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: The aim of this project was to carry out measurements of climatic process occurring in the glasshouse. This article describes the method of measuring the glasshouse microclimate using the Control WEB 2000 software and the ADAM 4000 series input/output modules. Control WEB 2000 is a graphic development environment to create measuring and control applications. Data acquisition was made by using the ADAM modules of 4000 series which ensure the conversion of data and their transmission from the sensors to the control computer. Soil temperature, glasshouse indoor and outdoor air temperatures and air humidity were analyzed during two summer months. The measuring application is further extended by a proposal for microclimate control in the glasshouse.

To determine specific characteristics necessary for the computation of the C factor in RUSLE for timevariable crops, measurements were carried out in fields with selected agricultural crops grown by conventional practices. Sloping plots on an experimental area in Třebsin locality and farm fields were used to measure surface runoff and soil loss by erosion in conditions of natural and simulated rainfall. Basic characteristics to compute the C factor were determined in the particular growth phases of selected crops - sunflower, flax, poppy and rape. Effective root mass, canopy cover and fall height of rain drops were measured.

In case that the climatic or farming conditions have changed in a region, it is possible to anticipate that the core parameters of drainage constructions will not be adequate for the current needs. Some of these constructions might be over-dimensioned, which would be inconsistent with current terms of nature and water resources protection. On the other hand, the valuable contribution the regulation of the water regime of originally waterlogged lands and swamps indisputably brought along and thus enabled the agricultural use of drained lands would be depreciated to a certain extent. In this paper, some scenarios of probable climatic changes in the Czech Republic's territory and the anticipated effect of these changes on the components of the hydrologic water discharge from drained agricultural and forest catchments are studied. The function of drainage systems on selected experimental lands is examined. However, not only probable changes in precipitation, temperature and water runoff should be taken into account, but also changes in the way of farming, i.e. changes in the agricultural conditions and data that played a decisive role in the calculation of the basic parameters of these construction projects, for instance, the spacing of parallel drains or trenches or the depth of their laying. In the Czech Republic about 1.1 million ha of total agricultural land was drained by the end of the twentieth century. In some localities of Eastern and Southern Bohemia up to 80% of agricultural land was drained. To what extent the above-mentioned climatic changes and the changes in the way of farming influence the drainage system and whether adjustments of these systems are required are the questions we tried to answer at least partly in this contribution. The effect of climatic changes on the hydrologic balance and/or on the runoff from the catchments significantly varies up to ± 150% provided that we compare average runoff. The influence of changes in the way of farming on the hydrologic balance manifests itself in a more concrete, but negative way, and that demands a concrete reaction on the part of the water management control. It is therefore vital to take such measures of regulation of the water regime of soil for the existing drainage systems that will ensure both the drainage phase and the phase of runoff retardation. Single-function and obsolete drainage systems should be converted into systems with controlled drainage and irrigation functions - the double-function control systems.

Soils of reclaimed dumpsites after coal mining are considered as typical anthropogenic soils. These soils are at the beginning of their development and have certain specific characteristics. The aim of this study was to describe a soil survey performed on anthropogenic soils of a reclaimed dumpsite, to analyse spatial variability of selected properties using geostatistical methods, and to evaluate the development of reclaimed dumpsite soils. It has been shown that geostatistical methods are suitable for a description of anthropogenic soil properties and their variability. However, characterization of soil properties on the border between areas with different types of reclamation can be difficult due to sharp discontinual transitions caused by human activity. Properties of these soils vary profoundly greatly dependent on the properties of the soil substrate and the type of reclamation. The average content of organic carbon in the topsoil (0-20 cm) was 1.92% on the area covered with a layer of natural topsoil and 0.92% on the area covered by a layer of loess. An initial A horizon can develop even in 10 years under favourable conditions.

Anthropogenic soils are formed by human activities. The contents of potentially risk elements are one of the most important criteria of the exploitability of such soils for the agricultural production. The aim of this paper is to assess the contents of the selected potentially risk elements in 16 areas of the Sokolov region, including 5 reclaimed areas and 11 natural soils. 116 sampling locations were analysed in total. Another aim is to analyse the relationships between the elements, using multivariate statistical methods. The contents of the risk elements studied were in most cases under the limit values. In some cases, as with Pb, they were very low compared to the limit values. In the principal component analysis, four components explaining 74% of total variability were selected. The first component (30.2% of variability) showed strong correlations with Mn, V, Ni, and Cu contents. The second component (15.8% of variability) correlated with As and Be. The third component (14.3%) correlated with Pb and Cd. The fourth component (13.7%) correlated with Zn and Cr. The mean scores of each area were projected into the component plots, which enables the assessment of the relative importance of each group of elements in each particular area. The reclaimed and the natural soils are clearly distinguished. It can be concluded that the contents of the risk elements studied do not currently present any important problem in the reclaimed areas. Nevertheless, the situation should be further monitored.

Ninety-three rectal swabs of lambs and young goats from two extensively and two intensively managed herds in Jordanwere taken and examined for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The bacteriological examination included the preenrichment of rectal swabs in EC broth with novobiocin, and a subsequent parallel isolation on enterohemolysin agar and immunomagnetic separation with cultivation on CT-SMAC. The STEC O157:H7 strains were demonstrated in 8 of 32 diarrheic lambs 1- to 3-weeks old in one sheep herd with intensive milk production. In the remaining three herds, serogroups O128, O78, O15 and serotype O128:K85 of STEC strains were the most frequent findings. The presence of stx2, ehlyA and eaeA genes in all STEC O157:H7 isolates was confirmed by PCR. In two untypable STEC isolates, stx2 and ehlyA genes were detected. In other STEC non-O157 isolates, only stx1 a ehlyA genes were found. All STEC O157:H7 isolates were resistant against sulphonamides and chloramphenicol, five were also resistant against ampicillin and streptomycin, one against co-trimoxazole. One isolate was resistant against ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam, cephalosporins (cefazolin, cefuroxime), monobactams (aztreonam), sulphonamides, co-trimoxazole, aminoglycosides, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Compared the resistant STEC O157:H7 isolates, the multiresistant isolate had a different RAPD pattern. Of 36 STEC non-O157 isolates, one isolate was resistant against sulphonamides and co-trimoxazole, and another one against ampicillin, streptomycin, sulphonamides and co-trimoxazole. STEC isolates resistant against antimicrobial agents were demonstrated only in herds with intensive management.

3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ) is a tissue bound toxic metabolite derived from the nitrofuran antibiotic, furazolidone. AOZ is detected in the derivatised form of 3-{[(2-nitrophenyl) methylene] amino}-2-oxa-zolidinone (NP AOZ). 3-{[(3-carboxyphenyl)-methylene] amino-2-oxazolidinone (CP AOZ) was used as the immunising hapten for the production of monoclonal antibodies against NP AOZ. Monoclonal antibodies were produced using hybridomas from the fusion of murine myeloma cells and spleen cells isolated from BALB/c mice immunised with CP AOZ-ethylenediamine-human serum albumin (CP AOZ-ed-HSA). The antibody production in ascitic fluids from clones 3B8/2B9 and 2D11/A4 was monitored during a 16 month period. Repeated cultures of these hybridomas, followed by injection into mice and cloning did not change the assay parameters. Clone 2D11/A4 exhibited long term stability in antibody production throughout the experiment whereas clone 3B8/2B9 demonstrated variability in particular antibody yields whilst retaining assay sensitivity. Reasons for this production variability in clones are discussed. In an optimised direct ELISA format, the antibodies exhibited a 50% binding inhibition in the range of 0.52-1.15 ng/ml with NP AOZ (0.22 -0.50 ng/ml, respective AOZ equivalents) and showed high specificity towards this analyte. The sensitivity of monoclonal antibodies incorporated into the ELISA is compatible with the European Union MRLP and is currently in use for routine analysis.

Oral disorders of the dog represent for veterinarians a medical challenge and an important field of interest from the economical point of view. Although many epidemiological studies on dental diseases in beagles bred under controlled conditions have been realized, information on frequency of these alterations in populations of pet dogs, especially in Central Europe, is far from complete. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of the most common oral diseases in dogs in a Czech urban region. A total number of 408 dogs, presented at a private Czech urban veterinary hospital for different reasons, were analyzed. Site specificity and severity of dental diseases were assessed using modified indexing systems. Dental alterations could be found in 348 out of 408 dogs (85.3%). The most frequent diseases were (i) periodontitis (60.0% of 408 dogs), (ii) calculus (61.3%), (iii) missing teeth (33.8%), and (iv) abnormal attrition (5.9%). Furthermore, single cases of caries, tumors and enamel hypoplasia could be observed. Periodontitis occurred preferentially in the upper jaw of small dogs and increased with age. The labial/buccal side of teeth was affected more severely than the lingual/palatinal side. Differences between left and right side could not be observed. Malocclusion and insufficient oral hygiene care seem to predispose to periodontitis. As periodontitis, dental calculus occurred preferentially in small dogs and increased with age. The prevalence of calculus formation did not differ between left and right side. However, the upper jaw showed a higher degree of affection than the mandible. On the labial/buccal side of the teeth, a thicker calculus layer could be observed than lingually/palatinally. Interestingly, the degree of calculus formation and of periodontitis did not correlate in all cases, supporting the hypothesis that supragingival calculus per se is not an irritant. The pattern of tooth loss was the same between left and right side and between upper and lower jaw. Most commonly, the first premolars were missing followed by incisors and other premolars and molars. Tooth loss for other reasons than periodontitis and single cases of tooth agenesis has not been detected in our study. (Abnormal) tooth wear was detected only in older dogs and affected mostly canines and premolars of large breeds. Age estimation based on dental attrition should be carried out with care, because tooth wear depends on keeping conditions and feeding of the dog. Our study confirmed the high prevalence of oral diseases in dogs. Veterinarians could improve the effectiveness of treatment concentrating their diagnostic efforts on age groups and types of teeth at highest risk, as assessed in this and other reports.

: In this study, histological and macroanatomical structures of porcupine penis were examined on 3 adult male porcupines. The non-erectile position of porcupine penis was directed to caudal. There was an obvious collum penis. Glans penis with a black colour was easily distinguished from corpus penis which had a white color. There were cornified papillae covering on both the glans penis and corpus penis. Two small nail symmetrical structures were noted in connective tissue just behind of glans penis, and under the urethra of the corpus penis were distinguished. Histological examinations indicated that these structures histologically fulfilled completely to the name as the nail contained an inner and an outer layer, namely, connective tissue and keratin, respectively. Histological evaluations also showed that it is suitable to categorize the porcupines penis as vascular type. In conclusion, the anatomy of porcupine penis was initially examined in the present study. Our findings will make an important contribution to the knowledge of similar subjects.

A 9-month-old 10 kg intact male crossbred dog was admitted to The Animal Medical Centre,ChonbukNationalUniversitywith congenitally malformed right forelimb. Physical exanimation of the limb showed varus deviation of the forepaw and flexion contracture of the interphalangeal joints. The survey radiographs revealed complete absence of the radius, poor congruency of the humeroulnar joint and 90° varus deviation of the ulnocarpal joint. A preaxial longitudinal intercalary radial hemimelia was diagnosed and the dog underwent 3 surgeries for correction of the deformity. During the first surgery, olecranon osteotomy and arthrodesis of the elbow were performed. Three months later, a second surgery was done to perform carpal panarthrodesis using bone plate and screws which was unsuccessful. Two weeks after, with a third surgery carpal arthrodesis was performed using acrylic frame, the distal portion of limb was straightened and the residual deviation of the forepaw was corrected. The surgical corrections resulted in satisfactory use of the limb and a better quality of life.

A 10-week-old, 4.5 kg female Weimaraner dog was referred to theChonbukNationalUniversity, Animal Medical Centre with signs of regurgitation after weaning. The cervical oesophagus was palpable as a flaccid, air-filled cavity. The thoracic radiographs revealed oesophageal dilatation cranial to the heart and constriction at the level of third rib. A presumptive diagnosis was made as persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). A left 4th intercostal thoracotomy was performed and the definitive diagnosis was made as PRAA with left ligamentum arteriosum (LA) and an aberrant left subclavian artery (SA). The oesophagus was found dually compressed and severely necrosed. The corrective surgery comprised of transection of the LA as well as resection and anastomosis of the oesophagus, which resulted in a complete alleviation of the clinical signs.

The present study was designed to compare the efficiency of bovine embryo production for cryopreservation between oocytes collected from donors in the growth phase of follicular development (GPFD) and those recovered from donors in the undefined phase (UPFD). Cyclic cows, Czech Siemental or Holstein dairy breeds, 4-6 years of age, slaughtered at the local abbatoir were used. They were divided into two groups based on ovarian morphology: I. GPFD donors with ovaries corresponding to the growth phase of the first follicular wave (estrus cycle days 3-4; n = 52), and II. UPFD donors with ovaries in any other phase of follicular development (undefined estrus cycle days; n = 89). A total of 3 771 oocytes were collected and 1 134 embryos were prepared as two separate populations by standard protocol. In total 352 excellent or good quality embryos at the early, advanced or expanded blastocyst stage from both donor groups were pooled and used for cryotolerance assessment. They were frozen on day 7 (D7) or day 8 (D8) after fertilization by the standard procedure. After thawing, the embryos were cultured for 72 h to the hatching stage. The percentages of both D7 embryos and advanced blastocysts were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) for oocytes collected from GPFD donors than for oocytes collected from UPFD donors (33.7 vs 28.6% and 43.0 vs 29.5%, respectively). The percentages of excellent or good quality embryos obtained from both D7 embryos and fertilized oocytes were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) for oocytes collected from GPFD donors than for oocytes collected from UPFD donors (63.6 vs 49.4% and 21.4 vs 14.1%, respectively). The post-thaw survival rates were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) for D7 than D8 embryos (80.4 vs 66.3%). In relation to the developmental stage, the development and hatching rates were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) for D7 than D8 early blastocysts (75.0 vs 41.2% and 50.0 vs 5.9%, respectively) and for D7 than D8 advanced blastocysts, (73.7 vs 57.1 and 52.6 vs 28.6%, respectively). No differences were found between D7 and D8 expanded blastocysts after freezing-thawing. In conclusion, the collection of oocytes from donors in the growth phase positively influenced the in vitro production of bovine embryos for cryopreservation. The development of embryos produced with oocytes from GPFD donor group was accelerated and more excellent and good advanced blastocysts with greater cryotolerance were produced on day 7 after fertilization, as compared to embryos produced with oocytes from the UPFD donor group.

The process of leukocyte cytolysis and the manifestations of apoptosis and secondary necrosis of neutrophil granulocytes (hereafter only "neutrophils") were studied on four virgin heifers after the induction of leukocyte influx into the mammary gland and after their lavage in in vitro conditions. Phosphate buffered saline, muramyl dipeptide and a lipopolysaccharide were used for influx induction. Cytolysis and apoptosis were induced with heat stress, ultraviolet irradiation and spontaneous aging for 24 hours. The cytolysis was detected indirectly by determining the lactate dehydrogenase activity in the cultivation medium after the enzyme was released through cell lysis. The neutrophil apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry and two staining methods (i) simultaneous staining with Annexin V labelled FITC and propidium iodide and (ii) with SYTO 13. It was found that leukocytes of the mammary gland of virgin heifers undergo spontaneous aging during in vitro incubation. The fraction of lysed leukocytes rose in the course of the in vitro incubation and reached 21% up to 34% after 4 hours and 73% up to 79% after 24 hours, depending on the inductor of influx used. From among them, phosphate buffered saline resulted in the lowest incidence of cytolysis, the lipopolysaccharide in the highest incidence. The differences in the effect of influx inductors on leukocyte cytolysis became manifest during the first 4 hours of incubation in particular; the differences between inductors became insignificant after 24 hours. Heat stress, unlike ultraviolet irradiation, resulted in a significant increase in the fraction of lysed leukocytes. Ultraviolet radiation induced neutrophil apoptosis in a dominant way, while the effect of influx inducers and/or of the staining method used for flow cytometry had no effect. Heat stress also induced neutrophil apoptosis but to a lower extent than ultraviolet irradiation. Spontaneous leukocyte aging during the in vitro incubation resulted in an increasing share of apoptotic neutrophils depending on the duration of incubation. An increase in the share of necrotic neutrophils was only significant after influx induction with the lipopolysaccharide, but not after induction with buffered saline. Highly significant correlation between the percentage representation of apoptotic neutrophils and the percentage proportion of lysed leukocytes was shown, both after influx induction with phosphate buffered saline, and with the lipopolysaccharide and after both staining techniques (r = 0.767; 0.932; 0.966; 0.922). Statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the proportion of necrotic neutrophils and the share of lysed leukocytes only after influx induction with the lipopolysaccharide (r = 0.579; 0.765). After the influx induction with phosphate buffered saline and staining with Annexin V and propidium iodide, statistically significant negative correlation between the percentage share of necrotic neutrophils and the percentage of lysed leukocytes (r = -0.653) was demonstrated. Thus it means that situations can occur when the more leukocytes succumb to cytolysis, the smaller the share of necrotic neutrophils that can be detected with flow cytometry. One can state that the in vit

Rotaviruses are major cause of acute diarrhea in animals and humans which can result in huge economic losses in farm animals including pigs. We collected 195 samples of feces of diarrhoeic animals. Rotavirus was demonstrated by electron microscopy using the method of negative staining in 27 samples and by ELISA test using monoclonal antibodies to the group antigen VP6 in 44 samples. Nine samples were selected for virus isolation. Three virus isolates (P375/4, P410/4 and P646/1) were successfully adapted to growth in cell line MA-104. These isolates were allocated to group A rotaviruses based on ELISA, immunoperoxidase test and electropherotype analysis. Electropherotype analysis demonstrated changes during passage in cell line in two of the three isolates. The selected sample P543/1 proved negative in ELISA in a fecal sample. Electropherotype analysis of this sample revealed a "longer" electropherotype profile. The profile was suggestive of group C rotavirus. Rotavirus group C was confirmed by RT-PCR and by sequence analysis in this sample.

The objective of our study was to test amaranth grain or dried biomass in the diet for broiler chickens as a resource of protein replacing animal protein. Further, the effect of amaranth on broiler performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality were assessed in a feeding trial. The experimental groups of broilers were fed feed mixtures with crude amaranth grain (AC), heat processed amaranth grain (AP) or dried above-ground biomass (AB). Control groups (C) received the diet containing animal proteins. The results obtained in the experimental groups of broiler chickens can be compared to the control group in all the production indicators under investigation. On day 42 of the experiment, live weight (g) of female broilers ranged from 2 205.1 ± 152.5 (AP) to 2 254.0 ± 136.5 (C), and that of male broilers from 2 375.1 ± 233.0 (AC) to 2 506.0 ± 286.0 (C). Feed conversion ranged from 1.80 kg in control group of male broiler chickens to 1.91 kg in experimental group of male broilers (AB). Percentage yield in female broiler chickens ranged from 70.8 ± 1.74 (AB) to 72.4 ±3.34(AC) or 72.4 ± 1.98 (C), and in male broilers from 72.8 ±3.55(AP) to 75.1 ±2.44(AB). Our results showed that amaranth can fully replace meat-and-bone meals in the diets for broiler chickens.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of open reading frames 6 and 7 was applied to comparative genetic analysis of live attenuated vaccine strains (Amervac-PRRS/A3, Porcilis PRRS, Ingelvac PRRS) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), registered in the Czech Republic, six field viruses (L-588, L-1606, L-2053, L-3305, L-6558, L-6791), and three PRRSV local field isolates (CAMP V-502, CAMP V-503, VOS 2878) found in pig herds in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. The set of restriction enzymes Hae II, Alu I and BsaJ I allowed the differentiation of local field isolates, field viruses of PRRS, and vaccine strains of the European genotype from North American genotype, but could also distinguish between viruses of the same genotype. Five different RFLP patterns were obtained from twelve examined PRRS viruses by combination of the above restriction enzymes. RFLP code 1-1-1 was the most frequent digestion pattern within all PRRS field viruses (L-588, L-1606, L-2053, L-3305, L-6558, L-6791), CAMP V-502 isolate and vaccine strain Porcilis PRRS, which is suggestive of higher antigenic identity among the compared viruses. In the North American types (Ingelvac PRRS vaccine strain and VOS 2878 isolate), homogeneity in restriction patterns (code 2-x-4) was recorded. These studies indicate that PCR-based RFLP analysis of ORF6 and ORF7 of genes might be a suitable tool in epidemiological studies of PRRSV, similarly to the studies based on genetic analysis of ORF5 gene.

The pharmacokinetics of lidocaine deals with the measurement of lidocaine concentration in the blood and its changes over time. The toxicity of lidocaine is a function of its peak plasma concentration, which in turn depends on several factors including total dose and rates of systemic absorption and elimination. The aim of the study was to assess serum levels of lidocaine after a single shot epidural injection in dogs seen in daily practice. The study included nine dogs undergoing different types of surgery. The animals were anesthetized with a combination of diazepam and ketamine; then lidocaine was injected epidurally. Blood samples for measurement of serum lidocaine concentration were obtained before and at 10, 30, 60 and 120 min after single injection. Basic vital parameters of heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure and hemoglobin saturation were recorded before induction of general anesthesia (T₁), immediately after intubation (T₂), and then at 10, 30, 60 and 120 min of epidural lidocaine administration. Study results indicated that serum lidocaine concentration did not reach the levels of potential toxicity in dogs upon epidural injection of 4 mg/kg lidocaine at a concentration of 2% and there were no significant alterations in basic vital parameters.

The aim of this study is to reveal the morphology of the lyssa in the cat and dog. Eight heads of adult healthy cats and eight heads of dogs of both sexes were used as materials. In the cat the lyssa, yellow coloured, had a helical appearance and its edge facing the oral cavity became sharp; in the dog the lyssa, pinkish white coloured, was more or less J-shaped. The whole body of the cat's lyssa was buried among the intrinsic lingual muscles. In the dog, although aboral, two thirds of the lyssa were squeezed among the intrinsic lingual muscles, its cranial third was placed just under the mucosa to protrude slightly into the oral cavity. In both species, the whole body of the lyssa was determined to have been formed by the nearly adipose tissue in which occasional striated muscles existed. Moreover, in the middle third of the dog's lyssa, dense striated muscle fibres were seen dorsally to the adipose tissue, and we also noticed with interest that the lyssa sheath embracing this part contained few muscle spindle-like structures. It was of interest that in the cat a pyramidal rod encircled by a fine capsule of connective tissue was attached to the ventral edge of the cranial third of the lyssa.

An outbreak of tuberculosis among bovines and pigs caused by Mycobacterium caprae is described in this paper. After tuberculin skin tests with bovine purified protein derivates (PPD) six cattle and one sow, own by a small family farm, tested positive whilst three pigs were suspected in 2004. All animals were euthanised and checked for gross pathological lesions. Generalised lesions were found in five cattle and two sows; however one calf and two gilts had lesions that were localised in the submandibular lymph nodes. Mycobacteria were isolated from tissue samples of six cattle and four pigs. Mycobacterial isolates were identified using classical biochemical tests and molecular methods (PCR, GenoType MTBC) as M. caprae. Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit (MIRU) typing of isolated mycobacteria showed an identical number of repeats in 12 different loci. Results of the research confirmed the domination of M. caprae among infected cattle in Croatia; however this paper was the first to confirm a case of M. caprae in pigs. The source of the infection was not found.

In identifying perceptions and attitudes relevant to consumer acceptance of goods originating in different countries, it would be extremely helpful for marketers to have a meaningful and consistent measure that they could apply. This study examines to what extent consumer ethnocentrism as measured by the CETSCALE singularly, as well as in concert with selected demographic and psycho-graphic variables, can predict consumers' evaluation of domestic versus foreign produce. The findings indicate that consumer ethnocentrism is a strong and significant predictor of consumer product evaluations. Including the ethnocentrism variable in a set of demographic and psycho-graphic variables significantly improves the predictive ability of the set. Potential applications of the concept include identification of market segments that react more favourably to domestic or foreign produce, developing effective marketing communication strategies, and supporting location decisions for retail outlet sites.

The paper presents some partial data obtained in studies on basic indicators of the development of Czech agriculture within the time interval of 1980-2001. The statistical analysis, carried out within a spatially defined territory, enabled to compare the average level and variability of gross plant production, gross animal production and gross agricultural production (in fixed prices of the year 1989) during the period of transformation of the centrally planned economy to free market economy on the one hand, and to quantify their dynamics and structure on the other. Using the method of time series, the authors analyse absolute and relative changes in production and sale of the selected plant and animal commodities in the period of 1990-2001.

Using the Ames bacterial mutagenicity test and an in vivo micronucleus test, we investigated the antigenotoxic effect of ellagic acid on the genotoxicity of three mutagens: amino-methylimidazo-quinoline (IQ), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and N-nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU). Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound which is found in a variety of soft fruits and vegetables. The effect of this compound on the immunosuppressive activity of mutagens was followed in vivo by the chemiluminescence test. In the Ames assay, ellagic acid at concentrations of 300 and 30 μg/plate demonstrably inhibits the mutagenic activity of two indirect mutagens: IQ and AFB1. The concentration of 300 μg/plate had the strongest effect on mutagenicity of all concentrations of IQ in strain TA98 of Salmonella typhimurium, whereas in strain TA100 concentration of 30 μg per dish of ellagic acid was more effective than 300 μg per plate. Also in combination with different concentrations of AFB1, ellagic acid proved to be a strong antimutagen. In this case the lower of the two effective concentrations - 30 μg/plate - had a much greater antimutagenic effect on both strains tested than 300 μg/plate. In combination with the direct mutagen MNU, ellagic acid did not show any marked antimutagenic effect at most of the concentrations tested in strain TA100. Only the highest concentrations of ellagic acid reduced the mutagenic effect of MNU weakly and only in combination with two lower concentrations of MNU. In the micronucleus test, three-day oral application of ellagic acid prior to the applicaton of AFB1, IQ, or MNU, respectively, markedly reduced the numbers of micronuclei induced by these three mutagens in polychromatophilic erythrocytes of mice. Chemiluminescence test with mouse granulocytes proved that ellagic acid not only prevents the inhibitory effects of mutagens on free oxygen radicals and hydrogen peroxide production, but that this production is stimulated by ellagic acid in combination with mutagens even to a greater extent than by ellagic acid alone. From these results we can deduce that ellagic acid repairs strong immunosuppressive effects of all mutagens applied.

Phenolic compounds were extracted with 80% methanol from caryopses and embryos of rye (cv. Dańkowskie Złote and Amilo). In all extracts, reducing power, scavenging effect on DPPH radical, and antioxidant activity in a β-carotene-linoleate model system were examined. The highest content of total phenolic compounds was noted in the extract from caryopses of Amilo (7.93 mg/g of extract). UV spectra of all extracts were characterised by maxima originated from phenolic acids (320, 326 and 328 nm), and by maxima at shorter wavelengths (272 and 274 nm) attributed to other phenolic compounds. All extracts showed a good antioxidant activity in a β-carotene-linoleate model system. This activity was similar to that reported before in leguminous seeds extracts. The antioxidant activities of the extracts from the caryopses of Dańkowskie Złote and the embryos of both cultivars were very similar, especially during the second part of the incubation period. The extract of Amilo embryos showed a slightly weaker antioxidative effect. The weak antiradical effects in the experiments with DPPH radical and a weak reducing power were characteristic for all the extracts investigated.

The antioxidative properties of aqueous plant extracts were evaluated using common methods such as the Rancimat and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method. Moreover, a voltammetric procedure based on the protective effect of antioxidants against the oxidative DNA damage was employed using a disposable DNA biosensor fabricated as a screen-printed electrode chemically modified by calf thymus double stranded (ds) DNA. The total polyphenols were also determined spectrophotometrically with the Folin-Ciocalteu agent. The extracts of oregano and lemon balm exhibited significantly higher activity than those of thyme and agrimony. The results were treated statistically and their operational character is discussed.

The main purpose of the contribution presented here is the study of the glassy state and the presence of crystals in hard candies. Hard candies are non-chocolate sweets usually made of sucrose and glucose or of maltose syrup. They can also be made of alditols, used in sugar-free hard candies. In hard candies, carbohydrates or alditols are in amorphous state. Crystallisation in the glassy state of hard candies occurs as a result of a bad formulation, processing or storage and can be detrimental to the product quality. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the glass transition temperature T_g and the amount of crystals. Polarising microscopy was used to show the undesirable presence of crystals in samples of hard candies. The carbohydrates composition of the samples was determined by HPLC and the moisture content in each sample was evaluated by Karl Fisher method.

Using genealogical analysis, the genetic diversity in winter wheat cultivars registered and grown in the formerCzechoslovakia and the presentCzech Republic during 1919-2001 was studied. The strong increase of the diversity level since the 1970-s is based on the wide use in breeding programs of foreign materials, most of which originated in countries of Western, Central andEastern Europe. Simultaneously a genetic erosion in the released cultivars occurred; from the 1930-s to the 1970-s, a significant number of original local ancestors was lost. The modern cultivars listed in the Czech National List of Varieties in 2000-2001 can be distinguished into clusters. The overwhelming majority of cultivars belong to two clusters of similar extent. In one of them the ancestors fromWestern Europe can be found, while in the second cluster ancestors fromEastern Europe dominate, mainly through cvs. Mironovskaya 808 and Bezostaya 1. An index of similarity of modern cultivars grown in theCzech Republic is approximately equal to the average between half- and quarter-sibs. Consequently, it can be concluded that the genetic diversity in winter wheat cultivars presently grown in theCzech Republic has increased in the last decades and is considered as acceptable.

Forty two peach-nectarine (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch.) varieties (i.e Spring Time, Precocissima Morettini, Southhaven, Halehaven, Blazing Gold, Cardinal, Gialla Precoce Morettini, Dixired, Fertilia Morettini, Golden Jubilee, Coronet, Red Haven, Red Globe, Cotonia Massima, Morettini 5/14, Peach of Station, Alexander, Early Elberta, Elberta of Middle Season, Beauty of Georgia, J.H. Hale, Late Elberta, Gold Drest, Morettini No. 1, Jerseyland, Desert Gold, Red Cup, Spring Crest, Loring, June Gold, Merril Gem Free, Early Red, Red Skin, Merril Fortyminer, Roubidoux, Fantasia, Sunhaven, Flavour Top, Merril Franciscan, Blake, Fairtime, Fayette) were studied for 12-18 years in three experimental orchards of Peripheral Agricultural Research Station of Rhodes (PARSR). Their degree of adaptation to the soil and climatic conditions of PARSR was evaluated in terms of yield per tree, time of bloom, time of fruit ripening, fruit quality etc. These results have been compared with related experimental data recorded at the Pomology Institute (PI) at Naoussa. The results indicate that: many peach-nectarine varieties with quite high chilling requirements (Loring, Blake) gave satisfactory yield in PARSR, where the mean average of temperatures below 7°C over one decade was found to be 147 hours (range 52-226). Some peach-nectarine varieties in experimental orchards of PARSR ripened more than ten days earlier (Desert Gold, Early Red, Peach of Station, Loring, Merril Gem Free), of others at about the same time (Coronet, Cotonia Massima, Red Skin, Fertilia Morettini, Red Globe) and at others on a later date (Merril Fortyminer, Early Elberta, J.H. Hale, Cardinal, Southhaven) than they would ripen in northern Greece (PI). Similar differences were also found for the time of blooming.

The effect of infection with Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and Prune dwarf virus (PDV) on vegetative and reproductive growth of sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium L.) was investigated. Infected trees were smaller and the growth reduction was more severe in Lapins than in Sam; when trees were infected in the nursery (early) compared to an infection two years later in the orchard; and when trees were grafted on the dwarfing Inmil rootstock compared to the more vigorous Damil. Tree mortality after establishment in the orchard was not a problem and only one virus infected tree died during the 5-year observation period. Reduced vigour was accompanied by increased blind wood formation. While the infected trees had a higher generative spur density the total number of generative spurs per tree was less than in the virus free controls, thus reducing yield. In addition the germination of pollen from infected trees was reduced. In general PNRSV has little or no significant influence on vegetative or reproductive behaviour, while PDV significantly reduced both characteristics. The combined infection had dramatic effects, especially on the dwarfing Inmil rootstock with the susceptible cv. Lapins. After four years in the orchard 10% of the initially virus free trees were infected by PDV and 48% by PNRSV.

Czech collections of Cucumis spp. genetic resources includes 895 accessions ofcultivated C. sativus and C. melo species and 89 accessions of wild species. Knowledge of their morphological and biological features and a correct taxonomical ranging serve a base for successful use of germplasm in modern breeding. List of morphological descriptors consists of 65 descriptors and 20 of them are elucidated by figures. It provides a tool for Cucumis species determination and characterization and for a discrimination of an infraspecific variation. Obtained data can be used for description of genetic resources and also for research purposes.

The paper deals with problems of thinnings in a mixed stand (spruce-fir-beech) situated in the sixth altitudinal forest zone. Three of the five investigated plots were tended by free crown thinning for a long time, and two were left without any planned silvicultural treatments as control. Dynamic changes in tree species composition, stand structure, qualitative and quantitative production were evaluated for a period of 30 years. The changes were compared with respect to differences between the plot with long-term silvicultural treatments and the control plots (without treatments).