The study has identified selected mechanical properties of fresh and stored fruit of large cranberry. The analyses focused on the changes in the values of peel and flesh puncture strength in the selected cranberry varieties depending on water content and storage duration. Measurements were also performed to examine deformations and energy needed to cut through the fruit peel and flesh. The value of breaking stress was calculated. The findings show a decrease in the relevant parameters during storage of fruit obtained from the examined varieties of large cranberry. Mean water contents in the fruit of the relevant varieties were in the range of 86.4-89.1%. There was a notable decrease in the mean value of peel and flesh puncture strength in the fruit of the relevant varieties of large cranberry. The mean value of peel and flesh puncture strength in the fresh fruit of cranberry was 6.1 N, and after 40 days in storage the value decreased by 2.3 N.

Monitoring of the mechanical properties of fruit obtained from cucumber plants is extremely important because of their use in processing, since these properties are reflected by the finished products of processing. Mechanical defects produced at the time of harvesting, during transport and at the specific stages of processing may adversely affect the course of technological processing (brine and vinegar pickling), resulting in spoilt preserves no longer useful for commercial purposes. The study was designed to identify selected mechanical properties in fresh and pickled fruit obtained from field cucumbers during spontaneous fermentation and fermentation promoted by selected lactic bacteria cultures. Additionally, water contents were measured in fresh cucumbers. The findings show significant differences between the analysed parameters.

The aim of the studies was to evaluate the influence of sowing rate, foliar fertilization (Basfoliar fertilizer 6-12-6) and chemical composition on the mechanical properties of narrow- leaved lupine seeds of cultivars Bojar and Regent. Single seeds were burdened in the direction perpendicular to the parting plane of cotyledons with constant speed 10 mm∙min-1. The crop year and cultivar have significantly differentiated the value of all the analyzed strength parameters of narrow-leaved lupine seeds. The seeds of cultivar Bojar had significantly higher values of all the strength parameters. The designated strength parameters of lupine seeds were negatively correlated with ash content, fiber and protein except for the destructive force. They were also positively correlated with the fat content.

Appropriate agrotechnical measures make it possible to optimise plant cultivation and obtain yields of the highest quality with an appropriate economic production index. The aim of the study was to evaluate different sowing density and row spacing on the morphological and mechanical properties of white lupine ( Lupinus albus L.) seeds. The field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station for Variety Evaluation in Przecław (50°11'25.2" N, 21°28'55.0" E). The experiment was established at two row spacings (15 cm and 30 cm) and three sowing densities (60, 75, 90 plants per m ²). Mechanical parameters evaluated included destructive force F_D (N), relative deformation D_R (%) and destructive energy E_D (mJ). Seed morphological properties such as weight, length and width were also assessed. Sphericity was also calculated. In the present study, improvements in the mechanical properties of the seeds were obtained by increasing the plant density per unit area of the experiment. In the case of morphological characteristics, only the weight of the analysed lupine seeds changed significantly as a result of row spacing. On the other hand, sowing density did not significantly affect morphological traits. of white lupine seeds. Apart from the spacing and sowing density of plants, the weather conditions in particular years of research were an important factor determining the properties of seeds. Determining the optimum sowing density and row spacing in the field contributes to the optimisation of the production process. Quasi-static mechanical tests are often used to obtain reasonable data on the physical properties of plant materials.

Pea is one of the most important legumes grown in the world. The seeds are used for food production and animal feed. The problem with its cultivation is the low yield and sensitivity to the course of the weather. The important factor is to determine the optimal sowing rate and row spacing, especially for new cultivars of pea. Therefore, research was undertaken to assess the effect of row spacing and sowing density on selected physiological parameters, yielding, and structural elements of peas cv. ‘Batuta’ in Poland. The results of the research showed that the row spacing and sowing density determine the values of plant physiological parameters, yield of pea seeds and protein content. The increase in plant density in the canopy caused a decrease in the measured parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence, such as maximum quantum yield of photosystem II ( F_v/F_m) and maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry ( F_v/F₀) and performance index ( PI). The leaf area index ( LAI) was lower with a wider row spacing. Row spacing and plant density determined yield of pea seeds, number of pods and seeds per plant and weight of seeds per plant. Wider row spacing resulted in a decrease in the protein content in seeds, while an increase in sowing density from 70 to 110 m ² caused its increase. The course of the weather during the vegetation period of plants significantly influenced the obtained results.