The field pea is very important when it comes to the nutrition of domestic animals, due to a high content of proteins in its grains and aboveground biomass. The aim of this study was to examine genetic variability in quantitative traits of newly created field pea hybrids. The researchers studied two cultivars, one line and their F₃ and F₄ hybrids. The following quantitative traits were analysed: number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 1000 seed weight and grain yield. The largest number of pods per plant was recorded for the Baccara × L-CC line hybrid, with a statistically significantly larger (P < 0.01) number of pods per plant than all the other investigated genotypes, lines and hybrids. L-CC line × Baccara, and Saša × L-CC line had a significantly larger (P < 0.05) number of grains per pod. The smallest number of grains per pod was recorded for the Saša and Baccara × Saša hybrid. The genotype vs. year interaction had a significant (P < 0.05) influence on 1000 seed weight. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) 1000 seed weight was recorded for the Baccara genotype, when compared with all other investigated genotypes, lines and hybrids. The lowest 1000 seed weight was recorded for the L-CC line. The genotype × year interaction had a significant influence on the seed yield of field pea. During this research, high seed yields were achieved by the Baccara genotype and Baccara × L-CC line and Baccara × Saša hybrids.

The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is one of the most destructive pest species to have developed resistance to most chemical insecticides. We determined the composition and evaluated the potential of Tanacetum parthenium L. and Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae family) essential oil (EO) application as an alternative eco-friendly control strategy against L. decemlineata. We assessed the antifeedant activity for L. decemlineata larvae and adults by estimating the damage to potato leaves treated with three concentrations of EOs dissolved in ethanol (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5%). Results showed that T. parthenium EO was more effective against larvae, and T. vulgare was more effective against adults. In an olfactometer assay, the time required to choose an untreated leaf disc did not depend on the Tanacetum species, or life stage examined. However, the concentration of EO exhibited a significant effect on the behaviour of both developmental stages. At higher EO concentrations, both third instar larvae and adults require less time to choose an untreated leaf disc. Additionally, T. parthenium EO provoked more rapid movement away from the treated leaf disc than T. vulgare, especially at the highest concentration. Successful modification of L. decemlineata behaviour by the two Tanacetum oils suggests that they possess the potential for use in potato protection.

Khorasan wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. turanicum Jakubz.) the white awn population is the optional type of a high-energy grain. This study aimed to examine the influence of plants' mineral nutrition on the chemical composition of Khorasan grain. The mineral diet used in the supplementary plant nutrition affected the total amount of dry matter and the chemical composition of wheat grains, increasing its nutritional value. At the time of harvest, Khorasan wheat grains contained 89.74% of dry matter, i.e. 10.26% of water, while in the variants with additional nutrition had less dry matter 86.90% and more water, 13.10%, which indicates an extension of the vegetation period of plants in conditions of enhanced mineral nutrition. Mineral nutrition, which primarily increased the amount of nitrogen, statistically significantly affected protein synthesis in plants. Khorasan wheat grains had 14.94% of total proteins in the control and 15.2% in variants with NPP nutrition. Plant nutrition did not have a greater impact on the synthesis of oils in the grains, starch, NFE, and mineral salts content. The supplementary nutrition affected the total amount of dry matter and chemical composition of wheat grain increasing its nutritional value.

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