The response of selected physiological parameters to water deficit was investigated in three grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.): ‘Blue Portugal’, ‘Müller Thurgau’, and ‘Sauvignon Blanc’. The aim of the greenhouse experiment was to evaluate genotype-specific responses to reduced water availability and to assess the effects of water deficit on gas exchange, pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf water potential. Grapevine plants were grown in pots filled with perlite and subjected to five irrigation treatments ranging from 15 to 120 mL per container, applied to create a gradient of water availability. Measurements were performed over a one-month period at regular weekly intervals. Reduced irrigation generally resulted in decreased physiological performance compared to control plants. ‘Müller Thurgau’ showed the strongest reduction in chlorophyll content and gas exchange parameters under low irrigation, indicating high sensitivity to water deficit. In contrast, ‘Blue Portugal’ exhibited relatively stable pigment content under reduced water availability. Differences among cultivars in leaf water potential and gas exchange suggest contrasting water-use strategies. Overall, the results indicate higher drought tolerance in ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, while ‘Müller Thurgau’ appears to be the most sensitive cultivar.

In a pot experiment, an early-flowering Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. ‘Dutch Master’ (DM) and late-flowering N. poeticus cultural form (PO) were examined. The photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthetic water use efficiency (WUE), relative chlorophyll content (CCI) and chlorophyll fluorescence (F) were measured regularly. Leaf length, scape length and weight of the plant organs were also measured. The DM cultivar had higher gs and lower E values than the PO on most measuring dates (season average: gs: DM: 165.34, PO: 123.63; E: DM: 1.39, PO: 1.78 mmol H₂O m⁻²s⁻¹). The A curve was similar for the two taxa, except for the first measuring dates. The basic F values (F0, Fm, Fv) for DM were lower and CCI values were higher than for PO (season average of CCI: DM: 94.82, PO: 60.34). The Fm/F0, Fv/F0 and CCI curves were well described by a second order equation. The seasonal change of F and CCI values was the greatest for both taxa near the leaf tip. Bulb growth occurred in the two taxa in approximately the same calendar period, regardless of flowering time. A significant part of the leaf growth in DM occurred after flowering, while the leaves of PO reached their mature size by flowering.

Wine jelly is regarded as a delicacy in many countries and is commonly utilized in grande cuisine. Recently, its popularity has increased among consumers due to its dietary properties and the presence of health-promoting compounds such as antioxidants. Its natural origin and the ability to reflect local traditions and consumer preferences further enhance its appeal. This study aimed to compare the compositional and sensory characteristics of wine jellies prepared using three different gelling agents and four aromatic grape varieties, with the goal of preserving varietal aroma in the final products. White wines from Pálava and Moravian Muscat and red wines from Agni and Rosa were used. The selected gelling agents were agar, vegan gelatin, and traditional gelatin. Basic analytical parameters were assessed in both the wines and the resulting jellies. Sensory evaluation was conducted by trained panelists, assessing consistency, appearance (clarity), taste, and bouquet. Confectionery-grade jelly from red wines demonstrated the best consistency, while gelatin jellies from white wines showed superior clarity. Due to a preference for sweeter flavors, jellies from red wines were favored across all variants. The strongest varietal bouquet was observed in Moravian Muscat samples, irrespective of the gelling agent used. The optimal choice of gelling agent depends on the target quality attributes. Gelatin is preferred for firmness and clarity, while vegan gelatin is ideal for preserving aroma and achieving a balanced sensory profile.

This article reflects on the conventional open pollination breeding method of the genus Hylotelephium . Six-year-old seedlings were evaluated and compared with the mother plants for 3 years. A total of 1 063 seedlings were evaluated (54 in the H . ‘Red Cauli’, 90 descendants in the H . ‘Xenox’, 919 descendants in the H . ‘Purple Emperor’). This study deals with six evaluated characters of vegetative parts of plants (habit, height and width of plants, length and width of leaves and the colour of the upper side of the leaves). The most significant phenotypic variability was confirmed for habit, plant height, leaf colour in summer and leaf length in population H . ‘Xenox’ and for spring colouration of lower leaves in population H . ‘Red Cauli’. The highest degree of variability was found for plant height, where the monitored populations split into a total of seven different sizes. On the contrary, the lowest degree of variability was demonstrated for the length and width of leaves, where all populations showed shorter and narrower leaves compared to the mother plants, with minimal differences.