bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finding of coagulase negative staphylococci in the herd with an increased number of somatic cells in milk and their antimicrobial susceptibility
Authors: Katic Vera , Rajic-Savic Natasa
Published: August 2013

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are generally considered to be
opportunistic pathogens. Controlling CNS mastitis is difficult because the
epidemiology is not clear, and the CNS group consists of about 40 different
Staphylococcus species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the
prevalence of coagulasenegative staphylococci in milk of the cows with
subclinical mastitis, as well as to determine different CNS species isolated
from quarter milk samples for their susceptibility to antimicrobials used
commonly for mastitis therapy. On the farm where there was found an increase
of somatic cells in bulk milk, 112 dairy cows were examined by mastitis test.
From 52 udder quarters where mastitis test showed an increase of somatic
cells, milk samples were taken for bacteriological examination. For isolating
the causes of mastitis there was used blood agar. Identification of the
causative agents of mastitis was carried out on the basis of colony
appearance on blood agar and their physiological characteristics.
Coagulasepositive staphylococci sensitivity which cause mastitis was tested
by Kirby Bauer method. For susceptibility testing there were used
commercially produced discs containing: 10 IU penicillin,
amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (20 +10 ?g), cloxacillin 25 ?g, 30 ?g
amoxicillin, cephalexin 30 ?g, ceftiofur 30 ?g, 15 ?g lincomycin, gentamicin
and tetracycline 30 ?g. The sensitivity of microorganisms was evaluated on
the basis of inhibition zone diameter recommended by the manufacturer and was
labeled as sensitive (S) moderately sensitive (I) or resistant (R).
Coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from 61.53% of samples from
cows with subclinical mastitis, making them the most common cause of
subclinical mastitis. The highest resistance of coagulase-negative
staphylococci was found to penicillin G (58.33% of isolates). Full
sensitivity of coagulase-negative staphylococci was found to amoxicillin /
clavulanic acid (100% of isolates), a good sensitivity to ceftiofur (83.33%
of isolates), cefalexin (70.83% of isolates) and ceftriaxone (41.66% of
isolates).
Distribution and transmission tendency of trichinellosis in wild boars (Sus scrofa) at the territory of Serbia
Authors: Mirilovic Milorad , Teodorovic Vlado , Savkovic Nenad , Tesic Milan , Dimitrijevic Mirjana , Popovic Zoran , Spegar Vladimir
Published: August 2013

Trichinellosis (trichinellosis) is a disease common for both people and
animals, which was mentioned in even some several centuries old notes. As
well as domestic pigs, wild boars, being omnivores and the animals that
broadly cover the territory of Serbia, could definitely be considered as one
of possible trichinellosis indicators, and that is the main reason for
starting this investigation with the objective to perceive the level of
infection of wild boars in different hunting areas at the territory of the
Republic of Serbia. In this work it is presented the distibution of T.
spiralis in wild boars at the territory of Serbia in the period from 2006. to
2010. Besides the distribution of trichinellosis in wild boars, we have also
calculated the tendency of changing in the number of infected wild boars at
the territories of different hunting associations, in the period from 2006.
to 2010. The distribution of T. spiralis in shot wild boars showed that
trichinellosis appeared at the total of 24 hunting associations territories
during the investigated period. Only at the territories of Pirot and
Dimitrivgrad hunting associations, there was diagnosed at least one case of
trichinellosis in shot wild boars in all five years. Out of the total of shot
and inspected wild boars (20.250) in 123 of them, there was diagnosed the
presence of T. spiralis infectious forms (0,61%). The greatest number (29) of
the infected wild boars was shot in 2007. By analysing the change in number
of positive wild boars in the interval from 2006. to 2010. it was found out
that there is a constant tendency of growth, namely 1,1 head of boar per
year. Change in number of trichinellosis wild boars by years of observation
is a second degree polynomial (Y=-0,6+17,81xi-2,79xi2) with correlation
coefficient of 0,69. On the basis of the obtained analysis, that were carried
out, it can be concluded that the occurence of trichinellosis is most
frequent in border areas towards Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Croatia and
Bosnia and Hercegovina.
Phenotypic and genetic analysis of carcass quality traits in pigs
Authors: Lukac Dragomir , Vidovic Vitomir , Strbac Ljuba , Punos Desanka , Visnjic Vladislav , Stupar Milanko , Dokmanovic Marija
Published: August 2013

The study of genetic quality traits included 284 randomly selected pig
carcasses, derived from Landrace (96), Yorkshire (92) and Hampshire (96).
Carcasses dissection was carried out by the model of EU 1992. With the
average pig weight of 103 kg, the highest percentage of muscle with the
smallest proportion of fat tissue was found in the neck (72.48 or 11.43%),
all pig breeds, while in the abdominal rib part there was determined most fat
tissue (36.19%), and the least muscle tissue was found in the back (55.94%).
Also, the largest proportion of bones was found in the back and neck (15.82
or 15.64%) and lowest in the shoulder (9.92%). The largest share of muscle
tissue was determined in the ham, followed by shoulder, abdominal rib part,
back and finally neck. Most fat tissue was found in the ham, followed by
abdominal rib part of the rib, back, shoulder and neck. The share of bones is
greatest in the back and ham, followed by abdominal rib part, and shoulder
and neck. Comparing the proportion of muscle tissue in the carcasses within
the breeds, no statistically significant differences in the percentage of
meat between two fertile breeds (Landrace and Yorkshire) was found, while
there was statistically significant difference between the two fertile breeds
and terminal Hampshire breed. On the other hand the influence of breed was
highly significant on share of bones in the carcass, muscle tissue in the
neck, bones in the ham, muscle tissue and bones in the abdominal rib part and
shoulder, while it was of no importance on the share of fat tissue in the
back, fat tissue and bones in the neck, muscle tissue in the ham, fat tissue
in the abdominal rib part and shoulder. Breed had a highly significant impact
on the amount of meat and bones in the carcasses. Because of the large
influence breed on the tested quality traits, as well as the set selection
criteria, the influence of breed is important. In other words, it is possible
by proper selection, that is, in pure breed, to increase meat contents and
reduce intramuscular fat in pig carcasses. Additive genes share, measured by
heritability and repeatability coefficients, align the given qualities in
medium and high genetic. The genetic variability is stabile and clear so it
makes the guidance of genetic changes in desired direction justified.
Assessment of pig carcass meatiness in Serbia
Authors: Dokmanovic Marija , Tesic Milan , Teodorovic Vlado , Karabasil Nedjeljko , Markovic Radmila , Todorovic Milica , Djuric Jelena
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to determine lean meat content in pigs from
different farms and smallholdings, which were slaughtered in one abbatoir in
Serbia. In Serbia one third of the total number of pigs is slaughtered in
slaughterhouses and two thirds in rural households. Results of this
examination carried out on 12 523 slaughtered pigs from 9 farms and
smallholdings showed that lean meat content in farm pigs ranged from 51.16?
4.31% to 53.27?2.94%. The average quantity of meat in farm pig carcasses was
52.29? 2.04%. The average lean meat percentage of pig carcasses from
smallholdings was 48.99?4.85 %. All farm pig carcasses were classified on the
basis of meatiness into class U (50.0-54.9% of lean meat content) while pig
carcasses from smallholdings were graded as class R (the percentage of meat
ranging from 45.0-49.9). Data about lean meat content of pig carcasses in
Serbia have not been published during the past twenty years, because lean
meat percentage has not been determined. Today, only three abattoirs in
Serbia determine lean meat percentage and pay pig producers according to
meatiness.
Useful and harmful effects of nitric oxide
Authors: Jovic Slavoljub , Stevanovic Jelka , Borozan Suncica , Dimitrijevic Blagoje , Fister Svetlana , Aleksic Jelena
Published: August 2013

In living sistems synthesis of nitric oxide occurs during metabolism from
Larginin, nitrite and ascorbate. Being very significant carrier of
information within numerous both physiological and pathological proceses in
mammals' organisms, nitric oxid could possibly be useful as well as harmful.
Nitric oxide synthesis is adjuvant in a healthy organism because it
represents the basic molecule for understanding numerous processes in
neurology, psychology, immunology and varios related fields. In other words,
nitric oxide participate in number of physiological processes, such as:
transmission of nerve signals (neurotransmitter role), regulation of smooth
muscle tissue relaxation (eg. vasodilatation), peristaltic movements,
immunomodulation, mastocyte activation, development of inflammatory response,
apoptosis regulation, angiogenesis and glucose metabolism, normal heart
functioning and antioxidation role. Besides being useful, nitric oxide can be
harmful as well, because it has one unpaired electron, so consequently it is
susceptible to oxidation becoming a stable free radical. Being such, it
reacts quickly with superoxide-anion radical, givind at first an extremely
reactive peroxinitrite anion, and subsequently peroxidnitrite acid. This acid
is very dangerous causing thiol groups oxidation, tyrosine and phenylalanine
nitrosylation, lipid oxidation, DNK chain splitting, nitrification and
nucleic bases deamination. These damages of macromolecules can cause a series
of undesirable changes which subsequently distub functions of molecules, and
thus of cells, tissues and even organs.
Analysis of poultry meat production volume in Serbia from 1984. to 2009
Authors: Glamoclija Natasa , Drljacic Aleksandar , Mirilovic Milorad , Markovic Radmila , Ivanovic Jelena , Loncina Jasna , Baltic Milan
Published: August 2013

Poultry meat production has doubled in past 40 years in the world, with the
tendency of constant growth, and its production volume exceeds beef, but is
behind pork production. For poultry meat production it is typical that its
annual increase exceeds pork as well as beef production. The biggest
producers of poultry meat are Asia, North and South America and Europe. The
most significant category of poultry is meat of young chicken (broilers).
Cobb, Ross and Hubbard broiler provenance are most common in Serbia. The
objective of this investigation was to analyse poultry meat production volume
in Serbia, observed during three six-years periods - A (1984-1989), B
(1994-1999) i C (2004-2009). For data processing there were used the data
obtained from Statistical Yearbooks of Serbia from 1984. to 2009. It was
found out that average poultry meat production in period A was 108,33 ? 7,00
thousand tonnes, than it statistically significantly decreased and in period
B it was 76,67?5,54 thousand tonnes, and finally in period C it was 72,17?
5,78 thousand tonnes.
A molecular genetic approach to roebuck individual identification in the case of poaching in Serbia
Authors: Dimitrijevic Vladimir , Trailovic Ruzica , Petrujkic Branko , Savic Mila , Simeunovic Predrag , Stevanovic Jevrosima , Stanimirovic Zoran
Published: August 2013

Application of the molecular genetic methods in forensic cases dealing with
wild animals has significantly increased recently. These techniques are
practically used in order to help solving four key problems : determination
of kind of the wild animal, geographic origin, kinship ties and individual
identification. In this work the first case of introducing the examination of
polimorphism of microsatelite genetic markers within forensic analysis in the
cases of poaching in Serbia is presented. The objectives of this forensic
analysis was to determine if the meat confiscated during house search of the
suspect comes from roebuck origin (Capreolus capreolus), which remains had
been found by a game warden in the field during closed season, where the
suspect denied the offense, claiming that the meat comes from other roebuck
that had been shot during the previous hunting season. DNK was isolated from
the skin and fur samples taken from the roebuck corpse found in the woods, as
well as from the frozen meat found in the suspect?s house. Both amplification
and polimorphism examination of the eight microsatelite markers (ROE01,
NVHRT21, NVHRT24, NVHRT48, NVHRT73, RT7 AND RT27) were carried out. In all
the examined samples, the same pattern of variability of the tested
microsatelites was determined, that is it was proved that DNK profiles of the
samples taken from roebuck corpse were identical to DNK profile of the meat
sample found in the suspect?s house. This result clearly indicates that all
the examined biological samples originate from the same animal, and
consequently represents forensically valid evidence in the case of roebuck
poaching.
China's Top-up Policy and the Role of Community College-Like Institutions in Educational Expansion
Authors: Fleishman Shannon S. , Luo Yuan
Published: August 2013

The two-year community college model has historically been a uniquely US phenomenon. Increasingly, however, this model and adaptations of it are growing internationally, both through partnerships with community colleges in the United States and as adaptations to existing postsecondary vocational-education systems in developing countries. In this study, the authors look at higher education in China, and more specifically at ‘higher professional and technical colleges' or HPTCs ( gaodeng zhiye jishu xueyuan or gaozhi). HPTCs are the sector of Chinese higher education most closely resembling the traditional community college model. The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a change in thinking about HPTCs, from terminal institutions aimed at imparting high-level specialized technical and management skills to institutions incorporating both academic and vocational purposes, and serving as a pathway to the country's more elite senior colleges and universities. More recently, however, contractions in China's top-up policy (i.e. a policy aimed at using the HPTC sector as a bridge to the university sector) reflect a return to more bifurcated thinking about the relationship between the non-university and university sectors. The authors explore these policy shifts and find (unsurprisingly) that the HPTC sector is highly sensitive to top-up policy changes. Surprisingly, however, the authors find that the university sector is also impacted, though in less expected ways.
Voice from the Field: Examining the Role of Foreign Language Teaching in the Community College
Authors: Jurisevic Dallas R.
Published: August 2013

There is a growing number of students enrolling in community colleges in the United States. Many of these students are looking to transfer credits earned from the community college to four-year institutions, while others are simply looking to enter into the skilled workforce. With the increase in general enrollment and the demand for more globalized citizenry, the result has been an increase in the number of students in foreign-language classes. There has been limited research on the increasing role that community colleges are taking in regards to foreign-language teaching in the community college. This paper reviews existing research in the role of community colleges in foreign-language teaching.
Identification of HKDC1 and BACE2 as Genes Influencing Glycemic Traits During Pregnancy Through Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Hayes M. Geoffrey , Urbanek Margrit , Hivert Marie-France , Armstrong Loren L. , Morrison Jean , Guo Cong , Lowe Lynn P. , Scheftner Douglas A. , Pluzhnikov Anna , Levine David M. , McHugh Caitlin P. , Ackerman Christine M. , Bouchard Luigi , Brisson Diane , Layden Brian T. , Mirel Daniel , Doheny Kimberly F. , Leya Marysa V. , Lown-Hecht Rachel N. , Dyer Alan R. , Metzger Boyd E. , Reddy Timothy E. , Cox Nancy J. , Lowe William L. ,   for the HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group
Published: August 2013

Maternal metabolism during pregnancy impacts the developing fetus, affecting offspring birth weight and adiposity. This has important implications for metabolic health later in life (e.g., offspring of mothers with pre-existing or gestational diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of metabolic disorders in childhood). To identify genetic loci associated with measures of maternal metabolism obtained during an oral glucose tolerance test at ∼28 weeks’ gestation, we performed a genome-wide association study of 4,437 pregnant mothers of European (n = 1,367), Thai (n = 1,178), Afro-Caribbean (n = 1,075), and Hispanic (n = 817) ancestry, along with replication of top signals in three additional European ancestry cohorts. In addition to identifying associations with genes previously implicated with measures of glucose metabolism in nonpregnant populations, we identified two novel genome-wide significant associations: 2-h plasma glucose and HKDC1, and fasting C-peptide and BACE2. These results suggest that the genetic architecture underlying glucose metabolism may differ, in part, in pregnancy.
Autosomal Dominant Diabetes Arising From a Wolfram Syndrome 1 Mutation
Authors: Bonnycastle Lori L. , Chines Peter S. , Hara Takashi , Huyghe Jeroen R. , Swift Amy J. , Heikinheimo Pirkko , Mahadevan Jana , Peltonen Sirkku , Huopio Hanna , Nuutila Pirjo , Narisu Narisu , Goldfeder Rachel L. , Stitzel Michael L. , Lu Simin , Boehnke Michael , Urano Fumihiko , Collins Francis S. , Laakso Markku
Published: August 2013

We used an unbiased genome-wide approach to identify exonic variants segregating with diabetes in a multigenerational Finnish family. At least eight members of this family presented with diabetes with age of diagnosis ranging from 18 to 51 years and a pattern suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance. We sequenced the exomes of four affected members of this family and performed follow-up genotyping of additional affected and unaffected family members. We uncovered a novel nonsynonymous variant (p.Trp314Arg) in the Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) gene that segregates completely with the diabetic phenotype. Multipoint parametric linkage analysis with 13 members of this family identified a single linkage signal with maximum logarithm of odds score 3.01 at 4p16.2-p16.1, corresponding to a region harboring the WFS1 locus. Functional studies demonstrate a role for this variant in endoplasmic reticulum stress, which is consistent with the β-cell failure phenotype seen in mutation carriers. This represents the first compelling report of a mutation in WFS1 associated with dominantly inherited nonsyndromic adult-onset diabetes.
Experiment investigation on microstructure and mechanical properties of TC17 titanium alloy treated by laser shock peening with different laser fluence
Authors: Nie Xiangfan , He Weifeng , Li QiPeng , Long Nidong , Chai Yan
Published: August 2013

In this paper, microstructure, microhardness, and residual stress of TC17 titanium alloy treated by laser shock peening (LSP) with different laser fluence were examined and compared by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, microhardness test, and residual stress test. The results of microstructure point out that microstrains and grain-refinement are generated in the material surface layer which is a severe plastic deformation layer. In relation to the microhardness and residual stress, the results indicate that LSP can obviously improve the hardness and introduce a great compressive residual stress which also has a good thermal stability.
Ablation and cutting of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics using picosecond pulsed laser radiation with high average power
Authors: Finger J. , Weinand M. , Wortmann D.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, processing of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) using ps pulsed laser radiation with an average power of up to 80 W is investigated. The influence of average power, scanning speed, and repetition rate on the ablation rate and the width of heat affected zone is evaluated and discussed. Processing with a heat affected zone smaller than 5 μm and ablation rates of almost 100 mm3/min are achieved. Finally, precise cutting of 2 mm thick CFRP samples by repetitive ablation of a 350 μm groove with negligible heat affected zone is demonstrated.
Factors Affecting Ultrasound Intramuscular Fat Content in Musculus Longissimus Dorsi of Beef Bulls Estimated with Bia Pro Plus Software / Czynniki wpływające na ultrasonograficzną ocenę udziału tłuszczu śródmięśniowego mięśnia najdłuższego grzbietu buhajów mięsnych
Authors: Newlacil Irmina , Demkowicz Monika , Paczyńska Katarzyna , Kuropka Piotr , Szulc Tadeusz
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of ultrasound gain level, chemical composition and histological structure of musculus longissimus dorsi on pre-slaughter ultrasound evaluation of intramuscular fat content in m.l.d. of beef bulls. The study was conducted on 217 young bulls of six breeds: Red Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Salers, and beef type Simmental. Measurements were conducted with an ultrasound system Aloka SSD-500 at five gain levels (90, 85, 80, 75, 70). After slaughter the content of intramuscular fat, total protein, connective tissue and muscle fibre type and diameter of m.l.d. were determined. Ultrasound evaluation of the intramuscular fat depended on the actual intramuscular fat and the total protein content (P<0.01) in most of the measurements. The correlation between actual and ultrasound measurement of intramuscular fat content ranged from 0.2 to 0.36, and was highly significant for most of the ultrasound gain levels. There were highly significant (P<0.01) and significant (P<0.05) negative correlations between the total protein and ultrasound fat content (r = -0.17 to -0.31). The connective tissue percentage showed a significant effect on the ultrasound fat measurements at gains of 75 and 85. Ultrasound intramuscular fat content was positively correlated with the connective tissue in the m.l.d. at gain levels of 75 and 85 and the average ultrasound intramuscular fat measurement (r = 0.16, 0.20, 0.16). Highly significant and significant correlations between each ultrasound measurement were observed.
Assessment of in Vitro Developmental Capacity of Porcine Nuclear-Transferred Embryos Reconstituted with Cumulus Oophorus Cells Undergoing Vital Diagnostics for Apoptosis Detection / Ocena zdolności rozwojowych in vitro klonalnych zarodków świni rekonstytuowanych z jąder komórek wzgórka jajonośnego poddawanych przyżyciowej diagnostyce w kierunku wykrywania apoptozy
Authors: Samiec Marcin , Skrzyszowska Maria
Published: August 2013

The objective of the current investigation was to extensively compare the in vitro developmental capabilities between cloned pig embryos reconstructed with the cell nuclei of either cumulus oophorus cells or adult dermal fibroblast cells that were both evaluated as non-apoptotic on the basis of YO-PRO-1- and Annexin V-eGFP-mediated vital analysis for programmed cell suicide. In Group I, the competences of nuclear-transferred (NT) embryos that were derived from non-apoptotic/ non-necrotic (i.e., YO-PRO-1- and Annexin V-eGFP-negative) cumulus cells to complete their development to the morula and blastocyst stages were maintained at the proportions of 155/364 (42.6%) and 54/364 (14.8%), respectively. In Group II, NT embryos that were reconstituted with non-apoptotic and/or non-necrotic adult cutaneous fibroblast cells developed to the morula and blastocyst stages at the rates of 207/358 (57.8%) and 110/358 (30.7%), respectively. Although the in vitro developmental potential of porcine NT embryos derived from non-apoptotic/non-necrotic cumulus cells was significantly lower (P<0.001) than that of NT embryos reconstructed with adult dermal fibroblast cells, the obtained morula/blastocyst formation rates turned out to be considerably higher as compared to the rates reported by other investigators. Altogether, to our knowledge, the comprehensive research aimed at the determination of preimplantation developmental outcomes of cloned pig embryos produced using nuclear donor somatic cells of different provenance (cumulus oophorus cells or adult cutaneous fibroblast cells) that were vitally diagnosed for the lack of proapoptotic transformations in their plasma membranes has not yet been accomplished.
Synovial Fluid MMP-2 and MMP-9 Levels in Internal or External Fixation for Intra-Articular Fractures / Poziom MMP-2 i MMP-9 w mazi stawowej przy wewnętrznym i zewnętrznym zespoleniu po złamaniach wewnątrzstawowych
Authors: Tsai Kunyang , Pead Matthew J.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether internal fixation or external skeletal fixation (ESF) results in better “joint health” following traumatic injury to the stifle by assessing lameness and measuring matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and MMP-9. Dogs with skin grafts and transarticular ESFs were included in group A. Dogs with intra-articular fractures of the distal femur were randomly divided into groups B and C, and treated with either internal or ESF, respectively. Dogs in group D had diaphyseal tibial fractures treated with ESF. Synovial fluid samples were collected pre-operatively and again 7 days and 30 days postoperatively to measure MMP-2 and -9 levels via zymography. Preoperative MMP-9 levels were higher in groups B and C than A and D. Over time, MMP-2 levels increased in groups A-C, and MMP-9 levels significantly decreased in groups B and C by 30 days postoperatively. ESF appears superior to internal fixation for repair of intra-articular fractures of the distal femur, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 could serve as markers of either fracture healing or overall joint health, particularly in the setting of PTOA.
The effect of rootstock on the growth and yielding of ‘Regina’ cherry trees
Authors: Wociór Stanisław
Published: August 2013

The studies conducted in the years 2004 - 2006 in a production orchard in the habitat conditions of the Wyżyna Sandomierska showed that the trees budded on Mazzard seedling grew more strongly than on Colt rootstock. No significant differences were observed between the rootstocks as for the trunk thickness and the crown size of young trees planted in 2001. In the group of trees planted in 1996, which were in the period of full fruiting, the crowns of trees budded on Mazzard seedling were significantly bigger than on Colt rootstock. No significant differences were found in the yielding of trees grafted on Mazzard seedling and Colt rootstock. Considerable differences in the yielding between the studied years in the group of older trees point to a big influence of the weather on the fruiting of cherry. A significant decrease of the yield in 2005 was caused by spring ground frost, while in 2006 by frozen short shoots in winter. ‘Regina’ is a valuable cultivar for production planting in the Wyżyna Sandomierska. It begins the fruiting period late (the first commercial yield in the fifth year after planting); however, it gives attractive fruits, resistant to cracking in the rain. ‘Regina’ yielded abundantly on both examined rootstocks.
The kind of pollination and ability to parthenocarpy of pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.)
Authors: Kowalczyk Katarzyna
Published: August 2013

The objective of the research was to assess a grade of parthenocarpic fruit and fruitsetting following cross-pollination and self-pollination in pepino plants (Solanum muricatum Ait.). An experiment with six pepino clones of different origin was set up in glasshouse conditions. Experimental clones were subjected to the following treatments: self-pollination, cross-pollination, and emasculation without any control. The tested clones of pepino were self-pollinated, capable of cross pollination and facultative parthenocarpic. The differences between clones in their ability to parthenocarpic fruit formation were observed. The ripening period of pepino fruits and their weight depended on a clone.
Employment of encapsulation-dehydration method for liquid nitrogen cryopreservation of ornamental plant explants propagated in vitro
Authors: Pawłowska Bożena
Published: August 2013

In the present studies, an attempt has been made to develop a method of liquid nitrogen preservation of plant explants propagated in vitro in the laboratory of the Department of Ornamental Plants, of Agricultural University in Kraków: shoot apical and axillary meristems of Rosa ‘New Dawn’, somatic embryos of snowdrops Galanthus nivalis L. and G. elwesii Hook, and gametophyte of Phlebodium aureum (L.) J. Sm. (golden polypody). After encapsulation of plant material, it was dehydrated by quick method (capsules were placed in liquid media containing 0.75 M sucrose for 18 h) or by gradual method (capsules were transferred to liquid solutions of media with increasing sucrose concentrations from 0.3 M to 1 M for consecutive 7 days). Moreover, some explants for cryopreservation were treated with the medium containing elevated sucrose level (0.25 M) for 8 weeks
Studies on the sensitivity of some species and cultivars of lawn grasses on salinity with sodium chloride during the seed germination and first year of growth
Authors: Borowski Edward
Published: August 2013

In the years 2005 - 2006 studies were conducted in a growth chamber and a vegetation hall which compared tolerance to NaCl salinity of seeds and plants of some lawn grasses. The effect of sodium chloride salinity on the germination of 4 species of grasses i.e. Lolium perenne cv. ‘Info’, Festuca rubra cv. ‘Audio’, Agrostis capillaris cv. ‘Niwa’, Poa pratensis cv. ‘Alicja’ and 4 cultivars of Lolium prenne - ‘Nira’, ‘Stadion’, ‘Ronija’, ‘Darius’ was studied. The grass seeds germinated in Petri dishes, in darkness, at the temperature of 24°C. Besides the control, 3 levels of salinity were used in the studies: 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl. The obtained results demonstrated that the growing level of salinity in the environment significantly decreased the germinating speed, the number of the produced roots, the length of the longest root, and the length of the coleoptile in the seedlings of all studied grass species. Lolium perenne seeds tolerated salinity the best, and next - in a diminishing sequence - those were the seeds of Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris and Poa pratensis. However, the obtained data showed that tolerance to salinity of the analyzed cultivars of Lolium prenne decreased in the following sequence ‘Ronija’ > ‘Stadion’ > ‘Nira’ > ‘Darius’.

In a vegetation hall tolerance to NaCl salinity of these 4 cultivars of Lolium perenne in the first year growth was compared. The plants grew in pots of 2 dm3 filled with a mixture of universal earth and river sand (3:1 / v:v) with the soil moisture of 70% and 3 levels of salinity: 0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl. The obtained results demonstrated that in all studied cultivars the increase of the salinity level caused a significant decrease of the yield of the leaf dry weight from the successive grass crops, and an increase of the content of sodium, chloride and free proline in them. The greatest tolerance to NaCl salinity in the group of the studied cultivars was shown by ‘Ronija’, medium tolerance - by ‘Darius’ and ‘Stadion’, and the lowest one - by ‘Nira’. This resulted from the degree of accumulation of Na+ and Cl- ions and proline in those conditions. The cultivars with higher tolerance accumulated fewer osmotically active compounds in the leaves.
Some nutritional constituents in bulbs of selected Allium cultivars
Authors: Leja Maria , Kołton Anna , Kamińska Iwona , Wyżgolik Gabriela , Matuszak Wojciech
Published: August 2013

Two years experiment was carried out to compare the nutritional composition in bulbs of ten onion cultivars grown in the field conditions. Pyruvic acid, ascorbic acid and soluble sugars were determined in the edible part of onion bulbs. In most cultivars the content of pyruvate as the pungency index was ranged between 3-7 μmol g-1 fresh weight (medium pungency), however, three of them exceeded 7 μmol g-1 fresh weight (high pungency). A higher level of pyruvate corresponded in most cases with higher sugar content but was not correlated with that of ascorbic acid.
The usefulness of chitosan and Pythium oligandrum in potato tuber protection against Helminthosporium solani
Authors: Kurzawińska Halina , Mazur Stanisław
Published: August 2013

The effect of tuber dressing and plant spraying with Biochikol 020 PC (B.A.S. chitosan) and with Polyversum bio-preparation (B.A.S. Pythium oligandrum) on the infestation of stored tubers by Helminthosporium solani was studied. Vitavax 2000 FS (B.A.S. karboxin and thiuram) was used as a standard fungicide. The effect of these preparations applied at three different concentrations on H. solani mycelium linear growth was investigated under in vitro conditions according to the Kowalik and Krechniak method (1961). The application of all tested preparations during potato vegetation resulted in both lower (in comparison to the control) mean infestation degree and lower percent of tubers infected by this pathogen. Results showed that all preparations inhibited H. solani mycelium linear growth.
Effect of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed viability on drying dynamics
Authors: Ratajczak Krzysztof , Hołubowicz Roman
Published: August 2013

‘Tina’ and ‘Libra’ cultivar seeds of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) beginning germination capacity of 98%, were subjected to artificial ageing. In the thermal chamber, they were twice treated for 72 hours at 45°C. After the treatment, the seeds had lower viability. They germinated at 12% and 0% for ‘Libra’ and ‘Tina’ cultivars, respectively. The dynamics and rate of seed drying were measured in samples with high and low viability. It was found that the seeds of both cultivars with high viability, expressed by high germination capacity, dried at a slower rate than ones with low viability. In the future, this method of estimating the drying rate could probably be used to test seeds with different degrees of viability.
The effect of bio-preparations on the infestation of tubers by Streptomyces spp.
Authors: Kurzawińska Halina , Stanisław Mazur
Published: August 2013

The effect of tuber dressing and plant spraying with Polyversum (B.A.S. Pythium oligandrum) and Biochikol 020 PC (B.A.S. chitosan) bio-preparations on the infestation of potatoe tubers by Streptomyces spp. was studied during the 2005-2007 years. The Vitavax 2000 FS (B.A.S. karboxin and thiuram) was used as a standard fungicide.

The results received from field experiments indicate that, during all years of study these preparations significantly reduced tubers infestation by Streptomyces spp. The Polyversum bio-preparation, which was applied to tuber dressing and sprayed on plants four times during vegetation period, showed the best protective effect against Streptomyces spp.
Effect of bulb size on selected morphological characteristics of seed stalks, seed yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) seeds
Authors: Morozowska Maria , Hołubowicz Roman
Published: August 2013

In the years 2002 − 2004 research was carried out on the effect of onion (Allium cepa L.) ‘Wolska’ bulb size on selected morphological characteristics of seed stalks, seed yield and quality. Commercial bulbs (vernalised, one-year-old mother bulbs) were divided into three groups: small, medium and large, with diameters of 4.2-5.3 cm, 5.4-6.3 cm and 6.4-8.5 cm, respectively. Then, the bulbs of each group were planted in the field and grown routinely with the purpose of producing seeds. The following characters were measured on the seed stalks: number and height of seed stalks grown out from one bulb, the seed stalks’ diameter at the height of 10 cm above the ground, the diameter of the inflorescence, seed yield from a single stalk and from the entire plant, the weight of 1000 seeds, number of seeds in 1 g, length and width of the seeds, length and width of the embryos, and germination energy and capacity. Our experiments showed a significant influence of bulb size on the number of seed stalks and the inflorescence diameter. It was discovered that the big bulbs gave larger numbers of seed stalks than the seed stalks grown from the medium and small ones. Small bulbs gave seed stalks with smaller inflorescences than the medium and large ones. The bulb size had no effect on the seed stalk height or their diameter when measured at the level of 10 cm above the ground. The bulb size also did not affect seed yield per one seed stalk, but it did affect the seed yield obtained from the entire plant, which was bigger for plants grown from large bulbs in comparison with the small ones. The size of the bulbs had no effect on either the weight of 1000 seeds or the number of seeds in 1 g. It did not affect either the seed and embryo length and width or the seed germination energy and capacity.
The effects of triacontanol ‘TRIA’ and Asahi SL on the development and metabolic activity of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants treated with chilling
Authors: Borowski Edward , Blamowski Zbyszek K.
Published: August 2013

In a potted experiment the influence of foliar application of triacontanol (TRIA) at the concentrations of 0.01; 0.10; 1.00 mg dm-3, and Asahi SL at the concentrations of 0.1; 0.2; 0.3% on the growth and yielding of plants was studied. Electrolyte leakage, water saturation deficit, contents of proline and chlorophyll a + b in leaves, as well as the maximum quantum efficiency of chlorophyll (Fv/Fm) and gas exchange in plants which were treated for five days in temperatures of 15/7°C (day/night) were also examined.

The achieved results showed that periodic chilling decreased the value of all the analysed parameters of the plants to a significant degree, with the exception of electrolyte leakage, water saturation deficit and proline content, whose values under these conditions increased. Triacontanol and Asahi SL favourably influenced both the plants treated and not treated with periodic chilling, but the effect of biostimulators on plants treated with chilling stress was clearly higher. The negative influence of chilling on the plants of Ocimum basilicum L. was decreased by TRIA in the concentration 0.10 mg dm-3, and by Asahi SL in the concentration of 0.2 and 0.3%.
The effect of calcium carbonate and top dressing with Peters Professional Special on the growth and flowering of Helleborus lividus Aiton
Authors: Henschke Monika , Szczepaniak Stanisława , Czuchaj Piotr , Kozik Elżbieta
Published: August 2013

For two years (2006 − 2007), seedlings and young plants of Helleborus lividus Aiton were grown in containers with a peat substrate, which was deacidified with calcium carbonate at the following doses: 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 g dm-3. The plants were divided into two groups in each variant of CaCO3 dosage, one fertilized with a solution of a lower (0.1%) and the other with a higher (0.3%) concentration of Peters Professional PL Special (15:11:29). Helleborus lividus growth in the first year of cultivation depended on the calcium carbonate dose. Taller plants, with a higher number of leaves, were produced using calcium carbonate at a dose of CaCO3 2.5-5.0 g dm-3. In the second year of cultivation good quality plants - taller, with higher numbers of leaves and shoots, were produced when grown in a substrate with 2.5-7.5 g CaCO3 per dm3. The application of solutions of various concentrations in top dressing did not have an effect on the growth of Helleborus lividus in the first year of cultivation, while in the second year taller plants, with more leaves as well as flowers and buds, were produced when applying a 0.3% fertilizer solution.
Effect of foliar feeding on yield and fruit quality of three melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars
Authors: Zaniewicz-Bajkowska Anna , Franczuk Jolanta , Kosterna Edyta
Published: August 2013

The effect of foliar feeding with two fluid multicomponent fertilizers was investigated: Florovit and Ekolist Warzywa + Urea on the yield and quality of three medium-fruit-size melon cultivars (‘Charentais F1’, ‘Melba’, ‘Fiesta’). Weather conditions in the consecutive years of the study had a significant influence on the yield level and quality of fruit. A higher yield of better quality was achieved in the years 2005 and 2007. That period was characterised by relatively high air temperature and low rainfall towards the end of the growing period of melon. The fertilizers applied in the experiment significantly influenced melon yielding. The plants fertilized with Ekolist Warzywa + Urea provided a higher marketable yield of melon fruit than the plants fertilized with Florovit. When applied, this fertilizer also caused an increase in flesh thickness and fruit flavour as compared with Florovit feeding. Foliar feeding with both studied patterns increased the average fruit weight and number of marketable fruit as compared to the non-fertilized treatment. Among the studied cultivars, ‘Fiesta’ gave the highest marketable yield and the best quality fruit.
Growth and yielding of peach and nectarine trees after intensive regenerative pruning
Authors: Radajewska Bożena , Szklarz Michał
Published: August 2013

Studies were carried out in the years 2006-2008 in Przybroda near Poznań. The objects of the studies included seven-year-old peach trees of the cultivars ‘Harnaś’, ‘Reliance’, ‘Vinegold’ and ‘Early Blaze’ nectarine. The trees were strongly damaged by frost during the winter of 2005/2006. In May 2006, intensive regenerative tree pruning was carried out. Two treatments were applied: 1. The control with no pruning treatment, where only sanitary pruning was performed; 2. Trees were pruned at the height of 1.5 m and the shoots, which were developing below that height line, were left not pruned. The pruning treatment caused the development of an abundant number of longshoots, which are valuable for fruiting, in the central part of the crowns, with a diameter greater than 0.5 cm in comparison with the control trees. In the second year after pruning, spring ground frost destroyed the flowers and fruit buds and only single fruits were harvested. In the third year after pruning, the trees bloomed very abundantly and set fruits, therefore thinning was necessary. The yield was high and in most cases, it was equal independent of the tree pruning method, giving up to 18-19 kg per tree. Differences occurred only between the particular cultivars where the yield oscillated between 11 and 25 kg per tree. The best yielding was shown by ‘Vinegold’ (over 24 kg), then ‘Harnaś’ (21 kg), while the poorest yield was obtained from ‘Reliance’ (about 11 kg).
Eco-friendly methods of reducing the consequences of winter maintenance in urban green areas
Authors: Bach Anna , Pawłowska Bożena , Pietrzak Małgorzata
Published: August 2013

Trees play a crucial role in the urban environment. They fulfil aesthetic, sociocultural, ecological, health-promoting and economic functions. Urban development and related human activity bring many risks to green areas within urban space. Plants are exposed to stress connected with water, soil and air pollution. Living space, harmful light and thermal conditions, drought, high density and changeable soil pH with excessive salinity are further disadvantages. European and Northern American cities have to cope with a serious danger of tree death. A leading cause is the use of de-icing chemicals in winter, particularly sodium chloride, applied due to its cost-effectiveness and availability. The paper describes traditional de-icing chemicals used in urban areas (NaCl, solid aggregates, CaCl2, MgCl sulphates MgSO4, (NH4)2SO4, urea alcohols and glycols isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, methanol) and newly developed sodium chloride substitutes (calcium magnesium acetate CMA), sodium formate and acetate NaFo/NaAc, potassium carbonate K2CO3). Moreover, prophylactic methods aimed at preventing the negative impact of de-icing campaigns, rules of planning and design of urban landscape, and reasonable management measures and pro-ecological modern technologies reducing and reversing the consequences of harmful actions are presented
Correlation between selected parameters of planting material and strawberry yield
Authors: Bartczak Marcin , Lisiecka Jolanta , Knaflewski Mikołaj
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fresh and dry weight, as well as the number and length of roots and number of crowns of different types of plants, on the yield of strawberry grown for the spring and autumn harvests. Three different types of frigo strawberry plants (waiting bed plants, plug plants, A+ plants) and two strawberry cultivars (‘Honeoye’ and ‘Elsanta’) were compared in the experiment. The plants were grown in polypropylene bags in an unheated glasshouse in the years 2002-2005. The correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the relationship of the strawberry plants’ parameters to the yield quantity. An analysis of regression for the plant parameters that most significantly correlated to the strawberry yield was carried out, which determined that the fresh and dry weight of the strawberry plants, crown number, as well as length of roots were positively correlated to the quantity of the strawberry yield. The highest positive correlation coefficient was found for the fresh weight of a whole plant and the lowest one for the number of roots.
Influence of lipoxygenase activity and calcium and potassium contents on bitter pit occurrence in commercial apple cultivars
Authors: Wińska-Krysiak Marzena , Łata Barbara
Published: August 2013

The content of calcium and potassium and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity as well as the expression of LOX encoding gene in the fruit of apple cultivars that are both susceptible and resistant to bitter pit were evaluated. Fruits were collected and analyzed after harvest in the 2004 growing season and again after four months of common cold storage. The main reason was the explanation of relationship between those LOX activity and K:Ca ratio on bitter pit occurrence during storage. The biggest differences between the tested cultivars were noted in LOX activity and Ca content, followed by K:Ca ratio and the lowest potassium content. The cultivars that were resistant and susceptible but without symptoms of bitter pit exhibited higher calcium content compared to cultivars with signs of bitter pit, and with a drop in LOX activity after storage. A negative correlation was found between LOX activity and Ca content and a positive correlation was found between K:Ca ratio and LOX activity.
Cultivar and seasonal variation in bioactive compounds of highbush blueberry fruits (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
Authors: Łata Barbara , Wińska-Krysiak Marzena
Published: August 2013

Seasonal and cultivar variations of the phenolic, thiol, and ascorbate compound contents as well as the antioxidative enzyme activity in six cultivars of highbush blueberry were investigated. Berries of the ‘Earlyblue’, ‘Patriot’, ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Duke’, ‘Darrow’ and ‘Lateblue’ cultivars were sampled in 2005 and 2006. Chlorogenic acid, (-)-epicatechins, and ascorbate contents and CAT activity were found to be at the lowest degree affected by growing season conditions. ‘Seasonal effect’ had, however, a huge impact on the GR activity, as well as L-cysteine and glutathione content, suggesting that the glutathione system was highly influenced through growing factors in blueberry fruit. Berries of ‘Earlyblue’ were the richest source of antioxidants, at the same time revealing their quite stable quantity over the examined years. The second highest in bioactive stability was ‘Duke’, classified as medium with respect to antioxidant content.