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We investigated, under field conditions and during four years (2018–2021) the effects of five irrigation levels (T1: 100% of crop water requirement; T2: 80% of T1; T3: 60% of T1; T4: 40% of T1, and T5: 0% of T1 – rainfed) in interaction with three planting densities (PD1: 54 900, PD2: 64 900, and PD3 75 200 plants/ha) on the yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize in Srem, Serbia. The results indicate a large year-to-year variability, mainly due to the total amount and distribution of rainfall. Water regime and PD interacted significantly. Irrigation increased grain yield 28, 34, 30 and 18% for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, compared to the T5; and significantly influenced the yield components. Planting density had significantly lower effects on grain yield compared to irrigation (+1.4–1.8%). WUE is maximised (3.436 kg/m3) at T4 under 75 200 plants/ha. Grain yield and WUE increased significantly with increasing PD, while the number of grains per ear and the weight of 1 000 grains decreased with increasing PD. In conclusion, limited irrigation at T2 under PD2 may be a viable method to maximise production efficiency and maize yield under the environmental conditions of this study and at sites with similar soil and climatic conditions.

Grey poplar (Populus × canescens) is a natural hybrid of white poplar (Populus alba L.) and Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.). It could play a significant role in the afforestation of marginal sites which stretch out on ever more areas due to the negative effects of local climate change. Based on stand structure analyses of grey poplar stands grown on the sandy sites of Hungary, the following relations were found: There is a strong relationship between tree height and stand volume (R² = 0.7256), as well as between basal area per ha and stand volume (R² = 0.9158). There is a moderate relationship between diameter at breast height and stand volume (R² = 0.6175). The results could contribute to a more accurate assessment of applied silvicultural technologies.

Strip tillage is a very popular form of conservation tillage that is used in places with a higher risk of soil erosion. It is commonly accepted that strip tillage reduces the effects of water erosion; however, the exact way this effect is produced is very hard to quantify. This study focuses on the way strip tillage influences soil moisture and the way it changes with different intensities of rainfall, in comparison with conventional tillage. This study was conducted near Petrovice, Středočeský kraj, Czechia, over the course of four years (2021–2024). The conditions of all four test sites were comparable, both in terms of slope and soil type present. The soil moisture of strip tillage in a depth of 15 cm was changing differently in comparison with conventional tillage. During lower intensity rainfall events, the soil moisture of the strip tilled plot changed significantly less in comparison with conventional tillage. On the contrary, when more intense precipitation occurred, the soil moisture in the strip-tilled plot responded with significantly higher changes in comparison with conventional tillage. Soil drying after precipitation was also studied, with the speed of drying of strip tillage being higher than that of conventional tillage. These findings help better understand the changes strip tillage introduces into the soil and to the crops it is used with.

Dried fruits are popular ready-to-eat snacks. However, due to cross-contamination or contact with infected persons, Escherichia coli could be present, of which some strains are pathogenic, thus, the consumption of contaminated dried fruits could pose a public health risk. Microbial cells subjected to stress factors such as osmotic shock, radiation and antimicrobials could induce complex stress response systems and adaptation. Radiation and antimicrobials have been shown to cause an SOS response in E. coli, which affects cellular metabolism, such as the enhanced ability to repair DNA and mutagenesis. Studies have shown that glucose plays a critical role in the down- or upregulation of locus for enterocyte effacement (LEE)-encoded virulence of E. coli. Gamma radiation could also cause the formation of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells. If these cells are present in a sample, the number of viable cells will be underestimated by the plate count method leading to the false conclusion that the product is germ-free. We have reviewed in this article how stressors such as high sugar content, gamma radiation, and antimicrobials affect the survival of E. coli in dried fruits.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are artificially synthesized substances that control growth, development, and other various physiological processes in plants. Synthesized auxins, ethylene, abscisic acid, cytokinin, and gibberellins are only a few of the key PGRs that have been studied and used for quite a long period of time. brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, CPPU (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N’-phenylurea), putrescine, hexanal, triacontanol, melatonin, and other chemicals have been added to the list of PGRs. These PGRs can be considered the new generation of plant growth regulators. These relatively novel hormones are critical for a plant’s growth and development. They aid in the increase of not only the quantity (fruit set, length, weight, yield, volume, pulp percentage, and so on) but also the quality of fruit crops (fruit colour, firmness, total soluble solids, total sugar, ascorbic acid content, etc). They also help to prolong the shelf life of certain fruits and minimize the losses after harvesting. As a result, these new-generation PGRs can be used to boost an orchard’s productivity and income while minimizing pre and post-harvest losses to the greatest extent possible. Hence, this extensive review discusses the impact of these new-generation PGRs on fruit crops.

The rate of climate change advancement and its predicted impact are valid reasons for intense discourse on the topic of choosing the most suitable silvicultural and adaptation measures for the longevity and sustainability of forest communities. Changes in growth conditions of plants can be expected in both vertical (altitudinal) and horizontal (geographical) directions. The anticipated occurrence rate of these changes should, according to climate models, be higher than the natural adaptability rate of longevous tree species. This study focuses on the possibility of utilising regional geographical units of the Czech Republic (Central Europe) – Natural Forest Areas (NFAs) – for introducing the principles of assisted forest migration to national silviculture policies in order to find solutions for the predicted climate change scenarios. The primary objectives are (i) to review the history of the NFA concept, (ii) to discuss the perspectives of NFAs with regard to climate change, and (iii) to propose possible solutions for further development in comparison with alternative approaches to horizontal classification of the Czech Republic. This study is the first of its kind that provides a complete textual and graphic overview of the NFAs' history from 1959 to 2018, highlighting the purpose of NFAs as both frameworks for the maintenance of the genetic potential of forest tree species' populations and frameworks for long-term strategic management planning. Further development of the concept is discussed in connection with the main principles of assisted forest migration and the possibility of employing geospatial modellation analyses for a more precise definition of current NFA borders. An assessment of the areas' potential is also debated, mainly with an emphasis on the zonality of forest sites.

The forest bioeconomy links to a climate-neutral economy for which effective economic and financial promotion is essential to sustainable development. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of financial support on the development of the forest bioeconomy in the Czech Republic in the period 2000–2021. Research objectives were met by applying literature review, time series analysis, spatial data analysis, cartogram and cartodiagram method, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Firstly, regional divergences in financial flows were observed. Owing to the bark beetle calamity, the peak of the financial support was detected in the Vysočina Region (CZK 4 658/EUR 190 per ha), and the Olomouc Region (CZK 2 780/EUR 113 per ha) in 2020. An upward trend – more than 6-fold growth of financial flows to forestry was found. Secondly, the forest carbon model was discovered and tested. Financial contribution for reforestation, establishment, and tending of forest stands increases net carbon sinks while financial contribution for green and environmentally friendly technologies increases net carbon sources. Regional carbon reservoirs offer the potential to contribute to climate targets and achieve sustainable progress.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement is an important free trade agreement in the Asia Pacific region. The implementation of RCEP is greatly significant for ensuring the effective supply of agricultural products to member states. On the basis of the analysis of the agricultural product trade structure among China, Australia and New Zealand since 2000, we summarise in this article the potential consequences of tariff reduction for the agricultural products among the three countries under the RCEP framework. The Global Trade Analysis Project model has been used to analyse the effects of RCEP on the macroeconomic indicators, agricultural products trade and domestic agricultural output of the three countries. The research findings indicate that agricultural product trade among the three countries has grown rapidly since 2000. The results of the Global Trade Analysis Project simulations revealed that implementing RCEP will foster macroeconomic growth in the three countries. China’s imports of beef and dairy products and wheat from Australia and New Zealand will substantially increase, and China’s domestic production of this agricultural sector will decrease. Furthermore, India’s potential participation in RCEP will further affect China’s imports and exports of grain. These findings could guide the policymakers in the three countries in designing future agricultural production and trade strategies according to the different scenarios of international trade among the three countries and considering the potential of India joining.

Using biostimulants to enhance plant growth and increase yield and secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants is an important strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture. The influence of two strains of nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria (NFB) of Azotobacter chroococcum (NFB1) and Azospirillum lipoferum (NFB2), three levels of seaweed extract (SWE; 0 (SWE1), 250 (SWE1), and 500 mg/L (SWE2)) and their interactions have been investigated on Trachyspermum ammi L. (ajwain) growth, fruit yield, and essential oil constituents for two winter seasons. Growth traits (plant height, number of branches, and fresh and dry weights) and fruit traits (umbel number, 1 000-fruit weight, and fruit yield) were improved following NFB and/or SWE applications. Leaf pigments, total phenols, carbohydrates, free amino acids, and nutrient content were also enhanced. Ajwain plants that received NFB2 soil inoculation and foliarly sprayed with SWE1 observed the highest growth and yield values. Applying this treatment resulted in 27.6% and 32.7% higher fruit yield per plant for the first and second seasons, respectively, compared to the control. The results of GC-MS revealed that γ-terpinene, p-cymene, and thymol are the major components in ajwain essential oil. All applications used changed the percentages of the main components detected in ajwain essential oil. For instance, increasing SWE level caused a reduction in γ-terpinene with an increase in thymol content. The highest conservation rate from γ-terpinene to thymol was detected in NFB2 × SWE1-treated plants, with the highest thymol content and least γ-terpinene. Azospirillum lipoferum soil inoculation with SWE1 foliar application is recommended to enhance ajwain production, in terms of fruit yield and oil quality.

Reliable indicators of early soil biological change remain limited in tropical agroecosystems, where soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks may respond more slowly than microbial processes. We evaluated whether seasonal vegetation dynamics derived from Sentinel-2 fractional vegetation cover (FVC) are associated with spatial variation in SOC stock and microbial indicators in Jembrana, Bali, Indonesia. We mapped seasonal FVC from 2019 to 2024 and derived site-level metrics of mean cover and temporal variability (standard deviation, anomaly, coefficient of variation, and a temporal stability index). In July 2023, we sampled topsoil (0–30 cm) at 12 sites representing contrasting land uses and topographic settings. We calculated SOC stock from organic carbon concentration, bulk density, and sampling depth, and measured basal respiration and culturable microbial density (colony-forming units, CFU). Vegetation cover peaked consistently during the wet season (December to February), and mean site FVC ranged from 0.31 to 0.99. Mean FVC showed positive but non-significant associations with culturable microbial density (Spearman’s ρ = 0.48, P = 0.114) and basal respiration (ρ = 0.29, P = 0.361), whereas higher vegetation variability metrics tended to coincide with lower culturable microbial density (ρ = –0.43 to –0.51, P = 0.090 to 0.163). SOC stock showed near-zero coefficients and no statistical evidence of association with vegetation metrics (ρ = 0.09, P = 0.781) or microbial indicators (ρ = 0.01, P = 0.975). Principal component analysis of FVC traits explained 99.65% of the variance and separated sites along a gradient from stable, high cover to more variable, lower cover. Overall, FVC stability metrics captured spatial differences that were directionally consistent with microbial indicators, but associations were not statistically significant in this dataset (n = 12). Larger, replicated studies with repeated soil sampling are required to evaluate whether seasonal FVC metrics have robust predictive utility for SOC stock and soil biological indicators.

Diagnostic morphological traits distinguishing Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos are not always apparent. Precise species identification is crucial for conservation management and for establishing genetic resources of forest reproductive material. In this study, we employed fifteen microsatellite (SSR) markers to identify diagnostic loci for reliable species discrimination between T. cordata and T. platyphyllos species and to evaluate the genetic diversity. A total of 250 trees were sampled from eight natural autochthonous populations of T. cordata and T. platyphyllos in the Czech Republic, and additional ten individuals of T. tomentosa were included for comparison. Markers Tc8 and Tc918 were identified as diagnostic, exhibiting species-specific alleles for T. cordata and T. platyphyllos. Contrary to the previously published results, we obtained PCR amplicons at locus Tc918 with an allele size of 226 bp in T. cordata. An analysis of the fifteen SSR loci revealed a high level of genetic variability in both the T. cordata and T. platyphyllos populations. No clonally identical genotypes were detected across the eight study sites. The genetic differentiation (Fst) was higher between T. platyphyllos and T. tomentosa (0.316) than between T. platyphyllos and T. cordata (0.205). Bayesian clustering further revealed distinct genetic structures for T. cordata, T. platyphyllos, and T. tomentosa.

The multifaceted nature of agricultural management and environmental factors complicates the production of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). This study evaluated 25 varieties (21 hybrids and four populations) in three growing seasons (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) in Poland. The focus was on yield, fat content, and resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The analyses revealed significant variability among the varieties, with the hybrids performing better consistently in terms of yield and fat content. The level of resistance to Sclerotinia was similar in hybrid and population varieties. Furthermore, DK Excited was found to be the highest-yielding variety, while Duke had the highest fat content. Derrick was the most resistant to S. sclerotiorum. Advocat and Dynamic were identified as the best varieties. In the analysed series of field trials, yield was found to be affected by high temperatures and a lack of rainfall in March, June, and July. For fat content, a lack of rainfall in July was the main limiting factor.

The intensification of agricultural practices in Bangladesh has caused significant environmental challenges. This has also undermined farmers' economic sustainability, mainly due to the excessive use of subsidised chemical fertilisers. To address these issues and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bangladesh has prioritised the adoption of sustainable farming practices, including the recommended fertiliser application (RFA). However, whether the adoption of RFA ensures economic sustainability remains uncertain. This study evaluates how the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute's (BRRI) proposed RFA affects fertiliser use and cost-efficiency. Drawing on five years (2017–2021) of panel data from 2 025 households across three acidic soil regions in Dinajpur, the findings reveal that RFA adoption reduces fertiliser use by 12% while improving cost efficiency by 4.9–5.1%. These results highlight the potential of RFA to mitigate environmental degradation while enhancing economic outcomes, thereby supporting the SDG agenda. In light of these benefits, the study offers key insights for policymakers and development practitioners, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to accelerate RFA adoption and promote sustainable agriculture.

Alluvial soils have high importance for both agriculture and biodiversity; however, these soils can also contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄). In this study, we examined GHG fluxes of three grassland and two cropland sites with alluvial soils in Abava river floodplain, Latvia (Europe). Soil CO₂ fluxes representing heterotrophic respiration (R_het) were determined using a portable CO₂ gas analyser, while ecosystem respiration (R_eco), soil CH₄ and N₂O fluxes were quantified using a manual closed chamber method combined with gas chromatography. Most alluvial soils acted as source of GHG emissions with the exception of two grassland site where annual CH₄ exchange reflected a slight CH₄ removal from the atmosphere. Mean total GHG emissions (sum of net CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O) were 7.0 ± 3.3 t CO₂ eq./ha/year in grassland sites and 14.5 ± 4.8 t CO₂ eq./ha/year in cropland sites. Net CO₂ contributed the most to total annual GHG emissions with mean values of 6.2 ± 3.3 t CO₂/ha/year in grassland and 13.6 ± 4.8 t CO₂/ha/year in cropland sites. Although the number of study sites is limited, the results support that, in the context of climate change mitigation, grassland represents a more climate-friendly type of floodplain land use than cropland in the hemiboreal region.

This study examines height growth and its driving factors in stools and standard trees, the two key structural components of coppice-with-standards stands. We focused on sessile oak [Quercus petraea agg. (Matt.) Liebl.] stands over 90 years old at two contrasting sites near Brno (South Moravian Region, Czech Republic): one actively managed and one left unmanaged for more than 40 years as a strict nature reserve. Tree heights were analysed using two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests and multinomial logistic regression. A total of 1 239 trees were measured (584 stools and 655 standards). Standard trees were the tallest on average (21.8 m), significantly exceeding all the stool categories, whereas managed triple-stem stools were the shortest (15.97 m). Across all categories, unmanaged stands generally reached greater heights than managed stands did, except for standard trees. The forest type, exposure and slope had significant effects on height class probabilities, whereas elevation was important only for smaller trees. Overall, the results demonstrate that both the tree type and site conditions strongly influence height growth in Q. petraea coppice-with-standards stands, with management history leaving a clear biological legacy in the present-day stand structure.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a lignin-free nanofibrillar hydrogel with high water-binding capacity, mechanical strength, and biodegradability. Despite these properties, a Scopus bibliometric survey of 738 publications (2015–2025) showed that agricultural applications accounted for only 17% of BC research, while biomedical and materials-science applications dominated. This review contributes a bibliometric quantification of that imbalance; a four-function synthesis of BC as a cultivation substrate, soil amendment, seed or biological carrier, and agrochemical platform; and a production route-property-application matrix linking waste feedstocks to agronomic functions. Direct crop evidence remains limited. In a controlled tomato-seedling study, 0.01% BC increased substrate water-holding capacity by up to 14% and improved survival, root development, and nutrient availability under restricted irrigation. Supporting evidence from plant-derived cellulose and other biopolymer hydrogels demonstrates improved germination and soil moisture regulation, but should not be interpreted as direct validation of BC. Feedstock selection affects production cost, material properties, and application fit simultaneously. Multi-season field trials, matched comparisons with commercial substrates and hydrogels, standardised characterisation, and life-cycle and techno-economic assessments remain priorities.

Drought stress severely impairs seed germination. Selenium (Se) is a potential mitigator of abiotic stress, but its physiological mechanisms in alleviating osmotic stress during seed germination remain poorly understood. This study investigated how Se alleviates the inhibition of rice seed germination induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-simulated drought. The results indicated that co-application of Se and PEG effectively alleviated the PEG-induced suppression of germination. Se significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase by 31.0%, peroxidase by 39.0%, catalase by 42.9%, and ascorbate peroxidase by 41.8%, along with elevating the concentrations of glutathione by 19.0% and ascorbate by 38.3%. Consequently, Se attenuated the PEG-induced burst of reactive oxygen species, reducing H₂O₂ by 21.0% and O₂^– by 19.1%, and alleviated lipid peroxidation, as reflected by a 20.0% decrease in malondialdehyde concentration. Furthermore, Se partially restored osmotic homeostasis by increasing the accumulation of soluble sugars by 15.9%, soluble proteins by 11.4%, free amino acids by 18.4%, and free proline by 26.3%. It also counteracted PEG-imposed inhibition of hydrolytic enzymes, enhancing α-amylase and protease activities by 26.6% and 11.2%, respectively. Notably, Se accumulation in seeds was reduced under PEG stress, suggesting impaired the penetration of exogenous Se under PEG-simulated drought. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Se alleviates PEG-induced osmotic stress in germinating rice seeds by enhancing antioxidant capacity, maintaining osmotic balance, and sustaining reserve mobilisation.

Honeybee health is a key factor in sustainable apiculture, with the most significant colony losses attributed to the mite Varroa destructor and microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. The aim of this review article is to summarise current knowledge on the use of pharmaceuticals and preparations in the prevention and treatment of these diseases and to highlight promising alternatives to synthetic acaricides. Commonly used active substances such as amitraz and pyrethroids show decreased efficacy in many countries due to the development of resistance. Therefore, organic acids (formic, oxalic, and lactic), essential oils, and plant extracts are increasingly used as environmentally friendly, residue-free alternatives. Some plant preparations and extracts have been shown to be effective against Nosema ceranae. In addition to therapeutic interventions, the importance of preventive measures and immune support through supplements containing vitamins, amino acids, and probiotics is emphasised. The article highlights the need for integrated bee health management combining pharmacological, natural, and biotechnological approaches to limit resistance development, minimise residues in bee products, and promote overall colony vitality.

Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is an ecologically and silviculturally important tree species in Central European forests due to its high production potential and increasing relevance under ongoing climate change. Therefore, its regeneration and promotion are of key importance for both ecosystem functioning and sustainable forest management. This study evaluates the potential of natural (four localities) and artificial (ten localities) regeneration of silver fir under close-to-nature silviculture across two natural forest areas (Křivoklátsko and Český kras; Brdská vrchovina) at altitudes of 362–570 m a.s.l. in Czechia. The objective was to assess the growth potential of fir regeneration across six contrasting site type categories on 62 research plots: acidic (3K, 4K), nutrient-rich (3B), loamy (3H), nutrient-medium (3S), gleyed nutrient-medium (4O) and gleyed acidic (4P) categories; and to quantify game browsing damage. The highest natural regeneration density was recorded on 4O sites, reaching on average 182 800 pcs·ha^–1, while the lowest density was observed on 4P (25 600 pcs·ha^–1). Compared to the overstory composition, regeneration layers showed a marked increase in the proportion of silver fir. In contrast, the highest annual height increment of natural regeneration was found on 4P (10.6 cm), significantly exceeding that on 3S (2.1 cm). Browsing damage ranged from 11.0% (3S) to 19.2% (4O). In terms of artificial regeneration, the highest annual height increment was recorded at site type 3H (38.4 cm), whereas the lowest was observed at site type 3B (15.2 cm). Our results show that fir regeneration is mainly driven by site conditions and ungulate browsing, providing a basis for targeted silvicultural and game management to support its long-term persistence.

Banana blood disease is a banana wilt disease caused by Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis (RSC) poses a serious threat to banana plantations, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Yet, the current control methods are inadequate to mitigate the disease. Biological control agents (BCAs) offer a promising solution by using beneficial microorganisms to control pathogens. Among BCAs, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have gained increasing attention in agriculture due to their ability to produce a variety of antimicrobial compounds. This study investigates the antimicrobial substances produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei against RSC using cell-free supernatants (CFS) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). The inhibitory effect of the LAB extracts against RSC was evaluated using agar well diffusion method. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the bioactive metabolites with potential antibacterial activity against RSC are monoglucosyl-enterobactin, (6Z,9Z,12Z)-octadecatrienoic acid, and 2-(hydroxymethyl)-3-(acetamidomethylene)succinate from CFS-L. plantarum; canavanine, norspermidine and 4-guanidinobutanamide in CFS-L. paracasei; sinapic acid, lecanoric acid and D-glucono-1,5-lactone in LLE-L. plantarum and lithocholic acid, orotic acid and sterculic acid in LLE-L. paracasei. A scanning electron microscope has shown disruption and damage to the RSC cells during LAB treatment. These findings highlight the potential of L. plantarum and L. paracasei metabolites for biocontrol applications.

Although microplastic toxicity in fish has been extensively studied, the role of polymer additives remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the combined effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastics and the brominated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) on the health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following six weeks of dietary exposure. Fish were exposed to PS particles with varying HBCD content (0.0 mg/g – PS-HBCD_free, 0.2 mg/g – PS-HBCD_low, 1.0 mg/g – PS-HBCD_high) or to HBCD alone (HBCD_only). The combination of PS and HBCD induced the most pronounced biological responses at molecular, biochemical and histological levels. In the liver, oxidative stress and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il8, il2), together with increased catalase expression, were observed in PS- and/or PS-HBCD-exposed groups, indicating an imbalance in antioxidant defence. Histopathology confirmed liver dystrophy and renal lesions, while elevated vitellogenin expression suggested endocrine disruption. Although HBCD accumulation was confirmed only in the HBCD_only group, the polymer-bound form caused comparable physiological alterations, supporting its contribution to combined toxicity. Overall, the study demonstrates that PS microparticles can act as vectors enhancing the bioactivity of embedded additives such as HBCD, resulting in complex multi-organ effects and emphasising the importance of assessing additive–polymer interactions when evaluating the environmental risks of microplastics.

Twelve Liuyang black goats were selected and divided into three groups in a randomized design and they were provided one of the three treatment diets with different chop lengths of ramie silage [1 cm (RS1), 2 cm (RS2), and 3 cm (RS3)]. The length had no effect on pH or the content of acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid. In contrast, NH₃-N decreased (P = 0.024) and the ratio of acetate to propionate (P = 0.083) and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) content (P = 0.087) tended to decrease, and the proportion of propionic acid tended to increase (P = 0.096) with an increase in the chop length of ramie. The increasing lengths of ramie silage decreased the content of total essential amino acids (AA) (P = 0.001), total non-essential AA (P = 0.003), and total AA (P = 0.001), and decreased the concentration of aspartic acid (P = 0.076) in the ruminal fluid. Ramie silage affected xylanase activity (P = 0.043), with greater activity in RS1 than in RS2 and RS3. The recommended chop length of ramie silage is 1 cm because of increasing TVFA, amino acid concentration, and xylanase activity in the ruminal fluid of goats.

The honey bee is one of the insects that is significantly endangered by the application of pesticides in the cultivation of crops. Not only is acute toxicity dangerous, but the importance of chronic poisoning by low doses of pesticides in hives is growing. The behavior of bees can be affected not only by insecticide residues but also by herbicide and fungicide residues. In 2016-2018, samples of bee bread were analysed for pesticide content at 25 different localities from intensive agricultural production areas of the Czech Republic. Substances were extracted by QuEChERS and determined by liquid chromatography, together with mass spectrometric detection. We detected up to 18 pesticides in one sample. In total, during 2016-2018, we identified 53 active substances. Fifteen substances (31%) were herbicidal, 23 substances (47%) of fungicidal nature and 6 substances (12%) of insecticidal nature. The coefficient of variation showed large differences in the frequency of revealed pesticides between years. For substances sprayed outside period attractive for pollinators (mainly herbicides and some fungicides), the usual methodology cannot reliably determine the degree of contamination, and thus the actual contamination with these substances may be even higher than demonstrated in this study.

In this study, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an iron (Fe)-reducing bacterium, was inoculated to a red soil, which was then incubated. Soil samples were taken regularly to analyse the variation of iron oxides and phosphorus (P) fractions. The results showed that the MR-1 inoculation increased the content of the free iron oxides, but decreased the activity of the iron oxides in the soil, and had no significant influence on the amorphous iron oxides. The MR-1 inoculation increased the resin-P and residual-P, decreased the NaHCO₃-extracted inorganic P (NaHCO₃-P_i) and NaOH-extracted inorganic P (NaOH-P_i), but did not significantly influence the diluted HCl-extracted inorganic P (D.HCl-P_i) and concentrated HCl-extracted inorganic P (C.HCl-P_i). The presence of MR-1 influenced the correlation between the free iron oxides and NaOH-P_i. In the CK where deactivated MR-1 was applied, there was a significant positive correlation between the free iron oxides and the NaOH-P_i; in the treatment with the live MR-1 inoculation, there was no correlation between them. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the free iron oxides and the C.HCl-P_i, and there was a significant negative correlation between the NaHCO₃-P_i, resin-P, and residual-P. Therefore, the MR-1 inoculation improved the P availability by decreasing the activity of the iron oxides and consequently improved the P use efficiency in the red soil.

The negative consequences faced by the entire planet, the intensification of natural disasters, global warming, lowering the level of groundwater, deforestation, deterioration of corals and the underwater world, soil degradation, and the change of species diversity, testify to the necessity of introducing reforms in the agricultural-food complex. Fulfilling such a goal and creating added value of innovation potential can only be created in the conditions of functioning structures strengthened by system support, which requires reviewing and introducing change in food systems. The recent financial crisis, later the pandemic, and the current going military conflict in Ukraine, caused problems in supplier-customer relations, and made humanity feel how the issue of food security and self-sufficiency can be easily and quickly disrupted. If farmers and food producers are to be able to respond to challenges and at the same time ensure the EU’s strategic goals, it is necessary to have support in research and innovation. Agricultural research and innovation in the EU is characterised by a long-term strategic approach that focuses on creating value from the land through sustainable primary production and strengthening rural innovation. It is an important tool in the fight against challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. In view of the above, it is necessary to transform food systems, apply regenerative agriculture, introduce alternative land-saving farming systems, observe the principles of sowing procedures and greater diversification of crops in the sowing procedure, reduce the consumption of agrochemicals, naturally integrate plant and animal production into agricultural business entities in relation to the circular economy, use farm waste for bioenergy production, protect agricultural land, implement measures to retain water in the country and support regions

The study was carried out in the agricultural landscape (mosaic of an urban environment, gardens, grassland, fields, small forests and semi-natural non-forest habitats) in central Europe (southeast Czechia) in 2021. A light trap was used for trapping (207 nights). A total of 485 moth species and 5 170 individuals were captured. Eurytopic species dominated the area, 72% of species and 89% of individuals. Fifty-nine species are considered pests (12%), representing 25% of individuals. The seasonal dynamics of selected harmful species were evaluated and discussed. Species of semi-natural dry and wet habitats were represented by 14%, i.e. a proportion comparable to pests, but with only 4% of individuals. The numbers of species and individuals recorded and the Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness indices are lower than at natural sites. Yet, overall biodiversity is relatively high, including the presence of some rare, ecologically, or zoogeographically remarkable species.

Food insecurity which has been a global threat, forces researchers to develop crops with increased productivity even under varying climatic conditions. Rice, being a significant staple and strategic crop, helps ensure economic stability, food, and nutritional security globally. It meets 20% of the calorie requirement of people residing all over the world. Lately, rice cultivation and research have been facing hitherto unprecedented difficulties in the context of climate-induced water scarcity and dwindling resources of manpower, arable land, etc. In this regard, direct seeded rice (DSR) as a resource conservation technique is gaining popularity as a potential alternative to conventional transplanting with reduced input requirement, reduced methane and CO₂ emission, increased adaptability to climate change, and increased economic returns. The weed menace in DSR prevents it from reaching its fruitful attainment to a significant level. DSR highly depends on herbicide for weed control as manual weeding and other cultural practices are labour intensive which again meets a setback of crop injury (non-selective herbicide) and resistant weeds (selective herbicides). Herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice could be an effective and long-term solution for weed management in DSR. Three HT rice systems, viz., imidazolinones, glyphosate, and glufosinate, have already been developed in this context. This review gives an insight into the need for HT rice in DSR, its production system, limitations, and stewardship guidelines for proper weed management in rice.

Livestock farming is vital to a country's economy, and technological innovations in animal genetics and reproductive biotechnologies are key for environmental and socioeconomic development. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Coffea arabica grounds (CAG) extract on the semen parameters of Fleckvieh cattle. CAG was processed, and its antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and total phenols assays. Semen was collected from a pedigree bull and analysed macroscopically and microscopically. Different concentrations of CAG (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/ml) were tested at 4, 12, 24, and 36 h post-refrigeration. The study used a completely randomised design with ten replications, and variables such as motility, kinetic parameters, membrane functionality, and acrosomal integrity were analysed. The normal distribution of the variables – motility, kinetic parameters, membrane functionality, and acrosomal integrity – was analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk statistical test (P > 0.05). An analysis of variance was then performed with a significance level of P < 0.05 to compare the means, using InfoStat software. Results showed that 1 mg of CAG significantly improved total motility and progressive motility at 4 h, along with kinetic parameters and membrane integrity. Overall, CAG exhibits antioxidant properties that enhance sperm characteristics, particularly at 1 mg/ml concentration after 4 h of refrigeration. However, further studies are needed to understand better the mechanisms of action and the overall efficacy of CAG as an antioxidant agent in this specific context.

In addition to their practical importance as a medicinal plant, animal feed and a source of materials for the textile and construction industry, industrial varieties of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp in a wider sense) provide an alternative for controlling infectious diseases in livestock. Despite the genetic divergence between two primary groups of cannabis, i.e. medicinal cannabis and technical hemp, hemp plants also produce a wide spectrum of secondary metabolites. These include the main classes of cannabinoids and terpenoids, as well as representatives of flavonoids, stilbenoids, steroids, alkaloids, spiroindans, dihydrophenanthrenes, and lignanamides. Many of them exhibit antibiotic activity which can substitute or complement the use of traditional antibiotics in animal husbandry. For example, the cannabinoid fraction exhibits activity against the Gram-positive bacteria and some fungi. While the activity against Gram-negative bacteria is not characteristic of cannabinoids, these pathogens can still be affected by hemp terpenoids and flavonoids. The synergy among the secondary metabolite fractions or between the hemp metabolites and traditional antibiotics is also a favourable factor. The search for alternatives to traditional antibiotics is further driven by the increasing prevalence of genetically determined antibiotic resistance among veterinary pathogens, which poses the additional risk of transferring resistance traits to the human pathogens. The content of antibiotically active compounds in hemp can be enhanced through selection among existing genotypes, targeted breeding, cultivation conditions, and even by specific elicitation of secondary metabolites with the natural antibiotic function in the disease resistance of the plant. The switch to hemp metabolites is also supported by their compatibility as natural components of plant-based animal feed, and by favourable economic considerations.