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A unique evaluation of the apple tree trunk bark damage caused by common vole and European hare was presented. Damage was found in an apple orchard under organic farming, in Central Moravia (Czech Republic), at 700 m a.s.l. There were two cultivated apple cultivars Red Spring and Melodie/Angold. Damage occurred in winter with the snow cover lasting from December to February. In total 1 012 trees and 95.7% of trees were damaged. The cv. Red Spring was damaged more than cv. Melodie/Angold. Almost 90% of the dead trees were killed by common voles. While hares damaged both cultivars equally, voles damaged the cv. Red Spring to a significantly greater extent (P = 0.04). The study confirms the need of further research on the development of methodologies for orchard protection from damage caused by small mammals.

The efficacy of using maize (Zea mays L.) as a suitable substitute for other crops with high arsenic (As) accumulation in As-contaminated farmlands remains debated. Here, the As uptake capacity and the stability of accumulated As of different maize cultivars were studied using pot and field experiments, outdoor investigations and literature data analysis. When the total and available soil As levels were 238.8 and 8.1 mg/kg, respectively, grain As ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 mg/kg, significantly lower than the acceptable As limit (0.5 mg/kg) for maize in China. The results of field investigations and literature data analysis also supported this observation. Maize is a crop with low grain As, thus, making it suitable for substitution planting in As-contaminated farmlands. Further, grain As concentration varied among different maize cultivars. The planting of normal and waxy maize is prioritized over the sweet maize as the first one has lower available bio-concentration factor (aBCF) of 0.007 for grain and higher accumulated As stability among its cultivars (CV < 10%) than those for sweet maize (aBCF = 0.01 and CV = 35.5%). Arsenic compartmentalization in the roots and low As upward migration into the grain were responsible for the low grain As of maize.

Common wheat, a fundamental commodity on international markets, is increasingly differentiated into commercial types on domestic markets to meet the demand of processing companies. Improver wheat, biscuit wheat, ordinary and superior bread-making wheat are commercial varieties with specific technological characteristics. Wheat farming systems are constantly evolving, and as a result, related environmental issues emerge. We applied an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) analysis, where the functional unit was 1 tonne of grain for each typology and system boundaries were from cradle to farm gate. Primary data were used in the study, and special attention was paid to fertiliser use. From an LCA perspective, our findings show that nitrogen (N) plays an essential role in plant production although producing different waterborne and airborne emissions and nitrate leaching, for the 4 commercial typologies studied. Furthermore, the impact can be differentiated based on the technological features of the commercial types. Our results led us to observe that the four wheat types show contrasting economic and environmental performances.

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) samples revealed the presence of Potato virus M (PVM) in this crop in Slovakia. Full-length genomes of three PVM isolates were obtained using both HTS and Sanger sequencing validation. While two isolates (T40 and T50) were shown to belong to major Group I, a divergent T20 isolate was phylogenetically unrelated to any known PVM variant, potentially representing a new phylogenetic group. Despite a relatively high intraspecies diversity (17.3 ± 0.3%), no evidence of recombination was detected in the dataset of available complete PVM sequences. Conventional screening of tomato plants in Slovakia using ELISA and RT-PCR further confirmed a frequent occurrence of PVM in this host. Developed RT-PCR showed its polyvalence to detect the PVM Group I isolates, however, in silico analysis of primer binding sites indicated its compromised use for Group II isolates. Our results further pinpoint the significance of HTS for unbiased unveiling of virus diversity and a need for continual optimisation of molecular detection tools.

The nutritional status of winter oilseed rape (WOSR) during its vegetative period is crucial for plant growth and can be used for the seed yield prediction. This hypothesis was verified based on the data from long-term field experiments. The experiment consisted of four potassium (K) treatments based on the progressive K supply potential to plants from soil and fertilizer and two magnesium treatments (-Mg, +Mg) conducted in 2013-2015. The content of nutrients (N_tot, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) was determined at the rosette stage (BBCH 30) for leaves and separately for leaves and stems in the late stage of inflorescence growth (BBCH 57-59). The low K content appeared as the key limiting nutrient in WOSR plants in the rosette stage due to the insufficient soil fertility level, depended even more on weather conditions. This negative K nutritional trait persisted through the whole vegetative WOSR growth. Its detection was possible, because stems were included in the diagnostic procedure. The most reliable prognosis of WOSR yield was conducted based on the nutritional status of stems in the late stage of the inflorescence development.

Dung deposited by grazing animals is a key driver affecting sward structure and nutrient cycling in pastures. We tested herbage and soil properties in three types of tall sward-height patches (> 10 cm): (i) patches with dung under intensive grazing; (ii) patches with dung under extensive grazing; and (iii) patches with no dung under extensive grazing. These patches were compared with grazed swards under intensive and extensive grazing. Analyses indicated no significant effect of different types of patches on plant available nutrients. Herbage nutrient concentrations from the different types of patches differed significantly. The highest concentrations of nitrogen (30.65 g/kg), phosphorus (4.51 g/kg) and potassium (22.06 g/kg) in the herbage dry matter were in the tall patches with dung presence under intensive grazing regime because of nutrients from dung utilized for sward regrowth. Regardless of dung presence, similar herbage nutrient concentrations were revealed in non-grazed tall sward-height patches in extensive grazing regime. The presence of dung did not have any effect on the plant available nutrients in any type of patches, therefore we suppose that non-utilized nutrients were probably leached, volatilised or transformed into unavailable forms and thus soil nutrient enrichment was low.

Regarding the increased surface runoff from production areas, wide-row crops grown on slopes are considered risk crops. By reducing the surface runoff, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects on both the soil and the plants and positively influence the subsequent production, e.g., after application of de-stoning before planting. During this research, the tied ridging method was applied during planting by a two-row planter in both central and tractor trail furrows in potato rows and on the slope of 8.8% compared to a control plot without this treatment. Rainfall and surface water runoff were monitored, and the crop yields were compared. During three monitored years, up to 86% of the runoff water in the central furrows was saved compared to the control, whereas it was up to 72% in the wider furrows for tractor travel. The total yield was increased on the treated area, however, the increase could not be statistically proven.

An intracardiac communication between the left ventricle and the right atrium (Geborde defect) was diagnosed in a 9-year Yorkshire Terrier with a history of chronic exercise intolerance. The history, clinical examination, and diagnostic imaging confirmed the diagnosis and did not reveal evidence of trauma or endocarditis which could lead to this special type of left-to-right shunting. A Gerbode defect is a very rare finding in human beings and animals. In the veterinary literature all reports about this condition were related to thoracic trauma or valvular infection. According to the authors, this would be the first clinical case of congenital Geborde defect in a dog.

Major genes could be introgressed into laying hens to attenuate heat stress. However, under cold and/or moderate ambient temperature, these genes might possess different behaviour. The main objective of this study was to evaluate laying performance, immune response, and antioxidant status of native laying hens segregating for naked neck (Na) and frizzle (F) genes under low ambient temperature. Five genotypes were studied: homozygous naked neck (NaNaff), heterozygous naked neck (Nanaff), homozygous frizzle (nanaFF), heterozygous frizzle (nanaFf), and normally feathered (nanaff). The hens were raised under temperature range 22.2-16.7°C. No adverse effect due to ambient temperature was detected in laying performance for naked neck genotypes. Significant decrease in egg weight was recorded in nanaFF genotype compared to the other genotypes leading to significant decrease in egg mass. Significant improvement in shell thickness was associated with Na and F genes. NaNaff genotype had a significantly higher eggshell strength compared to nanaff. Furthermore, Na and F genes improved cellular mediated immune responsiveness, whereas this improvement did not extend to humoral immunity. Birds carrying F gene in homozygous state had a higher total antioxidant activity compared to the remaining genotypes. It could be concluded that the presence of Na and F genes in laying hens raised under low ambient temperature significantly increased shell thickness and, in turn, improved shell strength. Moreover, they greatly enhanced cellular immunity, particularly in heterozygous naked neck status.

Endophytic fungi are widespread in plants and affect the host fitness and population size. We found 12 fungal taxa in C. secalina, a critically endangered species in several European countries, at two study sites in Poland. The most frequently occurring fungal taxa were Colletotrichum destructivum and Acremonium sp. Both taxa were found in half of the examined tussocks. The highest number of fungal taxa was noted in the C. secalina plants growing in the roadside area, where 7 of the 12 identified fungal taxa occurred. These fungi, inhabiting leaf tissues, are known for their pathogenicity but no visible symptoms of any diseases were observed on C. secalina leaves. This suggests that these fungi are latent pathogens.

The decline of soil organic carbon (SOC) has aggravated salinity-related problems in semi-arid irrigation areas of the Awash river basin, Ethiopia. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of potential remediation crops on saline soil and their effectiveness for remediating soil salinity and improving pH, SOC, bulk density (BD) and hydraulic conductivity (HyCo). Rhodes grass (RHG), alfalfa (ALF), sudangrass (SUG) and blue panicgrass (Retz) (BPG) were grown in saline (3-13.9 dS/m) field plots. The crop biomass was incorporated into the soil immediately before flowering. The results show that at high soil salinity levels, BPG and SUG grew well, with the harvesting frequency of BPG being much higher than for SUG. Conversely, the growth of ALF and RHG was strongly inhibited by high soil salinity. Significant (P < 0.05) reduction of soil salinity levels (-3.2 dS/m) and related ionic concentrations, an increase of SOC (0.8% to 1.6%) and improvement of BD and HyCo were observed in BPG plots. The fast-growing nature of BPG in the hot climate of the experimental area resulted in harvests every three weeks and promoted the incorporation of high amounts of biomass to the soil and efficient soil salinity remediation. At moderately saline conditions, ALF also showed a great potential for salinity reclamation (-1.8 dS/m) and SOC accumulation. The cultivation of fast-growing annual crops proved an efficient and low-cost strategy for soil salinity mitigation and the reclamation of salinity-associated soil degradation in irrigation agriculture in Ethiopia.

Reduced air pollution load has allowed to use commercially oriented forestry in the Central European mountains since the 1990s. The goal is, however, to restore species- and age-diversified stable stands that are expected to cope with uncertain changes of the harsh mountain climate. The microclimate of current young forest stands can impact on growth and performance of underplanted seedlings. In the present study, aboveground (+10 cm), surface (0 cm) and belowground (-10 cm) temperatures were compared under Norway spruce and Carpathian birch canopies. Measurements were performed in 22-year-old Norway spruce and Carpathian birch stands and replicated three times. These measurements were compared with three adjacent gaps dominated by herbal vegetation. Temperatures were measured automatically during the growing periods 2011 and 2012. The research was conducted on Norway spruce on an acidic Spodosol forest site in the summit part of the Jizerské hory Mts., Czech Republic. Data were analysed using the Horn procedure of pivot measures. The highest variability of aboveground and soil surface temperatures was observed within the gaps during a spring time. The temperatures beneath the leafless birch were close to those within the gaps, whereas in the period of leaved trees the temperature extremes were reduced similarly like under the spruce stand canopy compared to the gaps. The differences between the plots were the smallest at the end of growing seasons.

Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara halstedii significantly reduces annual yields of sunflower. At least 42 races of P. halstedii have been identified around the world. For the first time to our knowledge, races 705 and 715 of P. halstedii have been isolated, originating from sunflower plants collected at a single site (Podivín, South-East Moravia) in the Czech Republic at the beginning of June 2014. This enlarges the global number of the so far identified and reported races of P. halstedii to 44. The increasing complexity of P. halstedii pathogenicity led to race identification newly by a five-digit code. According to this new nomenclature, the two races of P. halstedii recorded in the Czech Republic are characterised by virulence profiles 705 71 and 715 71.

Intensification of agricultural systems through the use of intensive agriculture and the advance of deforestation have led to a decrease of soil biological quality. Soil functional and structural microbiota are sensitive parameters to monitor changes caused by agricultural use. Different sites under soybean monoculture (continuous soybean) and soybean/maize rotation practices were selected. Samples were collected from agricultural soils under different periods of implantation: 4-year rotation; 15-year rotation; 5-year monoculture; and 24-year monoculture (M24). A site of native vegetation recently under agricultural production (RUA) was also sampled. Native vegetation soils (NV) adjacent to agricultural sites were sampled as a control. In general, the results showed that RUA and M24 had lower enzyme activities, less microbial abundance and low physical and chemical soil quality than those subjected to crop rotation. In contrast, both the bacterial and total microbial biomasses were significantly higher in NV and crop rotation than in soils under monoculture systems. Although it was expected that differences in microbial activities would be due to changes in microbial community abundance, the results indicated that changes in soil management produced faster alterations to soil enzyme activities than any modifications induced in the microbial community structure. Consequently, both aspects of microbial diversity, namely function and structure, were affected independently by agricultural intensification.

Plant lectins have become efficient sources of insect resistance in crops. The present study was conducted to identify, amplify, clone and characterize the plant lectin gene GNA. The lectin, present in Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop), is an agglutinin toxic to hemiptera. The attempt was made to elucidate the relationship of the lectin gene trGNA (GNA isolated and characterized from Turkey) with other previously cloned lectins having insecticidal activity and to ensure the presence of the conserved mannose-binding region/site in the gene sequence. The full-length cDNA of trGNA was 477 bp that contained a 333 bp open reading frame encoding 157 amino acid proteins with 23 amino acids of signal peptide. BLAST results showed that trGNA has 89-97% similarity with previously reported GNA sequences while it has 84-96% similarity with earlier reported GNA protein sequences. No intron was detected within the region of genomic sequence corresponding to trGNA full-length cDNA. According to the search results from the NCBI (National Centrer for Biotechnology Information database), trGNA from Galanthus nivalis is most similar to the previously reported lectin sequences of Narcissus tazetta with a similarity percentage of 87%. The obtained results are useful for engineering of plants with enhanced insecticidal activity against chewing and sucking insects, causing crop pests. In addition, medical application of lectins may also be considered.

The aim of the study was to characterize nucleotide sequence polymorphisms in the bovine PTPRQ gene, to search for their possible effect on the expression of myogenic factor 6 (MYF6; MRF4) and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) genes in skeletal muscle and on meat production traits. Three novel SNPs were found in intron 35 of the bovine PTPRQ gene: g.200,451A>G, g.200,467T>C, g.200,480C>T (GenBank Acc. No. NW_001494990.2; counted from translation initiation site). These SNPs are placed very closely to each other (within 29 base pairs). The results showed that genotype influenced the expression of MYF6 and MYF5 genes in longissimus dorsi muscle of Limousine bulls both at the transcript and protein levels. Moreover, an association was found between the PTPRQ genotype and carcass traits in Limousine bulls. These findings suggest that bovine PTPRQ gene may contain regulatory sequences for MRF genes located 24 kb downstream. The results also showed that nucleotide sequence polymorphisms in the PTPRQ gene may influence meat production traits in beef cattle, possibly through the regulation of the MRF genes expression.

Anthropogenic activity along the Velhas River (São Francisco River basin) has destabilized the banks of the river channel across an urban fragment. To improve the physical stabilization, the base of the slope was stabilized with urban construction waste. After this, the slope was revegetated with native species and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) inoculation was applied with a successfully restoration of the vegetative cover and ecological functions. This study aims to evaluate the role of the AMF population in the soil aggregation and stabilization of the revegetated slope. The soil aggregation was higher at the experimental site than at the disturbed site, especially under the AMF inoculation. The aggregates improvement was accompanied by an increase of soil humic acid and glomalin contents 24 months after the transplantation despite a flood impact 12 months after the transplantation. A scatter plot based on Principal Component Analysis of aggregates Showed that the preserved site samples clustered with most of those from experimental site. However, some samples from experimetal site were found between those from preserved and disturbed sites. This result shows that the recovering site is evolving toward the conditions of the preserved site and that the rehabilitation process is in an intermediate phase related to the aggregate formation. The AMF inoculation of woody species was indicated in the rehabilitation procedures.

Coppicing was widespread throughout Europe for many centuries but was largely abandoned in the second half of the 19th century. Currently, there has been a renewed interest in coppicing for biomass production and nature conservation. We studied differences in soil chemistry and tree growth between active and abandoned coppices to highlight the impacts of coppice restoration on soil fertility and tree. Stand structure, collected soil samples and tree cores were compared on 46 research plots in temperate Turkey. The plots were set as actively managed and abandoned coppice stand. In our study no effect of coppicing on growth rate was confirmed. Active coppice stands had lower content of Ca, K, N and C:N and higher soil acidification than abandoned coppices. The tree growth rate was significantly higher on more nutrient rich soils. Coppice restoration may not result in increased biomass production in long term periods due to negative effect on soil fertility.

The paper documents the mid-term changes of the soil characteristics and upper soil dynamics in the stands of introduced tree species, grand fir and Douglas-fir, on the former agricultural lands. These species were compared with Norway spruce stand and original grassland in the same site conditions at the Hrubá Skála locality (Eastern Bohemia). The plot was established in 1980 on Luvisol type of soil, sandy clay. Altitude ranges between 350 and 360 m a.s.l., mean annual temperature was 7.8°C, mean annual precipitation 703 mm. Results confirmed the starting process of the development of humus forms typical for forest ecosystems, despite the initial stage was dominant. The amount of surface humus (holorganic horizons) did not differ between the tree species stands and the agricultural land, but the grassland humus layer contained much more mineral particles. The grand fir was confirmed as a species favourably affecting the site, Douglas-fir affecting it less favourably in the given conditions compared with Norway spruce. Different dynamics was documented for soil reaction, characteristics of soil adsorption complex, soil acidity and nutrient dynamics.

Surface mulch is an important factor of soil protection technology in the cultivation of potatoes. Presented herein are the results of three years (2009-2011) of field trials at two sites (Leškovice and Uhříněves), where two cultivars (Finka and Katka) were grown. Three mulching treatments (grass mulch after planting, grass mulch before germination and black polypropylene mulch textile) were used in the study. The weight of marketable tubers (tuber over 40 mm) and tuber size distribution were influenced significantly by mulching. The application of grass mulch on surface of the row ensured a 20.5-24.8% increase of weight of marketable tubers and higher occurrence of tubers over 56 mm (resp. tubers 56-60 mm and over 60 mm). There was no consistent effect of grass mulch on the aboveground biomass of weeds. Higher occurrences of larvae of Colorado potato beetle was found on the plots with black polypropylene textile in warmer site Uhříněves.

Forests occupy one third of the world's land area and govern carbon (C) transfers and influence nitrogen (N) content in the biosphere. Afforestation leads to soil changes of specific dynamics, often accompanied by acidification. Especially at higher altitudes this effect is accelerated and increased with the stand age since forestation. The change in soil C and N content following afforestation is controlled by a number of factors, including: previous land use (grasslands, cropland, etc.), tree species, soil cultivation method, soil properties (clay content, pH), stand age, site management, topography, and climate. In the Czech Republic, large area changes in land use took place in the last centuries - forests covering roughly 20% in the 18^th century currently occupy almost 34%, with still increasing tendencies. This paper compares basic soil properties (soil reaction, total soil organic carbon as well as total nitrogen contents) of the agricultural land and land afforested 40-60 years ago. The results confirmed the key role of afforestation in the change of soil organic matter dynamics after establishing new forests on the former agricultural lands in the uppermost mineral soil part of the Orlické hory Mts. region in the Czech Republic. During that time, comparatively substantial changes in soil organic matter and nitrogen were registered. Afforestation considerably increased organic matter content in the studied A-horizons of different land use types. Soil development resulted in a high production of C and N pools under the forest stands, contrary to agricultural land. In general, afforestation caused significant soil acidification. The common tendency of higher acidity of forest soils compared to agricultural ones was documented in the studied case as well. The general tendencies of soil reaction and soil organic matter dynamics at the studied sites are comparable to those in other regions of the Czech Republic.

Abomasal cannulation, an important research tool in experimental procedures, provides a method for the placement of an abomasal cannula in sheep. The aim of this study was to describe a technique for laparoscopic abomasal cannulation in sheep. It was performed in six anaesthetised sheep positioned in dorsal recumbency using three portals in the abdomen. The first absorbable traction suture was placed 1 cm cranial to the determined abomasal cannula site. A stab incision was made with a laparoscopic monopolar hook electrode in the middle of a purse-string suture placed around the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped cannula was inserted into the abomasum lumen through the stab incision, and the second traction suture was then placed 1 cm caudal to the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped abomasal cannula was pulled out of the abdominal cavity through the exit wound located 3-5 cm lateral and 10-12 cm cranial to the right side of the umbilicus. The two traction sutures were tied. The T-shaped cannula was secured to the skin with a finger-trap suture. Repeat laparoscopy was performed 1 month later. Firm adhesion between the abomasum and abdominal wall was observed in all sheep, with no evidence of leakage or peritonitis. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The median surgical time was 49 min, with a range from 42 to 58 min. The abomasal contents were collected easily. In conclusion, laparoscopic abomasal cannulation is safe and easy to perform. Its low complication rates and the "ideal" placement of the tube into the abomasum make it an especially attractive alternative to traditional surgical abomasal cannulation in veterinary practice.

Various forest models that estimate volume, site index, growth and yield, biomass, and sequestrated carbon amounts are based on the information of the tree heights. The tree heights are obtained either directly from measurements or indirectly estimated using height-diameter models. We developed a nonlinear mixed effect height-diameter model applicable to both conifer and broadleaved tree species through the introduction of dummy variable that accounts for the variations in the height-diameter relationship, caused by the effects of species-specific differences. Data from 255 sample plots located within the multi-layered mixed species forests in the central part of the Czech Republic were used. Based on the fit statistics of twelve bi-parametric models, the Näslund's model, which best fits height-diameter data of various species, was selected for expansion by incorporating height of the tallest tree per sample plot, dummy variable, and sample plot-level random effects. As compared to the ordinary least square model, the mixed effect model described significantly a larger part of the variations in the height-diameter relationship and showed a higher prediction accuracy. Large prediction errors still occurred for the mixed species stands when all measured heights other than the focused species (species used in species group-specific model) per sample plot were used to predict random effects and localize the mixed effect model. But those errors were significantly reduced when all measured heights per sample plot, regardless of species were used to predict random effects. We therefore recommend a mixed effect model with random effects predicted using all measured heights per sample plot, regardless of species, to accurately predict the missing height measurements.

The Natura 2000 network includes the sites of community importance identified by Directive 92/43/EEC and the special protection areas defined by Directive 79/409/EEC. This network can be considered the cornerstone of the European Union (EU) nature conservation policy in order to ensure the long-term protection of endangered species in their natural habitats. The European Union has adopted an integration approach to the Natura 2000 network. The integration approach is based on combining human activities and nature conservation purposes in Natura 2000 sites and in neighbouring areas. Furthermore, the stakeholders' involvement in the site management is considered a fundamental point for the success of the network. The application of integration approach in Italy was different from one region to another, often presenting a framework where institutional actors collaborate with environmental non-governmental organizations and other groups. These stakeholders influence the Natura 2000 implementation with different strategies, increasing the complexity and unpredictability of the policy outcomes. The objective of this study is to analyse stakeholders' opinions concerning the coexistence of different human activities in the Italian Natura 2000 sites. In order to achieve this objective a semi-structured questionnaire was administered by email to 146 stakeholders. 56 stakeholders filled in the questionnaire and the collected data were statistically processed. The stakeholders assessed the importance of five human activities (nature conservation, environmental education, recreational activities, agricultural activities and forestry activities) in Natura 2000 sites through a pairwise comparison and identified the main opportunities and obstacles of the network. The results show that the most relevant activities are nature conservation and environmental education according to stakeholders' opinions. In addition, the respondents highlighted that the main opportunities are the possibility of access to EU funding and the enhancement of local green economy, while the main obstacle is the restriction of agricultural and forestry practices not adequately compensated.

Using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was detected in 31 out of 132 symptomatic leaf samples collected from different hosts of Urmia province of Iran, during 2011-2012. In biological assays, five different host isolates caused severe mosaic in Nicotiana species and Capsicum annum without significant difference in severity. Based on phylogenetic analysis of coat protein nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence, two isolates were clustered into subgroup IA, while other three isolates were grouped into IB subgroup of CMV. All Urmian isolates shared a common MspI, and no EcoRI and BsuRI restriction sites. In contrast to S-IA isolates, the second MspI site was found at 473-476 position of only S-IB isolates, which could be used to differentiate two S-IA and S-IB subgroups. Here, we report the first case of Abutilon theophrasti infection, as a new reservoir weed host for CMV in the world.

In the years 2003-2012 the effects of nitrogen fertilization and term of harvest on the dry matter yield and biomass quality of Miscanthus × giganteus were examined. The harvest was carried out each year in the autumn and in the spring following year. No significant differences in yields between the sites were observed but the effect of weather conditions in individual years dominated. The nitrogen fertilization increased average biomass yields at the site Prague-Ruzyně by about 14% at the dose of 100 kg/ha and at the site Lukavec by about 11% at the dose of 150 kg/ha in comparison without N fertilization. Average yields of dry matter at Prague-Ruzyně 19.60 t/ha and at Lukavec 18.24 t/ha were achieved at the autumn term of harvest. The loss of biomass over the winter period was 24.3% at Prague-Ruzyně and 24.0% at Lukavec. In the spring term of harvest lower contents of all monitored elements were detected in the biomass of Miscanthus compared to the autumn term of harvest.

In this paper we determined the phosphorus (P) concentration in precipitation, and calculated the annual P deposition rate at three study sites located in northern Poland. We observed that the mean annual volume-weighted concentration of mineral phosphorus (P_min) in wet deposition varies from site to site. The estimated annual wet deposition rate of P_min in the study region amounted from 0.1 to 0.39 kg/ha. The concentration and deposition rate of P_min in the southern part of the study region was significantly lower than that in the northern and central part. We detected that the P_min deposition was strongly positively correlated with the fraction of arable land in the study site vicinity, and also positively correlated with the mineral P fertilizer consumption in the area. The mean annual volume-weighted concentration of P_min in wet deposition varied from 0.015 mg/l in the area of the lowest arable land percentage and the lowest mineral fertilizer consumption, to 0.046 mg/l in the area where the arable lands comprise 84% of agricultural land, and mineral P fertilizer consumption exceeded 33 kg/ha. In the P soil surface balance the atmospheric wet deposition represents 2.1-5.6% of annual total inputs of total P. The level of atmospheric P input varies widely by catchment and is related to land use (fertilizing, intensity and type of crop production).

Forests important from a water-management perspective cover 723,000 ha of the Czech Republic (CR), i.e. 27.6% of the forest area. These forests play an important role especially in a mountain landscape. Forests decrease peak flood flows, compensate water discharge and represent a source of high-quality fresh water. The optimum hydrological function is provided by forests that are healthy, ecologically stable, diversified, proper to site, growing on a good forest soil, managed by small-area felling and emulating natural processes. For mountain sites of the CR, the optimum proportion of Norway spruce (+ Silver fir) ranges from 70 to 80% and of European beech from 20 to 30%. Clear-cuts due to air pollution disasters led to replacement of the forest stand by perennial grassland increasing stormflows and decreasing the soil water supply to groundwater resources and the quality of water discharged from the forest. Skidding and hauling operations and an improperly constructed and maintained road network increased the surface runoff from a forest. Intraskeletal erosion occurs on pollution-disaster stone fields and in dying forest stands on stony sites. Reforestation of stone fields is necessary for the preservation of forests on stony and bouldery localities and their services for the cultural landscape situated below. In mountain headwaters, torrent control and forest amelioration are of great importance. These decrease peak flood flows, compensate water discharge and reduce bed-load and sediment transport. Forest amelioration enables the reforestation of waterlogged pollution-disaster areas.

Anew approach to forestry that increasingly values non-timber forest functions brings new interest and value also to coppice forests. A case study in the Voskop nature reserve located in the Český kras Protected Landscape Area was focused on a comparison of the timber production of individually growing trees and in multistemmed trees resprouting after cutting (stools). We recorded tree ecological characteristics of trees such as existence of stem cavities, whether the tree grows individually or from a stool and whether or not the tree is broken, dead or has a dying crown. In total 2,670 trees were sampled on a 1,875 ha sample plot. The main tree species forming coppice stands are Quercus petraea and Carpinus betulus. The total stock volume of only 136 m³.ha^-1 is very low at 84 years of age. The stock volume of individually growing trees is 84 m³.ha^-1 and the stock volume of trees in stools is only 52 m³.ha^-1 although the number of individually growing trees is lower.

Physical properties of soil can be affected by machines that are used for skidding which have the potential to impact soil sustainability and forest productivity. The present study evaluated the effect of timber skidding by a rubber-tired skidder and farm tractor on the soil physical properties. The study site was located in Hafdaghanan plantation region in the north of Iran. Two treatments that consisted of skidding by HSM 904 skidder and ITM285 farm tractor equipped with trailer were applied. The trails were included in three traffic levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Treatment effects were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with skidding machine types and traffic levels. Results indicated that machine type and traffic intensity are the effective factors on soil physical properties. The results showed that with an increase of traffic frequency, bulk density increased but total porosity and soil water content decreased. The results of the study provide clear evidence that farm tractor is a more environmentally friendly machine than rubber-tired skidder in the plantation area.