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Item Heavy metals and natural radioactive isotopes in phosphate and compound fertilisers and their impact on human health(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Łukaszek-Chmielewska, Aneta; Rachwał, Marzena; Rakowska, Joanna; Piec, Robert; Podleśna, Anna; Piotrowska, Barbara; Isajenko, Krzysztof; Mietelski, Jerzy W.; Kierepko, Renata; Kosturkiewicz, BogdanThe paper presents the results of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) and natural radioactive isotopes (238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in phosphate and compound fertilisers produced in Poland. Heavy metals in the mineral fertilisers were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the acetylene-air flame. The content of natural radioactive isotopes was determined using gamma-ray and alpha spectrometry techniques. The average heavy metal content of the tested fertilisers was 154 ± 17, 154 ± 30, 5.43 ± 0.43, 7.87 ± 1.95, 197 ± 19 and 26 ± 7 mg kg− 1 for Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu, respectively. Whereas, the average concentrations of natural radioactive isotopes in the studied samples for 238U, 226Ra and 40K were respectively in the range of 715 ± 259, 549 ± 170 and 2472 ± 759 Bq kg− 1, and were higher than their average content in the Earth’s crust, in contrast to the average concentration of the 232Th isotope (12 ± 2 Bq kg− 1) in the tested samples compared to the average concentration in the Earth’s crust. To assess the health exposure of people in direct contact with fertilisers (factory workers, people working in fertiliser loading and unloading, transporters, storekeepers or farmers), basic radiological protection parameters such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), outdoor dose rate (Dout), indoor dose rate (Din), annual outdoor effective dose and annual indoors effective dose (Eout and Ein) and total annual effective dose (Etot) were determined. It was observed that the calculated radiological hazard parameters for all samples exceeded the worldwide average values.Item The Influence of Foliar Application of Nod Factors (LCOs) and Microelements on the Growth, Development, and Yield of Peas (Pisum sativum L.)(MDPI, 2025) Podleśny, Janusz; Wielbo, Jerzy; Podleśna, Anna; Klikocka, Hanna; Kidaj, DominikaPeas are a popular crop grown in Poland, but their yields are variable and often low; therefore, new cultivation methods are constantly being sought. In this paper, we present the results of a three-year greenhouse study examining the effect of preparations containing rhizobial Nod factors and/or selected microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Mo) on the physiological parameters, growth, and yield of peas. Pea plants were tested at the flowering stage (BBCH 60), at the green ripe stage (BBCH 75), and at the fully ripe stage (BBCH 90). Leaf area, SPAD, gas exchange parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured, and the number and mass of root nodules, as well as seed yield and yield components, were determined. The treatment was most effective when Nod factors were used in combination with microelements. The increase in pea yield induced by the application of both components can be attributed to the higher number of pods and seeds per plant because no significant variations were noted in the number of seeds per pod and 1000 seed weight. The number and weight of nodules were significantly correlated with the pea yield, and the value of the correlation coefficients was influenced by the application of both components.Item Zużycie nawozów mineralnych w gospodarstwach rolnych województwa śląskiego(Przemysł Chemiczny, 2025) Podleśny, JanuszPrzedstawiono analizę zużycia nawozów mineralnych w wybranych gospodarstwach rolnych w województwie śląskim, zróżnicowanych pod względem wielkości powierzchni. Materiałem źródłowym były wyniki badań ankietowych z 40 gospodarstw, które wybrano w ramach współpracy ze Śląskim Ośrodkiem Doradztwa Rolniczego w Częstochowie. Największe zużycie nawozów NPKS odnotowano w gospodarstwach o powierzchni powyżej 100 ha, a najmniejsze w gospodarstwach o powierzchni 21-30 ha. Najwyższe plony zbóż ozimych i kukurydzy uzyskano w gospodarstwach największych, o powierzchni powyżej 100 ha, zbóż jarych i rzepaku w gospodarstwach o powierzchni 51-100 ha, a roślin bobowatych w grupie gospodarstw 10-20 ha. Najkorzystniejszy stosunek N:P:K odnotowano w gospodarstwach o powierzchni 50-100 ha i powyżej 100 ha, natomiast w gospodarstwach najmniejszych stosunek ten był najmniej korzystny, głównie ze względu na zbyt małą dawkę potasu względem pozostałych dwóch składników. Stwierdzono ścisłą zależność między plonem a dawką NPK, plonem a kosztami nawożenia oraz wartością plonu a kosztami nawożenia mineralnego. Stwierdzono, że koszt nawożenia mimo wysokich cen nawozów mineralnych był znacznie niższy niż wartość uzyskiwanego plonu. Jednak wysokie i ciągle rosnące ceny nawozów mineralnych oraz niskie i ciągle zmniejszające się ceny skupu ziemiopłodów mogą znacznie pogorszyć opłacalność stosowania nawożenia mineralnego.Item The variability of winter rye cultivars in relation to grain quality parameters with special regard to the free asparagine content(Elsevier, 2025) Szafrańska, Anna; Podolska, Grażyna; Świder, Olga; Wiwart, MarianRye (Secale cereale L.) contains the highest level of free asparagine (Asn) among small-grain cereals, contributing to acrylamide formation in bakery products. To identify genetic resources with reduced acrylamide-forming potential, Asn content of was analysed in 26 winter rye cultivars, including 13 open-pollinated (OPC) and 13 hybrids cultivars (HC), grown in Poland under two management intensity (integrated and intensive). Key technological quality parameters relevant to grain trading were assessed. On average, HC yielded 2.0 t·ha-1 more than OPC (9.3 vs. 7.3 t·ha-1), and higher inputs significantly increased yield in both cultivar types. Asn content varied widely among cultivars (370–1098 mg·kg-1), with up to 23 % RSD. Weather conditions strongly affected Asn levels (795 vs 544 mg·kg-1 in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, respectively). Nine cultivars were highly affected by crop year and cultivation technology. The highest Asn content was characterized by HC SU Arvid (777 mg·kg-1, 35 % RSD), while HC KWS Serafino had the lowest (539 mg·kg-1, 32 % RSD). OPC Dańkowskie Amber showed the lowest variability (10 % RSD, 668 mg·kg-1). Overall, harvest year had the greatest effect on Asn content (67 %), followed by cultivar (14 %) and the interaction between harvest year and cultivar (9 %).Item Anti-inflammatory and hemocompatibility of saponin fractions from wild-growing rupturewort (Herniaria L.) species: In vitro study and phytochemical analysis(Elsevier, 2026-02-28) Kołodziejczyk-Czepas, Joanna; Pecio, Solomiia; Liudvytska, Oleksandra; Pecio, Łukasz; Bandyszewska, MagdalenaEthnopharmacological relevance: Members of the Herniaria (L.) genus are traditionally recommended to treat urinary tract diseases as well as other disorders, including inflammation of various etiology. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to explore the biological activity of saponin fractions (1–50 μg/mL) derived from the whole herb of Herniaria glabra L. (HG) and H. polygama J. Gay (HP), and aerial parts of H. incana Lam (HI) in terms of their anti-inflammatory efficacy, influence on the blood coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis, and safety for blood cells. Materials and methods: Saponin fractions were characterized and quantified by UHPLC-HRMS spectrometer using in-house prepared herniariasaponin standards (HS1, HS4-HS19). Herniariasaponins (HS) were separated from the complex matrix using the combination of liquid-liquid partitioning, solid-phase extraction and gel filtration. Hemocompatibility of the fractions was examined in plasma, whole blood and isolated erythrocytes. Their anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanisms of action were studied in the experimental systems models of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP1-ASC-GFP reporter cells. Results: Bidesmosides of medicagenic and zanhic acids predominated (e.g., HS5, HS7) across all investigated saponin fractions, whereas HS1 and H10 were present only in the HG and HP fractions. The major monodesmosides of medicagenic acid denoted as HS6 and HS4 were detected in all studied species. Herniaria saponin fractions displayed considerable anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through modulation of the MYD88-IRAK1-IKK2/IKKβ signaling axis, resulting in suppression of NF-κB activation and inhibition of inflammasome formation. The fractions were also hemocompatible, with no effects on the coagulant and fibrinolytic properties of plasma. No toxic effects of the saponin fractions on isolated PBMCs or erythrocytes were detected at 1 and 5 μg/mL, and no hemolysis was found in whole blood across the concentration range of 1–50 μg/mL. Conclusions: Herniaria saponin fractions display good hemocompatibility and suppress inflammatory response at different molecular levels, including inhibitory effects on activation of signaling pathways and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators.Item Możliwość poprawy właściwości mikrobiologicznych gleb popowodziowych PORADNIK(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Furtak, KarolinaBardzo ważnym regulatorem mikrobiomu glebowego są czynniki edaficzne, które definiuje się jako całokształt warunków fizycznych i chemicznych w glebie. Wśród czynników edaficznych wyróżnić można: ♦ ♦ strukturę i typ gleby; ♦ ♦ temperaturę gleby; ♦ ♦ wilgotność gleby; ♦ ♦ odczyn gleby; ♦ ♦ ciśnienie; ♦ ♦ zawartość węgla i azotu; ♦ ♦ zawartość pierwiastków śladowych. Naturalne wahania wilgotności związane ze zmianami sezonowymi i opadami są ważnym czynnikiem środowiskowym w metabolizmie mikroorganizmów. Jednakże w ostatnim czasie częstotliwość występowania powodzi i okresowych podtopień w Polsce wzrasta. Dane meteorologiczne pokazują, że na świecie od 1980 roku liczba powodzi i innych zdarzeń hydrologicznych wzrosła czterokrotnie. Nadmierna wilgotność spowodowana powodziami, roztopami lub intensywnymi opadami deszczu powoduje zmiany w strukturze i aktywności mikrobiomu glebowego. Niniejszy poradnik ma na celu krótkie omówienie zmian zachodzących w glebie w wyniku wystąpienia nadmiernej wilgotności oraz określenie możliwych działań mających na celu poprawę jakości gleb popowodziowych.Item Determination of Soil Micronutrient Critical Values Using Mehlich 3 Extractant for Principal Field Crops(MDPI, 2025) Korzeniowska, Jolanta ; Stanisławska-Glubiak, Ewa ; Lipiński, WojciechReliable soil critical values (SCVs) for micronutrients are essential for accurate fertilizer recommendations. This study established crop-specific SCVs for boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) extracted with Mehlich-3 under Polish soil and climatic conditions. Extensive paired soil–plant datasets were collected for wheat (n = 1921), oilseed rape (n = 1944), and maize (n = 916) across all provinces. Micronutrients were determined in all soil and plant samples, with soil extractions performed using the Mehlich-3 method. Two plant-based calibration approaches were applied: (i) regression models linking the bioaccumulation factor (plant-to-soil concentration ratio) to soil properties, and (ii) the highyield method, defining SCVs as the lower quintile of micronutrient levels in soils from high-yielding fields. Both approaches yielded comparable results. Soil pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and texture were the key variables influencing SCVs, which differed among crops and elements: B and Mn were pH-dependent, Cu correlated with organic carbon, while Fe and Zn were associated with phosphorus or texture. Final SCVs ranged from B 0.10–0.90, Cu 1.0–2.2, Fe 160–280, Mn 30–75, and Zn 2.5–7.0 mg kg−1, depending on crop and soil class. These empirically derived, crop-specific Mehlich-3 SCVs provide a robust basis for micronutrient diagnostics and fertilizer management in temperate agricultural soils.Item Balancing Feed Demand and Energy Supply: Technical Potential of Permanent Grassland Biomass in Poland(MDPI, 2025) Borzęcka, MagdalenaThis study presents a comprehensive methodology for assessing the technical potential of hay biomass from permanent grasslands (TUZ) in Poland, aimed at evaluating its energy use possibilities. This research was based on detailed data from the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR) and included both environmentally subsidized and non-subsidized parcels. Using statistical hay yield values adjusted for drought impacts through the Climatic Water Balance (KBW), a realistic estimation of technical hay potential was obtained. Results show a total theoretical hay potential of 15 million tonnes in 2024. The results indicate that the total theoretical hay potential in the country in 2024 amounted to 15 million tons, but its technical potential is reduced to almost zero. The methane productivity of this biomass could generate 3.5 Mt CH4 (at STP) if most of it could not be used for animal feeding purposes. The findings highlight the underutilized energetic potential of grasslands and the critical role of land use policy in unlocking sustainable bioenergy resources. Research into the potential of biomass is important in view of supporting energy independence, sustainable use of agricultural resources and agroecological synergy by combining production, energy and environmental objectives. It should be remembered that biomass potential studies are subject to limitations resulting from the uncertainty of statistical data, variability of climatic and soil conditions and model assumptions, which may affect the accuracy and comparability of the obtained results.Item Method of Management and Determination of Quality ofWaste from Green Areas for the Production of Pellets Used for Fertilization Purposes(MDPI, 2025) Zardzewiały, Miłosz; Szopka, Katarzyna; Gruszka, Dariusz; Sekutowski, Tomasz R.; Bajcar, Marcin; Saletnik, Bogdan; Gorzelany, JózefA very important issue in urban agglomerations is the proper management of green waste while reducing its negative impact on the environment. One potential solution is the utilization of green biomass—originating from the maintenance of parks, squares, and home gardens—for the production of compost and compost-based pellets as organic fertilizers. The aim of this study was to produce compost-based pellets intended for fertilization purposes from compost derived from green waste and conifer sawdust, and to analyze their mechanical and chemical properties. Ten variants of pellets with different compost-to-sawdust ratios were evaluated. Compost-based pellets exhibited the highest initial mechanical strength; however, their resistance to external loads decreased over time, whereas the best long-term stability was observed in pellets containing 50% sawdust. The seasoning process influenced the stabilization or improvement of the mechanical properties of certain mixtures. Chemical analyses showed that compost-based pellets contained the highest concentrations of nutrients (N, P, K), while increasing the proportion of sawdust reduced their fertilizing value. No exceedances of permissible heavy metal limits were detected. The results confirm the suitability of compost-based pellets made from green biomass as a sustainable alternative to mineral fertilizers, supporting the principles of the circular economy.Item Evaluation of the Yield of Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Sugar Miscanthus (Miscanthus sacchariflorus) Intended for Energy Purposes in Variable Habitat Conditions(MDPI, 2025) Sekutowski, Tomasz R.; Zardzewiały, Miłosz; Belcar, Justyna; Gorzelany, JózefThis study evaluated the production potential of M. sacchariflorus and M. giganteus depending on plantation age and soil type. The analyses showed that the leaf area index was dependent on the Miscanthus genotype, soil type, and plantation age. The mean leaf angle, on the other hand, was mainly affected by plantation age. Significant differences in plant height were found, resulting from genotype, soil type, and plantation age. The biomass yield obtained from Miscanthus plantations was also dependent on soil type, plantation age, and genotype. The biomass moisture content was to a lesser extent affected by the interactions between genotype and soil type, and between soil type and plantation age, but it was dependent on the interaction between genotype and plantation age. The calorific value of the tested biomass was mainly influenced by the Miscanthus genotype and, to a lesser extent, by plantation age and soil type. The highest calorific value was found in the biomass of M. sacchariflorus, regardless of soil type and plantation age, while the lowest was recorded for M. giganteus biomass, irrespective of soil type.Item Anticancer properties of new flavonoid lensoside Aβ in combination with temozolomide in an in vitro model of human glioma cells(Elsevier, 2025-10-28) Maciejczyk, Aleksandra; Kapral-Piotrowska, Justyna; Sumorek-Wiadro, Joanna; Zając, Adrian; Gruszecki, Wiesław I.; Lemieszek, Marta; Wertel, Iwona; Pecio, Łukasz; Żuchowski, Jerzy; Skalicka-Woźniak, Krystyna; Pawlikowska-Pawlęga, Bożena; Hułas-Stasiak, Monika; Rzeski, Wojciech; Rola, Radosław; Dobrowolski, Piotr; Jakubowicz-Gil, JoannaMalignant gliomas like astrocytoma IDH mutant and glioblastoma IDH wild type, particularly anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme, represent significant therapeutic challenges due to their aggressive behavior and resistance to treatment. This study investigates the effect of simultaneous effects of the new flavonoid lensoside Aβ in combination with temozolomide in human glioma cell lines (T98G, MOGGCCM, LN-18, LN229, and SW1783). Emphasis was placed on the modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways, which are integral to cancer progression. Migration inhibition was evaluated through in vitro wound assays and scanning electron microscopy, whereas apoptosis and cell death were quantified via flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The results revealed that lensoside Aβ enhances temozolomide’s efficacy, particularly in LN229 cells, while highlighting differential drug responses in LN-18 cells. These findings underscore the potential of combining lensoside Aβ with standard chemotherapeutics to mitigate glioma invasiveness and resistance, thereby opening avenues for molecular-targeted therapy strategies.Item Phytochemical Profiling, Anti-Inflammatory Action, and Human Gut Microbiota-Assisted Digestion of Rheum officinale Petiole and Root Extracts—An In Vitro Study(MDPI, 2025-11-01) Liudvytska, Oleksandra; Kowalczyk, Mariusz; Krzyżanowska-Kowalczyk, Justyna; Michaś, Karolina; Michalak, Maria; Balcerczyk, Aneta; Skowrońska, Weronika; Równicki, Marcin; Bazylko, Agnieszka; Olszewska, Monika A.; Kolodziejczyk-Czepas, JoannaBackground/Objectives: Rheum officinale, an ethnomedicinal plant, has roots widely employed in modern pharmacological formulations. However, many of its biological activities remain only partly recognized. Furthermore, the metabolome and biological activity of its edible petioles, often considered a waste product, have received limited scientific attention. Methods and Results: The examination of anti-inflammatory properties of both root and petiole extracts (1–50 µg/mL) revealed the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine release from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, a reduction in ALOX5 gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and the significant inhibition (>60%) of cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase activities. Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were detected at the tested concentrations. Conclusions: The petiole extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory efficiency comparable to, or exceeding that of the root extract, suggesting that R. officinale petioles could be valuable source of bioactive compounds for future investigations.Item Plant growth promotion mechanisms of bacteria isolated from a long-term reclaimed smelter waste deposit(Springer Nature, 2025-09-29) Sylwia, Siebielec; Woźniak, Małgorzata Martyna; Nowak, Artur; Siebielec, Grzegorz; Kozieł, Monika; Sugier, Piotr; Jaroszuk-Ściseł, JolantaThe use of beneficial bacterial strains is proposed as a nature based practice to support sustainable crop production. Strains exposed to extreme environmental stress may have developed robust stress resistance and the capacity to enhance plant growth under unfavorable conditions. Our study provides the new aspect in characterising bacteria from polluted soil. The novelty of our study was isolation of bacteria from a long-term contaminated site and their testing for plant growth promoting mechanisms. The aim of this research was to characterize bacterial strains, collected from the root zone of grasses growing in a heavily polluted smelter wasteland reclaimed 25 years ago using sewage sludge and by-product lime. Their capability to enhance plant resistance to stresses has not been widely assessed. The activity of the strains was assessed based on mechanisms associated with nutrient uptake: phosphate solubilization, ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N), ability to synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like compounds, and mechanisms linked to plant stress tolerance: ACC deaminase production, polysaccharides and biofilm development. Metabolic profiling of the strains was performed. Most strains tested in this study exhibited a range of plant growth promotion mechanisms. All strains solubilized phosphates with medium to high intensity, 14 of 15 isolates produced IAA up to 60 μg/mL, all fixed N from 15.85 to 50.00 mg/ml after 72 h. Thirteen strains survived freeze-drying. Our study enabled clustering bacterial strains with capability to perform certain groups of processes. Strains intensively fixing N in general were also able to intensively produce IAA but rather were not efficient producers of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). IAA production was negatively correlated with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC) deaminase activity and average carbon utilization intensity. All three strains selected for the pot study (Burkholderia sp., Pseudomonas caspiana, and Phyllobacterium sp.) confirmed the effectiveness in promoting wheat growth both at optimal and low soil moisture. The study shows that 25-years reclaimed smelter wastelands are reservoirs of PGPR strains potentially useful for developing biofertilizers enhancing plant growth and resistance to environmental or climatic stresses in agriculture.Item Competitiveness indicators of silky bentgrass (Apera spica-venti L.) of different susceptibility to herbicides toward winter wheat(Komitet Ochrony Roślin PAN, Instytut Ochrony Roślin - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, 2025-09-25) Jop, Beata; Marczewska-Kolasa, Katarzyna; Wójtowicz, Tomasz; Kucharski, Mariusz; Synowiec, AgnieszkaSilky bentgrass (Apera spica-venti L.) is one of Central Europe’s most troublesome mono cotyledonous weeds of winter crops. This study aimed to analyze the competitiveness of biotypes of silky bentgrass against winter wheat, depending on the type of soil substrate and nitrogen fertilization. In this research, in a pot experiment during two seasons, the effect of bentgrass plants, of different sensitivity/resistance to herbicides, on winter wheat was studied in an additive model. It was carried out on sandy or clay soil, either non-ferti lized or fertilized with nitrogen. The competitive indices were calculated based on several wheat morphological and yield features. Multivariate analysis was incorporated to interpret the data. As a result, it was found that wheat performance was affected by bentgrass com petition. No clear effect of soil type and nitrogen fertilization on the competitiveness of A. spica-venti biotypes was demonstrated. Only in one season was the pyroxsulam-resistant biotype competitive to the winter wheat when grown on fertilized clay soil. Further re search with varied numbers of winter wheat and bentgrass is advised to assess crop-weed effects further.Item Review of Soil Threats and Soil-Related Ecosystem Services European Maps: Can We Use Them to Study Their Relationships?(Wiley, 2025-10-22) Reyes-Rojas, Jessica ; Montagne, David ; Saby, Nicolas P. A. ; Coblinski, João Augusto ; Pindral, Sylwia ; Medina-Roldán, Eduardo ; Lorenzetti, Romina ; Scammacca, Ottone ; Piccini, Chiara ; Borůvka, Luboš ; Cornu, SophieThe scientific concepts of soil threats (STs) and soil-related ecosystem services (SESs) are gaining importance and are fueling the debate on natural resources management and decision-making within the EU. The literature reports numerous assessments of individual STs and SESs at the European scale. However, a comprehensive overview of the patterns emerging from the relationships between STs and SESs is still lacking, which restricts the ability to limit soil degradation and its impact on SESs. In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis of existing European maps for three STs (soil organic carbon loss, erosion, and compaction) and four SESs (climate regulation and carbon sequestration, hydrological control, biomass production, and erosion control) and the feasibility of combining them to study their relationships. At the EU-level, 37 maps for these STs and 17 for these SESs were encountered. With the notable exception of erosion, these maps differ considerably in their conceptualization of STs and SESs, and in the indicators, methods, and databases used to assess them. In the current situation, the combination of individual maps of STs and SESs to study their relationships is rarely possible. Besides these limitations, we identify possible combinations and provide recommendations aimed at improving the compatibility between different STs/SESs maps. We conclude that there is a need for a more robust framework for conceptualizing STs/SESs and for systematically and precisely specifying the chosen indicators.Item Dynamika węgla organicznego i węgla frakcji humin w profilu gleby płowej w zależności od zmianowania i nawożenia(Przemysł Chemiczny, 2025) Pikuła, DorotaOd wielu lat badania naukowe koncentrują się nad glebową materią organiczną, której utrzymanie w glebie na optymalnym poziomie jest kluczowe nie tylko ze względów prawidłowego funkcjonowania gleby, ale także ochrony środowiska. W pracy przedstawiono wyniki wpływu długotrwałego nawożenia gleby obornikiem w dawce stosowanej w praktyce rolniczej i saletrą amonową w dawkach 100 i 150 kg/ha na zawartość węgla organicznego i węgla frakcji humin w profilu gleby płowej. Badania wykazały, że zawartość węgla organicznego w profilach gleb obu zmianowań stopniowo zmniejszała się wraz z głębokością. Stosowanie obornika w dawce 35t/ha raz na 4 lata, na glebach zakwaszonych w połączeniu z uprawą roślin bobowatych w mieszance z trawami oraz gorczycy w płodozmianie nie sprzyja gromadzeniu stabilnych form próchnicy w warstwie 0-30 (frakcja humin <50%). W głębszych warstwach profilu gleby płowej (30-60 i 60-90 cm) węgiel jest akumulowany we frakcji humin, ponad 70%. Świadczy to o tym, że w głębszych warstwach gleby występują bardziej próchniczne i stabilne formy materii organicznej.Item The Infection of Yellow Lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) with Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) in Organic Farming in Eastern Poland(MDPI, 2025-09-25) Czubacka, Anna; Czarnecka, Diana ; Księżak, JerzyYellow lupin seeds are a rich source of protein, which is why they are grown for animal feed and human consumption. At the same time, there is growing interest in organic farming. However, this type of cultivation is more susceptible to diseases, including viral ones. Yellow lupin is most commonly affected by the bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We have therefore determined the occurrence of these two pathogens in six new Polish yellow lupin cultivars (Goldeneye, Salut, Diament, Puma, Mister and Bursztyn) grown in accordance with organic farming rules. Field experiments were conducted over three years, from 2022 to 2024, in three locations in eastern Poland. The Goldeneye cultivar was the most susceptible to BYMV, with an average infection rate of 59.17% of plants. In contrast, the Puma cultivar was the least susceptible to BYMV infection, with an average infection rate of 23.34%. However, even within this cultivar, most plants were infected under conditions of strong pathogen pressure (up to 90% in one of the locations in 2024). CMV infections were less frequent, with no statistical differences being found between cultivars in terms of the number of infected plants.Item Fractions from Sea Buckthorn Seeds and Their Bioactive Ingredients as Modulators of Human Blood Platelet Response In Vitro: The Role of Thermal Processing(MDPI, 2025-09-27) Sławińska, Natalia; Janko, Luiza; Żuchowski, Jerzy; Olas, BeataBackground: Given the pivotal role of diet in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), there is a growing demand for new sources of bioactive phytochemicals that can contribute to CVD prevention and treatment. Previous research has unveiled the cardioprotective properties of several parts of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.). For example, various fractions isolated from raw and roasted sea buckthorn seeds showed antioxidant properties in vitro. In addition, the serotonin-rich fraction obtained from roasted seed extract had the strongest antioxidant activity. However, it was unclear which chemical constituents contribute to the anti-platelet potential of sea buckthorn seeds. Methods: The anti-platelet activity of two fractions (fraction b and fraction c) from raw sea buckthorn seed extract, two fractions (fraction d and fraction g) from roasted sea buckthorn seed extract, and two chemical compounds - isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside (a major component of fraction b), and serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine), present in fraction c was estimated in several in vitro assays. Results: Isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside significantly inhibited platelet activation. It lowered the exposition of the active form of GPIIb/IIIa on the surface of 20 μM ADP-stimulated platelets by about 26%. It also inhibited the exposition of P-selectin on the surface of 10 and 20 μM ADP-stimulated platelets. In addition, isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside (at 50 µg/mL) significantly prolonged the time of thrombus formation. The results also indicate that fractions d and g (from roasted seeds) are more effective anti-adhesive factors than fractions from raw sea buckthorn seeds. Conclusions: It can be suggested that sea buckthorn seeds can serve as a new source of anti-platelet compounds (especially derivatives of isorhamnetin) beneficial in CVD prevention and treatment; however, in vivo research is needed to clarify their mechanism of action, physiologically relevant concentrations, and therapeutic potentialItem Exploring the impact of innovation on organic farms: a comparative life cycle assessment of seven case studies(2025) Żyłowski, Tomasz ; Westaway, Sally; Lauteri, Marco ; Ciolfi, Marco; Holzner, Valerie; Riekötter, Nicklas; Gliga, Adrian; Orfanidou, Timokleia; Borek, Robert; den Herder, Michael; Noble, Nicola; Wustenberghs, Hilde; Adame, Alba Alonso; Smith, Laurence G.There is widespread recognition of an urgent need for a transition to sustainable food systems; with organic farming methods proposed as a part of the solution. However few studies have compared highly diverse innovative organic farms with more mainstream specialised organic production systems. Based on a diverse selection of case study farms in seven European countries, this research examines the environmental impacts of food production from innovative organic systems compared to mainstream organic production through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The study examines different innovation characteristics within product, processing, marketing and organisational categories across a range of case study farms in Europe. All four categories of innovation were represented, however the marketing category of innovation was the most prevalent, with all seven case study farms participating in direct local sales with reduced transport distances to market. The results show that innovative organic farms often have lower environmental impacts than their mainstream counterparts, particularly in the categories of climate change, freshwater eutrophication and fossil fuel depletion for products such as vegetables, eggs and shiitake mushrooms. Process innovations such as agroforestry practices and direct marketing could play an important role in reducing environmental impacts. In addition, organisational innovations such as community-supported agriculture and local direct sales may contribute to reduced fossil fuel use and lower impacts "beyond the farm gate”. This study sheds light on the potential of innovative organic farming systems to drive sustainability transitions, and the importance of specific innovations within food systems for achieving more sustainable production and consumption in Europe.Item Genetic diversity, virulence factors and drug resistance of Pantoea strains isolated from samples of fresh fruits, vegetables and soil(Państwowy Instytut Weterynaryjny - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, 2025-09-13) Fabian, Ewelina ; Kowalczyk, Katarzyna; Kłapeć, Teresa; Sroka, Jacek; Skowron, Piotr ; Siebielec, Grzegorz; Jadczyszyn, Tamara ; Zdybel, Jolanta Małgorzata ; Cencek, Tomasz ; Wójcik-Fatla, AngelinaPantoea is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria from the Erwiniaceae family. These bacteria are opportunistic human pathogens which are widely distributed in plants and soil. This study aimed to reveal the genetic diversity of Pantoea isolates from food and soil, characterise them biochemically and evaluate their drug resistance. Material and Methods: Thirty Pantoea strains were isolated from fresh fruit (n = 2), fresh and minimally processed vegetables (n = 12) and soil samples (n = 16). The genomic DNA was isolated from cultures on nutrient agar, and species were identified by amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA and housekeeping gene fragments and confirmed by sequencing. Virulence gene presence was determined by amplification of the hcp (haemolysin-coregulated protein), vgrG (glycine-valine repeat sequence G), acrA (anti–clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat protein A) and acrB genes. Isolate drug resistance was tested using the disc-diffusion and gradient strip methods. The presence of Ambler class C (AmpC) β-lactamase (βL) and extended-spectrum (ES) βL resistance genes was tested for. Results: Five species were identified: P. agglomerans (n = 24), P. ananatis (n = 1), P. eucalypti (n = 1), P. conspicua (n = 1) and P. vagans (n = 2). The hcp and vrgG virulence genes were detected in 7 and 1 strain, respectively. All strains showed high resistance to cephazolin and cephuroxime, and more than half did so to ampicillin. The production of AmpC βL and ESβL was confirmed in 22 and 25 strains, respectively. Three strains of the Pantoea bacteria, including P. ananatis from leeks and P. agglomerans from arugula and soil, showed resistance to three or more antimicrobial classes. Conclusion: Pantoea spp., including multidrug-resistant strains, in fresh foods pose a potential risk of infection to consumers.