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Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious cereal disease in the CzechRepublic. The most important pathogen associated with FBH is Fusarium graminearum, which can produce trichothecenes, mainly deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivates. A set of 103 F. graminearum isolates were isolated from naturally infected wheat ears collected from 20 localities (25 ears from one locality) within the Czech Republic, in the year 2004. The ears were evaluated for DON content by ELISA. Maximum detected value was 30.7 mg/kg. A group of PCR assays targeting the segments of the Tri7, Tri13 and Tri3 genes were used to determine the chemotypes of F. graminearum isolates. All the isolates belonged to DON producing chemotype. Further discrimination revealed that almost all (99.03%) isolates belonged to 15-ADON chemotype, and only one (0.97%) isolate belonged to 3-ADON chemotype. The genetic variability of the isolates was assessed from their AFLP fingerprints. The populations were highly heterogeneous both within and between locations, and no clear evidence for the association between AFLP profile and geographic origin was found out.

A previously developed method of HPLC-DAD-Fl has been used for the determination of phytochemical profiles in different types of drinks: instant coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, and different types of tea (green, white, black, and red tea). Using data on the concentrations of 20 main phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones, and alkaloids) it was possible to identify most of the sample types. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and caffeine are the main target compounds in instant coffee; in soft and energy drinks, only caffeine was found. Tea has a more complex phytochemical composition. Unfermented tea is mainly composed of flavan-3-ols and alkaloids, with a high caffeine concentration. Black tea is composed of alkaloids and low levels of flavan-3-ols, which are affected by oxidative reactions during the fermentation. Flavonols are present in lower concentrations in all kinds of teas. The identified phytochemical distribution patterns were used to correctly differentiate instant coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, unfermented tea and fermented tea (within fermented tea, black tea from red tea can also be differentiated).

The effects of refrigerated storage on the microstructure and physicochemical properties of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treated onion were evaluated. Onion was submitted to 100 MPa at 50°C or 400 MPa at 25°C for 5 min, and stored for 28 days at 4°C. Electron microscopy techniques and light microscopy were used for the microstructural study. Total soluble phenolics, soluble protein percentage, and shear force were also studied. HHP treatments affected the cell wall and membrane permeability, favouring the diffusion of soluble material to the apoplast. Storage at 4°C also caused important structural degradation in the HHP-treated samples, which was higher when 400 MPa at 25°C were applied and led to physico-chemical changes during the first week of storage. Interactions between phenolics and solubilised cell wall material or proteins could explain the decrease in soluble phenolics and proteins during storage.

The stability of olive and sunflower oils for domestic uses after frying cow steak or only heating were evaluated in the presence or absence of the carvacrol-rich essential oil of Thymbra capitata. The treatments consisted of sunflower and olive oils either enriched with 200 mg/l of T. capitata oil or without it, heating at 180°C for 20 min, or frying 100 g cow steak at the same temperature and for the same period of time. In all assays, acid, peroxide, and p-anisidine values were followed over time. The fatty acid profile was estimated before heating or frying as well as at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the type of fat as well as the type of treatment (frying or heating) was determinant for the acid, peroxide, and p-anisidine values found. The presence of the essential oil also demonstrated to affect those values depending on the type of the oil as well as on the type of the treatment (frying or heating). In contrast, the fatty acid profile did not change greatly.

The DNA of 14 probiotic supplements was isolated directly from various products without previous cultivation. The bifidobacteria composition declared by the manufacturer was determined by species-specific PCR. Such species found were in accordance with those listed on the products. This approach can be performed in less than 5 h and is applicable to other genera of probiotic bacteria. Bifidobacteria were also detected by culture-dependent analysis and MALDI-TOF MS. These methods drew the same results; however, they are more expensive and time consuming. So, we propose direct identification of bifidobacteria for routine quality control inspections of species composition in probiotic supplements.

We investigate the biostability of phenolic acids from a kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed extract using an in vitro model simulating the physicochemical (pH, temperature and bile salts) and biological (gastric and pancreatic enzymes) gastrointestinal conditions. Some of the antioxidants in the kenaf seed extract were not relatively stable in the intestinal phase of the gastrointestinal tracts. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and total phenolic content (TPC) assays displayed similar trends as the biostability of phenolic acids, which decreased during the digestion process. The overall percentage loss of selected phenolic acids was 8.4-49.4% in the intestinal phase. For the overall in vitro digestion system, significant correlations between phenolic acids, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were obtained in all digestion phases with the exception of the gastric phase.

Food allergy is an adverse immune response to some proteins in some foods. Probiotic, health promoting bacteria have gained much importance because of their innumerable benefits, particularly in the treatment of diarrhea, hypercholesterolemia, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and gastrointestinal disorders by strengthening the immune system. The current paper reviews recent advances made in the treatment of food allergy through employing probiotic or synbiotic therapy. The results of several reports are very promising suggesting probiotics can influence the immune system to curtail the allergic responses.

We evaluated the proportion of fatty acid groups, with an emphasis on hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids, in the milk of 25 Holstein cows during the 1^st period of lactation in relation to their negative energy balance (NEB). Sampling of each cow's milk started on the 7^th day after calving. Milk samples (n = 425) were collected at 7-day periods during the first 17 weeks of lactation. The proportion (%) of saturated (SFA), hypercholesterolaemic (HCFA), volatile (VFA), unsaturated (UFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in the milk fat was determined. Body condition score and fat to protein ratio in milk were applied for precise determination of the NEB breakpoint during the observed period. The effects of parity, NEB, regression on lactation week and fat to protein ratio were evaluated using SAS 9.3. Milk contained a lower proportion of SFA as well as equally higher UFA (± 2.13%; P < 0.01) during the NEB period. The overcoming of NEB caused an increase in SFA, however, and simultaneously a significant decline in total HCFA (-1.86%; P < 0.01) as well as main MUFA (-1.81%, P < 0.05). The results document the necessity of increasing Holstein cow robustness to meet the production conditions in dairy farms in relation to the requirement of higher nutrient quality as well as the potential health benefits of cow's raw milk for consumers.

We examine the nutritional effect of selected non-traditional grain samples added into wheat flour. In a form of flour, amaranth, quinoa, lupine, 5 hemp types, 2 teff types and 2 chia types were used for wheat flour substitution on a low and high level. Samples with amaranth and lupine flour showed the best improvement in terms of protein content (in the range between 21.1 and 26.0%). The highest total dietary fibre was found in lupine composites (7.1 and 9.8%). Hemp samples contained a significant amount of minerals in comparison with the control wheat sample (from 1.16% to 1.98%). According to the above-mentioned differences, flour composites containing single tested grains were distinguished by principal component analysis. All examined plant materials could be recommended for wheat flour fortification in terms of nutritional improvement. The addition of non-traditional flours partially changed both the volume and shape of laboratory prepared bread correspondingly to the type and added amount.

2-(tert-Butyl)-5-methylbenzene-1,4-diol and 3-(tert-butyl)-5-methylbenzene-1,2-diol were synthesised by Friedel-Craft reaction of 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diol and 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diol, respectively, with tertiary butanol providing reasonable yields. The antioxidant activities of these two products, mother compounds and 2-(tert-butyl)benzene-1,4-diol were investigated and compared by means of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and Rancim at test; 3-(tert-butyl)-5-methylbenzene-1,2-diol is the most potent antioxidant tested by using Rancimat test experiment. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging abilities of 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diol, 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diol and 2-(tert-butyl)benzene-1,4-diol are almost equal and more than twice as strong as 2-(tert-butyl)-5-methylbenzene-1,4-diol and 3-(tert-butyl)-5-methylbenzene-1,2-diol. The antioxidant activities of the five compounds evaluated by Rancimat test mainly depend on their steric synergist effects between the two phenolic hydroxyl groups in their molecules. The antioxidant activities of the five compounds mainly depend on how many 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals can be scavenged by one mole of them in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test. One mole of 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diol, 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diol and 2-(tert-butyl)benzene-1,4-diol can scavenge four moles of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals, but one mole of 2-(tert-butyl)-5-methylbenzene-1,4-diol or 3-(tert-butyl)-5-methylbenzene-1,2-diol can only scavenge two mole 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals because 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals are very bulky.

Consumption of minimally processed fruits has been increased lately mainly due to their fresh-like quality characteristics. One of the major alterations that limit the shelf-life of these products is browning caused by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity on phenolic compounds. Six yellow-flesh peach cultivars, Spring Lady, Royal Glory, Ruby Rich, Summer Rich, Ryan Sun, and O'Henry, were selected. Peaches were hygienised and then samples were processed in a clean room. Slices were washed in cold tap water, dried, packaged in modified atmosphere, and stored at 4°C during 9 days; physicochemical and other quality parameters were studied. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation study were carried out in order to evaluate the relation between variables and cultivars. In conclusion, Spring Lady, Royal Glory, and Ruby Rich cultivars were the cultivars that offered the most suitable fruits for fresh-cut processing, mainly due to their low BP and PPO activity.

119 strains of lactic acid bacteria from Chinese pickle were tested for production of antimicrobial compounds (bacteriocins). Among them, strain C8 showed strongly antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. Strain C8 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum based on phenotypical, physiological tests and 16S rDNA identification. The antibacterial substance produced by strain C8 was sensitive to protease but not affected by lipase and amylase and designated as bacteriocin C8. Bacteriocin was purified by salting-out, dialysis and Sephadex G50 column chromatography. Based on SDS-PAGE, bacteriocin C8 was 16.5 kDa in size, which was different from that of other bacteriocins and it might be a novel bacteriocin. Bacteriocin C8 showed a wide range of antimicrobial activity especially as it inhibited some Gram-negative bacteria. This bacteriocin was heat resistant (20 min at 121°C) and stable in the pH range of 3 to 6.

We investigated the changes in omega 3 enriched carp fillets caused by pan frying. The investigated characteristics were fat uptake, fatty acid (FA) composition, and oxidation. Four different fats were used and fillets were fried plain or battered. The fillet fat content increased during frying and FA composition in the fillets reflected the composition of the frying fat. Frying with sunflower oil negatively influenced the nutritional value by decreasing the n-3/n-6 ratio in the fillets. Frying with rapeseed oil preserved the favourable n-3/n-6 ratio without increasing the saturated fatty acids (SFA). Frying with lard and butter preserved the n-3/n-6 ratio but increased the SFA content. No increased oxidation occurred with the use of rapeseed oil. We concluded that using rapeseed oil for fish seemed to preserve the nutritionally valuable composition best.

Thymol's antimicrobial properties urged researchers to study its effect on animal performance and intestinal health in pigs. However, thymol has the characteristic sharp odor of thyme and a bitter, aromatic, and sometimes burning sensation which may elicit feeding aversions. The objectives in the current study were: (1) to determine the effect of dose of thymol and camphor on palatability and (2) to test the hypothesis that supplemental flavours or camphor, the latter as a known Transient Receptor Potential A1 blocker, could mitigate feed avoidance caused by thymol. Two analogous choice-feeding trials were conducted. Feed intake of the test diet was expressed as proportion of the total intake and tested by means of a one-sample Student's t-test against a set value of 50%. The preference for feed supplemented with 125, 500, 1250 and 2000 mg/kg thymol was 53.7 ± 6.0% (P > 0.05), 47.5 ± 5.1% (P > 0.05), 36.8 ± 4.9% (P = 0.022), and 3.9 ± 7.9% (P = 0.005) respectively. When feed containing 2000 mg/kg thymol with either flavour A (containing intense sweeteners) or flavour B (containing the same intense sweeteners and a caramel aroma) was opposed against a control diet, the relative intake of the test diets was 19.9 ± 5.8% and 14.0 ± 4.9% (both P < 0.05) respectively. When animals were offered one of these test diets and a reference diet with 2000 mg/kg thymol, animals exhibited a preference for the feed with 2000 mg/kg thymol + flavour A, but not for the feed with 2000 mg/kg thymol + flavour B. Thus, supplemental flavours containing intense sweeteners partially overcame feed avoidance caused by thymol which was less pronounced when the caramel aroma was present. Exposure to camphor (50 and 200 mg/kg) did not improve feed preference for a diet containing 1250 mg/kg thymol. Thymol's bitter taste might be largely responsible for the recorded feed refusal at high inclusion rates.

The CD9 cell surface molecule has been found to be important for the fertilization process of mammals. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether the molecule CD9 is expressed on bull sperm during the spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatozoa as well as in bull reproductive organs and their secreta. The expression of bovine CD9 was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting. The histochemical studies using an anti-CD9 monoclonal antibody showed strong staining in the myeloid and collagenous tissue layer of testis and epididymis. Strong reaction was observed in the lumen of epididymal duct (the fluid of the duct) but the clumped spermatozoa in the lumen of the duct remained unstained. Intensive tissue staining was observed in the range of epithelial microvilli of epididymis (body and tail) and in the fluid content of tubules. The Western blot analysis showed the 24kDa molecule in sperm protein extracts of ejaculated sperm and also in the protein extracts of the sperm obtained from the head, body, and tail of epididymis but the localization of CD9 on the sperm was not directly confirmed. However, the obtained data could be considered in the interpretation of the role of CD9 in spermatogenesis and sperm-oocyte interactions.

This study was conducted to determine apparent ileal amino acids digestibility (AIAAD) of diets with different levels of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and to determine AIAAD of corn DDGS by difference and regression methods in broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty 30-day-old male broiler chickens were used in the experiment. The corn DDGS were incorporated into basal diets at graded levels (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16%). All birds were killed at the age of 35 days and the contents of the lower half of the ileum were collected. AIAAD was calculated using chromic oxide as the indigestible marker. For AIAAD of DDGS determination, difference and regression methods were used. AIAAD of Lys (78.6%) and Met (91.3%) were the significantly highest in the diet without DDGS in comparison with other diets (P < 0.01). AIAAD of the rest of essential and nonessential amino acids were the lowest in the diet with 8% of DDGS in comparison with the diets with 0 or 16% of DDGS (P < 0.01). The apparent ileal crude protein digestibility was also the lowest in the diet with 8% (61.8%) of DDGS (P < 0.01). The highest differences in AIAAD of DDGS determined by the difference method and in the diet without DDGS (basal diet) determined by the regression methods were found in Lys and Met. There were very low differences between DDGS and basal diet in AIAAD of nonessential amino acids, except Ala and Asp. These results show that higher levels of DDGS decrease AIAAD.

Statistical methods of imputation allow predicting genotypes of markers (which were not genotyped in the whole population) based on known linkage disequilibrium relationships between the flanking polymorphisms and the information obtained from reference datasets used as a pattern. In this study we attempted to predict genotypes of two bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) susceptibility associated indel polymorphisms located in the promoter region of PRNP gene relying on the data obtained from middle density SNPs arrays in a sample of the population of Holstein cattle. The two SNPs panels spanning PRNP locus were tested in terms of imputation efficiency. Both panels gave satisfactory imputation results showing high accuracy and high probabilities of imputed genotypes. Our results suggest that the approach applied can be used to evaluate the frequency of the disease associated polymorphisms in large populations of animals genotyped with whole-genome SNPs panels based on a limited-size reference population and small financial outlays.

A comparative analysis of reproduction parameters and hatchability results of pheasants raised under two different housing systems (cages and aviaries) was performed. In the first system the pheasants were housed in 420 cages, 3780 from the total were females. In the second housing system, 3200 pheasant hens were placed in eight aviaries, where 50 cocks and 400 hens were kept in each. The following parameters were calculated: laying rate, the percentage of hatching, small and cracked eggs, hatchability from set and fertilized eggs, dead embryos up to day 8 of incubation and, finally, dead embryos after day 8 of incubation as well as unhatched, crippled, and weak chicks. The laying rate for the whole period of reproduction in pheasants kept in cages was significantly higher in comparison with aviaries (59.6 vs 27.2%). A higher (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of small and damaged eggs ( = 13.6) was recorded in aviaries. The percentage of dead embryos for eggs derived from aviaries, up to day 8 of incubation, was also significantly higher (-x = 4.7%). There were no significant differences between the housing systems with respect to the remaining features. The results of the investigation made it possible to conclude that pheasants kept in cages were characterized by a higher laying performance with fewer eggs unsuitable for incubation. A lower mortality of embryos during the incubation process was found in eggs derived from pheasants reared in cages. Although there were no significant differences between the analyzed housing systems in terms of hatchability, a higher laying rate for pheasants kept in cages implies that more chicks could be obtained from every female.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible action of the "female effect" by evaluating if exposure to estrogenized females would affect sexual behaviour and testosterone concentrations while affecting the length of the reproductive season of Alpine bucks in northern Mexico (26°N). In January, two experimental groups were formed: (i) treated males (MH; n = 8) kept in a pen aside to another pen with four estrogenized females during four weeks; pens were separated by a metal mesh, and (ii) control males (GC; n = 8) which had no contact with any female during the same period. At the end of the study, an appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviour test was performed by exposing males from both groups to estrogenized females. Besides, serum concentrations of testosterone were quantified in each male on days 0 and 28. On day 0 the serum levels of testosterone were similar in both groups (217 ± 86 vs 320 ± 89 ng/dl in MH and GC respectively; P > 0.05). However, on day 28, serum testosterone levels favoured to the MH group (164 ± 56 vs 49 ± 18 ng/dl; P = 0.06). With respect to the consummatory (80%) and appetitive (62%) sexual behaviour, the best reproductive performance was depicted by the MH group with respect to the GC group (P < 0.05). Results obtained confirm a positive action of the "female effect" upon behavioural, reproductive, and endocrinological outcomes, while extending the breeding season of Alpine male goats. These findings should be relevant in the design of clean, green, and ethical reproductive management strategies in goat production systems and potentially important to the animal industry.

The objective of this study was to compare the performance, egg quality, and microbial contamination of egg shells from hens maintained in different housing systems, such as conventional and enriched cages, litter, and aviaries. The housing system significantly (P < 0.001) influenced the performance characteristics. The highest egg production, lowest daily feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were measured in conventional cages compared to litter and aviaries. Higher egg shell and albumen qualities were observed in conventional cages, whereas hens housed in enriched cages and aviaries laid eggs with a higher yolk index (P < 0.001). The housing system significantly (P < 0.001) influenced the total count of bacteria on the egg surface and the microbial contamination of Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. The lowest values for the total count of bacterial contamination (P < 0.001) were found in eggs from conventional cages (4.05 log colony-forming units (CFU)/egg) and enriched cages (3.98 log CFU/egg). Eggs from aviaries had 5.49 log CFU per egg, and the highest level of contamination was observed in eggs that were laid on litter (6.24 log CFU/egg). The level of the microbial contamination of egg shells from litter and aviaries was by 2 log CFU higher than in eggs from cages. It could be concluded, from the viewpoint of egg safety, a more suitable substitute for conventional cages are enriched cages and aviaries than litter.

The sucrose monoesters of capric and lauric acid were tested for their antibacterial activity towards two foodborne enteropathogenic bacteria - Escherichia coli (CCM 3954 - serotype O6 and E22 - serotype O103) and Clostridium perfringens (CNCTC 5459 and CIP 105178). Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the plating technique. Sucrose monocaprate significantly decreased the number of viable cells of E. coli at all tested concentrations (0.1-5 mg/ml). The overnight incubation of C. perfringens with the sucrose ester of lauric acid at 0.1-5 mg/ml reduced the number of viable cells below the detection limit (2 log₁₀ CFU/ml). Incubating E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with monoesters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) did not influence the K⁺ permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane in cells during a 2.5-minute treatment. A 30-minute incubation of E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with esters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) revealed damage to cytoplasmic structures, as observed by transmission electron microscopy.

Development of prediction models for the quality of apples is useful in guiding fruit tree nutrition and in optimising fruit management. The interrelationships between the leaf nutrient contents and some fruit quality indices were studied in five apple cultivars - Generos, Florina, Delicios de Voinesti, Jonathan and Pionier. Highly significant relationships between N and Fe contents (R² = 0.734; P < 0.01) and between Cu and K (R² = 0.702; P < 0.01) were found. Acidity was negatively correlated with soluble solids content in the cvs Generos, Delicios de Voinesti and Jonathan, whereas the respective correlation in the apple cv. Pionier was positive. In cv. Florina fruits no significant correlation was found between acidity and soluble solids content. Among macroelements, nitrogen had a considerable contribution to fruit acidity and this allows to predict this index with a high degree of safety (R² = 0.690; RMSEP_N = 0.105). Microelements have a lower contribution to acidity and a higher one to the sugar accumulation; in case of Zn are R² = 0.809; RMSEP_Zn = 4.250.

In vitro-grown shoot tips of Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) cherry rootstock were tested for regrowth after cryopreservation using vitrification technique. Explants were precultured in the dark at 23°C, in a liquid MS medium with a progressively increasing sucrose concentration (0.3 M for 15 h, then 0.7 M for 5 h), and subsequently loaded in a solution containing 2 M glycerol and 0.4 M sucrose for 20 minutes. Shoot tips were dehydrated at 0°C using either the original PVS2 or modified PVS2 solution (PVS A3 - 22.5% sucrose, 37.5% glycerol, 15% ethylene glycol and 15% DMSO) for 30, 40 and 50 minutes. The survival and regrowth of the cryopreserved shoot tips dehydrated with the original PVS2 solution ranged between 36-54% and 8-17%, respectively. However, the dehydration with the PVS A3 solution resulted in considerably higher survival rates (81-92%), as well as higher regrowth rates (39-56%) after cryopreservation. These results prove the feasibility of the PVS A3-based vitrification technique for a long-term storage of this genotype.

We analysed the formulation of Rural Development Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2007-2013 applying the theory of actor-centred institutionalism and its interaction forms. Approaches accentuating the role of actors and their interactions are an appropriate tool for the better understanding of cross-sectoral relationships and the improvement of public policy coherence in the formulation process of strategic documents in rural development. Methodologically the study is based on a qualitative analysis of documents and standardized interviews. The formulation of RDP SR 2007-2013 is showing signs of cross-sectoral coordination between different actors in the form of bargaining, as well as signs of hierarchical coordination among public and private actors. In the formulation process of RDP SR 2007-2013 a negative mechanism of coordination was dominant with negative consequences for the policy coherence of the final document. A positive element for the coherence of rural development policy is the observation of decision-making elements in networks.

Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) Christmas tree plantations in North Carolina are infested by root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This disease kills almost 100% of Fraser fir material and leaves the soil permanently infested. Control crossings of Mediterranean fir hybrids Abies cilicica × Abies cephalonica with Abies fraseri were performed to ensure possibly resistant hybrid material of desired Christmas tree parameters. Pollen of various clones of A. fraseri was shipped to the Czech Republic by NCSU. Control pollinations were performed in April/May 2010 and 2011 in our hybridization seed orchards. Female strobili were isolated in the period of their highest receptibility. Cones were collected during September. Cones were dried and completely disintegrated. Basic parameters of cones and seeds were assessed for each seed lot. Seed samples of the individual seed lots were X-rayed for assessment of the final share of full seeds. In 2010, the most successful combination CZ2 × NC81 brought 7% of viable seeds. In 2011 the most successful combination was CZ2 × NC26 with 18% of viable seeds.