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The aim of the present study was to investigate qualitative and quantitative properties of wings, offal (liver, heart and gizzard) and necks of chickens from organic and conventional production systems, currently available on the market for Czech consumers. Production properties (yield and weight), surface colour (lightness, redness, yellowness) and chemical indicators (dry matter, total protein, net protein, collagen, hydroxyproline, fat, ash and phosphorus) were evaluated in fresh chicken broilers. Conventionally produced chickens had higher carcass yields but higher wing yields and weights were observed in organic broilers. The skin, bones, tip (left wings) and the meat with skin (right wings) of organic broilers were heavier (P < 0.05) than those of conventional chickens. The dry matter and total protein content of deboned organic broiler wings (meat with skin) was greater (P < 0.01) than those of conventional wings. Similarly as for yields, the offal (heart, gizzard) and necks of organic chickens had significantly (P < 0.01) higher weights in comparison with conventional chickens. Colour indicators showed that the external surface of the livers, necks and gizzards (muscle) from organic chickens were darker (lightness; P < 0.01). Total protein content in livers, hearts and necks of organic chickens was greater; fat content in the livers and necks of organic broilers was also higher (P < 0.05) than those of conventional broilers. The ash and phosphorus in the necks of conventional broilers was higher (P < 0.05) than in organic chickens. This study indicates that the quantity and quality of offal and neck from organic broilers are slightly superior compared to conventional chickens.

Agriculture in developing countries is experiencing profound, fast-moving changes. Globalization, although advancing more rapidly in some countries than others, has hastened the transition from the traditional, low-productivity agriculture toward a modern, high-productivity agricultural sector. The resulting processes of structural change are having profound consequences for employment, the methods of generating income, risk management, poverty alleviation, and the wellbeing in rural households in these countries. This study describes the approaches for the organised value chains as a new business model in a globalized world and it describes about the great variety of financial arrangements found in India and the actors in the agri-food chain with varying degrees of formality and informality. The study also brings about the role of the value chain in promoting the rural financing deepening, the financial operators that use agricultural value chain to provide dynamic, innovative services with low cost transaction costs and the technical assistance programs to help the participants in the chain to upgrade their operations, to reduce risk and to improve the access to financial services and concludes by identifying the changes in paradigm.

At present, the fundamental development way of agricultural production lies in science and technology to achieve the agricultural sustainable and stable development and ensure the effective supply of agricultural products for a long time. Many Chinese scholars had done many researches about the agricultural science and technology innovation. Numerous scholars got much valuable research conclusions for improving the construction of agricultural science and technology innovation system. However, there were still some problems existing in the current agricultural science research system, such as that the agricultural science and technology studies were divorced from the agricultural production, the mechanism of the market was still imperfect, there was an unreasonable layout in the agricultural science and technology. Therefore, we wanted to know the dynamic and the evolution path of the international agricultural science and technology innovation. What is more, we wanted to know whether there was a significant difference between the domestic and overseas agricultural science and technology innovation and if the international experience was good for the development of the Chinese agricultural science and technology innovation. So, there was analysed the research theme, the hot-spots and frontiers of international agricultural science and technology innovation based on the Citespace III to get the situation and character of the relevant international research.

Nine different visual evaluations of Plum pox virus (PPV) presence were carried out in four nurseries during 2012-2015. Results of visual evaluation were verified by ELISA. The presence of PPV was confirmed by ELISA in all the trees showing PPV symptoms. PPV has never been detected by ELISA in trees without PPV symptoms on leaves. A very low occurrence of PPV was proved in plums in all the four nurseries. There were two cases of higher occurrence of PPV in plum cultivars, where PPV originated from infected grafts. The PPV occurrence was 0.126 and 1.59%. The average occurrence of PPV in plums was 0.075%, 93 trees out of 123 630 inspected were PPV-infected. All the PPV-infected trees were destroyed immediately. No new PPV infection was proved later in season (August-September). In comparison with the situation in the 60s of the last century, the PPV occurrence in plums was 2.48% in one nursery in 1963 and there were nurseries with PPV occurrence exceeding 5%. All growing plants were destroyed in this case. The occurrence of PPV in the Czech fruit nurseries today is more than hundred times lower in comparison with the situation fifty years ago. The incidental occurrence of PPV in nurseries cannot be excluded in countries and areas with the endemic presence of PPV (in the Czech Republic and in most European countries). Visual inspection of PPV symptoms in nurseries confirmed by ELISA testing is sufficient. Infected plants must be removed immediately.

Durum semolina was replaced with 10, 15, and 20% of chestnut flour. Pasta was produced on a single screw extruder with the temperature profile of 80/90/90°C and on a laboratory minipress. Pasta samples were dried at room temperature and physical and sensory properties were determined. Generally, the chestnut flour addition to durum wheat pasta decreased optimum cooking time, hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness, but increased cooking losses and pasta adhesiveness. Samples made on an extruder showed shorter optimum cooking times in relation to samples made on a minipress. Absorbed water was decreased with chestnut flour addition. Pasta made on an extruder showed a higher sensory score in comparison with pasta made on a minipress. The addition of chestnut flour influenced the colour of the samples. Samples made on an extruder showed darker colour in dried and cooked pasta samples in relation to minipress samples. In dried pasta samples, the extruder gave yellower samples in relation to the minipress, while in cooked pasta samples it was reversed. Overall, the extruder gave higher-quality pasta compared to the minipress.

Five winter wheat cultivars, differing in resistance to Septoria tritici blotch (STB), were spray inoculated under field conditions for two years and at two locations with nine Mycosphaerella graminicola isolates and a mixture of isolates that were obtained from different regions of the Czech Republic. Main aims of this study were (i) to compare isolate, host cultivar and environmental effects on five traits indicative of STB severity and (ii) to analyse pathogen aggressiveness and host-pathogen relations for improving evaluation of cultivar resistance. ANOVA showed in all traits, except the reduction in 1000 grain weight, significant isolate effects. However, the effects of isolate and genotype by isolate interactions were much lower (2.3-4%) than cultivar (19.1-53.7%) and environmental (11.9-58.6%) effects. Cultivar resistance to the disease limited much the loss in grain weight per spike to a halve, from 34.7% in the susceptible Bakfis to 17.3% in the resistant Arina. Visual scoring of symptoms in the middle and at the end of disease development (performed on the 1-9 scale), reflecting the disease progress and infected leaf area, showed the highest cultivar effect (54%) and could be recommended for evaluation of cultivar resistance in breeding practice. All examined traits were significantly interrelated, but significant differences between all the five cultivars were only detected after examination of the % coverage of flag leaves with lesions bearing pycnidia. Resistance in the cultivar Arina was detected by all isolates and the isolate mixture. In spite of significant differences in classification of resistances in the cultivars Bohemia and Mulan after inoculation with one isolate (1081), specific interactions between cultivars and isolates collected in this Central European region are rare. The study leads to a conclusion that investigation into stability of STB resistance across a wide range of environments is more valuable for breeding purposes than the study of cultivar response to different isolates. Combination of important isolate properties in a mixture of isolates is stressed as well.

The study evaluates the effect of liming materials application in combination with NPK fertilizer and borax on macronutrient contents (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)), in an extremely acid soil and raspberry leaves and fruits during a two-year period. Liming increased soil pH, N mineral content, P, Ca and Mg soil content, while K content either increased (dolomite and borax application), or decreased (lime application). The N and P contents in raspberry leaves after liming increased significantly, but P content remained below the optimal values. Some treatments with lime caused a decrease in K content in leaves, while dolomite and borax application increased K content. Initially optimal Ca content in leaves increased significantly in the treatments with lime, but decreased after dolomite application. The Mg content in leaves increased after dolomite and borax application, but mainly remained below optimal values. Liming either did not alter or only slightly altered macronutrient contents in raspberry fruits.

The study evaluates how sixty years of application of organic manures and mineral fertilizers (ten fertilizer treatments altogether), planting of cultivars with different length of stem (long- and short-stem cultivars) and preceding crops (potatoes and alfalfa) affected grain and straw yields of winter wheat in the Prague-Ruzyně long-term fertilizer experiment (RFE). Fertilizer treatments did not affect grain yield during the first ten years of the RFE experiment (1959-1968), but influenced straw yield. The grain yield ranged from 5.08 (control) to 5.43 (farmyard manure) t/ha, straw yield varied from 6.02 t/ha (control) to 8.31 t/ha (poultry slurry (PS) + N₄P₂K₂). In the last ten years of the RFE experiment (2004-2013) grain yield ranged from 7.01 t/ha (control) to 8.88 t/ha (stale + N₄P₂K₂), while straw yield decreased and varied from 3.12 (control) to 6.21 t/ha (PS + N₄P₂K₂). Comparing the potatoes and alfalfa as preceding crops, the grain yield was 0.5 t/ha higher after alfalfa, but straw yield was 1.3 t/ha higher after potatoes. Introduction of short-stem cultivars increased average grain yield about 2 t/ha and decreased average straw yield about 0.85 t/ha.

Soybean yields can be considerably improved by inoculation with selected Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains and foliar fertilization. An exact field experiment was carried out in 2012-2014 at the Experimental Station of Cultivar Assessment in Przecław, Poland. The test plant was soybean cv. Aldana. The experimental factors were: bacterial inoculant Nitragina (Bradyrhizobium japonicum); foliar fertilization with Mikrokomplex; combined applications Nitragina + Mikrokomplex and the control treatment. Significant effect of Nitragina on an increase in the number of plants prior to harvest, plant height and the number of pods per plant was indicated. Fertilization with Mikrokomplex caused an increase in the number of pods per plant and thousand seed weight. Nitragina + Mikrokomplex increased the number of plants prior to harvest, plant height, the number of pods per plant and thousand seed weight. Seed yield was significantly higher in all the treatments compared to the control (2.31 t/ha). Higher soil plant analysis development values were found after the application of Nitragina + Mikrokomplex, and in the stage of pod development, also after foliar fertilization with Mikrokomplex. Application of Nitragina and Nitragina + Mikrokomplex resulted in an increase in leaf area index and mean tip angle and total protein in seeds. Fe content in seeds was the lowest in the control (69.2 mg/kg) and significantly higher in the other treatments (Nitragina, Nitragina + Mikrokomplex), and Mg content significantly increased after the application of Mikrokomplex and Nitragina + Mikrokomplex.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of orally administered borax on milk yield and on several blood variables related to metabolism in early lactation in Austrian Simmental cows (Fleckvieh). Twenty primiparous cows were selected at parturition and then assigned to one of two groups, the control group or the borax group. The study lasted for four weeks. Borax was administered orally at 0.2 mg/kg/day (Boron group) to all treatment cows shortly after the noon milking, whereas cows in the control group were not treated. All cows consumed the same diet. All feeds in the diet were analysed for crude cellulose, protein, ether extract, ash, and dry matter according to the Weende Analysis Systems, in addition to ADF and NDF, according to Van Soest. Blood samples were collected from all cows via the vena jugularis on lactation Days 0, 7, 15, 21 and 28 and analysed for the following: serum boron (B), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), total cholesterol (TChol), high density lipids (HDL), total protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB), creatine (CRE), uric acid (UA), glucose (GLU), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) concentrations. Serum B concentration was higher in the borax group than in the control group at Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the experiment. Serum B concentration did not change in the control group during these weeks, but it gradually increased in the borax group week by week (P < 0.05). Borax administration increased serum TP and decreased the serum UA concentration at Week 4, and decreased serum HDL concentration at Week 3 of the experiment. Serum TChol, BHBA, and BUN concentrations increased (P < 0.05), while NEFA decreased (P < 0.05) after parturition in both groups. The BHBA concentration gradually increased in the control group, but it began to decrease in the borax group during the final week of the experiment. Moreover, milk yield did not differ between the groups for 14 weeks. The results indicate that borax administration did not have any negative effects on the health of Austrian Simmental (Fleckvieh) cows during early lactation. However, studies of longer duration are needed to reveal the effectiveness of borax administration with respect to early lactation in cows.

The paper deals with the possibility of appropriate measurement and evaluation of emissions of nitrogen oxides. Development of exhaust systems which captures the solid particles emitted from engine, lost an objective assessment of the emission status of the diesel engine of agricultural tractor. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new method of measuring and quantifying the emission state of the diesel engine by measuring emissions, which should be economic and time-saving, but especially universal and sufficiently precise. The selected method should also provide sufficient information on such emissions that are subject to approval but they are not controlled during periodic checks.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 also known as koi herpesvirus is a causative agent of highly contagious disease (koi herpesvirus disease) and can cause significant losses in fish stocks. The disease is restricted to koi and common carp, but recent investigations have shown that other cyprinids as well as non-cyprinid species are asymptomatically susceptible to this virus and can play either a role as a potential carrier or can contribute to biological conservation of this virus. The susceptibility of two non-target species, stone loach (Barbatula barbatula) and sterbel - a hybrid between sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) and beluga (Huso huso) to cyprinid herpesvirus 3 was tested by means of their co-habitation together with naïve koi and intraperitoneally KHV-infected koi (primary challenge). On the 15 ^th day post-infection (dpi), a secondary challenge was started (a portion of the surviving stone loach and sterbel were transferred to tanks with other naïve koi). All dead as well as surviving fish were investigated for the presence of KHV DNA in pooled samples of tissue from individual fish by nested PCR. Sampling for PCR from surviving fish was performed on the 15^th dpi and on the 30^th dpi of the primary challenge, and on the 30^th dpi of the secondary challenge. During the primary challenge (up to the 30^th dpi), average cumulative mortality in duplicated experimental groups was as follows: koi 100%, sterbel and stone loach both 5%. In the primary challenge, no surviving stone loach or sterbel sampled on the 15^th dpi or those that died previously were found to be positive for viral DNA. Results of PCR revealed the presence of KHV DNA in 95% of co-habited naïve koi samples. PCR analysis of tissues taken from surviving fish on the 30^th dpi revealed the presence of viral DNA in 77.8% (7/9) of stone loach and in 22.2% (2/9) of sterbel. Cumulative mortality of fish in the secondary challenge was 100% for stone loach and for koi co-habitating with them, and 50% for koi co-habitating with sterbel, which all survived. Despite the high mortality of koi and stone loach in the secondary challenge (probably caused by malfunction of biofilters or bacterial infection), none of them, nor any of the sturgeon hybrids were considered to be positive for KHV DNA. In summary, the hybrid between sterlet and beluga and the stone loach seemed to be susceptible to cyprinid herpesvirus 3, but we could not prove that they can transfer this virus to naïve koi.

The efficacy of superficial tillage as a sustainable tool to reduce the emergence of Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria viridis, and Sorghum halepense was evaluated with field experiments. Seeds were buried at 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm of depth to simulate seed vertical distribution caused by autumn superficial tillage. Seedling emergence was monitored weekly for two years after sowing. The highest emergence was obtained in the first year after sowing and from 1 and 2 cm. Sorghum halepense was only slightly affected by seed burial, with 15% of emergence from 10 cm of depth, while D. sanguinalis was strongly affected, with 4% of emergence from 5 cm. The efficacy of superficial tillage as control tool could vary according to local weed flora.

Knowledge of genetic relationship is an important control mechanism for animal performance-testing schemes. Genetic relationship between and within pig herds was calculated for two dam breeds, Czech Large White (CLW) and Czech Landrace (CLA). The impacts of different field data types (production and reproduction) and various numbers of generations within the pedigrees on genetic relationship were studied. The degree of genetic relationship between analyzed herds was generally low. It ranged from 1.01% (for CLW based on reproduction data and considering three generations of ancestors within the pedigree) to 2.57% (for CLA based on production data with seven generations of ancestors in the pedigree). In contrast, relationship within herds was high and ranged from 16.62% to 44.69% (when three and seven generations within the pedigree were taken into account, respectively), both for production data of the CLA breed. When considering the type of data, an impact on the observed genetic relationship between and within herds was found. Slightly higher genetic relationship between herds was determined in both breeds when using production data (1.64%) compared to reproduction data (1.40%). In contrast, a negligible influence between herds on genetic relationship was found from the number of ancestors' generations included into the calculations. That was especially so after five or six generations. Our results show that the relationship between herds is population specific and, consequently, must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Knowledge of genetic relationship between and within herds should be taken into account in regard to the complexity of genetic evaluation.

Breeding of hybrids between wild boars and domestic pigs is in the consumer interest because of the need to ensure food security and diversification via widening the genetic basis of animals reared for meat. To expand the knowledge about their nutritional requirements, this study aimed to investigate hindgut fermentation in these animals. Caecal and colon cultures were incubated for 12 h in vitro with or without wheat bran as a supplementary substrate. Short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, methane, and total gas production were determined. The total concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in unincubated caecal and colon samples were 93.1 and 115 mmol/kg, respectively. The short-chain fatty acid profile in fresh hindgut contents was characterized by a high molar proportion of acetate (74.8-75.0 mol%), followed by propionate (18.2-18.5 mol%) and butyrate (5.4-5.5 mol%). The presence of wheat bran lowered acetate and increased butyrate, propionate, and valerate molar proportions. The ammonia level remained low (1.3-2.43 mmol/kg) regardless of the addition of the substrate. The relatively low pH and ammonia concentration in wild boar/pig hybrids may be caused by the low level of crude protein in diet of these animals. The rate of methanogenesis increased during the fermentation simultaneously with an increase in the production of gases after wheat bran addition. Methane production in the caecal and colon samples incubated with the substrate reached 15.6 and 16.1 mmol/kg, respectively. The hindgut fermentation pattern in wild boar/pig hybrids generally resembled that described earlier in domestic pigs, although some observed dissimilarities may be caused by distinct microbial activity.

Grain size distribution of grist is dependent on the type of grinding mill. The most widely used crushers used for malt grinding are roll grinding machines and dispersants are the disc mills. For rating of grist fineness grists made in the two-roller mill KVM 130/150 and dispersant the disk mill Skiold SK 2500 was used. The selected types of barley malt were processed: light malt, Munich malt, caramel malt and colouring malt. Rating of malt grist fineness was made with a help of sieve analysis using a "Pfungstadt sifter". Conclusions from the measurements are as follows: by using the two-roller mill the coarsest grist is got from caramel malt and the finest malt from the light malt. The dispersant was processing grist at a speed of 1,500 rpm and 2,800 rpm. For each speed, the coarsest grist was obtained from caramel malt and the finest grist was obtained by crushing colouring malt.

A one-year-old, 2.6 kg, spayed female Maltese dog was referred with passage of faeces coming from the vulva, repeated vaginal discharge and vaginitis. Through physical examination, contrast radiograph and vaginoscopic exploration, the dog was diagnosed with rectovaginal fistula which was surgically corrected. After midline perineal incision, the rectovaginal fistula was isolated and transected. The vaginal and rectal defects were closed separately, but dehiscence of the surgical region took place three days after surgery. For the second operation, the rectal segment containing the fistula was removed by transanal rectal pull-through, and anastomosis was performed. Total follow-up time was 10 months and no sign of recurrence was reported. Early postoperative complications included perineal soiling and wound dehiscence, but the long-term outcome was good. This case is the first report of surgical correction of a rectovaginal fistula in a dog with a normal anus.

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra Linnaeus) is a promising species which could help to mitigate the sanitary problems. Northern red oak is also a commercial species and offers many environmental services. Northern red oak prefers rather dry acidic sites commonly found in Bohemia. The literature confirms that the species is quite fertile but acorn production is highly variable. Northern red oak seedlings develop a long tap root during their first year, which enhances their survival and performance. Different silvicultural systems are proposed and pros and cons are discussed in this review including their influences on forest floor and soil.

Green finance is a core part of the low carbon green growth, because it connects the financial industry, environmental improvement and economic growth. The objective of this paper is to study the green finance and to validate the concept as feasible in the Indian industries for balancing the ecological depreciation due to the assimilation of carbon gases in atmosphere. Green Finance is a market-based investing or lending program that factors environmental impact into risk assessment, or utilizing environmental incentives to drive business decisions. Therefore, the paper also discusses the recent trends and the future opportunities and challenges in green finance in the emerging India. Green investing recognizes the value of the environment and its natural capital and also seeks to improve the human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks and improving the ecological integrity.

Forests in the mountain ranges are supposed to meet multiple objectives at the same time. There are different expectations and priorities among stakeholder groups. The object of the research is the case study area in the Goat Backs Mountains in Slovakia (representing Western Carpathians). The stakeholders' panel which included local government officials, landowners, foresters, interest group representatives etc. judged the current and future importance of ecosystem services in a special questionnaire. The context analysis provided main strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities that influence mountain forest management and the provision and use of ecosystem services in the case study area were done by involved experts from practice and science. Based on the SWOT results a possible strategy for the provision of ecosystem services was proposed. Some of the key issues that have been identified by experts concerning the balancing of ecosystem service provision are: strengthening the local stakeholder involvement; enhancing regional initiatives; and economic market-oriented instruments and economic incentives.

We tested the suitability of Landsat images to track defoliation by insect herbivory with focus on the oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana (Lep.: Tortricidae). Landsat images from the period before (2002) and after the T. viridana infestation (2007, 2014) were compared in oak forests of Zagros in western Iran. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for the test area from Landsat 5, 7, and 8 images. Because the red and near-infrared spectral bands of Landsat 8 OLI sensors are different from the other two, a model for the calibration of Landsat OLI NDVI was developed. The proposed model with a correlation coefficient of 0.928 and root mean square error of 0.05 turned out to be applicable and the NDVI decreased significantly during the observation period. Taking into account the protection status of the area and small fluctuations in temperature, the decrease in NDVI could be attributed to T. viridana damage.

Toxic metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) in the tissues of common carp fished from three reservoirs (Pilská, Domaninský, and Matějovský) in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands were measured in the period from April 2013 to September 2014 and the risk of consuming the fish from these localities was evaluated. During this project 25 fish specimens from each locality were analysed. The concentration of metals in muscle tissue and liver was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. A variation in the content of heavy metals in fish samples and fish tissues was demonstrated and discussed. Higher concentrations of cadmium in the fish tissue were found in 50 samples of carp liver. Because the fish liver is not commonly consumed, common carp from the Moravian-Moravian Highlands does not pose any health risk for consumers. Concentrations of the other monitored toxic metals in fish tissue were low and were complying with the maximum residue limit in all cases.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease of small grain cereals caused by Fusarium species. The pathogens affect spikes and kernels, resulting in reductions of yield and its quality. The present study was conducted to evaluate variation in the FHB resistance of wheat F₂ hybrids derived from 16 crosses between winter wheat cultivars of various origin and with different susceptibility to FHB. Plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension consisting of a mixture of F. culmorum, F. graminearum and F. avenaceum isolates. After harvest 1000-kernel weight, number of kernels per spike and kernel weight per spike were evaluated in inoculated and control plants. Disease symptoms were observed on kernels of infected plants and the percentage of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) was calculated. The data were statistically evaluated using uni- and multivariate analyses. A significant influence of genotype and treatment on all observed characteristics was detected. Contrasts between control and inoculated plants showed that inoculation lowered the mean values of all the yield-related traits significantly (in the statistical sense). Results of uni- and multivariate analyses enabled us to find three cross combinations which exhibited a low FDK percentage and simultaneously a relatively low reduction of 1000-kernel weight after inoculation. They may be promising for breeding wheat with improved resistance to FHB.

Minituber production by traditional method is an expensive procedure due to limited productivity. In order to increase the multiplication rate of seed material in vitro, multiple techniques have been assayed in the last decades. The aeroponic system is a soilless culture system, where roots are kept in a dark environment saturated with aerosol of nutrient solution. Aeroponics technology is potentially efficient for specific potato cultivars. The aim of this study was to investigate the multiplication rate of microtubers of national cultivars in aeroponics while maintaining weekly intervals between harvests. The total number of harvests was 14 to 15 depending on year. The results of the experiments were analysed with ANOVA and means were separated with the Tukey's test at 5% P-value. The most important parameter of minituber production, their number, was on average 32.5-36.0 per plant and 1268-1396 per m² depending on cultivar. Number of minitubers was two to three times greater in the case of aeroponic production than by traditional method. A full economic analysis is necessary to prove that this production technique can be put into practice.

The effect of organic, mineral and combined organic and mineral fertilization of soils on the winter wheat yields and nutrient contents in soils was evaluated in long-term field experiments. Two sites with different soil characteristics were evaluated - Lukavec u Pacova (cambisol) and Ivanovice na Hané (degraded chernozem). The type of fertilization influenced wheat yields. Nutrient uptake by winter wheat was higher under nitrogen (N) fertilization, which resulted in a negative balance of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and to a decrease of nutrient contents in the more fertile soils at Ivanovice na Hané. Two soil tests (Mehlich 3 method and NH₄-acetate method) were used to determine P and K availability. The mineral nitrogen fertilization negatively and significantly affected NH₄-acetate extractable concentrations of nutrients in the soils and these were lower in comparison with concentrations of P and K determined by Mehlich 3 method. Relative availability of P in alkaline soils from Ivanovice treated with mineral N increased while the soil pH decreased.

This study investigated the effects of administration of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) on serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels, libido and testicular histomorphology of male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty-two WAD goats (28 males and four females) were used for the study. The 28 males were randomly assigned to seven groups (A, B^O, B^S, C^O, C^S, D^O and D^S) of four goats each. Goats in groups B^O, C^O, and D^O were given MSG orally at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight respectively for 28 days, while groups B^S, C^S and D^S goats were given MSG subcutaneously at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Group A goats served as untreated control. The four female goats did not receive MSG, but were used to assess the levels of expression of libido by all the males. Serum luteinising hormone and testosterone were assayed prior to MSG administration (Day 0) and on Days 2, 14 and 28 of MSG administration, while serum cholesterol was assayed on Days 0, 14 and 28 of MSG administration. Libido scores and testicular histomorphology were evaluated on Days 26 and 28 of MSG administration, respectively. Results showed that on Days 14 and 28 of MSG administration the mean serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels of the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the control group. The mean libido scores of all the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control. Sections of the testes of the male WAD goats that received varying doses of MSG orally or subcutaneously showed no obvious lesions; the seminiferous tubules and interstices were normal and comparable to those of the untreated control. It was concluded that MSG administration for up to 14 and 28 days led to a significant lowering of serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol, as well as libido scores.

The purpose of the current study was to develop a new tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) technique, by replacing the original titanium cage with a Ricinus communis polyurethane resin-made wedge polymer. The implants were manufactured using the same size and angles of the original titanium cages, though larger distally. The modified TTA technique (TTAm) was performed in 42 knees of 35 dogs diagnosed with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (RCCL). Animals were submitted to radiographic and gait assessments preoperatively, early postoperatively and following 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. All animals exhibited good clinical outcome. There were no cases of impaired healing or bone resorption until 120 days postoperatively and there was no patient with patellar distress after TTAm. Scores of gait evaluation revealed differences between time points. There were also differences between the evaluations of control and pre- and post-operative times. However, there was no difference among the assessment of 30 days and the following time points. The use of the polyurethane polymer for TTAm was advantageous, not only due to biocompatibility and osseointegration, but also for providing easy handling; it can be moulded intra-operatively if necessary. Moreover, it allows precise adaptation to the osteotomy site, as opposed to the original TTA metallic implants, which cannot be moulded. It is suggested that incision lengths for TTAm are slightly shorter than those required for the conventional TTA as this requires the distal fixation of the plate at the beginning of the middle third of the body of the tibia. The TTAm does not require the use of fixation plates and it is performed only at the cranial aspect of the tibia. The method of attachment of the tibial tuberosity in the craniocaudal direction was effective. The setting associated with the use of the polyurethane polymer allowed simplification of the technique for easier implementation, and the amount of implant material required to perform TTAm was reduced in comparison to the conventional TTA. This technique can be used for treating the knees of dogs with RCCL, and provides for easy execution, less invasiveness to the tissues of the knee joint and more versatility in comparison to conventional TTA.

The aim of the paper is to describe the land ownership relations in the area of the current Czech Republic since the foundation of Czechoslovakia. The description of the history of changes of land ownership in the Czech Republic is important for the perception of the current nature of the land use and land market. Land use and ownership was always related to the historical context and political regime. The time periods are divided by the important historical events: after 1918 (foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic), 2nd World War period, after 1948 (takeover of the power by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and the centrally planned economy period) and after 1989 (foundation of the market economy). During this era, three land reforms took place. The main role was played by the political apparatus the aim of which was to enhance its economic and political influence, and international interests. It can be concluded that the ownership of land in the Czech lands was always uneven. During the period, the state expropriated land from different society spheres and reallocated it to others. No other property in private ownership underwent so many ownership changes in the legal organization of the state.

Festuca ovina L. is an important ornamental species used in urban landscapes and pastures reclamation. However, low resistance of this species to salt stress has hindered its extended application in low-water and salty regions. To study the effects of calcium on reducing salt stress injuries in seed germination and early growth of this species, a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. The salt levels included NaCl solutions (5, 10, 15 and 20 dS/m). Calcium source was CaCl₂ with concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 30 mmol₊/L. Germination percentage and mean germination time were significantly affected by interaction of salinity and calcium. As salinity increased, mean germination time increased. However, germination percentage, shootlet length, rootlet length, shootlet fresh and dry weight, rootlet fresh and dry weight and seed vigour index decreased following the increasing salinity. Concentrations of 10 and 20 mmol₊/L CaCl₂ had significant effects on reducing salt injuries on seed germination of Festuca ovina. This finding was even prominent in higher salinity levels of 15 and 20 dS/m. Therefore, to facilitate using this species in urban landscapes or in pastures, pre-treatment of the seeds using 10 and 20 mmol₊/L CaCl₂ is recommended.

The present study was aimed at the detection and describing the lesions of akabane virus in foetal and new-born calves tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Akabane virus lesions were evaluated in 12 foetuses and three new-born calves using serological and pathological methods and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Macroscopically, prominent arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly (A-H syndrome) were the main symptoms. At the histopathological examination, lesions were especially localised in the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata in the central nervous system (CNS) in calves naturally infected with akabane virus. In these areas, degenerative and necrotic neurons were observed. There was prominent mononuclear infiltration in perivascular areas. While akabane virus antigen was only detected in brain using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry against akabane virus yielded positive antigenic reactions in the cerebrum, cerebellum, liver, spleen and kidneys. In addition to these findings, there was a relationship between akabane virus infection and neurofilament (NF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) immunoreaction in astrocytes and neurons.