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In the present work we study the prevalence of fungal flora in the tracheal epithelium of wild birds in a rehabilitation centre. Two hundred and sixteen birds representing 26 species from seven orders were sampled. Yeasts and moulds were isolated from 92 of the birds sampled (42.5%); in 24.5% only yeasts, in 12.5% only moulds and in 5.5% both moulds and yeasts together. The cattle egret was where the greatest number of animals with positive isolation was detected. The prevalence of yeasts shows significant differences between raptors and Ciconiiformes. Within the yeast flora, basically there were strains belonging to the genus Candida, mainly C. albicans. In the moulds, almost a half of them belonged to the genus Aspergillus.

In less intensively managed grassland, the micronutrient concentrations in herbage are apparently more likely to be in levels between barely sufficient and deficient than to be excessively high. Insufficient amounts of selenium, copper, manganese, and zinc cause physiological disorders in ruminants. Three identical field trials on pastures with different soil pH and organic matter content were established to assess the effect of liming and nitrogen fertilization on the micronutrient concentrations in herbage. In the case of selenium the effect of a selenate application on the Se concentration in plants was also tested. The effect of liming on the micronutrient concentrations was not always consistent with initial hypotheses. Only Mn and - to a smaller extent - Zn concentrations changed markedly with an increasing soil pH (P < 0.01). Marked differences between concentrations in primary growths and secondary growths were evident for all trace elements. The effect of added nitrogen was negligible. Se concentrations in the plant tissue in plots without selenate application averaged 21.3 μg Se/kg dm in 2002 (standard error SE = 18.63) and 48.7 μg Se/kg dm in 2003 (SE = 38.97). Sufficient Se concentrations (> 100 μg Se/kg dm) were only found in herbage fertilized with selenate. Mn concentrations met the requirements for ruminants in most cases (mean Mn concentration in 2002 = 104.2 mg Mn/kg dm; standard error SE = 62.76; mean Mn concentration in 2003 = 67.5 mg Mn/kg dm; SE = 35.91). The average Zn concentrations were 33.5 mg Zn/kg dm in 2002 (SE = 6.46) and 34.0 mg Zn/kg dm in 2003 (SE = 7.52). The average Cu concentrations were 10.5 mg Cu/kg dm in 2002 (SE = 1.24) and 9.9 mg Cu/kg dm in 2003 (SE = 1.93). Therefore, 41.7% of the measured values for Zn and 31.3% of Cu concentrations remained under the recommended levels of > 30 mg Zn/kg dm and > 10 mg Cu/kg dm.

In this study the change in amino acid profile in cow's colostrum and transient milk during the first week after parturition was examined in a Hungarian Charolais herd. Experiments were carried out with n = 37 Charolais cows in the same herd in the spring (March-April) of two consecutive years (Experiment 1: 2002, n = 15; and Experiment 2: 2003, n = 22). Colostrum and milk samples were taken by hand milking immediately after delivery, and in 24, 48, 72, and 168 hours post partum. Amino acid contents (%) in samples were measured in milk protein with an automatic amino acid analyser. Data were processed by the software of SPSS.10 statistical program package. In the postpartal period, among essential amino acids significant increases were recorded in methionine, isoleucine, lysine, and phenylalanine, and among non-essential amino acids glutamic acid and proline increased significantly. Simultaneous decreases were recorded in valine, cysteine, aspartic acid, serine, glycine, and arginine. Inconsistent figures were determined for histidine, leucine, tyrosine, and alanine content between Experiment 1 and Experiment 2.

Carpal flexural deformity was determined in a total of 31 puppies, of which 28 were brought to our clinic, and 3 were reported by a practicing veterinary surgeon. Ages of the puppies ranged between 6-24 weeks. The dogs belonged to 10 different breeds. Following clinical and radiological examination of the puppies, blood samples were taken and calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) values were recorded. Slight increases in these mineral values were determined in some of the patients. A splint with a caudal aluminium support, padded with a large amount of cotton, was applied to all puppies with deformity. This splint was kept on for 10 days, and repeated in some cases. The diets of the puppies were planned.

The aim of the study was to assess the ability of recovery in common carp after nitrite poisoning and to distinguish the difference in nitrite poisoning of carp at two different chloride concentrations in water. Two groups of carp (group 1 and 2) were exposed to environmental nitrite concentration of 1.45 mmol/l NO₂^- at different chloride concentrations (group 1: 0.31 mmol/l Cl^- and group 2: 3.73 mmol/l Cl^-) for 48 hours. After that, they were transferred into nitrite-free water. In the group 1 mortality of 51% occurred during nitrite exposure and further 11% mortality was observed after 24 h in nitrite free water. No mortality occurred in group 2 and control. Nitrite and methaemoglobin concentrations (MetHb) markedly increased in group 1 (plasma: 10.5 ± 1.90 mmol/l NO₂^-, liver: 3.5 ± 1.15 mmol/kg NO₂^-, muscle: 1.5 ± 0.37 mmol/kg NO₂^-, and MetHb: 93 ± 6.1%) compared with control (plasma: 0.05 ± 0.04 mmol/l NO₂^-, liver: 0.02 ± 0.01 mmol/kg NO₂^-, muscle: 0.04 ± 0.01 mmol/kg NO₂^-, and MetHb: 3 ± 2.9%). After 24 h in nitrite-free water, the values mildly decreased but not significantly (plasma: 5.1 ± 1.49 mmol/l NO₂^-, liver: 1.8 ± 0.65 mmol/kg NO₂^-, muscle: 0.8 ± 0.23 mmol/kg NO₂^-, and MetHb: 84 ± 11.2%). After next 120 h the values decreased significantly and were compared with those found in the control group (traces of nitrite, MetHb: 3 ± 2.1%). Nitrite exposure caused also increase in plasma K⁺ (3.8 ± 0.29 mmol/l), ammonia (230 ± 92 µmol/l), urea (1.7 ± 0.28 mmol/l) and uric acid concentration (66 ± 54 µmol/l) in group 1. On the other hand, values of haematocrit, erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration were markedly lower than control values. Most changes were corrected by the end of the recovery period, only plasma potassium concentration dropped bellow the control values. Nearly no changes were found in the group 2 compared with the control during the whole experiment duration. This shows the positive effect of chlorides on the fish resistance against nitrites.

The apparent uptake of mineral nitrogen (N_min) from top- and subsoil layers during the growth of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied in Prague-Ruzyne on clay loam Chernozem soil in years 1996-2003. Two (N0, N1) and three treatments, unfertilized (N0), fertilized with 100 kg (N1) and 200 kg (N2) nitrogen per hectare were observed in years 1996-2000 and 2001-2003, respectively. The apparent uptake of nitrogen from soil layers was calculated from the changes of N_min content between sampling terms. Most of available mineral N in the soil down to 90 cm was almost fully depleted between tillering and anthesis in treatment N0. The uptake from subsoil layers was delayed and it continued during the period of grain filling in fertilized treatments. Nitrogen fertilization reduced utilization of N from subsoil. The apparent uptake of N from the zone 50-120 cm ranged from 21 to 62 kg N/ha in N0 and from 15 to 60 kg N/ha in N1 in years 1996-2000. In years 2001-2003 the corresponding values (50-130 cm) were 24-104 kg, 43-130 kg and 29-94 kg N/ha in treatments N0, N1 and N2, respectively. The uptake from 120 (130)-150 cm was around zero in a half of experimental years, and it reached at maximum 12 kg/ha in N0 in 1997. There was a strong linear relation between the amount of N_min in spring and the depletion of nitrogen from the zone 50-120 (130) cm, R² = 0.94, 0.91 and 0.99 in N0, N1 and N2, respectively.

In vitro study of the rumen fluid (RF) and hindgut content (HC) fermentation by microbiota taken from sheep grazing in an area atmospherically polluted from the non-ferrous metal industry was conducted and compared with controls from an uncontaminated area (UA). The experimental sheep were exposed to the prolonged intake of heavy metals by grazing in the contaminated area (CA) for one year. Soil and grass from that area and the rumen content of sheep were analyzed for heavy metal levels. Based on the levels of mercury (4.752 mg/kg), copper (232.9 mg/kg), cadmium (1.167 mg/kg), lead (92.509 mg/kg) and arsenic (74.59 mg/kg) the soil was categorized as profusely contaminated. Meadow hay (MH) from UA was used as a tested substrate of fermentation activity; it was incubated with buffered RF and HC inocula from CA and UA for 24 h. The gas volume in CA was significantly decreased by 50 and 36% in RF and HC, respectively. The methane production in CA was significantly decreased by 77 and 71% in RF and HC, respectively. The significantly decreased values of the fermentation parameters in CA in comparison with UA were accompanied by the reduced (P < 0.01) total concentration of rumen ciliate protozoa.

In Moravia in 1995 to 2006, the abundant occurrence of Galerucella lineola (F.) was used to study its occurrence, biology and harmfulness. An "alder" biological form was studied in Alnus glutinosa and A. incana mainly in Polnička Forest District (Žďár region) and a "willow" form in Salix viminalis, S. triandra and S. caprea in riparian and accompanying stands of the Svitava river near Bílovice nad Svitavou (Brno region). Imagoes leave their sites usually in the 1st half of May. In the course of 2.5 to 3 months, they damage on average 22.6 cm² leaves of A. glutinosa and S. caprea (of this value, males 3.2 times less than females). Males eat on average 15 times during 24 hours for a period of 3.5 minutes, i.e. in total 52 minutes (3.6% day). Females eat on average 36 times for a period of 7 min, i.e. 252 min (17.5% day). Imagoes copulate on average 10.2 times per day for a period of 67 min. For the whole period of reproduction (about 42 days), they copulate on average 428 times, i.e. for 20 days. Eggs are laid into groups of 3 to 20 (on average 14) pieces. Females lay 457 to 791 (on average 612) eggs, i.e. about 15 eggs per day. Medina collaris (Fall.) (Tachinidae) and Townesilitus fulviceps (Ruthe) (Braconidae) belong, among others, to the enemies of imagoes.

The effect of the length and intensity of feed restriction on carcass quality characteristics was studied in two experiments. In the first experiment rabbits were restricted 1 or 3 weeks. Group 1 was fed ad libitum, group 2 was restricted from 35 to 42 days of age (50 g per day/rabbit), group 3 was restricted from 42 to 49 days of age (65 g per day/rabbit), group 4 was restricted from 56 to 63 days of age (90 g per day/rabbit) and group 5 was restricted three weeks, from 35 to 42 days of age (50 g per day/rabbit), 42 to 49 days of age (65 g per day/rabbit) and from 56 to 63 days of age (90 g per day/rabbit). Rabbits were slaughtered at the age of 84 days. In the second experiment the rabbits were restricted between 42 and 56 days of age and the rabbits were divided into three groups. Group 1 was fed ad libitum, the rabbits in group 2 got 50 g of feed at the age of 42 to 49 days and 65 g of feed at the age of 49 to 56 days and in group 3, 50 g and 75 g of feed in the two periods, respectively. Carcass characteristics were evaluated at the age of 49, 56, 63 and 84 days. Restriction did not affect dressing percentage but reduced the weight of loin. Renal fat was detected in restricted rabbits at the age of 63 days whereas in the ad libitum fed ones at 56 days. Renal fat was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced in rabbits restricted from 56 days of age (experiment 1, 19.71 g, 19.28 g, 26 g vs. 14.33 g and 11.43 g). Kidney and liver weight was influenced by the restriction and realimentation period. The meat colour and pH (measured 24 h post mortem) were not affected by treatments.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the dose dependent changes in common milk and blood parameters for udder health after an intramammary (IM) infusion of five different doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25 μg, respectively). Ten Holstein Friesian cows randomly divided into five groups of 2 cows each were IM infused into one quarter with one LPS dose dissolved in 10 ml of saline. The contralateral quarter was infused with 10 ml saline (9 g/l). Milk samples were taken immediately before and 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hours after the treatment. All milk samples were analysed for somatic cell counts (SCC), lactose, sodium (Na), chloride (Cl) and electrical conductivity (EC). Two blood samples were taken immediately after milking for analysing leukocytes (WBC), polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), Na and Cl. The SCC increased maximal at 12 hours after the LPS challenge and differed among LPS doses, as well as the area under curve from 0 to 36 hours (AUC 0-36 h). There were no significant differences among LPS doses in lactose levels for the regression at 12 hours and AUC 0-36 h. Lactose levels in milk from quarters receiving the lowest dose of LPS were lowest after 24 hours, whereas in all other groups lactose levels decreased maximal within the first 12 hours. The regression at 12 hours as well as the AUC 0-36 h showed significant changes for Cl levels but not for Na and EC, respectively. Amongst all groups EC increased maximal within 12 hours and peak EC showed dose dependent differences with highest values at the highest LPS dose. There were no dose differences in WBC. Blood electrolytes showed only tendentially dose dependent differences for blood Na in AUC 0-36 h. The results were possibly due to a great individual variance amongst all cows. In conclusion there are dose dependent differences in the response to LPS especially in milk parameters, which are likely caused by a greater tight junction damage by higher LPS doses. 100 μg LPS seems to be a threshold between low and high doses of LPS. All doses used in this study induced signs of mastitis but there might be a low dose of LPS with only an enhancing effect on mammary gland immune status without inducing mastitis symptoms. This needs to be investigated for developing new ways of mastitis prophylaxis.

The priority of this study was to investigate how selenium influences toxicity of Cd, Zn, Cu and Pb when the metals appear in the hydroponic solution in pairs. As a model subject mustard seedlings (Sinapis alba L.) were used. Except phytotoxicity of individual metals and Se-metal combinations determined through photosynthetic pigments content (chlorophyll a, b, total carotenoids) also metal accumulation in the roots and shoots was determined by the AAS method. Se in all metal combinations reduced the unfavourable effect of other metals tested for chlorophylls content, however, for carotenoids primarily the opposite effect occurred. For metal accumulation in the roots and shoots it was confirmed that Se stimulated only Cd (about 24%) and slightly Cu (about 9%) accumulation in the roots, while in the shoots there was inhibited accumulation of all metals tested. The strongest inhibition was observed in Pb accumulation (84.9%). This fact indicates that Se generates some barriers for metal transfer from the roots to the underground plant parts. In contrast, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd increased Se accumulation in the roots in the range of 4 (in combination with Cu) to 68% (in combination with Cd) and in the shoots in the range of 11 (in combination with Pb and Zn) to 44% (in combination with Cd). In the shoots only Cu inhibited Se accumulation (about 67%).

Toxic pollution of soils is a major environmental problem in the Czech Republic. Most contemporary remediation approaches do not provide acceptable solutions. For environmental clean-up, the use of specially selected and engineered plants capable of effective restoration and stabilization of contaminated sites is an emerging technology called phytoremediation. Aspen (Populus spp.) trees represent optimal plants for absorption, accumulation, storage, and degradation of environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other waste products. The first aim of this study was to verify possibilities of micropropagating selected elite European aspen (Populus tremula) and hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides) mature trees growing in polluted areas. The primary cultures were established from 24 years old trees from provenance plots. Dormant buds were sampled from selected trees in spring. After sterilization of dormant buds, the shoot tips were extirpated and put on nutrient media. MS medium with a higher concentration of BAP (1.0 mg/l) and IBA (0.1 mg/l) showed to be suitable for induction of organogenesis. MS medium with lower concentration of BAP (0.2 mg/l) and higher concentration of glutamine (100 mg/l) in agar medium was used for multiplication. A high number of adventitious shoots (20-30) was produced per multi-apex culture. The losses during rooting and acclimatization were minimal, around 2%. Currently, the plantlets grow on the outside bed of the experimental nursery. Twenty-five clones were established in the gene bank. Secondly, standardization of the efficient transformation of hybrid aspen was investigated with the aim to facilitate production of transformed hybrid aspen with valuable genes for increased capability of phytoremediation in the near future. Four gene constructs of Agrobacterium tumefaciens comprising different promoters (bearing two genes, NPTII coding resistance to kanamycin, and GUS coding glucuronidase synthesis allowing histochemical and fluorometrical identification) were used for transformations of aspen hybrid stem segments. A promoter suitable for transformations was selected on the basis of GUS activity assay. The highest activity was estimated in transformants with construct 148 controlled by promoter CAMV 35S.

Micropropagated plantlets derived from selected clones of the hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides) and the rowan-tree (Sorbus aucuparia L.) were used to determine the comparative study of uptake of the toxic, heavy metals Cd, Pb and the essential metal Mn. Samples of roots and aboveground parts (hypocotyl-derived tissues, leaves and stems) were taken from the plantlets grown for 24, 48, 96, or 168 hrs under aseptic conditions, in hydroponics with the toxic heavy metal and the essential metal salts. The concentration and distribution of the accumulated metals were determined using the ICP-OES method. The differences in the uptake capacity of hybrid aspen and rowan-tree clones for Cd, Pb and Mn were identified. Generally, the amounts of accumulated Cd and particularly Pb were much higher in the roots of both hybrid aspen and rowan-tree clones, than in their shoots, at all sample times. Conversely, the amounts of accumulated Mn were significantly lower than Cd and Pb in all plant parts of the hybrid aspen and rowan-tree samples. Patterns of Mn uptake were similar in the above-mentioned tissues of both clones, at all sample times. We concluded that the two clones of hybrid aspen and rowan-tree, lacking auxiliary soil microbiota, can accumulate large amounts of the toxic heavy metals Cd (800-1,500 mg/kg) and Pb (5,000-13,000 mg/kg) in roots and about 100 mg/kg of Cd was determined in aboveground part of hybrid aspen.

This paper deals with the design of information architecture for the revitalisation of business processes. The proposal of a control system for a formalised decision-making process of revitalisation is in accordance with this information architecture. The entire methodology proposed relates to the application of consumer's value renewal of the product. Experts' standpoints are utilised in the procedural knowledge base which includes the information about the time sequence of starting and leaving some developmental activities. The product revitalisation control subsystem originates from this procedural knowledge base. The control subsystem converts this information into a binary format to enable detection of whether a consumer's quality lies below/above the reference value and at that the procedural knowledge base also receives this reference value. The control process is based on a synthesis of sequential (logical) function, the self-control mechanism of experts' decision-making (for the product value resumption regulation) is achieved via a reset-set (RS) flip-flop.

Temperature-dependent development, longevity and parasitism of the parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday was measured at four constant temperatures between 15°C and 30°C using Aphis pomi de Geer as host. The thresholds for egg-mummy and mummy-adult development were 6.8°C and 3.9°C, respectively. Development into mummies required an average of 146.3 degree-days (DD), while development into adults took an average of 85.3 DD. Longevity was increasing linearly in the range from 15°C to 25°C (8-15 days), but was lower at 30°C (11 days). The relationship between parasitism, recorded as percent aphids mummified, and temperature was increasing at the temperatures 15-25°C, but decreasing at higher temperatures; 10.8% of the aphids were parasitised at 15°C, 15.9% at 25°C and 14.6% at 30°C. These results are compared with previously reported data on temperature-dependent development of A. ervi on a different host.

The objective of this study was to provide some data on concentrations of seminal plasma free amino acids (FAAs) in order to compare these values with different total contents of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (MAS) in the semen of 37 experimental adult boars. The boars were kept in the same housing, feeding and breeding conditions. Immediately after collection, semen gel free volume, sperm concentration and total MAS were determined microscopically. The boars were divided into two groups (A - n = 24, B - n = 13) according to the significantly different total MAS content (x: A = 9.46 ± 4.95, B = 46.00 ± 14.54%, P < 0.01). Deproteinized seminal plasma samples (supernatant) were analysed for concentrations of 13 FAAs: Tau, Asp, Thr, Ser, Glu, Gly, Ala, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Tyr and Lys by liquid chromatography (AAA 339 M analyser). A highly significant correlation was determined between total MAS and total FAA content in all experimental boars (n = 37, r = -0.60, P < 0.01). Glutamic acid was a predominant FAA in seminal plasma in both groups of boars (x: A = 28.49 vs. B = 17.60μM/100 ml) but its concentration was significantly higher in group A (P < 0.01). The proportion (%) of glutamic acid concentration in the total content of FAAs in both groups of boars was nearly equal (A = 38.1 vs. B = 38.9%, P > 0.05) as well as the proportion index of the individual FAAs calculated from glutamic acid (= 100%). The differences in the particular FAAs recorded between group A and group B were statistically significant for 11 out of the 13 FAAs observed (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in favour of group A as well as in the total calculated content of FAAs per boar (x: 74.70 vs. 45.23μM/100 ml, P < 0.01). A significantly negative relationship between the MAS content and the concentration of seminal plasma FAAs (r = -0.60, P < 0.01) is the main result of this study with regard to the markers for potential boar semen fertility estimation.

The immune response in milk cells and the status of mammary tight junctions (TJ) in response to intramammary (IM) infusion of different doses of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated. Experiment I: Seven German Braunvieh cows were IM infused into one quarter with 1 μg (LPS-1) and 3 μg (LPS-3) of LPS, respectively, and the contralateral control quarter with saline (9 g/l; C). Milk samples were taken immediately before and 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 84 and 108 h after infusion and analysed for somatic cell counts (SCC), lactose, sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions, and electrical conductivity (EC). Milk cell mRNA expression of various inflammatory factors was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Blood samples were taken immediately after milking for the analysis of leukocytes (WBC), polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), Na and Cl. Milk SCC, lactose, Na, Cl and EC did not differ significantly between LPS-1 and C quarters after the challenge. In LPS-3 quarters SCC levels increased within the first 12 h, reached peak levels between 12 and 36 h (P ≤ 0.001) and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) thereafter to reach baseline at 108 hours. Lactose in LPS-3 quarters decreased (P ≤ 0.05) to a minimum at 24 h and increased slightly thereafter while EC, Na, and Cl increased transiently in response to LPS-3. WBC and PMN levels in both groups decreased numerically within 24 h after LPS administration. In LPS-1, WBC at 24, 48 and 108 h were significantly lower whereas in LPS-3 they were significantly higher than at time 0. TNFα-mRNA expression in both groups did not change in response to IM LPS-challenge. IL-1β-mRNA expression at 12, 24 and 36 h in LPS-1 quarters increased significantly as compared to time 0. In LPS-3 quarters the mRNA expression values of all tested ILs increased significantly as compared to time 0 within 12 h after LPS-challenge. IL-1β-mRNA expression decreased (P ≤ 0.05) at 48 and 84 h in LPS quarters. IL-8 mRNA was significantly decreased at 84 h after challenge in LPS-3 quarters. COX-2-mRNA expression in LPS-1 quarters decreased significantly as compared to time 0 at 48, 84 and 108 h, with a minimum at 84 h (P ≤ 0.05). In LPS-3 quarters COX-2-mRNA levels increased (P ≤ 0.05) within 48 h after the LPS-challenge. Experiment II: Six cows (5 German Braunvieh, 1 Brown Swiss) were injected in one quarter with 100 μg LPS and in the contralateral quarter with saline (9 g/l; C). Mammary biopsy samples of both quarters were taken immediately before and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after infusion and mRNA expression of TJ proteins occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens (ZO-) 1, 2 and 3 were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. OCLN-mRNA expression did not change in response to the IM infusion while that of ZO-1, ZO-2 and ZO-3 decreased significantly within six hours. In conclusion, a dose of 1 μg LPS did not initiate a immune response in the mammary gland. Furthermore the dose of 100 μg of LPS enhanced TJ permeability by reducing TJ plaque proteins density.

In the paper we evaluate the influence of crown thinning with positive selection, different intensity (moderate PRP III and heavy PRP IV) and 5-year frequency on development of growth, production, quality and leaf area index of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) monocultures growing on the series of three permanent research plots (PRP) Sikenica (Levice Forest Enterprise, Levice Forest District) as observed in 1978-2003. The trends of development of mean stem, basal area, standing volume and aboveground dendromass (in dry matter) were mainly influenced by heavy crown thinning. The index of growth was as follows: basal area 169.01%, standing volume 262.12%, aboveground dendromass (in dry matter) 324.48%. At the age of 64 years the black walnut monocultures tended by heavy crown thinning had the following parameters: basal area 31.03 m²/ha, standing volume 463.88 m³/ha and aboveground dendromass 194.98 t/ha. Mean periodic increment reached the values: basal area 0.51 m²/ha/year, standing volume 11.48 m³/ha/year and dendromass 5.39 t/ha/year. The index of increment percent growth was: basal area + 31.75%, growing stock + 30.85% and dendromass + 0.79%, compared to the control. The total production was also significantly influenced by heavy thinning. At the stand age of 64 years the tended stands had the total basal area of 4.92 m²/ha, total volume production of 572.77 m³/ha and total weight production of 246.04 t/ha. The total mean increment of basal area is 0.67 m²/ha/year, of volume 8.95 m³/ha/year and of weight 3.84 t/ha/year, which is by 24.07%, 23.96% and 16.01% more than on the control plot. The leaf area index at the age of 64 years ranges from 6.54 ha/ha (PRP III) to 7.82 ha/ha (PRP V). Dendrochronological analyses revealed minimum widths of annual rings in the years 1952, 1961, 1968, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1993, 2000, maximum ones in 1951, 1957, 1959, 1967, 1974, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1989, 1999.

The paper is focused on the economic and mathematical analysis of the Engel demand model in the exponential form: q = a₀ × e^a1/X.Properties of this exponential model are studied with respect to its application possibilities in the field of evaluation of the income elasticity of the Czech households' demand for meat and meat products. According to the used database of the consumer behaviour of the average Czech household from 1995 to 2000 (CZSO-HES), the analysed exponential model of the Engel curve attained the following parameters:, Q_t = A_t × e^{-17336.8908/Xt}, where A_t = 44,6019 × e^{1,1119×10-4 × t2} and t = 1, 2, …, 24. For the analysis of the income-demand elasticity of the developed exponential form, the model offers the static hyperbolic function: η (X_t) = 17 336.8908/X_t. The derived hyperbolic function of the income-demand elasticity falls digressively and the simulated values tend to the zero level. In analysed time period (1995-2000), the income-demand reactions were simulated in the elastic form with the values from 1.3866 to 1.1340. The average level of the analysed income- demand elasticity between the observed years reached the value of 1.2121, thus the 1% rise in the real level of the quarter households' incomes per capita led to the average increase in the average Czech household's demand for meat and meat products, including fish and fish products, of about 1.21%.

The effect of the short-time exposure (12, 24 and 48 h) of increasing concentration (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/l) of intact (FLT) and photo-modified (phFLT) fluoranthene on the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F₀, F_V/F_M and Φ_II) in pea plants (Pisum sativum L. cv. Lantra) was investigated. Plants took up both forms of fluoranthene by two different ways, via roots or via leaves. The obtained results demonstrated a significant increase in F₀ and decrease in F_V/F_M and Φ_II in plants treated by 1 and 10 mg/l FLT and phFLT. An earlier response to presence of FLT and phFLT in the environment was demonstrated by application on cut leaves. The primary processes of photosynthesis were not significantly influenced by short-time phFLT treatment.

An extent of the damage of Austrian pine trees was evaluated in urban greenery in selected sites in Slovak Republic during the years 2004-2005. Fungi Sphaeropsis sapinea (Fr.: Fr.) Dyko & B. Sutton (syn. Diplodia pinea (Desm.) J. Kickx fil) and Pestalotia sp. were diagnosed on all observed trees. Symptoms of the disease were recorded. S. sapinea was isolated successfully from needles and from cone scales. The growth rate of hyphae of mycelium and the mean daily growth were evaluated on three types of cultivated media at different temperatures. The highest mean daily growth of mycelium was recorded on maltose agar at 25°C after 24 hours of cultivation (31.7 mm). Conidia of S. sapinea and Pestalotia sp. on water agar began to germinate after 3 and 2 hours, respectively. After 6 hours the mean germination rate of conidia of S. sapinea was 81.75% (from cone) and 89.3% (from needles); for Pestalotia it was 88.5%.

Effects of the year, previous crop and control of leaf diseases on grain yield, test weight, protein and starch content, Fusarium head blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol (DON) content in grain were investigated in four spring barley varieties. The trials were set up in 2001-2004 at Kroměříž (235 m above sea level, average annual temperature 8.7°C, annual precipitation sum 599 mm) in a five-course crop rotation, where spring barley followed the previous crops sugar beet, winter wheat, maize, and oilseed rape. The experimental years differed a lot in temperature and precipitation. The years 2001 and 2002 were dry and warm and grain yield was much lower as compared to that in the following years even though the other growing conditions were identical. The most stable quality parameters were obtained after the previous crop sugar beet. The average value of test weight was 661 g/l(ranging from 629 to 685 g/l), protein content 11.2% (10.3-11.7%) and starch content 61.5% (58.9-64.9%). Grain yield averaged 6.67 t/ha. Test weight after maize was on average 658 g/l(619-692 g/l), protein content 11.5% (10.1-12.4%), starch content 60.7% (59.2-63.8%), and grain yield 6.24 t/ha. Test weight and starch content were lower and protein content higher after oilseed rape and winter wheat. A higher FHB incidence and DON content were found after the previous crop maize. In 2001 and 2002 with strong water deficit during the growing seasons, more grains infected by Fusarium spp. were detected and DON content was higher too. The increase was due to a short rainy period at heading of spring barley. Problems of variable conditions for growing malting varieties of spring barley and current possibilities of producing both good grain yields and quality are discussed.

Blood haematology and plasma chemistry profiles were examined in a group of ten 17 months-old green iguanas two minutes before propofol administration (10 mg/kg of body weight) and two minutes after recovery from anaesthesia. The induction time was very short (35.50 ± 22.54 s), the recovery time was 21.50 ± 7.44 minutes. At five and fifteen minutes of anaesthesia there was a considerable drop in the heart rate. The most marked drop, however, was noted during the tenth minute. Following the administration of propofol green iguanas showed marked changes in the respiratory frequency that were not accompanied by any changes in the levels of SpO₂. RBC (1.06 ± 0.08 vs. 1.21 ± 0.06 10¹²/l) were decreased with a high significance (P < 0.01) two minutes after recovery from the propofol anaesthesia. At the same time there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of haemoglobin concentration (76.70 ± 13.39 vs. 83.73 ± 9.24 g/l) and PCV (0.34 ± 0.04 vs. 0.36 ± 0.04 l/l) as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increase of WBC (7.95 ± 3.38 vs. 5.20 ± 2.52 10⁹/l), heterophils (3.14 ± 1.48 vs. 1.43 ± 0.43 10⁹/l) and basophils (0.60 ± 0.53 vs. 0.23 ± 0.17 10⁹/l). The following parameters increased two minutes after anaesthesia with a high significance (P < 0.01): plasma concentration of total protein (55.12 ± 5.94 vs. 49.02 ± 3.54 g/l), uric acid (231.07 ± 77.69 vs. 157.58 ± 60.58 µmol/l), AST (1.23 ± 0.52 vs. 0.67 ± 0.34 µkat/l), TAG (3.37 ± 1.11 vs. 1.48 ± 0.78 mmol/l), phosphorus (2.29 ± 0.38 vs. 1.85 ± 0.35 mmol/l). The increase in plasma calcium levels (3.51 ± 0.11 vs. 3.21 ± 0.23 mmol/l) was significant at the level of P < 0.05. All the measured values were within the reference range of healthy green iguanas.

Routine access to the bovine oviduct for in vivo culture accomplishes various demands on embryo production for scientific as well as commercial purposes. The experiments conducted in the present study focused on the efficiency of recovery methods after temporary in vivo culture of bovine embryos in oviducts of the homologous species using transvaginal endoscopy (Experiment I) and on the quality assessment of recovered blastocysts (Experiment II). In Experiment I in vitro matured oocytes were fertilized, cultured for 1 to 3 days and transferred unilaterally into the ipsilateral oviducts of 54 heifers by the means of transvaginal endoscopy. After 4 to 6 days of in vivo culture embryos were re-collected either by non-surgical flushing of uterine horns (U-group) or by combined flushing of the oviducts and uterine horns (OU-group). In total the recovery rate was 38.4% (780/2029). After flushing at day seven, 106 blastocysts (blastocyst rate: 13.6% ) were found. The additional 24 h of in vitro culture (day eight) resulted in 153 blastocysts (blastocyst rate: 19.6% ). The recovery rate in the OU-group was twice as efficient as in the U-group (390/1358 vs. 390/671, P < 0.01). The recovery rates among the different stages of transferred embryos did not differ significantly; likewise cross-effects among the stages and the recovery methods were non-significant. The recovery methods (P < 0.001) and the interaction between the recovery methods and the stages of transferred embryos (P < 0.01) had an influence on blastocyst yields on day seven (U-group 37/1358 vs. OU-group 69/671) and day eight (U-group 48/1358 vs. OU-group 105/671). In Experiment II embryo quality was assessed by the survival rate of blastocysts after freezing in ethylene glycol. Day seven embryos were produced in vitro (in vitro group D7) or by IVM/IVF followed by a combined culture procedure (2 to 3 days in vitro prior to 4 to 5 days in vivo) (in vivo group D7) or after superovulation and collection at day seven (superovulation group). Embryos from in vitro group D7 re-expanded only for 6 h after thawing, embryos from in vivo group D7 and superovulation group were alive for 24 h and 72 h of culture, respectively. Only embryos derived by superovulation showed hatching activity. Blastocysts from the in vitro group D7 and the in vivo group D7 that were held in culture medium for additional 24 h (day eight) showed an analogous post-thawing culture behaviour. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that some embryos transferred for in vivo culture remain in the oviduct even at day seven. Hence, combined flushing of oviducts and uterine horns after in vivo culture in the bovine oviduct is necessary for effective embryo re-collection. The quality of recovered embryos after temporary in vivo culture assessed by cryotolerance was in-between those produced in vitro or recovered after superovulation.

The aim of our work was to estimate the usefulness of rabbit polyclonal anti-QQQPP peptide antibodies to determination of gluten proteins and the usage of these antibodies to estimate the changes of allergenicity of wheat flour after enzymatic modification. For enzymatic modification of wheat flour trypsin, subtilisin and transglutaminase were used. By the use of rabbit antibodies against QQQPP peptide we have stated that the products of subtilisin and transglutaminase degradation exert strongly decreased immunoreactivity.

The reactions of five commercial varieties of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, to A. gossypii were evaluated under semiarid field conditions. Each experimental plant of varieties Clemson spineless, Clemson spineless 80, Lee, Perkins dwarf, and Local was infested 60 days after emergence by three late-nymphal instars of the aphid. The results showed that aphid populations increased constantly on the varieties, except for days 42 and 49 after infestation, attaining a peak at about the end of the growing season. Differences in aphid densities were recorded between varieties. The aphids were most numerous on var. Local, while lowest in number on var. Lee. Infestation by aphids on okra varieties reduced yield by 57% on var. Perkins dwarf, 56% on var. Lee, 24% on var. Clemson spineless, 21% on var. Clemson spineless 80, and 5% on var. Local. Reduction in the number of pods produced per plant followed the same pattern as observed for total yield. Aphids had not altered significantly the vegetative plant growth at day 37 following infestation. At day 66, a substantial decrease in shoot fresh and dry weights and also leaf area was evident on var. Perkins dwarf while on var. Clemson spineless only the leaf area was significantly reduced. Moreover, aphid-free controls varied widely in their growth and productivity at the end of growing season. Varieties Clemson spineless and Clemson spineless 80 produced the highest total yield and pod numbers, var. Local the lowest. The varieties Perkins dwarf and Clemson spineless produced significantly higher shoot fresh and dry weight, as well as leaf area, than vars. Lee and Local.

The growth and yield response of spring wheat to inoculation with foreign and local rhizobacteria of Erzurum (Turkey) origin was studied. At the first stage of the research, a greenhouse experiment was carried out with wheat cv. Kirik using 75 local bacterial strains isolated from the soil with 6 foreign bacteria, and a control. According to results of the greenhouse experiment 9 local strains were identified. At the second stage, the response of wheat cv. Kirik to 20 treatments (9 local strains, 6 foreign bacteria, 4 levels of N, and a control) was investigated in Erzurum field conditions. Seventeen strains had significant positive effects on tiller number per plant, 47 strains on plant height, one strain on dry matter yield, and 28 strains on plant protein content in the greenhouse experiment. Inoculation with certain rhizobacteria clearly benefited growth and increased the grain and N-yield of field grown wheat. The effects of local strains were observed to be in general superior to those of foreign strains. Inoculation with the local Strain No. 19, 73, and 82 increased total biomass by 18.7, 18.1, and 19.9%; grain yield by 18.6, 17.7, and 18.0%; total N-yield by 27.5, 24.3 and 26.0%, respectively, as compared to control. In conclusion, Strain No. 19, 73, and 82 can be a suitable biofertilizer for spring wheat cultivation in areas with similar conditions as in Erzurum. Inoculation with these strains may lead both to increases in wheat yield and savings of nitrogen fertilizer.

A simple and rapid multiresidue method for the determination of nine banned synthetic dyes in various spices has been developed. Reversed phase HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry (tandem in time-ion trap mass analyser) was employed for the examination of crude acetonitrile extract acidified with acetic acid. The detection limits of Para Red, Sudan Orange G, Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III, Sudan IV, Sudan Red 7B and Rhodamine B were in the range of 0.02-0.1 mg/kg, the recoveries ranged from 75.7-92.3% with repeatability of 0.9-11.3%. Rather worse performance characteristics were obtained with Tropaeolin 000, obviously due to its more polar nature as compared to other dyes involved in this study. In spite of that, the developed method can be used for a reliable control of a wide range of dyes used for illegal colouring of various spices.

Khaya senegalensis seed oil was evaluated for its efficacy in the control of Callosobruchus maculatus on stored cowpea. The oil was extracted locally from the dry K. senegalensis seeds. This was compared with Pirimiphos methyl E.C. as a standard. There was almost complete adult mortality of C. maculatus at 24 h after treatment with seed oil at 1, 2 and 3 ml/100 g of cowpea. The seed oil significantly reduced the F₁ and F₂ progeny emergence. The reduction in oviposition was not significant when compared with the control. The damage caused by C. maculatus was significantly reduced by K. senegalensis seed oil. For all the parameters examined, K. senegalensis seed oil showed no significant difference with Pirimiphos methyl E.C. in the control of C. maculatus, suggesting that K. senegalensis seed oil has high potential for use as botanical resource for control of C. maculates.

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