The Role of Agrotechnical Factors in Shaping the Protein Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Pinus Species as Prospective Reserves of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Use in Functional Food-Current State of Knowledge

The pine (Pinus L.) is the largest and most heteromorphic plant genus of the pine family (Pinaceae Lindl.), which grows almost exclusively in the northern hemisphere. The demand for plant-based remedies, supplements and functional food is growing worldwide. Although pine-based products are widely available in many parts of the world, they are almost absent as food ingredients. The literature shows the beneficial effects of pine preparations on human health. Despite the wide geographical distribution of pine trees in the natural environment, there are very few data in the literature on the widespread use of pine in food technology. This study aims to present, characterise and evaluate the content of phytochemicals in pine trees, including shoots, bark and conifer needles, as well as to summarise the available data on their health-promoting and functional properties, and the potential of their use in food and the pharmaceutical industry to support health. Various species of pine tree contain different compositions of bioactive compounds. Regardless of the solvent, method, pine species and plant part used, all pine extracts contain a high number of polyphenols. Pine tree extracts exhibit several described biological activities that may be beneficial to human health. The available examples of the application of pine elements in food are promising. The reuse of residual pine elements is still limited compared to its potential. In this case, it is necessary to conduct more research to find and develop new products and applications of pine residues and by-products.

SPAD Leaf Greenness Index: Green Mass Yield Indicator of Maize (Zea mays L.), Genetic and Agriculture Practice Relationship

The study presents the results of two field studies (Experiment I, Experiment II), whose aim was to assess the impact of agriculture factors on maize green mass and leaf greenness index (Soil and Plant Analysis Development, SPAD) in critical growth stages, as well as to determine the relationship between the SPAD index and the yield of green maize for ensiling. It was shown that thermal and humidity conditions in maize growing seasons determined the value of the SPAD leaf greenness index and the yield of maize harvested for silage. Row application of mineral fertilizer (N, NP) and selection of "stay-green" varieties guarantee a higher yield of maize green mass. Growing maize in direct sowing reduces chlorophyll content expressed in SPAD units, thereby reducing plant nitrogen condition, which significantly decreases the yield of biomass intended for silage. The SPAD leaf greenness index determined in critical stages of maize growth can be considered as a yield predictor of green mass for ensiling. The examined maize cultivars were divided into two groups on the basis of hierarchically grouping using the unweighted pair group method of arithmetic means. The first group comprised cultivars SY Cooky and Drim "stay-green," while the second one included cultivars ES Paroli "stay-green" and ES Palazzo.