticle interactions and the potential effects of different nanoparticle application strategies. These data indicate also that the specific nanoparticles, applied at a controlled manner, have potential to boost the plant metabolism and improve stress tolerance, which is an important factor affecting crops' quality and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out in 1999-2001 at the University of Agriculture in Krakow (Poland) to study the capacity of nine crops (red beet, field pumpkin, chicory, bean, barley, white cabbage, maize, alfalfa, and parsnip) to remove cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) from different soil horizons (0-20, 20-40, 40-60 cm). The content of exchangeable Cd, Pb, and Zn decreased along with the depth in the soil profile. Red beet cultivation reduced the exchangeable Cd content in the soil by 10.3% and by 8.6% in field pumpkin, barley and maize cultivation in the 0-20 cm horizon. White cabbage and maize decreased Cd in the 20-40 cm horizon by 40.0 and 28.8%, respectively. White cabbage was found to be the most effective in removing Pb from the soil profile. Common bean, maize, and alfalfa reduced exchangeable Pb in two upper horizons of the soil: 0-20 and 20-40 cm. After field pumpkin cultivation, the decrease in Pb contamination in the 0-20 cm horizon was 7.4%. White cabbage and chicory reduced exchangeable Zn content in the surface horizon by 21.5 and 14.1%, respectively. According to their efficiency in metal reduction, maize and red beet may be indicated as potential removers of Cd, cabbage and field pumpkin, of Pb, and cabbage, of Zn.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of spraying with Aminoplant on the yield of two spinach cultivars in the spring and autumn cultivations. The experiment was carried out in 2008 and 2009 in the experimental station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. Three factors were taken into consideration: (1) cultivar: ‘Rembrandt F1’ and ‘Spiros F1’; (2) time of cultivation: spring and autumn; (3) dose of Aminoplant: control (without Aminoplant), 1.5 dm3 ha-1 and 3.0 dm3 ha-1. The spinach yield was dependent on the time of production and cultivar type, and ranged between 18.6-44.8 t ha-1. Both cultivars yielded better in autumn cultivation. Spraying with Aminoplant had no effect on spinach yield. Dry matter content in spinach leaves was between 6.3-11.2 g 100 g-1. Spinach grown in the autumn had a greater content of dry matter in comparison to the spring cultivation. In 2009, ‘Rembrant F1’ was characterized by greater dry matter content than ‘Spiros F1’. Aminoplant in a dose of 3.0 dm3 ha-1 lowered dry matter content in spinach leaves as compared to the control. The nitrate content in spinach was differentiated (558-3506 mg NO3 kg-1 f.m.) and depended on the time of cultivation, the cultivar, and the Aminoplant dose.

The aim of the investigations was to determine the best method of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) pruning in greenhouse production. The investigations were carried out in 1999 - 2001 in the experimental greenhouse of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. The ‘Tania F1’ hybrid was used in the early spring-summer production in a heated greenhouse. Plants were pruned to one or two shoots. In the case of two-shoot plants, the second shoot was led out from the first, third, sixth and ninth node. The intense pruning positively affected the PAR conditions in the plant profile. The most effective fruit setting was observed in the intensely pruned plants. The greatest number of fruits was set at the lowest nodes. Pruning affected the total but not marketable yield of fruits. Two-shoot plants with the second shoot led out from the sixth node produced the greatest fruits, both in early and total yield. A high level of reducing sugar was found in the fruits of moderately pruned plants. Fruits of two-shoot plants with the second shoot led out from the sixth node and pruned to one shoot contained the greatest level of L-ascorbic acid. The greatest levels of reducing sugar and starch were found in the leaves of moderately pruned plants, having the best PAR conditions. The method of pruning slightly affected the level of pigments in the eggplant leaves.