Cornelian cherry in Poland belongs to the alternative fruit species. The fruits are suitable for fresh consumption, however they can be used for processing: juice, jams, jellies, syrups, tinctures. Fruits are abundant in mineral elements, vitamin C, organic acids, iridoids, anthocyanins and due to that they have health-promoting significance. In this experiment, the fruit quality of several 16-year-old ecotypes in the Lublin region was compared. They were compared in terms of the beginning of fruit ripening and fruit size (length, diameter, mass), fruit shape index, share of stone in the fruit, SSC, TA, SSC/TA, reducing sugar, dry matter content and anthocyanins content. The color of fruit was evaluated in two dates, visually and using HanterLab spectrophotometer. Cornelian cherry fruits began to mature at the beginning of August and at the latest at the end of August. With the increase of the maturity degree, the SSC, reducing sugars, TA, dry matter and anthocyanins increased significantly. There was no difference in the taste of light red fruits and dark red fruits, which were characterized by similar ratio of SSC/TA. Ecotype No. 11, as the earliest maturing, with big round fruits, dark red colored with the highest content of anthocyanins, could be distinguished. As well as ecotypes No. 4 and 5, ripening in mid-August, and having a high ratio of SSC/TA, providing a good taste. Studied ecotypes could be used in breeding programs to incorporate a wide range of quality and agronomic characteristics into a final cornelian cherry cultivar.

Paphiopedilum is an ornamental orchid used mainly for interior decoration. As the division of plants is uneconomical, a fast method of propagation is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of medium type (MS or VW), growth regulators, i.e. BA, KIN, TDZ used separately or in combinations and natural additives, i.e. coconut water, banana pulp, casein hydrolysate, on Paphiopedilum insigne plantlets grown in vitro. It was found out that BA in concentration of 0.5 mg·dm–3 allowed to obtain the highest multiplication rate (2.92), however the use of KIN in concentration of 1 mg·dm–3 resulted in formation of bigger and higher quality plantlets, It is possible to replace cytokinins with other biologically active substance, such as banana pulp. The 1/2 MS medium might be used for Paphiopedilum insigne tissue culture, as there was no difference in terms of multiplication rate and the obtained plantlets were of better quality, especially that it is cheaper and easier to prepare.

Within the current administrative boundaries of the city of Lublin, fragments of roadside tree avenues of various historical origins and periods of establishment have been preserved, including former tree-lined roads leading to rural and suburban residences from the 18th and 19th centuries. This avenue once led to the manor in Konstantynów and now serves as the main road through the campus of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski—KUL). As one of the last surviving elements of the former rural landscape, the Konstantynów avenue represents a symbolic link between past and future. The research combines acoustic tomography and chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, providing a precise and non-invasive evaluation of the internal structure and physiological performance of 34 small-leaved linden trees (Tilia cordata Mill.). This methodological approach allows for early detection of stress symptoms and structural degradation, offering a significant advancement over traditional visual assessments. The study area is an intensively used urban campus, where extensive surface sealing beneath tree canopies restricts rooting space. The degree of surface sealing (paving) directly beneath the tree canopies was also measured. Based on the statistical analysis, a weak a non-significant weak negative correlation (r = −0.117) was found between the proportion of sealed surfaces within the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) and the Fv/Fm vitality index, indicating that higher levels of surface sealing may reduce tree vitality; however, this relationship was not statistically significant (p = 0.518). The study provides an evidence-based framework for conserving historic trees by integrating advanced diagnostic tools and quantifying environmental stress factors. It emphasizes the importance of improving rooting conditions, integrating heritage trees into urban planning strategies, and developing adaptive management practices to increase their resilience. The findings offer a model for developing innovative conservation strategies, applicable to historic green infrastructure across Europe and beyond.

Due to the dynamic development of the floriculture market, new species and varieties of plants that can potentially be used as a source of cut greenery are constantly being sought. The experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of the cultivation site (unheated foil tunnel and open field) and treatments with the Pentakeep V formulation (0.00%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06%) on the vase life and postharvest quality of Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Variegatum’ cut foliage. There was a positive effect of the cultivation in the unheated foil tunnel on the vase life and biochemical parameters, namely the electrolyte leakage (E_L), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), chlorophyll a + b (Chl. a + b), proline, peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), of P. multiflorum cut foliage. Foliar application of Pentakeep V formulation at concentrations of 0.04% and 0.06% contributed to a decrease in the TBARS content in the P. multiflorum cut leaves, regardless of the plant cultivation site. Additionally, it reduced proline production in cut leaves of P. multiflorum cultivated in the unheated foil tunnel, which was confirmed by the analyses carried out after the 30 days of the experiment. Furthermore, the exogenous application of ALA during P. multiflorum cultivation inhibited POD activity, irrespective of its concentration and the site of plant cultivation.