Elvyra Gruzdevienė - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Elvyra Gruzdevienė

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference

The investigation on hemp fibre quantity and quality as influenced by genotype and seed rate was ... more The investigation on hemp fibre quantity and quality as influenced by genotype and seed rate was carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station Lithuanian of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2014. Bi-factorial trial was carried out: Factor A – variety (A1 – USO 31; A2 – Bialobrzeskie); Factor B – sowing rate (B1 – 45 kg ha-1; B2 – 70 kg ha-1). Data showed that variety (genotype) had a significant influence on fibre content (after dew-retting as well after water-retting) – it was higher for variety Bialobrzeskie and amounted to 37.2 and 34.5%, respectively. Seed rate (or crop density) did not show significant influence neither on fibre content nor on fibre quality (flexibility, strength) parameters.

Latgale National Economy Research, 2010

Fiber nettle is a cultivated form of the wild nettle and could become a renewable recourse of nat... more Fiber nettle is a cultivated form of the wild nettle and could become a renewable recourse of natural fibres in Lithuania. The aim of research was to investigate propagation ability (shoot rooting) of stinging nettle, investigate influence of different crop density on plant biometrical indices, productivity. The investigation was carried out at the Upytė Research Station of LIA in 2008-2009. The shoots of stinging nettle were cut into segments, the top part of the stem and the segments of the stem were separated and planted in the filed separately. The crop of different density was established: 60x60 and 60x100 cm. The results of our investigation showed, that stinging nettle may be propagated in vegetative way, rooted under field conditions. The top parts of the stem shoved slightly better rooting results than the segments of the stem. Plants from the crop of 2nd year, 60x60, were grosser, more productive than that of the 1st year crop. Plants of the 1st year crop, 60x100, had more...

Latgale National Economy Research, 2010

The study was designed to investigate linseed cultivation without using chemical fertilizer and p... more The study was designed to investigate linseed cultivation without using chemical fertilizer and plant protection measures. We study the influence of the anthropogenic and agrotechnical factors on the linseed yield. We also tried to compare the crop productivity cultivating linseed in intensive technology and in organic farm. These investigations are new in Lithuania because beforehand linseed was grown on usual technology farms. It is still not as popular in Europe.

The present paper analyses fungal and mycotoxin contamination of oil flax seed of the flax cultiv... more The present paper analyses fungal and mycotoxin contamination of oil flax seed of the flax cultivars 'Symphonia', 'Blue Chip', 'Szaphir', 'Gold Merchant', 'Lu-5' and 'Helmi' differing in the length of the growing season. The flax seed grown in precision field trials was analysed for fungal and mycotoxin contamination at harvesting and during the storage period. Analyses at harvesting revealed the fungi of the genera Alternaria (from 20.0 to 42.5% of infected seed) and Fusarium (up to 50.0% of infected seed) to be the most prevalent. Flax seed was stored for 8 months in dry and cool premises. Seed surface contamination during the storage period of the early cv. 'Symphonia' increased by 92.8% and that of cv. 'Szaphir' by 89.7%. The fungal contamination of seed of the later-ripening cvs. 'Blue Chip' and 'Gold Merchant' increased by 30.4 and 41.2%, respectively. During storage, the content of propagules of the genera Alternaria and Penicillium increased as compared with their contents at harvesting, whereas that of Fusarium declined. Four species of Alternaria were identified: A. alternata, A. linicola, A dianthi and A. pluriseptata. The greatest number of fungi species (11) were identified on the seed of cv. 'Gold Merchant'. Traces of aflatoxin was identified only in the seeds samples of cvs. 'Lu-5' and 'Gold Merchant' and of ochratoxin A (2.3 µg kg-1) in the seed sample of cv. 'Szaphir'. All the seed samples tested were found positive for DON contamination, except for cv. 'Blue Chip', but the levels identified were very low. After eight months of storage the levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A. in flax seed samples increased.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

Recently all countries are looking for the renewable resources. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.... more Recently all countries are looking for the renewable resources. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a perennial plant owning many valuable properties, including yielding natural fibres. Fiber nettle is a cultivated form of the wild nettle. The aim of the research was to investigate changes of productivity of stinging nettle’s crop established at different crop densities. Main criterion discussed in the article is the number of the stems per measuring unit (i.e., crop density). The investigation was carried out at the Upytė Research Station of LRCAF in 2008-2012. The crop of different implantation density was established: 60x60 and 60x100 cm. The results of our investigation show that in the first cropping year stinging nettle produced 25-43 stems per plant. Plants from the crop of 2nd year, 60x60, were grosser, more productive than that of the 1st year crop. Plants of the 1st year crop, 60x100, had more stems per plant than that of 1st year crop, 60x60, but amount of stems per ha1...

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The weakness of knowledge about linseed varieties and its growing features depending on genotype ... more The weakness of knowledge about linseed varieties and its growing features depending on genotype prevent linseed growing and seed marketing in Lithuania. The linseed varieties in Lithuania didn’t achieve yield promised in the variety description. The aim of our investigations was to establish the influence of linseed genotype on the plant productivity, agrotechnical and biological characteristic and seed quality. Nine linseed varieties: Helmi, Szafir, Symphonia, Blue Chip, Lirina, Olinette, Lu-5, Gold Merchant and Flanders were tested in year 2008. As the result of our investigations, the linseed variety Symphonia, with best productivity is recommended to grow and multiple in Lithuania.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

In the resent years evaluation and conservation of genetic recourses becomes of great importance.... more In the resent years evaluation and conservation of genetic recourses becomes of great importance. Some of the genotypes could be lost when un-sufficient attention is given to them. Some old (created before WWII) Latvian flax accessions have been investigated at the collection nursery at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2007-2010. Phenological phases, plant height, flower colour, stem, seed and long fibre yield, fibre content and quality (flexibility, strength, quality number), duration of vegetation period, resistance to lodging, etc., have been investigated. The most valuable genotypes have been suggested to be used in further breeding programs.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The flax is grown in the world for many years. The area of linseed in the world is much more than... more The flax is grown in the world for many years. The area of linseed in the world is much more than that of fibre flax. The seeds of ecologically grown linseed have high value as the row material for food, medicine, fodder, oil production. The cold pressed oil and seeds of ecologically grown linseed are especially popular in EU, Canada and USA. The quality of the finished linen product is often dependent upon growing conditions and harvesting techniques. The organic textile trend is starting to develop worldwide, while in Lithuania it is still almost non-existent. Therefore, the chance for Lithuanian farmers appears to export the ecological seed and fiber, not only use them in local market. Lithuanian farmers are in luck for the advices how to grow flax in ecological way. Therefore, in 2007- 2009 some investigations were carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (Panevėžys district, Lithuania). The results of our inves...

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The biometrical indices of two hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties of Polish origin – Beniko and ... more The biometrical indices of two hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties of Polish origin – Beniko and Bialobrezskie – sown at different rates (40; 55 and 70 kg ha-1) have been investigated at the Upytė Research Station of LIA in 2006. The data from 2006 led to draw conclusion that plants of industrial hemp varieties of Beniko and Bialobrzeskie could be successfully grown in Lithuania. Hemp produced enough high amount of green (up till 42.95 t ha-1) and dry (up till 15.27 t ha-1) biomass. Plants of Beniko were more productive than plants of Bialobrzeskie. The tendencies of higher green and dry biomass were noticed in the plots of lower density. Seed rate had significant influence on crop density. Seed rate (crop density) had significant effect on crop weediness.

Journal of Natural Fibers, 2015

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The investigation of hemp crop weediness was carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the... more The investigation of hemp crop weediness was carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2014. Bi-factorial trial was carried out: Factor A – variety (A1 – USO 31; A2 – Bialobrzeskie); Factor B – sowing rate (B1 – 45 kg ha^-1; B2 – 70 kg…

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, 2015

An interest in the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), as a multipurpose plant, has been on the i... more An interest in the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), as a multipurpose plant, has been on the increase in many countries throughout Europe and even worldwide recently. The study was conducted at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2010-2012 in which we investigated the productivity of the stinging nettle crop, established at different planting densities and that of nettle crops of different age (the number of cropping years), as well as changes in yielding and morphological parameters in senescent plants. Some data of cultivated nettle were compared to those of wild nettle. The research findings showed that in all experimental years, irrespective of crop age, the productivity per plant was higher at a planting density of 60 × 100 cm. The green biomass yield generally was higher in the treatments planted at 60 × 60 cm density. The mean green above-ground mass yield per plant was going down with crop senescence. The mean absolutely dry above-ground mass yield was higher in 2010 (close to 14 t ha-1), while in 2011 and 2012, the yield was much lower-6.5-7.1 t ha-1. The green above-ground mass yield of wild nettle was lower than that of cultivated nettle and the absolutely dry above-ground mass yield of wild nettle was approximately 2-3 times lower than that of cultivated nettle. The mean crop density (at harvest) increased over the years of investigation and was higher in an older crop. Starting from the 3 rd cropping year, crop density at harvest in the treatment planted at lower density (60 × 100 cm) exceeded crop density at the treatments planted at higher density (60 × 60 cm). The number of wild nettle stems per m 2 was much lower than that of cultivated nettle. The greatest increase (110-217%) in the crop density over the vegetation period was found in the plots planted at lower density (60 × 100 cm). In an older crop, stinging nettle produced more but shorter stems.

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, 2014

Field experiments designed to explore weediness of hemp crops of industrial varieties were carrie... more Field experiments designed to explore weediness of hemp crops of industrial varieties were carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2010-2012. Eight monoecious industrial hemp varieties from France (5), Poland (2) and Ukraine (1) were grown in a conventional crop rotation after winter wheat. Hemp was sown at a seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 with 10 cm interrows at the beginning of May and harvested when the first matured seeds appeared. No mechanical or chemical weed control was applied during hemp growth period. Density of weeds at full hemp emergence was relatively high, with the highest average value of 202 plants m-2 in 2011, the year with relatively high air temperatures at the end of May-beginning of June and adequate rainfall. At hemp harvesting, the highest weed density and above-ground biomass was found in 2010, the year characterised by high temperatures in July and August, in the plots of the USO 31, the variety with the shortest growth period and the lowest plant height. A total of 31 weed species were identified in hemp experiments-26 species of broad-leaf and grass weeds and 5 species of perennial weeds. At full hemp emergence, weeds typical of spring crops of the region were most abundant: Chenopodium album L. dominated in 2010, Veronica arvensis L. in 2011, while in 2012 the domination was shared by the four weed species Lamium purpureum L., Thlaspi arvense L., V. arvensis and Poa annua L. At harvest, in total 8 weed species were found; however, only C. album and partly Polygonum aviculare L. were relatively abundant in all years.

Journal of Plant Protection Research, 2008

Experiments designed to study the variation of diversity of pathogenic fungi occurring in fibre f... more Experiments designed to study the variation of diversity of pathogenic fungi occurring in fibre flax agrocenosis during the growing season were conducted at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture Upytė Experimental Station during 1999-2002. The Upytė Experimental Station is situated in Central Lithuania. Phytopathological analyses of seed, soil and plants were done at the laboratory of the Upytė Experimental Station as well as at the Biodestructor Research Laboratory of the Institute of Botany. There were identified in the rhizosphere 9 fungal species belonging to 9 genera. On flax seedlings were identified fungi belonging to 13 genera. On flax leaves at green maturity stage was identified only Oidium lini. On flax stems at green maturity stage were identified fungi belonging to 12 genera. On mature flax stems were found fungi belonging to 15 genera. On flax seed during the experimental years were identified fungi belonging to 16 genera. The number of fungi identified on seeds varied each year, depending on the year's weather conditions during the seed ripening period. Having summarised the results, we can assert that pathogenic fungi Fusarium spp. and Colletotrichum lini, were found both on seed and plant vegetative parts during the whole assessment period. Species composition of fungi present on seed differed depending on the weather conditions. A larger number and more diverse species were found on the seed that ripened during the years with wet growing seasons (2000 and 2001) whereas the seed that ripened during dry growing seasons (1999 and 2002) was less infected with fungi. The spread of fungi on stems and leaves was also determined by the weather conditions. Many species of fungi were identified in 2001, when flax crops were lodged; stems and capsules were damaged by hail, and in 2000, when there was much rainfall.

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, 2013

Even small additions of hemp fibres to fabrics result in sig nificantly higher surface resistance... more Even small additions of hemp fibres to fabrics result in sig nificantly higher surface resistance and increased heat sorption. The two major retting methods (dew retting and water retting) are used to extract fibbers for industrial uses. Both methods produce fibres of different quality. The results of research, carried out at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture, Upytė Experimental Station in 2006-2007, showed that dew retted and water retted hemp fibres differed in appearance. Hemp variety as a factor showed higher impact on physical fibre parameters: fibre content in dew retted and water retted hemp straw, dew retted hemp straw output from hemp stalks, the strength of fibre obtained from dew retted and water retted hemp. Seed rate as a factor did not show any significant influence on physical fibre parameters, and only some trends of higher parameters at higher seed rates could be observed. Statistical evaluation indicated that the year as a factor affected the majority of physical parameters tested. Statistical data processing also showed that the fibre extraction method as a factor had a significant influence on the fibre content in hemp straw in 2006, on the straw output from hemp stalks in 2007, on the fibre content in hemp stalks and hemp fibre flexibility in both years of investigation, on the hemp fibre strength in 2006.

Journal of Plant Protection Research, 2008

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference

The investigation on hemp fibre quantity and quality as influenced by genotype and seed rate was ... more The investigation on hemp fibre quantity and quality as influenced by genotype and seed rate was carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station Lithuanian of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2014. Bi-factorial trial was carried out: Factor A – variety (A1 – USO 31; A2 – Bialobrzeskie); Factor B – sowing rate (B1 – 45 kg ha-1; B2 – 70 kg ha-1). Data showed that variety (genotype) had a significant influence on fibre content (after dew-retting as well after water-retting) – it was higher for variety Bialobrzeskie and amounted to 37.2 and 34.5%, respectively. Seed rate (or crop density) did not show significant influence neither on fibre content nor on fibre quality (flexibility, strength) parameters.

Latgale National Economy Research, 2010

Fiber nettle is a cultivated form of the wild nettle and could become a renewable recourse of nat... more Fiber nettle is a cultivated form of the wild nettle and could become a renewable recourse of natural fibres in Lithuania. The aim of research was to investigate propagation ability (shoot rooting) of stinging nettle, investigate influence of different crop density on plant biometrical indices, productivity. The investigation was carried out at the Upytė Research Station of LIA in 2008-2009. The shoots of stinging nettle were cut into segments, the top part of the stem and the segments of the stem were separated and planted in the filed separately. The crop of different density was established: 60x60 and 60x100 cm. The results of our investigation showed, that stinging nettle may be propagated in vegetative way, rooted under field conditions. The top parts of the stem shoved slightly better rooting results than the segments of the stem. Plants from the crop of 2nd year, 60x60, were grosser, more productive than that of the 1st year crop. Plants of the 1st year crop, 60x100, had more...

Latgale National Economy Research, 2010

The study was designed to investigate linseed cultivation without using chemical fertilizer and p... more The study was designed to investigate linseed cultivation without using chemical fertilizer and plant protection measures. We study the influence of the anthropogenic and agrotechnical factors on the linseed yield. We also tried to compare the crop productivity cultivating linseed in intensive technology and in organic farm. These investigations are new in Lithuania because beforehand linseed was grown on usual technology farms. It is still not as popular in Europe.

The present paper analyses fungal and mycotoxin contamination of oil flax seed of the flax cultiv... more The present paper analyses fungal and mycotoxin contamination of oil flax seed of the flax cultivars 'Symphonia', 'Blue Chip', 'Szaphir', 'Gold Merchant', 'Lu-5' and 'Helmi' differing in the length of the growing season. The flax seed grown in precision field trials was analysed for fungal and mycotoxin contamination at harvesting and during the storage period. Analyses at harvesting revealed the fungi of the genera Alternaria (from 20.0 to 42.5% of infected seed) and Fusarium (up to 50.0% of infected seed) to be the most prevalent. Flax seed was stored for 8 months in dry and cool premises. Seed surface contamination during the storage period of the early cv. 'Symphonia' increased by 92.8% and that of cv. 'Szaphir' by 89.7%. The fungal contamination of seed of the later-ripening cvs. 'Blue Chip' and 'Gold Merchant' increased by 30.4 and 41.2%, respectively. During storage, the content of propagules of the genera Alternaria and Penicillium increased as compared with their contents at harvesting, whereas that of Fusarium declined. Four species of Alternaria were identified: A. alternata, A. linicola, A dianthi and A. pluriseptata. The greatest number of fungi species (11) were identified on the seed of cv. 'Gold Merchant'. Traces of aflatoxin was identified only in the seeds samples of cvs. 'Lu-5' and 'Gold Merchant' and of ochratoxin A (2.3 µg kg-1) in the seed sample of cv. 'Szaphir'. All the seed samples tested were found positive for DON contamination, except for cv. 'Blue Chip', but the levels identified were very low. After eight months of storage the levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A. in flax seed samples increased.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

Recently all countries are looking for the renewable resources. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.... more Recently all countries are looking for the renewable resources. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a perennial plant owning many valuable properties, including yielding natural fibres. Fiber nettle is a cultivated form of the wild nettle. The aim of the research was to investigate changes of productivity of stinging nettle’s crop established at different crop densities. Main criterion discussed in the article is the number of the stems per measuring unit (i.e., crop density). The investigation was carried out at the Upytė Research Station of LRCAF in 2008-2012. The crop of different implantation density was established: 60x60 and 60x100 cm. The results of our investigation show that in the first cropping year stinging nettle produced 25-43 stems per plant. Plants from the crop of 2nd year, 60x60, were grosser, more productive than that of the 1st year crop. Plants of the 1st year crop, 60x100, had more stems per plant than that of 1st year crop, 60x60, but amount of stems per ha1...

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The weakness of knowledge about linseed varieties and its growing features depending on genotype ... more The weakness of knowledge about linseed varieties and its growing features depending on genotype prevent linseed growing and seed marketing in Lithuania. The linseed varieties in Lithuania didn’t achieve yield promised in the variety description. The aim of our investigations was to establish the influence of linseed genotype on the plant productivity, agrotechnical and biological characteristic and seed quality. Nine linseed varieties: Helmi, Szafir, Symphonia, Blue Chip, Lirina, Olinette, Lu-5, Gold Merchant and Flanders were tested in year 2008. As the result of our investigations, the linseed variety Symphonia, with best productivity is recommended to grow and multiple in Lithuania.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

In the resent years evaluation and conservation of genetic recourses becomes of great importance.... more In the resent years evaluation and conservation of genetic recourses becomes of great importance. Some of the genotypes could be lost when un-sufficient attention is given to them. Some old (created before WWII) Latvian flax accessions have been investigated at the collection nursery at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2007-2010. Phenological phases, plant height, flower colour, stem, seed and long fibre yield, fibre content and quality (flexibility, strength, quality number), duration of vegetation period, resistance to lodging, etc., have been investigated. The most valuable genotypes have been suggested to be used in further breeding programs.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The flax is grown in the world for many years. The area of linseed in the world is much more than... more The flax is grown in the world for many years. The area of linseed in the world is much more than that of fibre flax. The seeds of ecologically grown linseed have high value as the row material for food, medicine, fodder, oil production. The cold pressed oil and seeds of ecologically grown linseed are especially popular in EU, Canada and USA. The quality of the finished linen product is often dependent upon growing conditions and harvesting techniques. The organic textile trend is starting to develop worldwide, while in Lithuania it is still almost non-existent. Therefore, the chance for Lithuanian farmers appears to export the ecological seed and fiber, not only use them in local market. Lithuanian farmers are in luck for the advices how to grow flax in ecological way. Therefore, in 2007- 2009 some investigations were carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (Panevėžys district, Lithuania). The results of our inves...

Industrial Crops and Products, 2015

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The biometrical indices of two hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties of Polish origin – Beniko and ... more The biometrical indices of two hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties of Polish origin – Beniko and Bialobrezskie – sown at different rates (40; 55 and 70 kg ha-1) have been investigated at the Upytė Research Station of LIA in 2006. The data from 2006 led to draw conclusion that plants of industrial hemp varieties of Beniko and Bialobrzeskie could be successfully grown in Lithuania. Hemp produced enough high amount of green (up till 42.95 t ha-1) and dry (up till 15.27 t ha-1) biomass. Plants of Beniko were more productive than plants of Bialobrzeskie. The tendencies of higher green and dry biomass were noticed in the plots of lower density. Seed rate had significant influence on crop density. Seed rate (crop density) had significant effect on crop weediness.

Journal of Natural Fibers, 2015

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

The investigation of hemp crop weediness was carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the... more The investigation of hemp crop weediness was carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2014. Bi-factorial trial was carried out: Factor A – variety (A1 – USO 31; A2 – Bialobrzeskie); Factor B – sowing rate (B1 – 45 kg ha^-1; B2 – 70 kg…

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, 2015

An interest in the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), as a multipurpose plant, has been on the i... more An interest in the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), as a multipurpose plant, has been on the increase in many countries throughout Europe and even worldwide recently. The study was conducted at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2010-2012 in which we investigated the productivity of the stinging nettle crop, established at different planting densities and that of nettle crops of different age (the number of cropping years), as well as changes in yielding and morphological parameters in senescent plants. Some data of cultivated nettle were compared to those of wild nettle. The research findings showed that in all experimental years, irrespective of crop age, the productivity per plant was higher at a planting density of 60 × 100 cm. The green biomass yield generally was higher in the treatments planted at 60 × 60 cm density. The mean green above-ground mass yield per plant was going down with crop senescence. The mean absolutely dry above-ground mass yield was higher in 2010 (close to 14 t ha-1), while in 2011 and 2012, the yield was much lower-6.5-7.1 t ha-1. The green above-ground mass yield of wild nettle was lower than that of cultivated nettle and the absolutely dry above-ground mass yield of wild nettle was approximately 2-3 times lower than that of cultivated nettle. The mean crop density (at harvest) increased over the years of investigation and was higher in an older crop. Starting from the 3 rd cropping year, crop density at harvest in the treatment planted at lower density (60 × 100 cm) exceeded crop density at the treatments planted at higher density (60 × 60 cm). The number of wild nettle stems per m 2 was much lower than that of cultivated nettle. The greatest increase (110-217%) in the crop density over the vegetation period was found in the plots planted at lower density (60 × 100 cm). In an older crop, stinging nettle produced more but shorter stems.

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, 2014

Field experiments designed to explore weediness of hemp crops of industrial varieties were carrie... more Field experiments designed to explore weediness of hemp crops of industrial varieties were carried out at the Upytė Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2010-2012. Eight monoecious industrial hemp varieties from France (5), Poland (2) and Ukraine (1) were grown in a conventional crop rotation after winter wheat. Hemp was sown at a seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 with 10 cm interrows at the beginning of May and harvested when the first matured seeds appeared. No mechanical or chemical weed control was applied during hemp growth period. Density of weeds at full hemp emergence was relatively high, with the highest average value of 202 plants m-2 in 2011, the year with relatively high air temperatures at the end of May-beginning of June and adequate rainfall. At hemp harvesting, the highest weed density and above-ground biomass was found in 2010, the year characterised by high temperatures in July and August, in the plots of the USO 31, the variety with the shortest growth period and the lowest plant height. A total of 31 weed species were identified in hemp experiments-26 species of broad-leaf and grass weeds and 5 species of perennial weeds. At full hemp emergence, weeds typical of spring crops of the region were most abundant: Chenopodium album L. dominated in 2010, Veronica arvensis L. in 2011, while in 2012 the domination was shared by the four weed species Lamium purpureum L., Thlaspi arvense L., V. arvensis and Poa annua L. At harvest, in total 8 weed species were found; however, only C. album and partly Polygonum aviculare L. were relatively abundant in all years.

Journal of Plant Protection Research, 2008

Experiments designed to study the variation of diversity of pathogenic fungi occurring in fibre f... more Experiments designed to study the variation of diversity of pathogenic fungi occurring in fibre flax agrocenosis during the growing season were conducted at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture Upytė Experimental Station during 1999-2002. The Upytė Experimental Station is situated in Central Lithuania. Phytopathological analyses of seed, soil and plants were done at the laboratory of the Upytė Experimental Station as well as at the Biodestructor Research Laboratory of the Institute of Botany. There were identified in the rhizosphere 9 fungal species belonging to 9 genera. On flax seedlings were identified fungi belonging to 13 genera. On flax leaves at green maturity stage was identified only Oidium lini. On flax stems at green maturity stage were identified fungi belonging to 12 genera. On mature flax stems were found fungi belonging to 15 genera. On flax seed during the experimental years were identified fungi belonging to 16 genera. The number of fungi identified on seeds varied each year, depending on the year's weather conditions during the seed ripening period. Having summarised the results, we can assert that pathogenic fungi Fusarium spp. and Colletotrichum lini, were found both on seed and plant vegetative parts during the whole assessment period. Species composition of fungi present on seed differed depending on the weather conditions. A larger number and more diverse species were found on the seed that ripened during the years with wet growing seasons (2000 and 2001) whereas the seed that ripened during dry growing seasons (1999 and 2002) was less infected with fungi. The spread of fungi on stems and leaves was also determined by the weather conditions. Many species of fungi were identified in 2001, when flax crops were lodged; stems and capsules were damaged by hail, and in 2000, when there was much rainfall.

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, 2013

Even small additions of hemp fibres to fabrics result in sig nificantly higher surface resistance... more Even small additions of hemp fibres to fabrics result in sig nificantly higher surface resistance and increased heat sorption. The two major retting methods (dew retting and water retting) are used to extract fibbers for industrial uses. Both methods produce fibres of different quality. The results of research, carried out at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture, Upytė Experimental Station in 2006-2007, showed that dew retted and water retted hemp fibres differed in appearance. Hemp variety as a factor showed higher impact on physical fibre parameters: fibre content in dew retted and water retted hemp straw, dew retted hemp straw output from hemp stalks, the strength of fibre obtained from dew retted and water retted hemp. Seed rate as a factor did not show any significant influence on physical fibre parameters, and only some trends of higher parameters at higher seed rates could be observed. Statistical evaluation indicated that the year as a factor affected the majority of physical parameters tested. Statistical data processing also showed that the fibre extraction method as a factor had a significant influence on the fibre content in hemp straw in 2006, on the straw output from hemp stalks in 2007, on the fibre content in hemp stalks and hemp fibre flexibility in both years of investigation, on the hemp fibre strength in 2006.

Journal of Plant Protection Research, 2008