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The present paper summarized some knowledge of modern technologies, applied in apple (Malus domestica) genome studies. New generation sequencing allowed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip technologies for genotyping, description of functional apple genes, characterization of the evolutionary results in apple genome fragment transition, as well as phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Malus, being the confirmed progeny of M. sieviersii. Based on these technologies, newly developed putative markers may give the most important biological data such as age, geographical origins, tissue type determination, and external visible characters. The new generation genotyping platforms, representing very high efficiency, are now successfully applied for random apple genome-wide association (GWA) studies as well pedigree-based analysis and marker-assisted selection (MAS).

The aim of this study was to test different soil phosphorus (P) extraction methods in relation to plant P uptake. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with spring wheat. The soils were extracted with the following methods/extractants: H₂O, CaCl₂, LiCl, iron oxide impregnated filter papers (Fe-oxide P_i), Olsen, calcium-acetate-lactate (CAL), cation and anion exchange membranes (CAEM), Mehlich 3, Bray and Kurtz II (Bray II), citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite, organic P, HCl, acid ammonium oxalate, total P. Plant P uptake was in the range of the P extracted by neutral salt solutions (CaCl₂, LiCl). P extracted with H₂O, CaCl₂ and CAEM correlated best with plant P uptake over one growing season, while several established soil P test methods, including CAL, Mehlich 3 and Bray II, did not show significant correlations. When grouping the soils according to pH, the weaker extraction methods (H₂O, CaCl₂, LiCl) showed significant correlations with plant P uptake only for the low and intermediate pH groups (pH in 1 mol/L KCl ≤ 6.6), while some of the stronger extraction methods (CAL, Mehlich 3, Bray II, dithionite, oxalate, total P) showed significant correlations only for the high pH group (> 6.6) comprised of calcareous soils. It was concluded that weaker P extraction methods, especially neutral salt solutions best predict plant-available P in the short term. However, they do not perform well for calcareous (and clayey) soils and do not account for P that may become available beyond one growing season.

Soil bacteria are critical to maintain soil fertility. In this study, soil chemical properties, enzyme activities and soil bacterial community from a long-term fertilizer experiment (37 years) were analysed to elaborate the effects of long-term mineral fertilizer application on soil enzyme activities and bacterial community composition. Compared with control treatment, bacterial community richness was reduced in low nitrogen (N) fertilizer and high N fertilizer treatments and increased in high N fertilizer and phosphorus (P), high N fertilizer and potassium (K) (N2K), and high N fertilizer, P and K (N2PK) treatments. The distribution of each phylum and genera was obviously changed and the range of the dominant phyla was not affected in all fertilization treatments. Principal component analysis showed that soil bacterial community in the N2K treatment was clearly different than in the N2PK treatment. The N2PK treatment had much higher available P, total organic carbon, invertase, urease and phosphatase activities than the N2K treatment, which might change soil bacterial community composition. In conclusion, fertilization with combined application of P, K and N in appropriate proportions is an optimum approach for improving soil quality and soil bacterial community abundance in non-calcareous fluro-aquic soils in the North China Plain.

The treatment of cucumber plants with Trichoderma atroviride TRS25 (TRS25) provided protection against infection by Rhizoctonia solani. In plants inoculated with the pathogen, nontreated with Trichoderma, disease symptoms were observed on the roots, shoots, and leaves while in plants treated with TRS25 the spread of the disease was limited. The induction of systemic defence response in cucumber against R. solani infection seemed to be strongly related to the enhanced synthesis of phenolic compounds in plants. HPLC analysis indicated remarkable increases in the concentrations of 23 phenolics belonging to hydroxybenzoic acids, cinnamic acids, catechins, flavonols, flavons, and flavanons in the plants without systemic disease symptoms. We suggest that the accumulation of phenolic acids, flavonoids and de novo synthesis of catechins may strongly contribute to cucumber protection against R. solani.

Apples are a source of sugars, acids, and various biologically active compounds, such as phenolic compounds, which are responsible for most of the antioxidant activities of the fruit. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the cold storage of apple fruits affects the nutritional composition of selected organic acid and sugar content in juice in comparison to juice from fresh fruits. Statistical differences were confirmed between the content of citric acid, malic acid, total acid, pH, sucrose, fructose and glucose in juice from fresh fruits and from juice stored for 140 days. No statistical differences were observed between juice from fresh fruit and juice from fruits stored for 140 days in the content of acetic acid, tartaric acid, total sugar and sweetness index.

The present case report describes a case of chronic renal failure characterised by renal medullary fibrosis and renal papillary necrosis in a male Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). A 12-year-old male Siberian tiger presented with depression, anorexia and weight loss. Blood urea nitrogen (> 50.4 mmol/l) and ammonia (71.7 µmol/l) were increased, suggesting chronic renal failure and uraemia. The tiger died secondary to gastric haemorrhage. At necropsy, the kidneys had yellow lesions in the medulla and renal papillae and petechiae in the cortex. The stomach had multiple mucosal ulcers and haemorrhage. Microscopically, marked renal medullary fibrosis and renal papillary necrosis were observed with tubular atrophy, degeneration, coagulative necrosis, calcification and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. The renal cortex showed moderate interstitial inflammation. The urinary bladder exhibited epithelial desquamation and submucosal fibrosis. The tiger was diagnosed with chronic renal failure secondary to renal papillary necrosis and medullary fibrosis.

Biosolids are organic fertilisers derived from treated and stabilised sewage sludge that increase soil fertility and supply nitrogen to crops over a long period, but can also increase the risk of nitrogen (N) leaching. In this work, spring barley was grown in lysimeters filled with soil amended with biosolids, and with and without mineral N fertilisation. Biomass and the N concentration and content of shoots and roots were determined at flowering and maturity, and the N remobilization was calculated during grain filling. Drainage water was collected and analysed for N leaching. Biosolids increased soil porosity and soil nitrate, and positively affected the growth and N uptake of barley. Compared to mineral fertilisers, biosolids produced 18% higher vegetative biomass and 40% higher grain yield. During grain filling, both N uptake and N remobilization were higher with biosolids, which increased the grain N content by 32%. Nitrogen loss in leachates was 1.2% of plant uptake with mineral fertilisers and 1.7% with biosolids. Thus, soil fertilisation with biosolids greatly benefits spring barley, only slightly increasing N leaching.

Mehlich 3 is an extractant used worldwide for extracting bioavailable nutrients in soils; however, its extraction abilities for sulfur (S) are still not well described. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare the results of Mehlich 3 determined soil S fraction (S_M3) with the results of sulfur fractionation, mainly focusing on bioavailable S (S_av - sum of water-extractable (S_w) and adsorbed (S_ads) sulfur). Air dried soil samples from commonly used agricultural soils were chosen for the analyses. The following S fractions were determined: (i) S_w; (ii) S_ads; (iii) S_av; (iv) 1 mol/L HCl extractable (S_HCl); (v) estersulfate (S_es); (vi) organic (S_org) and (vii) total (S_tot). The median value of S_M3 (18.3 mg/kg) was similar to S_av (17.9 mg/kg). From the correlation and regression analysis it is clear that S_M3 results are in close relationship with S_av form. On the other hand, the relationships between S_M3 and organic S (including S_HCl) were very weak. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that Mehlich 3 method has a good potential to determine bioavailable sulfur in commonly used agricultural soils. However, especially the plant response should be further studied to confirm this theory.

The paper presents the results of a conceptual study of lightweight wooden construction hall building with polygonal ground plan, suitable for agriculture. It comprises evaluation of chosen technical and functional characteristics and possibilities for animal production. The results of the study confirm advantages (mainly lower material and costs demandingness, environmentally friendliness, light-weight construction, fast assembly operations) and disadvantages (mainly larger range of groundwork, higher demandingness on roof structure, foundation of slab constructions and anchoring of vertical bearing constructions). Values of radial tensile stress at an interval of 9.0 to 21.0 MPa and tangential tensile stress at an interval of 1.4 to 16.0 MPa were calculated on vertical load 100 kN at the top of the construction). The construction makes possible to achieve a span as far as 60 m with effective canvas strain at large radius curvature from 80 m to 100 m.

Egg quality and eggshell ultrastructural properties of four Saudi native chicken breeds were compared to detect genetic differences. A total of 480 laying hens at 28 weeks of age, representing four Saudi native breeds of chicken (black, black-barred, gray, and brown) kept under hot environmental conditions (34 ± 1°C) were randomly assigned to the current experiment. Laying hens were housed in individual cages in an open-sided house during hot summer season. A total of 360 intact eggs were randomly collected (90 from each breed) for egg quality assessment. Eggshell samples were prepared to evaluate ultrastructural measurements using a scanning electron microscope. No significant variations between the breeds concerning egg weight, egg-shape index, yolk index, albumen (%), yolk (%), shell (%), and shell thickness traits were detected. Brown breed showed significantly higher Haugh units compared to the other breeds. Moreover, brown breed scored the best for eggshell breaking strength trait (the highest crack resistance), followed by gray, black, and black-barred breeds, respectively (P < 0.005). Total ultrastructural score for mammillary layer measurements was significantly higher in black-barred breed if compared with black, brown, and gray breeds. Gray, brown, and black Saudi native breeds had an outstanding eggshell ultrastructure and, in turn, stiffer and stronger eggshell comparable with black-barred counterpart under high ambient temperatures. At the national level, for cross-breeding and selection programs aimed at producing good quality table and hatching eggs the use of gray, brown, and black breeds can be recommended due to excellent ultrastructural properties of their eggshell.

This paper is part of a broader study which aims to investigate the success factors of agricultural enterprises. It attempts to present the partial results of a questionnaire survey whose goal was to determine the quality of HRM (Human Resource Management) departments in basic agricultural enterprises. Studies focusing on the HRM of basic agricultural enterprises have been published in many countries. In the Slovak Republic, experts and academics from the Slovak University of Technology in Nitra, and the Slovak Research Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics have arrived at perceptive conclusions on the current state of human capital in the agri-food sector and have proposed innovative directions for further development. Surprisingly, however, academia still fails to perceive HR management as a partner in an enterprise, rather than simply a service unit in the organisational structure of the agricultural enterprise. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of the role of HRM departments is missing and this paper aims to fill that gap. The methodology of research is based on Ulrich's model of the mixed roles of HR departments (2009), which is used as a framework to determine the quality levels of role performance, defined by the model, of HRM departments. The survey sample consists of 70 basic agricultural enterprises.

We investigated moth larvae (Lepidoptera) developing in temperate forests in Central Europe shortly after the tree budburst (the "brumata-viridana complex"). Larvae were collected in southern Slovakia in May 2015 and May 2016 from young and mature trees of late flushing Quercus cerris L. and early flushing Q. pubescens Willd. Although Q. cerris yielded fewer species (40 species) than Q. pubescens (47 species), the rarefied number of species and the Chao index suggested a similar number of species on mature trees of both oak species. Both the total number of moth larvae in assemblages and the abundance of dominant species (pests) were significantly lower on Q. cerris than Q. pubescens. The results suggest the release of Q. cerris with delayed budburst from heavy infestations by folivorous moth larvae. Knowledge obtained can be applied in silvicultural and horticultural practices aimed to protect and maintain forest, fruit, and ornamental trees.

SYBR Green real-time or quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) is a suitable system in which to establish a multiplex method to detect allergenic ingredients in food. In this study, a triplex Q-PCR method was developed to detect trace amounts of peanut, soybean and sesame in processed food. Specific PCR primer sets were designed and the concentration of the primers used in the triplex PCR was optimised. The triplex method showed high specificity and sensitivity which were similar to those of the simplex method, and it was applied for the detection of allergenic ingredients in commercially available processed food. The results demonstrate that the developed triplex Q-PCR is a quick, reliable and efficient method for the detection of allergenic ingredients in processed food.

Data on blood chemistry values can make fundamental contributions to our understanding of physiological changes. However, there is a lack of information regarding blood chemistry in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). Thus, the objects of this study were to determine reference ranges for 29 blood chemistry variables, and to evaluate differences between age groups and between seasons. Blood samples (n = 138) were collected from 44 (20 males, 24 females; age range, 1-15 years) clinically healthy, captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in the Republic of Korea. Young and adult bears showed significantly higher levels of creatinine and total cholesterol, and lower levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB during hibernation compared to during non-hibernation. Adults also showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride, but lower levels of inorganic phosphorus, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and creatine phosphokinase during hibernation than during non-hibernation. During hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase in young bears were significantly higher than in adults, whereas creatinine levels were lower than in adults. During non-hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase and creatine kinase MB in young bears were significantly higher, whereas creatinine, total protein, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase and haemoglobin levels were lower than in adults. The results of this study provide reference values that will aid in understanding the physiology of Asiatic black bears and in assessing the health of these animals in captive environments.

Wheat, one of the world's major crops, is seriously affected by fungal diseases, especially in regions with high moisture and moderately warm temperatures. This paper reviews various molecular and conventional techniques that are used to identify genotypes with resistance alleles associated with Fusarium head blight (FHB) diseases. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) type II, designated as Fhb1, are frequently applied in plant breeding, and the newly recognized genes related to resistance to this fungal disease give extra insights into marker-assisted selection (MAS). Molecular markers are robust tools that may be routinely used in MAS for the mapping of resistance genes in crop breeding. FHB resistance is polygenic, and different resistance genes could be conveyed into a single genotype by MAS, which might ensure greater resistance to FHB disease. In conclusion, different researchers have used various techniques to control FHB resistance, such as MAS, gene pyramiding (through backcross), and molecular markers (association with resistance QTLs or genes).

The aim of the study was to evaluate the glomalins content (total glomalin (TG), easily extractable glomalin (EEG) and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP)) in the soil under winter wheat from different crop production systems. The experiment involved four different cultivation systems: organic, integrated (INT), conventional (CON), monoculture-conventional (MON). The highest content of TG and GRSP proteins were observed in organic system. A strong positive correlation was observed between the total number of glomalins and dehydrogenase activity and organic matter. A strong correlation between TG and GRSP content was observed (r = 0.93) as well as between EEG and GRSP (r = 0.79). The highest yields of winter wheat were observed in CON (9.12 t/ha) and INT (9.04 t/ha) systems, while the lowest in monoculture (4.47 t/ha).

Cattle slurry is commonly used to fertilize grasslands, so its impact on plant composition and herbage properties is important. Cattle slurry at annual rates of 60 (S1), 120 (S2), 180 (S3), and 240 kg nitrogen (N)/ha (S4) was applied to Arrhenatherion grasslands in moderately wet (WS), slopy (SS), and moderately dry (DS) sites cut three times a year over six years, to assess its effects on plant functional types, the Ellenberg N indicator value (Ellenberg N), herbage dry matter (DM) yield, herbage N content and offtake, N nutrition index (NNI), and N use efficiency (NUE). The site-specific changes in an increase in graminoid cover, Ellenberg N, herbage DM yield and N offtake, and NNI along with slurry application rates revealed, while cover of legumes, short forbs, and NUE decreased. In more productive sites (WS and SS), slurry application in the amount of 180 kg N/ha could be suggested as a slurry dose ensuring beneficial agronomic objectives. However, nature conservation requirements via maintaining plant biodiversity were not met. On the contrary, short-term slurry application up to 120 kg N/ha ensured on permeable DS not only sufficient agronomic objectives, but also plant biodiversity conservation requirements.

The objectives of this study were to estimate linkage disequilibrium (LD), describe and scan a haplotype block for the presence of genes that may affect milk production traits in Portuguese Holstein cattle. Totally 526 animals were genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip, which contained a total of 52 890 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The final set of markers remaining after considering quality control standards consisted of 37 031 SNPs located on 29 autosomes. The LD parameters historical recombinations through allelic association (D') and squared correlation coefficient between locus alleles frequencies ( r²) were estimated and haplotype block analyses were performed using the Haploview software. The averages of D' and r² values were 0.628 and 0.122, respectively. The LD value decreased with increasing physical distance. The D' and r² values decreased respectively from 0.815 and 0.283 at the distance of 0-30 kb to 0.578 and 0.090 at the distance of 401-500 kb. The identified total number of blocks was 969 and consisted of 4259 SNPs that covered 159.06 Mb (6.24% of the total genome) on 29 autosomes. Several genes inside the haplotype blocks were detected; CSN1S2 gene in haplotype block 51 on BTA 6, IL6 and B4GALT1 genes in haplotype blocks 6 and 33 on BTA 8, IL1B and ID2 genes in haplotype blocks 19 and 29 on BTA 11, and DGAT1 gene in haplotype block 1 on BTA 14. The extension of LD using BovineSNP50 BeadChip did not exceed 500 kb and its parameters r² and D' were less than 0.2 and 0.70, respectively, after 70-100 kb. Consequently, the 50K BeadChip would have a poor power in genome wide association studies at distances between adjacent markers lower than 70 kb.

The method of establishing directly sown annual flower beds has its benefits as well as problems. One of them is particularly surface weeding before sowing. The aim of the experiment was to find a solution to this problem, i.e. whether covering sowing substrates can suppress the germination and growth of weeds and improve growth parameters of annuals. The certified seed mixture of annuals and three variants of substrates that differed in ability to retain water were chosen for the experiment. Substrate A contained 70% vol. of sand and 30% vol. of peat; substrate B 50% vol. of sand, 20% vol. of siliceous marlite, 30% vol. of peat; and substrate C 30% vol. of sand, 40% vol. of siliceous marlite, 30% vol. of peat. In the control variant annuals were sown directly into the soil. The experiment was established in two different sites. Development of the mixture was monitored and evaluated all the season; the coverage with annuals and weed, the height of annuals and flowering time were evaluated. According to the results the use of sowing substrates ensured the successful development of mixtures of annuals, particularly in the initial stand development.

The trap catch of Agriotes species and dynamics of the occurrence of adult click beetles using pheromone traps were determined, and the relationship between the dynamics of the caught wireworms and the placement of traps in selected agricultural crops was investigated. The study was conducted in 2011-2014 in the fields of different crops at five localities in two regions in Poland. The effectiveness of trapping the Elateridae beetles using pheromone traps varied in different localities. The results of the analysis of variance indicate statistically significant differences in the number of A. lineatus beetles only in individual years of research. On average, most individuals of this species were observed in the first year of observation (72.62), and the least - in 2012 (18.5). Statistically significant differences in the occurrence of beetles in each month were observed for all species except A. obscurus. No statistically significant differences between populations of the tested Agriotes species were observed in different localities. Their effectiveness was influenced largely by weather conditions. Pheromone traps work well and can be a part of an assessment system for the integrated pest management of Agriotes species.

Microbial quality of ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk is usually ascertained by a total bacterial count (TBC) cultivation. But this is time consuming, so there is a tendency to search for faster and simpler methods. We compared three instruments, focusing on shortening the detection time and their suitability for practical use in dairy plants. Two of them, RapiScreen Dairy 1000 and Promilite III, detect microbial contamination by measuring adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence; the third, GreenLight, is based on oxygen consumption analysis. In the laboratory experiments, samples of UHT milk, were spiked with low concentration of microorganisms and then the level of microbial contamination was evaluated using the above-mentioned instruments together with cultivation method as a control. The instruments were also applied in a dairy plant to test 182 real samples. All investigated methods determined microbial quality faster than the TBC, but in some cases false positive and false negative results were obtained. Therefore, precise testing including optimizing pre-incubation time for bacteria enrichment is needed prior to industrial use.

Cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands, is an endogenous glucocorticoid hormone that delivers its hormonal message to cells by acting on glucocorticoid receptors. It is one of the main stress hormones responsible for stress responses in animals and humans, and its overproduction is characteristic of certain diseases. While acute stress disorder can be evaluated by means of measuring the cortisol concentration in blood and urine, chronic stress disorder can be detected by monitoring the cortisol concentration in fur or hair. Hair collection is simple, inexpensive and non-invasive, and can be performed easily and rapidly; thus, it appears to be a suitable method for determining the level of stress in dogs from shelters, abused dogs or dogs involved in different types of animal interactions. Since it is a relatively new method, monitoring cortisol in hair or fur requires further research in order to definitively prove its efficacy, and possibly to determine reference range values for different breeds of dogs.

Proper vascularisation is necessary for the correct functioning of all organs. The kidneys of various mammalian species have been examined in order to understand the functioning of this organ. This article presents the first classification of the renal artery division in the kidneys of adult cattle. We collected and analysed specimens of arteries from bovine kidneys with the aim of improving our understanding of their morphology and functioning. The study was conducted on 50 kidneys, 25 right ones and 25 left ones, taken from cattle of both sexes. The examined kidneys were dissected and corrosion casts were made. Division of the renal artery into between two and four primary segmental arteries takes place just before entering the renal hilum. Cranial primary segmental arteries number from one to two (most frequently one), whereas the hilar and caudal ones always occur singly. The mentioned vessels are then divided into between one and four secondary segmental arteries running within the renal sinus. The hilar region (mid-zone) of the kidney exhibits the most variation in terms of vascularisation. The vascularisation of the caudal pole exhibits the lowest degree of variation. Taking into consideration the range of vascularisation of the organ by the particular divisions of the renal artery, three renal branching pattern types were distinguished: type I (84.1% of cases; this type consists of Ia, Ib, Ic and Ic subtypes) - two branches - the renal artery is divided into cranial and caudal primary segmental arteries; type II (11.36% of cases; with IIa and IIb subtypes) - three branches - the renal artery is divided into the cranial, hilar and caudal primary segmental arteries; type III (4.54% of cases) - four branches - the renal artery is divided into two cranial, one hilar and one caudal primary segmental artery. The division of the renal artery takes place along the long axis of the organ. Bovine kidneys are characterised by asymmetry, which may influence the length and diameter of the main arteries. The caudal primary segmental artery has the biggest mean length and mean diameter. The division of the renal artery occurs just before it enters the renal hilum or in the renal sinus.

The boron (B) availability and uptake were studied in relation to different phosphorus rates applied into soils in a three-year field experiment (2015-2017). The experiment was carried out at the experimental station at Humpolec (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Czech Republic). Three rates of phosphorus (20-40-80 kg P/ha) were applied as triple superphosphate. The crop rotation was spring barley-winter oilseed rape-winter wheat. No systematic fertilization with B was used and the response of natural boron soil content to the different phosphorus supply was studied. The crop yields, B content in plants, B-uptake, and content of B (extracted by Mehlich 3 and NH₄ acetate methods) were determined. Spring barley and winter wheat B uptake was about one order of magnitude lower in comparison with oilseed rape. Significant differences in B content in soils, in crop tissues and B-uptake, were found mainly under higher phosphorus doses (40 and 80 kg P/ha). NH₄ acetate method showed better correlations between P and B contents in soils than Mehlich 3 method from the second experimental year. The P-fertilization may affect negatively the B-uptake by plants, particularly if the highly nutrient demanding crop is grown.

In this study the texture profile, total soluble solids (TSS) and the fruit skin colour of four day-neutral strawberry cultivars cultivated in Italy ('Anabelle', 'Murano*', 'Portola*' and 'Triumph') was evaluated at four harvest times. The interrelationships of the analysed parameters were determined using principal component analysis in order to suggest the best commercial scenario (local market, supermarket retailer or export) for each cultivar. Data analysis related to texture and TSS contents revealed that 'Anabelle', 'Portola*' and 'Murano*' displayed unique characteristics, and that 'Triumph' showed lower values for these parameters. Due to its low hardness and cohesiveness values 'Anabelle' could be suited to a short supply chain; 'Portola*', meanwhile, might meet the requirements of a long supply chain, due to its high hardness and low TSS (P £ 0.05); 'Murano*' could be distinguished from the other cultivars by its high luminosity (ranging from 41.46-46.21 L*); while 'Triumph', due to its darkness (36.83-37.13 L*), could be suitable for a local/farmers' market.

The goal of the paper was to define recommendations of a suitable business strategy for SMEs in the area of primary agricultural production. First, the external environment was analysed to define suitable recommendations for the industry, and also to discover opportunities and threats through fitting strategic analyses, that affect the aforementioned businesses. Secondly, it was necessary to get familiar with the internal environment and functioning of specific businesses in the industry (namely those that operate in the Western region of Prostějov at the foot of the Drahanska Highlands) and to evaluate their efficiency to define their strengths and weaknesses. The paper demonstrates that there is a wide range of means that can be taken advantage of when defining fitting strategies for agricultural businesses, e.g. the Porter's Five Forces Model, the IFE and the IE Matrix, the SWOT Matrix as well as the general strategies by Ansoff. Among the most important recommendations for increasing the competitiveness of SMEs in the agricultural industry, there belong: taking advantage of all the suitable agricultural subsidies, taking advantage of accredited agricultural advisors, making sure that the legal requirements of governmental bodies are met, increasing revenues for arable farming (through a good quality seed stock, chemicals and fertilizers, the foundation of suitable storage facilities in order to postpone the sales of the grain after the harvest season), creating sales cooperatives/associations to balance the competing force of buyers, rejuvenating the workforce, solidifying the ownership structure in the businesses, entrepreneurial diversification (electrical energy production), increasing quality in animal farming.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasizes the right of everyone to have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food in its Rome Declaration. This article suggests how this noble FAO goal can be achieved. We suggest that a first step could be the introduction of a global meat tax, where the size of the negative externalities from meat production could be calculated based on foresight and big data. Applying the tool of a global meat tax will lead to a "double dividend" as negative externalities are reduced and at the same time huge tax revenues will be generated which could be used to make further steps in the direction of achieving the stated FAO goal in the Rome Declaration.

The different materials and methods used to develop biopesticides with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) still limit the quality of the final product, reducing field efficacy and complicating application strategies. Therefore, the objective of this review is to identify priority areas to improve the EPN formulation process based on the scientific and technological research developed so far. The results show great progress in the EPN survival time, from 7 days to 180 days, through two types of formulations: water dispersible granules and calcium alginate capsules. Also, EPNs formulated and applied as insect cadavers showed higher efficacy for the pest control than the EPNs applied in an aqueous solution. We consider that the priority areas of research are: automated massive formulation and exploration of new additives with better properties that may lead to increase the infectivity in the field. It is concluded that the study of these aspects requires a systemic approach with greater involvement of the invertebrate physiology and systems modelling disciplines.

The influence of the cultivation of a single crop (potato or winter rye) on mite assemblages was evaluated. Both crops were cultivated in a long-term monoculture (90 years). The response of mites to fertilisation treatment (mineral with manure or mineral alone) was also studied. It was hypothesised that the density of mites as a community and the density of particular mite groups are higher in winter rye crop in comparison with potato. Secondly, the fertilisation with manure is more beneficial for mites than the use of mineral fertilisers alone, both in winter rye and potato crops. Results showed significantly higher mite abundance in potato, mainly due to Prostigmata dominance. Oribatida and Gamasida groups were significantly more numerous in winter rye. The fertilisation type, except for the suborder Astigmata, had no significant influence on the mite community.

The textural characteristics of onion slices (Allium cepa L.) of 3- and 7-mm thicknesses undergoing convective drying (50, 60, and 70°C) and microwave drying (68, 204, and 340 W real effective power levels) techniques with or without pre-treatment were evaluated. Pre-treatment consisted of dipping into brine solution (8% NaCl). Texture profile analysis at 25% compression was applied and hardness, chewiness, springiness and gumminess values of onions were recorded. As the temperature (convective) or real effective power level (microwave) increased, the hardness and chewiness levels of dried onion slices were enhanced. The values of these parameters were higher in response to microwave application compared to convective drying. Pre-treatment had an additive effect on hardness and chewiness in convectively dried samples. Maximum springiness was observed in response to convective drying. Dipping in brine solution generally caused no significant changes among slices of the same thickness (P < 0.05). With respect to gumminess, the results were quite similar to those for hardness and chewiness, i.e., markedly higher in microwave-dried onions.