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There has recently been a growing interest in checking the state of health of European brown hares in hunting grounds because they are a susceptible bio-indicator of environmental changes and because of the dramatic decline in populations across Europe. A total of 1 051 (384, 302, and 365, respectively) blood sera were collected from hares during autumn hunting events and examined for tularaemia, brucellosis and leptospirosis in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Antibodies were found in 6.5, 1.6 and 7.5% of cases, respectively. Antibodies against Francisella tularensis, Brucella suis and leptospires were found in 7.9, 1.7 and 7.7% of females and 4.5, 1.4 and 7.9% of males, respectively. Higher seroprevalence of tularaemia was found in females (P = 0.05). Brucellosis was more prevalent in adult animals compared to subadult ones (P = 0.05). Only the L. grippotyphosa serotype was found and the titres mostly ranged from 100 to 400 (89.9%). Higher titres from 800 to 3 200 were found in the remaining 10.1% of the examined European brown hare sera. Antibodies against F. tularensis as well as B. suis were most frequent in low titres of 10 to 80. Higher titres were only exceptional. Confirming that hares are susceptible to various zoonotic agents, it is necessary to be careful when handling the animals killed. On the other hand, blood sera from hares may be used to survey the occurrence of natural nidi of zoonoses in hunting grounds.

Seeds and seedlings of Quercus robur, a characteristic tree species of the hardwood floodplain forests along the Rhine River, demonstrated high resistance to complete inundation under controlled conditions. In both experimental trials no significant difference between the different flooding periods (8, 10, and 12 weeks) could be established either for shoot emergence or for the measured morphological growth parameters. Flooding delayed the germination of submerged acorns till the end of inundation. However, seeds of the flooding treatments had significantly higher germination rates than the non-flooded acorns of the control. Likewise, dry weights of seedlings from the flooded seeds were significantly higher than those of seedlings from seeds not flooded. Aboveground growth in the 24-week growth period following flooding was reduced in favour of root development in either trial of the experiment. Restricted leaf development and reduced shoot elongation stalled the growth of young oaks in the seedling trial. The results confirm knowledge from earlier experiments about the flood tolerance of Quercus robur seed and seedlings. They also serve to explain why oak seedlings are widespread on the Rhine floodplain after mast years, but gradually disappear in successive years.

This paper deals with problems of rural tourism development. The works is focused on researching the situation in the area of rural tourism in the Czech Republic, on understanding the attitudes of entrepreneurial sphere and rural population to this entrepreneurship and mainly on the determination of limiting factors that prevent this form of tourism from a more distinctive development. Rural tourism in the Czech Republic is still in the initiating stage of its development and it is not as developed as in some countries in West Europe. This goal has been reached with the help of primary questionnaire inquiry among business and agricultural subjects in rural areas in the individual regions and the detail results of this questionnaire inquiry are enclosed to the following paper. These identified factors were mainly insufficient financial means and at the same time insufficient state assistance connected with this. Insufficient awareness of this support as well as its inaccessibility for small business appears to be a difficulty, too. From the other obstacles, we can mention the current legislation system, bureaucracy, the state of communication and tourist infrastructure, fears of neighbours' intolerance and losing privacy and also unfamiliarity and little experience.

Results of scoring the reaction to powdery mildew of 240 winter barley varieties that were gradually included in 392 Czech Official Trials conducted at 21 locations were analysed. The reaction of the varieties was determined on the basis of the level of infection by the disease. Therefore, the data can also be used to assess the disease severity in years and at locations. Several characteristics indicative of disease severity were considered, including the disease severity coefficient (= average infection of susceptible varieties in trials with a high disease severity/the proportion of such trials). The value of the coefficient is inversely proportional to disease severity. The highest powdery mildew severity was found in 1976, and the years 1988, 1990 and 2003 were characterised by high infection of the examined varieties. In contrast, the disease was practically absent in 1979 and 1982, and its severity was also low in 1978, 1981, 1985, 1991 and 1998. Very low disease severity was found for the period 1977-1982 when insufficient disease severity was found on average in 78% of the trials and high disease severity in only 6% of the trials. The highest disease severity was found at locations Trutnov, Horažďovice and Chrastava. The analysis of data from a large number of field trials conducted at various locations for a period of 30 years confirmed that powdery mildew is an important disease of winter barley in the Czech Republic. Known genetic sources of resistance and current methods, such as marker assisted selection, enable breeders to solve this problem.

Soil bacteria belonging to the genus Azotobacter, Pantoea and some unidentified soil isolates were tested in vitro for phytohormone production under laboratory and soil conditions. The German wheat variety Munk was inoculated by several soil bacteria with exogenously applied hormones (IAA, 2,4-D) and a flavonoid(naringenin) with a half of the amount of recommended doses of fertilizers under greenhouse conditions. Most of the soil bacteria tested were able to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), and stimulated a lateral root development and colonization by the addition of 2,4-D and IAA. A formation of paranodules on roots as a result of crack entry invasion was observed with 2,4-D as well as with IAA. We were able to reisolate the organism from the paranodules and could establish the same results. Analyses for root exudates and in vitro phytohormone production by various bacterial isolates were also carried out, revealing that 2,4-D can be replaced either by high IAA producing bacteria or by exogenous application of IAA. Bacterial survival in the rhizosphere as well as the root and shoot weight of wheat plants were positively affected also by the addition of IAA, 2,4-D and naringenin.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of treated wastewater on soil chemical and physical properties. Field experiment was conducted in Borkhar region in Isfahan province in central Iran with two water treatments of wastewater and groundwater under sprinkler and surface irrigation systems for three crops of sugar beet, corn and sunflower. Soil samples were collected to 120 cm depth to determine concentration of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Irrigation systems had no significant effect on extractable heavy metals in soil. The accumulation of Pb, Mn, Ni and Co in the soil increased significantly in the wastewater treatment as compared to the groundwater treatment. The accumulation of Pb, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn decreases with the soil depth. Treated wastewater showed no effect on the increase of Fe, Cd, Ni, Cu and Zn during growing season. The irrigation system had a significant effect on infiltration rate, bulk density and total porosity. Under sprinkler irrigation system the infiltration rate increased significantly

The aim of the present paper was to determine the impact of gypsum treatment of soils on initial growth and nutrient uptake by spring barley. Topsoil from 36 different farmed fields was used for the research. Two variants were established for each soil: control - without gypsum application, and response variant - with the application of 3.3 ppm CaSO₄.2 H₂O. Barley was grown on these soils for 21 days in a plant growth chamber under controlled conditions of cultivation. Concentrations of nutrients (N, NO₃^-, P, S, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo) were determined in the yield of barley shoot biomass. Paired t-test was used for the evaluation of results. After the gypsum treatment the yield of barley shoot biomass was significantly higher (by 15% on average) and nitrogen utilisation was better on all soils. The concentration of sulphur increased five times on average and Ca concentration increased by 22%. Significant increases were measured in Mg, Mn and Cu. Insignificant differences were recorded in K, Na, Fe and Zn. The uptake of anion nutrients (P, B and Mo) was influenced significantly. The concentration of P and Mo decreased on average by 28% and 31%, respectively. B concentration was higher by 10% on average.

The objective of the paper was to analyse the influence of dairy cow management technology, milking method, predipping and summer grazing on the contamination of cow's raw milk by mesophilic (TBC), psychrotrophic (PBC), lipolytic (PLiBC) and proteolytic (PPrBC) bacteria. The values of TBC, PBC, PLiBC and PPrBC in bulk milk samples were determined by the culture method according to IDF standards. Investigations were carried out in nine stables of seven dairy farms from January 2005 to June 2006. Summer grazing has the most marked influence on the values of studied parameters. Farms with summer grazing had a lower microbial contamination of milk compared to farms without grazing and the difference was statistically highly significant in all studied parameters (P < 0.001). A positive effect of predipping on a reduction in the values of milk microbial contamination was proved while the difference between farms with predipping and those without it was on a significance leve lP < 0.05 to 0.001 except PLiBC. A comparison of the influence of dairy cow management technology indicated the lowest values of all microbiological indicators in loose cubicle littered housing, higher values were determined in stanchion littered housing and the highest in loose slatted-floor housing. A statistical difference between the technologies was proved mainly in TBC (P < 0.001). Farms with milking in milking parlours had a lower microbial contamination of milk compared to farms that used the in-stall milking pipeline system but the difference was statistically significant only in TBC (P < 0.05).

In this paper, the authors summarise the land use changes in the upper reaches of the Krupá river catchment, which is a left tributary of the Morava River. During last 70 years, the catchment was exposed to many important historical events that have been inscribed in the physique of the landscape in a very interesting way. The land use changes, which occurred during the last eight decades in the subcatchment of the Krupá river basin, have been analysed using historical maps, cadastral maps, and both historical and recent aerial photographs of the area. The next step is to estimate, through the CN method and DesQ hydrological model, how the runoff processes in the Krupá River catchment could be influenced by the land use changes.

In spruce windfalls incurred in the autumn and winter season the synusia of cambioxylophagous fauna was evaluated in the profile of a whole stem and crown branches according to the species spectrum, tree cover and intensity of attack. The fauna of windfalls in the area with the basic level of Ips typographus and in the gradation area differed by species diversity. In the gradation area, frequency of the occurrence of Ips typographus (L.) was higher by 20-40%. P. chalcographus (L.) showed decreased stem cover in the gradation area. In the area with the basic state of Ips typographus, windfalls were intensively colonized by secondary species Hylurgops palliatus (Gyll.), Isarthron fuscum (Fabr.), Monochamus sp. With the increasing dbh (diameter at breast height) of windfalls the colonization of stems by Ips typographus was positively affected, H. palliatus, I. fuscum, Polygraphus poligraphus (L.) responded the other way round.

This article presents a review of data and results of investigations from the period 1958-2006 regarding the occurrence of insects of the genus Cephalcia Panzer (Hymenoptera, Pamphiliidae) in Norway spruce stands of the Beskidy Mountains (Western Carpathians, southern Poland). Currently, eight species are known for the area: C. abietis, C. alashanica, C. alpina, C. annulicornis, C. arvensis, C. erythrogaster, C. fulva and C. masuttii. Information regarding each species is given, with details on identification, local occurrence and importance.

Development assistance achieved remarkable success in different periods. For example, Botswana and South Korea reached the great development in the 60s after very bad situation, Indonesia in the 70s, Bolivia and Ghana at the end of the 80s, Uganda and Vietnam in the 90s. In these countries development assistance played important role in economic transformation in formulation of the development of politics. The development assistance contributed educational programs and financially supported the development of public sector. The "Green Revolution" - by means of innovations in agriculture, investments and political changes - improved the live conditions of millions people thanks to the collaboration of many bilateral and multilateral donors. But there are some failures with the foreign aide. While the formed dictator of Zaire Mobutu Sese Seko became one of the richest people in the world (and invested his property in abroad), the development assistance did not stop for many years, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) is only one example of the situation, where the permanent flows of assistance ignore or support the corruption and in suitable politics of governments. Tanzania received two milliards dollars for building the roads destiny the twenty years. But the roads were destroyed sooner, than the works could be finished because of insufficient maintenance. The study of World Bank brings the conclusions of the new conception of the development assistance: financial assistance works only in suitable political world; the lowering of poverty is possible only with working institutions - political and economic; effective assistance complete the private investments; receiving country is obliged to have public sector in function; the function of public sector is developing on the activity of civil society; patience and good ideas, not only money, can help to reforms in very unfavorable conditions.

This paper analyzes the data on the development of the main factors of the demand for wine and wine consumption in the Czech Republic. The average annual wine consumption, one of the wine demand factors, grew between1991 and 2005 from 14.8 l to 17 l per capita. Following this trend, we can expect the average annual wine consumption 17.4 l per capita in year 2010. However there are critical factors in the development of the demand for wine demand here. Specifically it is the daily feasible ratio of alcohol in wine and other alcoholic drinks, especially beer that we can treat as the substitute of wine. The ethanol consumption in beer accounts for 50% of the total ethanol consumption in alcoholic drinks in the Czech Republic. The negative influence on wine demand growth has been the price of other alcoholic drinks, especially beer that is the cheapest form of ethanol.

The use of plants to remove heavy metals from soil (phytoremediation) is expanding due to its cost-effectiveness as compared to conventional methods and it has revealed a great potential. Since contaminants such as Pb or Cd have a limited bioavailability in the soil, methods to facilitate their transport to the shoots and roots of plants are required for successful phytoremediation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of addition of different rates (0, 3, 6 and 12 mmol/kg) of ethylene diaminetetraacetate (EDTA) on heavy metal availability in soils contaminated with 50 mg/kg Cd (CdCl₂), 50 mg/kg Cu (CuSO₄), 50 mg/kg Pb [Pb(NO₃)₂] and 50 mg/kg Zn (ZnSO₄), and on the capacity of canola (Brassica napus L.) and Indian mustard (Brassica junceaL.) plants to uptake Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn in a growth chamber. Results indicated that EDTA application increased heavy metal availability and uptake by plants. Significant differences were obtained in both species and plant parts. As for plant species tested, canola was more effective in the uptake of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn. Root heavy metal uptake of both species was higher than shoot heavy metal uptake.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent Fusarium toxin in Czech wheat samples and therefore forecasting this mycotoxin is a potentially useful tool to prevent it from entering into food chain. The data about DON content in wheat grain, weather conditions during the growing season and cultivation practices from two field experiments conducted in 2002-2005 were used for the development of neural network model designed for DON content prediction. The winning neural network is based on five input variables: a categorial variable - preceding crop, and continuous variables - average April temperature, sum of April precipitation, average temperature 5 days prior to anthesis, sum of precipitation 5 days prior to anthesis. The most important input parameters are the preceding crop and sum of precipitation 5 days prior to anthesis. The weather conditions in April, which are important for inoculum formation on crop debris are also of important contribution to the model. The weather conditions during May and 5 days after anthesis play only an insignificant role for the DON content in grain. The effect of soil cultivation was found inferior for model function as well. The correlation between observed and predicted data using the neural network model reached the coefficient R² = 0.87.

The modified PAGE method (TRIS - Glycine buffer pH 8.9) was used for the characterisation of selected 25 registered potato varieties. This method enabled to identify each variety from the examined variety set. The calculation of identity indexes (proportion of common bands) helped to evaluate the similarity of varieties from these aspects. The examination of electrophoretic profiles of soluble tuber proteins, which are highly polymorphic and stable, can be considered as valuable for variety characterization and identification.

The study was conducted in a dairy barn and nearby environment to determine the level of air bacterial and fungi contamination. Measurements were performed in morning, noon and evening sampling periods once a week during two autumn months inside the barn and in a 25 m distant barn environment. A Merck MAS-100 air sampler was employed with different medium and incubation combinations for the capture and identification of bacteria and fungi. The results of the study showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the bacterial and fungi counts measured inside and outside the barn, whereby total outside bacterial count was by 97.4% to 98.0% lower, and total outside fungi count by 85.2% to 99.4% lower than the respective indoor counts in various sampling periods. In 125 analyzed colonies, gram-positive bacteria, especially those of the genus Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, were most commonly identified in the air samples from both inside and outside the barn. Gram-negative bacteria were present at a low rate, predominated by enterobacteria and by the genus Moraxella and Pseudomonas. Nine mould genera were identified in 325 fungi colonies, predominated by the genus Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus and yeasts, both in the barn and in the nearby environment.

Tree vigour, occurrence of mildew and scab, yields, yield efficiency, fruit weight, flesh firmness and soluble solids content of apple trees on M 9 rootstock were monitored between 1998-2005 in 42 commercial orchards situated in all the major growing regions of the Czech Republic. Altogether 50 cultivars were included into the evaluation. The characteristics of newly bred or newly introduced cultivars were compared to the cultivars of standard assortment such as Gloster, Golden Delicious, Idared, Jonagold, Melrose, Rubín and Šampion. The group of late ripening cultivars imported from France (Baujade, Early Smith, Granny Smith and Red Winter) proved to be unsuitable for climatic conditions of the Czech Republic. Cultivars of the Rubín group (Bohemia, Gold Bohemia) showed a better quality of fruits than the cultivars of the Jonagold group, but were significantly inferior regarding yields and yield efficiency. The cultivars Rucla, Pinova and Rubinstep seemed to be potential competitors of Jonagold or Rubín; their fruit quality is similar to Rubín, and their yield efficiency is comparable to that of Jonagold. Topaz, which is resistant to scab and has recently spread in the Czech Republic, is specific for its early yield and a very good productivity observed in a majority of the orchards. In addition, characteristics of other evaluated cultivars and their potential prospects for growing in the Czech Republic are briefly discussed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate organic carbon content (SOC) in the surface layers of forest soils in the two Natural Forest Regions situated in Southwest Bohemia, namely Západočeská pahorkatina (NFR 6) and Český les (NFR 11). The study is based upon on two consecutive soil sampling campaigns during autumn 2003 and 2004. While the sampling of 2003 was inadequate to estimate bulk density, the consecutive campaign used a defined sample volume to permit an estimation of bulk density and quantification of soil organic carbon (SOC) for soil organic layers and the upper mineral horizon. The total sampling depth was 30 cm including both organic and mineral layer. SOC of organic horizon was on average 1.99 kg C/m². It differed by stand site type ranging from 0.70 to 3.04 kg C/m². The organic layer SOC was smallest under beech (1.03 kg C/m²), whereas it was higher under pine (2.19 kg C/m²) and spruce (2.09 kg C/m²). SOC in the mineral layer was in average 7.28 kg C/m². SOC differed significantly by the major tree species and reached 10.6; 5.67 and 7.5 kg C/m² for beech, pine and spruce sites, respectively. The average SOC for the total soil layer (0-30 cm) reached 9.33 kg C/m². The methodological aspects of regional estimation of SOC and the potential of utilization of the national forest inventory program are also discussed.

In this contribution we present the results of analyses of selected mineral nutrients in assimilatory tissues of spruce trees at different developmental phases (plants, adult trees) in the region Horný Spiš. The very close connection between mineral nutrient cycling and other physiological processes in the plants has been well recognised. The presented analyses of mineral nutrient cycling were done within comprehensive eco-physiological research assessing the physiology and health status of spruce stands in the study area. The research was conducted directly in the stand (Hliníky locality, Horný Spiš - two research plots: 1. plot with spruce stand in advanced decline, 2. control plot - without visible decline symptoms) and, at the same time as a pot experiment. The objective of the pot experiment was to verify the supposed negative influence of soil environment (in the locality with advanced decline of spruce stands) on the growth of spruce trees and their mineral nutrient conditions. The analyses of the material sampled from the stands revealed high amounts of manganese (MnT) that were in the toxicity range on both examined plots. Another negative finding was high amounts of toxic aluminium, primarily in needles of adult trees growing on the plot with symptoms of acute stand decline. This reflects a very low value of pH/H₂O - 3.7 (pH/KCl - 3 to 2.8) and total exhaustion of the soil suffering, moreover, from the lack of soil water. As for the differences in amounts of individual macronutrients between the plot with intensive decline and the control plot, no significant differences were found, with the exception of Fe. On the other hand, evident significant differences in risk elements Pb, Hg and Al were found. As for the differences in nutrient contents in spruce seedlings in the pot experiment (variants 1 to 6), we can see significant differences in macronutrient contents (N, P, Ca, K, Mn), in some cases also in risk element contents (Al).

The objective of the study was to evaluate the growth potential of Carpathian birch (Betula carpatica W. et K.) at an environmentally harsh mountain site and a response of this species to altered soil chemistry after dolomitic limestone and basalt grit applications. The Carpathian birch proved to be a suitable species for the replanting of extreme acidic mountain sites. This birch shows a low mortality rate, grows well in the clear-felled patches and soon forms a cover which is necessary for the reintroducing of more sensitive tree species. The application of dolomitic limestone and basalt grit resulted in the slower growth of Carpathian birch plantations. Liming raised soil reaction, sum of exchangeable bases, base saturation, cation exchange capacity and reduced exchangeable Al content. On the other hand, liming decreased an amount of oxidizable soil organic matter and negatively affected soil N, exchangeable P and K. Basalt grit increased exchangeable P and K contents and raised soil reaction, however only slightly. The influence of basalt grit on the sum of exchangeable bases, base saturation and cation exchange capacity was also less pronounced compared to liming. Basalt grit elevated the proportion of exchangeable aluminium and reduced the content of soil N.

The contribution deals with the spatial distribution of approved projects under the Sectoral Operational Programme - Agriculture and Rural Development (SOP ARD) in the programme period 2004-2006. The approved projects from agrifood industry were concentrated in the production regions of western and southern Slovakia. It does not indicate only the high absorption capacity of the enterprise subjects, but also really well prepared projects in these regions. In the next programme period, we will have to count with unevenly distributed projects. On the other hand, the low absorption ability in the northern and mainly eastern areas of the SR may result in forming the islands of extreme extensity with negative socio-economical impacts. The SOP ARD (analogous to Sapard) accelerates the process of enterprising selection and significantly supports the increase of competitiveness in economically powerful farms.

This study provides new data on Dutch elm disease in the Czech Republic. Ophiostoma novo-ulmi is reported for the first time in the area of the Czech Republic, as well as both subspecies ssp. novo-ulmi (indigenous in the area of the Ukraine and Moldavia), and ssp. Americana indigenous in North America. The majority of the recorded strains belonged to O. n.-u. ssp. novo-ulmi, while O. n.-u. ssp. Americana and hybrids of these two subspecies were found less frequently. On the other hand, Ophiostoma ulmi was not found at all in the investigated samples. Identification on the subspecies level was performed by methods of molecular biology, i.e. PCR and RFLP of gene regions cu and col1.

This study was carried out to determine the influence of goat and cow milk fermented by Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 on the pathogenic Salmonella enteritidis D strain. The basic hypothesis of this study was that fermented goat milk could possibly have a stronger inhibitory effect on the growth of Salmonella enteritidis D than fermented cow milk. The correlation between the inhibitory effect and some fermentation parameters (number of viable cells of Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 and pH of fermented milk) was also analysed. S enteritidis D strains were isolated directly from the faeces of an infant with diagnosed salmonellosis. The inhibitory effects of goat and cow milk fermented with Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 were determined on Salmonella-Shigella agar after 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 h from the start of fermentation. Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 count and pH values were also measured in samples of goat and cow milk during fermentation. The results obtained have shown a considerably higher inhibitory effect of fermented goat milk on the growth of Salmonella enteritidis D as compared to that of fermented cow milk. At the same time, higher acidity and CFU of Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 were noted in fermented goat milk in all the phases of the fermentation process. The inhibitory effects of the fermented goat and cow milk on Salmonella enteritidis D growth increased rapidly with the fermentation time. The results indicated high sensitivity of Salmonella enteritidis D to acidity of both fermented milks. Consequently, a significant correlation between the inhibition degree and pH values of fermented goat and cow milk was noted.

This paper presents the results of a three-year research on the effect of perforated polyethylene foil and polypropylene fibre covering at various lengths of plant cover period (2 and 3 weeks after plant emergence) on the assimilation leaf area of early potato cultivars. In the case of plant covering for 2 weeks after emergence the assimilation leaf area and leaf area index (LAI) at the moment of cover removal were on average 2 times higher than in the cultivation without covering; at the 3-week period of plant covering they were almost 1.7 times higher. A higher favourable effect of covering was obtained in the year with the lowest air temperature in May. The use of the covers at that time increased the assimilation leaf area and LAI 2.5 times and 3 times, respectively. The research showed no significant effect of the type of cover used on the assimilation leaf area and LAI; however, the specific leaf area (SLA) was higher with the use of polypropylene fibre.

To determine the effect of weaning system on Awassi sheep milk production and lamb growth, 68 Awassi ewes and their lambs (n = 104) were assigned to one of the following treatment groups a) after 3 days from birth (MIX), ewes were separated from their lambs during the evening for 15 h and milked once daily in the morning, and their lambs were allowed to suckle for 9 h during the day or b) ewes were not milked and suckled by their lambs (DY60) during the first 60 days of lactation. Ewes and their lambs were assigned to the groups according to ewe's age, parturition date, sex of the lamb and birth type. All lambs were weaned at 60 days of age and the ewes were milked twice daily. Milk yield was recorded fortnightly and milk fat composition was recorded monthly. The birth weight of lambs was recorded in the first 2 hours and they were weighed fortnightly until 240 days of age. Average lactation lengths (including suckling and milking) in MIX and DY60 group were similar (171.21 ± 5.40 and 168.36 ± 4.87 days, respectively). Differences between MIX and DY60 group in commercial milk yield (103.25 ± 7.93 and 63.59 ± 5.41 kg, respectively) and milk fat yield (5.88 ± 0.64 and 3.62 ± 0.31 kg, respectively) were highly significant (P < 0.001). Growth performance of lambs was similar in both groups (P > 0.05), however, male lambs were heavier and grew faster than female lambs until weaning (P < 0.05) and 90 days of age (P < 0.001). The effect of birth type at 210 days of age for the female lambs in MIX group was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) and the mean weight of single born female lambs was 40.39 ± 1.27 kg, and 41.09 ± 1.22 kg for twin born female lambs. The effects of ewe's age for female lambs in MIX and DY60 group and birth type for the lambs in DY60 group were insignificant (P > 0.05). These results show that Awassi lambs can be successfully reared in MIX suckling system and ewes produce more commercial milk than in the traditional rearing system (DY60), which offers a potential increase in economic return for Awassi sheep producers.

Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for plants and its content in the soil should be monitored. In the precision agriculture, which is recommended now, the ion selective electrodes are tested to determine chemical properties of the soil. The objective of this work was an evaluation of use of the valinomycin-based ion selective sensors for determination of assimilated potassium in Egner-Rhiem soil extracts. Flame photometry was used as a reference method. Results obtained from potentiometric and photometric methods in soil extracts correlated linearly (R² = 0.84). Analysis of soil extracts by the ion selective electrodes is simple and there is not a need for calcium ions precipitation.

Humans should behave in such a way that they will not endanger the existence of other living entities. After all, human activities affected the tree species composition and wildlife living conditions. Humans are now responsible for the preservation of delicate equilibrium in nature. Two localities were chosen for the research of game damage caused to standing trees - shooting areas Lužánky and Červený jelen, both situated in the vicinity of Jindřichův Hradec in South Bohemia. Seasonal character of tree-damage origin as well as its relation to the chemical content of spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) and pine (Pinus sylvestris [L.]) bark were investigated. This area is typical of high game stock; trees are damaged by browsing and bark stripping. Particular advice for game management with respect to minimizing tree damage is presented. The data set of chemical bark analyses was statistically evaluated by t- and F-test and significant differences in element contents were detected between damaged and undamaged pine bark for N-substances (P = 0.003309), Ca (P = 0.001460), P (P = 0.004343), Mg (P = 0.001419) and K (P = 0.016290). Humans have influenced many changes in the distribution of different animal and plant species. Among others they are responsible for the altered species composition. Typically the extinction of large predators produces changes in food chains. In forest stands influenced by human activities the reasonable game management and the regulation of game stock seems to be one of the main tools in forest protection.

The paper is focused on study of information systems that can be applied in the process of marketing planning. General terms from information systems theory are examined from marketing perspective, particular examples of marketing activities support are identified on the basis of literature review and global structure of the Marketing Information System (MkIS) is proposed. The main subsystems of MkIS - internal reporting system, marketing intelligence system, marketing research system, and decision support system are discussed in higher level of detail. The main attention is paid not only to supported marketing processes but also to technologies that can be used in individual parts of MkIS. The result is the architecture that integrates isolated marketing applications into one comprehensible framework. This architecture also creates a framework for following research in the field of marketing activities support.