The present study was conducted for the purpose of investigating the potential of different organic fertilizers as alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Three organic fertilizers (protein hydrolysate - PH, black soldier fly manure - BSF and wood ash - WA) were compared with a chemical fertilizer (15-15-15+ME) as a control. The fertilizers were applied at a rate of 1.5 dS m-1 once a week, at a rate of 1 L plant-1. The results show that the highest values for plant height (23.9 cm), leaf number (24.7), crown diameter (35.2 cm), photosynthesis rate (83.2 & micro;mol m-2s-1), plant dry weight (16.2 g) and yield (324.8 g plant-1) were observed in lettuce plants treated with PH organic fertilizer. The highest leaf chlorophyll content (8.6 CCI) and stomatal conductance (408.7 mmol m-2s-1) were recorded in the control, while BSF manure significantly increased root length (36.8 cm) and root dry weight (6.2 g). The potential of organic fertilizers as a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers in the soilless lettuce cultivation has been demonstrated. The utilization of protein hydrolysate has emerged as a pivotal aspect in lettuce cultivation. The nitrogen content of organic fertilizers has been identified as a plant nutrient element affecting success in lettuce cultivation.
This study investigated the influence of cultivar and rootstock on the fruit cracking index and harvest date of sweet cherry under the agro-ecological conditions of Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Four Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Marysa, Sweet Gabriel, Sweet Valina, and Sweet Stephany) grafted onto two vegetative rootstocks (Gisela 5 and Gisela 6) were evaluated during the 2025 growing season. The results showed statistically significant differences among combinations cultivar/rootstock in both harvest date and fruit cracking index. The lowest cracking index was recorded for Sweet Stephany grafted onto Gisela 6, while the highest susceptibility was observed for Marysa grafted onto the same rootstock. Overall, cultivars grafted onto'Gisela 6'exhibited higher cracking susceptibility compared to those grafted onto Gisela 5. A strong and highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.91**) was established between harvest date and fruit cracking index, indicating that earlier-ripening cultivars were more prone to cracking. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars and rootstocks in reducing the risk of fruit cracking. However, in order to provide more valuable information for the introduction of new sweet cherry cultivars and the establishment of sustainable orchards under similar agroecological conditions, it is necessary to extend the study over two or even three years, as only in this way can reliable and relevant data be obtained.
The objective of this study is to identify consumption patterns and the factors influencing the selection of potted herbs in Poland. The research was conducted on a sample of n = 1000 using the survey method with the CAWI technique. The da-ta underwent quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics (percentages of responses), Pearson correlation analysis, and factor analysis using the principal component method. To assess the significance of relationships between socio-demographic variables and the study variables, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, as well as the Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon W, and Z tests, were used. Over 80% of Poles buy fresh potted herbs, most often in discount supermarkets and less often in health food shops, small grocery stores, greengrocers, and market stalls. The most frequently purchased species are parsley, mint, marjoram, coriander, and lovage. The primary reasons for purchasing potted herbs are flavor and seasoning qualities, health considerations, and nutritional value. The most important factors in the purchasing decision are aroma and taste, attractive appearance and freshness, health benefits, and nutritional value. Factors cited as encouraging consumers to consume fresh potted herbs more frequently included chemical-free cultiva-tion and the use of organic methods, a wider range of products, lower prices, and better flavor. The socio-demographic characteristics of consumers had a significant impact on their purchasing behavior. These characteristics also differentiated the importance of factors influencing purchasing decisions, encouraged more frequent consumption of potted herbs, explained the reasons for a lack of interest in potted herbs among those who do not buy them, and identified factors that could encourage these people to consume fresh herbs. This study focuses specifically on consumption patterns of potted herbs in Poland, a segment influenced by sustain-ability trends and health-conscious behaviors. The study’s findings may be relevant to producers and distributors of potted herbs, particularly for planning production and distribution to meet actual consumer requirements and preferences.
Fulvic acids are humic-derived biostimulants that can modulate nutrient uptake, carbon metabolism, and biomass allocation in horticultural crops; however, their effect on assimilate partitioning and nitrate accumulation in hydroponically grown root vegetables remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effect of weekly foliar application of a fulvic acid-based biostimulant (K-TIONIC (R), 4 mL L-1) on yield, biomass distribution, nitrate content, and quality of radish (Raphanussativus L. Crimson Giant) cultivated in an ebb-and-flow hydroponic system under greenhouse conditions in Chihuahua, Mexico. A completely randomized design with two treatments (control and fulvic acids) and 36 experimental units per treatment was used. Fulvic acid application increased equatorial diameter by 8.50%, fresh storage root weight by 28%, and total yield by 41.66%. In contrast, vegetative growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments were unaffected. Regarding quality attributes, nitrate concentration in edible tissues decreased by 4.96% and water content by 0.57%, pH, total soluble solids, color index were not significantly affected, and visual quality index improved by 98%. These results indicate that foliar-applied fulvic acids improve radish productivity and commercial quality in soilless systems primarily by promoting biomass distribution to the storage organ.
This study evaluated the effects of different fertilization strategies on the biochemical composition and storage stability of dried tomatoes. Tomatoes were grown under ten fertilization treatments and analyzed in two periods: immediately after drying (Period 1) and after six months of storage (Period 2). Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and organic acid composition (oxalic, citric, malic, succinic, and fumaric acids) were determined. Fertilization treatment, drying period, and their interaction significantly affected TPC and organic acid composition (p < 0.0001). Antioxidant capacity was significantly influenced by fertilization and drying period (p < 0.05). In Period 1, TPC values ranged from approximately 31.40 to 35.96 mg GAE g(-1), while antioxidant capacity varied between 175.69 and 373.38 Trolox & micro;mol TE g(-1), depending on fertilization treatment. After six months of storage (Period 2), both TPC (32.14-40.86 mg GAE g(-1)) and antioxidant capacity (563.19-781.25Trolox & micro;mol TE g(-1)) generally increased. Heatmap analyses revealed distinct clustering patterns between periods, with a more coherent association among malic acid, succinic acid, and TPC observed in Period 2. These findings indicate that fertilization strategies strongly influence both the initial biochemical composition and the long-term stability of dried tomatoes.
