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Prof. Pavel Jelen, the internationally recognised expert in the field of dairy processes and technologies, founder and editor-in-chief of the International Dairy Journal, an active member of the International Dairy Federation and last but not least, a long-term active member of the editorial board of the Czech Journal of Food Sciences, who with extraordinary willingness, professional erudition and kindness towards the authors prepares expert opinions on the manuscripts in high numbers, will celebrate incredible 'logs' in full professional activity in February 2021.

Coumarins and pyridines are a promising class of naturally occurring bioactive heterocycles with unique physical and chemical properties. Compounds containing the coumarin framework possess a wide range of pharmacological, biological, and physiological activities, which makes them important for application in medicine, the food industry and agriculture. Among all coumarins' properties, it was found that coumarins may prevent fungal growth, depending on substituents linked to the coumarin core. Therefore, many coumarin derivatives have been investigated as potentially powerful agents in preventing and controlling fungal pathogens. This review summarises the latest research on coumarins and their antifungal activity to provide useful information for further developing more efficient coumarin-based fungicides.

Rosa damascena is one of the oldest valuable rose flower varieties that is almost drough tolerant. However, selecting and identifying landraces that are more tolerant to drought conditions will be effective in developing the cultivation of the plant under stress. The most important step in developing drought-tolerant plants is the evaluation and identification of resistant and susceptible genotypes. In this case, an experiment was performed under in vitro conditions using five levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/L) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on four landraces of the Damask rose (Maragheh, Urmia, Pakdasht, and Kashan). Based on the findings, the resistance of the different landraces to a water deficit was measured by the Design-Expert software using the response level (RSM) method. The results showed that Maragheh, with the highest fresh and dry weight, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, proline and an increase in the superoxide dismutase activity, had a high tolerance to drought stress. Moreover, Maragheh with a decreasing leaf number, height, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and having a higher membrane stability index, showed a better defence mechanism against oxidative stress than the other landraces. Also, after Maragheh, Pakdasht had the best performance compared to the other two landraces up to 75g/L of PEG, but not as well as Maragheh at the highest level of the tested PEG. Urmia and especially Kashan probably do not have much tolerance to drought stress regarding all the results and levels of desirability.

Industrialization and urbanization are important for economic development which makes the human life easy by providing different job opportunities, increasing the production level of cheaper goods and standard of living. Despite its many positive effects, industrialization has had a negative impact on the natural ecosystem through environmental pollution. It is responsible for a greater input of potentially toxic and non-toxic substances into essential environmental components such as air, soil and water. Continuous industrialization has resulted in significant environmental problems due to the release of pollutants and extremely difficult treatment of contaminated areas. This review focuses on the recent literature dealing with the role of Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPMs), i.e. bacteria and Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in the remediation of polluted sites.

This study evaluated the nutrients, flavour and antioxidant capacity in the embryo, colloid and fruiting body of Dictyophora rubrovalvata. The embryo had the highest protein [2.91 ± 0.39 g·(100 g)^–1] and polysaccharides (17.44 ± 1.49 mg·g^–1), the fruiting body had the highest total phenol content (0.87 ± 0.17 mg·g^–1), the colloid was rich in minerals [1.57 ± 0.16 g·(100 g)^–1]. The antioxidant capacity of the embryo was higher than that of the other parts, in terms of different solvents, the antioxidant capacity of D. rubrovalvata extracted with ethanol was higher than that of water. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reducing capacity were positively correlated with polysaccharides, proteins and polyphenols. The free amino acid content ranged from 7.44 to 11.52 mg·g^–1, the distribution was fruiting body > embryo > colloid, of which glutamic acid content was the highest, and the flavour characteristics were mainly umami and sweetness. The nucleotide content of fruiting body and embryo was higher than in the colloid. In addition, the compositions of volatile flavour compounds were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), mainly alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, their distributions varied greatly among the three samples. These results indicated that different parts of D. rubrovalvata have different nutritional characteristics, the fruiting body has a high content of volatile and non-volatile components, the embryo and the colloid have good functional activity, laying a foundation for the functional development and comprehensive utilisation of D. rubrovalvata.

Global climate change (GCC) and increasing drought frequency pose a threat to the stability of European forests, particularly those of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] plantations. We investigated how different pre-commercial thinning (PCT) intensities affect leaf area index (LAI) and its relationship to soil water content (SWC) in young spruce stands in northeastern Czechia. Three permanent research plots in a 13-year-old monoculture were subjected to mild PCT, heavy PCT, or left as an unthinned control in winter 2019/2020. Thinning caused an immediate decrease in LAI, with averages of 8.3 ± 1.1 m²·m^–2 (mild), 3.8 ± 0.5 m²·m^–2 (heavy) and 11.1 ±1.1 m²·m^–2 (control) in 2020. By 2023, LAI in the mildly thinned stand had largely converged with the control, whereas the heavily thinned stand maintained significantly lower LAI. The strongest relationship between LAI and SWC occurred in the heavily thinned plot (R² = 0.715 in 2021), while correlations were weak or transient in the mildly thinned and control plots. These results indicate that PCT intensity influences both the magnitude and duration of LAI reduction and is associated with differences in stand water dynamics. Appropriately adjusted thinning may therefore modestly affect water availability and could contribute to adaptive management of spruce forests under GCC.

The ecological and human health risks of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) in soils around tungsten (W) mining sites have often disregarded the presence of W. In this study, we aimed to investigate the concentrations of 10 HMs (including W and other accompanying elements) in 18 agricultural soil samples obtained around a W mining site in southern Jiangxi, China. Furthermore, we determined the contamination status, source identification, and ecological and health risks of HMs in soils. Our findings revealed that HMs were extensively accumulated in soils within the study area, with the highest mean concentrations of W found. W concentrations were above background values at all sites. Multivariate analysis revealed that W mining activities, including extracting and transporting W ore, were the primary source of HMs in the soil (61.40%). The ecological risk assessment revealed that the potential ecological risk across the survey area exhibited a high risk, and the cadmium (Cd) and W should be prioritised as control pollutants for soils around the W mine site. The human health risk assessment displayed that 73.43% of children with an unacceptable non-carcinogenic risk, and W contributed the most to the overall non-carcinogenic risk (42.32%), followed by Cd and arsenic (As). In addition, 22.03% of children and 13.4% of adults were under a significant carcinogenic risk. Overall, our findings emphasise the importance of considering element W in future studies investigating the contamination of HMs around W mining areas. As such, we calculated a safe limit value for element W in soil (141.01 mg/kg) to facilitate the conservation and development of soils in W mining areas in China. Our study provides valuable information for pollution prevention and soil contamination risk mitigation in W mining areas.

Frankincense trees (Boswellia spp.) worldwide are affected by a number of threats, including global warming and changing land management practices. On the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), which harbours eleven endemic Boswellia species, grazing is generally assumed to be one of the main threats preventing natural regeneration. To test the impact of overgrazing on natural regeneration, we established an in situ experiment on four different Boswellia taxa in different areas of Socotra Island. Mortality and the height increment of seedlings were measured for a period of two/three years in five plots excluded from grazing (fenced) and in five paired control (unfenced) plots. Each plot was 50 m × 50 m in size and contained several adult trees as a source of viable seeds. Our results show that seedling mortality was significantly higher, and seedling height increment generally (4 out of 5 sites) lower in open compared to fenced plots. In the fenced plots, the number of seedlings for all species reached up to 772, with 560 surviving seedlings. In comparison, the control plots reached up to 296 seedlings, with 176 seedlings surviving after 2–3 years. The results of our experimental study indicate that grazing directly threatens the natural regeneration of the endemic Boswellia on Socotra Island. However, seedling mortality remained relatively high inside the exclosures as well, which indicates that even without the pressure of livestock grazing, other impacts remain a challenge for the future conservation of the archipelago's unique frankincense trees.

This study aimed to examine the changes in selected soil properties at Lítov spoil heap (Sokolov, Czech Republic) and compare the current situation with the situation described twenty years ago. A total of 110 soil samples were taken at Lítov at the same sites as in 1998. The analyses of basic soil characteristics involved: exchangeable soil pH (pH_KCl), organic carbon content (C_ox), quality of humic substances (A_400/A₆₀₀), exchangeable acidity (E_a), and two types of aluminium contents in the soil. Changes in all soil characteristics between 1998 and 2018 were statistically evaluated, compared, and visualized using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). We have observed an increase of pH_KCl, C_ox and a slight improvement in humus quality compared to the results from 1998. The temporal changes of soil characteristics were evident in the whole area, and the influence of reclamation methods was also pronounced. Soil development close to the regional common natural conditions was found in the area where agricultural reclamation measures (i.e., covering with topsoil) were carried out. Furthermore, afforestation – mainly by deciduous trees – supported the improvement of soil characteristics favourable for plant growth. High pyrite content and marshland were identified as the main causes that led to vegetation cover mortality.

Sows are selected for their prolificacy. Therefore, assessing difficulties that can be associated with large litters is crucial. This review aims to highlight the factors that can affect reproductive performance such as breed, parity, litter size, environment, and nutrition. Understanding these factors can help producers make informed decisions about sow management and other aspects. Higher within-litter variation is the result of  a  high number of piglets born. It has been determined that large litter sizes pose a risk to animal welfare in the pig industry. Moreover, large litters bring more piglets with low birth weight leading to high pre-weaning losses. Lighter littermates struggle to get enough colostrum due to the competition with heavy littermates, which lowers their chances of survival causing high mortality. Larger litters may cause greater stress and discomfort of the sow. Therefore, applying stress-free environment and treating the sow with anti-inflammatory compounds may enhance the sow performance and consequent survival of piglets. The litter size is positively correlated with the variation in birth weight within a litter, while the average weight at birth is negatively related to litter size. Producers should therefore focus on potential management strategies that can improve piglet performance, survival and welfare such as proper supervision and adequate colostrum intake. This review highlights the historical development of the pig industry and literature on the variation in piglet weight at birth within a litter, factors influencing weight at birth, and the potential effects on the piglet performance before weaning. Also, the difficulties amongst large litters and possible strategies for managing survival in large litters were also reviewed.

Wind erosion primarily affects sandy soil in arid areas.  However, the specific winter meteorological conditions (freeze-thaw cycles) lead to the disintegration of aggregates into erosion-risk fractions even on clay soils. These changes in the winter erodibility of clay soils were investigated in an area with frequent occurrences of wind erosion in southeastern Moravia (Czech Republic, Central Europe) between the years 2014/2015 and 2020/2021.  The percentage of non-erodible fraction (NEF) before and after winter was assessed. NEF was set as particles larger than 0.84 mm and also larger than 2.00 mm (based on field observations), while soils containing less than 40% NEF have the highest susceptibility to wind erosion. Autumn NEF_0.84 content was 80 and 95%, indicating significant resistance to wind, and although there was a significant decrease in spring to 65%, it still exceeded the 40% threshold. Autumn NEF_2.00 content of 60–70% also indicates a significant resistance to wind erosion. However, spring values were well below the 40% threshold (8 to 35%), indicating significant susceptibility to wind erosion. It showed a significant negative influence of winter on NEF2.00 content and, thus, a greater susceptibility to erosion in spring compared to NEF_0.84. Our results also document vegetation efficiency on the presence of NEF.

This work presents the advantages and risks of selected soil quality criteria using data from the monitoring of agricultural soils in the Czech Republic. Soil samples were taken from 71 sites covering various soil types. Basic soil parameters and mid-infrared spectra were measured. Indicators describing the quality of soil organic matter (SOM), and soil were calculated. The results show that soil types differ significantly in the qualitative indicators of soil organic matter. More acidic soils with lower clay content contain lower proportions of aromatic and higher proportions of aliphatic organic compounds than neutral soils with higher clay particles content. These soils differ little in total carbon content and C/N ratio but considerably in C/clay ratio. Cambisols are the least degraded soils in the Czech Republic in terms of C/clay ratio, which is controversial in many respects. The results indicate that more aliphatic organic matter is important for the SOM content in the upper part of the agricultural soil, and more aromatic organic matter is mainly bound to the clay fraction. The results raise questions about the suitability of uniform C/clay target values proposed in European legislation as a criterion for assessing soil degradation due to carbon loss.

The positive influence of surface compost application without incorporation on soil physical properties is known but remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of surface-applied stable and mature compost on basic soil physical and chemical properties, including saturated hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, and penetration resistance. Conducted as a semi-operational field experiment in two Czech agricultural sites (A: Blatnice at Jaroměřice and B: Jevíčko; Cambisols with loam and silty clay loam textures, respectively), the plots were treated with compost (SCA) at rates of 4 × 30 t/ha (A) and 1 × 200 t/ha (B) or left untreated as controls (CON). The crops were wheat (A), maize (A, B) and intercrops. Surface compost application began in 2022, and soil sampling and field measurements were conducted during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. Results showed significant positive changes (P < 0.05 or lower) in SCA plots compared to CON. Soil organic matter content increased by 27.8% at locality A and by 58.1% at locality B, while saturated water content increased by 5.3% (A) and 11.0% (B) in the latter season. Similarly, pH and electrical conductivity showed increases. Water-stable aggregate ratios increased by 6% to 30% at both localities. Dry bulk density decreased by 10.5% (A) and 15.7% (B). Improvements in saturated hydraulic conductivity (by 28.6%) and penetration resistance were observed only at locality B. These findings show the potential of surface-applied stable and mature compost to enhance soil properties effectively.

To research the impact of free radical oxidation on myosin, we established a hydroxyl radical oxidation system using iron/hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid. By varying hydrogen peroxide concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20 mmol·L^–1), we achieved different oxidation levels of myosin and investigated the effects on its structural and functional characteristics. The results showed that when the H₂O₂ concentration was 20 mmol·L^–1, compared with the control group, the carbonyl content of myosin was 2.376 times higher, the sulfhydryl content was decreased by 37.02%, the surface hydrophobicity was increased by 59.13%, the solubility was decreased by 19.54%, and the turbidity was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Myosin emulsification, emulsification stability, and foaming capacity initially increased and then they diminished, and the maximum value was reached when the H₂O₂ concentration was 5 mmol·L^–1, whereas foaming stability remained relatively unchanged. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis research revealed increased crosslinking and protein polymerisation in oxidised myosin. The secondary structure of myosin measured by Fourier infrared spectroscopy showed that the α-helix content decreased by 14.41% and the β-fold content increased by 44.50%. These results suggested that oxidative modification alters the structural and functional properties of myosin, providing valuable insights for its structural and functional analyses.

This study aims to identify the gully erosion typology and development using a geomorphological approach. Gully geomorphology features were executed using combined photogrammetric approaches: aerial photography (unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV) and terrestrial photo data (structure from motion, SfM). The UAV data are used to identify the gully orientation, while SfM derives the geomorphological features in the gully dimensions. Five canopy-free gully erosion points were selected for the UAV-SfM data acquisition. Typically, SfM data offer higher resolution (0.11–0.57 cm) than UAV data (0.61–2.08 cm). Modelling using SfM can provide an in-depth illustration of gully dimensions such as rill erosion, scars, and cracks. The findings demonstrate that the gully depth and width are larger on the middle slope. This phenomenon is influenced by the strength of the flow and the silt transported by the water, which reaches a peak on the middle slope. The lower slopes have a solid form since the power of the flow weakens as it transports the accumulated silt from the upper and middle slopes. The study’s findings can be relied on to guide communities in strengthening the gully body in the middle slope. Furthermore, the findings can be tested and adopted globally with comparable typologies.

An unprecedented bark beetle outbreak has led to a significant decline in forest cover in Central Europe in the last 10 years, affecting an area estimated at more than 200 000 ha in the Czech Republic. Among the many ecological threats associated with extensive clearings, the potential alteration of hydrological processes is one of the most important. Therefore, after 2022, the precipitation–runoff balance in three catchments in the Jeseníky Mts. area was studied. This study focuses on the rainfall variability within the area, which was measured using 24 rain gauges deployed to cover different altitudes as well as the geographical exposures of the mountain catchments. Precipitation data was evaluated based on seven-day totals within the frost-free period. There was a significant increase in precipitation with altitude (12% increase for every 100 m a.s.l.) but only in less than half (48.7%) of the evaluated periods. No significant trend was demonstrated in the remaining periods, and a negative trend in precipitation with altitude was identified in 8.9% of cases. Additionally, the role of exposure was insignificant, although a tendency towards slightly lower precipitation was found for the eastern exposure at altitudes up to 1 000 m a.s.l., which may be related to the prevailing wind direction. We concluded that even a relatively dense monitoring network is not necessarily sufficient to provide accurate precipitation data in forested catchments, especially in mountain areas. Under such conditions, the use of complex models that also use radar data is recommended.

Global climate change (GCC) is putting increasing pressure on forest ecosystems, leading to more frequent disturbances such as pest outbreaks and other climate-related stressors, all of which threaten forest stability. This study examines how different technical water retention measures (infiltration pits) can enhance the resilience of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) to these climatic challenges, focusing on their impact on radial growth, sap flow, and acclimatisation to moisture conditions at two sites in Czechia (430–440 m a.s.l.). Three treatments were compared: a water infiltration pit under a culvert mouth, an infiltration pit without a culvert and a control plot without a technical solution. Results showed that maximum daily transpiration rates of beech ranged between 90–120 L per day. Air temperature had a stronger influence on beech radial growth than precipitation, particularly at the waterlogged sites. The lowest radial growth occurred in the treatment involving a water infiltration pit under a culvert mouth, while treatments with an infiltration pit without a culvert demonstrated notable seasonal stem shrinkage and swelling (tree water deficit – TWD), especially in early spring. On the other hand, no differences were found between the three treatments including the control variant in the maximum growth or the context of minimum TWD. In conclusion, these technical measures had limited or short-term effects on the growth and physiological processes of European beech. Despite the high costs of implementation, sap flow and dendrochronological measurements do not support the construction of infiltration pits as a means of improving water retention in forest ecosystems.

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological characteristics and quality of hypocotyls in the production of selenium-enriched sprouts from peanut seeds soaked in selenium (Se) solution. Peanut seeds were soaked with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 μmol/L Na₂SeO₃ for 12 h and then germinated. The results showed that the selenium concentration in peanut shoots increased with increasing levels of selenite soaking, and there existed a crossroads of selenite soaking concentration (5.0 μmol/L) when selenium concentrations in cotyledons and hypocotyls were equal. Below and above this concentration, Se concentrations in shoots were radicle > cotyledon > hypocotyl or cotyledon > radicle > hypocotyl, respectively. In addition, Se significantly promoted the elongation of hypocotyls and radicles, increased shoot biomass, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of antioxidants in hypocotyls, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, Se significantly increased the concentrations of soluble sugars, proteins, free amino acids and resveratrol in hypocotyls. These results indicate that soaking peanut seeds with selenite significantly increased Se concentration, biomass, antioxidant capacity and quality of peanut shoots. This study provides a theoretical basis for the rapid and standardised production of Se-enriched peanut shoots from selenite-soaked seeds.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hop extract in the form of xanthohumol (XA) and humic substances (HS) supplementation in the rabbit diet on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical parameters, and the qualitative and sensory properties of rabbit meat. Experimental material consisted of 60 Big Light Silver × Chinchilla Giant crossbred rabbits, randomly assigned to three dietary groups. Experimental groups, XA and HS, were fed pellets enriched with 1.0% XA or 1.0% HS, respectively, for 63 days during the fattening period. Control group (C), consisting of rabbits that received a basal diet without supplements. In the XA group, the higher final live weight and carcass weight were recorded at the end of the fattening period, along with increased protein content and collagen-free muscle protein (BEFFE) in the leg and loin muscles, compared to the control group. In contrast, the HS-supplemented group exhibited the lower final live weight and carcass weight, along with reduced fat content in the leg and loin muscles, as reflected in lower blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, elevated blood serum calcium and phosphorus levels were observed in the HS group. Higher values of colourimetric parameters L* and h* (lightness and hue angle) were recorded in the leg meat of the XA group compared to the control group. Moreover, the results demonstrated that supplementation with 1.0% XA was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation in meat compared to the control group on the 7^th day of refrigerated storage. In conclusion, the primary benefit of supplementing rabbit diets with 1% xanthohumol is improved growth performance, positively influenced by increased protein content, reduced fat content, and enhanced oxidative stability of the meat.

The somatic cell count (SCC) in raw milk is an important indicator of health and hygienic quality. Artificial reduction of the SCC (ARSCC) in milk, for the apparent improvement of milk quality for commercial reasons, is an undesirable phenomenon and a violation of authenticity both in the factual sense and legislatively. Analytical methods need to be developed to identify ARSCC as well as to assess the effects that ARSCC may have on milk. The aim of the work was to quantify the effects of ARSCC on cow’s milk as a food raw material. The results presented are some of the first on the given problem. Raw bulk tank cow milk was sampled in two experiments, each time for the whole year (2021–2022 and 2023–2024, n = 66 and n = 53, respectively) from herds of Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein cows, 1 : 1. ARSCC in experiment 1 (n = 66) slightly reduced the fat content, in experiment 2 (n = 53) it did not, otherwise the milk indicators with the exception of SCC were almost (1) and completely (2) identical. All samples were negative for the presence of inhibitory substance residues. ARSCC under the specified technological conditions reduced SCC (1) from 772 ± 906 10³/ml to 376 ± 630 10³/ml, by –51.3% (P < 0.001) and (2) from 592 ± 798 10³/ml to 304 ± 468 10³/ml, by –48.5% (P < 0.001). Under these circumstances, the milk fermentation ability improved (1) from 28.52 ± 4.72 °SH to 31.0 ± 4.65 °SH, by 8.66% (P < 0.001) and (2) from 32.51 ± 2.61 °SH to 33.80 ± 2.88 °SH, by 3.97% (P < 0.001). Curd firmness was better for SCC ≤ 400 10³/ml compared to higher SCC by 5.26% (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, it is not possible, for hygienic and health reasons, to allow such milk for human consumption and it is necessary to find effective identification analytical methods for ARSCC.

This study was conducted to find out the seasonal evapotranspiration (ET_c) and crop coefficient (K_c) for walnut trees (ages one to nine) that were grown with drip irrigation in Türkiye’s semi-arid climate. Three different irrigation levels were applied at five-day intervals based on cumulative Class A pan evaporation using irrigation treatment coefficients (K_t = 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25) during the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 growing seasons. The amount of irrigation water applied to the treatments varied from year to year according to the measured Class A pan evaporation amounts. The total amount of irrigation water applied to the treatment subjects varied between 371.7 mm and 619.6 mm as an average of eight years. Total ET_c of walnut trees varied over the years depending on the applied irrigation water and measured rainfall. The total evapotranspiration estimated from the I₂ treatment, representing the irrigation regime in which 100% of Class A pan evaporation was applied, fluctuated between 676.5 and 585.9 mm over the study years. The daily reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) values are calculated as between 1.85 and 7.07 mm/day. The K_c values for walnut trees were calculated as 0.55 for April, 0.71 for May, 1.02 for June, 1.07 for July, 1.01 for August, and 0.74 for September on average. The research revealed that seasonal evapotranspiration and plant coefficient values can assist in calculating the water requirements of walnut trees and improve water management in semi-arid regions.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most widespread and economically important coniferous species in the Northern Hemisphere. However, its regeneration success has recently been increasingly affected by global climate change (GCC), particularly through increasing mortality. This research aimed to evaluate the early establishment success of 30 400 bare-root and containerised Scots pine seedlings and saplings of different height classes, planted at various times on acidic and gleyed sites (479–610 m a.s.l.) across four locations in the Czech Republic. On acidic sites, seedlings exhibited 16% higher height growth and 11% lower mortality compared to gleyed sites. Containerised planting stock achieved significantly (P < 0.05) greater height growth (by 83%) and lower mortality (by 36%) than bare-root stock. For containerised material, spring plantings showed superior growth and vitality compared to autumn plantings. Planting stock height class had a stronger influence on height growth than on mortality. Based on the results, planting containerised saplings of 26–35 cm or 36–50 cm height in April is recommended for optimal establishment success of Scots pine under GCC.

Indonesia, as a leading coconut producer, generates a substantial amount of coconut pulp from coconut milk extraction, which can be further processed into low-fat desiccated coconut. However, the drying process induces browning, reducing its whiteness and overall quality. Sodium metabisulphite is commonly used to prevent browning, but excessive use raises health concerns. In this study, the optimisation of the drying temperature and sodium metabisulphite concentration was conducted to minimise the browning while maintaining the quality of low-fat desiccated coconut. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD), responses such as the browning index (BI), whiteness index (WI), moisture content, yield, free fatty acids (FFAs), ash, fat, protein, total phenolic content (TPC), and crude fibre were examined. The results showed that both the drying temperature and sodium metabisulphite concentration significantly influenced the physicochemical properties. The optimal conditions were identified at 62.505 °C and 380.059 ppm sodium metabisulphite, resulting in a whiteness index of 87.219, browning index of 5.1025, yield of 43.125%, moisture content of 2.3%, and free fatty acid content of 4.45%. These findings highlight an effective strategy for reducing the additive dependency while maintaining the physicochemical quality of low-fat desiccated coconut.

As a consequence of climate change and damage to coniferous forests, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the preferred plant species for forest restoration in Central Europe. European beech is generally regarded as pest-resistant. However, its vulnerability to secondary pests, for instance, gall-forming midges, may increase with environmental stress such as long drought periods. We analysed the abundance of two gall-forming insects, Mikiola fagi and Hartigiola annulipes, on European beech at 26 forest sites across the Czech Republic, spanning diverse climatic and environmental conditions, using generalised linear mixed models to evaluate the effects of abiotic factors and host tree characteristics. The results revealed that M. fagi was more abundant on younger trees, in stands with lower canopy closure, and under warmer spring conditions. In contrast, the abundance of H. annulipes declined in drought-affected areas. These patterns demonstrate species-specific responses of gall midges to host tree characteristics and climatic variables, suggesting that climate change may favour higher M. fagi abundance. Accordingly, our findings support the establishment of young beech stands under higher canopy closure, for example, beneath the shading of mature trees.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein linked to udder health in dairy cows. This study aimed to develop a calibration model for LF quantification using mid-infrared spectrometry (MIR-FT), with ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the reference method. Two sets of individual milk samples (A: n = 120; B: n = 91) were collected from five dairy farms in the Czech Republic. Set A included a higher proportion of samples with somatic cell count (SCC) above 300 000 cells/ml to ensure broad LF variability. After merging both sets and removing six outliers, a final calibration set C (n = 205) was created. The developed model achieved a cross-validated coefficient of determination of 0.588 7 and a standard error of cross-validation of 67.33 mg/l. Correlation analysis showed that several milk parameters correlated with LF determined by MIR-FT in patterns typical of mastitis (SCC: r = 0.450; lactose: r = –0.364; free fatty acids: r = 0.621; electrical conductivity: r = 0.442), indicating potential for MIR-FT in evaluating mammary gland health. The feasibility of using LF as an indicator of milk adulteration by artificial SCC reduction through centrifugation was also assessed. Two sample sets (n = 20 and n = 68) were analysed, each containing normal bulk tank milk and bulk tank milk supplemented with abnormal milk. Centrifugation caused minimal changes in LF determined by both HPLC and MIR-FT (maximum 3.27%) while SCC decreased by nearly 50%, suggesting that LF may serve as a marker for detecting artificial SCC reduction. However, practical application of MIR-FT for accurate LF determination is limited by the achieved validation parameters and the high expanded uncertainty (114.7 mg/l). The method is therefore more suitable for monitoring relative LF changes in milk than for determining exact LF content.

Xinjiang apricot is favoured by consumers because of its distinctive aroma, high nutritive value, and abundant functional active substances. Carotenoids of apricot are efficient antioxidants that can protect the human body from free radical attack. However, the extraction, quantification, and antioxidant activity of carotenoids from Xinjiang apricots have not been reported. In this work, ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid (ILs) extraction and optimisation of carotenoids from Xinjiang apricots and to evaluate their antioxidant potential. Based on Box–Behnken design (BBD), the best conditions were IL/ethanol (R_IL/E) ratio of 1 : 2, solid-liquid ratio (R_S/L) of 1 : 3, extraction time of 17 min and number of extractions of 3. The content of carotenoid extracted by ultrasonic-assisted [Bmim][BF₄] ILs was 32.98 ± 0.27 μg·g^–1 that of traditional extraction method was 25.05 ± 0.35 μg·g^–1. Moreover, ultrasonic-assisted ILs extraction technology can shorten the extraction time, simplify the extraction steps and increase the extraction amount. Meanwhile, in order to recover and reuse ILs, ILs-ethanolic solution was frozen at temperatures lower than –80 °C, allowing the ILs precipitation and separation from the ethanol solution. Meantime, the antioxidant potential of five Xinjiang apricot varieties were evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] assays in vitro and analysed by UV–vis spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed Shushanggan apricot has the highest carotenoid content and the strongest antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this research further proves the advantage of ultrasonic-assisted ILs in carotenoid extraction and the potential to obtain valuable carotenoids from the apricot industries.

Soil salinisation is a key determinant in soil fertility decline, exerting a direct negative impact on soil organic carbon. In the context of global warming, investigating the response mechanisms of soil organic carbon pools with varying salinity levels to climate change is essential for accurately assessing the carbon cycle and emission potential of degraded soils. Based on soil samples (B1–B6) collected along a coastal salinity gradient, indoor incubation experiments were conducted at 15 °C and 25 °C to characterise soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity (Q10). Double-exponential models were used to simulate soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralisation, characterising active and stable organic carbon pools. The results demonstrated that the Q₁₀ value of the stable organic carbon pool (7–8% of SOC mineralisation) was 103% higher than that of the active organic carbon pool (the initial 1% of SOC mineralisation). The Q₁₀ value of the stable organic carbon pool was 32.6% higher at the high-salinity sites (B1, B2) than at the low-salinity sites (B4, B5). Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (TN), and total salt (TS) were key regulators of Q₁₀. The Q₁₀ of the active organic carbon pool correlated positively with SOC and TN but negatively with TS, whereas the stable pool showed the opposite trends. The stable organic carbon pool exhibits a salinity-amplified Q₁₀, implying that predictive models must account for this mechanism to avoid substantially underestimating carbon losses from degraded saline soils.

Ornamental perennials are highly popular and irreplaceable plants commonly used for enhancing public spaces and private gardens. One of the most frequently occurring pathogens is powdery mildew, a parasitic fungus that covers leaves, stems, and flowers with a whitish to light grey mycelium and reproductive structures. It significantly reduces not only the lifespan of plants but also their aesthetic value. A field survey of ornamental plants infected with powdery mildew was conducted during the growing seasons of 2021–2023 in the Czech Republic. Thirty-nine species and cultivars of infected plants from 17 families were collected from botanical gardens, private gardens, and city parks, and 26 species of powdery mildew were identified. Species identification was based on a combination of morphological and PCR-based molecular analyses. The most frequently represented genus was Golovinomyces (13 species and varieties of powdery mildew on 21 plant samples from eight families), followed by five species of the genus Erysiphe on seven plant species from five families, and seven species of the genus Podosphaera on ten plant species from five families. The species Neoërysiphe galeopsidis was identified on a single plant sample. Two new powdery mildew species (Golovinomyces savulescui, Erysiphe knautie) were identified in the Czech Republic, and the host range of several species was clarified. Golovinomyces bolayi was confirmed on Campanula lactiflora and Veronica longifolia, Erysiphe macleaye on Dicentra spectabilis, and Podosphaera xantii on Calendula officinalis, Chrysanthemum sp., Dahlia pinnata, and Gerbera × hybrida.

The apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, is one of the most devastating diseases of apples because it drastically affects the aerial parts of the tree. Apple breeding programs frequently aim to develop cultivars exhibiting resistance to scab. Thus, controlled pollinations were performed on apple trees in 2021. The experiment was organised into a hybridisation scheme involving six apple cultivars. The scheme consists of: five female genitors (‘Auriu de Bistrița’, ‘Jonathan’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Starkrimson’, and ‘Idared’) and one male genitor (‘Florina’ – donor for the Vf). To quickly identify the Vf gene in the early development stage of progenies, three pairs of primers were used: AM19, AL07, and VFC. The hybrid combinations with the highest percentage of progenies inheriting the Vf resistance gene were: ‘Starkrimson’ × ‘Florina’ (59.2%), followed by ‘Jonathan’ × ‘Florina’ (57.1%). The hybrids that inherited the Vf resistance gene have been transferred to the field and are being further examined for their resistance against scab infections in the field, in the proximity of a natural source of the inoculum infection pressure.

This study evaluated a novel slow-release copper fertiliser (soileos Cu) as a sustainable alternative to conventional copper sources for improving wheat yield and nutrient use efficiency. Traditional Cu fertilisers are often limited by rapid leaching and low efficiency, especially on sandy soils with low organic matter, contributing to environmental pollution. They also exhibit low plant-use efficiency due to strong adsorption and immobilisation in soils rich in organic matter and clay minerals, thereby reducing copper availability in the soil solution and contributing to environmental pollution. A multi-scale approach was employed, including laboratory incubation, greenhouse experiments, and multi-site field trials. Copper release was quantified in water over 30 days. Greenhouse experiments compared soileos Cu with copper sulfate (CuSO₄) across multiple application rates, assessing grain yield, biomass, spike count, chlorophyll index (SPAD), and tissue and grain nutrient concentrations. Field trials were conducted at four sites in Canada and the United States with contrasting soil Cu availability. Soileos Cu exhibited controlled, non-linear Cu release with substantially reduced leaching compared to CuSO₄. In greenhouse conditions, soileos Cu achieved maximum grain yield, biomass, and spike number at 25–26% lower Cu application rates than CuSO₄, indicating higher nutrient use efficiency. Field trials confirmed that yield responses were strongly dependent on baseline soil Cu levels, with the greatest yield increase (up to 13.3%) observed at a Cu-deficient site. Overall, soileos Cu provides an effective and environmentally responsible strategy for improving Cu nutrition and wheat productivity, particularly under Cu-limiting conditions.