The application of orthogonal contrasts to determine homogeneous groups

The paper presents a modified approach to analysis of data obtained from experiments carried out according to classical factorial designs. Four examples were discussed in order to present details of proposed method. Modification of the analysis of variance presented here enables more effective use of information on how studied factors affect the means of dependent variable. The specificity of this approach is based on alternative multiple comparison procedure incorporating orthogonal contrasts to determine homogeneous groups.

Variability of selected quantitative traits in new spring barley genotypes

The research included 19 breeding lines and 4 cultivars of spring barley from the preliminary field experiments harvested in 2020 in Radzików. All barley samples were characterized for the content of protein, non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) with soluble (S-NSP) and insoluble (I-NSP) fractions and β-glucan. Additionally, viscosity of water extracts (WEV) was measured to determine the functional properties of the grain. It was the most diverse parameter (CV = 27%) and was significantly correlated with β-glucan content (r = 0.50; for p <0.05). This dependence is shown by the results obtained for the grain of the Avatar cultivar and the RAH 744/19 breeding line, in which the content of β-glucan (5.3% and 4.8%, respectively), as well as the WEV (3.3 mPa.s and 3.0 mPa.s, respectively) were the highest. The lowest content of β – glucan (3.5%) and one of the lowest WEV values (1.4 mPa.s) were observed for KWS Jessie cultivar. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a substantial impact of the two components PC1 and PC2 on the variability of the analyzed material showing significant variability of the 5 barley genotypes and confirmed the previous results of biochemical analyzes. Our results made it possible to indicate several genotypes that may constitute a source of variability in breeding works aimed at improving the quality of barley. Presented study also show that the grain of some new barley genotypes, with a favorable chemical composition from a fodder and brewing perspective, is a good material for future use in industry.

One- and multivariable characteristics of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars breed at the Nagradowice Plant Breeding Station of the Poznańska Hodowla Roślin, studied in experiments in 2017-2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield variability of spring barley families grown at the Nagradowice Plant Breeding Station of Poznan Plant Breeding against other families studied in years 2017‒2018 in Team Breeding Experiments. Research material included 250 spring barley families cultivated in 2017 and 2018 in 6 locations. Selection of spring barley families for preliminary experiments was based on synthesis of results obtained in inter-plant experiments established in 2016 and 2017 in 5 locations. Combined (due to location) analysis of variance for experimental data was performed for each year and each series of experiments separately. Best Weighted Linear Unbiased Estimators (BWLUE) for the effects of individual sources of variation were included in ANOVA model. Significant effect of location on mean yield was observed in each research year and each series of experiments. Crucial differences were also observed between tested varieties and breeding lines. Moreover, significant interaction between locations and varieties or breeding families was also observed. Self-organising map (SOM) was applied to develop multivariable characteristic of tested families and cultivars of spring barley. Analyses results, i.e. ranking of BWLUE effects as well as SOM segmentation revealed seven breading lines from Breeding Station Nagradowice, which may be considered for further breeding process.

Estimation of technological value and chemical composition of selected common wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.)

The aim of the study was to estimate the technological value and chemical composition of new common wheat cultivars. The experimental material consisted of grain and flour obtained from 5 cultivars of common wheat, registered in 2017-2019, donated by Plant Breeding Strzelce - IHAR Group Ltd., Co., and harvested in years 2017-2018. The physical characteristics of the grain were determined: milling yield, falling number, gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation index as well as farinograph analysis and laboratory baking were performed. Furthermore, the content of grain nutrients and dietary fiber was determined. Significant differences between cultivars in terms of technological parameters and chemical composition have been demonstrated. The protein content in the grain was in the range of 13.3-15.2%, and the amount of gluten in the range of 28.6-36.8%. The cultivars were characterized by low alpha-amylase activity with an average falling number value 331s. The average water absorption of flour was 62.1%, and the volume of obtained bread was in the range 318-381cm3. The bread of best quality was obtained from the Wilejka cultivar, that was also the richest source of protein. The average dietary fiber content from two years of research was 10.8%, including 7.7% of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), of which 5.8% of the insoluble fraction (I-NSP) and 1.9% of the soluble fraction (S-NSP). The richest source of dietary fiber was the spring wheat Alibi. The tested cultivars were characterized by high technological value and very good chemical composition and can be recommended for use in the food industry.

Rye (Secale cereale L.) arabinoxylans and their health-related activity

Arabinoxylans are an essential component of dietary fiber, and their health-promoting properties are determined mainly by the content and structural features their biopolymers. Rye bread is particularly rich in these compounds; their unique features in the context of content and chemical structure of rye arabinoxylans make it a valuable component od daily diet. Long-term studies have shown the positive effect of these compounds in the aspect of prevention of civilization diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Among the description of the physicochemical properties and diversity of arabinoxylans, the article contains a collection of the most important reports regarding the health-promoting effects of these polymers, as well as their metabolism in the human body.

Rye (Secale cereale L.) arabinoxylans: molecular structure, physicochemicals properties and the resulting pro-health effects

Arabinoxylans are an essential component of dietary fiber, and their health-promoting properties are determined mainly by the content and structural features their biopolymers. Rye bread is particularly rich in these compounds; their unique features in the context of content and chemical structure of rye arabinoxylans make it a valuable component od daily diet. Long-term studies have shown the positive effect of these compounds in the aspect of prevention of civilization diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Among the description of the physicochemical properties and diversity of arabinoxylans, the article contains a collection of the most important reports regarding the health-promoting effects of these polymers, as well as their metabolism in the human body.

The effect of maturation stage and after-ripening on seed quality in organically- and conventionally-produced pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds

High quality seed production is essential in organic production as well as in conventional production. Fruit maturity can be observed at different times due to the continuous flowering of pepper plant. Consequently, seeds with different maturity are obtained as the fruits are collected during once over-harvesting period. Immature seeds collected in once over-harvest may cause quality losses in the seed lot. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the effect of after-ripening on mature and immature pepper seeds produced in organic and conventional production systems. To see the effect of after-ripening treatment, seeds were harvested in two different periods (immature 45-50 day after anthesis(DAA) and mature 60-65DAA). After-ripening(AR) was performed by keeping the seeds in fruits for 7 days after harvesting the fruits. Effect of production systems and after-ripening on immature and mature pepper seed lots were assessed for four cultivars harvested in 2015 and 2016. After-ripening increased germination (AR:76.3%, C:28% for organic and AR:88%, C:53.8% for conventional), seedling emergence (AR:70.8%, C:44.3% for organic and AR:82.5%, C:53.8% for conventional) percentages and mean weight of 1000 seeds (AR:6.5, C:6.0g for organic and AR:6.5, C:6.2g for conventional) in both production systems of immature seed lots compared to control (C)(P<0.05) but did not have a similar effect on mature ones. Moreover, organically-produced seed lots have the same quality as conventionally-produced seeds. Consequently, obtained results indicate that after-ripening can be used to enhance the quality of immature seeds of pepper cultivars and seeds can be produced organically without any loss of quality.

SEED GERMINATION PLASTICITY OF TWO ENDANGERED SPECIES OF FERULA IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Ferula assa-foetida and F. gummosa, Apiaceae, are important endemic and endangered medicinal plants. Survival of the species is threatened by climate change, overexploiting (as source of oleo-gum resin and for-age) and lack of organized cultivation. Cultivation of these valuable medicinal plants is restricted by insuffi-cient domestication knowledge. Germination characteristics of different populations of Ferula taxa were studied with the aim of describing and comparing their responses to continuous cold stratification condition. Germination cues for the species were complex, with dormancy mechanisms present to restrict germination until cold stratification are fulfilled. Results indicated that a period of 4 weeks of stratification is sufficient for germination of F. assa-foetida, but optimal germination of F. gummosa require stratification for periods of 8 weeks. Both species were able to germinate at very low temperatures (4°C). Within-taxon differences in dor-mancy breaking and seedling emergence may interpret as local adaptations. The continued regeneration and propagation of the species in the wild will depend on the temperature and moisture status of the soil during winter and the maintenance of conditions suitable for stratification for an appropriate length of time.

MOLECULAR METHODS OF CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF GLOBODERA ROSTOCHIENSIS AND GLOBODERA PALLIDA POPULATIONS

The cyst nematodes belonging to the genus Globodera are big worldwide problem in countries were Sola-naceaous plants growing. Knowledge of species-composition in populations of Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida is very important for selection of appropriate measure of nematode regulations occurrence. Inter- and intraspecific variability among species of Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida were studied intensively with the use of molecular analyses of DNA methods. This review summarize and compare of methods chosen to distinguishing between Globodera, both pathotypes and species.

SEED GERMINATION PLASTICITY OF TWO ENDANGERED SPECIES OF FERULA IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Ferula assa-foetida and F. gummosa, Apiaceae, are important endemic and endangered medicinal plants. Survival of the species is threatened by climate change, overexploiting (as source of oleo-gum resin and forage) and lack of organized cultivation. Cultivation of these valuable medicinal plants is restricted by insufficient domestication knowledge. Germination characteristics of different popula-tions of Ferula taxa were studied with the aim of describing and comparing their responses to continu-ous cold stratification condition. Germination cues for the species were complex, with dormancy mechanisms present to restrict germination until cold stratification are fulfilled. Results indicated that a period of 4 weeks of stratification is sufficient for germination of F. assa-foetida, but optimal germi-nation of F. gummosa require stratification for periods of 8 weeks. Both species were able to germi-nate at very low temperatures (4°C). Within-taxon differences in dormancy breaking and seedling emergence may interpret as local adaptations. The continued regeneration and propagation of the species in the wild will depend on the temperature and moisture status of the soil during winter and the maintenance of conditions suitable for stratification for an appropriate length of time.