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This material describes parameterization of allometric functions applicable to biomass estimation of European beech trees. It is based on field data from destructive measurements of 20 full-grown trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) from 5.7 to 62.1 cm. The parameterization was performed for total tree aboveground biomass (AB; besides stump), stem and branch biomass, respectively. The allometric functions contained two or three parameters and used dbh either as a single independent variable or in combination with tree height (H). These functions explained 97 to 99% of the variability in the measured AB. The most successful equation was that using both dbh and H as independent variables in combination with three fitted parameters. H, as the second independent variable, had rather a small effect on improving the estimation: in the case of AB, H as independent variable improved prediction accuracy by 1-2% whereas in the case of branch biomass by about 5%. The parameterized biomass equations are applicable to tree specimens of European beech grown in typically managed forests.

Expansion and invasion of plants indicate successful colonization and competitive abilities of species. There are fewer invasive and expansive woody plants than herbs. Main expansive (native species) trees and shrubs are Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Clematis vitalba, Crataegus sp. div., Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Rubus sp. div., Sambucus nigra. Main invasive (alien species) are Acer negundo, Ailanthus altissima, Amorpha fruticosa, Cytisus scoparius, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Lycium barbarum, Mahonia aquifolium, Physocarpus opulifolius, Pinus strobus, Populus × canadensis, Prunus serotina, Quercus rubra, Rhus typhina, Robinia pseudoacacia, Symphoricarpos albus, Syringa vulgaris. Dominant characteristics of expansive and invasive species are dispersibility of seeds and capacity of vegetative propagation.

The evaluation of conditions for farming of agricultural enterprises in sub-mountain and mountain areas of South Bohemia results from the analyses of material and physical indicators and characteristics. The analyses of farmland fund and its exploitation, plant and animal structure and physical results converted into money enable to identify and assess the state and development of relations which affect the economic results of these agricultural enterprises.

The effects of three doses of vitamin C (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) added to the feed of reproductive pheasants on egg production, egg fertility and parameters of hatchability were investigated. In experiments I (1999) and II (2000) birds were kept in outdoor aviaries. In 2000, air temperatures recorded on the farm during the experiment were high (25-30^oC), differing considerably from those recorded in the preceding years. In experiment I no statistically significant differences were shown between the control pheasants and those supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg vitamin C in terms of egg production, egg fertility and parameters of hatchability. The poorest results were found in the group of birds receiving a feed supplemented with 300 mg/kg vitamin C. In experiment II, statistically higher egg production and egg fertility were noted, compared to the control group, in the groups supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg vitamin C. Compared to the control group, pheasants from these groups were also characterized by higher hatchability from set eggs (by approx. 15 percentage units) and fertilized eggs (by approx. 9 percentage units) and smaller number of unhatched chicks and dead embryos after day 10 of incubation. In experiment II, the beneficial effect of 100 and 200 mg supplements of vitamin C on the studied parameters could result from the soothing action of the vitamin on the effects of heat stress. The present results justify the prophylactic use of vitamin C supplement at 100 mg/kg feed in the nutrition of reproductive pheasants reared in aviaries. Under heat stress (high air temperatures) increasing the dose of this vitamin to 200 mg/kg feed seems beneficial.

Ten clonal dwarf or semi-dwarf sweet cherry rootstocks were evaluated for 5 growing seasons in a orchard that was established in the spring 1999 at Holovousy within international cherry rootstock trials that are co-ordinated in Europe by the Danish Institute of Plant and Soil Science at Aarslev, Denmark. Lapins cv. was used as a scion tester for all these rootstocks; five of them were also tested by Regina cv. Among the new rootstocks, G 195/5 was evaluated as the most promising for Lapins cv. It produced trees even smaller than P-HL-A or Tabel (Edabriz), with higher yield efficiency and good fruit size. In agreement with the results of earlier experiments, both P-HL-A and Tabel (Edabriz) proved to be quite reliable rootstocks for modern sweet cherry orchards established there. Among the semi-dwarf rootstocks, G 154/7 also seemed to be interesting because of high yields and fruit size. Weiroot 158 was found as relatively the most promising rootstock for Regina cv. On the other hand, the most disappointing results were obtained with the rootstock Weiroot 53 because of its inferior graft compatibility and its negative influence on fruit size. Some of the tested rootstocks significantly changed the time of flowering and the time of fruit ripening. Several relationships between the observed characteristics were found within this study and they are more thoroughly discussed.

This contribution is oriented on the field of dynamic loading analysis of three-point hitch of tractor hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is placed in circuit of three-point hitch of the tractor ZTS 160 45. Obtained data from operation experiments will be applied for simulation of dynamic loading of the tested hydraulic pump. The measurements were realized during position control with ploughing sets: tractor ZTS 160 45 + plough 5-PN-30 and tractor ZTS 160 45 + plough 7-PHX-35. During the test physical and mechanical properties of soil and operating parameters of ploughing sets were investigated. Pressures of hydraulic system were in range from 3.2 to 7 MPa at aggregation with plough 5-PN-30 and hydraulic pump was loaded. Pressures of hydraulic system during ploughing with ploughing set tractor ZTS 160 45 + plough 7-PHX-35 were in range from 1.8 to 14 MPa and two times hydraulic pump was unloading in time 2 seconds.

Study of the intrarenal arterial pattern of kidney by a corrosion cast method was carried out on 10 kidneys of wolves. The left renal artery was longer than the right one. The renal arteries divided into two dorsal and one ventral branches. The dorsal branches were longer and thinner than the ventral one. Both dorsal and ventral branches gave off the interlobar, arcuate and interlobular arteries, respectively. The right dorsal branch gave off 5-7 segmental arteries, the right ventral branch 4-5 segmental arteries, the left dorsal branch 6-9 segmental arteries and the left ventral branch 7-8 segmental arteries. No anastomoses were observed between the renal arteries and their branches.

The subject of our research was to verify effects of the mechanical preparation of soil in the natural regeneration of pedunculate oak in a floodplain forest. On the site of a hard-wooded floodplain forest at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje rivers (Czech Republic), several sample plots were established differing in the preparation of soil during regeneration, in weeding the plots and in the period of the implementation of soil surface scarification before and after the fall (or distribution) of acorns. On the basis of results obtained, mechanical preparation of soil on non-weed-infested plots in the heavy seed year is not necessary, however, it supports seedling emergence from acorns and eliminates weed tree emergence and weed. However, it is better to realize it only after the fall of acorns and to incorporate them into soil and thus their emergence will be increased. Soil scarification can be carried out also in the course of harvesting the parent stand through the extraction of wood and slash from the regenerating area. In weed-infested stands, however, the thorough preparation of soil before the fall of acorns appears to be a necessity.

In the past ten years, meat and meat products consumption has changed dramatically. It has been caused by price and non-price factors. This article gives a brief recapitulation of the development of the consumption of meat and meat products and identifies the key factors which, in the past ten years, have had a major impact on this development. This article presents results of the secondary data analysis and the results of an inquiry into meat and meat products consumer behaviour carried out in the late 2004.

A total of 60 random samples of fresh chicken burger, fillet, and luncheon (20 of each) were collected from markets at Tanta city. The average total yeast counts (cfu/g) in burger, fillet, and luncheon samples were 2.7 × 10⁶ ± 1.1 × 10⁶, 2.1 × 10⁵ ± 0.9 × 10⁵, and 1.4 × 10⁷ ± 0.7 × 10⁷, respectively. A total of 158 yeast isolates of 23 species were isolated and identified. Candida, Cryptococcus, Debaromyces, Issatchenkia, Pichia, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, Trichosporon and Yarrowia species were recovered from the examined samples of fresh chicken meat products in varying percentages ranging from 5% to 50%. The tested plant extracts of cinnamon, clove and thyme revealed a potent anti-yeast activity against C. albicans, D. hansenii and S. cerevisiae at 20% concentration, and a moderate inhibitory activity against these yeast strains at 10% concentration, while garlic extract had a lesser inhibitory effect on the yeast strains tested at the same concentration. Moreover, thyme, cinnamon and clove extracts had a complete inhibitory effect on chicken fillet inoculated with Candida albicans when incubated at 5°C and 25°C.

The evaluation of effects of some non-genetic factors (sex, litter size, age of dams and year of study) on the growth of 85 kids of the Brown Short-haired breed was carried out in a period of two successive years. The analysis of the growth of all kids revealed that in the time interval from birth to Day 90 of age daily gain and final body weight were 181.3 g and 19.52 kg, respectively. As far as the effect of sex was concerned, the intensity of growth was significantly higher in males than in females (P ≤ 0.01) in all periods under study. From birth to Day 90, the respective daily gains of males and females were 200.6 g and 162.0 g. As far as the litter size was concerned, it was found out that daily gains of singles and triplets were higher than those of twins and that the differences between single kids and twins were significant (P ≤ 0.01) in all periods under study. Specifically, daily gains of single kids, twins and triplets in the time interval from birth to Day 90 were 201.4 g; 167.1 g and 175.6 g, respectively. The analysis of the effect of age of dams on daily gains revealed significant effects of this factor on daily gains in the time intervals of Day 30 - Day 60; Day 60 - Day 90; Day 30 - Day 90 and from birth to Day 90 (P ≤ 0.05). With the exception of the period from birth to Day 30, the highest daily gains were recorded in kids of four-years-old dams in all other periods under study. In both years of study, all kids were reared under nearly identical conditions but the effect of year of study on the growth was significant.

Hair roots are a very attractive source of DNA for microsatellite-based parentage control of breeding animals. However, unlike blood samples, irregular DNA typing results have been observed in assays utilizing hair follicles. The amount of starting material and DNA preparation method are the crucial factors. In order to improve DNA typing results for horse hair roots, two quick preparation methods and additional purification steps were evaluated. PCR efficiency for each approach was expressed as percentage of samples with complete DNA profiles for 12 horse microsatellites. The lowest percentage (22%) of complete DNA profiles was obtained for samples prepared by the proteinase K digestion method. The best genotyping results (94%) were achieved after phenol-chloroform extraction of DNA from samples prepared by the proteinase K digestion method. Direct cleanup of DNA samples with an ethanol-sodium acetate mixture gave comparably good results of microsatellite genotyping (91%). DNA preparation from hair roots with proteinase K digestion followed by DNA purification with ethanol was chosen as the most efficient approach for horse DNA typing under parentage testing.

The yield, cluster drop and nut traits of the hazelnut cultivars Tombul, Palaz and Çakildak in Turkey were examined during 2001-2002. The cluster drop ranged from 7.5 to 17.0%. The highest yield per shrub with 2,930 g in 2001 and 3,190 g in 2002 was found in cultivar Tombul. This cultivar was also better in terms of the studied fruit traits compared with the other cultivars. In this cultivar (in 2001 and 2002), nut numbers per cluster were 3.87 and 3.46, nut weights were 1.53 and 1.70 g, kernel weights 0.93 and 0.99 g, and kernel proportions were 50.9 and 53.8%.

The aim of this work was to find out how repeated low doses of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T-2 toxin would influence the Chinese hamster and if the amplifying of these effects would occur with the application of both toxins together. The animals were treated with 10 ml/kg of 7% dimethylsulfoxid (DMSO) in the control group (C), 1.0 mg/kg of AFB1 in group A, 1.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin in group T2, and 1.0 mg/kg of AFB1 + 1.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin in group T2/A. All mycotoxins were dissolved in 10 ml/kg of 7% DMSO. These doses were administered intragastrically twice a week for a period of three weeks. General health condition, histological picture of some internal organs, some biochemical blood serum indicators of liver and kidney functions, and leucogram were monitored. No differences in prosperity or weight gains appeared during the course of the experiment. The histological examination did not show any changes in the investigated organs in any experimental group. On the contrary, differences were found in the biochemical blood serum profile. ALT and AST activities decreased significantly in T2/A group animals compared with the other medicated groups (T2 - 24.46 µkat/l; 45.18 µkat/l; A - 18.17; 41.84; T2/A - 4.74; 14.21). A similar decrease appeared in GMT activity as well, but it was significant only in comparison with the T2 group (T2 - 0.6 µkat/l; T2/A - 0.25). ALP activity was increased in the experimental groups compared with the control, significantly in the T2 group (C - 5.0 µkat/l; T2 - 6.92). LDH activity was lower in the T2 and T2/A groups, significantly when the T2/A group was compared with the A group (A - 94.05 µkat/l; T2/A - 37.48). The cholesterol level was significantly increased in group A compared with the C and T2 groups. A smaller increase in the T2/A group was significant when compared with the T2 group as well (C - 3.05 mmol/l; T2 - 2.85; A - 3.59; T2/A - 3.27). Total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations decreased in group order A - C - T2 - T2/A, when differences among the A, T2 and T2/A groups were significant (T2 - 1.0 mmol/l; 0.36 mmol/l; A - 2.36; 0.85; T2/A - 0.69; 0.21). A glycemia decrease in medicated groups was significant in the T2/A group, while it approached a significant level in the T2 group (C - 10.46 mmol/l; T2 - 9.01; T2/A - 8.91). The main liver condition indicators seemed to be influenced by the T-2 toxin and AFB1 combination more than by individually applied toxins. We assume the amplification of the mycotoxin effects on proteosynthesis. The ALT activity especially was probably influenced more than in the additive manner. All the medicated groups showed a significant increase in the monocyte percent count (T2 - 9.8%; A - 9.62; T2/A - 8.85; C - 6.65). The differences observed in other leucocyte types were not significant. There were no differences in the effects of individual mycotoxins and their combination on the leucogram level.

Exposure of pig fatteners and dairy cows to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated by analyses of selected indoor and outdoor samples. PAH concentrations (16 U.S. EPA priority PAHs) and data on common exposure routes were used for exposure calculations. The samples under study included water (n = 24), feed (n = 48), indoor air (n = 15), barn dust (n = 17), outdoor air (n = 6) road dust (n = 17), and soil (n = 15) collected in the summer 1999 and in the spring 2000 on 3 pig and 2 dairy cattle farms. The following mean concentrations of 16 PAHs were found: 100 ng/l in water for pigs, 38 ng/l in water for cows, 82 µg/kg in feed mixtures for pigs, 128 µg/kg in feed concentrates for cows, 278 µg/kg in forages for dairy cows, 25 ng/m³ in indoor air of pig houses, 59 ng/m³ in indoor air of cow houses, 676 µg/kg in dust collected in pig houses, 4 475 µg/kg in dust collected in cow houses, 16 ng/m³ in outdoor air of pig houses, 29 ng/m³ in outdoor air of cow houses, 4 711 µg/kg in road dust collected on pig farms, 15 175 µg/kg in road dust collected on cattle farms, 826 µg/kg in soil collected around pig houses, and 1 356 µg/kg in soil collected around cow houses. The total intake of 16 PAHs in the diet of cows and pigs was 14 156 µg and 164 µg PAHs per day, respectively. The exposure of cows to PAHs was 86 times higher than that of pigs. Feed was the major source of PAHs for both species (approximately 99%). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentration was used as a biomarker of exposure to PAHs. The mean total amount of 1-hydroxypyrene excreted per day in porcine (2 l) and bovine (13 l) urine was 14.5 µg and 1 595 µg, respectively, which was 3.2% and 11.9% of pyrene intake.

Microcrystalline chitosan at concentrations from 0.025% to 0.2% was evaluated in the control of Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae and Peronospora sparsa. Shrubs were sprayed with chitosan 4 times at weekly intervals. Depending on the concentration used, chitosan reduced development of powdery mildew from 43.5% to 77% and its effectiveness was similar to triforine at concentration 0.03% (standard). Observations of rose leaves under light microscopic, which had been done 24 h after spraying showed, that chitosan caused strong hyphae deformation which almost completely collapse. Cell walls of the pathogen were sunken, corrugated and longitudinally cracked. When applied against P. sparsa effectiveness of the compound at concentration 0.0625% was similar like oxadixil at dose 0.016% (standard) and ranged from 55% to 74%. Efficacy of chitosan decreased with increasing of its concentration.

Blood sera samples from 99 clinically healthy goats, 230 sheep and 171 rams were investigated by CF test and indirect ELISA. In case of goats, 3.03% seroprevalence was detected, in sheep it was 3.04%, whereas, in case of rams seroprevalence was 0% by using complement fixation test. Using iELISA in the same groups the seroprevalences observed were, 24.24% in goats, 11.30% in sheep and 5.30% in rams. Indirect ELISA was found to be comparatively more sensitive than CF test in all three groups of animals for detection of IgG antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus. The iELISA used in this study can be used for screening at herd level like CF test, as there is moderate agreement (Kappa - 0.426) between these two tests.

The expression of a PGIP gene (polygalacturonase inhibitor protein) was monitored with semi-quantitative (SQ)-RT-PCR in green, white and red berries of the strawberry cultivar Korona upon infection with Botrytis cinerea and wounding. In addition, the PGIP expression in infected white berries was quantified in four additional cultivars. The constitutive expression of PGIP increased from green to red berries in Korona suggesting developmental regulation of the gene. Wounding and fungal infection caused a moderate or a high induction in the PGIP level, respectively. The maximum peak was observed 24 h after the treatments. In the comparative experiment with five cultivars, infection of white berries caused an induction in the PGIP level 24 h after inoculation in four out of five cultivars.

Effectiveness of in vitro production of embryos (IVP) is limited among other factors by the recovery rate of oocytes. Gonadotropin superstimulation can improve the recovery rate of oocytes. The effect of FSH treatment on follicular population and recovery rate of oocytes at ovum pick-up (OPU) in the growing phase of the 1st as well as the 2nd follicular wave after superstimulation was the object of our experiment. Twelve unpregnant milking cows (15-20 kg milk per day) housed on a dairy farm were used in the experiment. The cows bearing corpus luteum were synchronized by PGF₂ (day 0) and they were treated by FSH (Folicotropin inj. sicc. ad us vet., Spofa Prague, Czech Republic, single doses 80, 80, 80, 80, 40 and 40 UI) in 12 h intervals on days 12, 13 and 14. Transvaginal ultrasonographic puncture of oocytes in cows bearing a new corpus luteum was performed on day 7 (OPU 1, various phase of the follicular wave, removal of the dominant follicle) and it was repeated on days 10 (OPU 2, growing phase of the follicular wave - control), 16 (OPU 3, growing phase of the first follicular wave after superstimulation) and 20 (OPU 4, growing phase of the second follicular wave after superstimulation). All follicles > 2 mm were punctured. The ovarian follicles (ultrasonographically) and numbers and qualities of obtained oocytes (microscopically) were evaluated during and immediately after OPU. Follicular population was divided to small (FS, 2-5 mm), medium (FM, 5-9 mm) and large (FL, > 9 mm) follicles. Oocytes were classified as 1st (intact cumulus, > 3 layers of cumulus cells), 2nd (complete 1-3 layers of cumulus cells), 3rd (incomplete layers of cumulus cells, expanded cumulus mass) and 4th (absence of corona cells, degenerated oocytes) classes. Although we found the least of FS (x = 1.0) during OPU 3, significantly more FM (x = 24.7) and FL (x = 3.1) follicles were found at this procedure in comparison with others. Likewise a significantly higher number of oocytes (x = 8.1) was obtained at OPU 3 in comparison with OPU 1 and OPU 2. Significantly higher number of FM (x = 6.1) was found and non-significantly higher number of oocytes was obtained at OPU 4 in comparison with OPU 1 and 2. The results show that administration of FSH increases the number of follicles and the number of collected oocytes in the growing phase of the 1st follicular wave after superstimulation, nevertheless a higher number of follicles and a higher recovery rate of oocytes can be expected in the growing phase of the 2nd follicular wave after superstimulation as well.

We have examined 35 samples of fine cottage cheese, 14 samples of whole winter "bryndza", 29 samples of Ondava cheese, 18 samples of skim kephir milk, 18 samples of whole acidophilous milk, 5 samples of yoghurt milk with strawberry flavour and 50 samples of fresh butter (Rajo) for the presence of staphylococci focusing onStaphylococcus aureus. All samples intended for microbiological analysis were taken directly from market establishments. None of the examined samples of yoghurt milk complied with the Codex Alimentarius because they contained Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the level of 100, 65, 5, 75, and 60 CFU/ml. The other analysed food products satisfied the current standards with regard to the presence of staphylococci.

The antibody responses to toxoids were measured to investigate whether Clostridium perfringens beta and epsilon toxoids induced protective humoral immune responses in buffalos. Total of 24 buffalos were divided into 4 groups (n = 6), beta toxoid, epsilon toxoid, combination and control groups. These buffalo groups were administered each of the designated toxoids. Immunizations in the beta and epsilon toxoid groups induced strong antibody responses. The neutralizing antibody titres from the beta and epsilon toxoid groups were equally log101.2 on day 21 after inoculation whereas there was no antibody titre detected from the control group. A statistically significant (P < 0.01) increase in antibody titre was observed from day 0 to day 14 and 21 after inoculation. The antibody production did not vary significantly due to day of inoculation and toxoid interactions.

Gnotobiotic piglets were orally infected either with the virulent LT2 strain or the non-pathogenic SF1591 rough mutant of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium. They were sacrificed 6 or 24 h after the infection. All piglets infected for 24 h developed systemic infection with an increase of plasma lipopolysaccharide. Infection with the virulent strain caused a significant decrease (P < 0.001) of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity in the enterocyte brush border of both the jejunum and ileum, infection with the rough mutant caused a decrease of GGT activity in the ileum only. The activities of other brush border enzymes (lactase, sucrase, glucoamylase, alkaline phosphatase and dipeptidylpeptidase IV) did not change significantly after infection.

Long-term fertilization of meadow stands affects the species composition, yields, and general pratotechnics. Observations were realised on a plane meadow of a mesophyte character in 1976-2000 years. Four variants were observed in the experiments (N0, N0P40K100, N100P40K100, N200P40K100) in four replications. Species composition of grass stands was variable in the followed period in the leaf area from 66 to 95% of the dominance (Table 1). Total abundance of species with PK-fertilization was almost identical in individual pentads (24-28 species) as it is evident in Table 2. Table 3 proves the highest dominance was found at Dactylis glomerata L. in the first five years. Rhizomatous grasses had the highest leaf area with 38-55% of the dominance on variants with the higher N doses (200 kg N/ha) + PK (Table 4). Table 5 demonstrates that the variant without fertilization showed nearly stable abundance of species with the higher than 1% (11-13). Reduction of species number especially with the dominance higher than 1% (5-11) followed at the highest N-fertilization in comparison with the check variant. The mean yield of dry matter was 2.75 t/ha, the stand fertilized by 40 kg P + 100 kg K/ha gave 30.6% increased of yield (Table 7). The highest yields were recording in the second year of the N-fertilization (8.28 and 10.12 t/ha).

The influence of hydration treatments on seed parameters of lettuce seed lots with different initial quality was investigated. Nine seed lots were treated by prehydration (for 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours) and by osmopriming in polyethylene glycol 6,000 solution (for 24, 72 and 144 hours) with osmotic potential -1.5 MPa. The result of hydration treatment depends on seed lot attributes. The germination percentage is not a sufficient criterion for determination of seed suitability for hydration treatment. A possible complementary parameter can be the mean time of germination (MTG) with high correlation between untreated and treated seed lots. The effect of hydration also depends on the hydration method and time of treatment. The osmopriming is a more suitable method for lettuce seed than prehydration. Generally, a shorter time of hydration (till 6 hours at prehydration and till 72 hours at priming) proved more effective on the parameters of lettuce seed lots after treatment.

Coagulated gel was characterised using an oscillation rheometer Rheostress RS 150. The influence was monitored of the additions of rennet and CaCl2, of temperature, and of high-pressure treatment on the properties of coagulated gel. Parameters of coagulation were assessed, i.e. elastic modulus G', the time of the start of coagulation t0, and the time constant of congealation τ. In monitoring the influence of increasing additions of rennet and CaCl2, and of temperature increase, it was found that the time of the start of coagulation t0 and the time constant of congealation t decreased. The limiting shear storage modulus G'max was practically constant at various amounts of CaCl2 and was moderately decreasing with increasing temperature and rennet addition. This effect was possibly caused by the fact that the limiting value is a regression parameter extrapolated to infinity. The real values of the modulus for a given time increased with increasing levels of calcium chloride added. Milk treated by the pressure of 600 MPa for 10 min formed, during coagulation, a more solid gel, the shear storage modulus being, almost by 100% higher as compared with untreated milk. Value of the time constant of congealation was practically halved.

In 1999, the effect of increasing levels of nitrogen at the initial (13.9 mg.kg^-1) and increased (40 mg.kg^-1) level of watersoluble sulphur (S_wat) was studied in winter rape (cv. Lirajet) grown in pots. A synergetic effect of nitrogen on concentrations of Ca and Mg was demonstrated in the growth stages DC 20-29 and 31-39. Levels of P and K were balanced. In variants with a low content of S_wat in soil to 40 mg.kg^-1 of soil S concentration increased. With the increasing dose of N the content of S decreased from 1.00% to 0.78% and from 0.68% to 0.38% in DC 20-29 and DC 31-39, respectively. An increased level of S in soil changed the ratio N/S. In variants with a natural (i.e. low) content of S in soil, this ratio widened with the increasing dose of N from 8.06 to 25.15 while in variants with an increased level of S in soil it ranged from 3.24 to 5.85 in the growth stage DC 20-29. Increasing doses of N widened the ratio N/P regardless to concentration of S in plants. In individual growth stages the ratio P/S was markedly narrowed by changing contents of S in soil. The highest yields were obtained in the variant with an optimum concentration of all elements in plants and S contents above 0.6% and/or about 0.4% in growth stages DC 20-29 and DC 31-39, respectively. The obtained yields demonstrated a highly significant effect of N and S on seed yields. At a low concentration of sulphur in plants the yield of seed increased only to the dose N₃(i.e. 0.9 g N per pot); thereafter, it gradually decreased. An increased level of S in soil showed a positive effect on seed yields. Higher doses of N widened the ratio straw/seeds from 2.46 to 7.69; at higher levels of S in soil, an opposite trend was observed. In variants with a low content of S the number of branches and pods increased proportionally with increasing doses of N. On the other hand, increased levels of S reduced the number of branches and pods. At a low level of S in soil the total weight of seeds per pod decreased with the increased supply of N from 69.9 mg to 20.4 mg. At increased levels of S the weight of seeds per pod increased from 61.9 mg to 79.8 mg. Results of field experiments in four different localities corroborated a positive effect of S (in interaction with N) on its concentration in plants. The seed yield was significantly increased. In 2000, results from all localities were markedly influenced by climatic conditions; however average results of all experiments showed that S increased seed yields depending on the dose of N by 2.5 and 5.9%. An optimum nutrition of plants with all elements (including S) results in improved utilisation and increased yields.

Commercial defatted soy flour (DSF) was dispersed in distilled water at pH 7 to prepare 5% aqueous dispersion. Soy protein hydrolysates (SPH) were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of the DSF using three different proteases (Flavourzyme 1000 L, No-vozym FM 2.0 L and Alcalase 2.4 L FG). The highest degree of hydrolysis (DH 39.5) was observed in the presence of protease Flavourzyme. SPH were used for measuring functional properties (foaming stability, gelation). Treatment with Flavourzyme improved foaming of proteins of DSF. Foaming stability was low in the presence of Novozym. Proteases treated DSF showed good gelation properties, mainly in the case of treatment with Flavourzyme. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that after enzyme ad-dition to the 5% aqueous dispersion of DSF each enzyme degraded both b-conglycinin and glycinin. In general, the basic polypeptide from glycinin showed the highest resistance to proteolytic activity. The most abundant free amino acids in the hydrolysates were histidine (30%), leucine (24%) and tyrosine (19%) in the case of the treatment with proteases Alcalase and Novozym, and arginine (22.1%), leucine (10.6%) and phenylalanine (12.9%) in the case of the treatment with Flavourzyme.

Classical taxonomic studies of the bamboos are based on floral morphology and growth habit, which can cause problems in identification due to erratic flowering. Identification and genetic relationships in 12 species of bamboo were investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPD) technique. Analysis started by using thirty 10-mer primers that allowed us to distinguish 12 species and to select a reduced set of primers. The selected primers were used for identification and for establishing a profiling system to estimate genetic diversity. A total of one hundred thirty seven distinct polymorphic DNA fragments (bands), ranging from 0.4-3.3 kb were amplified by using 10 selected primers. The genetic similar analysis was conducted based on presence or absence of bands, which revealed a wide range of variability among the species. Cluster analysis clearly showed two major clusters belonging to 12 species of bamboo. Two major clusters were further divided into three minor clusters. The species of Bambusa vulgaris and Bambusa vulgaris var. striata were the most closely related and formed the first minor cluster along with Bambusa ventricosa. The variety of Bambusa multiplex var. Silver stripe and Bambusa multiplex were very closely related and there was no variation with Bambusa ventricosa. Another minor cluster was obtained between Bambusa arundinacea, Cephalostachyum pergracil and Bambusa balcooa. The RAPD technique has the potential for use in species identification and genetic relationships between taxa and species of bamboo for breeding program.

The paper is focused on logistics. The importance of the logistic chain management is emphasized as it becomes a crucial competitive success factor. The total corporate costs and customer service quality are dependent on the structure and communication within this chain. Using a concrete example, several results of the establishment of the logistic approach in the woodworking industry are mentioned in the paper. It has to be emphasized that the application of the logistic principles in the industry has its own specificities arising mainly from the biological character of processes providing and manufacturing the basis resource. A solution of the supply - purchase chain is provided on the basis of an example of the company Dřevovýroba.