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Three experiments with dairy cows were conducted in an air-conditioned stable under controlled conditions. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the regulated ionic microclimate on the emission of dust particles (aerosol) up to the diameter of 10 μm (PM₁₀). Four dairy cows were housed in common straw-bedded boxes and the stable was equipped with a vacuum ventilation system. To regulate the ionic microclimate, the apparatus Agri 1 000 (maximum voltage 7 kV, current 25 μA) was used. Thus the airborne dust concentration in the stable (42-132 μg/m³) was reduced by 12.7-26.2%. In experiments B and C statistical significance P ≤ 0.05 was reached. The emissive flow from the stable was decreased from 7.41-8.63 mg/h to 5.30-6.55 mg/h per one animal, i.e. by 24.1-31.3%. Owing to ionisation the ratio of n⁺ to n^- ions was changed. A unipolarity coefficient (P) was changed from 1.65-1.93 to 0.82-0.89, i.e. superiority of n^- ions.

Acetaldehyde and ethanol are already present in detectable levels at the time of harvest, under aerobic conditions and in healthy, undamaged fruit. Both metabolites can be detected, at different concentrations, in all cultivars. Several hours after harvest, the levels of acetaldehyde in cultivars Summit, Techlovan and Kordia were 6.41, 9.78 and 22.00 mg/l, respectively. Both ethanol and acetaldehyde accumulate to significant levels in anaerobically stored cherries, particularly in atmospheres with high levels of CO₂. The highest levels of ethanol observed, after 31 days of exposure to anaerobic conditions, were in the cultivars Techlovan (1,159 mg/l) and Summit (1,168 mg/l); both concentrations are are broadly similar. The metabolites decreased after a return to aerobic conditions, but remained higher than the levels first observed. Sweet cherries stored in anaerobic conditions are also sensitive to the development of off-flavours in the first 24 hours after opening the storage box. The very slow ripening of the fruit under anaerobic conditions was satisfactorily quantified by measuring the higher degree of fruit firmness, when the usual, visual attributes of ripeness were almost undetectable. Stems also remained green, in contrast to the usual browning that occurs under normal atmospheres. Discrimination analysis of various parameters observed gave a good resolution of different cultivars.

The aim of this study was to compare pregnancy rates after transfer of in vivo produced embryos cryopreserved using open pulled straw (OPS) vitrification (Group V) or conventional freezing method as a control (Group C). Bovine embryos (Day_6.5-7.5) collected from superovulated cows were classified according to developmental stages and morphological qualities (Grade 1 and 2) before cryopreservation and they were transferred to synchronized heifers after thawing. Pregnancy rates after transfer of morulae, early blastocysts and expanded blastocysts in Group V compared to Group C (54.5%, 12/22 vs. 56.0%, 14/25; 53.3%, 16/30 vs. 58.1%, 18/31 and 57.7%, 15/26 vs. 48.3%, 14/29) were not different (P > 0.05). Likewise, pregnancy rates after transfer of embryos of Grade 1 and 2 in Group V compared to Group C (55.1%, 43/78 vs. 54.1%, 46/85 and 36.4%, 12/33 vs. 32.9%, 23/70, respectively) were not different (P > 0.05). The study demonstrated similar viability of embryos which were frozen by vitrification or conventional method irrespective of their quality and developmental stage after transfer into recipients.

Forty plant parasitic nematode species were identified in soil of fruit orchards in the southeastern and southwestern areas of the Danubian Lowlands and East Slovak Lowland, characterised by light sandy soil of riverine origin, locally combined with drift sand landscape. They were Ditylenchus dipsaci, Helicotylenchus canadensis, H. digonicus, H. dihystera, H. multicinctus, Rotylenchus agnetis, R. fallorobustus, R. goodeyi, Rotylenchulus borealis, Pratylenchus crenatus, P. penetrans, P. pratensis, P. thornei, Zygotylenchus guevarai, Pratylenchoides laticauda, Meloidogyne hapla, Bitylenchus dubius, Tylenchorhynchus cylindricus, Merlinius nanus, Macroposthonia antipolitana, M. rustica, M. xenoplax, Paratylenchus bukowinensis, P. elachistus, P. nanus, P. projectus, Longidorus elongatus, L. euonymus, L. juvenilis, unidentified Longidorus sp., Xiphinema diversicaudatum, X. italiae, X. pachtaicum, X. taylori, X. vuittenezi, Trichodorus primitivus, T. sparsus, T. viruliferus, Paratrichodorus macrostylus and P. pachydermus. Many of the observed species are phytopathologically important parasites of fruit trees and some are also vectors of plant viruses. The frequency of occurrence, dominance and abundance of individual species were determined.

Inter- and intra-species differences in nitrate uptake and N allocation were studied in wheat seedlings. Two collections of wheat cultivars Triticum aestivum and Triticum durum were grown at controlled conditions in hydroponics (773µM NO₃^-, i.e. 10.8 ppm N-NO₃^-). At the age of 3 weeks the net rate of nitrate uptake was measured in depletion experiments and it was expressed as µmol NO₃^- per g of root fresh weight per hour (µmol/g FW/h). Nitrate uptake capacity of the whole root system was expressed as µmol NO₃^- per plantper hour (µmol/plant/h). At the same time wheat plants were harvested and analyzed for nitrogen content. In contrast to the net rate of NO₃^- uptake (3.98-8.57 µmol/g FW/h) the net NO₃^- uptake capacity of T. aestivum roots (6.37-11.66 µmol/plant/h) significantly differed from T. durum roots (15.26-22.69 µmol/plant/h). Within T. aestivum collection cultivar Roxo exhibits the lowest value in both traits (3.98 µmol NO₃^-/g FW/h and 6.67 µmol NO₃^-/plant/h). By contrast Strela was characterized by relatively low NO₃^- uptake rate (5.47 µmol/g FW/h) and the highest NO₃^- uptake capacity (11.66 µmol/plant/h). Intra-species differences in T. durum group were not significant. In both species about 70% total nitrogen was found in shoot. Statistically significant differences in nitrogen content and its allocation were affected by growth rate in early stages of development.

In 2003, 2004 and 2005 milk fat composition was determined three times in 55 dairy cows of Czech Pied cattle housed in a byre with stanchions and fed under conditions usual on Czech production farms. Fatty acids were determined by a gas chromatographic method, 26 acids out of the total 37 acids observed in chromatograms were identified. The highest proportions were observed for palmitic acid (29.25 ± 2.98%), oleic acid (24.47 ± 3.27%), myristic acid (12.14 ± 1.80%) and stearic acid (8.91 ± 2.44%). The proportions of saturated, unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were 64.71 ± 4.18, 31.96 ± 4.20 and 27.45 ± 3.42% of total acids, respectively. The total proportion of nutritionally undesirable lauric, myristic and palmitic acid was 45.26 ± 4.77%, while that of the desirable group of polyunsaturated fatty acids was 4.51 ± 1.09%. The observed relatively wide ranges of the individual groups of fatty acids indicate that it is possible to improve the milk fat composition in Czech Pied cows.

Certain physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the flavoured kefir drink were studied during refrigerated storage. Kefir drink batches were prepared using 2% addition of kefir grains, incubation for 18 h and subsequent filtration. The batches were then flavoured with blackberry, raspberry and strawberry aromas in the concentrations of 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15%, respectively. The samples were taken for analysis on 1^st, 4^th, 7^th, and 10^th days of storage at 4 ± 1°C. The sensory analysis of the flavoured kefir samples revealed the best acceptability level on the 4^th day of storage. Nevertheless, the samples were acceptable all throughout the storage. The percentage of the aroma addition significantly influenced the odour, flavour, texture, and mouth-feel, and the overall acceptability ratings. The higher percentage of the added aroma the more sensed, however, the lowest aroma addition was preferable. The pHs of the flavoured kefir drinks decreased throughout the storage time whereas, the titratable acidity, alcohol content and CO₂ values increased.

This paper presents results of an experiment carried out in 2000-2003 in the mountain region (southern Poland, 545 m a.s.l.) to determine the effect of over-ground parts growth of fodder beet, winter triticale and horse bean on the intensity of soil losses. The research was conducted on the hillside with a 16% slope with the simulated rainfall (105 mm; 1.75 mm/min) applied at seven developmental stages of the plants. It was stated that soil protective efficiency of the fodder beet, horse bean and winter triticale started at about 60, 30 and 15% of covering the soil surface, respectively. The influence of over-ground parts of the plants (x) on the soil erosion (y) can describe the following regression equations: for fodder beet: y = -9.37x + 29.4 (R² = 0.677; n = 82); for horse bean: y = -8.44x + 26.41 (R² = 0.698; n = 96); for winter triticale: y = -4.98x + 15.61 (R² = 0.66; n = 112). The obtained results made possible verification of the nomograms determining the value of the C indicator (cropping factor, i.e. index of soil coverage and cultivation calculated as a ratio of soil mass eroded from the field covered with specific crop to mass of soil eroded from black fallow with a 9% slope angle) present in USLE equation (Universal Soil Losses Equation, method commonly recommended by FAO for studies on erosion) for tested plants under similar conditions.

An expert estimate of the weight of emissions produced in agriculture has been up to now made only through a final counting to the total REZZO 4 emission balance in the category of "other mobile sources" The existing situation is however unbearable since a proper methodology to determine the production of emissions in agriculture, i.e. in the department with a considerable consumption of fossil fuels, is still missing. The solution consists in a more precise specification of the weight of generated limited pollutants (CO, NO_x, SO₂, PM and VOC including CO₂) in the department of agriculture on the basis of the measured annual consumption of fuels in agriculture and with using the emission factors of fuels. Calculated results are compared with the original values finally counted for the REZZO 4 category of "other mobile sources" in 2000 and 2001 (Adamec 2002; Adamec et el. 2003). The calculation revealed that the weight production of individual pollutants in 2000 and 2001 reached only 28% and 27% for CO, 52% and 50% for NO_x, 69% and 66% for SO₂, 87% and 83% for PM, and 26% and 24% for VOC of the original estimates with final counts and was therefore much lower. The share of agriculture in the weight production of emissions from mobile sources in 2000 and 2001 was 3.1% and 3.1% for CO, 11.5% and 11.5% for NO_x, 19.8% and 18.8% for SO₂, 38.3% and 34.6% for PM, and 3.5% and 3.6% for VOC. The development of weight production for individual pollutants in the period from 1995-2005 is expressed by means of regression equations. Coefficients of reliability indicate that the measure of reliability of the interval determined by calculation is much higher than that of the reliability interval determined by values estimated through final counting that appear incidental. There are increasing efforts today focused on the replacement of diesel oil as a traditional fossil fuel in agriculture with biodiesel oil as a more environment-friendly fuel. The second part of results includes a monitoring of the impact of biodiesel oil emissions in cases where diesel oil was replaced by this ecological fuel in agriculture in the period from 2000-2005. It follows from the analysis that the weight production of pollutants in 2000-2005 would have been reduced by 4% in CO, by 28% in SO₂, by 52% in PM and by 4% in VOC while an increase by 20% and 32% would have been recorded in CO₂ and NO_x, respectively. Regression equations are used to express the development of the weight production of individual diesel oil and biodiesel oil pollutants in the period from 2000-2005. Reliability coefficients that are of constant character indicate that the development of the weight of pollutants from diesel oil replicates the development of biodiesel oil pollutants. The significance of achieved results consists in the provision of a more accurate general balance of emissions from one of so called other mobile sources in Czech Republic (apart from the department of transport), thus contributing among other things to a more accurate expression of the total weight of emission production within REZZO 4.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) rank among the primary risk pollutants and their adverse effects may endanger the environmental balance and affect the ontogenetic development of live organisms and their body functions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to monitor the occurrence of PAEs in packaging materials and plastics (infusion sets), to evaluate the accumulation and distribution of the most common phthalates such as DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) and DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) in body tissues and organs of pigs and broiler chicks having been administered the phthalates per os, to assess the occurrence of PAEs in pig and cattle farms in the district of Hodonín (1997-1999), and to propose precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of PAE penetration into the food chain and the environments. DEHP and DBP contents in packaging materials ranged from 0.1 to 4259 mg DEHP, and from 0.1 to 1298 mg DBP per 1 kg printed packaging material, respectively. In haemodialysis patients, over 0.5 mg DEHP per 1 kg blood was found after three hours of haemodialysis. In combined feeds for farm animals (pigs, cattle, poultry), DEHP and DBP concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 1.77 and from 0.06 to 2.36 mg/kg feed, respectively, were detected. In all the food samples investigated, measurable levels of DEHP (less than 0.01-0.22 mg/kgsample) and DBP (less than 0.01 to 1.31 mg/kgsample) were found. In the experimental pigs and broilers, phthalates were distributed in all the organs monitored and the highest accumulation was found in adipose tissue as expected. All the samples withdrawn from farms in the Hodonín district had measurable phthalate concentrations; the hygienic limit (4 mg/kg) was exceeded in 2 samples of swine adipose tissue (4.26 and 6.92 mg/kgfresh sample) and in 1 sample of cattle adipose tissue (4.75 mg/kgfresh sample).

The imbibition of triticale kernels with a different degree of sprouting and with no visible sprouting symptoms was studied using digital image analysis and the classical weight method. Measurements were performed at two-hour intervals for the first 14 hours of imbibition, and at 24 and 26 hours. The area, perimeter, length and width of kernel images, and ten different shape factors were determined along with the weight of imbibing kernels. The germination capacity was determined on the seeds used for measurements. Kernels showing the lowest degree of sprouting were characterized by the highest rate of water uptake in comparison with the control. Most of shape descriptors were significantly correlated with kernel weight, especially image area (r = 0.688) and two shape factors (calculated on the basis of image perimeter and area) of S₉ and S₁₀ (r = 0.742 and 0.958, respectively), which makes them the best descriptors of image of imbibing seeds.

This study deals with effects of pressing of ensiled sugar-beet pulp and of application of a chemical preservative on the quality of fermentation process. The experimental silages had a better sensory evaluation than the control ones. In silages treated chemically with a mixture of acids, statistically significantly (P < 0.01) higher dry matter content, lowest pH value, the value of lactic acid and the lowest content of all acids in dry matter were found after 180 days of storage from the beginning of the experiment. The statistically significantly (P < 0.01) highest lactic acid content (43.39 ± 1.25 g/kg DM) was determined in the control pressed silage. The highest LA/VFA ratio (1.40 ± 0.18) was calculated for non-pressed experimental silage (D - 3 l/t of KEM). As compared with untreated control the highest percentage (P < 0.01) of lactic acid and of all fermentation acids was found out in silage D treated with 3 l/t of KEM (58.18 ± 0.47 g/kg DM). Undesirable butyric and propionic acids were not found in chemically treated silage samples (C, D, E, F). However, the highest (P < 0.01) contents of butyric acid (26.37 ± 0.91 g/DM) and propionic acid (4.58 ± 0.78 g/DM) were measured in untreated non-pressed silage samples (B). The highest (P < 0.01) contents of acetic acid and ethanol were found in control silage samples. The quality of these silages was evaluated as very low.

During the period of 2001 and 2003 a total of 238 isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae obtained from 26 pig herds in the Czech Republic (2001 - 73 isolates, 2002 - 110 isolates, 2003 - 55 isolates) were examined for antibiotic resistance by disc diffusion method. Resistance to erythromycin (95.5% to 98.6%), streptomycin (76.4% to 82.7%) and tiamulin (72.7%) was detected most frequently over the whole monitored period. High increase in percentage of resistant isolates to tetracycline (2001 - 11.0%, 2002 - 36.4%, 2003 - 81.8%), doxycycline (2001 - 9.6%, 2002 - 34.6%, 2003 - 61.8%), nalidixic acid (2001 - 2.7%, 2002 - 14.5%, 2003 - 45.5%), and norfloxacin (2001 - 0%, 2002 - 7.3%, 2003 - 34.6%) was found, while differences in resistance to cephalotine (2001 - 1.4%, 2002 - 7.3%, 2003 - 9.1%), cotrimoxazol (2001 - 4.1%, 2002 - 10.0%, 2003 - 7.3%), amoxicillin (2001 - 12.3%, 2002 - 12.7%, 2003 - 10.9%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (2001 - 9.6%, 2002 - 9.1%, 2003 - 10.9%) were small. Prevalence of isolates resistant to sulfasomidine was detected decreasing (2001 - 43.8%, 2002 - 47.3% and 2003 - 29.1%).

This study aimed to determine the growth of 26 Akkeci (White goat = Saanen × Kilis (Bi) crossbreed) female kids by measuring their body weight, withers height, body length, heart girth depth, heart girth width, heart girth circumference, leg circumference and volume index in two-week intervals from birth to 500 days of age and by using different growth models (Monomolecular, Gompertz, Weibull and Richards). An approximate volume index was calculated by multiplying the values of heart girth depth, body length and heart girth width. The best one among these models was determined in respect of RMS (square root of Residual Means Squares which is calculated from the Square Root of Error Mean Square in ANOVA), R²%, Adjusted R²%, Mallow's C_pstatistic, and asymptotic correlation coefficients criteria. As a result, it was determined that Weibull growth model (which is not concerned with Weibull statistical distribution but is related to parameters of Weibull distribution) was suitable for the above-mentioned material and studied traits.

In 1997 the Research Institute for Fruitgrowing and Ornamentals set up a comparative rootstock trial to study foreign-bred dwarf cherry rootstocks in the Hungarian climate. Based upon their effects on trunk and canopy growth, rootstocks can be classified into 3 groups: very vigorous (Cerasus mahaleb L. Cema, Cerasus avium L. C. 2493, Weiroot 13), medium vigorous (Weiroot 158, Weiroot 154, P-HL-A) and dwarfing rootstocks (Weiroot 72, Weiroot 53, GiSelA 5). Differences between the blooming and ripening times of rootstock/scion combinations were also observed. Linda produced the highest cumulative yield followed by Katalin, Germersdorfi 3 and Piramis. The largest fruit diameter was measured in Germersdorfi 3 among the sweet cherry cultivars; the highest ratio of fruits larger than 26 mm was found on Weiroot 72, and the lowest on GiSelA 5. The largest fruit diameter of the sour cherry Piramis was observed in trees on Cerasus avium C. 2493.

The real trade development is estimated by the recalculation of nominal value through unit values (prices). The unit value indices reflect, besides the change of prices, also the changes in the structure and qualitative changes of the traded products. In the 70s, the average yearly increase of unit values reached 14% and reflected namely the inflation caused by the oil shocks. Since then, it reaches in average up to 1%. We can suppose that, under the normal conditions, unit values growth is rather the consequence of the qualitative and structural changes (increased share of the more sophisticated products of processing industry), in fact, prices in international trade have been decreasing for years already. The question whether the world trade growth rates decrease or accelerate is then still open. It is certain that the world trade volume growth rate (6.3%) has shown a considerable surpass to the production growth rate (4.1%).

The paper is focused on the problems of income disparity in agriculture. This economic as well as social phenomenon is often discussed, especially at the administrative level, nevertheless, it has not been exactly defined and methodically delimited yet. The comparison of average wages of farmers with average wages in inhomogeneous industry and with average wages in the very sector-differentiated national economy used today can be considered as problematic. In the paper, the possible system of income disparity monitoring is suggested which would remove the current deficiencies. In its frame, a special attention is paid to regional aspects of income disparity and the relation of wages and labour productivity.

The article starts with the theoretical definitions of various concepts (rural space, endogenous approach to the rural development, the actor operating in the particular locality for its development). Concerning the know-how of the rural/local actor, the information acquired also through extension service takes important position there. The methodological approach explains the use of sociological methods and techniques employed in research in two localities. This is continued by the analysis of the data gathered. The conclusions of the paper evaluate the knowledge from the group interviews and discuss the necessity of establishing an "institute" the task of which would be to provide and roof the extension service and the sufficient information level for the local, often rural actors. These actors then would use such information/extension service not only for a more efficient development of their localities, but also for a higher valorisation of their efforts in the "animation" of the rural localities.

he study was undertaken to determine a possible role of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) as antioxidants in salt tolerance of Chamomilla recutita and Origanum majorana. Salinity generally induced variable changes in growth, contents of oil and flavonoids of both plants; foliar application of any polyamines counterbalanced the effects of salinity. In general, the degree of stimulation differed according to the type and concentration of the used additive and the type of the plant.

Over 2004-2006, effects of mineral fertilisers (60 N + 30 P + 60 K kg/ha or 120 N + 30 P + 60 K kg/ha) and farmyard manure (12 or 24 t/ha) application on biological and chemical properties of soil were studied in seminatural grassland. The research trial was established at Radvaň site, central Slovakia (altitude 480 m, loamy to sandy-loamy Cambisol). These parameters were investigated during the growing seasons: CO₂ production, intensity of total N mineralisation (TMN), the rate of nitrification (NIT), total C content in microbial biomass (MB-C), C_ox, N_t, P, K, Mg and the humic acids to fulvic acids ratio (HA:FA). At the application of mineral fertilisers, the highest N rate significantly increased TMN and NIT, mainly in 2004 and 2005. The manure application showed the strongest effects on the biological parameters. The manure rate of 12 t/ha significantly increased the soil respiration in 2005 and 2006 as well as TMN and NIT throughout the research. The manure application increased also the soil pH, MB-C, N_t, Mg, P and C_ox.

Two different models (WBS FLAB, WaSiM-ETH) were used in the project HochNatur (flood prevention and nature conservation in the Weißeritz catchment in the Eastern Ore Mts. - Erzgebirge) to determine risk areas with quick runoff processes and to simulate the discharge. It was done in different scales, in the mesoscale Weißeritz catchment as well as two selected subcatchments with different natural and urban conditions, the Weißbach subcatchment with a well-structured landscape, the Höckenbach subcatchment with a greater part of arable land. On the basis of selected scenarios, the effect of land use changes on the runoff generation processes of an area and on the hydrograph is described. Land use changes are able to reduce the portion of quick runoff components, the water erosion and the discharge. The effect occurs especially in smaller catchments and with short heavy rains (events with a frequency of occurrence of 5-50 years). Depending on the present situation the changes have to include areas of more than 25% of the catchments area to cause a significant effect. It became apparent that nature conservation and flood prevention agree well in their requirements with the land use. A rich structured landscape proved to be extraordinarily positive for both, flood prevention and nature conservation.

The influence of growth regulators on in vitro bulblet formation from ex vitro roots was studied in asiatic and oriental hybrids of Lilium The root segments (3-4 mm) isolated from the middle zone of 2-3 cm ex vitro root were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1 or 1.5 mg/dm³ naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and/or benzyladenine (BA). Bulblets were not produced in the presence of NAA and BA alone. A significant increase in the per cent explants producing bulblets was observed with 1.5 mg/dm³ NAA and 1 mg/dm³ BA. Maximum number of bulblets and average fresh weight per bulblet was observed with 2 mg/dm³ NAA and 1.5 mg/dm³ BA after 90 days of culture. No differences were found among cultivars in bulblet regeneration of explant or bulblet number although more weighty bulblets occurred in cv. Apeldoorn. About 82% bulblet survival was recorded in coco peat after 30 days of transfer to pots.

Artificial regeneration of autochthonous target tree species plays an important role in the process of conversion of forest stands. The European beech is one of the most suitable and most frequently used tree species in this process. Modern technologies of intensive methods of the cultivation of the European beech seedlings provide, among others, a possibility to increase the proportion of this tree species in reforestation more quickly. It is however necessary to test at what types of sites this planting material can be used. The health status and growth of intensively grown beech seedlings in the first years after planting were studied on 2 research plots. Proper intensive fertilisation of the beech seedlings affected positively both the initial height and growth. Even the slow-release fertiliser did not negatively influence the beech after planting. The health status of the beech is excellent after 4 years, the average height of plants with different fertilisation treatments having become equal. It is to conclude from the hitherto obtained results that a slow-release fertiliser in the substrate has a positive effect on the plant growth, and that different fertilisation variants did not cause any serious root deformations of the beech planting stock samples taken 4 years after planting. The impacts of prior nursery fertilisation upon the beech planted under the conditions of extreme sites are further investigated.

The dynamics and forming of European agriculture are determined by many considerably heterogenous and complicated processes and trends which influence mutually and moreover they work in a different way in developed and developing countries. An attention will be paid to basic global trends, the role of the Common Agricultural Policy, the influence of agrarian markets, the promotion of multifunctional agriculture etc.

Otiorhynchus sulcatus is considered as an important pest of strawberry fields and on potted ornamental plants. The efficacy to control this pest by new Polish products containing azadirachtin and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria brongniartii were tested. The aim of the laboratory investigation was to assess the influence of different forms of azadirachtin (A and B) and the entomopathogen on mortality and physiological development of the insect. Mortality after treatment ranged between 86-93%. There were significant differences in the mean number of surviving stages of the insect between Beauveria and neem treatments, but the final total mortality was not statistically different. Sensitivity of all developmental stages to the fungus was observed. In the neem treatments the physiological development of larvae was completely stopped. The level of control achieved by Beauveria and neem for use in outdoor containers is acceptable for practical application.

A three-year field experiment was conducted from 2000 to 2002 in North-East Poland. Each year three sulphur fertilization rates in the form of sulphate (S- SO₄^2-) and pure sulphur (S-S⁰) were applied: 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha. The most beneficial effect on the yields of cabbage, onion and barley was produced by the rates of 40 and 80 kg S/ha, while the dose of 120 kg S/ha (especially when applied as S-SO₄^2-) reduced the yields of these crops. Increasing rates of sulphur used as a fertilizer caused increased concentration of sulphates in plants up to their luxury accumulation. Irrespective of the test crop species or form of sulphur applied, once the crops terminated their vegetative season, the plants fertilized with sulphur typically contained more total N than those fertilized only with NPK. The S-SO₄^2- fertilization tended to raise the accumulation of N-NO₃^- in the crops, especially during the juvenile phase. The application of 120 kg S-SO₄^2-) /kg caused depressed amounts of potassium in cabbage, onion and in barley during the heading phase.

At present, photogrammetric interpretation of aerial images is a dominant method of forestry mapping. In the last years, transition from analogue to digital photogrammetry has been distinct. Digital photogrammetry enables to achieve workflow effectivity, and so to decrease the final product costs. The objective of the submitted paper was to evaluate the availability of digital photogrammetry for the forestry mapping rationalization. Digital aerotriangulation using the ImageStation SSK system brings more accurate results without requirements for the use of a larger amount of control points. The results also demonstrated the use of colour infrared aerial images, and also black and white aerial images at the scale 1:15,000 for the orthoimage creation in the forestry mapping department. Compared with the black and white aerial images, the colour infrared images have an essentially more interesting content, mainly from the qualitative aspect, which shifts them to use in many forestry disciplines (mostly for determination of the health conditions of forests stands, …), in combination with the remote sensing of the Earth and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).

Tax harmonization in the European Union has the greatest development in the field of value added taxation, but differences still can be found. Those differences influence not only the farming business. The paper is aimed on five European Union member states - Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Hungary. Based on the European Union regulations in the field of value added tax and the practical experience during its application, it is possible to identify the critical areas and to contribute to its correction and to provide the value added tax neutrality and efficiency on the European Union territory.

The paper deals with the comparison of intangible fixed assets, especially in the area of determination, evaluation as at the date of the accounting transaction, closing date and possibilities of depreciation according to the Czech accounting legislation, the selected German accounting systems and the international accounting standards IAS/IFRS and US GAAP. An analysis of the selected Czech firms with a varied structure of intangible fixed assets was also performed. The analysis proved that, in spite of the running IAS/IFRS and US GAAP convergence process, there are significant differences in this area, which limit the comparability of financial statements of accounting units. This paper is not concerned in detail with the preference limits and permits for greenhouse gases and intangible assets in acquisition.