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An in sacco technique was used to measure NDF degradability and release of Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe from six forages - lucerne hay from the 1^st cut (LH₁), from the 2^nd cut (LH₂), orchard grass (G), grass silage (GS), red clover silage treated with Feedtech (CS_FT) and/or with Kofasil (CS_KO). The forages differed in the content of NDF and minerals. There were large differences (P < 0.01) in element release in the rumen between experimental forages and the particular elements. The rate of release of elements was higher from LH_1, LH_2, CS_FT,CS_KO than from G and GS. The release of individual elements and NDF over all incubation times is very well expressed by cubic polynomials (R²> 0.9). Overall, across forages the release of mineral elements ranked as follows: Mg > Fe > Cu > Ca > Zn. The minimum and maximum disappeared portions of individual minerals from forages are as follows: Mg 74.7% from G and > 91.5% from LH₁, Fe 29.7% from G and 99.9% from LH₁ and LH_2, Cu 64.3% from G and 99.8% from LH₁ and LH₂, Ca 28.4% from G and 75.4% from CS_FT, Zn 12.0% from G and 38.2% from LH₁, respectively. Calcium and zinc need a longer time for their maximum release. It can be concluded from the results of multiple regression analyses that only the Mg and Ca release is associated depending on NDF and time of observations, with a highly significant influence of forage on Zn and Cu.

In a controlled pot trial, plants of birch (Betula pendula Roth) were treated in six variants: acid watering (pH 3), acid watering with spraying, drought, ammonium sulphate fertilisation, ammonium sulphate fertilisation in combination with drought, and control. The response to the treatment with ammonium sulphate in terms of the increment was discordant as it increased the sensitivity of birch to frost. Drought had a negative effect on increments. A combination of ammonium sulphate and drought; drought; ammonium sulphate and sprayed acid watering delayed the shedding of leaves; this was due to a longer vegetation period, significantly higher nitrogen content in these variants, with the exception of drought.

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge of dynamics of species diversity, abundance, distribution of fruiting bodies and dominance of macromycetes in mycocoenosis of beech monocultures. The problems were studied in beech monocultures on three permanent research plots with various impacts of air pollutants generated by the aluminium plant in Žiar nad Hronom. Over the research period we determined 121 macromycete species and one species of imperfect fungus. We found relatively balanced values of abundance, fruiting body distribution and species dominance on all the examined plots. The species diversity in groups consisting of the most dominant species was practically the same on each plot. As for the ecotrophic requirements of individual macromycetes, we can conclude that the diversity of tree parasites decreased with decreasing pollutant load. We also found out relatively balanced numbers of lignicolous saprophytes and terrestrial saprophytes on each research plot. Air pollutants also influenced the species spectrum of ectomycorrhizal macromycetes negatively (only 6 species on the plot with highest pollution stress and 21 species on the plot with lowest pollution stress).

The analyses of the activity of cambium and the study of the increment of wood during one growing season of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) under conditions of a floodplain forest is provided. The following parameters were studied: the beginning and end of the cambial activity, differentiation of wood fibres (libriform) and vessels and analysis of the total increment of wood during vegetation in dominant (D), co-dominant (CD) and subdominant (SD) trees in relation to ecological factors of the environment. The course of wood formation corresponds to typical growth curves which are modified by factors of the environment (mean daily temperature, precipitation, soil water supply). The rate of growth is limited by factors of the environment and under the lack of some of them it is reduced resulting in the decrease in the total production of cells. Oak is a species sensitively responding to the period of drought which is particularly manifested in wood increment in subdominant trees. Sufficient supplies of water during spring months accelerate the formation of early wood including differentiation of spring vessels as corroborated by the results. The total formation of wood is dependent not only on the characteristics of the respective growing season but particularly on the social position of trees in the stand.

The paper evaluates the growth, structure, production, quality, leaf area index and dendrochronology of 100 years old Austrian pine (Pinus nigra ARNOLD) monoculture situated in the forest type group Fageto-Quercetum in the locality Horné Lefantovce (Nitrianska Streda Forest District, Topoľčianky Forest Enterprise). Codominant trees, trees with stem of high quality, with medium-sized crown, medium dense and straight crown are the most abundant in the stand. The tree number in the stand is 1,024 trees/ha, basal area 51.75 m2/ha, growing stock 571.56 m3/ha, aboveground biomass stock 348.76 t/ha and leaf area index 21.85 ha/ha. Dendrochronological analyses examined the response in individual sample trees and minimum annual ring width was found in 1920, 1922, 1925, 1929, 1933, 1938, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1954, 1963, 1968, 1976, 1982, 1990, 1993, 1998, 2001. Marked maximum values of annual ring width in the years 1919, 1923, 1926, 1930, 1936, 1937, 1941, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1959, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1997 were found as a positive productive feature. Beginning in the year 1993, dry Austrian pine trees occurred in the stand as a result of the fungal infection by Sphaeropsis sapinea (Fr.) Dyko et Sutton.

The paper summarises main ideas concerning the structure of natural forest ecosystems at middle altitudes and documents the changes of humus forms and their chemistry in the natural forest of Žákova hora National Nature Reserve, in typical selected parts with different tree species composition: European beech - Norway spruce. The species composition, age and spatial structure are discussed and analysis of the uppermost soil layer is done in particular parts of the natural forest regeneration cycle, of different stages respectively. We compared the amount and layer composition of surface humus and basic pedochemical characteristics of holorganic and upper mineral horizons. The results document changes in the character of humus forms as a consequence of the tree species change. On the contrary, a high portion of uncertainty as for the species, age and spatial structure follows from discussion about the structure of natural forests at middle altitudes.

Routine access to the bovine oviduct for in vivo culture accomplishes various demands on embryo production for scientific as well as commercial purposes. The experiments conducted in the present study focused on the efficiency of recovery methods after temporary in vivo culture of bovine embryos in oviducts of the homologous species using transvaginal endoscopy (Experiment I) and on the quality assessment of recovered blastocysts (Experiment II). In Experiment I in vitro matured oocytes were fertilized, cultured for 1 to 3 days and transferred unilaterally into the ipsilateral oviducts of 54 heifers by the means of transvaginal endoscopy. After 4 to 6 days of in vivo culture embryos were re-collected either by non-surgical flushing of uterine horns (U-group) or by combined flushing of the oviducts and uterine horns (OU-group). In total the recovery rate was 38.4% (780/2029). After flushing at day seven, 106 blastocysts (blastocyst rate: 13.6% ) were found. The additional 24 h of in vitro culture (day eight) resulted in 153 blastocysts (blastocyst rate: 19.6% ). The recovery rate in the OU-group was twice as efficient as in the U-group (390/1358 vs. 390/671, P < 0.01). The recovery rates among the different stages of transferred embryos did not differ significantly; likewise cross-effects among the stages and the recovery methods were non-significant. The recovery methods (P < 0.001) and the interaction between the recovery methods and the stages of transferred embryos (P < 0.01) had an influence on blastocyst yields on day seven (U-group 37/1358 vs. OU-group 69/671) and day eight (U-group 48/1358 vs. OU-group 105/671). In Experiment II embryo quality was assessed by the survival rate of blastocysts after freezing in ethylene glycol. Day seven embryos were produced in vitro (in vitro group D7) or by IVM/IVF followed by a combined culture procedure (2 to 3 days in vitro prior to 4 to 5 days in vivo) (in vivo group D7) or after superovulation and collection at day seven (superovulation group). Embryos from in vitro group D7 re-expanded only for 6 h after thawing, embryos from in vivo group D7 and superovulation group were alive for 24 h and 72 h of culture, respectively. Only embryos derived by superovulation showed hatching activity. Blastocysts from the in vitro group D7 and the in vivo group D7 that were held in culture medium for additional 24 h (day eight) showed an analogous post-thawing culture behaviour. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that some embryos transferred for in vivo culture remain in the oviduct even at day seven. Hence, combined flushing of oviducts and uterine horns after in vivo culture in the bovine oviduct is necessary for effective embryo re-collection. The quality of recovered embryos after temporary in vivo culture assessed by cryotolerance was in-between those produced in vitro or recovered after superovulation.

In Pakistan citrus groves in general are facing a serious problem of decline that is attributed to different causes. The major cause, however, is the prevalence of citrus virus and virus-like diseases; Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is of utmost concern. Although CTV has been identified and characterized on the basis of serological and physical properties, no information is available on the strains of CTV in Pakistan. The identification of CTV strains will be helpful in developing strategies to control the decline of citrus trees to a great extent. Many citrus growing countries have successfully used the technique of cross protection to minimize the drastic effect of severe CTV strains. By pre-immunization of the citrus tree with mild strains, the decline can be controlled to increase the life span of the citrus tree. In this study we focus on the possibility of establishing a cross protection technique in Pakistan against the CTV strains.

In the paper we evaluate the influence of crown thinning with positive selection, different intensity (moderate PRP III and heavy PRP IV) and 5-year frequency on development of growth, production, quality and leaf area index of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) monocultures growing on the series of three permanent research plots (PRP) Sikenica (Levice Forest Enterprise, Levice Forest District) as observed in 1978-2003. The trends of development of mean stem, basal area, standing volume and aboveground dendromass (in dry matter) were mainly influenced by heavy crown thinning. The index of growth was as follows: basal area 169.01%, standing volume 262.12%, aboveground dendromass (in dry matter) 324.48%. At the age of 64 years the black walnut monocultures tended by heavy crown thinning had the following parameters: basal area 31.03 m²/ha, standing volume 463.88 m³/ha and aboveground dendromass 194.98 t/ha. Mean periodic increment reached the values: basal area 0.51 m²/ha/year, standing volume 11.48 m³/ha/year and dendromass 5.39 t/ha/year. The index of increment percent growth was: basal area + 31.75%, growing stock + 30.85% and dendromass + 0.79%, compared to the control. The total production was also significantly influenced by heavy thinning. At the stand age of 64 years the tended stands had the total basal area of 4.92 m²/ha, total volume production of 572.77 m³/ha and total weight production of 246.04 t/ha. The total mean increment of basal area is 0.67 m²/ha/year, of volume 8.95 m³/ha/year and of weight 3.84 t/ha/year, which is by 24.07%, 23.96% and 16.01% more than on the control plot. The leaf area index at the age of 64 years ranges from 6.54 ha/ha (PRP III) to 7.82 ha/ha (PRP V). Dendrochronological analyses revealed minimum widths of annual rings in the years 1952, 1961, 1968, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1993, 2000, maximum ones in 1951, 1957, 1959, 1967, 1974, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1989, 1999.

The paper is focused on the analysis of the wine demand and chosen factors which influence the wine demand in the Czech Republic, in Slovakia, in Austria, and in Germany. In the Czech Republic, the wine consumption per inhabitant went up slightly in 1994-2003, the wine demand has a rising trend. The wine demand has the rising trend in Germany as well. In Slovakia, the year wine consumption per inhabitant decreased by 14.9% from 1994 to 2003; in Austria by 7.7%. There is a downward trend of development in these countries. The influence of the analyzed factors on the development of the wine demand is different in the particular countries. The dependence is possible to follow at the total level of incomes in comparison with the consumer's price of wine.

Presented study documents the effects of green alder (Alnus alnobetula [Ehrh.] C. Koch) on the uppermost forest soil layers in mountain areas, respectively in the top part of the Orlické hory Mts. Three variants effect to the forest soil have been studied: pure groups of green alder, pure groups of Norway spruce and Norway spruce stand under-planted by green alder. The effect of alder stands litter influenced some basic soil characteristics: the surface humus accumulation (low), the bases content and base saturation (decreased). The green alder increased the acidification trends in the forest soils of the humus forms on the studied locality and intensified the mineralization and nutrient losses from the soil profile.

Academyof Sciences and Arts,Zagreb,Croatia ABSTRACT: Brain tissues of 142 rats and 86 mice were bioassayed for toxoplasms. Each tissue was homogenized and subcutaneously injected into 4 SPF mice. Six weeks later, the mice were euthanatized and their brains were examined microscopically for Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts. Two (1.4%) of the rats but none of the mice were positive. This is the first isolation of T. gondii from rats inCroatia.

Analysis of spatial distribution and correlation of soil properties represents an important outset for precision agriculture. This paper presents an analysis of spatial distribution and mutual correlations, both classical and spatial, of soil properties in an agricultural field in Klučov. Clay and fine silt content, pH, organic carbon content (C_org), moisture (Q), total porosity (Pt), capillary porosity (P_c), and coefficients of aggregate vulnerability to fast wetting (K_v1), to slow wetting and drying (K_v2), and to mechanical impacts (K_v3) were determined. Semivariogram ranges from 206 m (clay content) to 1120 m (K_v3) were detected. Many relationships between soil properties were spatially based. Fine silt content and Corg proved to be the most important soil properties controlling all the three aggregate vulnerability coefficients, which was not clear for K_v2 from classical correlation only. Determined spatial correlations and similarities in spatial distribution may serve as groundwork in delineation of different zones for site-specific management.

1548 stone fruit trees (1435 trees of P. armeniaca, 113 trees of P. persica) were examined by PCR for ESFY to get information on spread and susceptibility of cultivars and rootstocks used in Austrian stone fruit production. Cultivar susceptibility seems to be less important for tolerance to ESFY than rootstock resistance. Apricot cultivars on rootstocks of myrobalan, commonly used in Austria, are more infected than cultivars on plum rootstocks. Data on peach and apricot rootstocks are not representative as both are not commonly used in Austrian apricot production. In addition, the presence of peroxidase activity in shoot sieve tubes of infected apricot trees (Hungarian Best) reveals that peroxidase is involved in defense mechanisms in plant-pathogen interaction.

Numbers of food animal carcasses classified as capable for human consumption (edible), capable for processing (conditionally edible) and condemned belong among important parameters of health status of animals both on farm level and at slaughterhouses. The figures relating to these parameters were monitored at slaughterhouses during the periods of 1989 to 1994 and 1995 to 2000. Relative numbers of food animal carcasses classified as edible increased during the period of 1995 to 2000 in comparison to the period of 1989 to 1994 in different species as follows: in cows from 77.14 to 79.48%, in heifers from 83.06 to 92.49%, in bulls from 89.62 to 95.52%, in calves from 49.20 to 63.76%, in pigs from 95.13 to 97.27%, in sheep from 93.08 to 98.08%, in goats from 68.40 to 93.08%, in horses from 64.67 to 84.41%, in chickens from 97.06 to 98.48%, in hens from 94.41 to 95.16%, in turkeys from 97.41 to 98.00%, in ducks and geese from 98.70 to 99.13% and in rabbits from 83.95 to 93.64%. The increase was proven to be statistically significant in all species, production and age groups of food animals. It can be concluded that health status of food animals at slaughter has significantly improved during the recent period in all species, production and age groups included in the study. Best health status was currently found in chickens, ducks and geese, followed by turkeys, hens, sheep, pigs, bulls, rabbits, heifers and goats. On the other hand, poor health status was found in horses, cows and especially in calves.

Data collection, data processing, data presentation and data application in the System of Precision farming guarantee a success of this system in the market. Difficulties of technologies, which are currently and continually involved in this system, argue against its practical using by farmers. In this case, service company wants to create a suitable environment not only for data collection, but also for the high quality of the information distribution to customers. One of such tools is the MapServer placed on Internet web sites.

Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa Mill. is an introduced species in the Czech Republic. It is recorded roughly from 300 localities. To the end of 2002, the occurrence of chestnut was verified at about 140 macrolocalities. The most northern locality recorded so far was Choustníkovo Hradiště in the region of Hradec Králové. Chestnuts occur generally to an altitude of 500 m (80% of all examined localities), at higher altitudes they suffer from climatic extremes particularly late frosts. The occurrence of chestnut was recorded at 27 localities (ca. 20% localities under investigation) where altitudes exceed 500 m. The highest location of chestnut is locality Nejdek, Karlovy Vary District where chestnut trees thrive at an altitude of 678 m. At altitudes over 600 m, two other localities were recorded. The health condition of chestnut is relatively good. At some localities, however, crown drying occurs as a result of not quite ideal climatic conditions. Within our research, quarantine Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. was determined for the first time in the Czech Republic at the only examined locality.

This paper gives an overview of Czech forestry policy and legislation since the beginning of changes in the CEEC plus developments and activities of the main forestry institutions. These activities are referred to in the background material given for the political transition period and also related to the Pan-European and global forestry processes. The philosophy of forestry in the Czech Republic is based on the international framework set out by the first Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe and also in conjunction with the preparation of the Czech Republic for accession to the European Union. National and regional forest programmes are aimed at implementing the principles of sustainable forest management and a broad range of stakeholders from the forestry and environment sectors has been involved in its preparation. The current situation and main problems of forestry are given along with basic principles on how to solve such problems and also on how to fulfil obligations to future generations, and international commitments.

The effect of Al stress on peroxidase activity and peroxidase isozymes was studied in roots of two barley cultivars with contrasting sensitivity to Al. Al treatment induced a tremendous enhancement of guaiacol peroxidase activity especially in roots of Al-sensitive barley cv. Alfor. After 48 h of Al treatment activity of peroxidase in roots of cv. Alfor was up to 5.5 times higher than the control roots. In contrast, activity of peroxidase in the roots of Al-resistant cv. Bavaria was about one half than that in roots of Al-sensitive Alfor. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that at least five peroxidase isozymes are activated by Al treatment. Using IEF we determined that three of Al-induced peroxidase isozymes are cationic with pI about 8.2, 8.4 and 8.6, while two other are anionic isoperoxidases with pI about 4.0 and 4.5. Al induced increase in the activity of root peroxidases correlated with the extent of Al induced root growth inhibition. The inhibition of root growth in Al-sensitive Alfor represented 44% but in Al-resistant Bavaria only 21% in comparison with control plants. Higher peroxidase activity, as well, as higher inhibition of root growth in Al-sensitive Alfor suggest that enhanced oxidative stress generated by Al treatment is significantly more stressful in Alfor than in the Al-resistant Bavaria.

In changing growth conditions, methodical procedures should concentrate on the investigation of processes currently under way in forests. Many studies have shown that present models of forest growth parameters differ from previous surveys as far as for instance the height is concerned. Causes of these phenomena have not been satisfactorily explained although various hypotheses are investigated. In our study, we present partial results of the investigation of height growth within a sixty-five-year period, based on the analysis of data obtained from seven forest management plans in the management-plan area of Kostelec nad Černými lesy (Kostelec n. Č. l.) and continuous measurements on pilot research plots in the period of 1965-1994. The comparison of mean height growth curves obtained by the curve fitting of the values of empirical data signifies by their different course and increasing kurtosis a dependence on the calendar year when the measure was taken. It signifies an increasing height growth trend of both species in the given area.

In the present paper genetic relationships of twenty varieties of cashew are described on the basis of morphological characters and RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers. Results obtained for the phenotypic characters based on similarity coefficient were divided into four clusters with 70% similarity. By means of similarity coefficients (SG), cluster I was found to consist of twelve varieties. Cluster II consisted of a single variety, NRCC-1, cluster III consisted of six varieties and cluster IV had only one variety, Vridhachalam-2. The analysis started by using RAPD markers that allowed us to distinguish 20 varieties. A total of 80 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 kb were amplified by using 11 selected random 10-mer primers. Genetic similarity analysis was conducted for the presence or absence of bands in the RAPD profile. Cluster analysis clearly showed that 20 varieties of cashew grouped into two major clusters based on similarity indices. The first major cluster comprised one minor cluster. The other major cluster was divided into two sub-minor clusters, one sub-minor cluster having three varieties and the other sub-minor cluster was represented by 15 varieties. Among the 20 varieties, Ullal-3 and Dhana (H-1608) showed the highest similarity indices (87%). It was noted that Vengurla-2 and Vengurla-3 were not grouped into a single cluster but Vengurla-4 has 82% similarity to Vengurla-3. The variety Vengurla-2 has very close similarity (85%) with variety Vridhachalam-3 (M-26/2). The analysis of genetic relationships in cashew using morphological traits and RAPD banding data can be useful for plant improvement, descriptions of new varieties and also for assessment of variety purity in plant certification programmes.

Metamodeling is becaming an important part of information systems development. When metamodeling we are working with metamodel which define the syntax and the semantics of models. There are a lot of standards for definition of metamodel e.g. COMMA, GOPRR, MOF. Metamodeling is used for defining and creating of new methodologies, their implementation into CASE and metaCASE tools. Metamodeling is used for manipulation of data and metadata and for optimalization of information's system design with utilization of generic models. The aims of this article are: to discusse fundamental concepts of metamodeling, demonstrate some theoretically and practically important meta-metamodels and to position metamodeling principles in the development of information systems.

The paper deals with the occurrence, development, natural enemies and harmfulness of a heteroecious aphid Eriosoma (= Schizoneura) ulmi (L.) which showed outbreaks in elm Ulmus glabra Huds. in Moravia in 2002. At main localities under study in Bílovice nad Svitavou and Brno-Jundrov, the aphid damaged about 63% leaves. Larvae of fundatrices hatched from mid-April and their development from hatching to maturity took about 14 days. Mature fundatrices occurred in May and reproduced for a period of 14 days. Their average physiological fecundity amounted to 311 larvae and ecological fecundity 291 larvae. Migrantes alatae occurred in galls from 18 May to 15 June and their physiological fecundity was about 22 larvae. Leaves were damaged even by 3 galls of an average length of 41 and width 11 mm. Sucking affected on average 11 cm², i.e. 27% (in case of the occurrence of 2 or 3 even 100%) leaf area. Natural enemies killed 90% aphids. A bug Anthocoris confusus Reut. killing aphids in 80% galls was the most effective control agent. Its eggs occurred from 25 April to 25 May and nymphs from 3 May to 25 June. Larvae of Syrphidae [mainly Syrphus ribesii (L.)] killed the aphids in 4 and birds in 6% galls. E. ulmi should be considered to be an important occasional pest of orchards and forests.

Social functions of forests were evaluated at Židlochovice Forest Enterprise by applying the method of Vyskot et al. (1996-2002). Real potentials of social forest functions were determined for all stand groups included in a forest management plan (FMP). The results of evaluation were processed in a database and projected in GIS. Tables and charts were used for the evaluation of results. We can claim on the basis of the results that the forest stands of the examined area are characterized by a very high potential to fulfil a bio-production social function. On the contrary, they have a low potential to fulfil social functions of ecological stabilization and edaphic soil conservation and hydric-hydrological function. The results of evaluation of the real potentials of social forest functions at Židlochovice Forest Enterprise are represented by the forest stands of management group No. 19 of forest management plan area Židlochovice.

A study of diprionids associated with spruce was done at 31 sites of the eastern part of the Czech Republic in 1988-2003. In total 45 specimens belonging to Gilpinia abieticola (6 specimens), G. hercyniae (3) and G. polytoma (36) were collected using Malaise traps, emergency traps, bark-beetle pheromone baited traps or sweeping. The spruce diprionids were recorded in 30% of the studied sites only. G. polytoma was the most abundant and it is probably bivoltine with adult activity from April to August. The results of emergence trap-monitoring in Paskovský les indicate that this species is in latency.

During 1996-2000 the secondary succession on a field left fallow was investigated. The experimental area was divided into a ploughed and an unploughed part. Both parts were divided into 5 × 5 m plots that were either left intact (control), mowed in June or July, or superficially cultivated in June. The position of the plots was identical each year. In successive years total dry matter production decreased in all experimental plots; in unploughed plots more than in ploughed ones. The spread of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. was increased by ploughing and superficial cultivation. Ploughing stimulated the spread of perennial dicotyledonous plants more than mowing in June and July. Superficial cultivation increased the spread of perennial dicotyledonous plants in the first years. Later on the proportion of perennial dicotyledonous plants decreased and after 5 years the plots were dominated by Anisantha sterilis (L.) Nevski. The incidence of Elytrigia repens (L.) Desv. was highest in the 5th year on unploughed control plots. The spread of perennial monocotyledonous plants was lowest in ploughed and superficially cultivated plots.

The article is devoted to problems of forestry financing in the Czech Republic in the period of transition to market economy (1991-1999). The policy of forestry financing is aimed above all at the provision and improvement of quality of sustainable non-market forest goods and services. Thirty programmes and 46 sub-programmes were analysed in the CR in 1991-1999. The level of financial support ranged from 909.4 mil. CZK to 1,501.7 CZK with the exception of 2,540.1 mil. CZK in 1991 (all in stable 1999 prices). On average, the support amounted to about 10% of the GDP created by the forestry sector in the given period.

In 1986, the UN ECE established the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (hereinafter ICP Forests) to respond on the growing concern about forest damage caused since the beginning of eighties by air pollution load. Pan-European grid of the (ICP Forests) monitoring plots represents one of the most important systems of forest ecosystems assessing and checking. The Czech Republic is unfortunately well known due to this problem and so the country joined ICP Forest Programme since the very beginning. The paper presents general information on Czech forest stand condition that gained through various methods in the past as well as in the frame of ICP Forests. The participation in the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests) represents a contribution of the EU candidate country to the fulfillment of the Reg. (EEC) No. 3528/86. However it seems that effects and importance of air pollution are decreasing, a lot of new stress situations exists and there is a need for continuing the programme.

High yielding varieties of rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars were tested for their tolerance to different levels of molybdenum (Mo) (0.1µM - control, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6µM) in nutrient solution at pH 6.8. Seeds of rice were germinated and grown in presence of molybdenum under controlled environmental conditions. Standard growth parameters such as root length, shoot length, root/shoot dry biomass and root/shoot tolerance index were tested as markers of molybdenum toxicity. Measurements as early as 48 hours after the germination did not yield consistent results. However, root measurement on 3^rd, 6^th and 9^th day after root emergence showed significant differences among cultivars of rice. Rice cultivars Annapurna, Kusuma, Deepa and Vaghari developed better root system while, Paridhan-1, Pusa-2-21 and Ratna showed poor growth of the roots in presence (0.8µM) of molybdenum. The root tolerance index (RTI) and the shoot tolerance index (STI) in Annapurna, Kusuma and Deepa in rice were high indicating their tolerance to molybdenum; Paridhan-1 and Ratna, however, showed low RTI and STI. Based on the growth parameters, twenty cultivars of rice were ranked in respect of their tolerance to molybdenum: Annapurrna > Deepa > Kusuma > Vaghari > Hamsa > Vikram > Bharati > Paridhan-2 > Aswathi > Subhadra > Sankar > Sakti > Nilgiri > Rudra > Hema > Pragati > Pusa-2-21 > Ratna > Paridhan-1, respectively. Molybdenum toxicity was correlated with increased peroxidase and catalase activity in different cultivars of rice. This method can be employed for quick screening of rice cultivars for molybdenum tolerance in breeding programmes.

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