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The effect of different sulfate(VI) sulfur (2, 6, and 9 mM S) levels and nickel(II) chloride (0, 0.0004, 0.04 and 0.08 mM Ni) in the nutrient solution on productivity and macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) status and accumulation in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Zebra cv. was studied. Ni treatment reduced the biomass and disturbed the balance and accumulation of macronutrients in wheat. Intensive S nutrition, especially with 6 mM S, at least partially increased the biomass, improved ionic equilibrium, and enhanced nutrient accumulation in Ni-exposed plants in spite of increased Ni accumulation. Admittedly, the dose 9 mM S reduced Ni accumulation in shoots but increased accumulation thereof in roots. Compared to 6 mM, the dose 9 mM was less effective in improving the mineral status of Ni-treated wheat.

The Polemoniaceae family forms flowers diverse in the terms of pollination methods and nectar types. The micromorphology of the nectary surface and the tissue structures as well as the ultrastructure of the cells of the floral nectaries in Polemonium caeruleum L. were examined using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A bowl-shaped nectary, detached from the ovary, grows at its base. Its contour shows folds with depressions in the places where the stamens grow, forming five-lobed disc (synapomorphic character). Nectar is secreted through modified anomocytic stomata, which are formed in the epidermis covering the tip and the lateral wall of the projection located between the staminal filaments. The undulate nectary consists of a single-layered epidermis and three to nine layers of parenchymal cells. The cells of the nectary contain a dense cytoplasm, numerous plastids with an osmophilic stroma and starch grains, well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, as well as a large number of mitochondria interacting with the Golgi bodies. The ultrastructure of nectary cells indicates the granulocrine secretion mechanism and diversified transport of nectar.

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of selected toxic and non-toxic elements in the liver of free-living wild boars from agricultural areas and to assess health risks associated with liver consumption. Samples were collected from 70 wild boars. The animals were divided into three age groups (group I up to one year, group II from one to three years, group III over three to five years). It was shown that wild boar liver is a rich source of mineral compounds (K, Fe, Mg, Ca, Zn, and Cu). The age was found to exert an effect on the concentration of most minerals. The sex significantly determined the content of Fe, Ca, and Cd. The maximum allowable level of Cd in the liver was exceeded in two and three samples from groups I and III, respectively. Therefore, regular monitoring of the content of this element in tissues of game animals is extremely important and advisable to assess the consumer exposure to this metal. From the point of view of human health, the estimation of the non-carcinogenic risk indicated that the intake of individual trace elements through the consumption of the liver was safe, whereas consumption of combined trace elements (only in the case of the consumption of the wild boar liver twice a week) suggested a potential health risk to children.

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This study evaluated the possibility of improving the macronutrient status of Cd-stressed white mustard ‘Rota’ using intensive S nutrition. Three S-SO4 (2, 6, 9 mM S) and four CdCl2 doses (0, 0.0002, 0.02, 0.04 mM Cd) in the Hoagland’s nutrient solution were conducted for 14 days. High S supply (6 or 9 mM) appears, to some extent, to affect positively the macronutrient status of Cd-stressed mustard. It increased roots and shoots contents of K and S, without significant changes in P content. Simultaneously, Mg content in shoots and roots remained stable, but Mg bioaccumulation was elevated. Shoot Ca content at the lowest and medium Cd dose decreased, whilst was unaffected at the highest Cd treatment. Intensive S nutrition of Cd-stressed mustard increased root N content and accumulation at the highest Cd concentration, but the N content dropped in above-ground parts. The bioaccumulation of remained macronutrients in general was substantially elevated together with enhanced Cd accumulation. Thus, the intensive S nutrition can enhance mustard tolerance to Cd stress by improvement macronutrients relations in plants, and S supplementation may be recommended for mustard cultivation on the Cd-contaminated areas.

A b s t r a c tThe aim of the study was to analyse foliar feeding of winter wheat cv. 'Kobra' in combination with different soil fertilization treatments with calcium and magnesium compounds. The foliar fertilizers INSOL PK + 5% urea solution and EKO-SOL U were applied 3 times during the during the growing season in four soil fertilization treatments: control without fertilization, NPK, NPK + MgSO 4 × 7H 2 O, and NPK + CaO + MgO. The investigations involved a 3-year field experiment established on medium soil with a pH of 4.2 in 1 mole KCl × dm -3 and with the granulometric composition of clayey silt. The soil was characterised by a low content of available phosphorus and potassium as well as a very low content of sulphur and magnesium. The foliar fertilizers applied and the soil fertilization treatments had a varied effect on the yield parameters, the macronutrient content in grain and straw, and the content and quality of gluten. Among the soil fertilization treatments, the best production results and quality parameters of winter wheat were obtained after the application of the dose with magnesium lime. The foliar fertilizers had a greater impact on yield and gluten content than on the mineral composition of winter wheat grain and straw.

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