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Assessing of genetic diversity is essential for identifying useful alleles for crop improvement. This study evaluated genetic diversity among two cassava breeding populations for total carotenoid content (TCC), dry matter content (DMC), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration using trait-linked single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 360 genotypes were analysed, including 261 from the IITA breeding programme (Population 1), 23 progenitor lines, and 76 from the University of Ibadan Cassava (UIC) breeding programme (Population 2). Minor allele frequency (MAF), gene diversity (GD), observed heterozygosity (H_e), and polymorphic information content (PIC) were computed. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were performed to examine genetic variation and population structure. Call rates were high (96–100%). MAF ranged from 0.00 to 0.50, with mean values of 0.28, 0.28, and 0.29 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. GD averaged 0.36, 0.36, and 0.35 across these groups. Observed heterozygosity was 0.42, 0.41, and 0.43, while PIC values averaged 0.29, 0.27, and 0.27 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. PCA and clustering analyses grouped the genotypes into three clusters containing 257, 88, and 15 genotypes. The first two principal components explained 39.1% of the total genetic variation. The results indicate substantial genetic diversity among the studied genotypes, suggesting strong potential for allele pyramiding and highlighting the informativeness of the SNP markers used.

Extensive research studies worldwide have discussed and analysed the effect of processing conditions on the nutritional aspects of Western types of bread; however, the literature on Arabic bread processing is very limited. This study aims to determine the effect of baking temperature and time on the retention of B vitamins in a pocket-forming Arabic flatbread model system. High-crumb flat Arabic bread (Thick Kmaj) was prepared by the straight dough method from three types of flour (patent, straight grade, and whole wheat) fortified with B vitamins. Doughs were fermented and proofed for 0, 30, 60, and 90 min and baked at five temperatures (250, 300, 350, 400, and 450 °C) for three different baking times (1, 2, and 3 min). Baking at lower temperatures (i.e. < 300 °C) resulted in higher B-complex vitamin retention values (more than 90%). Vitamin B6 showed exceptional retention values (about 100%), though these decreased by increasing the baking temperature. Vitamin retention levels in the produced Arabic bread samples are similar to those found in pan and other high-crumb bread types when baked at lower temperatures. Results are expected to positively impact the output and economics of the flour fortification process, as it can be helpful material for upcoming micronutrient survey studies to assess fortification process outcomes.

This paper evaluates the risk-adjusted performance of multivariate agricultural portfolios using the Stutzer ratio, an advanced measure that accounts for non-normal return distributions and downside risk. Three four-asset portfolios – grains, softs, and meats – are analysed in this study. The Stutzer ratio incorporates a risk-aversion parameter (θ) that penalises tail risk, providing a more accurate assessment of skewed and fat-tailed returns. Results show that Stutzer-optimised portfolios outperform naïve equal-weight portfolios in risk-adjusted terms, as optimisation effectively balances expected returns and downside exposure. Among the three portfolio categories, the softs portfolio exhibits the highest Stutzer ratio, with the meats portfolio following closely behind. Both portfolios have a relatively high tail-adjustment parameter (theta), indicating a reduced exposure to downside risk and a lower likelihood of extreme negative returns. Consequently, their risk-adjusted performance suggests greater return stability, making them particularly attractive to long-term investors.

Editor-in-Chief of this book Karl Hammer, emeritus professor at Kassel University (Germany), is a leading scientist in plant genetic resources (PGR) and agrobiodiversity. His research has focused on taxonomy, plant domestication, ecology, biogeography, conservation and exploitation of PGR in plant breeding. He also performed many studies and conducted missions around the globe. His life activities, knowledge and experience created an excellent background for this book. The book involves a close collaboration with two other editors, Dr. M.Á.E Pérez (Cuba) and Prof. C. Long (China), as well as eleven additional contributors from nine countries. The book is dedicated to H. Stubbe, founding director and long-time director of the Institut für Kulturpflanzenforschung in Gatersleben (Germany).

Plant carbon (C) inputs and their subsequent microbial transformation affect the soil organic C (SOC) net sequestration. However, the characteristics of plant- and microbial-derived C and SOC sequestration under organic matter plus different nitrogen (N) levels in orchard soils remain unclear. Therefore, a pot experiment over 120 days was conducted to investigate the plant and microbial biomarkers in soils under ¹³C-labelled branches chip combined with N of 225 mg/kg (BRN1), 180 mg/kg (BRN2), 160 mg/kg (BRN3), 140 mg/kg (BRN4) and 0 mg/kg (BR). Branch residue and N addition increased the net SOC sequestration; the ¹³C recovered in SOC under branch residue plus N treatments was higher than the BR treatment. The highest newly formed C was found under BRN1, followed by BRN2 and BRN3; BRN4 had the lowest newly formed C. Branch residue and N increased lignin phenol content, which promoted syringyl-to-vanillyl and decreased acid-to-aldehyde ratios of vanillyl phenol, indicating branch-C retention in the soil. The microbial necromass C content under residue plus N treatments was higher than under the branch alone treatment, and the highest values were found under the BRN2 treatment. Additional N supply resulted in a greater contribution of microbial necromass C to SOC in soil under branch residue amendment, rather than plant C. Accordingly, BRN2 is considered optimal for net SOC sequestration by plant-derived and fungal necromass C.

Contaminants formed after the use of pesticides raise concerns for human health and aquatic ecosystems, i. a., due to their high persistence in surface waters and their further migration to other components of the environment. In our study, we compared the effect of the insecticide Mospilan SP and its active substance acetamiprid on the aquatic crustacean Artemia franciscana. The concentration was 367.44 mg/l for Mospilan SP LC₅₀ after 120 h, and 102.82 mg/l after 144 hours. The concentration was 148.04 mg/l for the active substance acetamiprid LC₂₀ after 144 h and 28.84 mg/l after 168 hours. The commercial insecticide Mospilan SP showed a significant suppressive effect on the measured morphological parameters (body length and body width), with statistically significant differences observed after 10 days of exposure. When comparing the changes after the application of the insecticide and the active substance, it is impossible to confirm the same effect on the morphological parameters within the given time intervals. The objective of the study was to examine morphological changes at sublethal concentrations, as these changes can provide a more sensitive indication of the adverse effects of commercial products and active substances on morphological parameters.

The aim of the study was to compare the muscle protein quality in the m. longissimus, pars thoracis of bulls of the Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Czech Fleckvieh (CF) breeds reared under identical conditions within an extensive pasture-based system. The CF breed exhibited a higher crude protein content (887 ± 87.4 g/kg of dry matter) compared to AA (812 ± 59.3 g/kg of dry matter); P ≤ 0.05. A higher content of non-essential amino acids was recorded in CF (390 ± 37.9 g/kg of dry matter) compared to AA (364 ± 44.5 g/kg of dry matter); P ≤ 0.05, as well as higher contents of essential amino acids (CF 406 ± 38.9 g/kg of dry matter, AA 382 ± 41.0 g/kg of dry matter; P ≤ 0.05) and total analysed amino acids (CF 796 ± 74.8 g/kg of dry matter, AA 746 ± 82.7 g/kg of dry matter; P ≤ 0.05). Breed-related differences were observed in the content of most analysed amino acids (P ≤ 0.05), except for tyrosine and phenylalanine, for which no effect of breed was found (P > 0.05). Lysine showed the highest content among essential amino acids (AA 73.4 ± 8.23 g/kg of dry matter, CF 76.6 ± 8.87 g/kg of dry matter; P ≤ 0.05), while glutamic acid was dominant among non-essential amino acids (AA 109 ± 14.4 g/kg of dry matter, CF 119 ± 12.5 g/kg of dry matter; P ≤ 0.05). The ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids (EAA/NEAA) did not differ between breeds (AA 1.05 ± 0.08, CF 1.04 ± 0.05; P > 0.05). The results indicate that cattle breed affects the content of crude protein and the content of most analysed amino acids in the muscle tissue of AA and CF breeds; however, the EAA/NEAA ratio remains unaffected by breed.

This study investigated the response of sago palms to saline conditions, focusing on their morphological and photosynthetic performance. The photosynthetic traits were evaluated using OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence transient. The plants were exposed to a saline condition of 224 mM NaCl, and their ability to form associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was also assessed. We tested both commercial AMF products, containing spores from multiple genera, and isolated AMF spores from Glomus etunicatum and Glomus grape, to determine their ability to infect sago palm roots under high salt conditions. The results showed that sago palms can maintain efficient photosynthesis even at high salt levels. This is likely due to their ability to prevent excessive salt uptake in shoots and water loss from roots by forming lignin deposits in cell tissues. Furthermore, the study found that sago palm roots can form associations with AMF under saline conditions. These findings indicate that sago palms exhibit tolerance to saline environments, making them a promising crop option for areas with low soil quality where other carbohydrate-producing crops cannot tolerate the conditions.

Mechanical sugarcane harvesting generates substantial material losses that are associated with the equipment age. This study evaluated the relationship between the harvester service life and the operational efficiency by analysing field losses and product contamination across machines with varying operational histories (1, 14, 16, and 17 years) in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand, using a randomised complete block design. The results indicate that the 17-year-old machines exhibited 54% higher total losses (241.93 kg·ha^–1) compared to the newer equipment (156.90 kg·ha⁻¹). The field losses were attributed primarily to base cutting operations (36%) and roller mechanisms (34%), collectively accounting for 70% of the total losses. The contamination analysis revealed sugarcane tops as the predominant impurity source (57% The revenue loss analysis indicates excessive field losses from ageing equipment reducing the farm profitability by 12–18%. The non-linear relationship between the equipment age and performance demonstrates that maintenance practices significantly influence degradation patterns, providing critical insights for optimising mechanical harvesting systems.

Cadra cautella (Walker, 1863) is a global pest of agricultural stored commodities, particularly date fruits, in the field and storage. To reduce C. cautella populations in stored agricultural goods, it is recommended to use ecologically friendly methods rather than chemical treatments. In this regard, current research evaluated the efficacy of various indigenous strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.). Vuill. (1912), fungal isolates against C. cautella last-instar larvae under laboratory conditions. The last instar larvae were incubated in Petri plates with dry Beauveria bassiana inoculum (1 × 10⁷ conidia/mL) for five minutes per fungal isolate. The susceptibility of C. cautella larvae to fungal infection was tested until either 100% mortality across all treatments was achieved or the control larvae had transformed into pupae. The results showed that, compared with the control treatment, all fungal isolates were pathogenic to C. cautella larvae, with varying levels of reaction and durations of mortality. After four days of inoculation, the B. bassiana isolates BbSA-5, BbSA-8, and BbSA-9 infected treated C. cautella larvae at rates of 16.66%, 23.33%, and 43.33%, respectively. The death rate of C. cautella larvae increased significantly, reaching 91.66% for BbSA-5 isolates after eight days of the treatment, while BbSA-5 and BbSA-9 isolates achieved 100% mortality after sixteen days. The control treatment resulted in no larval mortality. Furthermore, all C. cautella larvae in the control group pupated and successfully matured into adults. It is determined that the examined dry formulations of local fungal isolates have the capacity to protect stored agricultural commodities, including date fruits, from C. cautella infestation.

This study employs the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak as a quasi-natural experiment to assess its impact on pork prices and the underlying mechanisms. Utilising panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from January 2017 to December 2022, we apply a difference-in-differences (DID) approach combined with a moderating effect model. Furthermore, through DID quantile regression models, we delve into the impact of the epidemic on price volatility under varying initial pork price growth rates and regional institutional conditions. The findings reveal that the outbreak triggered a significant increase in the pork price, which averaged approximately 6%. During this process, the hog inventory exhibited a positive moderating effect on price increases, with steeper price hikes occurring during inventory declines. The outbreak further widened regional price disparities, with more pronounced increases occurring in areas experiencing earlier and steeper initial price rises, alongside more developed agricultural economies. Consequently, governments should adopt targeted regulatory strategies tailored to the distinct characteristics of pork price fluctuations. Simultaneously, enhancing coordination across all links in the industrial chain and optimising public information platforms can mitigate the impact of sudden animal disease outbreaks on the pork market.

Downy mildew of sunflower is caused by the oomycete Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni. Italy has seen an increase in mildew infections in parallel with the spread of the crop. In the present situation, there is a substantial lack of information that could help farmers and researchers control the disease. The most reasonable explanation for pathogen spread appears to be the genetic variability of P. halstedii. To develop an effective control strategy, we conducted a preliminary test in the central part of the peninsula (Marche Region) to gather data on this variability.

Stabilisers are widely used in yoghurt production to improve texture, consistency, and gel stability while minimising syneresis. Although gelatine is commonly applied for this purpose, ethical and sustainability concerns have increased interest in plant-based alternatives. This study evaluated Terminalia arjuna leaf mucilage powders as a natural stabiliser in set yoghurt. Mucilage was dried by freeze drying, microwave drying, and oven drying, incorporated at 0.6–1.0% (w/w), and compared with gelatine-stabilised yoghurt for physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. The drying method and concentration significantly affected yoghurt quality. Yoghurt containing 1.0% freeze-dried mucilage powder showed the highest water-holding capacity (58.40 ± 0.10%) and lowest syneresis (22.10 ± 0.10%), with sensory and proximate characteristics comparable to the gelatine control. These results demonstrate that freeze-dried T. arjuna leaf mucilage, at an optimised concentration, is a promising plant-based alternative to gelatine in set yoghurt.

The objective of the present research is to determine the main essential oils of Mentha rotundifolia and to clarify the antifungal effect of these oils against Botrytis cinerea isolated from strawberries. The essential oils were obtained from hydrodistillation of fresh leaves, and the composition was determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results show that the essential oils yield is in the order of 1.37%, and the main components were identified as pulegone 39.21%, ß-cubebene 11.72%, caryophyllene 9.18%, D-limonene 4.7%, ß-ocimene 2.39%, myrcene 2.21%, myrtenol 2.1%, ß-farnesene 2.03%, respectively. The essential oils of M. rotundifolia have been shown to be effective against B. cinerea in terms of antifungal activity, recording significant statistical results (P < 0.0001). M. rotundifolia essential oils have an inhibitory effect on mycelian growth, as evidenced by the reduction or inhibition of mycelian growth with increased oil concentrations of (60%) and (100%), with inhibition rates ranging from 60.83% to 48.07%, respectively. The activities of the essential oils indicated that B. cinerea was a sensitive strain tested to the oils of M. rotundifolia. According to the findings, the plant under consideration is promising as a source of natural fungicides and lends itself well to research in the field of fungi control using biological alternatives.

Cocoa pods are an underutilised agro-industrial waste rich in pectin and polyphenols. This research developed cocoa pod extract as a base material for antioxidant edible films by incorporating black or green tea extracts as solvents. Five formulations were prepared, which differ in solvent: distilled water, 50% v/v, and 100% v/v of black or green tea extract. Using tea extracts as a solvent significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and tensile strength, while reducing solubility, elongation, and water vapour transmission rate. Green tea extract showed higher effects than black tea extract. The edible film prepared with 100% v/v green tea extract exhibited the highest polyphenol content [18.09 ± 1.49 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)·g^–1] and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) inhibition (52.28 ± 2.6%), and effectively prevented peroxide formation in peanut oil. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed enhanced hydrogen bonding between macromolecules upon incorporation of tea extracts, thereby improving mechanical strength and water barrier properties. These results show the potential of cocoa pod extract, when incorporated with green tea extracts, to produce a good physical and mechanical performance while preserving antioxidant properties.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of rumen-protected gambir catechins encapsulated using calcium oxide (CaO) and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) on rumen fermentation profiles, microbial activity, nutrient digestibility, and methane production in vitro. A randomised block design was used, consisting of four treatments and five replicates. The treatments were assigned based on different levels of gambir catechin-CaO-PFAD encapsulate supplementation, namely 0% (A), 5% (B), 10% (C), and 15% (D) in the diet. The results indicated that the treatments significantly affected NH₃ concentration, partial VFA profiles, methane production, microbial protein synthesis, degradation, and nutrient digestibility (P < 0.05), but no significant treatment effects were detected for total VFA, pH, or microbial biomass (P > 0.05). Treatment C produced the highest concentrations of propionate, microbial protein synthesis, degradation, and nutrient digestibility, while reducing methane production and the acetate to propionate ratio. The Cao-PFAD-encapsulated gambir catechin supplementation improved rumen fermentation efficiency, as indicated by increased propionate concentration, microbial protein synthesis, nutrient digestibility, and reduced methane production. Thus, gambir catechin-CaO-PFAD encapsulates could be used as a functional feed supplement to improve nutrient utilisation and mitigate enteric methane emissions in ruminant livestock.

Atlantic salmon undergo critical development before sea transfer, and vaccination during this stage is routine to build protective immunity. This study compared immune responses to vaccination in smolt-stage salmon reared in flow-through (FT) versus recirculating (REC) aquaculture systems. Ten clinically healthy fish per facility were collected one week before and two weeks after intraperitoneal vaccination with commercial multivalent vaccines. Using qPCR, we compared immune gene expression in the fish gills. Before the vaccination, REC fish exhibited higher relative expression of genes coding cathelicidin-1 (cath-1), interleukin-1β (il-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (tnf-α) than FT fish. Fourteen days after vaccination, REC fish showed increased expression of gene coding defensin (def) and decreased expression of gene for transforming growth factorβ (tgf-β), while in FT fish, vaccination was associated with increased relative gene expression of tnf-α, tgf-β, and il-10. Within REC, cath-1 expression declined postvaccination, concurrent with an increase in il-10, suggesting a possible counter-regulatory response; in FT, the coordinated rise of pro-inflammatory (tnf-α) and anti-inflammatory (tgf-β, il-10) transcripts is consistent with an activation followed by regulatory signalling. These transcriptomic patterns imply that baseline immune gene expression and post-vaccination gill transcriptomic responses differ between rearing water systems used during smoltification in Atlantic salmon.

To clarify the regulatory mechanisms and optimal combinations of magnesium fertiliser application rates and machine-transplanting density on rice yield, quality, and magnesium uptake and utilisation in the hilly regions of Sichuan. This study utilised a two-factor split-plot design in field trials conducted from 2024 to 2025. The main plot was magnesium application rate, with four treatments: 0 kg/ha (Mg0), 30 kg/ha (Mg1), 45 kg/ha (Mg2), and 60 kg/ha (Mg3). With the secondary factor being machine-transplanting density, comprising three treatments: 14 cm × 30 cm (D1), 18 cm × 30 cm (D2), and 22 cm × 30 cm (D3). The study investigated the effects of interactions between magnesium fertiliser application rates and planting density on rice yield components, leaf physiological characteristics, dry matter transport, and magnesium fertiliser use efficiency. The results showed that, compared with the Mg0 treatment, the Mg3 treatment significantly increased rice yield, with the best results observed in combination with the D1 treatment, yielding a 14.52% increase over the Mg0 treatment. Dry matter transport in rice increased significantly with the application of magnesium fertiliser. Compared to the Mg0 treatment, the Mg3 treatment increased stem and leaf dry matter transport by 19.64%, and post-heading dry matter transport by 30.76%; the D1 treatment further optimised dry matter transport. Compared to the D3 treatment, the amount of stem and leaf dry matter transport, the transport rate, and the contribution rate to grain increased by 26.44, 34.28, and 40.32%, respectively. Magnesium uptake and utilisation efficiency were highest under the Mg3 treatment. Compared to the Mg0 treatment, magnesium uptake and utilisation efficiency increased by 31.25%, and the physiological utilisation rate of magnesium fertiliser increased by 24.71%; under the D1 treatment, the agronomic utilisation rate and uptake and utilisation efficiency of magnesium fertiliser increased by 38.22% and 20.20%, respectively, compared to the D3 treatment. Furthermore, the Mg3D1 treatment significantly increased the rice leaf area index and chlorophyll content, while simultaneously improving rice processing and appearance quality and reducing chalkiness and amylose content. This series of measures achieved synergistic optimisation of magnesium fertiliser application rates and machine-transplanting density.

Uneven-aged forest management and Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) are increasingly discussed as adaptive silvicultural approaches capable of improving forest resilience under climate change, increasing disturbance frequency, and growing uncertainty in forest ecosystems. However, the conversion of structurally homogeneous stands into uneven-aged structures represents a complex optimisation problem involving economic performance, structural stability, regeneration continuity, and long-term sustainability. This study presents a multi-period optimisation framework based on size-class dynamics, transition matrices, and Liocourt-based structural regulation. The model is formulated as a quadratic optimisation problem that maximises net present value while simultaneously minimising deviations from a target uneven-aged diameter distribution. A hypothetical case study was developed to analyse the conversion of structurally homogeneous stands toward uneven-aged structures regulated by Liocourt distributions. The optimisation experiments included extensive sensitivity analyses involving combinations of q-ratio, target basal area, recruitment intensity, growth dynamics, and mortality parameters. Results demonstrate that recruitment and lower diameter class dynamics represent the dominant drivers of successful structural conversion, while harvesting alone cannot compensate for insufficient regeneration inflow. The analysis further confirms that Liocourt distributions should not be interpreted as universal biological equilibria but rather as regulatory and optimisation targets dependent on ecological, silvicultural, and economic conditions.

Drought has been demonstrated to exert a substantial influence on the growth of plants and the chemical emissions thereof. The present study aims to examine the alterations in biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions and chemical compounds in Pinus massoniana seedlings under the conditions of drought stress and subsequent rehydration. The findings revealed that drought stress and rehydration significantly altered the emission of total BVOCs, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, with isoprene emission showing only a marginal decrease. Under conditions of drought stress, the emission of total BVOCs, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes increased significantly, while the emission of isoprene decreased slightly. Following rehydration, the discharge of each chemical compound essentially recovered to the level prior to drought stress. Given the inconsistent response of different plant BVOCs to drought stress, it is imperative to closely monitor the effects of drought stress and global change on plant BVOC emissions in future research.

Biofortification is a strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiency in humans by fortifying food through natural processes, agronomic practices and genetic modification. In this study, we seek to shed light on what consumers understand by the term 'biofortified products' and thus to understand their level of knowledge about these products, as well as the reasons that dictate their purchasing choices and the relationship between consumption choices and lifestyles. The analysis focuses on vegetables and, in particular, on tomatoes with a high lycopene content. Research shows that consumers of biofortified food products are generally confused and uninformed, even though they show a high willingness to pay. This confusion seems to result, moreover, from the lack of a clear definition of a biofortified product, as well as from the lack of clear information on the specifics of biofortified products and the benefits they can bring. The future of biofortified products can, therefore, be improved by the creation of clear standards and reference definitions and better information and transparency that would benefit the consumer.

The basic characteristic and comparison of the community-led local development tools: Local Agenda 21, used in public administration generally, and of the LEADER method, used within Local Action Groups (LAGs), is presented in this paper. It analyses their application in the Czech Republic. It discusses the potential synergistic effects of the application of these tools in two rural locations - the areas of two towns (Chrudim and Litomerice), which are leaders in the application of Local Agenda 21 in the Czech Republic. Both towns are members of LAGs - LAG Chrudimsko and LAG Ceske Stredohori. This combination of Local Agenda 21 and LEADER method are mutually supportive. The conclusion discusses recommendations for the improvement of community-led development.

Spring barley varieties Tolar and Marthe were grown under the standard conditions and stress conditions with a combined effect of high temperature and drought in three experiments conducted in the greenhouse of phytotron type. The results showed that growing under the stress conditions led to reduced yield, grain quality and malt quality. This effect was observed both in the individual years and on average for the entire study period. Average yield of grain declined by ca 53% and retention above 2.5 mm screen decreased by ca 28% (P = 0.001). Further, average content of proteins rose by 3.7% while starch content decreased by 5.1% (P = 0.01). In malt samples, average extract and friability were reduced by 5.8% and 15%, respectively, and average protein content increased by 3.8% (P = 0.01). The growing conditions were a dominant factor in the conducted experiments.

The processing of chocolate bars is influenced by cocoa beans used. Chocolate bar is one of the downstream products with a simple processing process. The taste and aroma in candy comes from chocolate bars. Fermentation is an important activity in the formation of cocoa flavour. This study aims to determine the panellists' acceptance of chocolate bars produced from various fermentation treatments of sun-dried cocoa beans. The materials used in this study were cocoa beans of varieties of Lindak. The fermentation variation consisted of two treatments, namely, the addition of the inoculum gradually (A1) and the addition of the inoculum simultaneously at the beginning of fermentation (A2). The inocula added were Sacharomyces cerevisiae (FNCC 3056), Lactococcus lactis (FNC 0086) and Acetobacter aceti (FNCC 0016). The control treatment was dry cocoa beans without fermentation (A0). The fermentation time was 120 h, then the fermented cocoa beans were processed into chocolate bars. The resulting chocolate bars were subjected to sensory analysis including evaluation of the taste of sepia, bitter, and sour taste and in the test the polyphenol content of chocolate bars was used. The results showed that there was a decrease in the septic, bitter and sour taste from treatment A0, A2 and A1, respectively. The highest polyphenol content was in A0, A2, and A1, respectively. Panellists stated that the preferred chocolate bar was made from cocoa beans with A1 treatment.

The aim of the paper is to identify the factors influencing consumers when beer consumption and when choosing restaurants for beer consumption in the Czech Republic (CR). A partial goal was to compare preferences and factors influencing beer consumers from the Vysočina Region and the South-Moravian Region. The survey included a questionnaire survey, which 408 respondents took part in. The results showed that the most influential factors in the selection of beer for consumers are taste, a high-quality brand, and Czech production. Surprisingly, price was not found to be an influential factor in beer selection but is rather neutral. Factors that influence consumers most when choosing a restaurant for beer consumption were also identified. Consumers are most influenced by the quality of the beer on offer and the environment in which it is consumed.

The effect of instant rice mash (IRC) addition to rice bread was evaluated. Six samples containing different amounts of IRC (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%) were added to rice dough. Quality parameters (baking loss, specific volume, and textural properties) were evaluated. Texture properties were analysed in fresh bread and in bread after 24 h of storage. Additions of 10% and 20% of IRC increased baking loss from 15% to 22%, and the specific volume of rice bread from 1.5 mL g^-1 to 2.1 mL g^-1 (10% of IRC) and 1.9 mL g^-1 (20% of IRC). Increasing additions of IRC significantly decreased the hardness and chewiness of both fresh bread and bread stored for 24 h. By adding IRC, the cohesiveness of rice bread was increased. These findings are useful for increasing the quality of rice bread by adding IRC to rice dough.

We used two chloroplast gene regions (matK and rbcL) as a tool for the identification of 33 local conifer species. All 136 sequences, 101 newly generated (14 species for gene matK; 16 species for gene rbcL) and 35 retrieved from the GenBank, were used in the analysis. The highest genetic distance (matK region) was recorded between the species in Cupressaceae with an average of 5% (0.1-8.5), Podocarpaceae with an average of 6% (0-8.5), Taxaceae with an average of 5% (0.2-0.5) and Pinaceae with an average of 20.4% (0.8-54.1). The rbcL region showed a low genetic distance between the species in Cupressaceae 2% (0-3.3), Podocarpaceae 3% (0.6-3.4), Taxaceae 1% (0-2.1) and Pinaceae 1.2% (0-5.82). The phylogenetic analyses using the Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) bootstrap values obtained at the branching nodes of each species ranged from 62 to 100% (Maximum likelihood bootstrap - MLBS and Bayesian posterior probabilities - BPP) for the matK gene; from 66 to 100% (MLBS) and 60 to 100% (BPP) for the rbcL region. The rbcL region was not identified between the species of Taxaceae and Cephalotaxaceae. The matK gene region was very clear in the different species among the families (Cupressaceae, Podocarpaceae, and Cephalotaxaceae) and unsuitable for identifying closely related species in Amentotaxus (Taxaceae) and Pinus (Pinaceae). The gene (matK) is a useful tool as a barcode in the identification of conifer species of Cupressaceae, Podocarpaceae, and Cephalotaxaceae in Vietnam.

Grapevine is a worldwide crop and it is also subject to global trade in wine, berries and grape vine plants. Various countries, including the countries of the European Union, emphasize the role of product origin designation and suitable methods are sought, able to capture distinct origins. One of the biological matrices that can theoretically be driven by individual vineyards' conditions represents DNA methylation. Despite this interesting hypothesis, there is a lack of respective information. The aim of this work is to examine whether DNA methylation can be used to relate a sample to a given vineyard and to access a relationship between a DNA methylation pattern and different geographical origin of analysed samples. For this purpose, DNA methylation landscapes of samples from completely different climatic conditions presented by the Czech Republic (Central Europe) and Armenia (Southern Caucasus) were compared. Results of the Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism method confirm uniqueness of DNA methylation landscape for individual vineyards. Factually, DNA methylation diversity within vineyards of Merlot and Pinot Noir cultivars represent only 16% and 14% of the overall diversity registered for individual cultivars. On the contrary, different geographical location of the Czech and Armenian vineyards was identified as the strongest factor affecting diversity in DNA methylation landscapes (79.9% and 70.7% for Merlot and Pinot Noir plants, respectively).

Retraction to: Czech J. Genet. Plant Breed., 58, 2022 (2): 73-82. https://doi.org/10.17221/93/2021-CJGPBThe article was retracted by the authors based on detected errors in the data processing.

In the last decade, the pig sector in Slovakia has been changing continuously, especially in regard to the proportion of pigs coming from foreign breeding programs. These changes lead to changes in carcass characteristics and to a change in the distribution of carcasses within the classes of the Union scale for the classification of pig carcasses. Therefore, this study was undertaken to analyse the actual state of pig carcass classification in the Slovak Republic and to investigate the needs of updating the equations for the classification methods and possible steps to improve the quality of pork produced within the country. Results showed that an increased number of pig carcasses originated from Danish breeding program, and also from the Czech Republic and Poland. When compared to carcasses in 2009, these changes resulted in lower backfat thickness and higher muscle thickness of the longissimus dorsi muscle and thus higher lean meat content of carcasses. This results in a higher number of carcasses classified in the S and E classes. Slight differences between two instrumental classification methods were calculated. The study showed the need for updating the equations for classification methods, and also suggested possible further steps in order to improve the quality of pork.