Head of Department: Dr Podlaski Sławomir Full Professor

Phone: 0 48 2259 32 522

e-mail: kfr@sggw.pl

Academic staff

• Dr Bogatek-Leszczyńska Renata Associate Professor
• Dr Bielak Bożenna Senior Lecturer
• Dr Chołuj Danuta Senior Lecturer
• Dr Dzierżyńska Anna Senior Lecturer
• Dr Gniazdowska Agnieszka Assistant Professor
• Dr Kalaji Mohamed Hazem Assistant Professor
• Dr Karwowska Romualda Senior Lecturer
• Dr Orzeszko-Rywka Aleksandra Assistant
• Dr Pietkiewicz Stefan Associate Professor
• Dr Piotrowska Wiesława Assistant
• Dr Podlaski Sławomir Full Professor
• Dr Rochalska Małgorzata Senior Lecturer
• Dr Wiśniewska Anita Assistant Professor

Postgraduate Students

• M.Sc. Czajkowska Karolina
• M.Sc. Kopras Wioletta
• M.Sc. Krasuska Urszula
• M.Sc. Sołtys Dorota

Main fields of research

• Physiological and biochemical responses of crop plants to various environmental factors.
• Photosynthetic productivity of main crops and alternative plants.
• Physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of seeds and methods of their quality improvement.

Abstracts of major scientific subjects

Bogatek R., Gniazdowska A., Kostrzewa Z., Sołtys D.: Mode of action of two allelochemicals: cyanamide and m-tyrosine on germination and root growth of mustard and tomato

The experiments were carried on to investigate allelopathic potential of two allelochemicals: cyanamide synthesized by Vicia vilosa and m-tyrozine synthesized by Festuca virosa roots. We observed inhibition of tomato and maize seed germination in the presence of tested allelochemicals. Both allelochemicals inhibited also root elongation growth. After cyanamide and m-tyrozine treatment the inhibition in root growth was accompanied by disturbances in cell division of root tips. Allelochemicals suppressed mitoses. There were cells with aberrant metaphases and anaphases. In the majority of cells in metaphase chromosomes arranged in metaphase plate could not be identified.

Bogatek R., Gniazdowska A., Czajkowska K., Barańczyk T.: HCN and no interaction during seed dormancy alleviation

Dormancy breakage and germination of apple embryo are regulated by several factors such as ROS, RNS or phytohormones. We compare the influence of etephone (ethylene donor) ethylene precursor ACC H2O2 and NO on germination of the embryos and growth and development of young seedlings. Ethylene and ACC as well as ROS resulted in elevation of embryo dormancy leading to development of abnormal seedlings without roots but with two green cotyledons. It correlated well with ROS accumulation in the embryo oxis. RNS short pretreatment resulted in enhanced dormancy breakage. The obtained results suggested that ethylene plays the main role in transition from seed germination into growth of young seedlings, while ROS and RNS are necessary for germination “sensu stricte”Pietkiewicz S., Zwolińska H.D.: Wue of plants for recultivation uses

A literature survey was made resulting in finding while under cultivation WUE should be the one of several basic indices taking into account to evaluate the uselfulness of the plants. It is good, as it concerns not only water economy of plants, with this it determines a degree of plant productivity. The possibilities to measure WUE using various parameters causes it can be used in many fields (physiology and agriculture or economy). In the case of soils contaminated there is impossible to use these plants for consumption purposes. An ideal solution is provided by so-called new crops, where high productivity is a key feature, especially energy crops, involving high grasses of Miscanthus and Spartina species, showing very high WUE.

Pietkiewicz S., Dzieciątkowski P.: The effect of drastically increased nitrogen rate upon chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity of leaves and tuber yield of midearly potato

The highest yield of potato tubers was obtained following application of 0 kg N/ha, whereas yields for treatments 200 and 400 kgN/ha were similar each to other. The most effective photosynthetic apparatus was found for the plants fertilized with 200 kgN/ha, yet for this treatment the highest chlorophyll content across all treatments studied was found for the upper layer of leaves. Gross of analyzed fluorescence parameters was at a medium level, only following the application of 400 kgN/ha first there was a leveling of activity of photosynthetic apparatus for all layers of leaves. Two weeks after flowering a translocation of nitrogen from middle to upper layer appeared. There was no substantial changes in the majority of fluorescence parameters for all leaf layers in the control. The increase of nitrogen rate caused a proportional increase in nitrate level in tubers, overcoming accessible nutritional norms.

Pietkiewicz S., Rozpiórski K.T.: The influence of removing above ground part on potato yielding

The cutting off the aboveground part of potato of various maturity (early, midearly and late) two weeks following anthesis (the same phase of growth and development for all treatments) brought about yields less by 25-30 % than in control, depending on cultivar maturity. Probably , despite of maturity class gross of photoassimilates underwent preferential distribution to tubers prior to the moment of made cutting off. The result of experiment might be of interest when making a decision of early destroying above ground using defoliants/dessicants to avoid eventual fungi pathogens infestation.

Pietkiewicz S., KosudaM.: Stratification of jerusalem artichoke assimilatory surface under drastically differentiated nitrogen fertilization

Fertilization with different nitrogen rate plants of the same Jerusalem artichoke cultivar cause quite different development of summary assimilatory surface (differences in layer LAI and LAD) and duration of it. It resulted from promoting growth and development of upper and middle layers of leaves by increasing nitrogen rate, simultaneously inhibiting these of lower ones. Dry matter yields were higher than in the year of long-term drought.

Podlaski S., Chołuj D.: Physiological parameters involved in determination of photosynthetic productivity in some species of energetic plants

Project no PBZ – MniSW-1/3/2006

Modern technology of energetic utilization of biomass and bio-downgrade wastages (BIOB) - conversion of BIOB to energetic gases fuel

In 2008 year the main subject in this project was to examine the physiological parameters involved in determination of photosynthetic productivity in 7 species of energetic plants.

The high productivity of C4 plants: miscanthus and spartina was conditioned mainly by high rate of photosynthesis but in the case of virginia mallow and giant knotweed by large leave area.

In rose and giant knotweed plants were observed very fast grow rate of leaves in early spring which could be a factor of their relatively higher tolerance to water deficit. Those crops could developed their photosynthetic apparatus before drought set in. The miscanthus and spartina tolerance to water deficit was conditioned mainly by high rate of photosynthesis in spite of low stomata conductivity observed under drought conditions. The photoinhibiton effects of high irradiance and temperature was found mainly in youngest leaves of all examined species.

Chołuj D., Podlaski S., Wiśniewska A.: Evaluation of morphological, physiological and molecular traits as criteria for drought tolerance in sugar beet genotypes and the possibility of their use in breeding programs.

Project no N N310 0218 33

In 2008 year the response of 24 genotypes of sugar beet plants( hybrids, male sterile and pollinators) to drought was estimated. Plants were cultivated in plastic tunnels with automatic irrigation system. The water deficit was imposed by completely withholding the watering during 3 months. The results suggest that, the promising morphological and physiological tools for screening sugar beet tolerance to water deficit could be: dry matter of fully senescence leaves, the degree of leaves wilting , leaf area index - LAI, succulence index, osmotic potential and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters measured in leaves adapted to ambient light conditions and also hydrogen peroxide content , activity of catalase and peroxidase. For further investigations it was selected 12 genotypes different in their response to water deficit.

Wiśniewska A., Filipecki M., Dąbrowska J., Bogatek R.: Analysis of regulatory regions of tomato genes inducted by cyst nematode globodera rostochiensis and their evaluation for biotechnology.

Project no 2 P06A 032 30

The constructs for plant transformation containing GUS reporter gene under control of promoters inducted by Globodera rostochiensis in tomato were made and introduced to tomato and potato genomes by Agrobacterium rhizogenes inducing transgenic hairy roots. Hairy roots and them subclones were obtained. GUS activity in tomato and potato hairy roots was examined for each promoter. We observed different expression profiles for each promoter before and after nematode infection and also after wounding and hormone treatments (auxin, ethylene).

Podlaski S., Wzorek H., Chrobak Z.: The assessment of sugar beet seed priming production technology and their influence on root’s and sugar yield

Project no R 1200401, Nr 0440/R/1/PO1/06/01

The investigation were carried out on primed (Quick Beet) and non-primed (Standard), non-pelleted and pelleted sugar beet seeds from Kutnowska Hodowla Buraka Cukrowego (KHBC). There were 7 varieties with diversified level of vigour. (Jarysa – 4 different samples, Kolia, Poljana and Jagoda). These seeds after laboratory experiments (Germination Ability (GA), speed and uniformity of germination, 15oC, 3 levels of filter paper moisture) were sown on selected sugar beet plantations in 8 places in Poland in cooperation with sugar beet concerns and companies: Krajowa Spółka Cukrowa (KSC), Brtish Sugar (BSO), Nord-Zucker, KHBC and in Experimental Farm SGGW Żelazna n.Skierniewice. The height, speed and uniformity of field emergence, number of plants at the end of emergence and before harvest, yield of roots and sugar per ha were estimated. Results of field experiments in this second year of these investigation are very similar to these in 2007, although there were quite different varieties with different level of vigour. The field emergence and their speed of Quick Beet seeds were significantly higher in comparison to Standard. Also dry matter of plants Quick Beet was higher – although not always significantly - in comparison to dry matter of Standard plants. The root and sugar yield from 7 varieties Quick Beet was on average higher than from Standard – but not always significant. These results showed that priming sugar beet seed before pelleting could be profitable.

Bogatek R., Gniazdowska A., Wiśniewska A.: The role of nitric oxide in regulation of ethylene biosynthesis in germinating apple embryos

Project no N N303 0905 34.

Mature seeds of apple (Mallus domestica Borb. cv. Antonówka) are dormant and do not germinate unless their dormancy is removed by several weeks of moist-cold treatment. Short term pre-treatment of dormant apple embryo with different NO donors (SNP, SNAP) resulted in enhanced germination and removed morphological abnormalities of young seedlings (e.g. asymmetric growth and greening of cotyledons). The NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5- teramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3 oxide (cPTIO) removed the above effects. NO induced transient increase in ROS production during early germination. NO-mediated breaking of embryonic dormancy correlated well with enhanced ethylene production. Inhibitor of ethylene synthesis (AOA) reversed the stimulatory effect of NO donors on embryo germination.

Podlaski S., Wzorek H., Chrobak Z.: The evaluation of field emergence and seed size (share [%] of different diameter seeds in the sample) of 31 registered sugar beet varieties 2008

The investigations were carried out in field experiments at Experimental Farm SGGW Żelazna n.Skierniewice. We assessed height, speed and uniformity of field emergence of 31 polish and foreign registered varieties from COBORU. Seed size was determined in laboratory experiments. The seed samples are code-named. The results of our investigation will be published by COBORU in publication “Wyniki porejestrowych doświadczeń odmianowych”.

Pietkiewicz S., Podlaski S., Chołuj D., Wiśniewski G.: Agricultural productivity and energy-emmission value of biomas of energy crops cultivated dunder differentiated soil moisture conditions

Project no N N310 308734

It was found in the first year of investigation, for Reyntouria sachalinense the highest increases in assimilatory surface, highest activity of photosynthetic apparatus and highest value of LAI (which characterizes both global assimilatory surface and its layer distribution) in all treatments (irrigated, nonirrigated, dry). Irrigation of the plantation provided significant changes in leafage size and its forming in all 7 studied species of energy crops. Determination of biomass yield and energy-emission values are scheduled for I quarter of 2009

Bogatek R., Bielak B., Dobrzyńska U., Dzierżyńska A., Gniazdowska A., Kalaji M.H., , Karwowska R., Oracz K., Pietkiewicz S., Podlaski S., Piotrowska W., Rochalska M., Wzorek H.:Physiological and biochemical responces of plants to the various environmental factors.

Experiments were conducted by Dr. M. Hazem Kalaji in the frames of his Dr. Sci. thesis concerning functioning PSII of barley under drought and DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) herbicide treatment stresses. These experiments were done at Geneva University and included 5 barley cultivars of different geographical origins (Syria and Morocco). Transmission changes at 820 nm (from PSI) and Chl a fluorescence (from PSII) were measured by the new developed fluorimeter SeniorPEA. A double-Pulse protocol was also applied to study the electron transport between PSI and PSII (synchronization and traffic jam). Results allowed to order the studied cultivar as per their tolerance to drought and herbicide. In the frames of continuity of cooperation with The Forest Research Institute (IBL) in Warsaw the effect of slow irrigation filters use on functioning photosynthetic apparatus of the oak cuttings was analyzed. This year, along with chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence images was applied. Watering of oak cuttings from slow sandy filters used for water clearing affected efficiently the photosynthesis activity of those plant. Thus, those type of filters could be recommended for forest nurseries protection.

Dr Rochalska M. continued research on the improvement of seed quality for organic agriculture by dressing them with natural plant substances. Experiments were done using seeds of sugar beet (Kujawska), parsley (Cukrowa), carrot (Nantejska) and radish (Lucynka). Mixtures were made from garlic powder, garlic and thym and garlic together with basil powder. Additionaly, chemical dressing by Funaben T was performed. For sugar beet seeds dressing with plant powders gave worse effects than chemical dressing, but for seeds all other plant species dressing with plant powders gave better effects (field emergence, yield) than chemical dressing. The best effect was observed with garlic and basilic powder.

Krasuska U. (d. Dobrzyńska) continued her PhD thesis focused on interaction between HCN and NO in apple embryo dormancy alleviation. The aim of the work conducted in 2008 was to determine relationship between ROS production in the NO and HCN pre-treated embryos and their membrane integrity. Additionally the influence of short time NO and HCN pre-treatment on photosynthetic activity of the young seedlings was evaluated. Chlorophyll concentration in the cotyledons, net photosynthesis rate and sugar concentration in the tissue were measured.

Additional activity

Editing an international journal

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum edited online, http://www.editorialmanager.com/acpp. In 2008 there were Published 6 issues of 30 volume of Acta Physiologiae Plantarum.

List of publications

1. Chołuj D., Karwowska R., Ciszewska A., Jasińska M. 2008. Influence of long-term drought stress on osmolyte accumulation in sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 30: 679-687.
2. Chołuj D., Podlaski S., Wiśniewski G., Szmalec J. 2008. Kompleksowa ocena biologicznej przydatności 7 gatunków roślin wykorzystywanych na cele energetyczne. Studia i raporty IUNG-PIB 11: 81-99.
3. Gniazdowska A. 2008. Czy oddziaływania allelopatyczne to “nowa broń” roślin inwazyjnych? Kontrowersje wokół badań dotyczących decydującej roli katechiny w inwazji Centaurea maculosa. Kosmos 57: 39-41.
4. Grabowska A, Wiśniewska A, Tagashira N, Malepszy S, Filipecki M. Characterization of CsSEF1 gene encoding putative CCCH-type zinc finger protein expressed during cucumber somatic embryogenesis. 2008 e-pub doi:10.1016/j.jplph.2008.06.005. Journal of Plant Physiology.
5. Oracz K., El-Maarouf-Bouteau H., Bogatek R, Corbineau F., Bailly C. 2008. Release of sunflower seed dormancy by cyanide: cross-talk with ethylene signalling pathway. Journal of Experimental Botany 59:2241-2251.
6. Ostrowska D., Pietkiewicz S., Ciesiński M., Kucińska K., Gozdowski D. 2008. Biomass accumulation and absorption of photosynthetic active radiation by rapeseed plants depending on sulphur fertilization. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 4: 133-136.
7. Piotrowska W., Pietkiewicz S., Wyszyński Z., Michalska B. 2008. Photosynthetic radiation use efficiency of different oat cultivars under differentiated nitrogen fertilization. Agronomijas Vestis (Latvian Journal of Agronomy) No 10, LLU 2008: 161-167.
8. Podlaski 2008. Model funkcjonowania firmy hodowlano-nasiennej w Polsce. Roczniki Nauk Rolniczych, seria G, 95: 174-182
9. Podlaski S. 2008.Kierunki rozwoju światowego przemysłu nasiennego. Hodowla Roślin Nasiennych 2: 21-26.
10. Rochalska M. 2008. The influence of low frequency magnetic field upon cultivable plant physiology. Nucleonika 53 Supp.: S17-S20.
11. Rykaczewska K., Pietkiewicz S., Kalaji H.M. 2008. The effect of weather conditions during the growing period on potato plant development and chlorophyll a fluorescence activity. Italian Journal of Agronomy 3 Suppl.: 815-816.
12. Siegień I., Trocka A., Bosa K., Bogatek R., Gniazdowska A. 2008. Allelopatia słonecznika. Postępy Nauk Rolniczych 6/2008: 55-71
13. Starck Z. 2008. Stresy wynikające z nieprawidłowego odżywiania roślin azotem. Postępy Nauk Rolniczych. 1/2008: 27-42.
14. Starck Z. 2008. Funkcja tkanek przewodzących: zaopatrzenie w substancje pokarmowe i udział w koordynacji procesów w roślinach. Kosmos 57: 67-83.

Monographs

1. Chołuj D., Podlaski S., 2008. Kompleksowa ocena biologicznej przydatności 7 gatunków roślin wykorzystywanych w uprawach energetycznych. in: “Energia odnawialna” ed. Piotr Grudziak pp: 61-76, Mazowiecki Ośrodek Doradztwa Rolniczego w Warszawie, Odział Poświętne w Płońsku.
2. Kalaji H,M. , Guo P. 2008. Chlorophyll fluorescence: A Useful tool in barley plant breeding programs. W: Photochemistry Research Progress. A. Sanchez i S.J. Gutierrez (red.) Nova Science Publishers, Inc. str. 447-471.
3. Podlaski S. 2008. Komisja Akredytacyjna Uczelni Rolniczych. ed. T. Szulc, in: “Jakość kształcenia w szkołach wyższych.” Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wrocławskiej. Wrocław pp.173-179.
4. Rochalska M. 2008. Wpływ pól elektromagnetycznych na florę i faunę. Proceedings of the Conference XXII Szkoła Jesienna Polskiego Towarzystwa Badań Radiacyjnych im. M. Skłodowskiej -Curie. "Pola magnetyczne w środowisku- problemy zdrowotne, ekologiczne, pomiarowe i administracyjne. Zakopane 20-24 October 2008, pp. 94-104.
5. Wiśniewski G., Podlaski S., 2008. Agrotechnika roślin uprawianych na cele energetyczne. in: “Energia odnawialna” ed. Piotr Grudziak pp.77-91, Mazowiecki Ośrodek Doradztwa Rolniczego w Warszawie, Odział Poświętne w Płońsku.
6. Wyszyński Z., Pietkiewicz S., Łoboda T., Sadowski M. 2008. Opracowanie metodycznych podstaw adaptacji produkcji roślinnej w gospodarstwach rolniczych o różnych typach gospodarowania i skali produkcji do oczekiwanych zmian klimatycznych, in: Zmiany Klimatu, a rolnictwo i obszary wiejskie, ed. Sadowski M, Wilkin J., Kołomyjska I., Karaczun Z., Witeska K. Wydawnictwo FDPA, pp. 51-62.

Abstracts

1. Bogatek R. 2008. Free radicals in seed germination 9th ISSS Conference on Seed Biology. Olsztyn 6-11 July, Poland. Polish Journal of Natural Sciences Supplement 5/2008 pp. 42.
2. Oracz K,El-Maarouf-Bouteau H. Bogatek R.,Corbineau F, Bailly C. 2008. Signaling role of HCN and ROS in aleviation of sunflower embryo dormancy. 9th ISSS Conference on Seed Biology. Olsztyn 6-11 July, Poland. Polish Journal of Natural Sciences Supplement 5/2008 pp. 191.
3. Bogatek R., Rudzińska-Langwald A., Kurek W., Kostrzewa Z., Gniazdowska A. 2008. Inhibition of maize (Zea mays) root growth by m-tyrosine results from cell cycle disruption. Book of abstract 5th World Congress on Allelopathy, Saratoga Springs 21-25 September 2008, USA, pp. 68.
4. Czajkowska K., Dobrzyńska U., Gniazdowska A., Bogatek R. 2008. NO and HCN eliminate morphological abnormalities of young seedlings developed from dormant apple embryos. 9th ISSS Conference on Seed Biology . Olsztyn 6-11 July, Poland. Polish Journal of Natural Sciences Supplement 5/2008 pp. 164.
5. Dobrzyńska U., Zielińska K., Gniazdowska A., Bogatek R. 2008. Involvement of antioxidant system in HCN and NO- mediated dormancy removal of apple embryo. 9th ISSS Conference on Seed Biology. Olsztyn 6-11 July, Poland. Polish Journal of Natural Sciences Supplement 5/2008 pp. 164.
6. Gniazdowska A., Dobrzyńska U., Wiśniewska A., Bogatek R. 2008. HCN- and NO-mediated dormancy removal of apple embryos involves stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis. 9th ISSS Conference on Seed Biology. Olsztyn 6-11 July, Poland. Polish Journal of Natural Sciences Supplement 5/2008 pp. 173.
7. Kalaji H.M. 2008. Probing the responses of plants by chlorophyll fluorescence under controlled Environments. International Meeting on controlled Environment Agriculture. 8-12 March 2008, Cocoa Beach, Florida USA, pp. 42.
8. Podlaski S. 2008. Charakterystyka stanu obecnego i ewentualne kierunki zmian wyższego szkolnictwa rolniczego. Conference “Aktualny stan i przyszłość wyższego szkolnictwa rolniczego w Polsce” Warsaw 28-29 February 2008.
9. Podlaski S. 2008. Kierunki rozwoju światowego przemysłu nasiennego. Conference ” Stan i perspektywy polskiej hodowli roślin i nasiennictwa” Warsaw 3 April 2008.
10. Sołtys D., Bogatek R., Kurek W., Rudzińska-Langwald A., Gniazdowska A. 2008. Cytotoxic effects of cyanamide on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) root growth. Book of abstract 5th World Congress on Allelopathy, Saratoga Springs 21-25 September 2008, USA, pp. 64.
11. Wiśniewska A, Dąbrowska J, Łuniewska E, Wilkowska A, Woroniecka K, Matusiak J, Filipecki M. 2008. Cloning and analysis of tomato promoters induced by Globodera rostochiensis. Journal of Plant Pathology 90(2, Suppl.) pp. S2.249 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP 2008) Healthy and safe food for everybody, 24-29 August, 2008, Torino, Italy.
12. Podlaski S.2008. Utilization of different energy crops for production of biomass. International Conference. Biofuels Production: ecological, economical and technological aspects. Ministry of Agriculture of Russian Federation, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timyriazev Agricultural Academy, 9-10 October 2008.
13. Kubicka H., Kopras W. 2008. The assessment of oat varieties sensitivity to the activity of aluminium. 13 th Scientific Conference on “ Metal ions and other abiotic factors in the environment” Krakow, 14-15 May 2008.

Others

1. Podlaski S. 2008. Profesor Tadeusz Wolski we wspomnieniach. pp. 29-36.Wyd. DANKO Hodowla Roślin sp z.o.o. Choryń.
2. Chołuj D. Biology and chemistry of jerusalem artichoke helianthus tuberosus L. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 2008, 30: 908-910.
3. Gniazdowska A. 2008. Fungi multifaced microbes. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 30: 411.
4. Marszałkowski G. 2008. Vegetable oils. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 30: 411-412.
5. Marszałkowski G. 2008. Duke’s handbook of medicinal plants of the Bible. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 30: 905-906.
6. Wiśniewska A. 2008. Reconstructing the tree of life. Taxonomy and systematic of species rich taxa. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 30: 409.
7. Dzierżyńska A. 2008. Biogeography in changing world. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 30: 410-411.
8. Kalaji H.M., Pietkiewicz S. Grzesiak S. 2008. Wspomnienie o Profesorze Emilu Nalborczyku (1932-2006). Zeszyty Problemowe Postępów Nauk Rolniczych. 524: 15-17.