Fulltext search in archive

In this study, a simulation experiment by farm warming with infrared ray radiator was carried out, and results showed that the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) growing days were shortened by increased temperature. The seedling, ramifying, budding, blooming, podding, and maturing stages were shortened by 1-4, 1-2, 1, 2-3, 1-2, and 2-4 days, respectively, and the whole growing period was shortened by 7-16 days when the temperature increased by 0.5-2.0°C. The broad bean yield increased by 10.1-16.6% when the temperature increased by 0.5-1.0°C, and significantly decreased by 38.1-90.1% when the temperature increased by 1.5-2.0°C. Increased temperature significantly improved the fat, carbohydrate, ash and energy contents.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bacterial and chemical additives on the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and on fermentation indicators in whole maize silage at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 90 days of fermentation. Maize forage was harvested at approximately 34% dry matter (DM) and treated with (1) no additive (control; C); (2) bacterial inoculant (2 g/t of forage; B) containing the homofermentative LAB Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Pediococcus pentosaceus (1.5 × 10¹¹ cfu/g of inoculant); and (3) chemical additive (4 l/t of forage; CH) containing formic acid, propionic acid, ammonium formate, and benzoic acid. Both treatments decreased pH of silage at day 1 of ensiling (P < 0.05), and the lowest value of 4.34 was observed in the CH-treated silage. All silages were well fermented and had pH < 4.0 by day 10 of fermentation. The concentration of lactic acid and the lactic acid : acetic acid ratio increased over time in all treatment groups, and the highest values were 87.5 and 3.62 g/kg of DM, respectively, observed for group B at day 90 (P < 0.05). The concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrates were higher (P < 0.05) for CH compared to C and B at days 3, 5, 10, and 90 of fermentation. The CH silage had fewer LAB (P < 0.05) than did either C or B silages regardless of the days of fermentation. Both additives used in the present study improved fermentation dynamics of the whole crop maize silage.

An experiment was established in the spring of 2006 in the Experimental Orchard in Dąbrowice (central Poland). The plum cultivars under assessment included: 'Avalon', 'Edda', 'Excalibur', 'Jubileum', 'Mallard' and 'Reeves'. Trees of the cv. 'Victoria' were the control combination. On the basis of the eight-year study it was found that the most vigorously growing were trees of the cultivar 'Excalibur'. The most susceptible to frost damage and infection by Chondrostereum purpureum (silver leaf) were trees of the cultivars 'Edda' and 'Excalibur'. In addition, the cv. 'Excalibur' was characterized by high susceptibility to the Plum pox virus (sharka). The highest cumulative fruit yield was shown by the cultivar 'Jubileum'. The worst fruiting were trees of the cultivar 'Mallard'. Fruits of the cv. 'Excalibur' had the highest weight. The smallest were fruits of the cv. 'Edda' characterized by early ripening time. The highest amounts of soluble solids were contained in fruits of the cultivar 'Avalon'. The cvs 'Edda', 'Reeves' and 'Avalon' proved suitable for cultivation in Polish climatic conditions.

Agricultural land represents a country's natural heritage. Therefore, land protection is an issue that is the subject of various legislative measures, also including those that affect land fragmentation. Land fragmentation is a problem that hinders the effective use of land. In 1995, Slovak lawmakers adopted Law 180/1995 Coll., which prevents the fragmentation of land under a minimum size. The aim of this paper was to determine whether Slovak legislation concerning land fragmentation is effective and prevents this phenomenon. We compare the Slovak legislation with the legislations of other countries, and, further, we describe the existing situation with respect to land fragmentation in the individual regions of the country according to the requirements of Slovak legal regulations. The results include proposals for the potential amendment of the legal regulation to ensure the effective prevention of land fragmentation.

An attempt was made to ascertain the environmental effects of animal wastes pollution on agricultural soil and water quality at the oldest teaching and research farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Physical, chemical, and bacteriological analyses of water (shallow well) and soil samples were carried out to determine the present quality status. Fifteen soil samples collected at the centre of the animal wastes dump and at a distance of 5 and 10 m, and three different samplings done on the water source were analyzed. The parameters determined using APHA standard procedures included: turbidity, temperature, pH, alkalinity, sulphide, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total hardness, biochemical oxygen demand, total iron, nitrate, chloride, calcium, and heavy metals like copper, zinc, and lead. Most of the parameters indicated pollution including heavy metals presence with the exception of Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Cr that were not detected in water samples. Concentrations of nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand, SO₄^2-, PO₄^3-, and Cl^- were 0.20, 3.20, 10.50, 3.5, and 20.4 mg/l respectively, while those of detected heavy metals such as Mg and Ni were 1.98 and 10.03 mg/l, respectively. Soil water holding capacity, porosity, pH, organic matter, organic carbon, and organic nitrogen ranged from 33.34 ± 3.73 to 59.06 ± 5.69, 34.6 ± 3.28 to 52.43 ± 5.5, 6.56 ± 0.03 to 7.54 ± 0.03, 2.32 ± 0.03 to 5.35 ± 0.03, 1.33 ± 0.01 to 3.11 ± 0.01, and 0.58 ± 0.07 to 1.13 ± 0.03%, respectively. The results showed that the well is strongly polluted with bacteria and pathogens and requires considerable treatment before use while the soil is suitable for crop production.

We present a successful use of the plasmid inhibition detection and DNA isolation protocol optimisation for four food/feed samples in qPCR analysis of the sequence coding for chloroplast tRNA-Leu: two meat meal samples and two samples made of cranberries (jam and dried fruit). The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) can be inhibited by various substances and the DNA content in the sample can be underestimated. It is necessary to identify the PCR inhibition and choose an optimal DNA isolation protocol to correctly evaluate the sample. In a previous study, we have developed an assay using plasmid DNA carrying a non-homologous random sequence identifying possible inhibitors in qPCR in food/feed samples. The plasmid assay allowed to effectively reveal the PCR inhibition in all of the different sample matrices and to choose an optimal DNA isolation protocol.

The diversity of three non-coding plastid DNA loci (trnL/trnF spacer, trnV/16SrRNA spacer, trnL/trnL intron) was assessed in 16 Solanum L. species (135 individuals). Polymorphisms were detected by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and verified by direct sequencing. No intraspecific diversity and only poor interspecific diversity was detected. Unique S. mochiquense Ochoa specific length polymorphism at the trnL/trnL locus represented by duplication of an 18 bp segment was discovered. The detected DGGE interspecific trnL/trnF locus polymorphism did not specifically associate with single point mutations in the sequence confirmed by sequencing. The DGGE method was found to be a simple and cheap pre-exploring tool for mutation detection in compared DNA regions. Some identified polymorphisms can be used in the management of genetic resources.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of dental panoramic radiography for dental arch evaluation in small animals. The dental arches of four Beagles, one Shih Tzu dog, and three Korean short-haired cats were radiographed using human panoramic X-rays. All animals were under general anaesthesia during the examination. The animals' heads were placed horizontal to the panoramic device, just as a human's head is placed in panoramic dental assessments. All animals were evaluated with an open and closed mouth view (human view). In the closed mouth view, the animal was provided a bite blocker for proper placement of the oral cavity. The open mouth view angle was approximately 30-45°. The maxilla and mandible were held in position with radiolucent 3M tape. The standard scoring measurement was performed based on visibility of the tooth root and the sharpness of the dento-alveolar margin. No significant differences in scoring were noticed between the two positions. The visibility of teeth roots in Beagles was far better than that in the Shih Tzu dogs and two Korean short-haired cats. In addition, the Beagle series showed sharp dento-alveolar margin scores. These results suggest that human panoramic dental X-rays represent a possible dental evaluation tool for animals with large skulls.

Two cases of granulomatous colitis in two French bulldogs were found to be unresponsive to fluoroquinolones. The granulomatous colitis diagnosis was made on the basis of PAS-positive histiocytes in the lamina propria of the colonic mucosa in biopsy samples taken at colonoscopy. Remission of granulomatous colitis has been reported using fluoroquinolones leading to the idea that invasive Escherichia coli strains in the colonic mucosa are involved. Oral enrofloxacin (Baytril 150 mg, Bayer, Spain) at 10 mg/kg per day for eight weeks was prescribed to both dogs in this study. A first course of therapy resolved the problem in dog No. 1, which, however, was followed by relapse three months later without enrofloxacin response. No clinical remission was seen in dog No. 2 and 4.4 mg/kg marbofloxacin (Marbocyl P 20 mg, Vetoquinol, Spain) per day for 10 weeks was administered but without any response. From both dogs, biopsy samples from the colonic mucosa were taken during colonoscopy. Samples were homogenised for microbial culture in different agar media to identify invasive microbes. Escherichia coli were largely isolated and antibiotic sensitivity testing (MIC of E. coli to selected antimicrobials, CLSI 2013) was carried out. In both cases, E. coli was resistant to fluoroquinolones. In dog No. 1 E. coli was susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefazolin, amikacin and gentamicin whereas in dog No. 2 it was susceptible to doxycycline and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Clinical remission was achieved in dog No. 1 with amoxicillin-clavulanate (Synulox 250 mg, Pfizer, Spain) therapy for eight weeks. No response was found in dog No. 2 with any of the antimicrobials alone or combined with metronidazole.

We describe here a case study of a 16-month-old female European shorthair cat examined about 6 months after the osteosynthesis of a femoral fracture. Clinical examination revealed a non-weightbearing left limb, pain upon manipulation of the hip joint, complete immobilisation of the stifle joint and muscle atrophy in the left thigh. Low-field magnetic resonance images were acquired in sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes with T1-weighted spin echo, T2-weighted fast spin echo, T1-weighted gradient echo, gradient echo short tau inversion recovery and T1-weighted XBone sequences. Total examination time was 59 min 20 s. The obtained images revealed the presence of osteophytes on the surface of the femoral head, subluxation of the hip joint, atrophy and fatty infiltration of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The symmetry and size of callus in the fracture site were also evaluated. Based on the results of the magnetic resonance imaging exam, the patient was diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis, atrophy and fatty degeneration of the quadriceps femoris muscle with homogeneous and symmetrical distribution of callus in the fracture site. The results of this study confirm the high diagnostic value of low-field magnetic resonance imaging in diagnostics of musculoskeletal injuries in cats.

Transpiration efficiency (TE) is an important physiological trait associated with drought tolerance of plants. Currently, little is known about the grain sorghum TE and its dynamics with the age of plants. To compare the sorghum TE at different growth stages, four studies (two in the greenhouse and two in the growth chamber) were conducted under controlled environmental conditions. Plants were grown in lid-covered boxes and harvested at six-leaf, flag leaf, grain filling and maturity stages. The mean shoot TE values were 4.47 and 4.10 kg/m³ for two greenhouse studies, and 4.85 and 4.30 kg/m³ for two growth chamber studies, respectively. The shoot TE was not different among four growth stages within each study, suggesting that sorghum plants used the same amount of water per unit of biomass production for different growing periods. Because crops grown under dryland environments often run out of water during reproductive periods, result supports the ideas that soil water availability at later growth stages is crucial to achieve the yield potential of dryland sorghum.

The complex interaction process of the abiotic factors (sunlight, air temperature and soil water) in regulating maize (Zea mays L.) photosynthesis has not been fully understood. Our field experiment explored the changed sensitivity (or role) of the abiotic factors in regulating maize photosynthesis under a drought development process. The experiment established a scenario with a long-term drought and an instantaneous cloud cover. The results revealed that long-term drought stress causes the sensitivity (or role) of sunlight and temperature exchanged in regulating maize photosynthesis. The maize photosynthesis was more sensitive to instantaneous sunlight rather than temperature in the absence of drought. However, a diminishing photosynthetic sensitivity to sunlight but an increasing photosynthetic sensitivity to temperature was observed with drought development process. The variable photosynthetic sensitivity indicated that the roles of temperature and sunlight in regulating maize photosynthesis were exchanged, so it is expected that higher photosynthetic rate could be achieved by adjusting temperature rather than sunlight after severe drought. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to provide more evidence and mechanism explanations.

The aim of this paper was to verify the effect of the Z'fix (PRP Technologies, France) activator of biological transformation of manure from the viewpoint of the cowshed conditions parameters, produced manure quality, manure application effect on crop yields, and overall economics. Concerning manure production, the application of the Z'fix agent enhanced quality, structure and nutrient content (N total by 23%, P₂O₅ by 42%, K₂O by 17%) in the manure from deep litter housing. Compared to the untreated control, differences in the nutrient content of N total and K₂O were statistically significant, NH₃ emissions dropped significantly by almost 35%. The economic benefit of manure production with the use of the Z'fix agent demonstrated overall savings at the level of 1,369 CZK/LU/year. The influence of manure produced combined with the PRP Sol application was tested in terms of a boost of crop yield potential of silage maize and of winter wheat. Compared to the control, both crops reached yields higher by 0.7% to 9.8%.

The work presents the results of phenological observations of flowering and fruit ripeness of the European hazel (Corylus avellana L.) in Slovakia in two time periods: 1964-1983, and 1994-2013. The phenological stations at elevations from 100 to 875 m a.s.l. were grouped to 7 elevation zones, each 100 m wide. In the first studied period, flowering started on 19 March on average, while in the second period it started 5 days earlier. The average duration of flowering equal to 7-9 days did not depend on the elevation, but on the air temperature and weather patterns in the different elevation zones. During the first period, the average elevation gradient of flowering was 5.6 days per 100 elevation meters, while in the second period it was reduced to 3.5 days in the entire elevation profile. In the elevation zones between 300 and 500 m, a high correlation (P < 0.01) between the onset of flowering and elevation was reduced to a moderate level of correlation due to changing environmental conditions. In 1994-2013, the ripeness of hazel nuts started on average on 30 August in Slovakia, showed low variability and moderate correlation with elevation. The phenological elevation gradient was 2.9 days per 100 m of elevation.

In the agricultural industry, many brokers exploit the benefits between farmers and customers and decrease the farmers' income. As the technology has developed, the internet has become the best advertising medium for many industries. In light of this, this study based on the Google Earth has designed an on-line Agricultural Products Navigation System operated by mobile devices which can easily exclude brokers, and build the bridge between farmers and customers in order to increase the farmers income and customer benefits. Moreover, based on the IS success model of DeLone and McLean, by using the qualitative methodology, it is expected that this model will be able to provide system developers with the knowledge to improve the success of their systems.

Key scale insects that have long been considered as having high economic importance in Tunisia and for which several research studies and pest management programs have been undertaken include the mealybug species Planococcus ficus (Signoret) and Planococcus citri Risso, the soft scale Saissetia oleae (Olivier) and the armoured scale Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas). The host plants, bio-ecological aspects, auxiliary fauna of each of the aforementioned species as well as the related economic losses and pest management strategies adopted are explored and discussed. Among these species, P. ficus is considered herein as the most economically important in Tunisia. Still, the present contribution constitutes the first review article on key scale insects infesting plants in the South Mediterranean Maghreb area.

The efficiency of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) obtained from Streptoverticillum ladakanaum fermentation of sorghum grain and DDGS hydrolysates (HMTG) in increasing the mechanical properties of restructured meat and fish products was evaluated in this study. Gels were obtained by adding HMTG or commercial MTG at 0.3 U/g, and controls lacked enzyme. All treatments were supplemented with 2.0% NaCl. The gels with enzyme showed a lower amount of expressible water, similar to those obtained with CMTG (6% for fish gels and 8% for beef gels). Texture values were also similar. The results showed the feasibility of employing MTG obtained from sorghum hydrolysates.

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

This study was undertaken to obtain and analyse, on the basis of sex, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions obtained by a 3D computer program from two-dimensional (2D) vertebral column sections taken by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images, in the chinchilla. A total of 16 adult chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) of both sexes were used. The MDCT images were taken under general anaesthesia, and were then transferred to a personal computer on which 3D reconstructions were carried out using a 3D modelling program (Mimics 13.1). The volume, surface area and vertebral body length of each vertebra (except caudal region) forming the vertebral column were measured from the 3D models created. The ratios (in percentage) of the measurements of each vertebra (except the sacral ones) forming the vertebral column region (cervical part, thoracic part, lumbar part) were determined for statistical analysis. We detected significant differences (P < 0.05) between sexes in all vertebrae forming the vertebral column of the chinchilla with respect to volume, surface area and vertebral body length, except for C6 and L1. This study is the first to carry out 3D reconstructions of data obtained from CT images in the chinchilla and the obtained results contribute to a more detailed understanding of the anatomy of this species. Our strategy may also be useful for the design of experiments exploring the vertebral column in domestic mammals and humans.

For the purposes of assessment of long-term changes, two sets of Chernozems soil samples were analysed and compared in parallel: 'old' file samples obtained during the Soil Survey 1960-1970 in the former Czechoslovakia and a 'present' (2013) set of samples from exactly the same sites as the archive samples. The recently collected samples revealed worse qualitative parameters (lower humic acid to fulvic acid (HA/FA) ratios and higher colour quotient Q4/6 values) than the file samples, for all the localities. On the other side, the quantitative soil organic matter (SOM) parameters (oxidizable carbon (C_ox) and all its determined components) showed contrary results. The amount of total SOM at the same sites is higher now than it was about 50 years ago. It can be concluded that the current decline in SOM quality in Chernozems is partly compensated for by higher accumulation of SOM in the soils. All the analysed Chernozem samples were found to have much worse qualitative SOM parameters than the values mentioned for this soil type in the older literature. However, a comparison of the current data and the file data of Chernozem SOM quality can still be considered an open issue and require more complex research.

Three moss (Pleurosium spp., Polytrichum spp., Rhytidiadelphus spp.) and two lichen taxa (Hypogymnia physodes L., Pseudevernia furfuracea L.), were exposed for four weeks in six petrol stations, two consecutive years (2015-2016), in urban area of the Prešov city (Slovakia), to assess accumulation of selected airborne elements Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Significantly highest (P < 0.01) ability to accumulate Zn, Ni, Co and Fe was found in Pleurosium spp.; Pseudevernia furfuracea was determined the best accumulator of Hg, whereas Rhytidiadelphus spp. was found as the least suitable for this purpose. No significant differences in heavy metal accumulation between moss and lichen taxonomic group were found. Samples of conifer (used as a moss/lichen bag holder) showed significantly lower content of heavy metals compared to mosses and lichens. Major content of heavy metals trapped in the air around petrol stations, did not originate from the petrol combustion, but predominantly from the car body, which is mechanically disrupted during fuelling.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of cis- and trans-isomers of resveratrol and piceid contained in the shoots, leaves and tendrils of six grapevine varieties and three locations processed under two different drying conditions. The highest trans-resveratrol content was found in the shoots; trans-piceid was contained in lesser amounts (7%) and cis-forms only in very small amounts (~1%). In leaves, both forms of piceid were dominant, while in tendrils trans- and cis-forms of piceid were dominant in samples dried in the laboratory oven at 40°C. Pinot Noir differed from other varieties with a high trans-resveratrol amount. Growing location affected trans-resveratrol levels. Our results suggest that the trimmed clippings might be used as a valuable and inexpensive source of stilbenes. Clippings preserved by drying might be further processed to nutraceuticals or as an additive to the feed.

Field experiments were conducted at two locations in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 to investigate the weed suppressive ability of cover crop mulches in sugar beets. Three cover crops and two cover crop mixtures were tested in all four experiments. Weed densities ranged from 2 up to 210 plants/m² in Chenopodium album L. and Stellaria media (L.) Vill. as predominant species. Sinapis alba grew significantly faster than Vicia sativa, Raphanus sativus var. niger, and both cover crop mixtures. Sinapis alba, Vicia sativa, Raphanus sativus var. niger reduced weed density by 57, 22, and 15% across all locations, respectively. A mixture of seven different cover crops reduced weed emergence by 64% compared to the control plot without cover crop mulch. Early sugar beet growth was enhanced by all mulch treatments in 2015 and decelerated in 2016.

Bilberry is a valuable wild forest fruit harvested in many countries in Europe. The biological activities of bilberry include antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticholinesterase activities. This study examines the protective effects of a bilberry (BB) preparation on IEC-6, Caco-2, and HepG2 cell lines. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to study the cytotoxicity of BB. The genotoxicity was determined using single-cell microgel electrophoresis. The Ames test was employed to assay bilberry mutagenicity. No significant effects of BB (12.5-100 µg dry mass/ml) were observed on the viability of IEC-6, Caco-2, and HepG2 cells. There were no differences in the percentage of DNA in the comet tail between the cells treated with BB (100 µg dry mass/ml) and the control cells. However, a significant reduction of oxidative DNA damage in the HepG2 cells was found. BB exhibited neither mutagenic nor promutagenic effects. Our results suggest that bilberry can be a potential tool in the prevention of chronic diseases, without any undesired effects on the cells of the gastrointestinal tract.

Carcass fat cover is used in many countries as a predictor of meat quality, although studies relating this parameter to sensor y quality of meat are scarce and are mainly based on acceptability or palatability evaluation. The samples of calf chops with three different degrees of carcass fat cover were analysed according to a specific method for sensor y quality assessment. A trained panel evaluated the samples and scored the sensor y quality related to odour, texture, flavour, and persistence. Samples with higher carcass fat cover presented significantly better scores for texture, flavour, and persistence, although not for odour. When calculating global sensor y quality by integrating the cited parameters, significant differences were found between the three fat cover groups. Texture, f lavour, and persistence were also correlated with fat cover and marbling degree. Specific sensor y characteristics (medium tenderness, slightly tough, rancid odour, cooked meat aroma, equal or higher than fat aroma, ver y low aroma intensity, dominance of fat aroma, obvious liver aroma and milky aroma) contributed to explaining the quality differences obser ved among the groups.

Vegetation restorations of degraded meadows have been widely implemented. The evaluation of soil nutrient changes as affected by degradation is vital for efficient restorations. However, while macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) have been widely investigated, sulfur (S) as one important element correlated tightly with other nutrients has not been thoroughly studied. Two studies were conducted to determine changes of sulfur as affected by degradation and elevation gradients. The results showed that available S (AS) changed non-linearly with elevation and the first principal component based on other soil nutrient variables. Soil AS depended on degradation levels and contributed substantially to the separation of meadows with different degradation levels. Moreover, AS responded stronger to changes in elevation gradients and degradation levels compared with other major nutrients. Thereby, AS could be an important nutrient responding to meadow disturbance, which should be considered in future studies on meadow soil nutrients cycling and vegetation restorations. The findings have implications for ecological restoration of degraded meadows with respect to soil nutrient management and conservations.

The differences in egg production traits in six laying hen genotypes (brown-egg hens Bovans Brown, Bovans Sperwer, ISA Sussex; white-egg hen Dekalb White; laying hens with tinted shells Moravia Barred and Moravia BSL) and the interactions of genotype and oviposition on egg quality were evaluated. The genotype affected the laying rate (P ≤ 0.003), mean sequence length (P ≤ 0.001), and time of oviposition (P ≤ 0.001). The brown-egg genotypes laid eggs approximately 1 h earlier than the white-egg genotypes and approximately 2 h earlier than the tinted-egg genotypes. Egg shell strength was the lowest in tinted-egg genotypes (P ≤ 0.001) and declined with the time of oviposition (P ≤ 0.002). Egg shell percentage (P ≤ 0.011) and thickness (P ≤ 0.011) were affected by the interaction of genotype and oviposition. None of the effects affected egg weight; however, the proportion of egg components was significantly influenced by the interaction of genotype and oviposition. The study confirmed that the differences in the egg production and egg quality of various genotypes are associated with the laying pattern.

Agriculture is the sector that consumes by far most water globally. Much research efforts aim at minimizing losses through the use of drip irrigation. Rural agricultural areas often do not have access to a main electrical grid to power the pumps needed for drip irrigation; it reduces the options in paying for a grid extension, getting a diesel generator or investing in an off-grid renewable energy system. In this paper, these alternatives are assessed technically and economically under real world conditions through the Jordan Valley case study. The results show that the autonomous photovoltaic (PV)-battery system is preferable to the use of a diesel generator, as well as it is preferable to the main grid extension in many cases depending on the cost of grid electricity and distance from the grid. For current subsidized grid electricity retail price to farmers, the PV-battery system becomes more attractive above a 300 m distance from the grid, while if the actual cost of electricity production in Jordan is taken into account, then it breaks even to 128 m.

This paper follows up the landscape changes of Prague outskirts from 1990 to 2012 using the CORINE land cover data. It quantifies these changes by observing the acreage decrease and increase of individual types of land cover. The results confirm the frequently emerging trend in Europe, namely the increase of the urban area at the expense of arable land. Another significant change is the increase of pastures in the areas farther from the city. These changes are further analysed to find regularities relating to the relief, to the distance from the city and to the transport and settlement infrastructure. On the bases of the analyses there are defined the types of changes. The most significant change is a decrease of arable land at the expense of discontinuous urban fabric and pastures. The results show that there were changes made to the land cover on an area of 17,429 ha which is equivalent to 7.3% of the evaluated area.

The prospects of sparkling wine production by the 'Champenoise' method using alginate-immobilised yeast cells were examined. Grape varieties dominant in quantity were selected within the group of recommended and permitted varieties of Kutjevo vineyards, located in the eastern part of continental Croatia. Research revealed that there are no influential variations in the principal physicochemical and sensory characteristics between sparkling wines obtained through immobilised yeast and traditional sparkling method. The analysis of aroma compounds showed minor differences between samples. Observed oenological parameters assessed in the final products did not show any relevant oenological differences, with the exception of alcohol content, which was slightly higher in sparkling wines made with yeast cells immobilised with calcium alginate beads. According to this research, the sensory properties of the produced sparkling wines, compared to sparkling wine produced with free yeast, did not show any significant differences. On the full-scale obtained results indicate that some of the selected varieties can be sorted as suitable for the production of sparkling wine using immobilised yeast cells.