Economics of the 2009-2012 Organic Apple, Strawberry, and Sour Cherry Production in Poland

Certified organic farm area in Poland increased 8.5 fold during the 2003-2010 time period to 518 thousand ha, which constituted 2.8% of the arable land. The production costs and profitability of the organic fruit production of apples, strawberries, and sour cherries were evaluated and compared to conventional production of those fruits. The research was based on data from thirty-two commercial fruit farms; twenty farms with conventional production, and twelve with organic production. The main problems associated with organic production were the costs of weed control and soil cultivation. The conventional production of apples turned out to be slightly more profitable than the organic production. The organic production of sour cherries was not profitable. In the case of strawberries, it was the opposite - the organic production gave a better financial outcome than the conventional one

Effects of Shoot Heading on Three Canopy Vase Forms of Apricot Trees (Armeniaca vulgaris Lam.)

The study was carried out in the Przybroda experimental orchard near Poznań, Poland, using the three apricot cultivars: Goldrich, Hargrand and Sirena. The trees were trained to three canopy vase forms. Every year, in spring, shortly after the blooming period, apricot tree shoots were shortened by one half, or by one third of their length. The control trees were not shortened. The influence of the shortening of the shoots on tree growth, morphology of fruit bearing zone, flower bud setting, and tree yielding was studied. Trees with shoots shortened by one half of their length developed a greater number of branched shoots than the control trees, but, at the same time, they developed less spurs. The best yielding results were obtained from the ‘Sirena’ trees, while the lowest yielding results were obtained from ‘Goldrich’. Trees with a vase canopy form, with 7-9 limbs and branches, and with shoots shortened by one third of their length, yielded better than the trees of the two other canopy forms

Production of Synseed for Hybrid Cymbidium Using Protocorm-Like Bodies

Synthetic seed were produced from protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’ after culture on a new medium, Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium. This new medium contained, in addition to a unique selection of macro- and micronutrients, 0.1 mg/l α-naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.1 mg/l kinetin, 2 g/l tryptone and 20 g/l sucrose, and was solidified with 8 g/l Bacto agar. Several explant types and sizes (intact PLBs, half-PLBs, PLB longitudinal thin cell layers) were tested. In addition, pretreatment of PLB-synseeds with 200 mM KNO3 solution, the addition of activated charcoal or coconut water to synseeds, light vs dark culture, short-term (1 month) and long-term (6 and 12 months) low-temperature (4°C) storage, as well as cryostorage were also tested. All treatments resulted in less PLBs than the control treatment. Among all these treatments, only the use of TC medium or incorporation of coconut water into synseeds resulted in “germination” while lowtemperature storage (1-6 months) was only possible under liquid TC. These results would allow for the short-term preservation of Cymbidium germplasm but not for effective cryopreservation.

Assessment of the Pesticide Residue Occurrence in Fruit from the South-Eastern Region of Poland During 2010-2011 Seasons

During the 2010-2011 seasons, analyses of 171 samples of fresh fruit from the south-eastern region of Poland were performed. The research program included the determination of 137 (in 2010) to 152 (in 2011) active substances, together with their metabolites and decomposition products. The analytical methods used in the research were gas chromatography (GC/ECD/NPD) and spectrophotometry (to determine residues of dithiocarbamates). The results were compared with Poland’s allowed maximum residue levels (MRLs).Residues of active plant protection product substances were detected in 85 samples (50%), while 7 (4%) samples had exceeded the MRLs.Violations of MRLs were mainly concerned with the following group of insecticides: cypermethrin (in black currant), esfenwalerate (in raspberry), and the fungicides: propiconazole, and difenoconazole (in gooseberries).

Efficacy of Spirotetramat in the Control of Pear Psylla (Cacopsylla Pyri L.) on Pear Trees in Poland

The effectiveness of spirotetramat in the control of pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri) on pear trees was investigated in five field experiments, carried out in years 2009- 2011. One or two treatments were applied in June; the first treatment in the early stage of larvae hatching from eggs deposited by females from the summer generation, whilst the second application was carried out about two weeks later. In all the experiments, spirotetramat as Movento 100 SC applied at a dose of 2.25 l/ha effectively reduced the pest population after only a single application (total reduction of larvae after one week post-treatment 75.3-91.4%, and 83.7-97.6% at two weeks posttreatment). Movento 100 SC applied after a single application at a lower dose of 1.8 l/ha had a slightly worse effect (the total reduction of larvae at one week posttreatment was at the level of 58.4-91.3%, and two weeks after application at the level of 56-92.6%) - but in this case only a few larvae at stages L4 and L5 were found on pear shoots. The effectiveness of spirotetramat at both doses after two applications was very high.In comparison with standard insecticides the efficacy of spirotetramat was higher or not significantly different. In two experiments the application of standard compounds such as diflubenzuron and novaluron was not effective in controlling pear psylla and therefore did not prevent damage to pear trees. This may suggest that local populations of the pest are resistant to these measures, especially since they have been used for many years to control other pests of pear trees

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

Inadequate information on the nutrition of pineapple limits its commercial production in Nigeria. The effects of poultry manure and urea (each at 50 and 100 kg N ha-1), as well as their 1:1 (organo-mineral) combinations at 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1, on the early (nursery) growth of pineapple plantlets. Organo-mineral fertilization at 100 kg N ha--1 resulted in the highest D-leaf length, number of leaves, root length and leaf area, while the highest biomass production (approx. 304 g, just within the 300-400 g desirable range for transplanting to the field) was achieved at 150 kg N ha-1.

Influence of Five Clonal Rootstocks on the Growth, Productivity and Fruit Quality of ‘Sylvia’ and ‘Karina’ Sweet Cherry Trees

In the field experiment, 8-year-old ‘Sylvia’ and ‘Karina’ sweet cherry trees grafted on ‘GiSelA 3’, ‘GiSelA 5’, ‘Piku 4’and ‘Weiroot 72’ clonal rootstocks were compared with trees of the same cultivars on the standard rootstock F 12/1. The data collected included tree vigour (expressed as trunk cross-sectional area − TCSA), yield, and fruit weight as well as content of soluble solids in fruit.Based on TCSA, the largest ‘Sylvia’ and ‘Karina’ trees were on ‘F12/1’, and the smallest were on ‘GiSelA 3’. The results revealed that all of the tested rootstocks being compared to ‘F 12/1’, significantly reduced the growth of sweet cherry trees.‘Sylvia’ trees on ‘GiSelA 5’ and ‘Piku 4’ yielded more than those on ‘F12/1’. The highest cumulative yields of ‘Karina’ were harvested from trees on ‘GiSelA 5’. ‘Karina’ trees on ‘GiSelA 3’, ‘Piku 4’ and ‘Weiroot 72’ performed comparably in cumulative yields to those on ‘F12/1’. Rootstock effects on yield efficiency were consistent between the two cultivars, with the most yield efficient trees on ‘GiSelA 3’, ‘GiSelA 5’ and ‘Weiroot 72’, and the least efficient trees on ‘F12/1’.Trees of both cultivars grafted on ‘GiSelA 3’ produced significantly smaller fruits than those grafted on ‘F 12/1’. The rest of the rootstocks, tested in terms of an effect on fruit weight (with the exception of ‘Karina’ on ‘Weiroot 72’), had a similar value to ‘F 12/1’. Effects of rootstock on content of soluble solids in fruit were modest and statistically insignificant.

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

Alstroemeria is one of the most popular cut flowers in Europe, due to its postharvest longevity and a wide colour palette. However, premature leaf yellowing reduces the ornamental value of the flowering stems even before opening of the secondary florets in cymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of sucrose, gibberellin and 8-hydroxychinoline citrate as postharvest treatments of cut Alstroemeria ‘Dancing Queen’.Several “flower models” were used to distinguish the effects of the chemicals on senescence of flowers and leaves in the above cultivar. Flowering stems were harvested in November 2011 and March 2012 and the response to treatments for both dates differed: while the longevity of primary and secondary florets was prolonged by the standard preservative (8-HQC+S) in the autumn, there was no difference for the spring collection date. For the March harvest, the secondary flower buds opened faster than for the November harvest, where bud opening was generally hastened by 8-HQC+S. Also, the flower model affected floret longevity and changed the response to the treatments: florets on defoliated flowering stems responded better to the preservative than those on stems with leaves. Florets from different flower models differed in diameter: those from complete stems were usually larger than those from isolated cymes. The secondary florets were much smaller than the primary florets, especially in isolated cymes. Both, GA3 and the standard preservative significantly increased the second floret diameter in all models; however, there were no additive effects of the treatments. GA3 significantly postponed leaf yellowing in all floral models while the sugar-containing preservative had little effect. Generally, the flower model had significant effect on leaf longevity.

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

A field study of dwarf apple rootstock performance using ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ as scion cultivar was conducted during the year 2001-2011. The study included 6 rootstocks from Cornell Geneva rootstock breeding program (G.11, G.16, G.41, G.202, CG.3007 and CG.4013) 4 rootstocks from the Polish rootstock breeding program (P 14, P 16, P 59 and P 60) and 3 Malling rootstocks as control (M.9 T337, M.9 Pajam 2 and M.26). During the eleven years of growth (2001-2011), there was no tree loss due to root system or cultivar damage caused by frost or diseases including fire blight (Ervinia amylovora Burr. Winsl.) infestation on the rootstock. Trees growing on P 59 and P 16 had the weakest growth while the strongest growing trees were on P 14, M.26, P 60, G.202 and CG.4013. The size of the trees on M.9 Pajam 2, G.16, G.41, CG3007 and CG.4013 were similar to that of the trees growing on the standard rootstock M.9 T337, while the trees on P 59, P 16 and G.11 were significantly smaller from standard trees on M.9 T337. After eleven years of the growth, the cumulative yield varied from 56.7 kg (on P 59) to 237.8 kg (on CG.4013). High yields were also obtained from vigorously growing trees on: G.202, P 14, G.41 and M.26. The cumulative yield expressed as yield per cm2 of trunk cross-sectional area was highest for trees on G.11, P 16, M.9 Pajam 2 and G.41 and lowest for vigorously growing trees on P 60, P 14 and M.26. In 2009, a year of good cropping, the mean mass of fruits varied from 140 g on G.16 to 213 g on P 60. The fruit size from trees on P 14, M.26 and P 16 was statistically similar to fruits from trees on M.9 T337. The results of the eleven-year study lead to the conclusion that the rootstocks G.11 and G.41, which are highly resistant to fire blight, can be recommended for growing ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ apple in the Polish climate, similarly to trees on M.9 T337, P 16 and M.9 Pajam 2. For orchards located on light soils the following rootstocks are also promising: G.202, CG.3007, CG.4013 and P 14 and P 60 rootstocks of polish selection.

Morphactin Substantially Induced the Fourth Internode Growth in Decapitated Tulips: Relevance to Endogenous Levels of Indole-3-Acetic Acid

Important role of auxin polar transport inhibitors such as TIBA (2,3,5- triiodobenzoic acid), NPA (N-(1-naphthyl)phthalamic acid) and morphactin (methyl 2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate) in stem growth of tulips was intensively studied. After the application of morphactin above the 3rd node of decapitated tulips, the stimulated growth of the 4th internode was clearly observed. On the other hand, NPA and TIBA were slightly effective in stimulating the 4th internode growth of tulips. Endogenous levels of IAA in the 4th internode after the treatment of auxin polar transport inhibitors were determined using gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring system (GC-SIM) with deuterium labelled IAA (Indole-2,4,5,6,7-d5-3- acetic acid, d5-IAA) as an internal standard, resulted in significant accumulation of IAA in the 4th internode of tulips after the treatment of morphactin. In the treatment of NPA and TIBA, there was almost no such an accumulation of IAA. These results strongly suggest that stimulated growth of the 4th internode of tulips induced by the application of morphactin is the consequence of accumulated endogenous levels of IAA after the treatment. The possible mode of action of auxin polar transport inhibitors in tulip stem growth is also discussed.