bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal contamination of spontaneous vegetation and soil around the copper smelter "Legnica"
Authors: Rebele Franz , Surma Anna , Kuznik Christian , Bornkamm Reinhard , Brej Teresa
Published: April 2013

The area around the copper smelter "Legnica" in western Poland is influenced by pollutants from the smelter for about 35 years. Ecosystems within a distance of 1-2 km from the smelting complex are heavily degradated. Copper levels of the upper soil layers averaged more than 15000 ppm, lead levels more than 2000 ppm (d.m. weight). Besides heavy metals, sulphur dioxide is one of the most important pollutants affecting plant growth. Only few plant species are able to grow on those highly contaminated sites. Vegetation patches within zones of bare ground without any vegetation are mainly dominated by Convolvulus arvensis, Agropyron repens, Calamagrostis epigeios or Sambucus nigra. Leaf metal contents of Artemisia vulgaris, a plant which is a good bioindicator and also very frequent around the copper smelter, ranged: 665-2340 ppm Cu (d.m. weight), 215-2301 ppm Zn, 189-1031 ppm Pb and 0.75-12.4 ppm Cd according to the distance and exposition to the pollution source.
Monthly variations of Oomycetes (zoosporic fungi) and aquatic Hypomycetes at Sohag (Upper Egypt)
Authors: Khallil A. M. , El-Hissy Farida T. , Abdel-Raheem A.
Published: April 2013

Fifty-eight fungal species related to twenty-six genera of Perenosporales and Saprolegniales (32 species, 7 genera, 671 colonies) and aquatic Hyphomycetes (26 species; 19 genera; 1038 colonies) were recovered from the surface water (zoosporic fungi) and submerged decaying leaves (aquatic Hyphomycetes) samples collected monthly (10 samples each month) during the period of experiment (18 months). The richest samples in either zoosporic fungi or aquatic Hyphomycetes were those of comparatively low or moderate temperature, high contents of organic matter and dissolved oxygen. The pH volue and the total soluble salts did not show any regular monthly variations and did not exhibit any considerable influence on fungal population. Achlya racemosa, Dictyuchus sterile (Saprolegniales) and Alatospora acuminata, Trisclophorus monosporus (aquatic Hyphomycetes) were the most prevalent species. Some fungal species showed their highest population in winter months whereas others in summer months. Moreover, some species were recovered throughout the year. One species of Saprolegniales (Isoachlya toruloides) and three species of aquatic Hyphomycetes (Exophiala jeanselmei, Flabellospora Sp. and Varicosporium delicatum) are new records to Egypt.
Intrapopulational variability of Pinus sylvestris L. from Piekielna Góra in respect to cone and needle traits
Authors: Bobowicz Maria A.
Published: April 2013

From 37 Scots pine trees in Piekielna Góra the two-year old cones were collected and studied in respect to 14 morphological traits including the setting angle. One-year old cones from the same trees were examined in respect to their setting angle only. The data obtained for two-year old cones were subject to a whole range of multivariate analytical methods, to detect variability between randomly selected trees. Discriminant analysis was performed, Mahalanobis distances between each pair of trees were calculated and their significance was estimated using the Hotelling T2 statistics. A minimum spanning tree was constructed on the basis of the shortest Mahalanobis distances while Euklidean distances served to perform cluster analysis. The randomly selected sample of Scots pine population did not show any internal, significantly differentiated groups and variability among the trees was low. Cone dimensions belonged to the most variable traits, but the ratio of cone length to cone width showed the lowest variability. The extensive similarity of the population to the other earlier examined populations of Pinus sylvestris L. from the Kłodzko District, and certain divergencies from the population are demonstrated.
The vanadate-sensitive ATPase from plasma membrane of maize roots
Authors: Pšenáková Tatiana , Kašiarová Slavomira
Published: April 2013

Plasma membrane vesicles isolated from corn roots were shown to possess Mg2+- dependent and K+ - stimulated ATPase activity, which was inhibited by vanadate, insensitive to nitrate and molybdate, and very little sensitive to azide. The optimum of phosphohydrolase activity was at pH 6.5 and temperature optimum 40oC. ATP was the preferred substrate. The Plasma membrane ATPase was reconstituted into soybean phospholipid liposomes.
Inquiring for a chance to obtain strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) dihaploids
Authors: Ciupka Barbara , Niemirowicz-Szczytt Katarzyna , Wyszomirska Izabela
Published: April 2013

The possibility of dihaploid development from tetrahaploid anthers in strawberry has been tested in culture. From the total number of 4635 anthers taken from 57 tetrahaploid plants (secondary cycle of anther culture) and 4042 anthers from 7 octoploid varieties - 119 plants were obtained. The success depended on the growing conditions of donor plants (field conditions appeared better) and plant genotypes (tetrahaploids previously regenerated in vitro were better donors). The majority of plants regenerated from tetrahaploid anther callus (54.6%) were mixoploids. The remaining plants were polyploids from 2n=4x=28 to 2n=8x=56. Only 3 mixoploid individuals had lower than 2n=4x=28 number of chromosomes. Plants regenerated from anther callus were capable of developing seeds and fruits. Seed germination was rather low and fruit yield varied. Still, it was possible to select a group of 12 plants, possibly of somaclonal origin, fit for further breeding.
The influence of exogenous spermidine on polysomes and RNase activity in wheat leaves under water stress conditions short communication
Authors: Gniazdowska-Skoczek Halina , Krzywański Zenon , Kubiś Jan
Published: April 2013

It was found that spermidine (5mM) delivered to wheat seedlings through their roots prior to water stress affected the state of polysomes and ribosomes under water stress conditions, which was manifested in stabilization of 80 S ribosomes and in reduction of polysome fraction. Besides, it was observed that pretreatement with spermidine decreases RNase activity in plants exposed to water stress.
Abilities of some higher plants to hydrolyze the acetates of phenols and aromatic-aliphatic alcohols
Authors: Mironowicz Agnieszka , Kromer Krystyna , Pawłowicz Paweł , Siewiński Antoni
Published: April 2013

In the biotransformations carried out under the same conditions, the whole intact plants of Spirodela punctata, Nephrolepis exaltata, Cyrtomium falcatum, Nephrolepis cordifolia and the suspension cultures of Helianthus tuberosus, Daucus carota and Petunia hybrida hydrolyze (partially or totally) the ester bonds of the acetates of phenols and aromatic-aliphatic alcohols and also the menthyl acetate. Nevertheless, the methyl esters of aromatic acids, structurally similar to the former substrates, do not undergo hydrolysis. At the same time, the viability of first four plants was observed for different levels of acetate concentration. The method of continuous preparative hydrolysis of the same acetates was worked out in Cyrtomium falcatum culture.
Interpopulational variability of Pinus sylvestris L. in eight Polish localities expressed in morphological and anatomical traits of needles
Authors: Bobowicz Maria A. , Korczyk Adolf F.
Published: April 2013

Two-year old needles were collected from 272 standing trees of Pinus sylvestris L., representing 8 Polish populations. The needles were studied in respect to IS morphological and anatomical traits. The obtained data were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis in an attempt to delineate interpopulational variability. Multivariate analysis of variance with testing of statistical hypotheses and discriminant analysis were conducted. Mahalanobis distances were calculated between each of population in pairs and their significance was estimated using Hotelling T2 statistics. On the basis of the shortest Mahalanobis distances a minimum spanning tree was constructed and on the basis of Euklidean distances hierarchy grouping was performed. A large majority of the populations was found to differ significantly from the remaining populations. The population from Bolewice proved to be most divergent. The principal variables which proved capable of discriminating between populations were found to include: needle length, the number of stomata on the flat side of the needle and the number of resin canals. Using Bryant's test, the studied populations were found to belong to two geographic groups: the North-Polish one or the South-Polish one.
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don - plant regeneration and alkaloids content
Authors: Furmanowa Mirosława , Olędzka Hanna , Józefowicz Joanna , Pietrosiuk Agnieszka
Published: April 2013

We describe here a regeneration of plantlets of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don from shoot tips and axillary buds. Shoot tips were excised from 7-day-old seedlings and were incubated in solid Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) medium supplemented with kinetin, benzyladenine (BA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and β-indolylacetic acid (IAA) in various combinations. After two months in culture, regenerated rooted plantlets were cut and transferred to a new medium; the explants contained shoot tips or axillary buds. Four passages were done. We obtained about 200 rooting plantlets from one seedling. Then the plantlets were transferred to the soil and they grew under a foil tent. After five months of vegetation they were collected, dried and weighed. Chemical investigations of leaves of these plants were done. The vindoline and catharanthine were dominant alkaloids in the juvenile stage of plants (before blooming). Total amount of alkaloids, equal 2.95%, was gravimetrically determined in leaves of plants, after 4th passage, regenerated in vitro on NN medium supplemented with kinetin and IBA.
Alginic acid and hyaluronic acid, effective stabilizers of carthamin red colour in aqueous solutions
Authors: Saito Koshi , Miyamato Kei-Ichi
Published: April 2013

Sodium salts and free forms of two heterosaccharides, alginic and hyaluronic acids were mixed with carthamin in a buffer at pH 5.5 and their preservation effects of carthamin red colour were screened after incubation for 24 h at 3-5oC in the dark. The effects observed were (alginic acid/hyaluronic acid, % on average): 69.3/60.3, for which the values are higher by 40.9 and 29.1%, respectively, compared with those of the control which was conducted with no addition of heterosaccharides. Alginic acid is a more promising stabilizer than haluronic acid, indicating that active groups such as hydroxyls, carboxyls and amino groups on the building units of the macromolecules are associated closely with the carthamin red colour preservation. The empirical outcomes are referred to the practical application of carthamin as a colourant of food products.
Temperature-dependent changes of membrane potentials in cells of thermonastic tepals of Eranthis hyemalis (L.) Salisb.
Authors: Hejnowicz Zygmunt , Trębacz Kazimierz , Sievers Andreas
Published: April 2013

The effect of temperature upon the bioelectric potential across the plasma membrane in cells of tepals of Eranthis hyemalis (L.) Salisb. (Winter aconite) is described. Rapid warming of an intact tepal resulted in a transient small increase in the magnitude of transmembrane potential difference followed by a substantial long-lasting depolarization which is considered as an "anomalous" response. Upon rapid cooling the reverse response occurred: a small transient depolarization was followed by a substantial hyperpolarization (also an anomalous response). The anomalous responses were more pronounced in the epidermis on the abaxial side of the tepal than in that on the adaxial side, indicating an electrophysiological dorsiventrality of the tepals. The anomalous responses were much less apparent in cells of isolated tissues than in cells of intact tepals. This difference does not appear to result from wounding or bringing a tissue into direct contact with the external solution because in segments of tepals devoid of the abaxial epidermis only, the PD of the parenchyma behaved in a way similar to that of the intact tepals. It is suggested that the occurrence of the anomalous responses is modulated by the tissue stresses. The functional importance of the responses for thermonastic movements is discussed.
Proteolytic activity in the stem cambial region of Pinus sylvestris L. - A contribution to the specific differentiation of secondary xylem and phloem
Authors: Rakowski Krzysztof J. , Wodzicki Tomasz J.
Published: April 2013

Proteolytic activity was studied in the differentiating xylem and phloem of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) to determine the specificity of xylem and phloem differentiation. The activity of autolytic proteases was demonstrated in the differentiating xylem during spring, summer and autumn and it was not detectable during winter. It was initiated with the onset of cambial activity in spring and unchanged during subsequent stages of xylem differentiation. The same proteolytic activity was not detectable in the extract of fresh phloem tissue. It could be detected in phloem after removal of the inhibitor found in the extract. The same pH optimum was determined for proteases extracted from xylem and phloem. However, their identity remains uncertain because of different electrophoretic mobility. On the other hand the presence of protease inhibitor in phloem tissue can be an important factor im determining the specificity of xylem an phloem differentiation.
Cytohistological analysis of somatic embryogenesis in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L). I. Comparison of cell suspension containing and lacking natural fluorescence with in vivo developing embryos
Authors: Tarkowska J. A. , Brzostecka D. , Burza W. , Malepszy S.
Published: April 2013

Under in vivo conditions early-globular embryos occur in cucumber on the 9th day after pollination, heart-shaped ones on the 14th, and morphologically mature embryos appear on the 19th day. Single starch grains already appear in the cells of the globular embryo, and in the heart-shaped one they occur within the forming root cap. In the morphologically mature embryo only the precambium is free from starch. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) in suspension occurs similarly as in vivo, even though the starch localization is somewhat different and torpedo-like embryos occur, which are not observed in vivo. The histological structure of in vitro embryos is similar to in vivo ones, and the greatest morphological difference are the poorly developed cotyledons and their variable number (1 to 3). Aggregates showing fluorescence were found to be composed of cells which differ in morphology from cells not showing fluorescence and appear to be more capable of attaining the mature stages.
Cytohistological analysis of somatic embryogenesis in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L). II. Natural fluorescence and direct somatic embryogenesis from protoplasts
Authors: Burza W. , Woźniak B. , Tarkowska J. A. , Malepszy S.
Published: April 2013

The development of protoplast derived from somatic embryos and some of their characteristics were compared with embryos from suspension and in vivo in the same B line. Embryos formed in a protoplast culture differed from others that their younger stages contained vacuolated cells, and older ones had altered morphological and histological structure. Somatic embryogenesis is more regular from suspension then from protoplasts. No distinct differences were observed in the rate of embryo development in vivo and in vitro, and in vitro embryos show a larger variation in size at the same stage. Embryos in vitro with fluorescence are generally larger than zygotic ones at each stage. The use of fluorescence is suggested for the selection of heterokariocytes after protoplast fusion.
Effect of decreasing electrical resistance in Characeae cell membranes caused by the flow of alternating current
Authors: Śpiewla Edward , Tokarska-Schlattner Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

By means of the techniques of external electrodes and microelectrodes, it was found that evanescent flow of an alternating current through plasmalemma of Characeae cells neutralises oscillatory change in their electrical resistance and reversibly diminishes its value. This effect is particularly significant in the case of "high resistance cells", but it weakens with increasing temperature. The value of the estimated activation energy indicates that, after flow of the alternating current through the membrane, a rapid increase in the conductivity may be caused by an increase in conductivity of potassium channels. This result seems to support the hypothesis of electroconformational feedback.
Labile phytochrome and photoperiodic flower induction in Pharbitis nil Chois. The irreversible phytochrome hypothesis
Authors: Cymerski Mariusz , Kopcewicz Jan
Published: April 2013

Seedlings of Pharbitis nil cultivated under non-inductive conditions of white light were subjected to generative induction applying one 16-hour-long period of inductive night. During the eighth hour the night was interrupted with 1 min of red light pulse which completely inhibited the flowering. Treating the plants with KCN blocked the inhibiting effect of red light. Because KCN lowers considerably the rate of destruction of labile Pfd in some plant systems, it seems probable that red light night-break irradiation (without KCN), which blocked the flowering, leads also to the accumulation of unknown Pfd destruction products (irreversible phytochrome). It also suggests that it is not the labile PfrI itself but the products of its irreversible transformation that could be active in the photoperiodic control of flowering.
The effect of inhibitors of plasma membrane H+ - ATPase and oxidoreductases on NH4+ uptake by Pisum arvense roots
Authors: Kubik-Dobosz Genowefa , Turska Aleksandra , Lekacz Halina , Karcz Waldemar , Buczek Józef
Published: April 2013

The effect of inhibitors of plasma membrane oxidoreductases (quinacrine and dicumarol) and H+-ATPase (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and orthovanadate) on ammonium uptake by Pisum arvense seedlings and the activities of H+-ATPase and NADH-ferricyanide oxidoreductase was investigated. The uptake solution contained 50 µM NH4+. In I h experiments, quinacrine and dicumarol depressed strongly and irreversibly the rate of NH4+ uptake and markedly inhibited the activity of NADH-ferri-cyanide oxidoreductase in the plasma membrane vesicles prepared from root cells. Simultaneously, sodium orthovanadate inhibited the activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase increased the rate of NH4+ uptake. Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide inhibited H+-ATPase activity and increased efflux of NH4+ from roots to ambient solution. The results indicate on the lack of direct connection between uptake rate of 50 µM NH4+ and H+-ATPase activity, and suggest that membrane redox systems play a predominant role in this process.
Antitumor activity of a fungal glucan tylopilan and Propionibacterium acnes preparation
Authors: Grzybek Jan , Zgórniak-Nowosielska Izabella , Kasprowicz Andrzej , Zawilińska Barbara , Kohlmunzer Stanisław
Published: April 2013

The study evaluated the antitumor activity of tylopilan, aβ- (1→3) (1→6) linked glucan isolated from fruiting bodies of Tylopilus felleus (Bull.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Boletaceae), and Propionibacterium acnes (P.a.) preparation. The antitumor effect of tylopilan and P.a. used alone or in combination was studied in NMRI mice inoculated i.p. with 106 180-TG Crocker tumor cells. All experiments were based on a pretreatment with tylopilan and/or P.a. 5 days and/or 2 h before tumor cell inoculation. Mean survival time (MST) of tumor - bearing mice was significantly prolonged in comparison to control mice by a single injection of tylopilan (25 µg/mouse or 50 µg/mouse) or P.a. (1 mg/mouse). MST was 23.6; 22.8 days in the tylopilan injected mice and 17.5 in the control animals. Tylopilan injected in conjunction with P.a. prolonged signifi-cantly MST in comparison to control mice as well as to tylopilan alone treated mice. We have found that P.a. which stimulate immune response enhanced significantly antitumor activity of tylopilan. The cytotoxicity of tylopilan at concentrations of 300, 150, 75 and 37.5 µg/ml towards 180-TG Crocker cells in vitro studies was evaluated. All examined tylopilan concentrations showed cytotoxic activity.
Isoenzymatic differentiation in putative hybrid swarm population (Pinus mugo Turra x P. sylvestris L.) from "Torfowisko Zieleniec" peat-bog
Authors: Siedlewska Anna
Published: April 2013

Isoenzyme variability of eight groups of individuals from different parts of putative hybrid swarm population (P. mugo Turra x P. sylvestris L.) from "Torfowisko Zieleniec" peat-bog complex was studied at ten enzymatic loci. Differences in allelic frequencies distribution among particular samples of the Zieleniec population were statistically significant at 9 loci, as shown by G2- statistics. Chi-square test indicated that in each of studied subpopulations frequencies of alleles at some loci (2-5) differed significantly from frequencies expected for a homogeneous population. Heterozygosity values and also a genotypic polymorphism in studied population confirmed the existence of large genetic variation. Wright's fixation indices (F) showed some excess of homozygotes in majority studied groups of individuals, notably higher in some subpopulations. Gene diversity coefficient for 8 subpopulations was high (GST=9.4%). However, when MDH C locus was excluded from the calculation, its value decreased to 2.8%. Presented data demonstrated notable differentiation of subpopulations within studied pine population, comparable with the differentiation among different populations of coniferous species.
Anomalies in the structure of Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. (= S. salina J. et C. Presl) seeds in the area affected by soda industry in Kujawy (Central Poland)
Authors: Ceynowa-Giełdon Mirosława
Published: April 2013

In some populations of Spergularia marina round soda industry waste-dumps in Kujawy more than 90% seeds have been found to be anomalous, incapable of germination. The outline of the seeds is apparently normal, but inside they contain empty cavities. In many of them sharp, irregular outgrowths or bluntly ended structures with a chimney-like aperture pierce the seed coat from inside. With increasing distance from the sources of contamination of the environment the number of anomalies in question was observed to diminish until they disappeared altogether. However, in wet periods there were nearly 50% fewer anomalous seeds in the same stands than in dry and warm years.
A comparison of urban and suburban occurrence of Erysiphales with special emphasis on degree of host infection
Authors: Dynowska Maria
Published: April 2013

The occurrence of Erysiphales in selected regions of Northern Poland was studied in detail between 1981 to 1991. Special attention was paid to the degree of infection of host plants caused by powdery mildew. More species of fungi were found in urban regions, but in several cases the severity of lesions was greater in suburban areas. A hypothesis is put forth that urban environmental pollution inhibits the development of the studied fungi.
Response of cotyledon explants of Capsicum annuum L. cv. kujawianka to chosen plant growth regulators in in vitro culture
Authors: Fraś Alicja , Nowak Krystyna
Published: April 2013

Shoot buds originated directly on cotyledon explants of Capsicum annuum L. cv. Kujawianka, when Linsmaier and Skoog medium was enriched with BAP (2 mg/l). Kinetin (2 mg/l) or kinetin with IAA (1 mg/l + 1 mg/l) induced indirect shoot buds regeneration from callus. Rooting was obtained with explants cultivated on a medium containing NAA (0,5 mg/l). Occurrence of the early stages of differentiation was proved at the histological level.
Effect of auxin (iaa) upon the proteolytic system in differentiating secondary xylem of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Rakowski Krzysztof J. , Wodzicki Tomasz J.
Published: April 2013

Effects of decapitation and IAA on proteolytic activity were studied in main stem of 4-7 year-old Pinus sylvestris trees. Proteolytic activity in the extract from differentiating secondary xylem was found to be totally reduced in decapitated 2-3 year-old segments of the main stem after a few weeks. Simultaneous application of IAA in lanolin paste prevented this reduction. Proteolytic activity reduced totally after decapitation was restored within 2 days when auxin was applied. Analogous responses to decapitated and auxin application were observed in respect to cambial activity and protein level. The latter effects were not correlated in time with the effects upon the activity of proteases. The differences were especially visible when phloem continuity between the decapited stem segment and the rest of the tree crown was broken by ring-barking. The results suggest dependence of a proteolytic system on the shoot apical control. In this epigenetic system of control the role of auxin seems to be directly associated with the seasonal meristematic activity of the cambium, which was observed in earlier studies.
Genetic structure and taxonomic position of Pinus uliginosa Neumann population from Wielkie Torfowisko Batorowskie in Stołowe Mts. (locus classicus)
Authors: Siedlewska Anna , Prus-Głowacki Wiesław
Published: April 2013

Genetic structure of Pinus uliginosa Neumann from Wielkie Tor-fowisko Batorowskie peat-bog (locus classicus) was studied by means of isoenzyme variability and compared with genetic structure of P. mugo Turra from Tatra Mts and P. sylvestris populations from Klodzka Valley and Czersk. The level of genetic variability in the population of P. uliginosa (heterozygosity, genotypic polymorphism) was similar to that in populations of P. mugo, with an excess of homozygosity in relation to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. An average number of alleles per locus in population of P. uliginosa is the same as in the studied P. sylvestris populations, but the average number of genotypes is slightly lower. However, populations of P. mugo from montaneus stands in Tatra Mts. are characterized by a higher number of alleles per locus than that in P. uliginosa population.In populations of P. mugo from peat-bogs, a lower number of alleles and genotypes is noted than in P. uliginosa population. The coefficients of genetic similarity (Nei and Hedrick) show the distinctly separate character of P. uliginosa as compared to P. sylvestris and loose relationship of this taxon to P. mugo. Also the measure of genetic differentiation of populations (GST) confirms the specificity of this pine taxon.
The selects of bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (l.) spreng.) from natural populations in Poland
Authors: Malinowska Hanna
Published: April 2013

Five plants of bearberry selected from natural stands in Poland and one from a Botanical Garden were propagated by cuttings. The clonal plants were first kept under observation for two years planted on different substrates in containers and were afterwards field cultivated for three subsequent years. The existence of a significant differentiation within these Arctostaphylos uva-ursi clones was proved. Two selects of good ornamental features as well as with high concentration of medicinal substance - arbutin were chosen. Plants started fruiting in the fourth year of growth and the area covered by a single plant exceeded 2 m2 after five years of cultivation.
Anatomical structure of leaf sectors with different resistance to powdery mildew (Erisiphe cruciferarum Opiz ex. L. Junell) in winter rapeseed chimera
Authors: Cebrat J. , Pawłowska H. , Skucińska B.
Published: April 2013

The subject of the study was a sectorial chimera of dihaploid winter rapeseed, obtained with the help of gamma ray treatment (30 Gy) during shoot cloning in vitro. One sector of the plant was infected by Erisiphe cruciferarum Opiz ex. L. Junell and the other one was resistant. The anatomical structure of a leaf, divided into the two sectors along the midrib, was studied. The infected part of the leaf blade was thinner and built of a smaller number of palisade and spongy mesophyll cell layers. The size of cells in this sector, both in the epidermis and in the mesophyll, as well as the size of nuclei, chloroplasts and intercellular spaces were bigger than those in the resistant portion. On the other hand, the stomata in the infected segment were smaller but their number was higher than that in the healthy part. The study made it possible to analyse the relation between the anatomical structure of the host plant and the pathogen.
Sensitivity to fuel diesel oil and cell wall structure of some Scenedesmus (Chlorococcales) strains
Authors: Tukaj Zbigniew , Bohdanowicz Jerzy
Published: April 2013

Sensitivity of three Scenedesmus strains exposed to aqueous fuel-oil extract (AFOE) is strongly strain-dependent S. quadricauda is the most resistant, S. armatus moderately tolerant whereas the most sensitive appears to be S. microspina. The sensitivity of tested species increases parallel with decreasing of cell size and cell number in coenobium. The values of the cell surface/cell volumes ratios only partly explain the above relationships. Electron microscope investigations reveal that the sensitivity may depend on cell wall structure of the strains. Cell wall of all here investigated strains is built of two layers: the inner so-called cellulosic layer and the outer one showing a three-laminar structure (TLS). The latter contains an acetolysis-resistant biopolymer (ARB). These two layers are similar in thickness in the three strains tested, but the surface of Scenedesmus is covered with various epistructures that are characteristic of strains. Some of them as the tightly fitting warty layer of S. armatus and especially the loosely fitting reticulate layer of S. quadricauda may contribute to lower permeability of cell wall. The structure of the rosettes also appears to be correlated with the sensitivity of strains. Presence of invaginations of plasmalemma in areas under rosettes indicates their role in transport processes inside/outside the cells.
Plastids features and transfer cells occurrence in the phloem of Portulaca mucronata and P. hirsutissima (Portulacaceae)
Authors: Maranhão Estelita Maria E. , Marinho Tereza C.
Published: April 2013

The species of the Portulacaceae of the Serra do Cipó, State of Minas Gerais, Brasil, were studied. In Portulaca mucronata and P. hirsutissima transfer cells are companion and phloem parenchyma cells; they have the same secondary cell wall features, that is, short papillate protuberances which are uniformly distributed around the primary cell wall. These features are similar in both species but they are very distinct from others referred in the literature; this could be useful in Taxonomy. The phloem plastids have a globular protein crystalloid, surrounded by proteinaceous filaments. In P. hirsutissima few starch grains may also be present, and this occurrence is considered primitive in the phylogenetic scale. These features agree with presumptive evolution of those of leaf structure: P. hirsutissima has C3 photosynthesis structure, and P. mucronata C4 or Kranz anatomy.
Application of different mathematical functions to calculate growth coefficients GC and RGC of winter rape plants (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Grzegorczyk Andrzej
Published: April 2013

The methodology of calculation of new coefficients, characterizing dry matter accumulation is presented. Eight representative mathematical functions were used and the data referring to the increase of dry matter of winter rape plants (Brassica napus L.) during the spring-summer vegetation season. Significance of the applied growth models was verified by using statistical parametrical tests. As a result of the analytical or numerical integration, the growth coefficient (GC) and the relative growth coefficient (RGC) were determined for each function. They describe plant growth potential and mean plant dry matter values during the vegetation season respectively. Depending on the type of the mathematical function the growth coefficient (GC) oscillated within the limits from 1564 g day to 1637 g day, and the relative growth coefficient (RGC) values ranged from 18.8 to 19.7 g.
Some aspects of runner bean plant response to cadmium at different stages of the primary leaf growth
Authors: Skórzyńska Ewa , Bednara Józef , Baszyński Tadeusz
Published: April 2013

Changes in morphology of primary leaves and ultrastructure of chloroplasts have been studied in runner bean plants (Phaseolus coccineus L., cv. Piękny Jaś) grown on Knop nutrient solution either without Cd or supplied with 2.5-10-5 M Cd (in the form of 3CdSO4•8H2O) in different stages of growth. The metal applied to the nutrient solution during the early stages of growth resulted in a reduction of the leaf area, chlorophyll accumulation increase and small decrease in PSII activity. Conversely to it Cd added at the end of primary leaf growth revealed almost unchanged leaf area but a significant decrease of chlorophyll level and PSII activity. Changes in the leaf morphology (large intercellular spaces in pallisade as well as spongy mesophyll) and ultrastructure of chloroplasts (degradation of intergranal thylakoids and appearance of numerous plastoglobuli) indicating their disorganization were observed only in plants treated with Cd at the end of primary leaf growth. Morphological and ultrastructural disturbances related to the growth stages are discussed in relation to functional changes of the photosynthetic apparatus.
Bioproduction of usnic acid from acetate by kaolinite immobilized cells of Cladonia substellata Vain.
Authors: Pereira Eugenia C. , Pereyra Teresa , Matos Sueli C. , Da Silva Nicaçio H. , Andrade Laise , Vicente Carlos
Published: April 2013

Cells of the lichen Cladonia substellata, immobilized in kaolinite and supplied with acetate, produce at room temperature large amounts of usnic acid which can be recovered from the washing solution.
Using xenia in the breeding of rye hybrids
Authors: Grochowski Lechosław , Kaczmarek Jan , Kadłubiec Władysław , Bujak Henryk
Published: April 2013

The object of research were: hybrid grains F1 of winter rye resulting from the topcross of nine yellowseed inbred lines with two testers Madar and Krótka I, and six hybrids F1 of spring rye resulting from topcross of six Turkish yellowseed populations with the tester SMH-02. The aim of the analysis was to confirm the degree of crossing ability and the effect of xenia of 1000 grains weight. The possibility to breed initial materials characterized by a high combining ability by means of xenia was stated. Xenia of 1000 grains weight allows to elaborate a new technology of hybrid seed production of rye.
Pollen morphology of the genus Rubus L. I. introductory studies on the european representatives of the subgenus Rubus L.
Authors: Tomlik-Wyremblewska Anna
Published: April 2013

The results of pollen morphology studies of 9 European Rubus species are presented in this paper (R. apricus, R. armeniacus, R. divaricatus, R. fabrimontanus, R. gracilis, R. hirtus, R. laciniatus, R. nessensis and R. pedemontanus). The examination is made by SEM observation for first time and also by LM. All examined pollen grains are small, isopolar and tricolporate. All grains, except for R. armeniacus and R. gracilis tend to have very long colpi. Equatorial bridges constricted, make the pores unvisible in most of the species. R. apricus, R. armeniacus, R. gracilis and R. pedemontanus have the equatorial bridges stretched therefore the dark whole was only the trace of existing endoaperture. The sculpture of the grain confirms striate pattern and the orientation of the muri indicates the differences between the species; R. pedemontanus and R. fabrimontanus appear to have long, compact muri, parallelly orientated to the colpus; R. nessensis appears muri meandrically orientated, reminiscent of "finger prints" pattern with distinct thickenings in the place of connection and numerous narrow grooves with perforations. R. hirtus appears to have striate-scabrate sculpture because of granular elements (punctae) dispersed between the muri on all over the grain like the internal part of the exine. Shape and size turned out to be a poor criterion for identifying species.
Factors influencing cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) somatic embryogenesis. I. The crucial role of pH and nitrogen in suspension culture
Authors: Wróblewski Tadeusz , Filipecki Marcin K. , Malepszy Stefan
Published: April 2013

A method of obtaining and the characteristics of an embryogenic stabilised cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) suspension culture which has many similarities to the carrot model are presented. The Specific Type I cells and proembryogenic mass were present in such a suspension. The maintenance of the proembryogenic stage took place in medium containing 2,4-D as the sole growth regulator, subsequent stages of embryogenesis occurred in hormone-free medium. Embryonic structures were also observed in medium with auxin in the late stages of growth, probably due to the depletion of 2,4-D in the medium during subculture. The choice of the proper inorganic nitrogen sources and the maintenance of correct proportions between them had a significant effect on the formation of these structures. We have shown that the pH of the medium with an embryogenic culture became stabilized regardless of the initial pH value and depended on the medium composition. The inoculum used for the initiation of subsequent subcultures of the stable suspension culture was 1 part tissue to 300 parts medium and was small in comparison to the systems described for the cucumber so far. From 1 ml of basic suspension 7 embryos were obtained on medium without growth regulators 10 days after inoculation, and this amount increased to 21 after 3 weeks. From 3.2% of the somatic embryos it was posible to regenerate plants. The high yield and synchronisation of the process and the development of embryos without passing through callus tissue create the possibility of using this system for molecular investigations and in the technology of somatic seed production.
SOD activity in cam plant kalanchoe daigremontiana exposed to S02
Authors: Miszalski Zbigniew
Published: April 2013

The Kalanchoe daigremontiana CAM plants exhibit very low sensitivity to the action of sulphite dioxide. Fumigation for a week with 3 ppm SO2 leads to an increase in the dismutation rate of the oxygen radical expressed in units of SOD activity and an increase in SOD activity itself. This strong increase disappears 100 h after fumigation. A transient increase in SOD activity represents an adaptation mechanism to oxidative stress caused by SO2.
Photochemical activity of primary leaves in cadmium stressed Phaseolus coccineus depends on their growth stages
Authors: Skórzyńska-Polit Ewa , Baszyński Tadeusz
Published: April 2013

Runner bean plants (Phaseolus coccineus L., cv. Piękny Jaś) grown hydroponically were treated with Cd (2.5 • 10-5 M Cd in the form of 3CdSO4 • 8H2O) at different stages of primary leaves development. Ten days after the metal treatment, the changes in leaf growth parameters and their PSII photochemistry were investigated. The younger were the plants exposed to Cd (at the initial growth stage of primary leaves) the stronger was the leaf area reduction, fresh weight decrease and increase of plastid pigment level. These changes were correlated with lower level of photosynthetic 02 evolution (75% of control) but chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements suggested an inhibitory effect of Cd on the acceptor side of PSII. With the development of primary leaves the sensitivity of plants to Cd increased. Cd treatment of plants at the final growth stage of the primary leaves caused slight changes in growth parameters compared with control, whereas the chlorophyll content and PSII activity (48% of control) significantly decreased. Analyses of fast chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics revealed changes suggesting Cd-induced alterations of PSII complex extending on to their acceptor side and the reaction centre. Differential response of primary leaves to Cd depending on their growth stages indicated alterations of the adaptation mechanism in leaf cells of runner bean plants. The decrease in younger Cd-treated plants of photosynthetic activity was connected with disturbances in growth processes, however in plants treated with Cd at the final growth stage of the primary leaves it was resulted from destruction of the photosynthetic apparatus.
Ontogenetic changes of phyllotaxis in Anagallis arvensis L.
Authors: Kwiatkowska Dorota
Published: April 2013

During the ontogeny of Anagallis spontaneous changes of phyllotaxis appear in a regular sequence. The initial decussate pattern is followed by spiral Fibonacci phyllotaxis, this in turn, by a trimerous pattern, and finally Lucas spiral phyllotaxis is formed. In the course of the first and most common phyllotactic transition, from the decussate to spiral Fibonacci pattern, changes in primordia arrangement occur only within a limited sector of the apex circumference. In the complementary sector, primordia emerge as if the decussate phyllotaxis continued. It is likely that similar circumferential discontinuity accounts for further transitions. The common ontogenetic sequence of patterns in Anagallis is such that, theoretically, each transition requires minimal changes in shoot apex geometry. Although the meristem in Anagallis is able to produce primordia either in whorls or spirally, the elongated shoots of this plant seem to have leaves exclusively in whorls. It appeared that in shoots with an initially spiral pattern, leaves can be clustered in pseudo-whorls due to the uneven internode elongation. Pseudowhorls are composed usually of three (Fibonacci) or four (Lucas) leaves of successive nodes. The number of leaves in a pseudo-whorl equals the number of leaves positioned on one revolution of the ontogenetic helix, which is different in these two spiral patterns. In shoot apices with whorled phyllotaxis, the leaf and flower primordia of a whorl are of different size. On elongated shoots, flower buds emerging in the axils of leaves of one whorl also differ in size.
Regeneration and transformation of Polish cultivars of potato
Authors: Nadolska-Orczyk Anna , Miłkowska Lidia , Pałucha Andrzej , Czembor Paweł , Orczyk Wacław
Published: April 2013

The article presents the results of regeneration and transformation experiments of 12 Polish cultivars of potato. The cultivars Brda, Bzura, Elipsa and Irga regenerated the highest number of shoots from leaf explants (60% to 100% of explants regenerated 4.9 to 16.5 shoots per explant). The cultivars Brda, Bzura, Elipsa and Irys were the source of the best regenerating tuber explants (66% to 100% of explants regenerated 6.2 to 11.9 shoots from one explant). Both types of explants (from leaves and tubers) were used for transformation experiments. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains used for transformation contained binary vector system: LBA 4404 (pAL 4404:pBI 121) and C58C1 (pGV2260:pVU104). There was a strong correlation between regeneration ability of tested cultivars and transformation efficiency. GUS-positive, kanamycin resistant and well rooted plants from leaf explants in cultivars Bzura, Brda and from tuber explants in Bzura and Elipsa were obtained. Northern blot analysis confirmed the presence of β-glucuronidase mRNA in transgenic plants.
The effect of benzene and its Chlorella vulgaris metabolites on the growth of tobacco tissue
Authors: Szczepkowska-Kuźnicka E. , Wardas W.
Published: April 2013

The influence of benzene, phenol and catechol on the tobacco callus tissue (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin No. 38) cultivated in vitro was studied. Although inhibition of callus tissue growth in relation to the control was observed in all variants, the benzene-induced inhibition was the most significant. When catechol and phenol were added to the cultivation medium together, callus tissue growth was similar to that of the control. The addition of catechol to the medium containing phenol presumably reduces the toxic effect of phenol on the callus tissue examined. Callus tissue growing in the presence of phenol, benzene and cathechol became senescent more rapidly than in the control. Moreover microscopic examination revealed significant changes in the callus structure.
The role of seed size in the non-genetic variation exhibited in salt tolerance studies involving the bread wheat cv. chinese spring
Authors: Martin P. K. , Koebner R. M.D.
Published: April 2013

The intention of this study was to confirm the role of seed size in the non-genetic variation exhibited during salinity tolerance experiments involving the bread wheat cv. Chinese Spring. The nutrient film/rockwool hydroponics technique was utilised. This study concluded that seed size does not play a significant role in the non-genetic variation generated during a study of salinity tolerance of the bread wheat cv. Chinese Spring.
Dependence of oscillatory changes in electrical resistance of Nitellopsis obtusa cell membranes on the vegetation season
Authors: Śpiewla Edward
Published: April 2013

The dependence of the amplitude of oscillatory changes in the electrical resistance of Nitellopsis obtusa cell membranes on the vegetation season of these plants is determined. The measurements were made on third cells from the tips of the plants which showed at least one type of oscillation in the resistance. A clear dependence of the amplitude of the studied changes on the vegetation season, especially on the maturity and rest stages of the plants, was found. These results as well as the observed changes in the characteristics of oscillations in the resistance, caused by sudden changes in the temperature of the cell surrounding, indicate a relationship between the oscillatory behaviour and the intensity of metabolic changes in the cells.
Analysis of poly(A) + RNA distribution during maize somatic embryogenesis using digoxigenated oligo-dT probes
Authors: Bimal R. , Bronsema F. B.F. , Willemse M. T.M. , Bronsema J. H.N.
Published: April 2013

The pattern of total transcription activity in terms of steady state levels of poly(A)+ containing mRNA during callus initiation and somatic embryogenesis in a high (A188) and a low (A632) embryogenic line of maize was analyzed using digoxigenin labelled oligo-dT probes. A gradual increase and a preferential accumulation of label was observed in both lines, differing temporally up to 4 days in culture. In the A188 line of maize the callus gave rise to somatic embryos. The globular embryos showed less label than the callus; this labelling was mostly present in the basal part of the embryos. At a later stage upper embryogenic and lower non-embryogenic layers were observed in the A188 callus, showing conspicuous differences in the amount of label. In the late globular stage the poly(A)+ RNA signals were seen all over the embryo but at the junction of the suspensor and the callus tissue no label was observed.
The LI-rings in pollen tubes
Authors: Zhang H. Q. , Linskens H. F.
Published: April 2013

Monoclonal antibodies, which recognize the specific epitopes for pectins and arabinogalactan proteins, in connection with confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated the presence of a ring-like structure in the cell wall of pollen tubes of flowering plants.
Antinuclear human autoantibodies as markers in Nicotiana tabacum pollen tubes
Authors: Poggialini C. , Morozzi G. , Marcolongo R. , Vignani R. , Cresti M. , Tiezzi A.
Published: April 2013

In the present paper we report on the use of antinuclear human autoantibodies as specific markers in Nicotiana tabacum pollen tubes. The antibodies have been tested by fluorescence techniques using a confocal laser scanning microscope. All the antibodies showed specifc labelling pattern and the results, although preliminary in nature, could open new perspectives of research.