The aim of this study, which involved a field experiment conducted in north-eastern Poland, is to evaluate the phytometric parameters, yield, and biological value of fruit of three tomatillo cultivars grown in soil mulched with black PE (polyethylene) film and covered with PE film and non-woven PP (polypropylene) fabric. A two-factor field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2017–2018 in the Agricultural Experiment Station owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. In the control treatment, tomatillo plants were grown without protective covers or mulch. Tomatillo fruits were harvested gradually, upon physiological maturity, which was determined based on changes in the color of the peel and calyx, and the aroma. The growth and development of tomatillos were evaluated based on plant measurements performed in the field. The chemical composition of tomatillo fruits was analyzed at the stage of full fruiting. During the three-year study, the weight, vertical diameter, and horizonal diameter of fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The combined use of mulch and plant covers accelerated fruit ripening. The total and marketable yields of tomatillo fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The fruit of cv. ‘Purple’ had the highest content of dry matter, total sugars, extract, β-carotene, and total polyphenols.

Mint is one of the most valuable herbs, and has multiple benefits and uses. The effect of cultivation methods on the biometric parameters of mint plants was determined by comparing a hydroponic system involving moveable flood tables with plastic covers and a raised-bed growing system in an open field. The morphometric parameters of mint plants may vary depending on species and cultivation method. An interaction between both factors was observed for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and the number of leaves. Spearmint and apple mint grown under field conditions were characterized by higher average values of plant height and width and a higher number of branches than hydroponically grown plants. In the hydroponic system, the number of branched stems decreased by up to 80% with increased plant height. Leaf width was correlated with the total number of leaves. An increase in the number of leaves per plant induced a decrease in leaf width (up to 61%). Field-grown mint is usually characterized by higher marketable and total yields than hydroponically grown mint. However, the marketable yield of apple mint was approximately 50% higher in the hydroponic system than in the field.

The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and a growth chamber, in a randomized block design, with three replicates. The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with varying wavelengths, combined with adequate nutrition, positively influence yield and the content of essential macronutrients and micronutrients in mint plants, which play a key role in the processes of growth and development. The average total yield of mint ranged from 23.1 g plant⁻¹ to 48.1 g plant⁻¹, while marketable yield ranged from 22.5 g plant⁻¹ to 47.6 g plant⁻¹. Exposure to violet LED light led to the highest increase in yield. The content of all analyzed macronutrients increased in plants of the evaluated mint species exposed to LED light. On average, the content of N, P, K in the aerial parts of mint plants increased significantly by around 25%, 56%, and 42%, respectively, under exposure to violet LED light, and by around 19%, 44%, and 37%, respectively, under exposure to yellow LED light. The values of K:Ca, K:Mg, and K:(Ca + Mg) ratios were higher in plants grown under LED light than in plants exposed to sodium light, whereas the opposite was noted for the Ca:P ratio. Exposure to violet or yellow LED light did not induce significant changes in Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe uptake by mint plants. The micronutrient content of plants was largely determined by mint species. Mentha piperita plants had the highest Zn content, and Mentha suaveolens plants had the highest concentrations of Mn, Cu, and Fe.

Miechunka pomidorowa (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem.) należy do rodziny psiankowatych (Solanaceae Juss.). Duże zdolności adaptacyjne rośliny sprawiły, iż uprawiana jest w różnych rejonach świata. W Polsce jest mało znana mimo dużej wartości odżywczej, wysokiej zawartości substancji biologicznie czynnych oraz coraz bardziej cenionych przez konsumentów walorów smakowych. Surowcem miechunki pomidorowej jest jadalna jagoda (Fructus Physalis), a głównymi składnikami biologicznie czynnymi są polifenole. Część jadalna jest zasobna również w kwas L-askorbinowy, β-karoten, antocyjany, garbniki, pektyny, fitosterole oraz związki mineralne i witaminy z grupy B. Owoc miechunki wykazuje aktywność przeciwdrobnoustrojową, antyoksydacyjną, działa moczopędnie, przeciwzapalnie, antynowotworowo oraz przeciwalergicznie. Obniżając zdolności mutagenne prokarcerogenów, wzmacnia odporność organizmu. Przyczynia się do utrzymania prawidłowego metabolizmu energetycznego, a także zmniejsza uczucie zmęczenia i znużenia. Wpływa pozytywnie na funkcjonowanie układu nerwowego i krwionośnego. Stosowany bywa jako naturalne lekarstwo na choroby układu moczowego i skóry. Miechunka pomidorowa staje się znaczącym warzywem często wykorzystywanym w farmacji, a także przemyśle spożywczym. Coraz bardziej doceniany jest również aspekt dekoracyjny tej rośliny.