This paper analyses the phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activity of new selected biotypes of cherry silverberry grown in Poland. In addition, the polyphenolic contents, sugars, and vitamin C, as well as organic acid profile were evaluated. Among the researched compounds, two sugars, seven organic acids, and six fatty acids were reported in new studied biotypes of cherry silverberry. Some new biotypes presented a high contents of vitamin C, linoleic, α-linoleic acids (si1, and si2), glucose, fructose, ash (si5, and si4), other fatty acids, organic acids, and antioxidant activity (si0, and si3). They displayed an average contents of polyphenols [5.68 g GAE/100 g dry matter (d.m.)], vitamin C (15.13 mg/100 g), ash (0.56%), fatty acids (89.99%), organic acids (22.41 g/100 g d.m.), sugars (47.96 g/100 g d.m.), and high antioxidant activity of 3.62 mM Trolox (TE)/100 g d.m. (FRAP assay), and 5.11 mM TE/100 g d.m. (DPPH assay). The new biotypes of cherry silverberry cultivated in Poland might be a good source for the production of functional foods, and direct consumption. Moreover, cherry silverberry is an inquisitive material with a different phytochemical components, and according to the principal component analysis, strongly dependent on the biotype.

The purpose of the study was to assess the storability of unripe hazelnuts in the husk of four cultivars: 'Hall's Giant', 'Catalan', 'Webb's Prize Cob' and 'Cosford'. The nuts were stored in normal and controlled atmospheres, and in Xtend® bags for three months. A quality assessment was performed based on the following parameters: weight of the nut in the husk and without the husk, weight of the kernel, percentage of nuts with husk attached, dry matter content in kernels, infection with fungal diseases, and the presence of physiological disorders. The study demonstrated that hazelnuts stored in Xtend® bags and under a controlled atmosphere had a higher weight for the nut in the husk and without the husk, as well as a higher weight of the kernel and water content when compared to batches of hazelnuts stored in a normal atmosphere. The percentage of nuts remaining in the husk was also higher when stored under such conditions. For the majority of investigated cultivars the storage in Xtend® bags, and to a lesser extent under normal atmosphere conditions, resulted in a substantial increase in nuts infected with fungal and abiotic diseases. Among investigated cultivars, 'Hall's Giant' turned out to be the most resistant to storage diseases.

PAHs belong to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) found in the natural environment. They eventually accumulate in the highest quantities in soil. The purpose of this study has been to determine quantities of PAHs in soil depending on the method applied to control weeds in rows of a 4-year plantation of hazel (mulch fabric, bark chips, sawdust, manure compost, bare fallow, chemical fallow, grass sward). The highest concentration of PAHs (16 PAHs) was found in soil kept as bare fallow. The second most abundant concentration of these compounds was determined in soil under grass sward, followed by soil under sawdust, chemical fallow, and fabric. Less of these compounds accumulated in soil mulched with bark chips. The best method for protection of orchard soil against the accumulation of unwanted and toxic PAHs was mulching with manure compost. In most cases, lower concentrations of PAHs (total 16) were found in the subsoil (30–60 cm) than in the topmost soil layer, except the soil covered with mulch fabric, where fourfold more PAHs accumulated.

The study was conducted in the years 2007-2012 at the Didactic and Experimental Station of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in order to select plum cultivars suitable for growing on ‘Wangenheim Prune’ rootstock in northeastern Poland. The study encompassed the following plum cultivars: ‘Herman’, ‘Čačanska Rana’, ‘Dąbrowicka Prune’, ‘Promis’, ‘Elena’ ‘Tolar’, ‘Bluefre’, ‘Top’, ‘President’ and ‘Valor’. The measurements taken included: trunk growth, yield, weight of one fruit, size of fruit, the content of dry matter, ascorbic acid, total and simple sugars and organic acids. We found that the ‘Valor’ and ‘Herman’ trees grew the best and ‘Top’ grew the most poorly. The highest yields were gathered from the ‘President’, ‘Valor’ and ‘Bluefre’ trees. ‘Bluefre’ had the largest fruit size. The highest content of dry matter was found in the fruit of ‘Tolar’, ‘Valor’ and ‘Promis’. The fruit of ‘Bluefre’, ‘Tolar’ and ‘Top’ had the highest concentration of ascorbic acid. The highest content of total sugars and simple sugars was detected in the fruit of ‘Tolar’, while the highest concentrations of organic acids were found in the fruit of ‘Čačanska Rana’, ‘Dąbrowicka Prune’ and ‘Top’. ‘Promis’, ‘Herman’, ‘Valor’, ‘Top’ and ‘Tolar’ had the highest sugar/acid indexes.

Sustaining biodiversity as well as taking advantage of the natural environment's resistance are the key elements which should be considered when designing integrated plans for the protection of hazelnut groves. An effort has been made in this study to analyse the impact of different soil cultivation methods in hazelnut groves, on the species composition and number of individuals in carabid assemblages (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Another aim was to determine which method of inter-row soil management had the least negative effect on assemblages of these beetles. Because of the type of habitat, the xerothermic species characteristic for southeastern Europe, i.e. Calathus ambiguus, Poecilus lepidus, Harpalus calceatus, and H. griseus, were the most numerous. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the captured individuals implied that the optimal soil tillage system in young hazelnut groves is when soil is kept fallow with machines or chemicals, or when soil is covered with manure. The least favourable practice for the appearance of ground beetles of the Carabidae family is the use of polypropylene fabric, bark or sawdust, to cover soil.