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Stem canker of Rosa pendulina, collected in south-eastern Switzerland (canton of Graubünden) in August 2022, was studied in details. The causal agent of the disease was first identified as Valseutypella tristicha (Valsaceae, Diaporthales, Ascomycota) based on microscopic characteristics. The subsequent molecular analysis classified it into the genus Cytospora and indicated that it is identical with C. rosicola, described from China in 2020 based on the molecular data, however, V. tristicha is an older name than C. rosicola, so this has priority. Thus, a new combination of the name is proposed for this fungus.

A rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) method combined with intelligent knife (iKnife) method was developed to explore the geographical origin and characteristic differential components of Qianbei Ma lamb. The REIMS conditions were initially refined, with the cauterization duration of 3 seconds, and the auxiliary solvent flow rate set to 100 μL·min^–1 to prevent duplication. A database model was created from raw data through the proposed principal component analysis-linear discriminate analysis (PCA-LDA) in Live ID software, successfully applied to identify samples from 5 provinces in China and the real-time reliable identification rate with confidence higher than 99%. The obtained data by REIMS were used to establish the multivariate statistical models which using orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), provided strong the discrimination power between composition and content changes of 16 specific ions such as m/z 726.3952 and m/z 744.4050, etc., including fatty alcohols, fatty acids and phosphatidylserines in mutton of different origin and the model displayed validation [R²(Y) = 0.968, Q² = 0.924].

Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta (MRD), where rice is the dominant crop, is increasingly impacted by salinity intrusion, highlighting the need for alternative cropping options. This study evaluated the growth and yield performance of quinoa, beetroot, and maize under three irrigation salinity levels (0, 2 and 4 g/L), with and without rice straw mulch (7 t/ha), in greenhouse conditions representative of the MRD dry season. Agronomic traits, physiological parameters, and changes in soil, including electrical conductivity (ECe), soluble sodium (Sol-Na⁺), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), were assessed. Results showed that quinoa demonstrated the greatest salinity tolerance, maintaining stable growth and yield under 4 g/L saline irrigation and soil ECe exceeding 15 dS/m. Beetroot’s yield was not significantly different under 2 g/L saline irrigation with straw mulching. Maize was highly sensitive to salinity and environmental stress, failing to complete its growth cycle under high heat and humidity, even in non-saline conditions. Across treatments, rice straw mulching significantly reduced soil ECe, Sol-Na⁺, and ESP, and improved crop performance under saline irrigation. Overall, quinoa and beetroot, especially when combined with mulching, offer promising alternatives for dry-season cropping in saline-prone areas of the MRD. In contrast, maize cultivation requires improved soil and environmental management under such conditions.

The testing and evaluation of native populations of perennial ryegrasses (Lolium perenne L.) collected from the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina were conducted from 2020 to 2022 at experimental fields and laboratories of the Institute for Genetic Resources and the Agricultural Institute of the Republic of Srpska in Banja Luka. Six native populations (labelled G1–G6) and two cultivars, Esquire and Tivoli (labelled G7 and G8), were analysed in this study. The following traits were examined: the plant height (cm), number of generative stems per plant, inflorescence length (cm), number of spikes per inflorescence, seed mass per inflorescence (g), and seed yield per plant (g). The results showed that all the native populations exhibited higher average plant heights compared to the Esquire standard (G7). Population G2 had the highest average number of spikes per inflorescence (26.8), while population G4 achieved the greatest average inflorescence length (27.7 cm). Statistically significant differences in the inflorescence length were observed between populations G2, G3, G4, and G6, compared to the standards G7 and G8 (Esquire and Tivoli). The genotype and year had a significant impact on the seed yield per plant. The average yield ranged from 32.4 g (G7) to 53.4 g (G4). The seed yield per plant showed a strong positive correlation with the number of generative stems per plant, the inflorescence length, and the number of spikes per inflorescence. The native populations G4 and G5 achieved significantly higher seed yields per plant compared to the other populations and may serve as highly valuable material for breeding programmes.

The plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Streptomyces sp. TOR3209 induces plant tolerance in a wide range of stress conditions. However, the protection of photosystem under cold stress has not been fully understood. Here we reported that the photochemistry activity of photosystem II (PSII) was increased in tomato plants receiving TOR3209 treatment, including the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), PSII operating efficiency (ΦPSII), PSII maximum efficiency (Fv’/Fm’), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Microscopic study revealed that the integrity of chloroplast structure was greatly improved by TOR3209, which was damaged at low temperature. Moreover, TOR3209 treatment resulted in good protection on leaf stomatal and guard cell size. In response to TOR3209 treatment, the intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) and stomatal limitation values (Ls) were decreased while the mesophyll conductance (g_m) and chloroplast CO₂ concentration (Cc) were increased. The carotenoid content in TOR3209-treated tomato was accumulated at a higher level, which was involved in photoprotection and biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), as well as the increased amounts of ABA in the leaves were subsequently verified in the plants treated with TOR3209. These results demonstrated that TOR3209 treatment comprehensively protected tomato photosynthesis at low temperatures.

Coinfection of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) causes major worldwide economic losses within the swine industry. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of a bivalent vaccine containing PCV2d and M. hyo antigen (Cirbloc^® M Hyo) under field conditions. Two studies were performed under the GCP (Good Clinical Practice) requirements on farrow-to-finish farms in Hungary and Cyprus. On both farms, the presence of both PCV2 and M. hyo infection was demonstrated. For both studies, safety parameters were observed and measured from inclusion at 21 (±3) days of age until 14 days after vaccination. Efficacy parameters were observed and measured from inclusion until slaughter. Administration of the vaccine was safe in both studies, as no general, immediate, or local reactions were observed. The efficacy of the vaccine was confirmed in both studies as the following parameters were significantly reduced in the vaccinated groups compared to the control groups: viraemia, faecal shedding, viral load in lungs and in all collected lymphoid tissues, M. hyo-specific lung lesions, and average daily body weight gain. These results collectively support the vaccine’s potential as an effective tool for disease control.

As labour for manual tree planting becomes scarcer, regeneration costs are steadily increasing in Nordic forestry. Today's intermittently advancing tree planting machines provide excellent silvicultural results, but are expensive to operate because of poor productivity. In contrast, continuously advancing planting machines, thanks to high productivities, are increasingly being regarded as a solution to these runaway regeneration costs. The Silva Nova was a historical, continuously advancing tree planting machine with high productivity. However, Silva Nova's weaknesses included high labour costs (it required two operators) and the random nature of how it chose planting spots. In contrast, SuperSilva, a purely conceptual modernisation of Silva Nova, involves both automation and microsite identification to make the machine more efficient. We used discrete-event simulation to analyse the stocking rate and spatial distribution of tree planting with SuperSilva. The simulation results showed that introducing sensors for identifying suitable microsites will allow continuously advancing planting machines (like SuperSilva) to plant seedlings in a numerically and spatially adequate manner on moraine soils. Hence, these sensors will increase the competitiveness and versatility of tree planting machines. Unfortunately, such reliable and robust sensor technology (unaffected by a wide variety of operating conditions) is not yet commercially available.

Biofortification provides a sustainable, pragmatic strategy to address the lack of vitamin A and the associated health complications. The objectives of the study encompassed the quantification of the carotenoid content of 147 maize inbred lines, the identification of variable regions within the ZEP1 gene, the correlation of these observed variances in the presence of this gene with carotenoid content, and the identification of lines harbouring the favourable alleles of the crtRB1 gene. The observed correlations among the carotenoids synthesised by distinct branches of the biosynthetic process were both significant and positive. Utilising gel-based genotyping, 24 lines with contrasting carotenoid profiles were selected, evaluated and sequenced. Analysis of the variation in the sequence classified these lines based on their similarities to give 8 allele groups. The findings highlight that inbred lines both group 1 and group 8 exhibited significant associations with the carotenoid content of the lines. Specifically, ZEP1_7852, a discernible variation belonging to group 8, was found to be significantly associated with zeaxanthin content and total carotenoid content. Furthermore, 25 lines were found to have provitamin A content above 15 μg/g, harbouring the favourable alleles of the crtRB1 gene using KASP SNP zm0016. These lines can serve as parents for source populations and hybrids, leading to the further enhancement of provitamin A in maize.

This study investigated how remote sensing techniques can pinpoint pollution in surface water areas. Researchers focused on the municipalities of Boumerdes, Corso, and Tidjalabine in Algeria’s Boumerdes province. The team used geographic information systems (GIS) to analyse pollution levels and their spatial distribution. Specifically, they employed the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to identify areas teeming with biodiversity and healthy vegetation. Furthermore, the compactness index provided insights into the overall evolution of the drainage network. This data proved invaluable in identifying areas likely impacted by pollution. Our study is part of a scientific approach to detecting, monitoring, and intervening in water pollution. The core objective was to develop an alternate approach to protecting productive farmland and populated areas by mitigating pollution in these susceptible zones. The NDVI and compactness index, along with their associated database, hold significant promise for environmental preservation efforts. This spatial procedure effectively maps the spatial temporal distribution of pollutants, providing targeted management strategies. The method’s user-friendly nature makes it easily applicable in other African countries.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous 2, 4-epibrassinolide (EBR) on the yield of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.). A 2-year field experiment was conducted on Tartary buckwheat (cv. Jinqiao 2) with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L) of EBR and brassinolide (BRZ, inhibitor of brassinolide synthesis). The seed setting rate, agronomic traits, and yield initially increased and then decreased with an increase in the EBR application rate. The seed setting rate, agronomic traits, and yield decreased gradually with an increase in BRZ concentration, and yield was the lowest at 2.0 mg/L. The appropriate application of exogenous EBR could promote the increase of Tartary buckwheat yield. Compared with 0 mg/L (control), the 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L treatments increased yield by 13.53, 32.73, and 7.08%, respectively, while the high-concentration treatment (2.0 mg/L) decreased by 4.13%. In conclusion, the appropriate concentration of EBR treatment (0.5 mg/L) delayed the senescence of Tartary buckwheat by increasing its root activity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in leaves. Simultaneously, it increased the chlorophyll content of Tartary buckwheat leaves, enhanced photosynthesis, increased nonstructural carbohydrate content, and augmented the "source," increasing the seed setting rate and yield of Tartary buckwheat. This concentration is recommended for use in the production of Tartary buckwheat.

In Europe, the weather patterns require harvested grain crops to be dried before storage to prevent significant quality loss. The uneven movement of grains inside the drying equipment is a key issue affecting the drying process, causing under- or over drying the harvested crops and thus leading to quality degradation and ultimately to financial losses. To characterise the unevenness of material flow, we introduced a dimensionless displacement ratio. This dimensionless parameter was suitable for comparing the uniformity of the material movement processes within the dryer. Using experimental investigations and numerical simulations, we determined the effect of the lamella inclination angle, the friction between the grain-wall and grain-grain on the uniformity of the flow. The linear functions approximating the quantitative relationships were determined in all the cases. Our findings indicate a significant variation in the displacement ratio ξ corresponding to different lamella inclination angles and friction values demonstrating that the discrete element modelling approach provides further opportunities for determining the optimal operating parameters of mixed flow dryers.

This study investigates the characteristics associated with the adoption of smart farming technologies in Turkish agriculture. By surveying 325 farmers across six regions in Türkiye, the research identifies key attributes influencing adoption patterns. Four distinct profiles emerge: technology users, non-users, young educated female farmers, and traditionalists. Exploratory findings from Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) indicate that attributes such as agricultural insurance, credit utilisation, knowledge of smart farming systems, and tractor ownership are commonly observed among technology users. Ordinal logistic regression further quantifies these associations, highlighting the significant role of financial accessibility and knowledge dissemination in shaping adoption likelihoods. Non-users, on the other hand, are characterised by smaller landholdings, lack of credit use, limited awareness, and absence of tractor ownership, reflecting structural barriers to adoption. Tailored financial solutions and shared machinery parks could help address these challenges. Empowering young, educated women farmers, identified as a key demographic for innovation, offers an opportunity to catalyse broader technology adoption. By addressing knowledge gaps and fostering inclusive policies, this study provides actionable insights to accelerate the technological transformation and sustainability of Türkiye's agricultural sector.

The production of food of plant origin is critically dependent on the pollination ability of honey bees, whose health has been deteriorating for a long time, and whose population is declining. In our in vivo experiment on a honey bee brood at the 4-day larval stage, we tested the following concentrations of oxalic acid: 0% (control – applied distilled water), 0.87%, 1.75%, 3.5% and 7%, corresponding to doses of 0 mg, 2.61 mg, 5.25 mg, 10.5 mg, and 21 mg of oxalic acid per dm² of honeycomb with the brood. The LC₅₀ values (72 h) ranged between 3.17% and 3.33%. The different LC₅₀ values obtained resulted from three different methods used to calculate this indicator. The therapeutic index (TI) of oxalic acid was set to be 1.1, indicating a high risk to the honey bee brood. We observed an increased gene expression for the detoxifying enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), but did not detect an increased gene expression for superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2), which protects the organism from oxidative stress. A decrease in gene expression was observed for prophenoloxidase and hymenoptaecin, while defensin and lysozyme did not show significant changes. These results emphasise the need for the accurate dosage and application of oxalic acid in the treatment of varroosis.

Mountain ecosystems, especially those at the highest altitudes, are sensitive to current climate change. Proxy archives may provide an insightful tool to better understand ongoing changes and evaluate future scenarios. Trees have traditionally been used as such archives, as they often respond sensitively to environmental change. Thus, we studied tree-ring records of forest-line species Abies densa Griff. growing in the Eastern Himalayas, central Bhutan, to evaluate the effect of climate on the growth of this species. The annual chronologies were generated using standard dendrochronological methods and then compared with climatic data from the CRU TS database. The results demonstrate a negative effect of summer temperatures on the width of the annual rings, suggesting possible stress caused by higher temperatures during the monsoon season. On the other hand, a positive effect of temperatures on tree growth was observed during late winter months. The response to rainfall was mixed, with a positive effect on growth in November and a negative effect in May and January, suggesting a later onset of the vegetation season. To our knowledge, we present the first dendroclimatological study on this long-lived species in central Bhutan, portraying its potential for future climate and environmental research and applications.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is a resilient yet underutilised C₄ cereal valued for its adaptability to abiotic stress and high nutritional content. While panicle traits have been linked to yield in many cereals, the spatial arrangement of foxtail millet panicles remained unexplored, especially among locally adapted genotypes. This study aimed to characterise spatial panicle architecture traits and to analyse the DUF-640, a gene controlling primary branch number, among Indonesian foxtail millet genotypes. Results revealed substantial variation in panicle architecture, including primary branch number, grain number, and grain density in eight Indonesian foxtail millet genotypes, suggesting potentially greater diversity across broader germplasm. In contrast to the substantial panicle trait variations, phylogenetic and structural analyses showed that DUF-640 genes were highly conserved across Setaria species. Although previously associated with primary branch development, the coding sequence of DUF-640 was not associated with branching variation in this study. However, its high sequence conservation across Setaria species suggests a vital and possibly conserved regulatory function. This study enhances the understanding of the morphological and genetic diversity of foxtail millet, particularly among Indonesian foxtail millet genotypes. Future research should focus on the functional characterisation of DUF-640 and the identification of regulatory sequences governing its gene expression.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOSs) in broiler chicken feed throughout the complete rearing cycle, focusing on zootechnical performance and lactic acid bacteria. Over a period of 49 days, a total of one thousand and eighty (1 080) day-old ISA 15 chicks were divided into two (control and experimental) groups of 540 subjects each (9 replicates of 60 chicks per treatment). They were fed the same basic diet, but only the experimental group received a yeast cell wall extract-based prebiotic (AGRIMOS^®, France), administered continuously at a dose of 2 g/kg throughout the different rearing phases. Under our local conditions, the prebiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in body weight gain (P < 0.01), reaching 1 559.82 ± 41.47 g during the growth phase and 913.20 ± 72.58 g during the finishing phase. Moreover, a significant reduction in the feed conversion ratio was observed throughout the rearing cycle (P < 0.05). Across all segments of the analysed intestinal tract (duodenum, ileum, and caecum), the data showed that chickens supplemented with the prebiotic had a significantly higher number of lactic acid bacteria than the control group at the start, growth, and finishing phases (P < 0.01). Our findings demonstrated a clear impact of the prebiotic on the feed utilisation under our rearing conditions, which required further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.

The Karakılçık landrace is known for its quality traits, especially protein content. However, its high plant height causes lodging and yield loss, which limits the production area. A Levante × Karakılçık population developed by crossing the local Karakılçık wheat with the commercial variety Levante in order to eliminate the disadvantages of Karakılçık and adapt it to wider production areas. In the study, yield, quality, and some physiological traits were investigated in the population. The experiment was conducted in an augmented experimental design in the cropping seasons of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. A total of 36 genotypes from Levante × Karakılçık population, parents and 2 controls were tested. The tested genotypes varied significantly for all investigated traits (P < 0.01). Principal component biplot analysis explained 69.3% of the variations and relationships between the traits and genotypes. Among the investigated traits, genotypes LK26, LK19 and LK3 outperformed their parents in 5 traits (spike length (SL), number of spikelets per spike (SNS), number of grain numbers per spike (GNS), protein content (PC) and wet gluten content (G)), 4 traits (SNS, grain weight per spike (GWS), GNS and PC) and 3 traits (grain yield (GY), GNS and test weight (TW)), respectively. The genotype LK3 for yield and the genotypes LK19 and LK26 for quality traits could be recommended to growers and breeders.

When 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine (nitrapyrin) is applied alone, it typically does not significantly increase crop yield. Therefore, we combined gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with nitrapyrin to address the limitations of nitrapyrin in enhancing yield. We conducted indoor incubation experiments and pot experiments in Chernozem and Calcic Kastanozem, respectively. The results demonstrated that GABA exerted an influence on the effectiveness of nitrapyrin by altering its degradation rate. In Chernozem, GABA accelerated nitrapyrin degradation, whereas, in Calcic Kastanozem, the results were the opposite. The pot experiment results showed that the combination of nitrapyrin and GABA increased rice total biomass by 5%, grain yield by 18 ± 2%, and plant nitrogen (N) uptake by 9 ± 1% compared to nitrapyrin applied alone. The increase in yield was attributed to the combined effect of nitrapyrin and GABA, which elevated root biomass and leaf area. In contrast, the effect of GABA on yield through altering the degradation rate of nitrapyrin was weaker. Therefore, the combination of nitrapyrin and GABA combined with urea increases rice yields in Chernozem and Calcic Kastanozem. The aim of this endeavour was to foster the development of a novel fertiliser product that offers both favourable agronomic outcomes and environmental benefits.

A lack or, conversely, an excess of water during the first growing seasons can bring about a slowdown in the growth of plants, their stagnation or even death. The necessary amount of water is not known for most hybrids of Paulownia. Therefore, one species and four hybrids were subjected to three regimes of watering to find out their impacts on plant height, radial growth, the amount of leaf biomass and leaf area. We planted 30 plants of each species/hybrid into plant pots under a shelter. At the end of the growing season, we measured the above-mentioned parameters. Our results showed that: (i) generally, a mean precipitation of 50 mm per month in the growing season ('per month') seems to be insufficient for optimal growth of Paulownia plants in the first years after planting; (ii) each species/hybrid reacts differently to the amount of water – P. Shan Tong grows better with 100 mm per month, P. tomentosa with 150 mm (and more) per month and the growth parameters of the others did not change (and remained low) with different amounts of water (P. Hybrid 9502, P. Bellissia^® and P. Clon in vitro 112^®).

Bark beetle Pityokteines spinidens (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is widespread across Europe. We identified this species as a pest of Tsuga canadensis in western Bohemia's Americká zahrada National Nature Monument Arboretum. This discovery suggests that P. spinidens could infest any conifer within the Abietoideae subfamily. Given its status as a known pest of various Abies species, its potential impact on related conifers warrants further attention.

This study investigated how wheat (C3) and maize (C4) respond to soil thallium (Tl) contamination and elevated CO₂ (eCO₂), aiming to understand strategies for mitigating oxidative stress. Under eCO₂, both crops showed higher biomass production. However, high Tl concentration (120 mg/kg) significantly decreased fresh and dry weights by 31–59%, which translated directly to compromised yield. This growth decline is linked to impaired photosynthesis, evidenced by a 54–57% drop in net photosynthetic rate under elevated Tl. Such photosynthetic inhibition intensifies oxidative stress, marked by increased membrane damage and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, photorespiration contributed to oxidative stress by generating H₂O₂, with increased activities of glycolate oxidase and hydroxypyruvate reductase rising by 122% and 201%, in wheat and by 179% and 39% in maize, respectively, in response to 120 mg/kg TI under eCO₂ conditions. Simultaneously, to mitigate oxidative damage, antioxidant defences were significantly enhanced, resulting in increased activity of the ascorbate (ASC)/glutathione (GSH) cycle, along with elevated levels of metallothionein and phytochelatin for Tl sequestration, as well as augmented glutathione S-transferase activity. Overall, findings reveal complex interactions between CO₂ and Tl, highlighting species-specific adaptive responses of C3 and C4 plants. C3 plants use photorespiration to combat oxidative stress, while C3 and C4 plants have strong antioxidant systems to reduce the effects of oxidative stress, promoting crop resilience and growth despite Tl toxicity.

Agriculture faces increasing challenges due to climate change, underscoring the importance of beneficial microorganisms for enhancing crop resilience and improving soil health. However, the performance of microbial inoculant strains can vary widely depending on the cultivated species and environmental conditions. This study evaluated the ESALQ 1306 strain of Trichoderma harzianum, a soil fungus recognised as a biological control agent for crops such as soybean and strawberry, investigating its potential as a growth promoter in maize (Zea mays L.). Field experiments were conducted with three commercial cultivars (DKB255, DKB360, and 2B810) over two growing seasons, one under irrigation and the other under severe natural drought. The results revealed that Trichoderma (ESALQ 1306) significantly increased plant height, biomass, and grain yield, particularly under drought stress, despite lacking a formal recommendation for maize. The cv. DKB360 showed the greatest response, with yield increases of up to 60% compared to untreated controls. Inoculation also improved nutrient uptake, especially nitrogen, highlighting its potential to maintain soil health and fertility. These findings demonstrate that the ESALQ 1306 strain of Trichoderma is a promising soil bioinoculant for agriculture, capable of improving maize performance under both optimal and stressful conditions. However, it is important to emphasise that genotype-specific responses highlight the need to align bioinoculant application with selecting specific cultivars to ensure inoculation success. This insight is crucial for guiding future breeding programs and establishing clear regulatory guidelines for commercialising biological products, fostering sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

This study investigates the effects of salt stress and gamma irradiation on growth, biochemical, and physiological responses in three sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars. Control plants were irrigated with fresh water (EC = 1.1 dS/m), whereas salt stress was imposed with an irrigation of 9 dS/m. Seeds were irradiated with gamma rays (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 Gy) before sowing. Exposure to salt stress reduced root yield (RY), sugar yield (SY), chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). In contrast, oxidative damage increased, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Interestingly, salt stress enhanced sugar content, with the Eudoro cultivar showing the greatest resilience, maintaining higher RY and SY and lower MDA compared to the other cultivars. Gamma irradiation at moderate doses (50–200 Gy) alleviated the effects of salt stress, with the strongest improvements in SY observed at 100 and 200 Gy. These treatments enhanced RY, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant activities, while also improving photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and cellular integrity. Higher doses (> 200 Gy) reduced sugar content, indicating dose-specific effects. Eudoro exhibited superior salt tolerance, maintaining higher root and sugar yields (RY, SY) and reduced oxidative damage (lower MDA) under salt stress. These findings demonstrate that gamma irradiation at optimal doses enhances salt tolerance in sugar beet, offering cultivar-specific benefits for breeding programmes in saline environments.

Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR) establishes a substantially revised legal framework that extends beyond the previous EU Timber Regulation (EUTR 995/2010) by integrating legality, sustainability, and traceability obligations. This article provides a legal and comparative assessment of the implications of the EUDR for the Czech forestry and timber sector. The methodological approach combines doctrinal interpretation of EU legislation, comparative analysis of national implementation models, and an examination of relevant case law. Experiences from selected EU Member States are used to illustrate institutional, technological, and administrative challenges linked to EUDR implementation. The results indicate that, although the Czech Republic has an established regulatory framework under Act No. 251/2025 Coll., effective compliance with the EUDR will require improved coordination among supervisory authorities and the development of a unified digital platform for submitting and verifying due diligence declarations. Evidence from other European countries shows that integrated monitoring systems and the use of third-party certification can enhance both efficiency and transparency. The study concludes that the successful implementation of the EUDR in the Czech context will depend on institutional capacity, digital readiness, and the ability of forest managers and traders to adapt to more stringent environmental and traceability requirements.

The most crucial individual tree variables in forest management are diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of trees (H). Projection of stand development over time relies on accurate height-diameter functions. The main aim of this paper is to define the best usable model for tree height prediction from diameter at breast height. We explore the place where the Macedonian pine was discovered in the Baba Mountain in the Pelister National Park in North Macedonia. Thus, we established 48 experimental plots (EP) with a circle shape, a radius of 12.62 m and an area of 500 m² each. The EP were established in pure Macedonian pine stands in an elevation gradient between 950 m a.s.l. and 1 700 m a.s.l. Every tree in the EP was attributed with data for diameter at breast height, tree height, and stand characteristics data (elevation, slope, aspect, coordinate) as well. For predicting the tree height, we used 40 models from many authors which are the most usable in forest practice. Also, we prepared evaluations and tests for all models, in order to choose the best responsive model for the Macedonian pine forest. For predicting the best tree height model for Macedonian pine, we decided on Mamoun's equation, with a high correlation value of 0.85 with 73% out of the observed data. Also, this model showed a lower root mean square error of 32.65, a lower model prediction accuracy of 6.77, and a lower mean absolute percent error of 11.73%. Finally, it can be concluded that the nonlinear connection between DBH and tree height is the most responsive regression model.

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

This study investigates the impact of prolonged sugarcane cultivation on the pedo-morphological characteristics and physicochemical properties of three soil types: Entisols, Inceptisols, and Vertisols, as a basis for determining the improvement step ensuring the sustainability of sugarcane production in Indonesia. Soil samples were collected from fields of sugarcane cultivated for 10, 20, and 30 years to analyse pedo-morphological and physicochemical properties. The results indicate that while Entisols and Inceptisols exhibited significant changes in soil properties with increasing cultivation duration, the pedo-morphology of Vertisols remained relatively stable. All soil types developed Ap horizons due to sugarcane cultivation, with anthropogenic practices leading to more dynamic changes in surface horizons. Extended cultivation reduced soil organic matter, N-total, and available nitrogen, while phosphorus and exchangeable cation availability were influenced by mineral composition. Notably, cation exchange capacity (CEC) decreased in Entisols and Inceptisols but increased in Vertisols. For productivity, Vertisols demonstrated the most stable and highest sugarcane productivity with long-term monoculture cultivation. There is a need for tailored sustainable soil management across different soil types and practices to mitigate soil degradation and maintain nutrient availability to ensure the sustainability of sugarcane production in Indonesia.

Bemisia tabaci is a significant insect pest that causes extensive agricultural damage. The MEAM1 (Middle East-Asia Minor) and MED (Mediterranean) genetic groups of B. tabaci are the most prevalent cryptic species. This study investigated the potential for resistance development in the MED and MEAM1 genetic groups of B. tabaci against cyantraniliprole. Additionally, multiple-resistance development within each genetic group for pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat, and acetamiprid insecticides was determined. To assess the susceptibility of the first-larval stage of B. tabaci, we employed a systemic uptake method with cyantraniliprole. Additionally, we utilized a leaf-dipping method to apply acetamiprid, spirotetramat, and pyriproxyfen to second-instar larvae, adults, and eggs of B. tabaci, respectively, to determine the LC50 values for each insecticide. Each genetic group was subjected to six selections using cyantraniliprole. After six rounds of selection, a 1.8-fold resistance was observed in the B. tabaci MEAM1 population, whereas the MED population exhibited a 1.4-fold resistance. While B. tabaci MED and MEAM1 genetic groups exhibited very low resistance to cyantraniliprole, it's important to note that no multiple-resistance was observed with pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat, or acetamiprid in either group. These findings provide valuable insights for future monitoring and developing insecticide resistance management strategies for B. tabaci.

'Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum' ('Ca. P. prunorum') is a causative agent of European stone fruit yellows (ESFY), an economically important decline disease of some stone fruit species (Prunus spp.). The present research focused on the influence of 'Ca. P. prunorum' on primary and secondary metabolites in four apricot genotypes consisting of older trees (genotypes Nora, LEM 159, group 1) and younger trees (genotypes H 74 and H 177, group 2). The content of sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose and sorbitol), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity (AC), total soluble proteins (TSPC), mineral ions: potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), magnesium (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+), pigments: chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, and indolic compounds content (ICC) were analysed in two time periods during the year in the leaves of tested trees. The results revealed that the presence of phytoplasma/ESFY symptoms significantly decreased the content of pigments in both groups during the summer sampling period. ESFY caused a decrease of TPC, TFC and ICC in the H 177 genotype. The phytoplasma decreased the TSPC and K+ content in older trees during both sampling periods. The only increase caused by phytoplasma infection was observed in glucose content, but only in the group of older plants. The results of this study support the idea that 'Ca. P. prunorum' affects metabolites in plants' defence system and manipulates basic metabolic processes during successful infection.

sn-1,3-Dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO) is a structural triglyceride with a specific distribution of fatty acids, which is an important component of breast milk fat and which can better promote the absorption of minerals and energy in infants. In this study, a lab-made immobilised Aspergillus niger lipase (IM-ANL), which is more economical than a commercial lipase, was used for hydrolysis to produce free fatty acids (FFA) and acidolysis interesterification to produce OPO. The enzyme was used for multiple purposes, reducing the cost of enzymatic production. The optimum conditions for hydrolysis were determined by experiments: the amount of IM-ANL enzyme dosage was 3%, the reaction temperature was 45 °C, and the reaction time was 48 h. The optimum conditions for acidolysis interesterification were as follows: the amount of IM-ANL enzyme dosage was 4%, the molar ratio of tripalmitin to oleic acid was 1 : 8, the reaction temperature was 55 °C, and the reaction time was 3 h. In this study, economical palm stearin and high oleic acid sunflower seed oil were selected as reaction raw materials, and the reaction temperature was moderate, the safety risk was low, the energy consumption was reduced, the process was more economical, and the economic value of high oleic acid vegetable oil was improved, which was conducive to the further promotion of OPO production.