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Mineral nutrition represents the uptake, transport, metabolism and utilization of nutrients by the forest stand. These processes influence all physiological functions of trees. A specific minimum amount of all nutrients is necessary for the healthy development and growth of forest trees. The uptake of nutrients is influenced not only by natural conditions but also by anthropogenic activities. During the period of 2000-2005 the mineral nutrition of mountain Norway spruce stands was studied at the study site Bílý Kříž (Moravian-Silesian Beskids Mts., Czech Republic). Research was carried out in a spruce stand that was limed in the past years (in 1983, 1985 and 1987) and in a spruce stand that was not limed in order to compare the liming effect on the mineral nutrition of spruce stands. A positive liming effect was detected in the calcium, magnesium and phosphorus nutrition because their contents in current needles were higher on the limed plots. No liming effect was determined in the nitrogen, potassium and microelement (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al) content in current needles. Sufficient nutrition of spruce stands only with calcium was recorded on all studied plots.

The paper presented evaluates reserves and chemical composition of forest floor of three stands of Douglas fir, spruce and spruce with beech at acid sites (3K) in the Hůrky Training Forest District (TFD) and at a meso-trophic site (4H) in the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise (TFE). The aim of the study was to evaluate: (i) reserves of forest floor, (ii) soil reaction, (iii) total content of carbon and nitrogen for the forest floor layers, iv) C/N ratio, and (v) the content of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The lowest reserve occurs in the Douglas fir stand at a mesotrophic site (25.0 t/ha), the highest accumulation occurs in the spruce stand and in the spruce/beech stand at an acid site (79.4-79.6 t/ha). The soil reaction is strongly acid to acid. The most favourable values of pH for forest floor and soil at acid (4.6 ± 0.4) and mesotrophic sites (5.2 ± 0.4) occur in the Douglas fir stand. It also corresponds to C/N ratio (23-26). The highest reserve of carbon in forest floor occurs at the acid site 34.7 t/ha (1.3 t/ha nitrogen). The lowest reserve of carbon in forest floor at the mesotrophic site amounts to 8.5 t/ha (0.4 t/ha nitrogen). The higher content of DOC in stands at acid sites can result in a higher risk of soil acidification. Keywords: spe

A two-years-old, intact female, Shih-Tzu dog weighing 5 kg was presented to the Chonbuk Animal Medical Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, with the history of bone ingestion before two days. The survey radiographs of the thorax revealed a bone at the caudal thoracic oesophagus. An oesophagram was performed which did not reveal any oesophageal leakage or perforation. The left caudolateral thoracotomy was performed and the caudal oesophagus was found partially necrosed, friable and inflamed. The necrosed, friable part was removed and the oesophageal defect was reconstructed using a full-thickness muscle flap collected from the diaphragm. A part of the omentum was mobilized from the abdomen and sutured over the reconstructed site of the oesophagus to aid healing. Oesophagoscopy after nine days postoperatively showed a good adhesion of the diaphragm flap. The patient showed normal activity after 12 days and no complications were observed during a one-year follow up period. The pedicle flap collected from the left hemidiaphragm in addition to the omentum flap can be successfully used to reconstruct the circumferential oesophageal defect.

A two and a half year old Chihuahua intact male dog weighing 1.7 kg was referred to our Animal Medical Centre presenting with ataxia, seizure, nystagmus, tremor, and tilt. Additionally, it was not able to stand and sit. Physical examination, palpation, neurology examination, complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry test, radiographs (X-ray), ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were all performed. Open fontanelle, domeshaped calvarium, a thinning of bone structure, and asymmetrically enlarged lateral ventricles on the right were found on diagnostic imaging. Accordingly, the dog was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. A VP shunt placement was performed as surgical treatment. The ventricular catheter was placed into the right lateral ventricle through the fontanelle insertion site and the distal catheter was placed in the abdomen using the percutaneous technique. After surgery, anorexia, seizure, tremor, and nystagmus disappeared. Also, the dog could stand and walk without support; however, gait was slow and not completely normal and the tilt remained.

: We studied occurrence of chestnut blight disease in the Experimental Castanetarium Horné Lefantovce, SW Slovakia. The study ran in years 2006-2007 on a set consisting of 889 chestnut trees growing in the clonal orchard on Biological Plot 105. From this number, 857 trees were found healthy without disease symptoms. The chestnut blight disease was identified on 32 of them. The infected trees were examined for presence of pycnidia and perithecia of the causal agent. In all positive cases, the observed morphological characters indicated virulency of the obtained isolates. No hypovirulent isolate was detected on the evaluated experimental plot. In total, six vegetative compatibility (vc) types were specified in the sample consisting of 31 isolates. Our vc types corresponded to the European vc types EU 2, EU 12, EU 13, EU 14, EU 17, EU 19. Two vc types - EU 2 and EU 19 - were dominant. Vc type EU 19 accounted 35.5% and EU 2 32.2% of isolates. The vc type EU 19, which was the most frequent one in the evaluated site, was detected in Slovakia for the first time.

Wild service tree belongs among rare woody plants tolerant to higher temperatures and low soil humidity. There are available data from analyses of 34 wild service tree localities in Slovakia. The majority of analyzed localities (70%) were on south-exposed stands (SE, S, SW); 97% of these were in altitudes up to 600 m. Wild service tree prefers biotopes of the oak-hornbeam forests. The highest frequency of this woody plant was found in group of forest site types Fageto-Quercetum. According to altitudinal vegetation stages, the majority of stands (85%) were in the 3^rd and 2^nd vegetation stage, where potential evapotranspiration is higher than the sum of precipitation. From March to September the water deficit is approximately 100-150 mm. The most frequent are stands with mountain climate (62%) with prevalence of moderately warm (38%) and warm (15%) climate. Wild service tree grows mainly on soils with favourable physical characteristics and adsorbing complex (65% of stands). The soils are fertile and well supplied with nutrients (Luvisols, Cambisols). Some localities (35%) have soils rich in minerals; however, their soil chemistry is one-sided, so they are mostly little fertile (Rendzinas). Regarding the water content in soils, Cambisols have generally sufficient water supply; Luvisols have lower water supply with a possibility of their aridization; Rendzinas are mostly loose soils with good permeability, regarding their shallow profile with lower water capacity they have usually less water supply. According to the obtained data, it is possible to evaluate wild service tree as a light-demanding woody plant with requirements for higher temperatures and higher contents of nutrients in soil, able to grow on drier soils with infrequent occurrence of water deficit. With regard to the expected changes of global climate, wild service tree should substitute some tender woody plants with higher sensitivity to drought in landscape as well as in forestry.

A field production study was conducted for a manual harvesting system using a chainsaw in a Caspian hardwood forest site. A selective cut was performed on a 42-hectare tract with an average slope of 30 percent. Felling time per tree was most affected by diameter at breast height and by the distance among harvested trees. The gross and net production rate was 20.6 m³ and 26.1 m³ per hour/one person, respectively. The unit cost considering the gross and net production rate was 1.05 USD/m³ and 0.81 USD/m³, respectively. The significant variables included diameter at breast height (D) and distance among harvested trees (L) for the time expenditure model. This regression function is statistically significant at α = 0.01.

: Based on a map of potential natural vegetation (PNV), actual vegetation was studied in the Mramor locality (106.4 ha). A total of 188 relevés were examined using stratified random sampling. A comparison was made between trends in vegetation variability throughout the entire locality and variability within the defined PNV units. The stratification of the locality according to PNV units was only partly representative of the main trends in vegetation variability, especially at ecologically distinctive sites. On the other hand, in areas with a relatively limited ecological gradient, the sites were "oversampled". The variability of plant communities within PNV units was high. The results of this case study suggest that the need for delineation of PNV units which are homogeneous in terms of production, site and phytocoenosis is overestimated. This delineation neither corresponds to the characteristics of actual ecosystems nor is necessary for the application of a PNV system. A more suitable unit for the development of such a system would be, for example, forest type series.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the growth potential of Carpathian birch (Betula carpatica W. et K.) at an environmentally harsh mountain site and a response of this species to altered soil chemistry after dolomitic limestone and basalt grit applications. The Carpathian birch proved to be a suitable species for the replanting of extreme acidic mountain sites. This birch shows a low mortality rate, grows well in the clear-felled patches and soon forms a cover which is necessary for the reintroducing of more sensitive tree species. The application of dolomitic limestone and basalt grit resulted in the slower growth of Carpathian birch plantations. Liming raised soil reaction, sum of exchangeable bases, base saturation, cation exchange capacity and reduced exchangeable Al content. On the other hand, liming decreased an amount of oxidizable soil organic matter and negatively affected soil N, exchangeable P and K. Basalt grit increased exchangeable P and K contents and raised soil reaction, however only slightly. The influence of basalt grit on the sum of exchangeable bases, base saturation and cation exchange capacity was also less pronounced compared to liming. Basalt grit elevated the proportion of exchangeable aluminium and reduced the content of soil N.

Freeze-dried cortical bone can be used as a biological plate, either alone or in combination with other internal fixation devices, to stabilize fractures. In addition to it conferring mechanical stability, freeze-dried cortical bone may enhance fracture-healing and increase the bone stock. This study examined the effect of a freeze-dried allograft cortical bone plate (FACBP) on the biomechanical properties of an implant site in a canine bone defect model. Twelve adult mongrel dogs (around 4.8 kg) were used. A segmental critical-size defect (5 mm in length) at ulna diaphysis was created using an oscillating saw. The experimental animals were divided into two groups: eight dogs treated with an absorbable bone plate (FACBP) fixed by metal bone screws (Group A) and four dogs treated with a commercial stainless steel bone plate and metal bone screws (Group B). Bone healing was assessed by radiography, Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and a three-point bending test. The FACBP incorporated in the host bone produced complete remodeling of the cortical bone. There was no significant difference in the bone mineral density and biomechanical tests between the FACBP application site and normal ulna or a stainless steel bone plate of the ulna. These results suggest that FACBP facilitates recovery from a bone fracture by assisting in the induction of new bone formation in a defected fracture.

Over 2004-2006, effects of mineral fertilisers (60 N + 30 P + 60 K kg/ha or 120 N + 30 P + 60 K kg/ha) and farmyard manure (12 or 24 t/ha) application on biological and chemical properties of soil were studied in seminatural grassland. The research trial was established at Radvaň site, central Slovakia (altitude 480 m, loamy to sandy-loamy Cambisol). These parameters were investigated during the growing seasons: CO₂ production, intensity of total N mineralisation (TMN), the rate of nitrification (NIT), total C content in microbial biomass (MB-C), C_ox, N_t, P, K, Mg and the humic acids to fulvic acids ratio (HA:FA). At the application of mineral fertilisers, the highest N rate significantly increased TMN and NIT, mainly in 2004 and 2005. The manure application showed the strongest effects on the biological parameters. The manure rate of 12 t/ha significantly increased the soil respiration in 2005 and 2006 as well as TMN and NIT throughout the research. The manure application increased also the soil pH, MB-C, N_t, Mg, P and C_ox.

: For the measurement of the infiltration speed under operational conditions, we were equipped by a rain simulator with the measuring surface of 0.5 m². The infiltration speed is determined from the defined rain intensity and water surface runoff from the measured surface. The retained water mass from the surface runoff is recorded at regular time intervals over the whole measuring period. The beginning of the water runoff from the measured surface indicates the beginning of elutriation. The measuring time is finished after the infiltration speed has been stabilised. The beginning of elutriation and infiltration speed stabilisation are typical and mutually comparable parameters for defined soil properties at the site followed.

Spirocerca lupi is accepted in Veterinary Medicine as the cause of true malignancies in dogs. Aortic lesions and esophageal nodular granulomas are pathological lesions of spirocercosis that are considered to be pathognomic for this disease. Post mortem and histopathological studies of 105 stray dogs both male and female of different age groups from various residential areas were performed and their esophagus were examined for any lesions and helminthic parasites. Twenty dogs (19.04%) were infected with S. lupi. The infection rate was significantly higher in dogs greater than one year old (23.5%) and in western areas (36.4%) with similar prevalence rate in males and females. At histopathologic level, two isolate but closely related fibrosarcoma masses were situated at the distal portion of the thoracic esophagus of one dog and in the site of junction of esophagus and stomach of another one. Metastasis were observed in the lung and mediastinal lymph nodes of one of the dogs. Despite presence of large population of stray dogs little information is available about S. lupi in this country, so this study was undertaken to obtain an overall picture of this infection in stray dogs of Shiraz area, southern Iran.

The work aimed to evaluate the state of agricultural soil contamination what is important for the gaining of information needed for growing of hygienic safe raw materials and foodstuffs. Metallic pollution of soil in Zemplínska polluted area has begins by accumulation of heavy metals in soil, mainly resulting from location in vicinity of chemical and industrial factories, as well as from many others sources. The pH value development indicates gradual trend of soils acidification, except of alkalic ones reaching up to 20% from total arable soils in Slovakia. Acidification is process, where acidity of abiotic compounds has been increased. Soil reaction is a significant agrochemical property markedly affecting growing and developing of plants, and has directly effect on soil fertility, influencing the ecological conditions for plants and soil microorganisms. The site had been localised with GPS and 5 sampling places had been fixed. From these sites the soil samples were taken from 1 depth, A horizon (0-0,2 m) and then processed and managed according to particular ISO norms. The soil reaction and the heavy metals contents in solution of aqua regia and HNO₃ in soil samples were assessed. Afterwards the gained results had been compared with limit values from legislative documents.

To better understand the chemical transformation of rainfall after the passage through the canopies it is necessary to study throughfall deposition fluxes within forest stands. The comparison of bulk deposition fluxes of Ca, Mg, K, S-SO₄, N-NO₃ and N-NH₄ in mountain spruce stands of different stand density and bulk deposition fluxes on the open area was made at the study site Bílý Kříž (Moravian-Silesian Beskids Mts., Czech Republic) during the period of 1999-2006. A linear relationship between the amount of rainfall on the open area and the amount of throughfall in the spruce stand was found. Throughfall deposition fluxes of selected elements in the dense as well as in the sparse spruce stands were higher when compared with bulk deposition fluxes on the open area. There were mostly statistical significant differences between the bulk deposition fluxes on the open area and those in the studied spruce stands. The throughfall deposition fluxes of Ca, Mg, K and S-SO₄ were influenced by the spruce stand density.

The study compares two methods for modeling the potential distribution of pests when applied to the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalisHubner). The development of the European corn borer (ECB) is known to be closely correlated with daily air temperature as well as other climate variables. The climatic parameters are, therefore, used to predict the potential geographical distribution using tested tools such as CLIMEX or ECAMON. These models consider the climatic suitability of a given site/region for the pest's development and, thus, the possible establishment of a population at a given location. In this study, meteorological data from 1961 to 2000 and from 45 meteorological stations were used to characterise the current climate conditions in the Czech Republic. Validation was based on available field data of the occurrence of ECB in the same period. The climate parameters were later modified according to the estimates based on the combination of three SRES emission scenarios and three global circulation models. Under all climate change scenarios, we noted a marked shift of the pest's potential niches to higher altitudes, which might lead to an increase in the infestation pressure during the first half of this century. The present area of the univoltine population will increase due to temperature increases even above 800 m a.s.l. In addition there is a risk of the establishment of a bivoltine population in the main agricultural areas and 38% of arable land in the Czech Republic before 2050.

Clinical examination and emergency care in newborn puppies is difficult, due to their different physiological characteristics and needs from those of adult dogs. This paper reviews the physiological events during parturition and the influence of parturition on puppy health.

This review summarises information from the literature and experimental experience of the authors in research on weed resistance to herbicides. Factors conditioning the origin of resistance are described. The origin of resistant weeds to nine active ingredients with a different mode of action is presented chronologically, and the distribution of resistant weeds around the world outlined. The fundamental modes of action: reduction of the target site sensitivity, so-called "target site resistance", and the mode by which a herbicide is metabolised into inactive products, are listed. Function and genetic modifications of target sites of selected herbicides are described. Czech biotypes of resistant weeds with a mutation at codon 264 of the psbA gene encoding the D1 protein and at codon 574 of the acetolactate synthase gene are presented.

Peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae), has been a serious pest in the last decade attacking a wide range of fruits in Egypt. The toxicity of Malathion, Diazinon, Methoxyfenozide, and Lufenuron to adult males and females of Bactrocera zonata was studied under laboratory conditions. Diazinon was the most toxic among the tested compounds followed by Malathion, Lufenuron and Methoxyfenozide to Bactrocera zonata at 24 h post treatment, the respective LC₅₀ values were 0.20 ppm, 0.48ppm, 8.97ppm, and 9.73ppm for males and 0.26 ppm, 0.91ppm, 11.26ppm, and 14.12ppm for females. At 48 h post treatment Diazinon was the most toxic followed by Malathion, Methoxyfenozide and Lufenuron to Bactrocera zonata, LC₅₀ values were 0.09ppm, 0.34ppm, 1.60ppm, and 1.88 ppm for males and 0.14 ppm, 0.44ppm, 1.68ppm and 2.17 ppm for females. At 72 h post treatment Diazinon was the most toxic followed by Malathion, Lufenuron and Methoxyfenozide to Bactrocera zonata, LC₅₀ values were 0.02 ppm, 0.13ppm, 0.22ppm and 0.51ppm for males and 0.07 ppm, 0.16ppm, 0.55 ppm and 0.62 ppm for females. It is observed that LC₅₀ values for treated adult females increased more than in the treated adult males at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post treatment. It means that the adult males were more susceptible to the tested insecticides than the adult females.

This study investigated copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) enrichment factor (EF) and mobility factor (MF) as possible indicators of their uptake by spinach (Spinaceae oleraceae) and carrots (Daucus carota) grown on a sludge-amended luvisol (SAL). Sewage sludge was applied to luvisol at different rates and spinach and carrots planted. Enrichment of Cu and Pb in SAL was determined, and values regressed with those of Cu and Pb concentrations in spinach and carrots. Concentration of Cu and Pb in vegetables was calculated using the regression model obtained, and calculated values compared with actual values. Pb MF were higher than Cu MF but Cu and Pb EFsoil values were < 3.0, indicating minor enrichment from sludge addition. EF had 10% reliability in predicting Cu and Pb uptake in vegetables. MF was more than 70% reliable in predicting carrot Cu uptake and spinach Pb uptake. EF and MF are not effective as predictors of heavy metal uptake by vegetables. The role of other soil components including root exudates and by-products from microbial activities should also be investigated.

Field experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Engineering Experimental Farm of The Federal University of Technology, Akure, during 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons to investigate the response of cassava under drip irrigation. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were based on four different water regimes; with T100 receiving 100% available water (AW), T₅₀ and T₂₅ receiving 50% and 25% of AW and T₀ with zero irrigation (control treatment). Disease free stems of the cassava cultivar TMS 91934 were planted at a spacing of 1 m by 1 m. The results indicated that T₁₀₀ full treatment produced the highest average total dry matter yield of 49.12 and 37.62 t/ha in 2006/07 and 2007/08 cropping seasons, respectively. However, the average total dry matter production in T₅₀, T₂₅, and T₀ showed significant differences in their values. Low total dry matter yields of 7.12 and 5.92 t/ha, respectively, were associated with T₀ for the two cropping seasons. The total water use of 1491.75 and 1701.13 mm was recorded for T₁₀₀, while total water use of 729.00 and 651.13 mm were obtained for T₀ in the two cropping seasons. The water use efficiency determined for the two cropping seasons ranged between 7.38 kg/ha and 32.93 kg/ha. The percentages of total water applied from total water use for T₁₀₀ were 51.11% and 61.72%, while 14.83% and 17.85% were recorded for T₂₅ for 2006/07 and 2007/08 cropping seasons, respectively.

This study was performed to make a surgical model of osteoarthritis (OA) in the dog. Experimental medial patellar luxation (MPL) was surgically produced in the left stifle (index) of 24 skeletally mature mixed small breed dogs (age two to six years and weight 2.8 to 9 kg). The animals were randomly allocated in 2 groups; sham group (n = 12), where the right stifle was sham operated and control group (n = 12) with intact right stifle. Physical and radiographic examinations of both stifles were performed at 1.5 months intervals over a one-year experimental period. One dog was euthanatized every three months, and both stifles were explored, gross examination was performed and tissue samples from the articular cartilage, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and synovium were collected for histomorphology. The clinical signs of OA were obvious in the experimental dogs by 12 weeks of surgical induction of MPL, which was also evidenced in the histopathology of the joint tissues and electron microscopy of the articular cartilage. The radiographic changes of OA were not obvious until remarkable degenerative changes became abvious six months postoperatively. Surgically induced MPL can be a successful tool for experimental induction of OA in dogs.

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the efficiency of winter rape growing which is based on the calculations and an analysis of production and economic indicators in the given branch. The development analysis of yields per hectare, costs, revenues and production profitability was carried out over the years 2003-2009 in the Agro Žlunice and it was compared with the results of the Czech Republic as a whole. In the enterprise, it deals with the traditional growing technology with a higher intensity of the intensification factors inputs in growing. Yields per hectare in the farm reached very favourable values which supported the stable position of the enterprise in the market with this agricultural commodity. It is possible to see a competitive advantage in the level of the per hectare yields. An average yield in the joint-stock company from 2003 to 2009 was 4.34 t/ha and an average yield in the CR over the last seven years was 2.9 t/ha. The enterprise's yield is by 1.44 t per ha higher compared to the average yields in the CR. In comparison of the average costs per hectare over the evaluated period in the enterprise and in the CR - in the enterprise, the costs were by 2.71% higher comapred to the CR (the enterprise 21 991 CZK/ha, the CR 21 394 CZK/ha). However, the enterprise Agro Žlunice, a.s. reached in comparison of the cost per 1 tonne of production by 31.31% lower costs than is the CR average. The amount of expenses incurred was compensated by high yields per hectare which the enterprise reached and thereby it improved the profitability of growing of this crop-plant. The highest share in the total costs belonged to direct material costs. The share of material costs in the enterprise over 7 years was 55.28%. Among the direct material costs, there are mainly seeds, fertilizers and chemical prophylactics. From the indicators of production profitability, there are expressed the profit achieved per 1 t of seedsfrom 1 ha of the area under crop and cost profitability. The profitability indicators considerably fluctuate during the evaluated years in the monitored enterprise and in the CR in dependence on the fluctuation of the seed price.

Changbai Mountain Natural Reserve (1,985 km² and 2,734 m a.s.l.) of Northeast China is a typical ecosystem representing the temperate biosphere. The vegetation is vertically divided into 4 dominant zones: broadleaved Korean pine forest (annual temperature 2.32°C, annual precipitation 703.62 mm), dark coniferous forest (annual temperature -1.78°C, annual precipitation 933.67 mm), Erman's birch forest (annual temperature -2.80°C, annual precipitation 1,002.09 mm) and Alpine tundra (annual temperature -3.82°C, annual precipitation 1,075.53 mm). Studies of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization have attracted wide attention in the context of global climate change. Based on the data of a 42-day laboratory incubation experiment, this paper investigated the relationship between soil moisture and mineralization of C and N in soils with different vegetation types on the northern slope of the Natural Reserve Zone of Changbai Mountain. The elevation influence on soil C and N mineralization was also discussed. The results indicated that for the given vegetation type of Changbai Mountain the C and N mineralization rate, potential mineralizable C (C0) and potential rate of initial C mineralization (C₀k) all increased as the soil moisture rose. The elevation or vegetation type partially affected the soil C and N mineralization but without a clear pattern. The moisture-elevation interaction significantly affected soil C and NO₃^--N mineralization, but the effect on NH₄⁺-N mineralization was not significant. The complex mechanism of their impact on the soil C and N mineralization of Changbai Mountain remains to be studied further based on data of field measurements in the future.

Ornamental nurseries, garden centres, public gardens and urban greenery in the Czech Republic were surveyed in 2006-2009 for the presence of Phytophthora spp. and the diseases they cause on ericaceous plants. Diseased plants such as Rhododendron spp., Pieris floribunda, Vaccinium sp., and Azalea sp. showed various symptoms including leaf spot, shoot blight, twig lesions or stem, root and collar rot. Nearly 140 Phytophthora isolates were collected from symptomatic plants in different areas of the country. Of the Phytophthora spp. on ericaceous plants or in their surroundings, P. plurivora appeared to be the most common species. Herein, we focus on the most frequently occurring species, P. plurivora, and describe its morpho-physiological and pathogenicity features and confirm its identity based on ITS sequences of rDNA. In addition, we give a list of other Phytophthora spp. including P. cactorum, P. cambivora, P. cinnamomi, P. citrophthora, P. megasperma, P. multivora, P. ramorum, and P. gonapodyides that we identified on the basis of their cultural and morphological characteristics and DNA sequences. We also discuss their importance in cultivated and natural ecosystems.

Declining water is a great concern in production of rice, because rice is more sensitive to water deficiency which restricts normal rice growth resulting in enormous economic loss. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of hydrogel in different sowing techniques of aerobic rice viz. flat, ridge, and bed sowing. Observations on soil moisture percentage before every irrigation, yield, and yield components of rice were recorded. Application of hydrogel improved soil moisture contents in all the three sowing techniques as compared to soil without hydrogel. More soil moisture contents met the crop water needs and increased the number of germinated seeds. As a consequence of more emergence and better stand establishment, the yield components were also improved increasing the yield of rice in hydrogel amended soil in all sowing techniques. However, sowing of rice on beds with hydrogel amendment was found the most effective; it not only improved the performance of aerobic rice but also enhanced growth and yield of aerobic rice more than other sowing techniques.

Soil tillage practices involving various depth, intensity, and different methods of loosening the soil and treating plant residues have changed significantly in recent years and have spread also due to technical advance. The reasons are not only in expected benefits for crop production economics but also in preserving and increasing soil fertility. Although the practices were known for decades, their greatest development and use was seen only in the last 15 years, when decreasing production costs, efficient technology and effective herbicides were the main reasons for their development. At present, they are regarded as important alternatives to conventional management practices with moldboard plowing. Minimum soil tillage practices can contribute to effective soil management, however, risks associated with using these practices in various farming conditions shall be regarded. For cereals, these risks also include disease severity that is conditioned by several circumstances, which change along with the crop management practice, variety assortment or weather in individual years. Diseases that can be of greater importance in relation to the conservation soil tillage practice are stem-base diseases, root diseases and Fusarium head blight. Our experiments did not demonstrate an increased demand for protection against Fusarium head blight, foot diseases and take-all in the given system (three-crop rotation where wheat followed white mustard). Individual years were an important factor.

Reptiles have recently become a popular group of pet animals. A relatively large number of studies on the morphology of the oral cavity and method of feeding in adult individuals have been published. Nevertheless, embryological descriptions of reptile body parts or structures are rare. In this study, we describe the morphology of the developing tongue, in particular its dorsal surface, in pre-hatched green iguanas. Microscopic examination of the oral cavity of early embryos revealed that the tongue was divided into three different areas: apex, corpus and radix. The dorsal lingual surface was smooth and covered by nonkeratinised stratified squamous epithelium with slight prominences in some cases. In the underlying mesenchyme of the tongue, striated muscular tissue was formed. The epithelium thickness was reduced during formation of the lingual papillae and in later stages remained simple cuboidal. No developing taste buds could be recognised in the lingual epithelium.

The fungus Ramularia collo-cygni is increasingly important as the causal agent of Ramularia leaf spot (RLS), a novel leaf spot disease of barley. The work aimed to identify gene resources suitable for developing new breeding lines of winter barley with improved resistance. During the first experimental period (2001-2005), RLS incidence was monitored in 711 cultivars and advanced breeding lines. Differences were detected in the intensity of symptomatic expression, but no material showed high resistance. During the second experimental period (2006-2009), response to natural RLS infection was evaluated in 19 winter barley cultivars (12 six-row and 7 two-row) registered in the Czech Republic. Highest susceptibility was detected in 6-row cvs. Luran, Laverda and Wendy while cvs Breunskylie (2-row), Merlot and Highlight (both 6-row) showed relatively lower disease incidence. High resistance was not detected. On average, 2-row cultivars showed lower intensity than 6-row cultivars and significant variation was observed among years.

Sorghum anthracnose is a disease of worldwide importance and host-plant resistance is the most practical method of disease management. In this study, 154 sorghum accessions from the Botswana collection maintained by the United States National Plant Germplasm System were inoculated with Colletotrichum sublineolum and evaluated for disease resistance at the Tropical Agriculture Research Station in Isabela, Puerto Rico during 2007 and 2008. A resistant response was observed for 69 accessions in 2007 and for 48 accessions in 2008 with no acervuli development observed on inoculated leaves. The low frequency of resistant germplasm is expected from a region of low annual rainfall. However, disease severity was low for the susceptible accessions with a mean severity of 11% for the 85 susceptible accessions observed in 2007 and 17% for the 106 susceptible accessions identified in 2008. The highest frequency of resistant accessions was observed for the Ngamiland district with 58% of the accessions rated as resistant, whereas the frequency of resistant accessions ranged from 22% to 36% for the other districts. The lowest mean disease severity was also observed for the susceptible accessions from the Ngamiland district with the highest mean disease severity observed for susceptible accessions from the Kgatleng district. The resistant accessions identified in this study would be useful for the development of disease resistant varieties and the results indicated an ecogeographic association with disease resistance.