In 2003, the research projects (5 PO6B 017 1919, coordinated by Dr Andrzej Doroszewski) titled "The composition of the solar spectral irradiance as a factor affecting habit and yield of cereal crops" was finished.

The diverse composition of the spectral radiation, obtained in the laboratory and natural conditions have caused that studied cereals (spring wheat and winter wheat, spring barley, rye and buckwheat), reacted with visible photomorphogenetical effects. Plants that received the most far-red radiation have grown more rapidly than those which received much less radiation in this spectrum. The faster development of plants growing under conditions with increased quantities of far red, testified to an earlier occurrence, progress and completion of various stages of plant development. Plants growing in natural conditions close to or further to growing grass (reflecting much more FR radiation than black fallow) and in the growth cameras with radiation of higher FR, were taller, had longer and also narrower internodes (buckwheat), moreover, were less branched, less  unfertile stem was produced, leaves and stems were lined up more vertically, and their leaves were significantly shorter compared with plants growing in radiation conditions, in which the proportion of FR was low. With an increased number of FR, the spectral composition was also affecting the lower number and weight of grain, and the lower mass of straw, while the weight of 1000 grains was higher in comparison with plants growing under conditions in which the amount of radiation in the long term was much smaller. The results obtained with cereals growing in different distances from the emitter far red (grass), indicated that their reactions to the proximity of other plants are very strong. Even the grass growing at a considerable distance (about 50 cm) resulted in significant photomorphogenetical changes in cereals.

The results obtained from measurements carried out in the laboratory also shows that during the entire development, plant physiological processes were focused on the final result - the maximisation of the adjustment process to the existing conditions of radiation - and the survival of offspring. A manifestation of this adaptation for plants growing under conditions of radiation with a higher ratio of red to far red, was a significant reduction in efficiency of photosynthesis, the intracellular concentration of CO₂ in the leaf chlorophyll content, conductivity of water in stoma, and the number of stomata.

In 2005, Dr. Andrew Doroszewski became head of the Department

In 2006, the project titled "Improving online decision support system for integrated protection of wheat and potatoes” was terminated. The project was coordinated by Dr. Andrzej Zaliwski. The aim of this study was to improve the "Internet Decision Support System in Integrated Plant Protection" (IPM IDSS). During the project the system for collecting weather data with automatic update of weather data from synoptic and agrometeorological stations were developed. Validation of the Danish system-Diseases Plant Protection (PP-Diseases) for / Septoriose / winter wheat and spring, confirmed the usefulness of the system in their protection against this disease. The system correctly sets out the periods of treatments and doses of fungicide. The authors have found that the values adopted from Danish models can also be used without changes in the Polish conditions. Application to analyses economic evaluation of crop protection treatments was added to the system. The carried out cooperation with the Lublin Agricultural Advisory Centre (LODR) in Konskowola allowed the implementation of NegFry model in the fields of potato production. According to the opinion of LODR advisors and farmers overall state of the plantation where the system was implemented was better than in the plantations with the traditional system of plant protection products.

Opr. Andrzej Doroszewski