Czasopisma Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczy w Lublinie
Not a member yet
6232 research outputs found
Sort by
Development and application of a model for the automatic evaluation and classification of onions (Allium cepa L.) using a Deep Neural Network (DNN)
Get PDFEvaluating onions for size, shape, damage, colour and discolouration is the first and most important step in classifying them for raw material quality, processing and the horticultural and agri-food sectors. Current methods of geometric evaluation and grading of onions involve mechanical and extremely invasive sorting, which causes additional damage, reduces the quality of the raw material and is also labour and time-consuming. As a result, non-invasive evaluation and classification methods that are both fast and accurate are being sought. One such method is digital image analysis, which, when combined with instrumentation and deep neural networks, can fully automate the process. The main aim of this study was the development of a model for the automatic evaluation and classification of onions using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model. A fixed-architecture network was built, for which a computational algorithm was developed in Python 3.9 and published at https://github.com/piotrrybacki/onion-CNN.git (accessed on 4 October 2024). The Hyduro F1 onion variety, a hybrid all-purpose variety of the Rijnsburger type, was used to build, teach and test the model. The developed algorithm classified the onion images qualitatively with an accuracy of 91.85%. This classification was based on the geometric parameters of the onion, i.e. diameter, height, transversal and longitudinal circumference, and the estimated area of damage or discolouration of the skin. The root mean square error (MSE) in RGB space varied between 87.99 and 91.24, and the maximum image classification time was 28.98 ms/image. The developed algorithm has a very high utility, as it automates the classification process, reducing its time and labour intensity.Evaluating onions for size, shape, damage, colour and discolouration is the first and most important step in classifying them for raw material quality, processing and the horticultural and agri-food sectors. Current methods of geometric evaluation and grading of onions involve mechanical and extremely invasive sorting, which causes additional damage, reduces the quality of the raw material and is also labour and time-consuming. As a result, non-invasive evaluation and classification methods that are both fast and accurate are being sought. One such method is digital image analysis, which, when combined with instrumentation and deep neural networks, can fully automate the process. The main aim of this study was the development of a model for the automatic evaluation and classification of onions using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model. A fixed-architecture network was built, for which a computational algorithm was developed in Python 3.9 and published at https://github.com/piotrrybacki/onion-CNN.git (accessed on 4 October 2024). The Hyduro F1 onion variety, a hybrid all-purpose variety of the Rijnsburger type, was used to build, teach and test the model. The developed algorithm classified the onion images qualitatively with an accuracy of 91.85%. This classification was based on the geometric parameters of the onion, i.e. diameter, height, transversal and longitudinal circumference, and the estimated area of damage or discolouration of the skin. The root mean square error (MSE) in RGB space varied between 87.99 and 91.24, and the maximum image classification time was 28.98 ms/image. The developed algorithm has a very high utility, as it automates the classification process, reducing its time and labour intensity
Effects of meta–topolin riboside and meta–methoxy topolin riboside on the in vitro micropropagation of Pyrus communis L.
Get PDFThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of new meta-topolin derivatives meta-topolin riboside (mTR) and meta-methoxy topolin riboside (memTR) on the ultiplication and subsequent rooting and ex vitro acclimatization of Pyrus communis L. (‘OHF 333’). The cytokinins mTR and memTR were included in the nutrient medium (0 μM, 3 μM, 6 μM, 9 μM, 12 μM). In plants from three passages of three-week-old cultures grown on different nutrient media, the following parameters were evaluated: multiplication coefficient, fresh (FW) and dry (DW) weight (mg), average length of shoots (mm), average number of leaves, leaf length and width (mm). At the rooting stage, data on the rooting frequency, number of roots per rooted micro-cutting and the length of roots were recorded 18 days after the start of the experiment. In the acclimatized plants, leaf area, FW and DW, and the content of photosynthetic pigments were determined 40 days after the transfer to ex vitro conditions. Gas exchange rate and chlorophyll fluorescence were also evaluated for the control and the variants with 6 and 9 μM mTR and memTR. The plantlets grown on cytokinin-supplemented media showed a higher number of leaves than the control. Plantlets grown on nutrient media with 6 and 12 μM mTR were distinguished by the highest FW and DW. In these variants, the shoots were of the greatest length. The plants grown on medium with 6 μM mTR had the highest number of leaves. Control plants had larger leaves. Тhe highest rooting percentage (70%) was achieved in plantlets grown with 9 μM mTR. A higher ex vitro acclimatization survival rate (76–100%) was found in all plants cultured with mTR or memTR compared to control plants (65%).The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of new meta-topolin derivatives meta-topolin riboside (mTR) and meta-methoxy topolin riboside (memTR) on the ultiplication and subsequent rooting and ex vitro acclimatization of Pyrus communis L. (‘OHF 333’). The cytokinins mTR and memTR were included in the nutrient medium (0 μM, 3 μM, 6 μM, 9 μM, 12 μM). In plants from three passages of three-week-old cultures grown on different nutrient media, the following parameters were evaluated: multiplication coefficient, fresh (FW) and dry (DW) weight (mg), average length of shoots (mm), average number of leaves, leaf length and width (mm). At the rooting stage, data on the rooting frequency, number of roots per rooted micro-cutting and the length of roots were recorded 18 days after the start of the experiment. In the acclimatized plants, leaf area, FW and DW, and the content of photosynthetic pigments were determined 40 days after the transfer to ex vitro conditions. Gas exchange rate and chlorophyll fluorescence were also evaluated for the control and the variants with 6 and 9 μM mTR and memTR. The plantlets grown on cytokinin-supplemented media showed a higher number of leaves than the control. Plantlets grown on nutrient media with 6 and 12 μM mTR were distinguished by the highest FW and DW. In these variants, the shoots were of the greatest length. The plants grown on medium with 6 μM mTR had the highest number of leaves. Control plants had larger leaves. Тhe highest rooting percentage (70%) was achieved in plantlets grown with 9 μM mTR. A higher ex vitro acclimatization survival rate (76–100%) was found in all plants cultured with mTR or memTR compared to control plants (65%)
The effect of different doses of multi-nutrient fertilisers on macro-element content in two spring triticale cultivars
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted in the years 2017–2019 at Borki-Wyrki, Zbuczyn Gmina (commune). Three experimental factors were examined in the trial: factor one was spring triticale cultivar (Milewo, Dublet), factor two was mineral fertiliser type (Polifoska 6, Polifoska Krzem) and factor three was mineral fertiliser rate (0, 140, 280 and 420 kg ha–1). Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium contents in grain varied in study years as affected by weather patterns. The highest phosphorus, magnesium and sodium contents were determined in the grain of spring triticale cv. Dublet whereas the highest potassium and calcium contents in cv. Milewo grain. The applied fertiliser rates increased mineral contents, excluding magnesium and sodium, in the grain of test cultivars. Chemical composition analysis of grain of the spring triticale cultivars demonstrated that there was no significant effect of fertiliser type on grain quality.A field experiment was conducted in the years 2017–2019 at Borki-Wyrki, Zbuczyn Gmina (commune). Three experimental factors were examined in the trial: factor one was spring triticale cultivar (Milewo, Dublet), factor two was mineral fertiliser type (Polifoska 6, Polifoska Krzem) and factor three was mineral fertiliser rate (0, 140, 280 and 420 kg ha–1). Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium contents in grain varied in study years as affected by weather patterns. The highest phosphorus, magnesium and sodium contents were determined in the grain of spring triticale cv. Dublet whereas the highest potassium and calcium contents in cv. Milewo grain. The applied fertiliser rates increased mineral contents, excluding magnesium and sodium, in the grain of test cultivars. Chemical composition analysis of grain of the spring triticale cultivars demonstrated that there was no significant effect of fertiliser type on grain quality
Wpływ węgla brunatnego na wielkość i jakość plonu maliny odmiany Polana
Get PDFThe common raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a highly valued and frequently cultivated fruit species in Poland. It requires fertile soil with very good physicochemical properties. Due to the threat of desertification affecting over 80% of agricultural land, it is essential to add organic matter to the soil to halt this process and achieve high yields in raspberry cultivation, as well as other fruit species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of CarboMat substrate made from lignite as an addition to native soil in the field cultivation of the Polana raspberry cultivar. The research covered an experimental plot with 82 bushes, planted in soil without the addition of lignite and with the addition of lignite – 30% in relation to the mass of the native soil. No significant impact of enriching the soil with lignite on a significant improvement in yield parameters and growth of the Polana raspberry cultivar in the first fruiting season after planting was observed. A significant effect on the mass of the harvested yield, the number of fruits, and the mass of a single fruit regardless of the combination was noted in the case of the harvest time. The influence of lignite on the physicochemical properties of the soil was also confirmed.Malina zwyczajna (Rubus idaeus L.) jest bardzo cenionym i często uprawianym gatunkiem sadowniczym w Polsce. Wymaga żyznej gleby, o bardzo dobrych właściwościach fizykochemicznych. Z powodu zagrożenia pustynnieniem ponad 80% użytków rolnych niezbędne jest dostarczanie do gleby materii organicznej w celu zatrzymania tego procesu i osiągnięcia wysokich plonów w uprawie maliny, a także innych gatunków sadowniczych. Celem pracy była ocena przydatności podłoża CarboMat z węgla brunatnego jako dodatku do gleby macierzystej w uprawie gruntowej maliny odmiany Polana. Badaniami objęto poletko doświadczalne z 82 krzewami, posadzonymi na glebie bez dodatku węgla brunatnego oraz z dodatkiem węgla brunatnego – 30% w stosunku do masy gleby macierzystej. Nie stwierdzono istotnego wpływu wzbogacenia gleby węglem brunatnym na istotną poprawę parametrów plonowania i wzrostu maliny odmiany Polana w pierwszym sezonie owocowania po posadzeniu. Istotny wpływ na masę zebranego plonu, ilość owoców i masę pojedynczego owocu niezależnie od kombinacji stwierdzono w przypadku terminu zbioru. Potwierdzono również wpływ węgla brunatnego na właściwości fizykochemiczne gleby
Octy owocowe – otrzymywanie i właściwości prozdrowotne
Get PDFVinegar fermentation is one of the oldest biotechnological processes known to mankind,and its product – vinegar, has been used by humans for about 10,000 years. The fruit vinegars are solutionsof water with acetic acid, organic acids, plant dyes, mineral salts, esters, ketones, aldehydesand other compounds. In addition, they are excellent preservatives, spices, ingredients of cosmeticpreparations, as well as versatile cleaning and disinfecting agents. They are produced using varioustypes of production techniques, which affects their taste, consistency, color, smell and chemicalcomposition. There are three basic methods of obtaining vinegar: the Orleans method, which is oneof the oldest methods – surface methods, the drip generator method and the deep method, which isused in industry. Nowadays, the vinegars produced using traditional methods, which are additionallyenriched with various types of fruits, herbs and flowers, are becoming more and more popular. Themost famous fruit vinegars include: balsamic vinegar, oxymel and four thieves vinegar. The vinegarsprepared in this way have a higher content of valuable active compounds and, after use, havestronger health-promoting activity.Fermentacja octowa jest jednym z najstarszych, znanych ludzkości, procesów biotechnologicznych, a jej produkt – ocet stosowany jest przez człowieka od około 10 000 lat. Octy owocowe to roztwory wody z kwasem octowym, kwasami organicznymi, barwnikami, solami mineralnymi, estrami, ketonami, aldehydami i innymi związkami. Ponadto są to doskonałe konserwanty, przyprawy, składniki preparatów kosmetycznych, a także wszechstronne środki czyszcząco – dezynfekujące. Wytwarzane są z zastosowaniem różnego typu technik produkcyjnych, co wpływa na ich walory smakowe, konsystencję, kolor, zapach oraz skład chemiczny. Wyróżnia się trzy podstawowe metody otrzymywania octów: metoda orleańska, należąca do najstarszych metod – powierzchniowych, metoda ociekowa generatorowa oraz metoda wgłębna, która jest stosowana w przemyśle. Współcześnie coraz większą popularność zyskują octy produkowane metodami tradycyjnymi, które dodatkowo wzbogacane są różnego rodzaju owocami, ziołami i kwiatami. Do najbardziej znanych octów owocowych należą: ocet balsamiczny, oxymel oraz ocet czterech złodziei. Tak przygotowane octy posiadają większą zawartość cennych związków aktywnych i po zastosowaniu silniejszą aktywność prozdrowotną
Mykobiota sadzonek wybranych roślin jagodowych
Get PDFPoland is one of the largest producers of soft fruit. This is facilitated by the climatic conditions and geographical location of our country. The health status of seedlings in the nursery has a decisive impact on the quality of fruits and cultivation process. It is important that plantations are established from healthy seedlings from qualified nurseries. Fungi and fungus-like organisms are a very serious problem in berry plant nurseries. The research aimed to determine the species of fungi occurring the leaf petioles, shoot base and roots of strawberry, raspberry and gooseberry seedlings intended for commercial plantations. Research has shown that strawberry seedlings are threatened by the fungus-like organism Phytophthora cactorum and the fungi Botrytis cinerea as well as Colletotrichum acutatum. The strawberry cultivar most frequently colonized by P. cactorum is ‘Dipred’. The main causes of the death of raspberry and gooseberry seedlings are B. cinerea and Phytophthora spp. The fungus-like organism Phytophthora spp. was isolated in large numbers of colonies from raspberry ‘Polka’, ‘Kwanza’ and ‘Imara’ cvs. as well as gooseberry seedlings of the ‘Pax’ cv.Assessment of the species composition of fungi occurring strawberry, raspberry and gooseberryseedlings will allow for appropriate protection to be taken to protect commercial plantations againstcolonization by dangerous fungal pathogens.Polska jest jednym z największych producentów owoców miękkich. Sprzyjają temu warunki klimatyczne i położenie geograficzne naszego kraju. Decydujący wpływ na jakość owoców i prowadzenie uprawy ma zdrowotność sadzonek w szkółce. Ważne jest, aby plantacje były zakładane ze zdrowych sadzonek, a materiał rozmnożeniowy pochodził z kwalifikowanych szkółek. Grzyby i organizmy grzybopodobne stanowią bardzo poważny problem w szkółkach roślin jagodowych. Badania miały na celu określenie składu gatunkowego grzybów zasiedlających ogonki liściowe, podstawę pędu i korzenie sadzonek truskawki, maliny i agrestu przeznaczonych do uprawy towarowej. Badania wykazały, że sadzonkom truskawki zagraża organizm grzybopodobny Phytophthora cactorum oraz grzyby Botrytis cinerea i Colletotrichum acutatum. Najliczniej zasiedlaną przez P. cactorum odmianą truskawki jest ‘Dipred’. Sprawcami zamierania sadzonek malin i agrestu są głównie B. cinerea i Phytophthora spp. Organizm grzybopodobny Phytophthora spp. był licznie izolowany z odmian maliny ‘Polka’, ‘Kwanza’ i ‘Imara’ oraz sadzonek agrestu odmiany ‘Pax’. Ocena składu gatunkowego grzybów zasiedlających sadzonki truskawek, maliny i agrestu pozwoli na podjęcie właściwej ochrony w celu zabezpieczenia plantacji towarowych przed zasiedlaniem groźnymi patogenami grzybowymi
Effects of summer pruning on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Get PDFThe objective of the study is to investigate the mechanism by which summer pruning enhances the growth of pepper plants, as indicated by growth and fruit appearance indicators, photosynthetic rate and gas exchange parameters, rapid light response and induction kinetics curves and the related chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The results indicated that the leaf growth rate, the individual pepper fruit weight, and the fruit longitudinal and cross diameters of the pruned group were significantly higher than those of the control. The stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) of the pruned group were significantly higher than those of the control. The initial slope of the rapid light response curve, which represents light energy utilisation efficiency (α), the maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax) and saturated light intensity (PARsat) were all higher in the summer pruning group than in the control group. The F0 of the pruned group decreased by 16.83%, Fv/F0 increased by 23.69%, PIabs increased by 58.33%, and DIo/RC decreased by 22.09% compared to the control group. In summary, summer pruning significantly improves the leaf growth rate and fruit appearance quality of pepper, effectively promotes the photosynthesis of functional leaves, and reduces the degree of stress under adverse environmental conditions.The objective of the study is to investigate the mechanism by which summer pruning enhances the growth of pepper plants, as indicated by growth and fruit appearance indicators, photosynthetic rate and gas exchange parameters, rapid light response and induction kinetics curves and the related chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The results indicated that the leaf growth rate, the individual pepper fruit weight, and the fruit longitudinal and cross diameters of the pruned group were significantly higher than those of the control. The stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) of the pruned group were significantly higher than those of the control. The initial slope of the rapid light response curve, which represents light energy utilisation efficiency (α), the maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax) and saturated light intensity (PARsat) were all higher in the summer pruning group than in the control group. The F0 of the pruned group decreased by 16.83%, Fv/F0 increased by 23.69%, PIabs increased by 58.33%, and DIo/RC decreased by 22.09% compared to the control group. In summary, summer pruning significantly improves the leaf growth rate and fruit appearance quality of pepper, effectively promotes the photosynthesis of functional leaves, and reduces the degree of stress under adverse environmental conditions
The effects of high temperature and low humidity on crop water stress index of seed pumpkin plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) in semi-arid climate conditions
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of high temperature and low humidity on the crop water stress index (CWSI) of seed pumpkin plants grown under semi-arid climate conditions to determine the optimum irrigation time. This research unveils the critical impact of high temperature and low humidity on seed pumpkin growth, emphasizing the vital role of the CWSI in optimizing irrigation strategies and seed yield. Moreover, the relationship between CWSI, physiological parameters, and seed yield of the pumpkin was investigated. The mean CWSI values in the I70 (0.40) and I35 (0.56) treatments were 42% and 100% higher, respectively than those in the full irrigation (I100) treatment (0.28). While the I70 treatment showed manageable water stress with minimal impact, the I35 treatment experienced severe stress, significantly reducing crop growth and yield. The mean seed yield (SY) in the I70 treatment increased to 1245.2 kg ha–1 compared to I35 (903.3 kg ha–1) but remained lower than I100 (1339.3 kg ha–1). The CWSI had negative correlations (p ≤ 0.01) with seed yield, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index, while it had positive correlations with water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency (p ≤ 0.01). This study showed that pumpkins could be grown successfully at 30% water deficit conditions, and a water deficit higher than 30% may cause a significant seed yield loss in semi-arid climate conditions. In addition, the results highlight the importance of optimal irrigation and CWSI monitoring for informed irrigation decisions and sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, moderate water deficit (I70) can be adopted in pumpkin cultivation as an alternative to full irrigation.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high temperature and low humidity on the crop water stress index (CWSI) of seed pumpkin plants grown under semi-arid climate conditions to determine the optimum irrigation time. This research unveils the critical impact of high temperature and low humidity on seed pumpkin growth, emphasizing the vital role of the CWSI in optimizing irrigation strategies and seed yield. Moreover, the relationship between CWSI, physiological parameters, and seed yield of the pumpkin was investigated. The mean CWSI values in the I70 (0.40) and I35 (0.56) treatments were 42% and 100% higher, respectively than those in the full irrigation (I100) treatment (0.28). While the I70 treatment showed manageable water stress with minimal impact, the I35 treatment experienced severe stress, significantly reducing crop growth and yield. The mean seed yield (SY) in the I70 treatment increased to 1245.2 kg ha–1 compared to I35 (903.3 kg ha–1) but remained lower than I100 (1339.3 kg ha–1). The CWSI had negative correlations (p ≤ 0.01) with seed yield, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index, while it had positive correlations with water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency (p ≤ 0.01). This study showed that pumpkins could be grown successfully at 30% water deficit conditions, and a water deficit higher than 30% may cause a significant seed yield loss in semi-arid climate conditions. In addition, the results highlight the importance of optimal irrigation and CWSI monitoring for informed irrigation decisions and sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, moderate water deficit (I70) can be adopted in pumpkin cultivation as an alternative to full irrigation
Improving antifungal effect of peppermint essential oil
Get PDFNanoencapsulation of essential oils is a promising strategy for extending their antifungal activity and addressing evaporation and decomposition in unfavorable environmental conditions. This research aimed to synthesize and compare the physical properties of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing peppermint essential oil (PE) during 12 months of storage at various temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 27°C with 60% relative humidity, 37°C, and 40°C with 75% relative humidity), and to investigate their antifungal activity compared to free PE. The SLN formulations were prepared using high-shear homogenization and ultrasound techniques and were analyzed using a particle size analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and microscopic images of fungal mycelium to assess encapsulation efficacy. The results showed that the PE-SLNs had a size of 164.2 ±5.8 nm, a PDI value of 0.176 ±0.01, a zeta potential value of –11.3 mV, and an encapsulation percentage of approximately 75 ±0.5%. Overall, the physical properties of the formulations showed a slight and acceptable increase over the 12-month storage period at all investigated temperatures. Furthermore, the in vitro inhibition percentage of free PE at a concentration of 2000 μL L–1 against Penicillium italicum and P. digitatum was 66.7% ±2.6 and 66.8% ±0.8, respectively, while for PE-SLNs it was 88.8% ±0.9 and 89.9% ±1.4. These results demonstrate the potential of SLNs as an effective carrier for sustained delivery of PE with improved antifungal activity during storage.Nanoencapsulation of essential oils is a promising strategy for extending their antifungal activity and addressing evaporation and decomposition in unfavorable environmental conditions. This research aimed to synthesize and compare the physical properties of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing peppermint essential oil (PE) during 12 months of storage at various temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 27°C with 60% relative humidity, 37°C, and 40°C with 75% relative humidity), and to investigate their antifungal activity compared to free PE. The SLN formulations were prepared using high-shear homogenization and ultrasound techniques and were analyzed using a particle size analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and microscopic images of fungal mycelium to assess encapsulation efficacy. The results showed that the PE-SLNs had a size of 164.2 ±5.8 nm, a PDI value of 0.176 ±0.01, a zeta potential value of –11.3 mV, and an encapsulation percentage of approximately 75 ±0.5%. Overall, the physical properties of the formulations showed a slight and acceptable increase over the 12-month storage period at all investigated temperatures. Furthermore, the in vitro inhibition percentage of free PE at a concentration of 2000 μL L–1 against Penicillium italicum and P. digitatum was 66.7% ±2.6 and 66.8% ±0.8, respectively, while for PE-SLNs it was 88.8% ±0.9 and 89.9% ±1.4. These results demonstrate the potential of SLNs as an effective carrier for sustained delivery of PE with improved antifungal activity during storage
Influence of agrotechnical and varietal factors on biodiversity of fungi colonizing amaranth seeds
Get PDFAmaranth seeds are characterized by a very high nutritional value, which depends on various environmental factors and variety. For this plant, it is crucial to maintain the appropriate post-harvest quality of the seeds, particularly in terms of fungal infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increasing NPK doses, row spacing, and variety on the biodiversity of fungi colonizing amaranth seeds. For this purpose, a 3-year field experiment (2016–2018) was carried out involving the cultivation of two varieties – ‘Rawa’ and ‘Aztek’ – under the soil and climatic conditions of southeastern Poland. The experiment demonstrated that most of the analyzed research factors (NPK fertilization, row spacing, and variety) had a significant impact on the health status of amaranth seeds. Increasing NPK fertilization led to higher seed colonization by Alternaria alternata. Row spacing affected both the total number of fungal colonies and the population of Aspergillus brasiliensis on the seeds. In this regard, amaranth cultivation was more favorable with wide row spacing than narrow row spacing. The variety significantly influenced seed germination after harvest, and the total number of fungal colonies on the seeds, particularly of Aspergillus brasiliensis and Alternaria alternata. The variety ‘Rawa’ was characterized by lower seed germination capacity and was more frequently populated by pathogenic fungi, which negatively affected seed quality compared to the variety ‘Aztek’. Considering the production of seeds free of post-harvest biological contamination in southeastern Poland, it is advisable to cultivate the variety ‘Aztek’ in a wide row spacing system.Amaranth seeds are characterized by a very high nutritional value, which depends on various environmental factors and variety. For this plant, it is crucial to maintain the appropriate post-harvest quality of the seeds, particularly in terms of fungal infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increasing NPK doses, row spacing, and variety on the biodiversity of fungi colonizing amaranth seeds. For this purpose, a 3-year field experiment (2016–2018) was carried out involving the cultivation of two varieties – ‘Rawa’ and ‘Aztek’ – under the soil and climatic conditions of southeastern Poland. The experiment demonstrated that most of the analyzed research factors (NPK fertilization, row spacing, and variety) had a significant impact on the health status of amaranth seeds. Increasing NPK fertilization led to higher seed colonization by Alternaria alternata. Row spacing affected both the total number of fungal colonies and the population of Aspergillus brasiliensis on the seeds. In this regard, amaranth cultivation was more favorable with wide row spacing than narrow row spacing. The variety significantly influenced seed germination after harvest, and the total number of fungal colonies on the seeds, particularly of Aspergillus brasiliensis and Alternaria alternata. The variety ‘Rawa’ was characterized by lower seed germination capacity and was more frequently populated by pathogenic fungi, which negatively affected seed quality compared to the variety ‘Aztek’. Considering the production of seeds free of post-harvest biological contamination in southeastern Poland, it is advisable to cultivate the variety ‘Aztek’ in a wide row spacing system