Background: Cleistogamic flowers are a main barrier in pollen dispersal for cross-pollination necessary in wheat hybrid breeding. The aim of our study was to gain new knowledge on the biology of wheat flowering, in particular on the differences between the cleisto- and chasmogamic forms which has certainly cognitive significance, but it can also be used in practice when seeking a female and male ideotypes for cross hybridization.Results: We characterized the most significant features defining the flowering specificity in two wheat cultivars with contrasting tendency to cleistogamy: Piko (chasmogamous) and Dacanto (cleistogamous). In the field observations we assessed diurnal pattern of anther extrusion and anther extrusion capacity. For the first time we adapted the time lapse method for measuring kinetics of the spikelet movement and 3-D image correlation technique for the non-invasive measurements of potential deformations of the spikelet lemmas. We found that the two cultivars differ in the potential of pollen dispersion for-cross-pollination and in the spikelet kinetics. We also described some anatomical traits that can have potential functional role in floret opening. None of the cultivars showed any symptoms of lemma surface deformation.Conclusions: The cleistogamic and chasmogamic wheat cultivars differ significantly in the potential for pollen dispersion for cross-pollination, which is mainly related to anther extrusion capacity. Although none of these features differentiated the cultivars clearly, we assume, based on spikelet kinetics and the lack of lemmas surface deformation, that the water transport and turgor of cells is essential for the floret opening and anther extrusion in wheat. The search for parental ideotype should be supported by marker assisted selection, e.g. based of polymorphisms in genes related to aquaporin biosynthesis.

European mistletoe is a hemi-parasitic plant increasingly infesting forests in Central Europe, causing premature tree death, and is anticipated to expand its range due to global warming. This study aimed to describe the unique anatomical features of mistletoe and examine the morpho-anatomical response of pine trees to infestation. Anatomical analyses were conducted on mistletoe internodes and the branch wood of affected pines. The findings revealed that mistletoe infestation triggers callose deposition in the cell walls of pine tracheids, a defense mechanism that restricts water flow to the mistletoe. Unique structural features of mistletoe were also identified, including structural dimorphism with the inner system forming only vessels and parenchyma cells, in contrast to the outer system, composed of protective, ground, and conductive tissues, and which displays an uneven distribution of chlorophyll and starch grains along the plant axis. Additionally, starch and chlorophyll were present in the parenchyma cells of the haustorium. Starch presence there may potentially enable internal photosynthesis, and the compounds formed after starch hydrolysis may facilitate water uptake from the host’s xylem sap. These results provide new insights into the anatomical adaptations of mistletoe and the defensive responses of pine trees, contributing to a deeper understanding of host–parasite interactions in forest ecosystems.

One of the significant challenges related to climate change is the migration of invasive plant species, particularly in vulnerable habitats like wetlands and river valleys. Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata), an invasive vine, has rapidly expanded across Europe, disrupting native vegetation and altering ecosystems. This study investigated the growth dynamics, climbing behavior, and plant anatomy of wild cucumber in relation to support density (5 cm, 20 cm, and 50 cm spacing). Using time-lapse imaging and biometric analysis, we observed the highest growth rates in the densest support variant (5 cm), where the mean growth rate reached 0.78 mm/min, compared to 0.57 mm/min in the 50 cm variant. Nutation movements were more intense during early growth stages and stabilized upon attachment to supports. Anatomical studies revealed a lightweight structure with a hollow pith, reinforced sclerenchyma and collenchyma, facilitating efficient climbing and mechanical stability. These findings highlight the adaptive mechanisms of wild cucumber and provide insights into its competitive advantage as an invasive species. Future research should explore its growth on natural supports to inform management strategies in ecologically vulnerable areas.

Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) is an invasive annual vine rapidly spreading across Central European riparian zones. Its success is linked to seed dispersal, with hydrochory expected to play a major role, but the specific mechanisms are not fully understood. This study examines whether E. lobata uses a dual dispersal strategy by seed morphological differences and hydrodynamic behavior, supporting both short-distance and long-distance dispersal. Seeds were collected in autumn and early spring, and analysed for morphology, buoyancy, and hydrodynamic properties. Over 150 seeds underwent biometric measurements: digital image correlation for swelling deformation, micro-computed tomography for internal structure, and hydrodynamic properties. Approximately 23% of seeds were buoyant, with buoyant ones present in both autumn and spring seed groups. Buoyant seeds had larger surface areas and internal air cavities, contributing to lower drag and enhanced passive transport in water. Using digital image correlation and micro-computed tomography imaging, we visualized seed coat swelling patterns and quantified internal structures. Hydrodynamic experiments revealed that buoyant seeds experienced lower drag and slower acceleration. Under oscillatory flow, buoyant seeds exhibited passive propulsion at 1 Hz, indicating a resonance effect facilitating dispersal during fluctuating water flow. These findings support a dual dispersal strategy: temporal seed release and buoyancy enable both local recruitment and long-distance dispersal, likely contributing to invasive success in riparian habitats.

Środowisko leśne jest znanym i cenionym źródłem niedrzewnych surowców, m.in. grzybów, owoców i leśnych roślin leczniczych. Surowce te zbierane są powszechnie, a ich pozyskiwanie jest istotnym elementem rozwoju regionalnego. W przypadku surowców farmaceutycznych dodatkowym uwarunkowaniem jest konieczność spełnienia ściśle określonych wymogów jakościowych. Ponadto, ich użytkowanie musi być realizowane w zgodzie z zasadami prowadzenia trwałej i zrównoważonej gospodarki leśnej. Możliwe jest to w ramach sformalizowanej współpracy gospodarki leśnej z firmami farmaceutycznymi. W Polsce jednym z najważniejszych surowców runa leśnego jest borówka czernica (Vaccinium myrtillus L), której owoce – poza walorami kulinarnymi – są surowcem farmaceutycznym. Celem badań było określenie zawartości garbników w owocach borówki czernicy pozyskanych z czterech różnych typów siedliskowych lasu, w których gatunek ten występuje powszechnie lub często: boru świeżego (Bśw), boru mieszanego świeżego (BMśw), boru mieszanego bagiennego (BMb) i lasu mieszanego świeżego (LMśw) i odniesienie uzyskanych wyników do wymogów farmakopealnych stawianych surowcowi „Bilberry fruit, dried”. Materiał badawczy pobrano z Nadleśnictwa Szczebra (pn-wsch Polska). Ocenę zawartości garbników wykonano według metodyki analitycznej rekomendowanej przez obowiązującą „Farmakopeę Europejską 11”. Wyniki odniesiono do monografii farmakopealnej „Owoc borówki czernicy, suszony”. Ponadto, biorąc pod uwagę wykorzystanie suszonego owocu borówki czernicy nie tylko w przemyśle farmaceutycznym, ale także spożywczym, dokonano oceny zawartości antocyjanów. Wykazano, że w przypadku analizowanych zmiennych stwierdzono występowanie istotnych statystycznie różnic przeciętnych ich wartości w zależności od typu siedliskowego lasu. Najwyższe wartości zawartości garbników stwierdzono w owocach z boru mieszanego bagiennego (1,0%), niższe – z boru świeżego i boru mieszanego świeżego (0,8%), najniższe zaś – z lasu mieszanego świeżego (0,7%). Odmienne charakter miało zróżnicowanie zawartości antocyjanów: las mieszany świeży 1,48%, bór świeży 1,47%, bór mieszany bagienny 1,20%, bór mieszany świeży 0,83%. Wyniki wstępnych badań oraz udział procentowy rozpatrywanych typów siedliskowych lasu w Polsce wskazują, że jako siedlisko najodpowiedniejsze do pozyskania owoców borówki czernicy na potrzeby przemysłu farmaceutycznego powinniśmy rekomendować bór mieszany świeży, Z kolei zbiór surowca najbogatszego w antocyjany, może być realizowany w siedlisku boru świeżego i lasu mieszanego świeżego i te siedliskowe typy lasu powinny zostać wskazane jako optymalne w umowach kontraktacyjnych z firmami przemysłu spożywczego, planującymi produkcję środków spożywczych.