The Wdzydzki Landscape Park lies in the Tuchola Forests which are among the areas of key importance for conservation of dragonflies in Poland. In the years 2002–2009, 55 dragonfly species were recorded in the park and its buffer zone. Lakes and Sphagnum bogs housed the highest species richness. Among the recorded species, one is included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, two in the European Red List, two in the Polish Red List, ten species legally protected in Poland and ten “umbrella species”. Peatbog lakes and Sphagnum bogs were most important for conservational issues. Dragonfly fauna of the studied area is among the species-richest in Poland. Its conservation value is high due to occurrence of stenotopic species, its importance for the conservation of rare and endangered species as well as for maintenance of  odonatocoenoses typical of a range of natural waters. It results mostly from the forest coverage and high richness, variety and good ecological state of the surface waters. Interesting from the zoogeographical point of view was development of some thermophilic species in the lake littoral. It may be an indication of changes in thermal regime of surface waters, related to climate warming.

Wdzydzki Park Krajobrazowy leży w Borach Tucholskich, które należą do obszarów kluczowych dla ochrony ważek w Polsce. W latach 2002–2009 wykazano tu 55 gatunków ważek. Najważniejsze dla bogactwa gatunkowego ważek były jeziora i torfowiska sfagnowe. Wykazano: jeden gatunek z Czerwonej listy zwierząt IUCN, dwa z Czerwonej listy zwierząt Europy, dwa z Czerwonej listy ważek Polski, 10 chronionych prawnie w Polsce, 10 gatunków parasolowych. Najcenniejsze dla ochrony ważek były jeziora torfowiskowe i torfowiska sfagnowe. Faunę ważek badanego obszaru oceniono jako jedną z najbogatszych w Polsce. Podobnie wysoko oceniono faunę terenu badań pod względem: występowania gatunków stenotopowych, znaczenia dla ochrony gatunków rzadkich i zagrożonych oraz utrzymywania się modelowych odonatocenoz wielu rodzajów wód naturalnych. Wynika to głównie z jego leśnego charakteru oraz z dużego bogactwa, zróżnicowania i dobrego stanu zachowania wód powierzchniowych. Interesujący z zoogeograficznego punktu widzenia był rozwój niektórych gatunków ciepłolubnych w litoralu jezior. Może to wskazywać na zmianę termiki wód powierzchniowych, związaną z ociepleniem klimatu.

The paper includes a detailed analysis of selected elements of the biology of the forebeard rockling. The study was conducted in the southern Baltic Sea. The sex structure, fertility, stomach contents, age, and growth of the species were analysed. As a result of the study, double predominance in numbers of males over females and high diversity in terms of development and size of oocytes were determined, suggesting partial spawning. A strong correlation was recorded between fertility and body mass and length. The analysis of the content of the fish stomachs revealed dominance of Polychaeta, Crustacea, and fish. Analyses of age and growth were also conducted, based on the otoliths. Individuals of 4 to 13 years of age were found. In the samples analysed, males were older than females. Additionally, differences in growth between the samples analysed were determined, along with similarities in growth between fish collected from the southern Baltic and the Atlantic forebeard rockling.

Badano motelę Enchelyopus cimbrius (L., 1766), rybę z rzędu dorszokształtne Gadiformes, rodziny miętusowatych Lotidae, pospolicie występującą m. in. w Morzu Bałtyckim. Przeprowadzono analizę struktury płci, płodności, zawartości układu pokarmowego, wieku i tempa wzrostu długości tego gatunku. W wyniku prowadzonych badań stwierdzono: dwukrotną przewagę w liczebności samców nad samicami, duże zróżnicowanie pod względem rozwoju i wielkości oocytów, co wskazuje na tarło porcyjne. Odnotowano silną korelację pomiędzy płodnością a masą i długością ciała ryby. Analizując treści pokarmowe żołądka stwierdzono, iż dominującą rolę miały wieloszczety Polychaeta, następnie skorupiaki denne Crustacea oraz ryby Actinopterygii. Przeprowadzono także analizę wieku i tempa wzrostu na podstawie otolitów. Stwierdzono osobniki w wieku od 4 do 13 lat. W analizowanych próbach samce były starsze od samic. Odnotowano również, iż istnieją różnice w tempie wzrostu pomiędzy analizowanymi próbami oraz podobieństwo w tempie wzrostu pomiędzy rybami pochodzącymi z łowiska kołobrzeskiego a motelą atlantycką. Prezentowana praca zawiera szczegółową analizę wybranych elementów biologii moteli, ryby niekomercyjnej, lecz posiadającej duże znacznie dla prawidłowego funkcjonowania ekosystemu wodnego.

The materials of water mites collected in 1973–1974 in aquatic environments of three nature reserves in Roztocze were characterized. The collections comprised 995 Hydrachnidia belonging to 49 species. Twenty-eight species were collected in the Nad Tanwią Reserve, 30 species – in the Czartowe Pole Reserve, and 24 species – in the Szum Reserve. The analyzed reserves cover short river sections, therefore, the evaluated fauna can be regarded as relatively rich. The fauna of the examined reserves included widely distributed species as well as species typical of montane and submontane areas. In the analyzed reserves, the water mite fauna was dominated by rheobionts and rheophiles, and it was characteristic of upland rivers in the Lublin Region. One species new to Poland was identified: Atractides albaruthenicus Cich. et Bies. A comparison of the water mite fauna from the Nad Tanwią Reserve with the materials collected in 2001–2002 points to a significant reduction in the number of water mite species and considerable changes in the structure of synecological groups.

Opracowano zbiory wodopójek pochodzące z lat 1973–1974 ze środowisk wodnych trzech rezerwatów Roztocza. Łącznie zebrano 995 osobników Hydrachnidia należących do 49 gatunków. W rezerwacie Nad Tanwią stwierdzono 28 gatunków, w rezerwacie Czartowe Pole 30 gatunków i w rezerwacie Szum 24 gatunki. Ponieważ eksplorowane rezerwaty obejmują krótkie odcinki rzek, badaną faunę można ocenić jako stosunkowo bogatą. W strukturze faunistycznej, obok gatunków szeroko rozmieszczonych, wyróżniono gatunki górskie i podgórskie. Fauna wodopójek badanych rezerwatów była zdominowana przez reobionty i reofile. Można ją określić jako typową dla rzek wyżynnych Lubelszczyzny. Stwierdzono jeden gatunek nowy dla Polski: Atractides albaruthenicus Cich. et Bies. Porównując faunę wodopójek rezerwatu Nad Tanwią z materiałami zebranymi w latach 2001–2002, stwierdzono znaczne zmniejszenie liczby gatunków wodopójek oraz istotne zmiany w strukturze grup synekologicznych.

Drought stress negatively affects plant photosynthesis and disturbs the electron transport activity. Evaluation of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters might reflect influence of the environmental stress on plants and can be applied as an indicator of the primary photochemistry of photosynthesis. In current study the effect of foliar application of benzylaminopurine (BAP, a synthetic cytokinin) and abscisic acid (ABA) on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of relatively drought tolerant (Pishtaz) and susceptible (Karaj3) bread wheat genotypes under well watered and terminal water deficit condition have been evaluated. Terminal drought was induced by withholding water at anthesis stage (Zadoks scale 65). Results showed that coefficient of non-photochemical quenching of variable fluorescence (qN), quantum yield of PS II photochemistry (ΦPSII) and photochemical quenching (qP) were affected by hormone spray treatments. So that evaluation of parameters at 7 day after foliar treatments revealed that ABA significantly increased electron transport rate (ETR) and qN while considerably decreased ΦPSII, gs and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). However exogenous application of cytokinin could increase gs, Fv/Fm and ΦPSII and the highest value of these parameters was recorded in cytokinin treated plants of Pishtaze cv. under well watered condition. Nevertheless, evaluation of the parameters in different periods after spraying showed that with approaching the maturity stage some traits like as gs, Fv/Fm and ETR significantly decreased in both genotypes. Evaluation of gs and Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of genotypes between different irrigation levels showed that although cv. Pishtaz showed higher performance of PSII under well watered condition, it failed to maintain its superiority under stress condition. This finding suggests that some more responsive parameter like gs, Fv/Fm and ΦPSII can be considered as reliable indicator for understanding the biochemical and physiological effects of exogenous application of phytohormones under terminal drought stress.

Stres suszy wpływa negatywnie na fotosyntezę roślin oraz zakłóca transport elektronów. Ocena parametrów fluorescencji chlorofilu może odzwierciedlać wpływ stresu środowiskowego na rośliny i może być stosowana jako wskaźnik pierwotnych reakcji fotochemicznych fotosyntezy. W prezentowanych badaniach oceniano wpływ dolistnego stosowania benzyloaminopuryny (BAP, syntetyczna cytokinina) i kwasu abscysynowego (ABA) na parametry fluorescencji chlorofilu w stosunkowo odpornych na suszę (Pishtaz) i podatnych (Karaj3) genotypach pszenicy w warunkach dobrego nawodnienia i skrajnego deficytu wody. Krańcową suszę wywoływano w fazie kwitnienia (65 w skali Zadoks). Wykazano, że współczynnik niefotochemicznego wygaszania fluorescencji (qN), wydajność kwantowa reakcji fotochemicznych PS II (ΦPSII) i fotochemiczne wygaszanie (qP) ulegały zmianom po opryskiwaniu liści hormonami. Ocena parametrów po 7 dniach od dolistnego podania hormonu wykazała, że ABA znacząco zwiększa sprawność transportu elektronów (ETR) i qN, znacznie zmniejsza ΦPSII, gs i maksymalną wydajność kwantową fotosystemu II (Fv/Fm). Jednak egzogenne zastosowanie cytokininy może zwiększyć gs, Fv/Fm i ΦPSII, a najwyższą wartość tych parametrów odnotowano w traktowanych cytokininą roślinach odmiany Pishtaze w warunkach dobrego nawodnienia. Ocena parametrów w różnych okresach po oprysku wykazała, że w bardziej dojrzałych roślinach wskaźniki takie jak gs, Fv/Fm i ETR znacznie zmniejszyły się w obu genotypach. Ocena gs i parametrów fluorescencji chlorofilu genotypów w warunkach różnych poziomów nawodnienia wykazała, że chociaż genotypy Pishtaz wykazały wyższą wydajność PSII w stanie dobrego nawodnienia, nie udało się utrzymać przewagi w warunkach stresu. Odkrycie to sugeruje, że niektóre bardziej czułe parametry takie jak gs, Fv/Fm i ΦPSII mogą być wiarygodnym wskaźnikiem dla zrozumienia biochemicznych i fizjologicznych efektów egzogennego stosowania fitohormonów w warunkach krańcowego stresu suszy.

The forest sites and soil survey conducted by the Bureau for Forest Management and Geodesy, Branch in Lublin in the years 2009–2010 involved all of the Roztocze National Park (RNP). The studied area was 8335.31 ha. Throughout the Park, 417 soil sampling plots (open pits) and 2,400 auxiliary soil sampling plots (soil boreholes) were established. A total of 28 soil subtypes, subsumed under 14 soil types, were identified, with the most abundant soil type being rendzina. Furthermore, 17 forest site types were described, including 12 lowland and 5 upland forest site types. Two upland forest types (upland broadleaved forest and upland mixed broadleaved forest), were found to be predominant in the National Park.

Prace glebowo-siedliskowe wykonane przez Biuro Urządzania Lasu i Geodezji Leśnej Oddział w Lublinie w latach 2009–2010 objęły swym zasięgiem cały obszar RPN. Powierzchnia na której dokonano rozpoznania gleb i siedlisk leśnych wyniosła 8335,31 ha. Na terenie Parku założono 417 powierzchni typologicznych - odkrywek glebowych oraz 2400 powierzchni pomocniczych – wierceń glebowych. Ogółem wyróżniono 28 podtypów gleb, ujętych w 14 jednostkach nadrzędnych – typach gleb. Największą grupą gleb pod względem zajmowanej  powierzchni są rędziny. Opisano także 17 typów siedliskowych lasu, wśród których znajduje się 12 typów siedlisk nizinnych oraz 5 typów siedlisk wyżynnych. Biorąc pod uwagę udziały procentowe powierzchni poszczególnych typów siedliskowych lasu, można zaobserwować zdecydowaną dominację siedlisk wyżynnych: lasu wyżynnego oraz lasu mieszanego wyżynnego.

In lakes Rogóźno and Zagłębocze located in the Łęczna-Włodawa Plain (E Poland), monthly and daily changes in the vertical distribution of phytoplankton biomass were investigated. In both lakes, phytoplankton biomass in metalimnion were two or three times higher than in epilimnion. In Rogóźno Lake, Planktothrix rubescens dominated in phytoplankton (> 80% of biomass), whereas in Zagłębocze Lake − Ceratium hirundinella prevailed (> 90% of biomass). The biomass maxima of Pl. rubescens (at 6 m depth – 43.5 mg dm-3 and at 7 m depth - 24.4 mg dm-3) were always below the lower limit of the euphotic zone, i.e. at the depth where the light was < 1%, and the water temperature was < 10 °C. Large biomass of C. hirundinella was observed always in metalimnion (up to 43.6 mg dm-3 in July) at the lower limit of the euphotic zone (transparency of Sd = 3.0 m). In August, when transparency of Sd = 2.5 m, biomass of C. hirundinella varied significantly during the day in the two thermal layers. In epilimnion, the largest increase of biomass was observed in daylight hours and the decrease at night. The reverse situation was observed in metalimnion − the decline in the daytime and the increase at night. The studies revealed that despite different mechanisms of motility (buoyancy or flagellar movement), vertical migrations of these species corresponded mainly to the changing light.

jeziorach Rogóźno i Zagłębocze położonych na Równinie Łęczyńsko-Włodawskiej (wsch. Polska) badano zmiany biomasy fitoplanktonu w pionowym rozmieszczeniu w skali miesięcznej i dobowej. W obu jeziorach biomasa fitoplanktonu w metalimnionie była dwa lub trzy razy wyższa niż w epilimnionie. W jeziorze Rogóźno w fitoplanktonie dominowała Planktothrix rubescens(> 80% biomasy), natomiast w jeziorze Zagłębocze – Ceratium hirundinella (> 90% biomasy). Maksima biomasy Pl. rubescens (na 6 m – 43,5 mg dm-3 i na 7 m – 24,4 mg dm-3) zawsze występowały poniżej dolnej granicy strefy eufotycznej, czyli na głębokości, gdzie światło było <1%, a temperatura wody wynosiła <10 ° C. Duża biomasa C. hirundinella występowała zawsze w metalimnionie (aż do 43.6 mg dm-3 w lipcu) przy dolnej granicy strefy eufotycznej (widziałność Sd = 3,0 m). W sierpniu, gdy widzialność krążka Sd = 2,5 m, biomasa C. hirundinella różniła się znacząco w ciągu doby w dwóch warstwach termicznych. W epilimnionie największy przyrost biomasy odnotowano w ciągu dnia, a spadek w nocy. Odwrotna sytuacja miała miejsce w metalimnionie – spadek w ciągu dnia i wzrost w nocy. Badania wykazały, że pomimo różnych mechanizmów ruchliwości (pławność lub aparat wiciowy), pionowe migracje tych gatunków związane były głównie ze zmieniającymi się warunkami świetlnymi.

Authors discuss the collection of larvae and imagines of Odonata which was collected during hydrobiological and acarological studies conducted in Montenegro in 2010 and 2012. The material encompasses 28 dragonfly species of which Ophiogomphus cecilia has been recorded in this country for the first time. The updated checklist of the dragonflies of Montenegro was also provided.

Autorzy omawiają zbiór larw i imagines Odonata, który zgromadzono podczas badań hydrobiologicznych i akarologicznych prowadzonych w Czarnogórze w latach 2010 i 2012. Obejmuje on 28 gatunków, z których Ophiogomphus cecilia stwierdzono pierwszy raz w tym kraju. Przedstawiono też uzupełniony wykaz ważek Czarnogóry.

The course of pollination processes, pollen morphology and the degree of stigma pollination both in self-compatible (four lines) and in self-incompatible (two cultivars) plants of Secale cereale were examined. It was ascertained that either the self-compatible or the self-incompatible plants produced in anthers large amounts of the vital pollen, which during pollination was deposited in different manner on the stigma surface. It is worth noting that the presence of the leftovers of tapetum between mature pollen grains only in the anther of two self-incompatible cultivars was observed.

Tematem badań było prześledzenie budowy morfologicznej ziaren pyłku oraz procesu zapylenia u kilku linii Secale cereale. Badano cztery linie, dwie z nich były samozgodne, a dwie samoniezgodne. Obserwowano różnice w reakcji ziaren pyłku w zależności od tego, czy zostały zdeponowane na zgodnym lub niezgodnym znamieniu. Ponadto w pylnikach samoniezgodnych linii odnotowano obecność resztek tapetum pomiędzy dojrzałymi ziarnami pyłku.

During meiosis in microsporogenesis in spermatophytes and in sporogenesis in bryophytes and ferns, regular rearrangement of cytoplasmic organelles (chondriokinesis) occurs. In the present paper, the course of chondriokinesis has been analysed in several representatives of the family Malvaceae (Gossypium arboreum, Alcea rosea and Lavatera thuringiaca). It was revealed that cell organelles in all the species analysed aggregated around the nucleus at the end of prophase I, and next they surrounded two nuclei in telophase I. This position persisted not only until the end of meiosis, but also in post-meiotic cells after formation of microspore sporoderm on mononuclear pollen grains. Currently, this type of cell organelle aggregation has not been reported from other plant groups, and it seems to be characteristic of the representatives of the family Malvaceae only. The role of this type of cell organelle rearrangement still requires elucidation. The current theories are concerned with dividing cells, whereas the cell organelle aggregation described in the present work was observed in post-meiotic cells as well, i.e. in mononuclear pollen grains.

W mikrosporogenezie u roślin nasiennych oraz sporogenezie mszaków i paprotników zachodzi mejoza, podczas której następuje regularne przemieszczanie się organelli komórkowych (chondriokineza). W niniejszej pracy analizowaliśmy przebieg chondriokinezy u kilku przedstawicieli rodziny Malvaceae (Gossypium arboreum, Alcea rosea i Lavatera thuringiaca). Okazuje się, że u wszystkich badanych gatunków, pod koniec profazy I organella komórkowe grupowały się w formie otoczki wokół jądra, a następnie w telofazie I wokół 2 jąder. Takie położenie utrzymywało się nie tylko do końca mejozy, ale także po jej zakończeniu gdy 1-jądrowe ziarna pyłku miały już uformowaną sporodermę. Taki typ grupowania się organelli komórkowych nie był dotychczas opisywany u innych grup roślin i wydaje się charakterystyczny jedynie dla przedstawicieli rodziny Malvaceae. Wyjaśnienia wymaga natomiast rola tego rodzaju przemieszczeń organelli komórkowych. Dotychczasowe teorie dotyczą komórek podczas podziału, natomiast przedstawione w niniejszej pracy zgrupowanie organelli komórkowych obserwowane było także w komórkach po mejozie – 1-jądrowych ziarnach pyłku.

The ultrastucture of mesophyll cells of Deschampsia antarctica Desv. (Poaceae) leaves was investigated using the standard method of preparing material for examination in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The investigated leaves were collected from the Antarctic hairgrass growing in a tundra microhabitat and representing xermorphic morphological and anatomical features. The general anatomical features of mesophyll cells are similar to those in cells of another grass leaves. The observations of the ultrastructure of mesophyll cells have shown that the organelles are located close to each other in a relatively small amount of the cytoplasm or closely adhere to each other. Organelles such as mitochondria, peroxisomes, and Golgi apparatus, as well as osmiophilic materials are gathered close to the chloroplasts. The chloroplast of the mesophyll cells of the D. antarctica leaf can form concavities filled with the cytoplasm. Such behaviour and ultrastructure of organelles facilitate exchange/flow of different substances engaged in the metabolic activity of the cell between cooperating organelles.

Przy użyciu standardowej metody przygotowywania materiału, badano ultrastrukturę komórek mezofilu liści Deschampsia antarctica Desv. (Poaceae) w mikroskopie elektronowym transmisyjnym (TEM). Badane liście zostały zebrane z okazów śmiałka antarktycznego rosnącego w mikrośrodowisku tundrowym, reprezentujących kseromorficzne cechy morfologiczne i anatomiczne. Ogólne cechy anatomiczne komórek mezofilu są podobne do komórek liści innych traw. Obserwacjeultrastruktury komórek wykazały, że organelle komórek mezofilowych występują blisko siebie w stosunkowo niewielkiej ilości cytoplazmy lub ściśle przylegają do siebie. Organelle takie jak mitochondria, peroksysomy, aparaty Golgiego, a także osmofilne materiały gromadzą się w pobliżu chloroplastów. Chloroplasty komórek mezofilu D. antarctica często mają wklęsłości wypełnione cytoplazmą. Takie zachowanie i budowa ultrastrukturalna organelli ułatwia wymianę/przepływ różnych substancji zaangażowanych w aktywność metaboliczną między współdziałającymi organellami komórki.

The purpose of our investigation was to determine appropriate conditions for induction of raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Nawojka) cell suspension culture. The established callus culture obtained from leaf explants was used as an inoculum for cell culture initiation. Five combinations of plant growth regulators: 1) 4.0 mg l-1 IAA and 1.0 mg l-1 BAP; 2) 0.25 mg l-1 2,4-D; 3) 0.5 mg l-1 2,4-D; 4) 2.0 mg l-1 NAA and 2.0 mg l-1 BAP; 5) 4.0 mg l-1 NAA and 2.0 mg l-1 BAP, added into modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium, were tested in order to get the callus culture suitable for initiation of a cell suspension. The best callus (vigorously growing, healthy and friable) was obtained on the medium supplemented with 4.0 mg l-1 IAA and 1.0 mg l-1 BAP. To find the appropriate culture conditions for dispersing callus tissue in liquid medium into single cells and small aggregates, four combinations of plant hormones (auxins and cytokinins) were tested. The best culture medium for induction of raspberry cv. Nawojka cell suspension appeared to be the one supplemented with 1.0 mg l-1 2,4-D. Also the medium with 8.0 mg l-1 IAA and 1.0 mg l-1 BAP was similarly efficient.

Celem prezentowanych badań była optymalizacja warunków kultury in vitro umożliwiających uzyskanie zawiesiny komórkowej maliny (Rubus idaeus L.). Jako inokulum do zainicjowania kultury zawiesinowej zastosowano ustabilizowaną kulturę kalusa uzyskaną z eksplantatów liściowych na zmodyfikowanej pożywce wg Murashige i Skooga (1962). W pierwszym etapie badań testowano 5 kombinacji regulatorów wzrostu (auksyn i cytokinin) dodawanych do pożywki stymulującej powstawanie tkanki kalusowej, w celu uzyskania kultury kalusa odpowiedniej do indukcji zawiesiny komórkowej. Najlepszą tkankę kalusową (szybko mnożącą się, o luźnej strukturze) uzyskano w kombinacji uwzględniającej uzupełnienie pożywki do kultury in vitro auksyną IAA w stężeniu 4,0 mg l-1 oraz cytokininą BAP w stężeniu 1,0 mg l-1 . W drugim etapie badań testowano warunki kultury in vitro umożliwiające odpowiednią dyspersję tkanki kalusowej w płynnej pożywce, skutkującą uzyskaniem populacji pojedynczych komórek oraz małych agregatów komórkowych w hodowli. W tym celu testowano 4 warianty składu pożywki, różniące się rodzajem i stężeniem zastosowanych hormonów roślinnych należących do klasy auksyn i cytokinin. Najlepszy wynik uzyskano w płynnej pożywce uzupełnionej syntetyczną auksyną 2,4-D w stężeniu 1,0 mg l-1, także pożywka zawierająca auksynę IAA w stężeniu 8,0 mg l-1 oraz cytokininę BAP w stężeniu 1,0 mg l-1 dała dobry wynik.

The structure of the anther and pollen grain was investigated in an Antarctic plant Deschampsia antarctica Desv. under a confocal microscope (CLSM). The Antarctic hair grass is one of the two native vascular plants growing in Antarctica. The structure of D. antarctica stamens with their short filaments and elongated anthers is typical of the family Poaceae. Microsporogenesis and development of D. antarctica pollen grains proceeds in a way typical of angiosperms from the family Poaceae. Beside the pistil, the hermaphroditic flower has three stamens with numerous pollen grains in pollen loculi. The monoporate and heteropolar pollen grains have a porus located at the distal pole. When observed under the confocal microscope (CLSM), D. antarctica microspores and pollen grains packed tightly inside the microsporangium exhibit strong fluorescence after eosin staining (green fluorescence). The use of calcofluor yielded blue fluorescence of anther endothecial cell walls. The D. antarctica anther endothecium is formed of a single layer of cells, although more than one layer of cells were observed at some sites.

Budowę pylnika i ziaren pyłku badano za pomocą mikroskopu konfokalnego (CLSM) u antarktycznej rośliny Deschampsia antarctica Desv. Śmiałek antarktyczny jest jedną z dwóch rodzimych roślin naczyniowych rosnących na Antarktydzie. Pręciki D. antarctica mają budowę typową dla rodziny Poaceae z krótką nitką i wydłużonymi pylnikami. Mikrosporogeneza i rozwój ziaren pyłku D. antarctica przebiega w sposób typowy dla roślin okrytozalążkowych z rodziny Poaceae. W hermafrodytycznym kwiecie obok słupka występują trzy pręciki, z licznymi ziarnami pyłku w komorach pyłkowych. Ziarna pyłku są jednoporowe i różnobiegunowe, z porusem położonym na biegunie dystalnym. Mikrospory i ziarna pyłku u D. antarctica ułożone ściśle wewnątrz mikrosporangium, obserwowane w mikroskopie konfokalnym (CLSM) wykazują silną fluorescencję po zabarwieniu eozyną (zielona fluorescencja). Po zastosowaniu kalkafluoru ściany komórek endotecjum pylnika fluoryzują na niebiesko. Endotecjum pylnika D. antarctica zbudowane jest z jednej warstwy komórek; w niektórych miejscach obserwowano więcej niż jedną warstwę komórek.

In Central Europe, as well as in Poland many introduced spider species have been recorded in the past decades. Most of them are from areas with warm climate, and spreading mainly in synanthropic environment, rarely colonizing natural habitats. Results of research, presented in this paper extend the list of Polish synanthropic araneofauna by four species: Latrodectus mactans, Cheiracanthium mildei, Heteropoda venatoria and Heliophanus cf. apiatus. In addition, new findings of rare or rarely collected synanthropic spider species (Nesticella mogera, Scytodes thoracica, Psilochorus simoni, Uloborus plumipes, Parasteatoda tabulata, Steatoda triangulosa, Mermessus trilobatus, Ostearius melanopygius, Hasarius adansoni, Leptorchestes berolinensis, Pseudeuophrys lanigera) are discussed. Presented data enrich our knowledge about distribution of these species in Poland and show new pathways of potential expansion. For Uloborus plumipes and Hasarius adansoni presence of stable, permanent populations is shown. Findings of Mermessus trilobatus and Ostearius melanopygius in open country suggest that these alien species are gradually colonizing natural biotopes.

W Europie Środkowej, w tym także w Polsce, w ciągu ostatnich dekad zanotowano szereg gatunków pająków pochodzących z innych stref klimatycznych, które zostały introdukowanei rozprzestrzeniają się w środowiskach synantropijnych. Zaprezentowane w niniejszej pracy wyniki badań wydłużają listę stwierdzonych w Polsce przedstawicieli synantropijnej araneofauny o cztery gatunki: Latrodectus mactans, Cheiracanthium mildei, Heteropoda venatoria oraz Heliophanus cf. apiatus. Oprócz tych gatunków omówiono nowe stanowiska sporadycznie lub rzadko dotychczas wykazywanych w Polsce pająków synantropijnych takich jak: Nesticella mogera, Scytodes thoracica, Psilochorus simoni, Uloborus plumipes, Parasteatoda tabulata, Mermessus trilobatus, Ostearius melanopygius, Hasarius adansoni, Leptorchestes berolinensis i Pseudeuophrys lanigera. Przedstawione dane uzupełniają stan poznania rozmieszczenia tych gatunków w Polsce o nowe lokalizacje oraz wskazują drogi potencjalnej ekspansji. Dla Uloborus plumipes i Hasarius adansoni wykazano istnienie dużych, rozmnażających się w Polsce, trwałych populacji.

The collections of water mites (Hydrachnidia) from the years 1973 and 1974 of two upland rivers – the Biała and Czarna Łada (south-eastern Poland) were elaborated. Among 1,178 individuals, 43 species were distinguished: 34 species in the River Biała Łada and 27 in the River Czarna Łada. Rheophiles and rheobionts were dominating. Some mountain species, rare in the upland areas also occurred. Seasonal changes of numbers and clear negative impact of water pollution and hydrotechnical works on water mites were found in the studied rivers, too.

Opracowano zbiory wodopójek (Hydrachnidia) z lat 1973 i 1974 dwu rzek wyżynnych – Białej Łady i Czarnej Łady (Polska południowo-wschodnia). Wśród 1178 osobników wyróżniono 43 gatunki:34 w Białej Ładzie i 27 w Czarnej Ładzie. Dominowały reofile i reobionty. Występowały także niektóre rzadkie na wyżynach gatunki górskie. Stwierdzono sezonowe zmiany liczebności oraz wyraźny negatywny wpływ na wodopójki zanieczyszczenia wody i zabiegów hydrotechnicznych w badanych rzekach.

We studied galls formed by Lipara pullitarsis in the apical part of common reed stems, paying particular attention to the number and length of internodes that formed the basal part of each gall. L. similis galls were used only as a reference for the study of L. pullitarsis galls, as they were characterised by a uniform structural pattern and a shape similar to some galls produced by L. pullitarsis. L. pullitarsis galls vary in shape. The species is found in conspicuous galls that are narrow at the base and have a wider apical part. It can also be found inside rod-shaped galls similar to those formed by L. similis. The shape of an L. pullitarsis gall is determined by the number and length of internodes that form its basal part, with the length of internodes III, IV and V being of the greatest significance.

The information about the distribution of caddisflies (Trichoptera) in mid-western Poland being a part of the Wielkopolsko-Kujawska Lowland (WKL) faunistic region is still scarce compared to other regions. To close the knowledge gap, we investigated caddisflies larvae and occasionally imagines in a selected area in mid-western Poland in 2011. The aim was the preliminary estimation of species richness and abundance of protected, rare and endangered species in this part of WKL. For the study 63 sampling sites representing broad spectrum of habitat types were chosen and analysed with various ecological indices. In total, 75 species: 46 as larvae and 51 as imagines were found in the area. Among them, one protected species (Crunoecia irrorata), 5 listed in the Polish Red List (Erotesis baltica, Hydropsyche bulgaromanorum, Ylodes simulans, Limnephulus borealis and L. fuscinervis), and 11 species not reported for WKL yet were found in the area. In the whole material, the most frequent and dominant species was Limnephilus flavicornis. In contrast, 50 species were recorded in less than 5% of sites. The highest species richness was found in rivers and fish ponds with total number of 33 and 32 species, respectively, whereas the lowest one in springs (5 species) and bogs (6 species). The highest species diversity obtained with probability of intraspecificencounter (PIE) Index was found in fish ponds (0.90) and rivers (0.85) as well. In contrast, streams had the lowest PIE value (0.60) in the area. The most valuable habitat types with regard to protected, endangered and rare species were rivers and fish ponds, as well as lakes and streams of lower importance. To conclude, our investigation indicated a high species richness and diversity in the area, which was related to high habitat heterogeneity, thus having significant importance for biodiversity preservation in mid-western Poland. Moreover, fish ponds and rivers were the most valuable habitat types significantly contributing to species richness, diversity and preservation of rare and endangered species in this area.

Wiedza na temat rozmieszczenia chruścików (Trichoptera) w środkowo-zachodniej Polsce, będącej częścią krainy faunistycznej Niziny Wielkopolsko-Kujawskiej (WKL) jest wciąż uboga w porównaniu do innych regionów. W celu uzupełnienia tej informacyjnej luki w roku 2011 przeprowadzono inwentaryzację wybranego obszaru w tej części kraju. Celem pracy było wstępneokreślenie różnorodności gatunkowej oraz gatunków chronionych, zagrożonych i rzadkich w tej części WKL. Próby pobrano z 63 stanowisk obejmujących szerokie spektrum typów siedliska następnie przeanalizowano przy użyciu różnych wskaźników ekologicznych. Ogółem stwierdzono 75 gatunków chruścików, w tym 46 i 51 odpowiednio w postaci larw i osobników dorosłych. Wśród stwierdzonych gatunków jeden jest chroniony (Crunoecia irrorata), 5 znajduje się na Polskiej Czerwonej Liście (Erotesis baltica, Hydropsyche bulgaromanorum, Ylodes simulans, Limnephulus borealis and L. fuscinervis) a 11 nie było dotychczas podanych z WKL. Z całości materiału gatunkiem o najwyższej dominacji i frekwencji był Limnephilus flavicornis. Natomiast aż 50 gatunków stwierdzono w mniej niż 5% stanowisk. Najwyższą liczbę gatunków zanotowano w rzekach i stawach rybnych, odpowiednio 33 i 32, natomiast najmniejszą w źródłach (5 gatunków) oraz na torfowiskach (6 gatunków). Najwyższą różnorodnością gatunkową mierzoną według wskaźnikaPIE charakteryzowały się również stawy rybne (0.90) i rzeki (0.85), natomiast najniższą wartość PIE (0.60) stwierdzono w strumieniach. Pod względem udziału gatunków chronionych, zagrożonych i rzadkich najbardziej cenne okazały się rzeki oraz stawy rybne, a także w mniejszym stopniu jeziora oraz źródła. Reasumując, badany obszar charakteryzuje się dużym bogactwem oraz różnorodnością gatunkową chruścików mających znaczenie dla ochrony bioróżnorodności w środkowo-zachodniej Polsce. Najbardziej cennymi typami siedlisk dla zachowania bogactwa, różnorodności oraz dla gatunków rzadkich i zagrożonych są rzeki oraz stawy hodowlane.

As a favorable PTH (permanent translocation heterozygosity) model, Tradescantia spathacea (synon. Rhoeo spathacea) offers an unusual opportunity to address crucial cytogenetic problems, among them complex chromosome rearrangements, recognition and segregation of translocated genome parts, the relation of crossing-over to synaptic processes. Here I present the existing knowledge on T. spathacea with the intention to reestablish it for advanced cytogenetic research.

Tradescantia spathacea (syn. Rhoeo spathacea) jako tzw. permanentna heterozygota translokacyjna jest cennym organizmem modelowym do rozwiązywania ważnych problemów współczesnejcytogenetyki. Wśród nich są: kompleksowe chromosomowe rearanżacje, koniugacja i segregacja translokacyjnych segmentów, relacja pomiędzy crossing-over a procesami związanymi z koniugacją. W niniejszym artykule został przedstawiony istniejący stan wiedzy dotyczącej cytogenetyki T. spathacea oraz zostały poruszone najważniejsze zagadnienia z nią związane.

Although aquatic beetles are one of the most diverse groups significantly contributing to species diversity in freshwaters, their occurrence and distribution has been studied very poorly in mid-western Poland. Consequently, our knowledge about the current aquatic beetle species richness and habitat preferences is still scarce in large parts of this region. To close this knowledge gap, we investigated a selected area of approximately 500 km2 in the south-western part of the Lubuskie Province, part of the Wielkopolsko-Kujawska Lowland, to obtain the richness of total, protected, endangered and rare species of aquatic beetles, as well as to analyse their diversity and ecological groups in representative habitats. For the study, 70 sampling sites representing ditches (5 localities), streams (4), rivers (13), small water bodies in open landscapes (7) and in forests (6), temporary (8) and permanent (7) fish ponds, lakes (4), fens (1), peat bogs (13) and marshes (2) were investigated from April to September 2011. In total, 115 species, including 10 protected by law or/and listed on the Polish Red List, as well as 11 rare and local in Poland species were found in the study area. Among them special attention should be paid to Macroplea appendiculata – a recently-discovered for the Wielkopolsko-Kujawska Lowland and critically endangered in Poland species as well as Rhantus incognitus – an endangered and rare species in Poland. The most frequent species was Hyphydrus ovatus (34.3% of sites), whereas 29 species, mostly stenotopic specialists, were recorded in only one site. Eurytopes and tyrphophiles were both present in each habitat type. Further, the most diverse habitats were temporary ponds containing 7 groups of stenotopes, whereas in streams only 2 groups were found. On average, the most species rich habitats were permanent ponds (median = 11 species) and bogs (11), but the highest species numbers were found in a temporary pond (44 species) and in a small water body in open landscape (42). The lowest species richness was found in streams (maximum4 species per site). According to an evaluation of habitat types based on protected, threatened and rare species, the most important were permanent and temporary ponds in the forested, water-rich parts of the study area. In agriculturally dominated parts, however, small rivers and occasionally small water bodies were of high importance for rare species.We conclude that the species richness and abundance of protected, endangered and rare species are high in the study area in comparison to other parts of Poland. The most important habitats in terms of high diversity of aquatic beetles are predominantly permanent fish ponds and bogs, whereas permanent and temporary fish ponds play a key role for the high content of rare and protected speciesin the area.

Chrząszcze wodne są jedną z najbardziej bogatych w gatunki grup znacząco przyczyniających się do różnorodności gatunkowej w wodach słodkich, jednak ich występowanie i rozmieszczeniew Polsce środkowo-zachodniej było badane w bardzo małym zakresie. W konsekwencji nasza obecna wiedza o ich różnorodności gatunkowej oraz preferencjach siedliskowych w tej części kraju jest znikoma. W związku z tym przeprowadzono inwentaryzację wybranego terenu o powierzchni ok. 500 km2 w południowo-zachodniej części województwa lubuskiego, według Katalogu fauny Polski leżącego na Nizinie Wielkopolsko-Kujawskiej. Celem badań było określenie różnorodności gatunkowej oraz udziału gatunków chronionych, zagrożonych i rzadkich, a także analiza grup ekologicznych chrząszczy wodnych w reprezentatywnych biotopach. Próby pobrano z 70 stanowisk reprezentujących: rowy (5 stanowisk), strumienie (4), rzeki (13), oczka wodne w terenie otwartym (7) i śródleśnym(6), stawy rybne z okresowym (8) i permanentnym (7) stanem wody, jeziora (4), torfowiska niskie (1), torfowiska sfagnowe (13) oraz bagna (2) w okresie od kwietnia do września 2011 r. Stwierdzono 115 gatunków, w tym 10 gatunków chronionych lub/i uwzględnionych w Polskiej Czerwonej Liście oraz 11 gatunków rzadkich i lokalnych w Polsce. Na szczególną uwagę zasługują Macroplea appendiculata – gatunek krytycznie zagrożony (CR), chroniony oraz nowy dla Niziny Wielkopolsko-Kujawskiej, oraz Rhantus incognitus – gatunek zagrożony (EN) i rzadko spotykany w kraju. Najwyższa frekwencja cechowała Hyphydrus ovatus (34,3% stanowisk), natomiast 29 gatunków, w większościstenotopów, występowało tylko na jednym stanowisku. Spośród grup ekologicznych, eurytopy i tyrfofile występowały we wszystkich typach siedlisk. Najbardziej różnorodne pod względem typów ekologicznych chrząszczy były stawy okresowe, w których zanotowano 7 grup stenotopów. Najmniej stwierdzono ich w strumieniach (2 grupy). Średnio, największą ilością gatunków charakteryzowały się stawy permanentne (mediana = 11 gatunków) oraz torfowiska (11), natomiast maksymalnienajwięcej gatunków zanotowano w stawach okresowych (44 gatunki) oraz w małych zbiornikach terenów otwartych (42). Najmniej bogate gatunkowo były strumienie (maksymalnie 4 gatunki na stanowisko). Wyniki ewaluacji typów siedlisk pod kątem występowania gatunków chronionych, zagrożonych i rzadkich wykazały, że najbardziej istotne były permanentne i okresowe stawy na obszarach zalesionych i bogatych w wody. Jednak w obrębie dominacji agrocenoz, ważne dla zachowaniatych grup gatunków okazały się małe rzeki oraz częściowo małe zbiorniki.Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań należy stwierdzić, że obszar środkowo-zachodniej Polski charakteryzuje się dużym bogactwem gatunków chrząszczy wodnych oraz dużym udziałem gatunków chronionych, zagrożonych i rzadkich na tle innych części kraju. Najważniejszymi typami siedlisk w aspekcie różnorodności gatunkowej są głównie stawy permanentne oraz torfowiska. Natomiast stawy okresowe i permanentne odgrywają kluczową rolę dla zachowania gatunków rzadkich na tym obszarze.

Twenty-five lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes were studied to evaluate the effects of the SiO2 nano-particles on plants under salt stress. The experiment was a 3×25 factorial arrangement with three levels of treatment solutions as (T1) distilled water as control, (T2) 100 mM NaCl concentration and (T3) 1 mM nano-silicon dioxide concentration plus 100 mM NaCl concentration, and 25 levels of lentil genotypes. Results showed a significant reduction in germination percent and seedling growth due to the salinity stress while significantly increased with silicon nano-particles application. The germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight traits showed significant differences among lentil genotypes in treatment solutions. Results indicated that adding SiO2 nano-particles could improve germination and seedling early growth under salinity stress and the related traits were increased in all of lentil genotypes. Overall, application of SiO2 nano-particles was beneficial in improving salinity tolerance in the lentil seedling and its application may stimulate the differences defense mechanisms of plants against salt toxicity.

Interest in growing lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is increasing due to its potential returns relative to other legume crops in semi-arid areas. An experiment was conducted to examine the important traits on lentil under application of nano-fertilizer by using eight genotypes with application of the biplot technique in visualizing research data. Nano-iron oxide (2 g L-1) was utilized as foliar spray during vegetative and reproductive stages. The study revealed that genotype by trait (GT) biplot can graphically display the interrelationships among traits and facilitate visual comparison of genotypes. The first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) accounted for 76% of the total variation. The polygon view of GT biplot suggested four sections for the lentil genotypes as well as traits. The vertex genotypes G1 had plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100-grains weight and grain yield traits. The most prominent relation were: a strong positive association among biological yield, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, grains yield and plant height as indicated by the small obtuse angles between their vectors. The traits’ relationship in the semi-arid was highly variable, and grain yield improvement can be achieved by selecting for number of pods per plant, 100-grains weight. We suggest that the GT biplot be used jointly to better understand and more fully explore interaction pattern data.

During the field studies on the floodplain forests of the Małopolska Upland carried out in 2009–2013, the author tried to determine which species of alien and invasive plants could be a threat to the stability of these vegetation communities. Efforts were also made to answer the question, which floodplain forests are particularly vulnerable to the penetration of alien species and in which layers of the forest plant community are the best conditions for the development of the individual alien plant species. During the research, a total number of 344 reléves were made, of which 90 recorded the presence of alien species. The most common were: Impatiens parviflora, Acer negundo and Padus serotina. The highest percentage of reléves involving alien species was found in the riverside floodplain forests of Salicetum albo-fragilis and Populetum albae.

Insect immune system consists of only innate mechanisms relied on cellular and humoral branches. Many defence proteins and peptides exist or appear in response to infection in insect’s hemolymph. The interaction between the infected host and the entomopathogen occurs in the conditions of external environment. In this work the greater wax moth larvae of Galleria mellonella were subjected to a temperature of 120C for a short period of time, directly before infection with entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. It appeared that the induction of the immune response was higher in cold-shocked animals than in larvae permanently reared at the optimal temperature of 28 0C. This enhanced immune response was manifested as higher antibacterial and lysozyme-type activity detected in full hemolymph, and as a higher level of peptides of molecular weight below 10 kDa having antibacterial activity. Moreover, other changes in the contents of proteins in the hemolymph were observed. These changes concerned inter alia apolipophorin III, the multifunctional protein of immune significance. Its level was higher in the hemolymph of animals pre-exposed to cold shock than in nonshocked, infected ones. Altogether our results indicate that the interdependence mechanisms occur between cold shock and the immune response.

Variation of traits is a primary need of any plant breeding effort that involves the natural evolution and causes sustainable crop production under different environments. Fifty six bread wheat genotypes grown during the growing season of 2012/2013 were evaluated for variability characteristics for eighteen traits i.e., stem diameter, plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, tiller number, internode length, peduncle length, spike length, floret number, spikelet number, grain number, awn length, grain diameter, grain length, number of days to flowering, thousand seed weight and grain yield. Significant differences were observed for all the traits studied, indicating a considerable amount of variation among wheat genotypes for each trait. The estimates of the coefficient of variation (CV) were high for grain yield and number of tillers per plant. Spike length varied from 8.95 in G28 to 4.74 in G40, while genotype G20 had the maximum floret number (19). According to thousand seed weight, genotype G55 had the maximum thousand seed weight (45.57 g) and genotype G4 had the maximum grain yield performance (6936.3 kg ha-1). The information on diversity among the agro-morphological traits of the studied wheat genotypes will be helpful to plant breeders in constructing their breeding materials and implementing selection strategies.

Xerothermic grasslands are among the most valuable and, at the same time, the most vulnerable elements of the natural environment of Poland. Their high natural value is reflected in the presence of numerous species of plants originating from warmer, steppe regions of Europe, which increase the biodiversity of local ecosystems. In our climate circumstances, such plant communities have extrazonal character and only occur in places with specific habitat conditions. The grasslands generally occupy small areas, usually in warm and dry habitats, mainly on slopes exposed to strong sunlight and slopes with southern exposures. The aim of the research was to provide a phytosociological characteristics of the thermophilous grasslands PLH 180051 – “Łąki nad Wojkówką”, their distribution and threats as well as the prospects for conservation of the communities. On the study area, a significant share belongs to the communities with species characteristic of the Festuco-Brometea class and Trifolio-Geranietea class. Lack of species characteristic for lower syntaxonomic units does not allow for them to be classified as an association.

The study area was a small lowland river valley (the Łęg river) located in the south-east of Poland. The object of investigation was the macrophytes of 10 river lakes with corresponding active river channel stretches of the same length as the cut-offs. The aim was to check the difference in species diversity between cut-off and active river channels. The second aim was to test the following hypothesis: vegetation of river lake has been shaped under the influence of contiguous river stretch which has left a measurable mark in species abundance and composition. To test this, we checked whether a cut-off channel’s flora is more similar to flora of the contiguous river stretch, than to flora of a farther river stretch. During the course of the study it was found that the average species richness was approximately two times higher in the cut-off channels than in the river stretches. The number of the species exclusive for the river lakes was nine times higher in comparison with the river’s exclusives (not found in the cut-offs). The Shannon diversity index definitely spoke in favor of the river lakes. These results clearly show the significance of river lakes in maintaining biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in a small river valley. We did not confirm our hypothesis concerning floristic relation between an active channel and its cut-offs. The floristic similarity between a given cut-off channel and the contiguous active river channel stretch is not stronger than the similarity between this lake and more distant river stretches. The cause of such a state of affairs may be high natural dynamics of investigated habitats and anthropogenic transformation of the river valley.

Observations of calcium oxalate crystals of the stem of an energetic plant S. hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby from the Malvaceae family, were performed using LM, DIC, and CLSM microscopes. The transversal and longitudinal sections showed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the parenchymal tissue distributed in various layers of the stem. The crystals occurred only in the form of druses. In the innermost part of the stem, i.e. in the pith, the calcium oxalate crystals occurred singly in individual cells. In the parenchyma cells separating sclerenchyma fibres and adjacent to the xylem, the crystals were observed individually in single cells, but the cells containing druses formed rows consisting of even several cells. The cortex contained the different-size druses scattered randomly within the cells. Druses differ in shape and size but they do not protrude beyond the cells although they very often fill them completely. The functions of calcium oxalate crystals are discussed.

The paper presents the results of floristic and phytosociological research conducted during growing season 2011 on a copper mine heap Richtárová, near the village Staré Hory situated in buffer zone of the Low Tatras National Park. In total, we found 147 taxa of vascular plants. The dominant plant species of the mine heap is Agrostis capillaris, which sometimes forms relatively continuous cover, and other species growing in small islands of plants tolerant to specific environmental conditions, especially Silene dioica, Acetosella vulgaris, Arabidopsis arenosa. We sampled 8 phytosociological relevés. Localities of relevés were selected considering variability of plant communities on the all mine heap.

The authors discuss the material collected in the Suwalski Landscape Park in the years 2009 and 2011-2013, almost exclusively obtained from standing waters. At 29 study sites, 1 204 individuals representing 109 species from 12 families were caught, of which 55 species have been recorded for the first time in the examined area. The most valuable were: Gyrinus distinctus, Haliplus fulvicollis, H. variegatus, Ilybius erichsoni, Graphoderus austriacus, Hydroporus glabriusculus, H. incognitus, Hydrochus ignicollis, H. megaphallus, Spercheus emarginatus, Anacaena globulus, Berosus frontifoveatus, Enochrus melanocephalus, Hydrophilus aterrimus, Cercyon quisquilius, C. unipunctatus, Limnebius aluta, Dryops anglicanus, Heterocerus fenestratus and Cyphon pubescens. The most species were found in small water bodies and lakes. The collected material was ecologically diversified; dominating groups were eurytopes as well as tyrphobionts and tyrphophiles, rheophilous species were also numerous. Taking into consideration data discussed in this paper and literature as well as the lack of complex studies, in waters of the Suwalski Landscape Park 139 beetle species have been recorded so far, of which 136 species represent true aquatic beetles (the authors provide the list of them). This number is similar or even higher than the one recorded in well studied, the most valuable and diversified habitats in protected areas of Poland. The Suwalski Landscape Park is also the place of occurrence of many species under protection, from the Red List of Animals in Poland or regarded as rarely occurring in Poland. It is also a refuge of many seriously threatened species in neighbouring countries. This confirms a great, overregional role of this area in the protection of aquatic beetles and their habitats.

The Cemetery of the Meritorious is the oldest preserved burial site in the city of Poznań (western Poland). It was created in 1808, but after World War II it was subject to gradual devastation. In 1961, it was classified as a historic site, completely protected by law and cared for by the Cultural Heritage Officer. Field research shows that the vascular flora of the cemetery is composed of 140 taxa: 15 in the trees, 26 in the shrubs, and 99 in the herbaceous plants. The flora comprises 84 taxa (57.1%) that were planted there. Most of them are herbaceous: 45 species (30.6%), including 14 native (9.5%) and 31 alien ones (21.1%). Plants with symbolic meanings are represented by 13 taxa in the trees, 16 in the shrubs, and 30 in the herbaceous plants. Currently, however, the symbolism of cemetery plants is of little significance, as they are cultivated primarily because of their ornamental value. Special attention was paid to groundcover plants, represented by 37 species (25,2%), including 21 taxa introduced a long time ago and 16 recently (during the last 10 years or so).

Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Invasive candidiasis comprises candidemia and deep-seated candidiasis. Most yeast invasive infections are endogenous with a high mortality. Pathogenesis of candidiasis depends on avoiding host immune responses, as well as the virulence factors of the fungus enabling colonization and invasion of tissues. Adequate source control and antifungal therapy administered within a short time is critical to get a better prognosis. The emergence of drug resistance and the side effects of currently available antifungals are becoming the major problem in the management of Candida spp. infection.

Usnea jørgenseniana Bystr. & Leśniewska sp. nova, an epixilic species of bushy Usnea (Parmeliaceae) in Sweden, is similar to U. hirta var. minutissima (Mer.) Bystr., but the similarity to U. hirta is apparent. U. jørgenseniana is not a species from the foveatae Mot. section. The lack of soralia and a very small thallus (0.3–2.0 cm) makes it difficult to locate U. jørgenseniana in the section Comosae Mot. It colonizes exceptionally unfavorable climatic conditions, a coprophilous species. Collected by G. Ohrstedt in 1937. Dozens of specimens from one position.

Investigations of the relation between crop yield and climate variables are crucial for agricultural studies and decision making related to crop monitoring. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and support vector regression (SVR) are used to identify and model the impact of climate variables on barley yield. The climate variables of 36 years (1982–2017) are gathered from three provinces of Iran with different climate: Yazd (arid), Zanjan (semi-arid), Gilan (very humid). Air temperature by high correlation coefficient with barley yield was introduced as the dominant climate variable. According to evaluation criteria, SVR provided accurate estimation of crop yield in comparison with MLR. The diversity of climate impressed the estimated yield in which UI, decreasing from Gilan to Yazd provinces, was 47.77%. Support vector machine (SVM) with capturing the nonlinearity of time series, could improve barley yield estimation, with the minimum UI for Yazd province. Also, the minimum correlation coefficient between the observed and simulated yield was found in Gilan province. Based on GMER calculations, SVM forecasts were underestimated in three provinces. All findings show that SVM is able to have high efficiency to model the climate effect on crop yield.

The work concerns the occurrence conditions Drosera anglica. (EN) within the site located 10  km  from the village of au nord   Końskie near   the Czarna River. The species is very dispersed but in a few places the density was 5-10 of specimens per 1m2. This species grows within a patch which is poor in terms of its flora. No significant expansion of trees or shrubs has been noted. This is related to quite a high level of water. Such conditions are favourable to the development of another species under threat of extinction, Rhynchospora alba. Plant-based patches with participation of sundew are heterogeneous in terms of syntaxonomy.  Presence of species has been observed, e.g. from the classes of Phragmitetea and Scheuchzerio-Caricetea nigrae. Soil analyses indicate that the soils under observation are not very acidic, with average content of CaO and ash content which is optimal for this species with the ratio of C:N which indicates a temporary mire. The content of heavy metals is in norm and poses no threat to the surroundings (Pb 64-65 ppm, Cd 2.7-2.9 ppm). Wide ranges in the analysed samples refer to chromium. They do not have an adverse effect on the development of Drosera anglica. A very crucial threat is the consequence of succession, competition and hydrological conditions.

 The aim of the present study was to determine the level of ginsenosides in extracts from hairy root A, B, G clones of Panax quinquefolium and their action with antibiotics against clinical bacterial isolates. The content of ginsenosides (the key biologically active compounds) were determined in tested extracts using HPLC. The activity of extracts with antibiotics was established by micro-dilution broth method. Total triterpene saponin content was 14.68, 14.32 and 10.07 mgg-1 d.w. for root culture clones B, A and G, respectively. Our research indicates that the addition of extracts mainly from B and G clone hairy root cultures to antibiotics allow to reduce the ampicillin and tetracycline effective concentration respectively against Enterococcus faecalis and both Escherichia coli and Acintobacter baumannii.

Beneficial nanoparticles (SiO2 and TiO2) can have various profound effects on the crop physiological, biochemical and morphological characteristics. Here, we evaluated the mitigation of drought stress in barley genotypes by foliar application of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles under filed condition in North West of Iran. Nanoparticles were foliar applied in late vegetative phase and during reproductive stages. Drought was imposed at by irrigation withdrawals during the dry months in the end of the growing season. We measured parameters related morphological growth, yield, and yield component. The genetic diversity between the genotypes was quite evident and the highest seed yield and yield component were recorded for G1, G2, G4, G11, G12 and G13. Foliar application of nanoparticles considerably affected the plant height, thousand seed weight, biological and seed yield. The best performance was observed for plant treated with SiO2 nanoparticles. Spike length of G2, G6, G13 and G20 considerably responded to nano silicone foliar application. However, the best results for G8, G11 and G20 were obtained by foliar application TiO2 nanoparticles while this treatment decreased the seed yield components in G1, G5, G9, G10, G15 and G20. This could be due to genetic variation between the evaluated genotypes and high sensitivity of some genotypes to the applied concentration. The results of current study showed that application of SiO2 nanoparticles under water stress condition could have more beneficial effects on yield component of barley genotypes.

The common guava is a small tree from Myrtacaeae family which is cultivated for its fruits. Researches have explored new methods to promote fruit yields and quality of crops. Application of Forchlorofenuron or CPPU (with Molecular Formula: C12H10CIN3O) improves the fruit size as well as its quality, but there has not been an investigation evaluating its effects on common guava fruit under field conditions. This research was performed to study the effects of different doses of CPPU (0, 10, 20 and 40 mg L-1) on common guava fruit size and quality characteristics under field conditions. Analysis of variance and LSD (least significant differences) mean compression indicated that total soluble solids, total acidity, ascorbic acid or vitamin C, fruit firmness, phenolics, 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), polygalacturonase, pectin methyl esterase and ethylene were significantly different in most traits and CPPU-40 produced high means. The principal components (PC) analysis explained 95% of the total variation and the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained 78% and 17% of the total variation, respectively. According to biplot, CPPU-40 had the highest values for all of the measured traits except DPPH, ethylene and polygalacturonase. The most prominent relations by biplot were a strong positive correlation among phenolics, fruit firmness, total acidity, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid as indicated by the small obtuse angles between their vectors. The measured traits were grouped into two clusters and cutoff point verified via Wilks’ lambda statistics. Cluster I consisted of three traits (ascorbic acid or vitamin C, fruit firmness and ethylene) while cluster II included total soluble solids. Findings of this study suggest that CPPU can be used as an effective growth regulator to improve the size and quality of common guava fruit.

Effective interpretation of the data on breeding programs is important at all stages of plant improvement and the genotype by trait (GT) biplot was used for two-way wheat dataset as genotypes with multiple traits. For this propose, 18 rye genotypes with specific characteristics were evaluated in randomized block design with four replications. The GT biplot for rye dataset explained 61% of the total variation of the standardized data (the first two principal components explained 40 and 21% respectively). The polygon view of GT presented for 11 different traits of rye cultivars showed six vertex cultivars as G1, G3, G6, G8, G11 and G13 whose genotype G8 had the highest values for most of the measured traits. Generally based on vector view, ideal genotype and ideal tester biplots, it was demonstrated that the selection of high seed yield will be performed via seed number per spike, first internode weight, number of spike per area and harvest index. These traits should be considered simultaneously as effective selection criteria evolving high yielding rye cultivars because of their large contribution to seed yield. The genotypes G8 and G7 following to genotypes G3, G18 and G19 could be considered for the developing of desirable progenies in the selection strategy of rye improvement programs.

The process of wound healing consists of the following phases: inflammation, proliferation, remodeling. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs may be important in this process, especially in a stage called angiogenesis. For this reason, it was decided to investigate the effect of selective COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2) inhibitor (NS-398) on the proliferation of endothelial cells and their ability to secrete bFGF (fibroblast growth factor) for vascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). For determination of the secretion of bFGF in a cell line HMEC-1 immunosorbent ELISA assays were used. In turn, the cell proliferation assay was performed using the MTT method. Using MTT method, it was found that NS-398 at 10 μM did not affect cell viability. Whereas selective COX-2 inhibitor at 100 μM decreased cell viability in a statistically significant manner and inhibited the proliferative effect of 100 μg/mL LPS at concentrations of 10 and 100 μM. In the further step, application of NS-398 (10 and 100 μM) with LPS (100 μg/mL; inflammatory environment) reduced the secretion of bFGF in a statistically significant manner. The investigations showed that NS-398 has an antiangiogenic effect which is based on reducing the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and inhibiting the secretion of bFGF- factor responsible for angiogenesis during wound healing.

Panax quinquefolium L., belonging to the Araliaceae family, along with P. ginseng is one of the well-known species of ginseng. Multidirectional pharmacological action of this plant is attributed to triterpene saponins called ginsenosides. Pharmacopoeial raw material are roots obtained from the field crops which are time-consuming and require expensive agrotechnical procedures. Therefore, the new sources of ginseng biomass are sought such as in vitro suspension cultures. P. quinquefolium L. cell cultures, treated with the elicitation of methyl jasmonate (MJ) in concentration 50 and 250 μmol L-1, synthesize more ginsenosides than control cultures. The highest increase (2.2-fold) of all examined compounds was noted using 250 μmol L-1 MJ. In this condition, the predominantly quantitative metabolite was Rb1 ginsenoside belonging to protopanaxadiol derivatives.

Plant suspension cultures are described as a source for the acquisition of medicinal secondary metabolites which in the future may become an alternative to traditional raw materials. This study demonstrates that the cell cultures of one of the ginseng species – Panax quinquefolium L. synthesize ginsenosides, which are triterpene saponins having a multidirectional pharmacological effects. Tested suspension cultures were run on a small scale in the shake flasksand in scale up of the process in a 10-liter stirred tank. In the shake flasks,the highest biomass yield (2.28 gl-1 for dry and 33.99 gl-1 for fresh weight) was reached on day 30 of culture, and the highest content of saponins (2.66 mg g -1 dw) was determined on day 28 of culture. In the bioreactor, nearly 2.67 and 3-fold increase of respectively dry and fresh biomass was recorded in relation to the inoculum. Large-scale cultures synthesized protopanaxatriol derivatives such as Rg1 and Re ginsenosides, however, no saponins belonging to the protopanaxadiol derivatives were reported.

Usnea balcanica Bystr., a new species in Poland, was collected in the Roztocze National Park in 1962. It grew on a branch of an old beech, in a light beech forest, in the Obrocz reserve. This very rare species is known so far only from the mountain forests of the Balkan Peninsula (11).

Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Non-albicans Candida species play an important role in vulvovaginal candidiasis and invasive infections. Most cases of infections are endogenous. In case of patients with immune disorders this opportunistic pathogen causes both surface, systemic infections, and candidemia. Symptoms depend on the area affected. Candidiasis are treated with antimycotics; these include clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and echinocandins. The emergence of drug resistance and the side effects of currently available antifungals are becoming a major problem in the management of Candida spp. infection.

The paper presents the germination of different types of gyrogonites of Chara intermedia A. Braun 1836. The study material was collected from the surface layer of sediments (sediment gyrogonites) and from dead C. intermedia specimens inhabiting a post-excavation pit. As a result of a low level of water and seasonal drying, two morphological types of gyrogonites taken from the thallus were distinguished: fully ripe gyrogonites and gyrogonites in oosporangium remains. The highest germination rate was recorded for the sediment gyrogonites. At the end of the experiment, about 28% of germinating gyrogonites originating from sediments were observed. The value of this parameter was over 3-fold higher than that of fully ripe gyrogonites produced by the thallus and more than 5-fold higher in relation to gyrogonites in the oosporangium remains. The results of this experiment indicate that the germination of the two morphological types of gyrogonites taken from plants depends on the degree of their maturity and can take place under limited light conditions. Drying of charophyte thallus in shallow water bodies may have a significant impact on the degree of maturity of gyrogonites, their morphological differentiation, and sediment seed bank characteristics.

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, coliform bacterium, which is a primary cause of urinary tract infections. Resistance to antibiotics has become a particular problem in recent decades. Consequently, there is an unmet need for new therapeutic options. It has been observed that essential oils have bactericidal effects. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Escherichia coli isolates obtained from urine of patients with urinary tract infections was determined via disk diffusion method according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST, 2015). Essential oil from clove – Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merill et L.M. (Myrtaceae) was analyzed by GC-FID-MS. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were detected by using the micro-dilution broth method. Escherichia coli clinical isolates are characterized by high resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, norfloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, tobramycin and ticarcillin. Clove oil possesses strong inhibiting and killing properties against E. coli isolates, among them the ones resistant to recommended antibiotics. The results of this study highlight the need for testing the efficacy of new agents to inactivate bacteria in clinical settings.

Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium, which is a primary cause of nosocomial diarrhoea. The rising incidence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens such as C. difficile makes the new antibacterial natural products research very important and necessary to conduct. It has been observed that propolis has bactericidal effects. Propolis is a natural resinous product that is manufactured by honeybees (Apis mellifera). The antimicrobial activity of propolis is an important biological property. In spite of the large composition differences of the propolis types, all of them have antimicrobial activity. Twenty strains of the C.difficile belonging to four prominent PCR-ribotypes (RT) (RT017, RT023, RT027, and RT046) were used in research. MBC value were determined by broth dilution method. Propolis samples were obtained from honey bees farm in lubelskie woyevodship. Bactericidal effect of the propolis on C.difficile strains was observed at its concentration of  39 mg/ml.

This paper presents all taxa of the genus Rosa recorded in 2005–2015 in old cemeteries in Wielkopolska. In the past, roses were frequently planted in cemeteries as ornamentals, contributing to their beauty and specific atmosphere, but they also had many symbolic meanings. Today, historical roses are rare. As a result of floristic research in 2,169 old, neglected cemeteries in Wielkopolska, 35 taxa of roses were found. These include 21 alien taxa and 6 taxa new to Poland.

Over the last decades, a large number of introduced spider species (Araneae) has been noted in Europe. Some of these newcomers have been introduced incidentally. However, the others develop permanent populations, for example in greenhouses or botanical gardens, and become synanthropic species. Introduction and synanthropization of new spider species also occurs in Poland. New records presented herein extend the list of introduced arachnofauna by seven species: Aphantaulax trifasciata, Cheiracanthium furculatum, Cyrtophora citricola, Olios argelasius, Nurscia albomaculata, Phoneutria boliviensis and Triaeris stenaspis. In addition, new posts of rarely reported so far in Poland synanthropic spiders such as: Amaurobius ferox, A. similis, Cheiracanthium mildei, Hasarius adansoni, Holocnemus pluchei, Nesticella mogera, Psilochorus simoni, Pseudeuophrys lanigera, Scytodes thoracica and Uloborus plumipes are presented. The data complement the deployment of these species in Poland as well as indicate their potential expansion routes.

Deficiencies of zinc, manganese and iron are common in calcareous soils of arid and semiarid regions due to their reduced solubility alkaline conditions. However, sustainable crop production is essential for growing population. Sulfur fertilizers can increase micronutrients availability by decreasing soil pH. In order to investigate the influence of nano-chelated essential metals (Zn, Mn, Fe) and sulfur application (zero and 40 kg ha-1) an experiment was carried out in Maragheh, northwest of Iran. Phenological development, morphological and agronomic traits significantly responded to both factors. Results revealed that application of sulfur fertilizer considerably increased morphological traits such as ground cover, stem diameter, plant height and capitulum diameter. Mean comparison between nano-chelated metal showed that the highest value for seed yield and yield components (number of the capitulum per plants, seed number per capitulum and seed weight) was achieved through the application of nano-chelated Zn. The best performance was related to combined application of sulfur and nano-chelated Zn which was followed by nano-chelated Fe. Seed oil content was only affected by nano-metals, so the highest value was obtained by application of nano-chelated Zn. Overall our finding revealed that integrated application of sulfur and essential metals, especially Zn, is required to grow safflower successfully on calcareous soils. The efficiency of nano-chelated fertilizers can be noticeably increased by balanced nutrient management in semi-arid regions.

The aim of this study is to present the updated list of rare and threatened vascular plant species in the Lublin province. The threatened species categories are presented according to the IUCN criteria. The regional list contains 408 species (that makes up 25% of the Lublin Region flora); 56 of which are considered critically endangered, 81 represent endangered species, 51 belong to the category of vulnerable species, and 49 are near threatened species, respectively. The presence of 37 species has not been confirmed and therefore they are listed as regionally extinct (RE). Of the total number of species, 134 are rare, but because the data about those species is insufficient, they have been classified as DD category (data deficient). The species of the genera: Alchemilla, Callitriche, Hieracium, Oenothera, Rosa, Rubus and Taraxacum have not been evaluated (NE category). Other species – those whose occurrence is doubtful and all neophytes were defined as not applicable (NA). The endangered taxa occur mostly in dry grasslands, deciduous forests, wetlands, and calcareous weed communities of cereal crops.

This research was carried out to investigate the genetic structure of the 20 F1s rapeseed hybrids established from five female moderate maturity lines and four early maturity male testers, to determine parents showing general combining ability (GCA) and detect crosses showing specific combining ability (SCA). Significant variance of parents and crosses for all the traits indicated the existence of significant genetic variation among the parents and their F1 cross combinations. Significant variance of parents vs. crosses revealed significant average heterosis for all the traits except first pod height and seeds per pod. High narrow-sense heritability estimates for number of branches and pods length, indicate the importance of additive genetic effects for these traits. Hybrid performance was generally better than parental performance for all the traits except number of branches and also the genetic variation of lines × testers for all the traits were more than lines and testers. Most of the crosses with high mean value of pods per plant were yielded from the parental lines with high mean value of this trait. The crosses including L41×Foma2, Zafar×R42 and L22B×R38 with significant positive SCA effects of seed yield had also high mean values (3400, 3311.3 and 2904.2 kg ha-1 , respectively) of this trait.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), is one of the important crops grown in the world which is important as food and nutritional security option at the global level. The experiment was laid out as randomized complete block design in three replications with six nutrition treatments consisted of control, NPK, Mog bio-fertilizer, Nano-Ca, Nano-Zn+B and Nano-Com. The treatment-by-trait (TT) biplot analysis was applied to data to examine its usefulness in visualizing relationships among trait as well as treatments and showed that the first two principal components accounted 80% of total variation. Tuber yield, mean tuber diameter, mean tuber weight, tuber weight per plant, starch content of initial fresh, number of tubers per plant, number of leaves and dry matter content were in the same sector, with Nano-Com fertilizer treatment as the best treatment. Based on ideal entry biplot, the Nano-Com treatment is closest to the position of an ideal treatment and it is ranked the highest in term of morphological performance. Also, the best fertilizer treatment for obtaining of high tuber yield could be found as Nano-Com treatment following Nano-Zn+B treatment. The studied nanofertilizers showed a good potential compared to the commercial bulk and bio fertilizers.

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science widely exploited in many scientific fields but its application in agriculture is rarely studied in the world. In the current study, application of nanotechnology in agricultural via the application of some micronutrient nano-fertilizers (nano-zinc, nano-iron, and nano-manganese) and different sulfur fertilizers have been investigated. Three levels of sulfur fertilizer (S1: no application, S2: 15 Kg ha-1, S3: 30 Kg ha-1) and three micronutrients nano-fertilizer (Nano1: nano-chelated zinc, Nano2: nano-chelated iron, and Nano3: nano-chelated manganese) were studied on some morphophysiological traits of chickpea. Results showed that the first two principal components of treatment × trait (TT) biplot accounted to 56% and 18% respectively of total variation. The vertex treatments in polygon biplot were S1-Nano2, S1-Nano3, S2-Nano1, S3-Nano1, and S3-Nano2 which S3-Nano1 treatment indicated high performance in day to maturity, plant height, first pod height, primary branch per plants, secondary branch per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant and 1,000 seed weight. According to vector-view biplot, seed yield was positively associated with the number of pods per plant, harvest index and day to maturity. The ideal treatment identified the S3-Nano1 (30 kg ha-1 sulfur plus nano-chelated zinc) that might be used in selecting superior traits and it can be considered as the candidate treatment. The ideal trait of biplot showed that seed yield had the highest discriminating ability and they were the most representative and as the final target trait of producers, it has the ability of discrimination among different treatm ents. The best fertilizer treatment for obtaining of high seed yield was identified in the vector-view function of TT biplot as S3-Nano1 (30 kg ha-1 sulfur plus nano-chelated zinc).

A pot experiment was conducted to examine whether the morphological and physiological characteristics of some halophytes may be affected by salt stress. For this purpose, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was carried out with three replications. The treatments were some halophytes (Salicornia europaea, Atriplex leucoclada, and Kochia scoparia) and salinity stress levels [Electrical conductivity 0 (Hoagland’s solution), Hoagland’s solution consisting of 100, 200, 300 and 500 mM NaCl]. Among the halophytes tested, Salicornia europaea had significantly higher shoot and root of dry matters compared to the other halophytes in all salt treatments. Salinity stress resulted in an increase in photosynthetic pigments up to 200 mM and thereafter, it decreased in all of the studied plants. Photosynthetic pigments, ranked in a descending order, were high in Kochia scoparia, Salicornia europaea, and Atriplex leucoclada. In addition, salinity stress led to an enhancement in malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2. The tolerance of Salicornia europaea under high salinity stress was associated with low MDA and H2O2 contents as well as high contents of photosynthetic pigments. The shoot and root Na+ increased considerably by augmenting the salinity levels in all halophytic plants; however, there was a significant difference among halophytes at higher salinity levels. The shoot K+ decreased by increasing the salinity levels, but K+ partitioning pattern varied among the halophytes. Under saline conditions, the shoot and root Na+/K+ ratio of all halophytes grew. The highest and the lowest of Na+ were observed in Salicornia europaea and Kochia scoparia, respectively. Thus, the Na+/K+ ratio could be considered as an indicator of salt evaluation. Nitrogen, protein content, dry matter digestibility (DMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) were high in Salicornia europaea plants in comparison to other plants at 200–500 mM salinity levels; in contrast, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and netural detergent fiber (NDF) were low. According to the results of this study, the tolerance of halophytes towards NaCl is possibly due to the differences in damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially H2O2, and toxicity to metabolism Na+.

The paper includes a list of localities of 35 Taraxacum species found in Błażowa town. The species belongs to 3 sections: Borea, Palustria, and Ruderalia. The record of the new species to the Polish flora – Taraxacum clarum Kirschner, Štěpánek et Trávníček – is given. Data were collected from 2011 to 2014.