Fulltext search in archive

Fatigue behind the wheel has been addressed repeatedly for at least 15 years. Various research projects, studies, and systems have been developed to prove the effect of fatigue on the number of accidents and possibly to inform drivers that this situation has occurred. The article examines the influence of stimulants on the fatigue of young agricultural machinery drivers. Commonly available means for reducing driver fatigue were chosen as stimulants (coffee, tea, maté, guarana, energy drink, lemon extract with sugar). A special test station with automatic reaction time evaluation was developed to test drivers’ reaction ability (responsiveness). Furthermore, the effects on the physical condition of the tested persons (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure amplitude and heart rate) were investigated. The conducted experiments confirmed a statistically significant effect of all tested stimulants, except for tea, for which no statistically significant changes in the monitored parameters were observed.

Cadmium is one of the most important environmental contaminants. Animals grazing on natural pastures are particularly exposed to cadmium. Sheep are mostly reared in extensive and grazing systems. Therefore, sheep may accumulate larger amounts of cadmium compared to other ruminant species and are a good indicator of exposure to cadmium contamination in a given area. The determination of cadmium concentrations in the muscles, livers and kidneys of lambs and sheep was carried out in the Czech Republic during the period 2001–2022. The average cadmium content in the livers and kidneys of all the lambs was 0.037 ± 0.006 and 0.061 ± 0.013 mg.kg^–1, respectively. The average cadmium content in the livers and kidneys of all the sheep was 0.319 ± 0.047 and 1.255 ± 0.204 mg.kg^–1, respectively. The maximum limit for human consumption was not exceeded in any of the 24 samples in the lambs but was exceeded in 5 of 33 liver samples and 12 of 33 kidney samples in the adult sheep. The average value of cadmium in the muscles of the lambs and sheep was 0.004 ± 0.001 mg.kg^–1. The maximum limit for human consumption was not exceeded in any muscle sample. The cadmium content in both the liver and in the kidney differs significantly between the lambs and sheep, being higher in the sheep (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). No statistically significant trend of a decrease in the cadmium content in the lamb and sheep tissues was found during the observed time (P > 0.05). We can sum up that there is an evident need for further monitoring of the cadmium concentration in lamb and sheep tissues in the Czech Republic.

This study describes a case of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids in a horse. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of Senecio ovatus poisoning. A six-year-old 450-kg Irish cob mare was presented to the Equine Clinic of the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (Czechia) with symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, which progressively worsened with time despite intensive therapy and led to euthanasia. A complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach including the post-mortem patoanatomical and histopathological examination is described here. Regarding the histopathology of the liver, there was necrosis with haemorrhage, fatty changes and inflammation. A later inspection of the grazing area revealed the presence of Senecio ovatus (wood ragwort). A sensitive chromatographic method was used to determine the pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their metabolites in the plasma and the liver. In both of the samples, metabolites of pyrrolizidine alkaloids were detected. Although pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning was proven, the histopathological findings typical for this disease were absent. It is clear from our case that the histopathology in cases of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids may not always be conclusive.

Optimising the feed composition, especially the forage choice, and reducing costs are essential for improving dairy production efficiency. Different forage sources and proportions were used to formulate rations containing equal energy and protein, and their effects on rumen microbiota and milk production performance of dairy cows were evaluated in two experiments. In experiment 1, thirty lactating cows (235 ±13 d postpartum; milk production 29.1 ± 1.0 kg/day) were divided into Pangola and Bermuda groups. In experiment 2, twenty lactating cows (79.9 ± 8.1 d postpartum; milk production 34.7 ± 0.6 kg/day) were divided into Pangola and oat groups. In experiment 1, the Simpson index for rumen microbiota of the Pangola group was significantly higher than in the Bermuda group (P < 0.05). Analysis of the weighted unique fraction (UniFrac) distances indicated significant differences in the beta diversity of the community composition of rumen microbiota between Pangola, Bermuda and oat groups in both experiments (P < 0.001). The relative abundance of Prevotella brevis was significantly higher in the Pangola group than in the oat group in experiment 2 (P < 0.05). The somatic cell counts (SCCs), C18:0, and C18:1 in milk were significantly higher in the Bermuda group than in the Pangola group (P < 0.05) in experiment 1. On the other hand, milk crude protein (CP) and solids-not-fat (SNF) were significantly higher in the Oat group than in the Pangola group (P < 0.05) in experiment 2; however, milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was significantly higher in the Pangola group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a switch of forage (Pangola vs Bermuda) at a lower proportion of the diet under the high forage level condition (experiment 1) caused only minor changes in rumen microbiota diversity (Simpson index, beta diversity) and milk production performance (milk SCCs, C18:0 and C18:1). On the other hand, a switch of forage (Pangola vs oat) at a higher proportion of the diet under the low forage level condition (experiment 2) resulted in greater changes in rumen microbiota diversity (beta diversity, relative abundances of bacterial taxa, P. brevis relative abundance) and milk production performance (milk CP, SNF, and MUN).

Canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE) has a high mortality rate in untreated dogs due to systemic inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction. The inflammatory process can lead to coagulation abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate the coagulation status using thromboelastography (TEG) and assess the thrombin generation (TG) and clot dissolution using TEG-derived velocity curve (v-curve) parameters in dogs with CPE. It included 21 dogs with CPE and five healthy dogs. In addition to the clinico-haemato-biochemical examinations, the coagulation status was analysed using citrated venous blood samples with TEG. All the dogs with CPE met at least two criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The comparison to healthy controls showed a statistically significant prolongation of reaction times (R time; P = 0.005) and times to the maximum rate of thrombus generation (TMRTG; P = 0.003). However, the times to the maximum rate of lysis (TMRL; P = 0.041) and total lysis (L; P = 0.024) decreased significantly. The TEG tracings showed coagulation states varying from hypocoagulation to hypercoagulation in dogs with CPE. These results showed that the v-curve derivate can be used to evaluate the coagulation in dogs with CPE, and it could be superior to the standard TEG variables for determining the low fibrinolytic activity. Thus, the v-curve parameters may provide a novel insight into the underlying mechanism and clinical treatment strategy of CPE-induced inflammation.

The new record of Dictyothrips betae Uzel, 1895 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) after 72 years in Slovakia is presented. Dictyothrips betae is an important pest and one of the few thrips species known as vectors of dangerous plant tospoviruses, causing severe yield losses to economically important crops worldwide. D. betae was swept from an herbal layer in blown dunes in SW Slovakia.

The breed can influence the results of haematological and biochemical blood tests, with sighthounds traditionally mentioned. It may also affect certain urinary parameters. This study aimed to compare urinary protein and creatinine concentrations and their ratio (UPC, urine protein to creatinine ratio) between sighthounds and non-sighthounds and to evaluate these parameters in various sighthound breeds. Urine samples from clinically healthy dogs were collected via normal voiding, representing both sighthound and non-sighthound breeds. The protein and creatinine concentrations in the urine samples were determined, and their ratio was subsequently calculated. A total of 191 urine samples from sighthounds and 90 urine samples from non-sighthound breeds used as a control group were evaluated in the study. In sighthounds, significantly lower urinary protein concentration (248.8 mg/l and 299.8 mg/l, respectively; P = 0.045) and significantly higher urinary creatinine concentration (23.0 mmol/l and 17.5 mmol/l, respectively; P = 0.000) and lower UPC values (0.13 and 0.18, respectively; P = 0.000) were observed in comparison to the entire control group. The UPC values were found to be significantly lower in Greyhounds and Spanish Greyhounds compared with non-sighthounds. Although statistically significant changes were identified, they are unlikely to be of great clinical importance.

The aim of this study was to compare the role of protein quantity and aggregate stretching degree in predicting dough stability and extensibility using the regression analysis, and to explore a more effective way of conducting the prediction. Flours from 28 milling streams of the wheat cultivar Shiluan 02-1 were collected as experimental material. Using the value of (ash content/L*) (L* – lightness), we sorted the milling streams flour from the inner layer to the outer layer of wheat kernel, which was divided into early reduction, later reduction, and break flours. Three regression models, quantity-based, stretching-degree-based and (quantity × stretching-degree)-based model for predicting dough stability and extensibility were evaluated in each category of milling streams through their coefficient of determination (R²). Certain patterns were observed in physicochemical properties of flour from different categories of milling streams. Despite those considerable changes, the quantity-based model broadly produced greater R² values than the stretching-degree-based model, and the (quantity × stretching-degree)-based model could in general provide higher R² values than the other two models on predicting dough stability and extensibility. The results suggest that measuring the protein quantity and aggregate stretching degree at the same time is of practical improvement in dough rheology evaluation, compared to focusing on either factor alone.

In forest protection, various types of trap systems are used against spruce bark beetles to treat the foci of infested areas. Traditionally, these include pheromone traps, treated trap trees, and recently also the application of Storanet insecticide nets used for the sanitation of infested wood (trees), which also serve as treated trap trees when pheromones are applied, and the Trinet P system, a variation to a treated trap tree – a tripod. On an aluminium tripod, there is a Storanet insecticide net baited with a pheromone dispenser similar to other types of trap systems. The sex ratio proves to be a significant aspect in the assessment of individual types of trap systems. It is more favourable to catch a larger number of female individuals given that they bear the future development of the population. With a higher number of captured male individuals, the number of females per one male in the insect gallery increases, and the population cannot be reduced sufficiently. The results show that all three types of measures can be characterised by a lower ratio of captured males (approximately 40%) and a higher representation of females (around 60%). Differences in individual types of trap systems are insignificant.

Peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs) are rare in the mammary glands of dogs. Here, we report a case of a schwannoma, composed of two parts, of the mammary gland of a dog. The first part consists of clusters of uncircumscribed, alternating, more concentrated and looser regions. In the more concentrated parts, typical fascicularly arranged schwannoma intermingle in plexiform arrangement, more subtle in appearance than in neuronal tumour areas. The second part undergoes regression consisting predominantly of residual shorter rosettes of cells with the presence of a peculiar variably sized swirling of target-like formations consisting of compact, thicker, pinkish lamellae also with occasional adjacent cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells are positive for evidence of vimentin and neuro-specific enolase. They exhibit the variable expression of the S-100 protein, show mild CD56 positivity, and focally mildly accentuated proliferative activity as assessed by Ki-67. The tumour elements are negative for evidence of cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20, and oestrogen receptors. Hybrid tumours may change their morphology in combination with atypical localisation and may be underdiagnosed in veterinary biopsy practice. They differ from epithelial tumours prognostically, as well as in their development and behaviour, therefore it is essential to clearly differentiate them.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects and mechanisms of glutamine (Gln) on the repair of acid-induced injury in dairy cow ruminal epithelial cells (RECs) in vitro. Dairy cow RECs were cultured in a medium with pH of 5.5 for 3 h and subsequently treated with various concentrations of Gln (4, 8, 12, 32 mmol/l) for 12 h. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of occludin (OCLN), claudin 1 (CLDN1), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and genes for inflammatory factors were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The results showed that cellular activity and OCLN expression were significantly highest at 8 mmol/l Gln (P < 0.05). CLDN1 expression was significantly higher at 4 mmol/l Gln compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). The relative expression levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1B (IL1B), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), TLR2 and TLR4 in the acid treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), but they were lower in the Gln-treated groups than in the acid treatment group (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that Gln promotes the proliferation of RECs, enhances the expression of epithelial cell junction proteins, and inhibits the expression of inflammatory factors and surface receptors. In conclusion, Gln shows a potential for repairing acid-induced injury in RECs.

Standard roses are a widely used ornamental plant in urban landscapes, valued for their attractive flowers and adaptability to various environmental conditions. This study investigated how different substrate types affect the growth and development of standard roses and their potential to improve the ecology of urban landscapes. Nine substrate conditions (rotted corn stover, decomposed shiitake mushroom residue, perlite, and combinations) were compared with field soil as a control treatment. The physical and chemical characteristics of each substrate were analysed, and the growth and development of standard rose plants were observed over six months. The results indicated that the substrate T4 (70% rotted corn stover, 15% decomposed shiitake mushroom residue, 15% perlite) achieved the highest evaluation index, leading to superior plant growth compared to other substrates. This combination provided optimal water retention, aeration, and nutrient supply, making it the most effective substrate for cultivating standard roses. Additionally, the use of these substrates can improve soil quality and reduce environmental pollution, offering a sustainable option for urban landscape management.

Anatolian sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.) is widely used in many food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. This study aimed to determine the differences in essential oil components and seasonal changes in the components of six clonally selected C-clones and one natural population in a randomized block design with three replications. Samples were collected monthly from C-clones for two years, and essential oil rates were determined. Clonal heritability was between 0.00 and 0.78. When the best clone was selected from six clones, the genetic gain changed from 12.4 to 44.8 for the essential oil components. Assessment of all clones revealed that the time of monthly harvests significantly affected essential oil components. The clone and harvest time interaction caused significant differences in essential oil components, and clones reached the highest values in different months. The correlation analysis showed a significant negative association between camphor and “β-pinene and β-caryophyllene” and a positive association between camphor and essential oil. High variation in the components, the differences in harvest times, and high correlations between components indicated that clones developed by selection have a significant production potential.

The compressibility features (bulk density, tapped bulk density, porosity, coefficient of compressibility and Hauser ratio) of Canarium schweinfurthii engl. nutshell powder as it affects flowability during densification process were investigated. Three different moisture contents (10.13, 15.07 and 20.11% wet basis; w.b.) and particle sizes of 0.659 7, 1.26 and 2.05 mm were considered at pressure range of 2 to 10 MPa. The compressibility relationship with the factors were modelled and the optimum flow conditions were also determined. The obtained results showed that particle size and moisture content had incremental influence on the compression features studied except moisture content on bulk density. The compressibility of the nut shell powder increased from 17.44 to 28.18% and decreased from 29.41%to 18.79% as moisture content and particle size increased respectively. Medium particle size had the least Hausner ratio (1.16) and the best flow behaviour than other sizes for all the studied moisture contents. The linear model developed and its features had significant relationship with compressibility. The optimum values of pressure, moisture content and particle size required to achieve 17.45% compressibility for good flow are 4.88 MPa, 10.91% and 0.863 8 mm respectively.

Lemons are fruit products that grow well in Indonesia. Montaji Agrihorti is one of the lemon varieties found in Indonesia, a new variety developed by Balitjestro breeding. This lemon variety is seedless. In fact, lemons are harvested nearly all year-round. Equally important, evaluating the fruit's maturity level is crucial for determining the optimal harvest time. In this study, standardizing measurement on maturity level was conducted through Vis-NIR spectroscopy and machine learning models. In this case, non-destructive data from Vis-NIR spectroscopy were correlated with parameters related to fruit maturity and quality, such as soluble solid content (SSC), acidity, firmness, essential oil yield, and essential oil content. Non-destructive test involved capturing spectral data to be subsequently processed through machine learning models such as SVM, KNN, and random forest. The most accurate results were obtained using the SVM method for SSC and firmness parameters, with  accuracy of 72 and 78%, respectively. For visual and acidity parameters, the most accurate result was performed through random forest with visual accuracy value 94% for all features, all features-MA (moving averages) was 97%, 36-PCA (principal component analysis) was 94%, and 36-PCA-MA was 97%. As for acidity, the accuracy for all features was 89%, all features-MA was 81%, 36-PCA was 89%, and 36-PCA-MA was 83%.

Iron chlorin is known to affect plant growth, but its potential applications in watermelon production have rarely been explored. To better understand its effects on the growth, photosynthesis, yield, and quality of watermelon in a greenhouse setting, a series of experiments were conducted using the variety ‘Sumeng 6’. At the flowering and early fruit expansion stages, the plants were sprayed with iron chlorin with mass concentrations of 0.001, 0.002, 0.004, and 0.008 μg/L (T1, T2, T3, and T4). Control plants were sprayed with water (CK). The growth index, root activity, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, yield, and fruit quality of all plants were measured. The results showed: compared with CK, the T3-treated plants showed significant improvements in several aspects: the leaf contents of photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid, increased by 19.51%, 14.29%, and 29.17%, respectively (P < 0.05); the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) increased by 23.60% (P < 0.05); and the soluble solids content, vitamin C content, and yield increased by 7.89%, 34.13%, and 16.27%, respectively (P < 0.05). In summary, it was found that spraying 0.004 μg/L iron chlorin on facility watermelon plants at the flowering and the early fruit expansion stages has a significant effect on the promotion of growth and development, leading to improved quality and yield. This study provides a theoretical reference and technical guide for high-quality and efficient watermelon production.

Two varieties of palm date seeds (PDS), Sukkari and Khalas, were examined for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Total phenol content was 2 014.37 ± 212.05 and 2 060.40 ± 176.0 mg GAE 100 g-1 dry weight (DW); and total flavonoid content was 83.98 ± 1.10 and 94.97 ± 1.36 mg QE 100 g-1 DW for Sukkari and Khalas, respectively. PDS extracts showed potential scavenging activity against ABTS, DDPH, and hydroxyl radical; the calculated IC50s were 431.17 ± 12.45, 400 ± 10.87 and 680 ± 18.12 µg for Sukkari, and 476 ± 20.25, 302.24 ± 14.08 and 284.18 ± 11.62 µg for Khalas, respectively. PDS extracts did not show potential activity against superoxide anion. Both extracts showed a high percentage of reducing power as the calculated FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) concentrations were 12.66 ± 1.08 and 16.14 ± 1.94 mmol ascorbic acid equivalent 100 g-1 for Sukkari and Khalas, respectively. Bacillus subtilis showed a remarkable sensitivity to PDS extracts; the inhibition zones were 21 ± 0.82 and 22 ± 0.67 mm for Sukkari and Khalas, respectively. PDS extracts possess good antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and therefore PDS could be effectively used as a natural source of antioxidants and to be detected against gram-positive bacteria.

The heading date and growth habit are key factors that regulate the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive stage in barley. In this study, we used PCR based markers to identify the allelic variations in the Vrn-H1 (HvMB5) and Vrn-H2 (HvSNF2) genes and to predict the heading date and growth habit of a collection of Tunisian barley assessed under a semi-arid climate. The allelic variation at HvBM5 revealed two PCR fragments at 830 and 344 bp. Primer sets used to amplify the HvSNF2 gene have resulted in different alleles size of 543, 623, and 700 bp. Different allelic combinations of HVBM5 and HvSNF2 were associated with the heading date and growth habit. The spring and early heading accessions were only characterised by the amplification of the HvSNF2 fragment at 700 bp. All the winter accessions yielded the PCR product HvBM5 at 830 bp, but the variation in the heading date was determined by the HvSNF2 alleles. These DNA markers will be a powerful tool to predict the heading date and growth habit and can be used as markers for the assisted selection to speed up the national breeding programme.

The impact of low temperatures combined with higher velocity of ventilated air in winter during severe frost in a free stall barn on the development of cold stress in Holstein-Friesian breed dairy cattle was studied. The study included measurements of outside and inside air parameters and cows' milk yield. Cold stress was evaluated in three technological groups (TG) using the WCT (Wind Chill Temperature) index. During the research, significant temperature and wind velocity differences (by up to 5°C and 0.5 m/s) were recorded in three zones of the barn occupied by the individual TG. All this resulted in different values of WCT. During most severe frosts lasting for 9 days, the average air temperature in the barn was -8.9°C (the lowest value was -17.3°C). The calculated average operative temperature for cows from all TG was as follows: -7.0°C for TG1, -11.1°C for TG2, and -12.3°C for TG3. It was also observed that animals from TG2 suffered from mild cold stress, which resulted in milk yield reduction by approximately 2 kg. It was concluded that there is a strong correlation (r = 0.72-0.89 with P < 0.05) between milk production and the WCT index. The measurements of most important microclimate parameters in the barn were conducted during winter seasons over the period of 2 years. They led to the conclusion that cattle kept in free stall barns are not vulnerable to the combination of low temperature and increased air movements. Research results of the present as well as of other authors were the basis for developing a table determining operative temperature for cows depending on the temperature of the environment and air movement velocity. Yet, the calculations and analysis of results show that there is a need to improve the applied calculation formula for operative temperature during cold weather.

The aim of the current research was to analyze the linear type traits of Hungarian Simmental dual-purpose cows scored in the first lactation using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Data collected by the Association of Hungarian Simmental Breeders were studied during the work. The filtered database contained the results of 8 868 cows, born after 1997. From the evaluation of main conformation traits, the highest correlations (r = 0.35, P < 0.05) were found between mammary system and feet and legs traits. Within linear type traits, the highest correlation was observed between rump length and rump width (r = 0.81, P < 0.05). Using the principal component analysis, main conformation traits were combined into groups. There were three factors having 84.5 as total variance ratio after varimax rotation. Cluster analysis verified the results of the principal component analysis as most of the trait groups were similar. The strongest relationship was observed between feet and legs and mammary system (main conformation traits) and between rump length and rump width (linear type traits).

A set of minimum descriptors allow for the rapid characterisation of germplasm facilitating the conservation and use of plant material. The objective of this work was to establish a list of minimum descriptors to facilitate the morphological characterisation of the ex situ pineapple collection in Cuba. Therefore, 48 pineapple accessions were characterised according to the morphoagronomic descriptors established by the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR). The data were processed by Multivariate Analysis, where a Multiple Principal Components Analysis was used for the qualitative and quantitative traits. A list with 14 minimum descriptors was proposed. The leaf's colour, the thickness of the longest leaf, the distribution of the spines, the fruit shape, the fruit colour when ripe, the flesh colour, the weight of fruit flesh, eye form, the fruit height, the fruit diameter, the fruitlet shape, the core diameter, the total soluble solids of the fruit, and the crown weight/fruit weight ratio were selected as the minimum descriptors. Because most of the descriptors refer to the pineapple's genetic improvement or commercialisation aspects, it could be a useful tool for scientists and producers.

Xylotrechus arvicola is an emerging grape pest that generates serious sanitary problems in vineyards and is currently expanding its range throughout Spain. The increasing prevalence of this pest in Spanish vineyards has been detected since 1990. In this study, the relationship between the climate and the actual distribution of the beetle was analysed, as well as how this distribution might change in the future according to several climate change models. The methodology was based on predictive models (SDM; species distribution modelling) using climate variables as explanatory factors, although the relationships were not necessarily causal. Maxent was used as the SDM method. The current climatic niche was calculated, and the actual potential distribution area was estimated. The relationships between the climate variables and the species probability of the presence were projected to various future climate change scenarios. The main conclusions reached were that climate change will favour the expansion of X. arvicola and that the potential infestation zones will be extended significantly. Although the results, because they were based on hypothetical climate frameworks that are under constant revision, were not conclusive, they should be taken into consideration when defining future strategies in the wine industry.

Mid-rotation responses to fertilization of Pinus radiata D. Don plantations after the first or second thinning have been observed in research experiments in many regions where the species is grown. The practice is not however common in commercial plantations. This is probably because the effects of soil-site conditions on the magnitude and duration of tree and stand growth responses are not well understood. The effects of nitrogen (150 and 300 kg N.ha-1) and phosphorus (0, 20 and 40 kg P.ha-1) including common base fertilization of boron (8 kg B.ha-1) and potassium (65 kg K.ha-1) were evaluated in three mid-rotation P. radiata plantations after thinning. The plantations were located on sites with contrasting nutrient and water availability, sandy, granitic and red-clay sites, in south-central Chile. The magnitude and duration of growth response was site specific. After 8 years, the growth response to the highest dose of fertilization relative to the control was 57 m3.ha-1 (16%) at the granitic and 24 m3.ha-1 (14%) at the sandy site. No response to either nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer was observed at the red-clay site. Nitrogen and phosphorus were limiting at both granitic and sandy sites, and high fertilization doses considering 300 kg N.ha-1 plus 40 kg P.ha-1 would ameliorate nutrient resource limitations and yield a cost-effective increment in stand volume.

The Natura 2000 network includes the sites of community importance identified by Directive 92/43/EEC and the special protection areas defined by Directive 79/409/EEC. This network can be considered the cornerstone of the European Union (EU) nature conservation policy in order to ensure the long-term protection of endangered species in their natural habitats. The European Union has adopted an integration approach to the Natura 2000 network. The integration approach is based on combining human activities and nature conservation purposes in Natura 2000 sites and in neighbouring areas. Furthermore, the stakeholders' involvement in the site management is considered a fundamental point for the success of the network. The application of integration approach in Italy was different from one region to another, often presenting a framework where institutional actors collaborate with environmental non-governmental organizations and other groups. These stakeholders influence the Natura 2000 implementation with different strategies, increasing the complexity and unpredictability of the policy outcomes. The objective of this study is to analyse stakeholders' opinions concerning the coexistence of different human activities in the Italian Natura 2000 sites. In order to achieve this objective a semi-structured questionnaire was administered by email to 146 stakeholders. 56 stakeholders filled in the questionnaire and the collected data were statistically processed. The stakeholders assessed the importance of five human activities (nature conservation, environmental education, recreational activities, agricultural activities and forestry activities) in Natura 2000 sites through a pairwise comparison and identified the main opportunities and obstacles of the network. The results show that the most relevant activities are nature conservation and environmental education according to stakeholders' opinions. In addition, the respondents highlighted that the main opportunities are the possibility of access to EU funding and the enhancement of local green economy, while the main obstacle is the restriction of agricultural and forestry practices not adequately compensated.

The Colchis forests contribute to the biodiversity hotspot in the Caucasus eco-region. We investigated the plant diversity of these forests in the central part of Adjara (W Georgia). The aims of our study were (i) to differentiate the forest vegetation diversity in the mountain belt forests by means of phytosociology, (ii) to associate endemic taxa with the revealed forest types, and (iii) to assess degradation of the forest vegetation diversity by means of environmental abiotic and biotic factors. We sampled the forest vegetation on 135 plots with the size of 10 × 10 m2 and 237 plant taxa were recorded. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to reduce environmental variables to a few orthogonal composed variables. The derived factors (PC1, PC2) were used in ordination analysis to group the plot measured forest vegetation diversity. One-way ANOVA was used for the comparison of means between the separated clusters in PCA. Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) were applied for the association of the plant taxa with the vegetation cluster groups separated by PCA. Our analysis revealed two general ecologically distinct forest types which were characterized as dry and humid forests. Endemic species had the main occurrence in dry forests of the studied territory which are heavily impacted by the local land use. The results indicated that the vegetation diversity of dry forests is under higher threat of degradation than that of humid ones because these forests are not protected and are subjected to non-sustainable forest exploitation. Additionally, many rural and invasive plant species change the native plant assemblages. Based on our findings, we recommend to the organization which manages the local forests to find a balance between the use of forest resources and protection of the unique floristic diversity of local forests in order to avoid their degradation.

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) samples revealed the presence of Potato virus M (PVM) in this crop in Slovakia. Full-length genomes of three PVM isolates were obtained using both HTS and Sanger sequencing validation. While two isolates (T40 and T50) were shown to belong to major Group I, a divergent T20 isolate was phylogenetically unrelated to any known PVM variant, potentially representing a new phylogenetic group. Despite a relatively high intraspecies diversity (17.3 ± 0.3%), no evidence of recombination was detected in the dataset of available complete PVM sequences. Conventional screening of tomato plants in Slovakia using ELISA and RT-PCR further confirmed a frequent occurrence of PVM in this host. Developed RT-PCR showed its polyvalence to detect the PVM Group I isolates, however, in silico analysis of primer binding sites indicated its compromised use for Group II isolates. Our results further pinpoint the significance of HTS for unbiased unveiling of virus diversity and a need for continual optimisation of molecular detection tools.

Cryphalus asperatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) is described as an exceptional but important secondary pest of Norway spruce seedlings. Of the 10 000 seedlings transported to one location in the Ore Mountains, Central Europe in 2020, in total 1 500 seedlings were killed by C. asperatus. The infestation and death of seedlings probably resulted in part from the substantial local increase in the local abundance of C. asperatus after the sanitation felling of many Ips typographus-infested and otherwise damaged trees; the felled trees provided many branches suitable for C. asperatus feeding. In addition, the seedlings were probably stressed by the multi-hour transportation (probably drought) from the forest nursery.

The impact of precipitations and air temperatures on winter wheat yields was evaluated in a 34-year long- term field trial with mineral and organic fertilization established at two experimental sites with different soil-climatic conditions: Ivanovice na Hané with well fertile soils (degraded Chernozem), higher average year temperatures and lower precipitations; Lukavec situated in Bohemian-Moravian highlands with less fertile soils (Cambisol), lower temperatures and higher precipitations. At both sites, a significant positive effect of used fertilizers was noted from the dose of 80 kg N/ha; the best yields were generally obtained at 120 kg N/ha and 160 kg N/ha. The wheat yields at the Ivanovice site were negatively affected by the decrease of precipitations, namely in more fertilized treatments, particularly farmyard manure + mineral nitrogen, from the dose of 80 kg N/ha. A different trend was obtained at the Lukavec site where better winter wheat yields were obtained under lower precipitations. The air temperatures played a positive role at the Lukavec site, but no significant effect of temperature was observed at the Ivanovice site. The less productive areas in highlands can become more interesting for agriculture production with changing climate. However, the soils generally having lower quality and nutrient content can be a limiting factor for obtaining high yields.

Potential of Trichoderma harzianum IS005-12 (TH-IS005-12) to promote seed germination and seedling growth of Italian ryegrass (IRG) forage was evaluated in vitro. Non-desiccated seeds and those pre-harvestly desiccated with total herbicide were treated 25 days (freshly harvested) and 178 days after harvest (mature) with TH-IS005-12 spore suspensions at 0 (T0), 1.8 × 10⁷ (T1) and 1.2 × 10⁹ (T2) spore/mL. TH-IS005-12 promoted the early and final germination and seedling growth in all non-desiccated and desiccated, freshly harvested as well as mature IRG seeds. It was more effective in pre-harvestly desiccated freshly harvested seeds where T2 treatment increased final germination rate for 24%, root number per seedling 1.6-fold and seedling vigour 1.9-fold compared to the untreated control. Moreover, TH-IS005-12 showed an inhibitory activity against seedborne fungi Alternaria alternata and A. ventricosa suppressing their growth in vitro by 82% and 77%, respectively.