In some regions of the world, low annual precipitation necessitates irrigation of crop plants which usually leads to soil salinity. Due to climatic changes this effect is also expected in the countries of Central Europe, and so in Poland. The aim of the study was (1) to compare tolerance to salt stress of Polish Triticum aestivum cvs. 'Bogatka' and 'Banderola' with T. durum cv. 'Komnata' and breeding line 121, and (2) to indicate the physiological parameter/parameters most suitable for such comparison. The investigation was performed in two experiments. In the first one, the germination ability of caryopses and coleoptiles' growth were estimated at 0-250 mM of NaCl. The second experiment was conducted on plants grown in a glasshouse in saline soil at 0-150 mM of NaCl for 6 weeks. Salt tolerance was evaluated on the basis of following parameters: chlorophyll fluorescence, net photosynthesis rate (P N ), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (g s ), cell membrane permeability (EL), proline content, fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), and relative water content (RWC). Highest germination of caryopses of durum cultivars was recorded at all the salinity levels; however, their coleoptiles were shorter than coleoptiles of bread wheat cultivars. Analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence showed that applied salt doses did not disturb the light phase of photosynthesis in all cultivars under study. Plants of durum wheat showed the higher dissipation of energy excess at the level of the antenna chlorophyll (DIo/CSm) under salinity as compared to plants of bread wheat. Both 'Komnata' and line 121 showed stronger P N reduction as an effect of salinity. A decline of P N was closely connected with a decrease in g s . The P N correlated with a decrease in DW in all studied cultivars except 'Bogatka'. Control plants of 'Komnata' and line 121 were characterized by higher EL and proline level than bread wheat cultivars. An increasing cell membrane permeability correlated with a decrease of RWC in 'Banderola' and 'Komnata'. The content of proline under the increasing salinity correlated with changes of RWC in 'Banderola', 'Komnata' and line 121, which indicate protectoral role of proline against dehydration of tissue. Dry weight and RWC seem to be the parameters most useful in the salt-tolerance estimation of wheat plants. Taking into account the studied parameters 'Banderola' could be recognized as more salt tolerant, the degree of salinity tolerance of 'Bogatka' is the same as line 121, while 'Komnata' seems to be the most salt sensitive. The salt tolerance of T. aestivum and T. durum depends on the cultivar rather than the wheat species.

Enrichment of cereal grains is a priority area for research and an effective strategy compared to supplementation and food diversification. This paper discusses the current state of knowledge on the biofortification and nutritional value of food products from spring durum wheat grain, achieved by an agrotechnical method named 'from field to table' production. Biofortification refers to the production of safe food fortified with micronutrients and to the introduction of microorganisms that increase the bioretention of nutrients by plants, thus creating a new quality of food products as well as contributing to the protection of soil, perceived as a crucial resource in agricultural production. It is based on our knowledge of the physiology of yielding in conjunction with an increased productivity and higher value, essential in the context of health disorders due to dietary deficiencies. The choice of a durum wheat cultivation method depends on the crop's habitat requirements, climate, proper selection of a previous crop, nutritional requirements, plant protection and storage. The conventional cultivation system diversifies the content of components, increasing Mn and Cu while decreasing P, K, Ca and Zn concentrations. Cultivation of this species on soil classified as very good wheat complex or good wheat ensures the highest yields characterised by high grain quality. This wheat is tolerant to water stress, although irrigation of spring durum wheat has been shown to improve nitrogen agronomic efficiency and to increase the yield of protein and energy. The recommended amount of nitrogen in plant fertilization is between 80-160 kg ha-1. Durum wheat flour has a higher content of yellow pigments and better qualitative composition of gluten proteins, while its kernels have lighter and thinner hulls. Durum wheat flour absorbs less water during bread baking. Owing to this attribute, pasta from durum wheat is more adhesive to sauces, has compact texture and is more difficult to overcook.

Agronomic treatments and environmental conditions of cultivation affect the nutritional value and technological quality of durum-wheat-based products. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 18 agronomic treatments that differed in nitrogen rate, sowing density, and growth regulator application on variability in the quality and milling parameters of durum wheat grain, and the interrelationships between these parameters. The study demonstrated that the investigated parameters were modified by the agronomic treatments. However, environmental variance resulting from differences in soil characteristics and climatic conditions dominated in most cases (44–93%). The percentage of variance induced by differences between treatments in total variance was distinctly higher only in the case of the gluten index (59%). The treatments without nitrogen fertilization and with or without the application of the growth regulator, and the treatments with the application of the growth regulator and the nitrogen rate of 120 kg N ha−1, discriminated between the milling parameters associated with sifting (bran, type 1 semolina) and grading of milling products (flour, type 2 semolina, and type 3 semolina), respectively.

Pathogenicity of 74 Fusarium spp. isolates was studied. Isolates munifested significant variation of the parasitic ability. The phenomenon of interaction between some isolates and different wheat varieties was found.

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