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The study aimed at the evaluation of the accumulation and vertical distribution of different forms of phosphorus (P) in reference to phosphorus sorption properties subject to mineral (NPK), mineral-organic (NPK + M), and organic (M) fertilisation. It was carried out in a long-term experimental field in Skierniewice (Central Poland) conducted since 1923 under rye monoculture. Total P content in the M and NPK soil profile was similar and lower than in the NPK + M soil. The content of organic P in A_p and E_et horizons of both manured soils was similar and higher than in the NPK soil. The Langmuir P sorption maximum (S_max) in the studied soils ranged from 39.7 to 90 mg P/kg, while the Freundlich P sorption coefficient a_F ranged from 6.9 to 41.9 mg P/kg. Higher variability of parameters related to the binding energy from the Lanqmuir (k) and Freundlich (a_F) equations was determined between soil horizons than between the fertilisation systems. Nonetheless, in M and NPK + M soils, sorption parameters a_F and S_max and binding energy (k, b_F) were considerably lower than in the NPK soil. The content of water extracted P in manured soils was higher than in the NPK soil.

The traditional management applied by the Native Community of Chambira (NCCh) is based on agroforestry plots with diverse species and areas with rotation of legumes, cassava and maize. The objective was to evaluate behaviour of the physicochemical indicators of soil quality with traditional crop management in the NCCh. A completely randomised design was applied, where the treatments were traditional mixed fruit management (MF), crop rotation (CR) and native forest (NF) as reference. Physical indicators of the surface layer did not show differences, the apparent density (AD) and the resistance to penetrability (RP) increased with depth; chemical indicators differed in the MF and CR had higher results compared to NF. The AD and RP had a significant negative correlation with soil organic carbon (SOC) and positive correlation between SOC, P, Ca, Mg, K available and cation exchange capacity. The MF and CR managements developed in the NCCh are techniques with great potential for soil conservation.

Respiratory problems in cats have a multifactorial character. Therapy without the detection of pathogen is often ineffective. Our study was therefore focused on the detection of important feline respiratory bacterial pathogens such as Mycoplasma felis, Chlamydia felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica and viral pathogens such as Felid alphaherpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus. The goal of this study was to map the occurrence of these pathogens in cat populations in the Czech Republic with the aim of introducing rapid and highly sensitive methods into routine diagnostics and to provide consulting services to animal health professionals based on the acquired data. A total of 218 cats were investigated in the study: 69 were outdoor and 149 were indoor cats. Three groups of animals were compared: up to one year of age (60 cats), one to three years of age (68 cats) and more than three years of age (90 cats). Samples were taken from conjunctiva and/or the oropharynx. Samples originated from cats with various forms of respiratory disease or from healthy cats from different parts of the Czech Republic. Real-Time RT-PCR, multiplex Real-Time PCR, nested PCR and sequencing analyses were performed. Outdoor cats were infected more often (84 detected pathogens in 69 cats) than indoor cats (110 detected infections in 149 cats). More than one pathogen was detected in a total of 38 cats, and six cats were infected with more than two pathogens. The difference was statistically significant in the case of co-infections, but not for mono-infections (P < 0.05). Kittens and young adults up to the age of one year were the most common reservoirs of respiratory infections (only 19 cats out of 60 were negative and positive cats often harboured coinfections). The difference in age groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Concerning the site of the sampling, feline calicivirus, M. felis and B. bronchiseptica were detected more often from oropharynx than from conjunctival swabs. M. felis was slightly more common in clinically diseased animals (39.6%) than in healthy ones (26.1%). The obtained results reveal the frequency of individual pathogens and their co-infections in cats kept on the territory of the Czech Republic, data which can be used to make the treatment of respiratory infections and breeding measures more effective. Therefore, the diagnostic methods are now available to veterinary surgeons with the possibility of consultation and discussion of the results.

The study was conducted to elucidate the effect of a single or combined supplementation of zinc sulphate monohydrate (ZnSO₄.H₂O) and a probiotic (Protexin^®) on the pectoral muscle, tibial bone and serum biochemistry in broilers. Day-old chicks (n = 192) were divided into: Control (basal diet), Zn30 (basal diet + ZnSO₄.H₂O 30 mg/kg feed), Zn60 (basal diet + ZnSO₄.H₂O 60 mg/kg feed), Pro (basal diet + Protexin^® 0.1 g/kg feed), Com30 (basal diet + ZnSO₄.H₂O 30 mg/kg feed + Protexin^® 0.1 g/kg feed) and Com60 (basal diet + ZnSO₄.H₂O 60 mg/kg feed + Protexin^® 0.1 g/kg feed). The birds were slaughtered on the 42^nd day and blood was collected to determine the cortisol, cholesterol and zinc concentrations. The pectoral muscle was selected for the assessment of the pH and water holding capacity (WHC) along with the histological sections. After defleshing, tibial bone measurements were also taken. Statistical analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the ultimate pH (pHu), WHC and muscle fascicle diameter in the Zn30, Zn60, Pro, Com30 and Com60 groups compared to the control group. Myofibre area showed a significant increase (P > 0.05) in the Com30 and Com60 groups against the control group. The medullary canal diameter of the tibia was smaller (P > 0.05) in the Zn60, Pro, Com30 and Com60 groups than in the control group. The tibiotarsal index was greater (P > 0.05) in the Zn60, Pro, Com30 and Com60 groups. The serum cholesterol was decreased (P > 0.05) in the Pro and Com30 groups when compared to the control group. It is concluded that zinc sulfate monohydrate and probiotic supplementation individually or in combination positively affected the histological characteristics of the muscle, tibial bone strength and haematobiochemical indicators.

The cultivation and breeding of new pear tree varieties have great potential, especially with the changing climate. The introduction of genetic resources and varieties from regions with a high genetic diversity can have a positive effect on the cultivation of pear trees in our region. In this experiment, a total of 23 Asian pear varieties originating from Japan and China were assessed. Based on the values obtained, the varieties were sorted, and suitable varieties for the conditions of the Czech Republic were selected. The early-maturing varieties that proved to be promising were 'Shinseiki' and 'Zao Su Li' due to their refreshing juiciness, plasticity and ease of cultivation. generally low demand. The 'Shinseiki' bears medium- to small-sized fruits (103 g on average). The size of the fruits of the evaluated cultivar 'Zao Su Li' can reach very large sizes (255 g on average). The medium-maturity varieties suitable for the conditions of the Czech Republic were 'Hosui' and 'Dangshansu Li' (ripening on the September 11-19 on average) and another interesting variety, 'Kirgizkaja zimnaja'. Other suitable medium-maturity varieties are 'Nijisseiki', 'Sha Li' and 'Pung Su'. Of the assessed late-maturing varieties, the promising ones were 'Ya Li' and 'Mut Chen', especially due to their relatively high storability under cold storage.

The aim of the study was to assess soybean response to sowing material inoculation with HiStick® Soy preparation, containing Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the inoculation significantly increased the number and dry weight of nodules on soybean roots compared to control. The bacterial preparation significantly increased the number of pods per plant. As a result, a significant increase in seed yield (0.58 t/ha) was obtained compared to control. HiStick® Soy increased total protein content in seeds. Protein and fat yield was higher after seed inoculation by 318 kg/ha and 101 kg/ha, respectively, compared to control.

The paper presents the maps of ecosystems and 11 dominant woody species of Ambrolauri municipality, Georgia (Europe). Forest cover comprises approximately 68% of the study area, most of which are natural forests. Almost all formations of natural forests, depicted on the Georgian section of the Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe, are still preserved in the research area. Nearly 40% of the forested land is broadleaf forest. Woody species are better preserved in the upper reaches of rivers, while an anthropogenic transformation is most visible in the Lower Racha Floodplain. A majority of the species discussed in the paper are included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The paper also deals with the issues of forest land degradation and threats imposed by invasive species to biodiversity.

The aim of the study was to elaborate a universal calibration for the near infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer to determine the moisture of various kinds of vegetable seeds. The research was conducted on the seeds of 5 types of vegetables - carrot, parsley, lettuce, radish and beetroot. For the spectra correlation with moisture values, the method of partial least squares regression (PLS) was used. The resulting qualitative indicators of a calibration model (R = 0.9968, Q = 0.8904) confirmed an excellent fit of the obtained calibration to the experimental data. As a result of the study, the possibilities of creating a calibration model for NIR spectrophotometer for non-destructive moisture analysis of various kinds of vegetable seeds was confirmed.

Effects of land use changes on chemical soil properties were studied in a southern alpine valley of Ticino, Switzerland by analysing three different land cover-topography units: (i) natural forested slopes (NFS); (ii) deforested, cultivated terraces (DCT), and (iii) reforested, abandoned terraces (RAT). Whereas NFS represents the natural reference state with negligible anthropogenic influence, DCT corresponds to intense agricultural utilization, and RAT refers to a post-cultural natural evolution after terrace cultivation. Land use-induced changes in vegetation cover and topography (i.e., terracing) had a clear influence on chemical soil properties. The presence or absence of the European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.), one of the main soil acidifying agents in the study area, clearly affected soil acidity, soil organic matter (SOM), and nutrient status. Compared to the vegetation change, terracing has a less obvious effect on soil chemistry. A greater effective rooting depth and a flat microtopography on terraces lead to a rapidly increased SOM accumulation due to better growing conditions for trees. Thus, the reforested, abandoned terraces develop peculiar soil chemistry conditions after 36 to 46 years of abandonment only.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of udder measurements for prediction of milk yield, milk components and somatic cell count in non-dairy Wallachian sheep. The study was performed on 38 ewes in the Beskids Mountains kept under extensive management on pasture. Milk production (MILK) as well as samples for milk component and somatic cell count determination were collected during two separate control days (42^nd day and 100^th day of lactation on average). Rear udder depth (RUD, cm), udder width (UW, cm), and teat length (TL, mm) were measured at each control day as well. Linear regressions of udder measurement characteristics showed a predictive character ability for MILK only. An increasing of 70 g MILK corresponded with a 1 cm increase of RUD (P < 0.01) or 1 cm increase of UW (P < 0.001). These positive linear relationships were supported by the positive partial correlation analysis between MILK and RUD (r = 0.503; P < 0.001) or MILK and UW (r = 0.627; P < 0.001). An increase of 1 mm TL was associated with a 10 g (P < 0.01) increase of MILK; however, correlations between these traits were not significant. Results of this study demonstrate an alternative way of MILK ability in non-dairy Wallachian sheep population in general. Correlation and regression analysis further estimated this expected potential in detail using udder measurement characteristics. Measurement of RUD and UW could serve as a tool for breeding and flock management in order to maintain and improve milk production; however, there was no obvious evidence for the prediction of milk composition characteristics and somatic cell count.

The persistent exploitation of natural resources and the consequent use of consumption are driving global food demand with the result that agricultural activity is becoming less and less environmentally friendly. The circular economy (CE) can become a valid alternative, inserting the economic-agricultural system into the harmonic process of material circulation. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) model is particularly interesting not only because of the ethical dimension of the company but also as a factor of strategic business improvement that combines the concepts of CSR and CE as possible solutions for developing sustainable business processes. The objective of the work is to highlight a detailed framework of how the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the Italian agri-food industry can provide an adequate level of communication, circular strategies and social responsibility practices. The research methodology is based on a qualitative multiple study conducted on a sample of nine companies in the Italian territory. The study highlights the attention of companies on the issues of the CE for the achievement of the set sustainable objectives and the attention to CSR and CE practices. The work has several implications. It provides a further understanding of CSR and CE policies as enabling factors for the development of sustainable organizational performance in agriculture. Moreover, it better investigates the relationship between CSR and the CE. Finally, it analyses the SMEs state of the art in the CE field and strengthens the concept of CE by analysing corporate practices consistent with sustainability reports.

The Levels-of-Growing-Stock study for ponderosa pine was a collective effort among western Research Stations within the US Forest Service. The experiment was established to test sustainable productivity across a wide range of densities by periodically thinning the plots. Beyond the original purposes for wood production, contemporary applications of these long-term studies have been to determine stand density effects on (i) both overstory and understory responses to stand development of even-aged ponderosa pine, (ii) biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration, (iii) plant diversity and wildlife habitats, and (iv) forest resiliency to insects and pathogens, droughts, and wildfires. Furthermore, these installations have served as a showpiece for the public and natural laboratories for professional foresters and students. For the past half century, the study has helped guide land managers and stakeholders on public and private lands about the value of thinning in overstocked young stands of ponderosa pine across its range. We hope that it will continue to serve as a springboard for addressing future issues facing forest management.

The study aimed to demonstrate how irradiation affects the chemical composition and amino acids of Spunta potato flour, and the sensory evaluation of biscuit samples partially composed of irradiated potato flour. The potato flour was irradiated with 50 and 150 Gy. Protein, fat, total dietary fibre, ash, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, and amino acids were analysed. Sensory evaluation of biscuits was conducted after adding potato flour as a partial replacement for wheat flour at ratios of 5, 10, and 15%. The results showed that potato flour contained ascorbic acid, which was absent in wheat flour. Potato flour had less total protein and carbohydrate and more ash and fibres than wheat flour. Total essential amino acids appeared at the highest percentage, particularly lysine at 8.29 ± 0.02, compared with non-essential amino acids in the samples irradiated at a dose of 150 Gy. The biscuits were prepared with different ratios of the irradiated potato flour at dose 150 Gy to white flour. Sensory evaluation for biscuits with 10% of potato flour scored 8.61 ± 0.01, 8.33 ± 0.02, 8.77 ± 0.02, and 8.38 ± 0.00 for overall acceptance, colour, texture and appearance, respectively. This study recommends using 10% of irradiated potato flour at 150 Gy blended with wheat flour to produce biscuits.

In the years 2011-2014, winter wheat grain yield, qualitative and economic parameters were evaluated according to different fertiliser treatments: (1) control: unfertilised treatment; (2) farmyard manure (FYM) and (3) FYM + NPK (farmyard manure applied together with mineral NPK). The highest yields (8.10 t/ha) were recorded in the FYM + NPK treatment, while significantly lower yields (6.20 t/ha and 5.73 t/ha) were recorded in FYM and control treatments, respectively. Similarly, statistically significantly higher values of the quality parameters were found in the FYM + NPK treatment (13.55% of crude protein content and 43.56 mL of Zeleny's sedimentation test), compared to control (10% and 22.44 mL, respectively). The modelling expert system (AGROTEKIS-Crop Technology and Economy) was used for the evaluation of economy. This software is based on technological methods of cultivation and norms of material input costs and costs of individual mechanised works. The economic benefits and profitability were evaluated for three different levels of grain market price. The highest gross profit per ha was recorded in the FYM + NPK treatment. According to the gross profit, the control treatment provided better results than the FYM treatment.

A two-year-old spayed female American shorthair cat presented with a rough, circular, exophytic mass on the genital area. The clinical findings and histopathological examination revealed that the mass contained neoplastic mast cells and, thus, was diagnosed as a mast cell tumour. The anatomical location of the mass was not easily accessible for surgical intervention. We administered a targeted therapy using oral imatinib mesylate for eight weeks to reduce the size of the lesion and to facilitate the successful surgical removal. The tumour mass eventually reduced by 21% and was surgically excised. This is possibly the first study to use imatinib mesylate as a tumour reduction neoadjuvant to therapeutically address a feline cutaneous mast cell tumour located in a surgically inaccessible part of the body.

This study was done to quantify the amount of soil organic matter and to evaluate physicochemical properties and vegetation cover changes along the altitudinal gradient. Nine altitudinal transects were selected from 100 m a.s.l. to 1 700 m a.s.l. Then, 160 circular plots of 1 000 m2 area with a distance of 150 m from each other were studied. Soil texture, bulk density, particle density, soil base saturation, phosphorus and potassium values did not indicate any specific variation pattern. Whereas pH decreased powerfully, the highest and the lowest value of pH was measured at 100 m a.s.l. and 1 700 m a.s.l., respectively. Soil organic carbon content increased significantly with increasing altitude (P ≤ 0.01). Density of trees decreased dramatically from 100 to 900 m a.s.l., whereas this trend was ascending from 1 100 to 1 700 m a.s.l. Density of shrub species increased with increasing altitude along the gradient and the highest value was revealed at 1 300 m a.s.l. The highest percentage of herbaceous species cover was found at a lower altitude and a decreasing trend was found along the altitudinal gradient.

Contents of eight biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, histamine, tyramine, tryptamine and phenylethylamine) were determined in vacuum-packed fillets of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish flesh was treated using a solution of chitosan (2%, w/v) or monoacylglycerols (monocaprylin C8, monocaprin C10, 5%, w/v). The control and treated packs were stored at 3.5 °C for up to 25 days. Samples of good quality did not contain more than 30 mg kg-1 of either putrescine or cadaverine. Exceeding this limit was usually followed by a worsening of the sensory properties of samples. Chitosan was found to be the most potent additive, prolonging the storage time of fillets by approximately four times, compared to control samples. Histamine was not found in any sample treated with chitosan. of the monoacylglycerols, C8 was more efficient compared to C10. All additives are easily applicable to the surface of fish flesh.

The designation of traditional varieties of grapevine is usually based on verbal information or very dated records. Old rare cultivars found in the Czech Republic were identified by Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) analysis, a generally accepted method for cultivar identification. These cultivars are primarily maintained in a national collection of genetic resources. Finally a total of 102 candidate genotypes was selected where 49 traditional varieties were identified on the base of nine SSR loci compared with the European Vitis Database. Thirty-six items were registered under the correct designation. The remaining genotypes included four clones, and two genotypes could be described as synonyms. Seven genotypes were found to be incorrectly marked. For three of them, the correct name was found in the database under their SSR profile and four items were considered to be unique as no identical profile was found.

In order to understand and clarify the impacts of straw return on maize production and field CO₂ emission in Northeast China, the most important agricultural base of the nation, a field experiment was conducted in 2012-2015, including no straw return (CK), straw amendment at 4000 kg/ha (S₄), and at 8000 kg/ha (S₈). The average grain yield was found significantly promoted by the two straw treatments, with comparably increased magnitudes of 11.0% and 12.8% for S₄ and S₈, respectively, and the benefits were gradually enlarged with increasing experimental duration. Although straw return tends to reduce slightly the harvest index, it was detected that it exerted significantly positive impacts on nitrogen harvest index. These results implied that added straw could lead to raising grain yield and enhancing nitrogen use efficiency simultaneously. In 2015, our monitoring showed that CO₂ emission was elevated with intensified use of straw, and S₄ and S₈ decreased carbon emission efficiency by 7.3% and 13.6%, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference between S₄ and CK. Overall, straw addition at the rate of 4000 kg/ha accompanied with inorganic fertilizer was recommended to be adopted in Northeast China, which was considered as a sustainable and relatively environment-friendly agricultural technique during maize production.

A reliable tuber yield prognosis requires a complex statistical analysis of potato nutritional status in the fully developed 4^th leaf at the onset of tuberisation. This hypothesis was validated in the series of field experiments conducted in 2006-2008 in Poland. The experimental design was composed of two nitrogen (N) rates (60, 120 kg/ha), two N fertilisers (Urea and Agrotain), two rates of sulfur (0, 50 kg/ha). The marketable tuber yield of cv. Zeus ranged from 31.3 to 59.3 t/ha in 2008 and 2006, respectively. Despite annual variability, the potato presented a good nutritional status. In 2008, the contents of N, Mg, Cu and Zn were about 33% lower as compared to 2006. The stepwise and path analyses indicated N, Mg and Cu as the key yield-limiting nutrients. The diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) showed that a slight imbalance of N and Mg did not disturb tuber yield, provided a positive balance of K was maintained. The Mg index, as a result of the DRIS procedure, emerged as the best single predictor of potato yield.

This study attempted to evaluate the efficiency of zeolite and pyrophyllite ore materials in reducing the mobility of heavy metals in soil near the lignite mining dumps, and consequently in their availability for plants. Extraction of pseudo-total and available forms of heavy metals from soil samples was performed by using aqua regia and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, respectively. Concentrations of heavy metals in soil and plant samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results of this study illustrate that application of zeolite and pyrophyllite could be a suitable technique to reduce heavy metals availability in soils. Zeolite treatments have been shown to be significantly effective in reducing cadmium (Cd) mobility, as well as pyrophyllite treatments in reducing lead (Pb) mobility in the studied soil, regardless of applied rates. The accumulation of heavy metals in leaves of maize grown on soil plots treated by zeolite and pyrophyllite, was found to be lower compared to the untreated plots. This finding was to be expected, considering the effects of these treatments on heavy metals mobility in the studied soil.

'Piel de Sapo' is one of the most consumed market class of melons in the Mediterranean area and it represents an important economic crop in Spain. The 'Mini PS' melon breeding line, which bears two main introgressions from the dudaim 'Queen's pocket' melon in the Piel de Sapo genetic background, was evaluated for its fruit quality traits in three environments. Some interesting commercial characteristics were detected, such as a notable decrease in the fruit weight and a rounder shape, compared with Piel de Sapo, while the other quality traits were not altered. Thus, this mini melon line, ideal as a personal melon, may be useful in the development of new melon cultivars.

Matching the planting density, fertilisation, and genotype is crucial to improve the maize yield. Here, two-year field trials, including 4 densities and 3 nitrogen (N) rates for 2 maize cultivars, were conducted to study the effects of planting density and N rate on maize growth, lodging, spike characters, and yield. Compared with 360 kg/ha, N application of 180 kg/ha decreased the plant, ear height, and stem circumference of WeiKe 702 (WK702), while increased the plant height and stem circumference, but decreased ear height of ZhongDan 909 (ZD909). Meanwhile, the N application of 180 kg/ha greatly reduced the lodging rates of maize under the high density. The maize yield increased and reached the maximum yield at 7.5 × 10⁴ plant/ha, and then decreased with increasing density. The N application of 180 kg/ha increased yield by 0.49, 0.73, 5.38, 7.81% from low to high planting densities, and reduced the bald tip length by 18.86%. WK702 was more sensitive to the planting density and N application, with greater variation of yield and spike traits than ZD909 under the densification. Therefore, the N application of 180 kg/ha and a density of 7.5 × 10⁴ plant/ha could improve maize growth and lodging, and therefore increase maize yield.

Knowing the time of death of animals can be helpful for the forensic determination of death due to cruelty. We aimed to determine the time of death of companion animal carcasses, euthanised at an outpatient's department (Small Animal Clinic) of the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice. The reasons for euthanasia included age of animals, medical state or incurable disease which affected the quality of life. Animal carcasses (33 bodies) were divided into seven groups according to their weight, species and environmental conditions into which they were placed, which were chosen so as to imitate real conditions under which dead animals could be found. We continually measured body temperature until it dropped down to ambient temperature. The post-mortem cooling curve revealed dependencies related to the temperature drop, the weight of carcasses, the place where animals rested and the internal and external environment. Results from the cooling process and obtained time of death may be deduced from a nomogram in field practice.

The size and shape of leaves can vary significantly between different genotypes within the same species and they implicitly influence plant growth and therefore productivity. The aim of this study was to compare the length, width, and surface area of leaf in nine medlar genotypes (Mespilus germanica L.) through image segmentation procedure using ImageJ software. The data indicate large variations for leaf surface area characteristics from one genotype to another, 2.12 fold for leaf surface area (22.95-48.8 cm²), 1.38 times for leaf length (8.8-12.18 cm) and 1.6 times for leaf width (3.5-5.60 cm). Leaf shape and leaf surface area vary between different genotypes analysed, and the method used can represent a good, non-destructive model of quick and reliable estimation of the medlar leaves surface area. The information obtained can be used in physiology studies, regardless of genetic material.

The causes of food price spikes are complex, and their impact on different countries varies depending on production levels and the varied policies in place. Countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC) region have implemented a wide range of reforms that vary in form and speed. The existing scientific literature reports about the consequences of price spikes in CAC; however, to date, a comparison of impact between those countries has not been made in terms of the entire supply chain perspective. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of the price spikes on the entire wheat supply chain for the first time in CAC and discusses the role of policies. Another contribution of this study is an evidence-based analysis of the role of policy reformation in maintaining food security under price shocks. Our results indicate a very limited effect of price interventions and trade restrictions on dampening wheat prices in all countries. We find that only trade diversification policy had a positive effect on reducing the level of price spikes, and thus it might be a suitable policy measure for maintaining food security.

Honey composition is mainly affected by botanical origin, however geographical factors as well as beekeeping practice and storage conditions can also influence its quality. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of geographical origin on physicochemical quality and biological activity of honey. For this reason Polish and Slovak varietal honeys, including per each country: 10 multifloral, 5 tilia, 5 rape, 5 acacia and 5 forest were compared according to their physicochemical parameters (free acidity, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, and colour intensity), sugar profile, diastase activity, as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP tests, as well as photochemiluminescence method). Moreover, total phenolics compounds and flavonoids content were determined. The most significant differences (P < 0.05) between Polish and Slovak counterparts were found for tilia while the lowest for rape honeys. The impact of geographical origin on overall quality of honey was proved by PCA statistical tool.

In order to the assessment of humic acid application on the qualitative characteristics of rapeseed in various plant densities, a factorial split-plot test was conducted for two cultivation years in Karaj, Iran. In this experiment, plant density considered in three levels (40, 60, and 80 plants/m²), humic acid at two concentrations (non-application and application at the concentration of 0.3%) in the main plots, and six cultivars of rapeseed embracing RGS003, Zafar, Julius, Jerry, Zabol10, and Hyola4815 in the sub-plots. The interaction effect of plant density ×humic acid × cultivar on seed yield, oil yield, oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid, canopy temperature, and seed glucosinolate content as well as the interaction effect of plant density × cultivar on the oil content and total chlorophyll content were significant at 1% level. Cv. Jerry had the maximum seed and oil yields under humic acid application condition with the density of 40 plants/m², and the maximum contents of oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids as well. Moreover, this cultivar, through containing the lower and standard content of erucic acid and glucosinolate, is recommendable under the circumstance of the present research.

The study focused on natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European larch (Larix decidua) within very small and four times bigger size gaps following a disturbance at a mixed temperate forest in the Czech Republic. In spring 2013, experimental gap design starts, when 1 m2 circular sampling plots along transects were delineated within four selected naturally occurring canopy openings with size below 20 m2. In December 2013, these initial canopy openings were artificially enlarged by felling to 226 m2 for small and 904 m2 for big gaps. Regeneration was monitored in the next two consecutive growing seasons after disturbance. Light conditions were measured before and after disturbance. Results indicated that four times larger gaps increased twice levels of light conditions, and that diffuse light starts to equilibrate to direct light there. Large gaps were favouring larch regeneration. Beech regeneration was predominant, independently on gap size as the study area belongs naturally to Beech Forest Vegetation Zone, however, the decline of spruce regeneration was presumably linked to drought. Gap size explained variation of larch regeneration in gaps. Contrarily, gap size could not be associated with the prolific regeneration of beech and abysmal regeneration performances of spruce in gaps.