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High quality of planting material is an essential prerequisite for successful artificial forest regeneration. We carried out a detailed investigation aimed at differences between plantable bareroot and container plants of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.). Based on the results of this experiment, there exist marked differences in basic morphological traits between bareroot plants and plugs. The largest differences were observed in root collar diameter and root system volume. Differences in physiological quality (nutrient content, function of assimilatory organs) were also great. The results document that container seedlings of Norway spruce produced by intensive technology in controlled conditions of plastic greenhouses have very good predispositions for successful growth in difficult mountain conditions.

The tree species composition of forests in the Czech Republic has changed due to the human impact over the time. Nowadays, the idea of reducing the area with spruce stands and of increasing the area with broadleaved stands is widely discussed. The paper compares the target species composition with the presentone and creates four groups of areas with the largest and/or negligible differences between the target and the actual tree species composition using the Czech typology school.

The reed canary grass as a source of energy was tested in field experiments on small plots at three different sites in 1996-2003. The effects of soil and weather conditions, different times of harvest (July, November, March) and different doses of nitrogen fertilization (0, 30, 60 kg/ha) on yields of phytomass were investigated. The effects of the harvest time on the water content in harvested phytomass, loss of phytomass in different harvest period and the content of basic nutrients and heavy metals in plants were all specified. The influence of the year, site and N fertilization on yields of phytomass of the reed canary grass was highly significant. The reed canary grass responded positively to increasing doses of nitrogen by the increase of yields of phytomass. On the averages of years and sites, the N application dose of 30 kg/ha increased dry phytomass yields of the reed canary grass harvested in November by 14.6% (1.08 t/ha). The higher dosage of N 60 kg/ha increased yields of phytomass of the reed canary grass at all sites by 32.8% (2.08 t/ha) on average in contrast with variants without fertilization. By the dose of N 60 kg/ha, the dry above-ground phytomass harvested in autumn was 10.04 t/ha in Ruzyně, 8.27 t/ha in Lukavec and 6.94 t/hain Chomutov on average over the whole period. The later times of harvest resulted in a decrease of the average yield of phytomass (8.41 t/ha in July, 8.00 t/ha in November and 6.04 t/ha in March) and the average water content (64.3% - 45.2% - 21.5%); on the contrary, energy value of phytomass increased (16.93 GJ/t - 17.02 GJ/t - 17.19 GJ/t). The average content of ash in plants varied from 6.5% in Lukavec to 9.31% in Chomutov. The content of heavy metals in plants never exceeded the highest permissible values set in the Czech Republic for food and feed purposes.

Ecobiological study of medicinal plants includes the analysis of particular soil features and the ecological indexes of plant species as site indicators. Two experimental serpentine areas in northwest and central Serbia were selected to identify the potential limiting factors for medicinal plant harvesting. Soil analysis is done according to ICP methodology - ICP Forest Manual, Part III, Soil Sampling and Analysis (1998). Floristic and phytocoenological investigations were carried out by Wasthoff-van der Maarel (1973). The assessment of soil quality is based on the calculation of indicator values of available nitrogen (N), heavy metals, and the sensitivity to acidification. According to our results, N (12.1-17.5), acidification (7-12), and indicator values for some heavy metals (0.3-46.5) show a low biological availability. Medicinal plant species at the investigated areas have low values of ecological indexes: N (2.41-2.82), moisture (2.45-2.70) and soil acidity (3.35-3.70). Hydrothermic conditions indicate the predominant presence of sub-xerophytes, semi-sciophytes and mesothermic species. These types of plant species are recommended for exploitation.

The structure of C. parasitica populations was evaluated in Štiavnicko-krupinská subpopulation in Slovakia. A total of four vegetative-compatibility (vc) types were detected among the sample of 215 isolates, which respond to following European vc types: EU-12, EU-2, EU-13, and EU-8. Number of vc types on single sites varied between one and four. One vc type (EU-12) was the dominant in Štiavnicko-krupinská subpopulation. This vc type (EU-12) comprised 93% of all isolates and was found on each site. Two vc types were represented by only one or two isolates. The observed vc type frequencies were compared with expected vc type frequencies. The χ² test showed that the observed vc type frequencies differed significantly from the frequencies expected under random mating.

The results of three-year trials (1999 to 2001) conducted with six winter wheat varieties in which was investigated the effect of sites, years and varieties on the final grain yield and technological quality showed statistically significant differences (LSD, 95%) among sites in grain yield and these parameters of quality: test volume mass, wet gluten content, sedimentation test, protein content, falling number and flour water absorption capacity. As to the quality, the Žatec site showed itself as generally most suitable, and the Jaroměřice site as the least suitable one. Climate conditions showed a statistically significant effect (LSD, 95%) on grain yield and all quality parameters, beside the percentage of complete grains and swelling capacity of gluten and falling number, which were insignificant. The most favourable weather conditions, a lot of precipitation and high temperature in the course of ripening from three years were proved in the year 2000. Among the varieties were statistically significant differences (LSD, 95%) in grain yield and these parameters of quality: test volume mass, thousand grain weight, ash content, percentage of complete grains, sedimentation test, protein content, reologic properties of dough and baking tests. From the six varieties the best profits were shown from variety Sulamit (loaf volume 595 ml/100 g of flour), the worst was Semper (loaf volume 543 ml/100 g of flour) and Vlasta (loaf volume 532 ml/100 g of flour). The best grain yield was in 2001 (average of sites 8.84 t/ha) and the variety Semper had the highest grain yield of 9.17 t/ha, that is higher at 13.41% compared with Sulamit (7.94 t/ha).

This paper focuses on numerical modelling of soil water movement in response to the root water uptake that is driven by transpiration. The flow of water in a lysimeter, installed at a grass covered hillslope site in a small headwater catchment, is analysed by means of numerical simulation. The lysimeter system provides a well defined control volume with boundary fluxes measured and soil water pressure continuously monitored. The evapotranspiration intensity is estimated by the Penman-Monteith method and compared with the measured lysimeter soil water loss and the simulated root water uptake. Variably saturated flow of water in the lysimeter is simulated using one-dimensional dual-permeability model based on the numerical solution of the Richards' equation. The availability of water for the root water uptake is determined by the evaluation of the plant water stress function, integrated in the soil water flow model. Different lower boundary conditions are tested to compare the soil water dynamics inside and outside the lysimeter. Special attention is paid to the possible influence of the preferential flow effects on the lysimeter soil water balance. The adopted modelling approach provides a useful and flexible framework for numerical analysis of soil water dynamics in response to the plant transpiration.

The work objective is to differentiate rural land of Slovakia with aspect to the possibility of effective rye growing. The differentiation is based on pedo-climatic and production economic parameters. At soil categorization, correlation relationships between the site properties (soil and climatic conditions) and crop biological and agro-technological requirements were considered. Rye requirements were included into yield databases using the software filters in the way that the given site property excluded or limited rye growing, what was reflected in predicted production. The prediction was subsequently interpolated into four suitability categories: soils not suitable for rye growing, less suitable soils, suitable soils and very suitable soils. The database was formed and each of the Bonited Soil-Ecological Units (BSEU) was added in it as well as particular category of suitability for rye growing. By mediation of the Geographic Information System on BSEU distribution in Slovakia, the map of categories of soil suitability for rye growing was also generated. In Slovakia, there is 21% of farmland very suitable for rye growing, 23% suitable, 24% less suitable and 32% non-suitable soils for rye growing according to our calculation. In the paper, these categories are characterized in details and specified from the view of geographic, soil, climatic, productivity, economic and energetic parameters.

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

The subject of our research was to verify effects of the mechanical preparation of soil in the natural regeneration of pedunculate oak in a floodplain forest. On the site of a hard-wooded floodplain forest at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje rivers (Czech Republic), several sample plots were established differing in the preparation of soil during regeneration, in weeding the plots and in the period of the implementation of soil surface scarification before and after the fall (or distribution) of acorns. On the basis of results obtained, mechanical preparation of soil on non-weed-infested plots in the heavy seed year is not necessary, however, it supports seedling emergence from acorns and eliminates weed tree emergence and weed. However, it is better to realize it only after the fall of acorns and to incorporate them into soil and thus their emergence will be increased. Soil scarification can be carried out also in the course of harvesting the parent stand through the extraction of wood and slash from the regenerating area. In weed-infested stands, however, the thorough preparation of soil before the fall of acorns appears to be a necessity.

Silver fir as a domestic species is an important tree in our forests. Unfortunately it has suffered from serious dieback in Central Europe in the last decades. Reintroduction of Silver fir is not an easy task as seedlings and saplings are sensitive to many environmental harmful factors and to game browsing damage especially in early stages after germination. The fertilization of Silver fir saplings could help shorten the sensitive period of the tree species. Silver fir research plots were founded in 1999 to observe an impact of different fertilizers on its height growth. Applications of conventional as well as modern fertilizers confirmed the positive influence on the height growth of the species. Apical dominance ratio was used to evaluate the growth status of saplings.

In 2002 a study focused on the evaluation of height and density of expanding natural regeneration of Fraxinus excelsior L. (FE) was carried out on Velká hora Hill, a locality in the Bohemian Karst (Český kras). The examined area is located in Karlštejn National Nature Reserve and takes up around 31 ha. The parent rock is limestone. The expansion depends on soil and exposition conditions and relates to the water balance gradient. FE reached the highest densities (up to 6,000 individuals/400 m²) on Velká hora's peak plateau on medium-deep, heavy-textured decarbonized soils. The lowest expansion (508 individuals/400 m²) was found on slopes fully exposed to south (S) with water retention capacity lower than 20 mm. In total, the average density was 1,190 individuals/400 m². FE natural regeneration reached the highest average heights (around 210 cm) on Fageto-Quercetum illimerosum mesotrophicum, the smallest heights on Carpineto-Aceretum saxatile. Average height in the locality was 47 cm. No relation was found between FE natural regeneration height or density and the distance of a fertile specimen. The distance exceeded 70 m only in 3.4%. FE seeds could be detected almost everywhere at the area. FE is capable to establish itself on any location of the studied locality except ecologically extreme parts of rock steppe without forest and Fagus sylvatica L. stands occupying S slopes. On less favourable sites it is capable to use the protection of other tree species and as a low growing tree it can eventually dominate the site. In more favourable conditions it expands on the whole area, where it can dominate the undergrowth already at 1-m height. If the forest sites are left to natural development, a distinctive change in the tree species composition could take place in a short time period. Such a change could have an essential impact on light conditions, energy flux and species composition of plant and animal communities.

Long-term fertilization effects were evaluated including NPK, Ca and N applications at the lower altitudes. The studied localities are in the territory of Training Forest Enterprise in Kostelec nad Černými lesy, at an altitude of 300-500 m a.s.l., sites of beech-oak-fir types. Fertilizers were used in 1965-1967, the evaluation of soil condition was done in 1967 (before fertilization) and 2002. After 25-35 years, only low effects of fertilization are detectable in the humus forms and complex soil profile - surface humus accumulation, soil chemistry, as well as nutrient contents. Complex fertilization was reflected in higher site fertility in general, N-fertilization only in the progress of acidification. During the period 1967-2002, a strong general trend of acidification is obvious caused by both acid deposition and Norway spruce monoculture-based forestry.

The paper deals with the determination of the number of sapwood annual rings in oak (Quercus sp.) in relation to altitude, locality and stand age. Several different groups of samples were used from two localities of southern Moravia. The results of the study demonstrate the effects of site water regime and age on the growth of sapwood annual rings. On the other hand, the effect of altitude was not proved. The information can be of crucial importance for the dendrochronological dating of an incomplete sample for particular regions where sapwood is partly or totally missing.

Formerly arable luvic chernozem set aside for ten years (1997-2006) with different herbaceous cover (grass, legumes and their mixtures) and agronomical practices (mulching and cut/harvesting) was studied. The experimental plot was maintained as black, spontaneous and controlled fallows from 1997 until July 2003 (BD period). In July 2003 the plots were desiccated by glyphosate herbicide and were run as a black fallow until August 2004 (AD). The last period (AG) was characterized by monoculture of Italian ryegrass cut/harvested twice a year until October 2006. The experimental soils were characterized with 18 parameters. Mulched plots in all periods (BD, AD and AG) were evaluated as highly microbial active plots. The black fallow (BD) permanently maintained by glyphosate herbicide was the lowest in biological parameters. The desiccation caused a highly significant increase (P < 0.01) of nitrates in topsoil, but in following period (AG) their significant decrease was detected. Desiccation enhanced carbon immobilization into microbial cells especially on mulched and cut/harvested sites (BD, AD). Due to mulching accumulation of soil organic matter highly significantly increased (P < 0.01). This induced a highly significant (P < 0.01) increase in the basal respiration (AD, AG) as the soil organic matter accumulated in the period BD was intensively mineralized.

This article describes the results of the analysis of correlation between the soil electrical conductivity and BPEJ (valued soil-ecological units). The measurements were made in 2006 at the School Agribusiness Land Farm in Lány established by the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. The soil electrical conductivity (EC) was measured by the contact method using a sensor with six electrodes. The soil EC data measured were compared with the data obtained from BPEJ maps. The aim was to verify if any relationship exists between the soil EC and BPEJ. The results achieved show that the same dependency exists between the values of the main soil unit of the BPEJ code and the soil EC. The results achieved can be used in the precise agriculture system to improve the decision process.

: A 3-year-old Doberman Pinscher was referred to the Clinic for Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty of Ljubljana for cardiologic examination due to lethargy, inappetence and lateral abdominal wall oedema. The dog had been treated at the primary veterinary practice for tooth granuloma two days before the presentation. During the course of the disease a presumptive diagnosis necrotizing fasciitis was ascertained and Serratia marcescens organism was isolated from the ventral body wall tissue, from the wound in the oral cavity and other organs in the body. Systemic signs developed concomitantly with the progression of the local disease. Due to grave prognosis the dog was euthanised. This is the first report of a necrotizing fasciitis in a dog caused by S. marcescens and also the first one suspected to occur after the dental procedure.

This paper presents the results of a three-year research on the effect of perforated polyethylene foil and polypropylene fibre covering at various lengths of plant cover period (2 and 3 weeks after plant emergence) on the assimilation leaf area of early potato cultivars. In the case of plant covering for 2 weeks after emergence the assimilation leaf area and leaf area index (LAI) at the moment of cover removal were on average 2 times higher than in the cultivation without covering; at the 3-week period of plant covering they were almost 1.7 times higher. A higher favourable effect of covering was obtained in the year with the lowest air temperature in May. The use of the covers at that time increased the assimilation leaf area and LAI 2.5 times and 3 times, respectively. The research showed no significant effect of the type of cover used on the assimilation leaf area and LAI; however, the specific leaf area (SLA) was higher with the use of polypropylene fibre.

The aim of present study was the installation of permanent jugular catheter to miniature pigs, which are frequently used as animal model for the experiments closely related to human medicine. We describe here in many details surgical interventions leading to the localization and fixation of Seldinger needle in ν. jugularis externa and its use for extended period of time. Eight animals were included in these experiments and their heath status was currently monitored and no visible problems were recorded. After two months they were euthanased and potential function of catheters was carefully inspected. Only in two instances we found pathological changes resulting in the obstruction of catheter and trombophlebitis of ν.jugularis externa sin and ν. cava cranialis In six remaining animals, it was easy to inject any time the solutions with drugs to blood system or to take safely blood samples. During whole post operation period the animals were maintained in conventional conditions, without any special care.

Urbanization has drastically changed soil properties, and an assessment of these changes is essential for soil management and soil health. The activities of urease, acid phosphatase, invertase and catalase, soil organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and clay (< 0.01 mm) content of urban soils under two land-uses in the central built-up area of the Shenzhen city were investigated, and multivariate analysis was used to study the relationship between soil enzymes and soil physical-chemical properties. The results showed that invertase activity in roadside soil was significantly higher than that in urban park soil, whereas catalase activity was significantly higher in urban park soil. Soil organic matter had significant positive correlation with activities of invertase, urease and acid phosphatase but not with catalase. Soil pH had a significant negative direct effect on urease and acid phosphatase activity, but the effect was counteracted by positive indirect effect of soil organic matter. Soil EC had a positive direct effect on activities of catalase and there was a significant correlation between soil EC and soil catalase activities. Soil organic matter, soil pH and EC were the major factors influencing activities of soil enzymes.

Fifteen sweet cherry cultivars and three rootstocks were evaluated within three years in two experimental orchards established in the same location in the autumn 2004. In one of them drip irrigation was applied in the periods of insufficient rainfall, i.e. from mid-April to mid-August. This irrigation distinctly increased the vigour of trees that was jointly expressed by trunk-cross-section area, total length of shoots and canopy volume. An increase of tree vigour was the greatest in trees on Mazzard, medium on P-HL-C and the lowest on Gisela 5 rootstocks. The trees on P-HL-C that grew without irrigation similarly as the trees on Gisela 5 grew significantly more vigorously when irrigation was applied. Considerable differences in the response to irrigation were also found among cultivars; it increased the vigour of Halka, Sylvana, Aranka and Burlat more distinctly, whereas the least response to irrigation was recorded in the Horka, Jacinta and Justyna cultivars. The vigour of Regina, Tim and Vanda cultivars grown on P-HL-C rootstock was more extensively increased by irrigation than if they grew on Gisela 5. Flower and fruit sets of irrigated trees were with a few exceptions significantly lower than those of trees without irrigation. Tamara, Sandra and Regina were the most vigorous cultivars in this study, whereas Tim and Skeena had the weakest tree growth. Practical aspects of these findings are briefly discussed.

The paper presents results from a study of sycamore maple development, health condition and growth in forest altitudinal vegetation zones (FAVZ) 6 and 7 occurring in pollution damage zones A and B in the air-polluted region of Krušné hory Mts. as compared with the trees of identical height in FAVZ 4 and 5 occurring in pollution damage zone D in the Bohemian-Moravian Upland. Sycamore maple develops a fully diversified root system. On spread mounds it creates only a superficial root system and its growth is retarded. The growth of sycamore maple is limited by the layer of humus horizons. If the layer thickness is over 20 cm, the sycamore roots would grow into mineral horizons.

The paper deals with historical development of floodplain forests in the area of Vrapač National Nature Reserve in the floodplain of the Morava River (Protected Landscape Area Litovelské Pomoraví, Czech Republic). The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the anthropogenic influences that have over centuries led to the present state of floodplain forests in the study area. Thus, it will be possible to define more efficiently the management plan of this floodplain forest ecosystem.

For the first time in the Czech Republic, bacteria identified as Pseudomonas marginalis, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum and Pseudomonas putida were isolated from tubers of Zantedeschia spp. with symptoms of tuber soft rot. The symptoms occurred on mother tubers as well as on new daughter tubers of different calla lily hybrids with yellow spathe, calla lily cv. Mango with bright orange spathe and Zantedeschia rehmanii with pink spathe. The percentage of diseased plants of the total plants in the plot was around 10%. When inoculated into potato tuber slices, strains of P. marginalis and P. c. subsp. carotovorum produced soft rot. Pectolytic activity of P. marginalis strains was less intensive than that of the P. c. subsp. carotovorum strain. The results confirm that bacterial soft rot of Zantedeschia spp. may have several causes.

By reference to the Eternal Rye trial in Halle, Germany, as an example, it is demonstrated that long-term trials provide indispensable information for contemporary and future land use research. These trials serve as tools for the examination of cultivation measures or the effects of climate on nutrient dynamics and mobilization, microbial biodiversity, mineral composition or soil formation processes. They are therefore essential for the evaluation of land-use strategies or climatic change and, because of that, can provide more accuracy in related political considerations.

Objective of the study was to assess histopathological changes in horses with a clinical history of exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) with special reference to polysaccharide storage myopathy and to compare histopathological findings in horses with and without a clinical history of ER. In total 39 muscle samples were collected, from horses with a history of repeated episodes of exertional rhabdomyolysis (test group, 10 horses) and from horses without clinical signs of muscular disorders in their history (control group, 29 horses). Frozen muscle samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff with and without amylase digestion. Histopathologic changes (amylase resistant polysaccharide, subsarcolemmal glycogen, intracytoplasmic masses, subsarcolemmal vacuoles, fibre size variation and internal nuclei) were evaluated. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in the presence of subsarcolemmal amylase sensitive glycogen deposits (P ≤ 0.0001), the risk ratio was 5.22. Statistically significant differences between groups were not found regarding the presence of intracytoplasmic masses, subsarcolemmal vacuoles, amylase resistant polysaccharide, fibre size variation and internal nuclei. Presence of amylase resistant polysaccharide within muscle fibres of apparently healthy horses could be a manifestation of different phenotype expression of PSSM but also the insufficient specificity of this diagnostic criterion.

Harvester technologies represent the second most common logging system in the Czech Republic. The high productivity of this technology is very necessary to cover its acquisition and operational costs. A human factor - a machine operator is the most important factor that surely influences the machine productivity. That is why the aim of this study is as follows: to analyze the mutual dependence of machine operator's education and working experience and harvester and forwarder productivity. The analysis proves that the operator's education and even more his working experience are very important. The time of harvesting work stages was measured when the harvester was operated by an operator with two-year working experience and by an operator with no experience. The average time difference between the harvester operators was 64.9 seconds in one work stage. The statistical significance of different operation times was confirmed during technically demanding segments in the working stage (the boom out the felling head and tree processing). Operators with the same working experience in forestry mechanization - about 13 years but with different education carried out the haulage work stage. In this case, the statistical significance between calculated differences was not proved. This fact proves that the operator's working experience is more important than his education.