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Avian tuberculosis was diagnosed histopathologically and microbiologically in two pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and two peafowl (Pavo cristatus) kept in the same aviary. The incidence of avian tuberculosis in the aviary was 6%. Non-mineralized caseogranulomas were present in the liver (3 cases), spleen (3 cases), intestine (2 cases), lung (2 cases), and cloaca (1 case). Granulomas in the lung were present only in peafowl. The presence of granulomas in the lung of both infected peafowl suggests that peafowl were exposed to the agent via the respiratory route rather than the alimentary route. Histopathologic findings were typical of avian tuberculosis, including acid fast bacilli and centrally located caseo-necrosis surrounded by epitheloid macrophages, lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium was isolated from tissue samples of all infected birds.

The main obstacle in assessing the financial impact of foot-and-mouth disease inTurkeyis unavailability of reliable data. Considering this issue, this study aimed at using a Delphi Expert Opinion Survey (DEOS) method to obtain data required for economic analysis of FMD inTurkey. This study concluded that although there were problems in obtaining some information from the experts, in general theDelphitechnique is a promising way of obtaining animal health data, which is otherwise missing and/or not regularly recorded in developing countries.

Two to three weeks old 3 male indigenous Korean calves weighing 35-40 kg were referred to the Animal Medical Centre,ChonbukNationalUniversitywith signs of urine scalding on the ventral perineum. Physical examination in all 3 cases revealed aplasia of the penis along with an undescended testis, bifid scrotum and ventrally incomplete sheath. In case 1, the urethra opened cranially to the bifid scrotum, whereas in case 2 and 3, the urethra opened at the ventral perineum. The diagnosis was made as hypospadias, along with penile aplasia and unilateral cryptorchidism. With an exploratory laparotomy, the abdominal testis was removed. The scrotal testis was also castrated and scrotal ablation was performed. In case 1, prescrotal urethrostomy and in case 2 and 3, perineal urethrostomy was performed. Two weeks after surgical correction, the caves appeared to be urinating normally.

Dogs from two locations in West Slovakiasuspected to have dirofilariosis were tested with the help of microfilariae detection, histochemical identification of microfilaria species and Dirofilaria immitis specific antigen detection in the blood serum. Six out of the group of 15 dogs from Bratislava region were found positive with Dirofilaria repens microfilariae. In the second location situated farther to the south, near Komarno, 6 out of 7 dogs were found positive with D. repens microfilariae and 2 with D. immitis. Serological detection of D. immitis antigen was positive in 3 cases among the dogs from this region, 2 of which were found positive with D. immitis microfilariae simultaneously with D. repens. The infection was asymptomatic in all of the dogs included in the trial.

In this report, a case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma involving skin, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and mediastinal lymph node was described. Microscopically, the tumor classified as storiform-pleomorphic type malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Phenolic compounds were extracted from rye caryopses with 80% (v/v) methanol. Phenolic acids were determined as free compounds and those liberated from soluble esters and glycosides. The analyses were performed using a Waters HPLC system equipped with a diode array detector (DAD). The following free phenolic acids were found: p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic; the phenolic acids liberated from soluble esters were as follows: vanillic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic; and those liberated from soluble glycosides were the following: vanillic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic. In rye caryopses, phenolic acids were chiefly in the form of soluble esters. A diode array detector was especially useful for the determination of vanillic acid: the UV spectrum of this compound showed a maximum at 260 nm whereas UV spectra of other phenolic acids were characterised by maxima at longer wavelengths.

Commercial defatted soy flour (DSF) was dispersed in distilled water at pH 7 to prepare 5% aqueous dispersion. Soy protein hydrolysates (SPH) were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of the DSF using three different proteases (Flavourzyme 1000 L, No-vozym FM 2.0 L and Alcalase 2.4 L FG). The highest degree of hydrolysis (DH 39.5) was observed in the presence of protease Flavourzyme. SPH were used for measuring functional properties (foaming stability, gelation). Treatment with Flavourzyme improved foaming of proteins of DSF. Foaming stability was low in the presence of Novozym. Proteases treated DSF showed good gelation properties, mainly in the case of treatment with Flavourzyme. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that after enzyme ad-dition to the 5% aqueous dispersion of DSF each enzyme degraded both b-conglycinin and glycinin. In general, the basic polypeptide from glycinin showed the highest resistance to proteolytic activity. The most abundant free amino acids in the hydrolysates were histidine (30%), leucine (24%) and tyrosine (19%) in the case of the treatment with proteases Alcalase and Novozym, and arginine (22.1%), leucine (10.6%) and phenylalanine (12.9%) in the case of the treatment with Flavourzyme.

The purpose of this study was to compare the composition and contents of phenolic acids and condensed tannin in the seed coats of white and coloured varieties of pea and to examine the antioxidant properties of methanol and acetone extracts containing these phenolic compounds. The contents of phenolic acids were quantified by the HPLC analysis. The sum of free phenolic acids, those liberated from soluble esters and those liberated from soluble glycosides, was higher for coloured seed coat (78.53 g per g dry matter) than for the white seed coat (17.17 g/g dry matter). Protocatechuic, gentisic and vanillic acids were found dominant in the coloured seed coat, while ferulic and coumaric acids in the white seed coat. The content of condensed tannins was 1560 mg of catechin equivalent/100 g of coloured seed coat as determined by a vanillin assay. No condensed tannins were detected in the white seed coat. The antioxidant activity of extracts was measured by the oxidation of phosphatidylcholine to hydroxyperoxidephosphatidyl choline in the liposome system. Strong antioxidant properties were observed in a crude tannin extract from the coloured seed coat. These properties were slightly changed after the seed coat was cooked in water for 30, 60 and 90 min.

: In the Czech Republic, there is still a predominance of obsolete apple orchards that were established more than 15 years ago and that are not profitable under contemporary conditions. Typical features of these orchards are low or medium tree densities, freely growing semi-standard trees or hedgerows on semi-dwarf, or sometimes also on vigorous, rootstocks. The farmers are not always in a position to completely renovate them, and therefore they are interested in their topworking. The present paper studied the effectiveness of this measure under the current economic and market conditions of this country, using 3 types of orchards with different spacings and rootstocks and 5 groups of tree densities. Four cultivars were chosen as examples of different starting statuses for the modelling of subsequent development in three time horizons and for the prediction of profitability of this treatment. The profitability is based on an increase in farmer prices for cultivars that are presently recommended for replacement of the older ones according to the recent development of these prices on the fresh market. In the case of topworking for Spartan cv., an economic return of the measure can be expected at the earliest after 8 years of running the treated orchard. The greatest increase in profit can be achieved in orchards on the rootstock M 9. Nevertheless, with the decline of tree numbers in the orchard, or with the increase in tree losses, the general economic effectiveness of topworking notably falls. In the case of trees on the rootstock MM 106, this measure can have an economic effect only if at least 80% of the trees is in a good health state and it is presumed that the orchard will be used for another 10 years at least. A list of recommended cultivars to be used for replacement of the old ones is given.

The growth, survival, damage and provenance × environment interactions of 30 provenances of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) from Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, were analyzed at the age of 26 years. Significant effects of altitude and site quality but no geographic trends were dectected in the series of 5 provenance plots. Correlation of growth and survival appeared to be insignificant at individual plots and their series. The highest differentiation among provenances was revealed on the plots at the minimum and maximum altitudes (350 and 950 m). Several Slovak (Western-Carpathian) provenances proved to grow significantly better than the average at nearly all plots, and also exhibited insignificant provenance × site interaction. Indigenous provenances from the southern part of the Western Carpathians showed higher adaptability to sites in lower altitudes with longer vegetation but seasonal water deficiency.

Daily courses of the actual transpiration of a forest stand were determined by an experimentally verified mathematical Soil - Vegetation - Atmosphere Transfer model. The results refer to the Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) monoculture situated in the highest locations of the Beskids Mts. Drought-free transpiration was estimated as a model simulation run for nonlimiting soil moisture exceeding the level of decreased availability of water. Drought-induced reduction in transpiration was quantified as a difference between actual transpiration and simulated transpiration for moist soil. The results led to conclusions that dry soil causes a significant reduction in actual evapotranspiration and its components in comparison with moist soil. Simultaneously, the effect of soil desiccation was compensated by extremely high evaporative demands of the atmosphere, so that the daily totals of evapotranspiration and its components remained sufficiently high. The high values of global radiation and saturation deficit in the air favourably influenced the water regime of the analysed forest stand in the dry period.

Fulfilling the wood-producing function of forests can be understood as a removal of wood mass by logging operations from the forest environment usually for the purpose of its commercial use. The activity can be implemented in all stages of forest development. Positive economic effects are usually expected. Management in specially protected areas requires to concentrate on the preferential fulfi lment of protection objectives in affecting the forest ecosystem. In this context, the use of the wood-producing function of forests is often comprehended as controversial. But it has been proved that the maintenance of the forest condition corresponding to the ideas of fulfi lment of protection objectives requires differentiated management, application of silvicultural as well as logging measures, viz. even in 'measure-free' zones. Many strategies of management for specially protected regions have been formulated, however, evaluation or quantifi cation of risks of the activity from the aspect of danger and fulfi lling the objective of protection is missing. The paper deals with this problem, plans the methodology of evaluation and quantifi cation of risks of using the wood-producing function of forests in specially protected areas with a special statute of protection - areas falling under the NATURA 2000 directive. The quantifi cation of risks and specifi cation of the limiting values for evaluation of various technologies were studied by an expert method in 2000-2001 in eleven small-scale and large-scale protected areas in the Czech Republic.

The excitable properties of conifer protoplasm consist of nitric oxide (NO) bursts that prime and prepare chemical messengers for the transmission of stressful environmental signals. NO in somatic and reproductive cells is produced in response to mechanical forces, gravity, wounding, changes in nutrition, hypoxia, drought, salinity, temperature shock, pollutants, and pathogen attack. NO arises primarily from nitrite via nitrite:nitric oxide reductase and nitrate reductase. It also arises from arginine N and oxygen via putative nitric oxide synthase activity. NO rapidly reacts with, oxygen species, hemes, thiols, and proteins to produce biochemical signals that directly and indirectly regulate enzymatic activity. The effects of NO depend on its location and concentration. Beneficial reactions counteract oxidative and nitrosative stresses, while damaging reactions, due to high levels of NO, cause oxidative and nitrosative damage, and cell death. NO contributes to structural and functional adaptive plasticity, and to the habituation of trees to their sites. The use of NO donors and traps, and enzyme inhibitors offers a new experimental approach and countermeasures to control stress signals throughout conifer life histories.

Plantations of Serbian spruce (Picea omorika [Panč.] Purkyně) reach an age over 70 years at the Masaryk Forest Training Forest Enterprise (TFE) at Křtiny. They occur at different sites of the TFE, which is situated north of Brno between Blansko, Jedovnice and Brno in the Czech Republic. The paper presents an assessment of primary mensurational values (diameter at breast height d.b.h., height h, Derbholz volume m³), fertility, mortality and general health condition. The present registered number of Serbian spruce trees is 425 (from originally 750 individuals) in 25 localities and 12 GFT (groups of forest types). A comparison of Serbian spruce mensurational data with growth tables indicated that Serbian spruce on GFT 4K makes up for the tabular mean values of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) in yield class +1.

Habitat characteristics of 43 capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) leks were studied in the mountains of Central Slovakia (West Carpathians) in 1984-2002. Macro-habitat was described with respect to topography and succession stage. Micro-habitat was described with respect to forest type and forest stand structure. Twenty-seven out of forty-three display grounds were situated in the upper half of the lateral ridges. Sixteen leks were located on hills of the lateral ridges (slope < 10%). All the leks were situated in old succession stages of the forest (80-200 years old). Twenty-seven display grounds were located in natural forests, sixteen leks were situated in man-managed stands more than 80 years old. Leks were situated in a variety of forest types with overstorey tree-density between 400-1,050 stems per ha. Distribution of leks was limited above all by macro-habitat characteristics (elevated sites, old stands). Age-space structure seemed to be a significant micro-habitat feature (preference of multi-layered stands).

The purpose of this study was to analyse increment cores from spruce growing in the Ore Mountains, Jizerské Mountains, and Giant Mountains, to evaluate the relationship between tree growth, climatic factors, and air pollution load. The sites from which sample cores were extracted were localised along an altitudinal gradient. Analytical methods included single pointer year analysis and simple linear regression. An unambiguous relationship between negative pointer years and climatic extremes was detected for growth increments prior to 1977. After 1977, minimum increment values also reflected the gradient of air pollution levels. In the eastern part of the Ore Mountains, an increased sensitivity of spruce to low temperatures and temperature breaks was evident. The dominant role of temperature during the winter period was confirmed by the results of correlation analysis. From this, I have concluded (indirectly) a long-term deleterious impact of sulphur dioxide, resulting in lower frost resistance of the spruce trees. Recent increment development suggested that the stands in the Giant Mountains overcame the critical period at the end of the 1980's, and regenerated well. By contrast, the ecological stability of the Ore Mountain forests was disturbed due to chronic stress, and the existence of the stands is threatened.

Many studies have demonstrated the capacity of non-pathogenic strains of F. oxysporum to control Fusarium diseases.These non-pathogenic strains show several modes of action contributing to their biocontrol capacity. They are able tocompete for nutrients in the soil, affecting the rate of chlamydospore germination and the saprophytic growth of thepathogen, diminishing the probability for the pathogen to reach the root surface. They are competing with the pathogenat the root surface for colonization of infection sites, and inside the root where they induce plant defence reactions. Bytriggering the defence reactions, they induce systemic resistance of the plant. Depending on the strain, and on the plantspecies, these mechanisms are more or less important, leading to a more or less efficient biocontrol efficacy.

Prunus species are prone to infections by a range of pathogens (LAIMER 2002). Stone fruit plantations are mainly affected by Plum pox virus (PPV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and European Stone Fruit Yellows phytoplasma (ESFY). The production of elite plants of pathogen-free stone fruit cultivars includes the application of effective methods for the detection and elimination of the major stone fruit tree viruses and phytoplasmas. The method of micropropagation offers a quick possibility for breeders to introduce new cultivars into the production. Virus testing by molecular techniques of in vitro plants requires only tiny samples and reduces the danger of false negatives. First results of the virus testing originated from in vitro peach cultivars are presented.

The task of applied research is not only to acquire new knowledge, through which it contributes to the development of economy, to the consumer protection or to the training of qualified experts. For state-supported veterinary research, this means striving to protect people's health against diseases transmitted from animals, food-born diseases, contamination of feed and foodstuffs by toxic xenobiotics, a reduction in food quality through the use of low-grade raw materials and an adverse effect of environmental pollution. The territory of the state must be protected against the infectious diseases and animals against the negative effects of environment and technologies which often strive irresponsibly for the highest profits without regard for the consequences. The contributions of the Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, and other Czech research facilities to increasing knowledge on cattle health and reproduction are documented by the list of 105 references of papers published in peer reviewed journals since 1992. This article is available on http://www.vri.cz/vetmed.asp and the reprints of cited references can be requested by e-mail to <vri@vri.cz>

The testosterone production by Leydig cells of mice adversely affected with nutritional or social factors and exposed to chronic stress was studied in vitro. Both basal and gonadotrophin stimulated testosterone production were highly significantly decreased (P < 0.01) as in groups given the hypothyreotics or potassium nitrate alone as in combination with stress. Stimulated in vitro testosterone production was not significantly changed in groups fed with synthetic diets, however, in mice given modified diets and exposed to stress decreased responsivity of Leydig cells stimulated by gonadotrophin was found. Basal and stimulated testosterone production in vitro in most of gonadotrophin concentrations was non-significantly lower in mice affected only by stress when compared with undisturbed controls. In isolated male mice the basal testosterone production was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased and gonadotrophin stimulated production highly significantly (P < 0.01) decreased when compared with group caged males. The testosterone production was most severely suppressed in aggressive individuals. Serum testosterone levels were detected in all animals, corticosterone, T3and T4 in selected groups of mice. We can conclude that the testosterone production was adversely affected by nutritional factors, and the impact was more profound when exerted together with chronic stress. The adverse effect of individual caging of male mice was also proved.

Spoligotyping was used to examine IS6110-positive DNA of 26 Mycobacterium bovis, M. bovis BCG and M. bovis subsp. caprae non-viable isolates stored up to 10 years. All of these isolates were previously identified by biochemical tests and all 17/17 tested isolates were earlier found virulent for guinea pigs. In total seven spoligotypes, designated S1-S7, were detected and compared with the spoligotypes of 3 176 isolates in the database of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in Bilthoven, the Netherlands. A Neotype M. bovis strain, isolated in 1965 in the USA and thereafter stored in The Czechoslovak National Collection of Type Cultures (My 310/87) since 1987 was of an identical spoligotype S4 with the original reference M. bovis strain from the USA. The M. bovis isolates from capybara's (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) imported from Germany to the Czech Republic in 1989, as well as cattle isolates from 1966, 1991 and 1994, were of the most common type S1. Also a human isolate from 1981, a M. bovis BCG vaccine strain and clinical M. bovis BCG isolates from three children with post-vaccinal complications were of this most predominant spoligotype. The four unique spoligotypes S2, S3, S5 and S6 were identified in M. bovis isolates from cattle in the years 1965, 1996 and 1967 in the CzechRepublic, respectively, but also in isolates from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) from 1991 and in cattle isolates from Slovakia from the year 1992. The scarcely occurring spoligotype S7, which is typical for M. b. caprae was detected in the Czech Republic from farmed red deer (1999), cattle isolates (1966, 1991, 1995) and in a strain isolated from an 80-year-old man (1999). Several strains isolated in each of three outbreaks in cattle herds were examined. Identical spoligotypes were detected in two outbreaks and different causal agents (M. bovis of spoligotype S1 and M. b. caprae of spoligotype S7) were identified in two cows from the third outbreak. The results confirm an effective control of bovine tuberculosis in the CzechRepublic and Slovakia during 1959-1968, because previously circulating spoligotypes were successfully eradicated. The data also suggest other reservoirs of bovine tuberculosis may exist among free-living wild animals.

The objective of the study was to determine psychrotrophic bacteria counts (PBC) and total bacterial counts (TBC) in bulk milk samples collected during a longer period (1999 to 2000). Two sets of samples were analysed. Set 1, including samples collected in three herds, was analysed by the Central Laboratory at České Budějovice. TBC was determined using the apparatus Bactoscan, and PBC by culture according to IDF standards. Relative index pi expressing the PBC/TBC ratio was calculated for each sample. The value of pi for Set 1 was 0.09, ranging in herds included in this set from 0.05 to 0.20. The correlation between PBC and TBC was highly significant (r = 0.69; P < 0.01). Correlation coefficients for the individual herds ranged from 0.32 to 0.81. The correlation was highly significant (P < 0.01) in two herds, and significant (P < 0.05) in one herd. Microbiological milk quality is markedly influenced by housing and milking technologies. Another objective of this study was therefore to compare the microbiological quality of milk produced by cows housed in loose boxes and milked in parlours with that produced by cows housed in stanchion barns and milked with pipeline milking machines (Set 2). Bulk milk samples were collected and transported by standard methods and TBC and PBC were determined by culture on GTK agar supplemented with dried inhibitor-free milk according to the IDF standards. The results have confirmed favourable effects of milking in parlours on milk quality expressed in terms of counts of both technologically relevant groups of bacteria. The difference in TBC and PBC between the two milking technologies was significant (P < 0.05). Relative index for the milk obtained in milking parlours was pi= 0.18 and that for the milk from pipeline milking machines pi = 0.23. Correlation coefficients for PBC and TBC were almost identical (r = 0.92; r = 0.93; both P < 0.01).

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an endemic disease in most countries of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Within the Asian Region, countries can be classified into three categories, on the basis of incidence and distribution of the disease; these are respectively countries where the disease is endemic or sporadic, clinically suspected but not confirmed, or free. Economic losses due to HS are not only confined to losses to the animal industry, but also rice production on account of its high prevalence among draught animals used in rice fields. Only a few attempts have been made to estimate economic losses, the methodologies used in different countries have varied, and many are not based on active surveillance, and a consideration of all components of direct and indirect losses. Most Asian countries rank HS as the most important contagious disease or the most important bacterial disease in cattle and buffaloes. Resource allocation for prevention and control of HS nationally or internationally will evidently depend on a correct estimate of its economic impact. The key factors in prevention and control would be timely and correct reporting, accurate and rapid diagnosis, strategic use of vaccines with the attainment of a high coverage where necessary with a high quality vaccine. National level activities geared towards attainment of these objectives may be with advantage supported and strengthened by international organisations involved in animal health. The present paper attempts to review aspects related to the epidemiology, control and containment of HS in Asia and, proposes some key issues on which a regional programme for HS control in this continent should be centred.

In the present paper the effect of postnatal undernutrition on feeding behaviour has been evaluated in mature female Wistar rats subjected to food restriction a) during the suckling period, i. e. up to day 15 (SR), b) during the weaning period from day 15 to 30 (WR), c) throughout 30 days post partum (SWR) and d) during adulthood, i.e. from day 60-75 of life (AR). In comparison with the ad libitum fed controls (C), the lactating mothers and the pups of the food-restricted groups were allowed free access to food for only two hours daily. In experimental groups this restriction was then changed to an ad libitum regime. On day 90 food intake was evalu-ated daily in five 20 min lasting sessions after 23 h of fasting in group-housed and single-housed rats exposed to their home as well as to their experimental environment. The significantly decreased body weight found on day 30 and 90 in females coming from litters of restrictedly fed mothers, as compared with those fed ad libitum, showed that these animals were considerably undernourished. Appetitive motivation increased in those groups of females that had been exposed to a restricted feeding regime during their infant period but remained unaffected in females restrictedly fed during their adult age. In comparison with the ad libitum fed controls and AR groups, significantly increased mean food intake was observed in all postnatally underfed groups (P < 0.001). The greatest inclination to hyperphagia and qualitative changes in feeding behaviour were observed in SWR females whose feeding regime was restricted for the longest time, i. e. during the suckling and the weaning period, as compared to groups with shorter food restriction. These animals showed hyperphagia even in the new environment regardless whether the whole group or only one female was tested. Our results reveal a) a determinant influence of the feeding regime of the animals at early age (41%) while environmental and social factors represent only about 17% and 4%, respectively and that b) changes in feeding habits in adult female rats may significantly depend on the length of postnatal undernutrition.

The contemporary Czech countryside underwent an important change during the last ten years. The political, economic and social system of agriculture and rural areas went through a basic transition. We can say that the transformation of agriculture after 1989 is one of the principal milestones of rural development, as for example the agrarian crisis in the end of the 19th century, the land reform in 1919 and the collectivisation in 1949. The processes of restitution and privatisation changed the ownership structure of land and property. The share of rural population employed in agriculture decreased. Unemployment grew, offer of work opportunities and possibilities decreased in turn. Social, civic and religious life regenerated. There are many new organizations and institutions, open borders cause positive as well as negative events. The Czech countryside comes near to European rural areas in many aspects. However, there is a considerable differentiation of approach to one's own future. Some social groups of rural population were strongly affected by the transformation, especially people with low qualification, poor health, socially handicapped, less adaptable, and incapable of retraining. On the other hand, for other social groups opened so interesting options of employment or enterprise which were not even thinkable of before 1989. The standard of living, life style and attitudes of rural inhabitants differentiate. Results of a nation-wide research, "Trends of Social Change in Agriculture and Rural Areas", predicate main changes in the economic and social spheres. Detailed knowledge of economic and social processes of the Czech countryside is necessary for co-operation within the framework of the European Union.

The society has deepened its reflection on the future of the Czech countryside - not only in connection with the multi-functional agriculture but mainly with regard to the actor of service. It seems that this reflection went relatively far especially in the tourism industry where an understanding of a need for complex legislation defining the tourism industry as a long-term interest of the whole society (especially in connection with regional development) was reached. Since in the Czech countryside, national heritage monuments constitute both the key attraction and the axis of the inhabitant structure, tertiarization of the countryside cannot take place without strengthening of the revival strategies with regard to the national heritage monuments. However, among the heritage protectors themselves, no reflection in this sense has yet taken place.

This study deals with the founding and development of agrarian political parties and movements in selected postcommunist states (with the emphasis put on the Czech party system in the early 1990's). The topic is discussed from the point of view of classic political science theories, namely the historical conflict approach of Stein Rokkan and Seymour Martin Lipset, complemented with Derek Urwin's theory regarding emergence of agrarian parties as a means of defense of country against urbanization. The results of research into the urban - rural cleavage and its influence on the genesis of agrarian political parties in selected post-communist countries after 1989 seem to support the above mentioned theories (even though those were originally formulated for a much earlier period when the Western party systems were first coming into existence. These can be applied also to the Czech environment, where several profession-based political parties were established in the early 1990's, some of which were concerned with the defense of peasants' and farmers' interests. The attempts to create profession-based parties in the Czech political system were destined to fail for several reasons. The first was a striking ideological profiling of the bipolar party spectrum, causing general parties to pick up the themes and voters concerned with economic recession, and radicalization of electorate. The second reason lied in the diminishing numbers of potential voters, a result of agriculture modernization and general urbanization of society, which caused that the city-country conflict was reflected in the election results only marginally. The result was similar to other post-Soviet states, with a specific exception of Poland: agrarian parties and movements lost their former influence.

Precise categorisation and permanent and completed evidence of agricultural land are necessary for rational utilisation of land fund in Slovakia. Current complex evaluation information system is the only system of this category in our country and consists of the following parts: (1) land-cartographic information system, (2) evaluation data bank. Evaluation data bank includes data about all evaluated soil-ecological units in basic classification, according to users, cadastral areas and higher units of administrative state division. Evaluation data bank is open system updated, improved and widened constantly. It is important source of information used for calculation of land fund evaluation, calculation of financial damage, calculation of land tax, setting of land rent level, estimate of orientation prices for purchase or sales of agricultural land. Recently the data from evaluation data bank have been used for setting and specification of criteria for classification of agricultural land and subjects into the less-favoured areas in Slovakia.

The paper provides some of the interim results of the Fifth Framework PRISMA project dealing with the impact ICT on government and citizen services in Europe. In the paper, the concept of one-stop government is described, the current state of the adoption of ICT both in Europe and the Czech Republic is briefly outlined and recommendations for the Czech agriculture derived from the major trends within the development of the use of ICT for better citizen services as well as for enhancing competitiveness of rural businesses.

Description of village and landscape sustainable development: ecosystems in the landscape, types of the territory utilisation, protection of natural resources, way of living. As to the sustainable development of country regions, we can consider these priorities: the renewal and development of villages, the protection and the preservation of the heritage of countryside, the development and the improvement of infrastructure, the support of tourism and crafts, services for country economy and finance. The development of multifunctional agriculture and forestry should be concentrated: in the less favourable regions and the regions with worse natural conditions (LFA), necessary agroenvironmental arrangements for zones with ecological restrictions, afforestation projects, the protection of water resources, the improvement of life environment and its protection, the preservation of landscape, the improvement of the care of animals.