Fulltext search in archive

The lower airways of turtles consist of the larynx, trachea and bronchi. Due to incomplete information about the anatomical structure of the lower respiratory tract in turtles, we decided to explore this topic more deeply. The material for this study included 95 turtle cadavers. Terrestrial tortoises were represented by 63 individuals from 8 species, aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles by 32 individuals from 11 species. The sex ratio was 54 females to 41 males. In addition to the anatomical autopsies and assessments of the macroscopic structures, numerous measurements were performed. The length, width and height of the larynx and trachea, and the length of the bronchi were measured. We found clinical significance in two parameters. The first one is the formation of the rima glottidis, which is significantly shorter and narrower in the aquatic turtles than in the terrestrial tortoises. It follows that for these species, we should use a smaller diameter of endotracheal cannula for intubation. The second parameter is a very short trachea in tortoises of the genus Testudo. The length of the trachea is only a few centimetres, which significantly increases the risk of intubation into one bronchus only.

The paper proposes a new soil evaluation system using the principle of the Saaty method. The Saaty method has been modified and named Soil Assessment System (SAS). Significance weights are assigned to individual soil characteristics (indicators). This provides a more detailed differentiation of the significance of the indicator on soil quality and a more accurate assessment, especially in marginal cases where the assessment by the methods used so far has not been fully conclusive. In addition to physico-chemical properties, other criteria are taken into account to assess not only productional but also non-productional functions. The possibility of using indicators referring to a broader context (e.g., soil sealing value) is also important, thus enabling a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the land. This results in points for individual sampling locations. Soils are categorized according to the number of points and results are shown on maps.

In this paper, an original analysis of the direct payment rate shaping mechanism – in terms of the process and from the perspective of game theory – has been carried out. The factors determining the direct payments rates were identified. The results of measuring the impact of these factors on payments rates fluctuations were presented. The territorial scope of the study is Poland. The time range covers the years 2016–2020. The objective scope of the analysis includes four direct support instruments. It was found that the rates of sectoral area payments vary to a greater extent than the rates of general payments due to fluctuations in the area approved for a payment. The findings of this study can be used to develop a method for predicting payments rates based on the analysis of the fundamental factors. The prediction of payments rates could be used to support decision-making processes in agricultural policy. Therefore, the research results involving the decomposition of payments rates are of significant practical value in addition to their cognitive significance.

Flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) (FS) and chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) (ChS) contain fatty acids (FA) with beneficial health effect for the human body. Some people often use them as part of boiled or baked dishes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to observe the effect of FS and ChS heat treatments at 40 °C and 150 °C for 20 min on the content of fat, FA, atherogenicity index (AI) and thrombogenicity index (TI), and total antioxidant activity (TAA) in comparison with heat treatments at 20 °C. The content of fat in FS was higher in comparison with ChS (P < 0.05). Similarly, the content of alpha-linolenic acid, oleic acid, polyunsaturated FA, and monounsaturated FA was greater (P < 0.05) in FS when compared with ChS. However, n6 : n3 ratio [n6 – omega 6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), with first double bound on 6^th carbon; n3 – omega 3 PUFA, with first double bound on 3^rd carbon], AI and TI were lower (P < 0.05) in FS in comparison with ChS. The TAA in FS was 37% lower (P < 0.05) compared to ChS, moreover TAA in FS decreased (P < 0.05) at 150 °C in comparison with 20 °C and 40 °C. No effect of different heat treatments was observed on the content of FA or AI and TI in FS and ChS.

The degree of the phenotypic similarity and differences between 61 seedless vine varieties was studied by grouping them according to economically important phenological, agrobiological and technological indicators. A multidimensional statistical approach is applied – a cluster analysis, which provides possibilities of establishing relatively homogeneous groups (clusters), based on a set of certain indicators. As the cluster analysis does not perform any tests for the statistical significance of the results, it is combined with a factor analysis, which provides information on the reasons leading to the distribution of the individual varieties in different clusters and the merging of others into one cluster. The applied factor analysis transformed all the studied indicators into seven main components, explaining 76% of the total variance. The transformation of these traits to the corresponding number of factors and the indicators in them, which explain that the varieties belong to the separate clusters, was established. The limits of the phenotypic similarity and differences between the studied seedless vine varieties and the conditional parameters of the polymorphism with their economically significant ampelographic characteristics were determined. The presented grouping can be used for taxonomic purposes, as well as in the selection to create new seedless vine varieties. By applying targeted agro-technical measures, the desired change in the indicators of the first and second factors in the individual groups of traits can be actively influenced.

The objective of this study was to quantify the concentration of acrylamide in biscuits, bread, and cake obtained from industrial and local bakeries, classified based on their colour intensity as light, medium, or dark. The analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Sugar, moisture, and asparagine analyses were also carried out simultaneously. The results demonstrated that the acrylamide content in biscuits, bread, and cakes varied according to the colour (light 109.9 ± 7.95, 214.7 ± 27.40, and 128.6 ± 7.05; medium 176.3 ± 15.16, 387.0 ± 87.71, and 804.3 ± 17.16; and dark 407.6 ± 105.13, 555.8 ± 16.20, and 1 015.0 ± 83.68 µg·kg^–1, respectively). Statistically, significant differences were observed between acrylamide content and product colour density (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the acrylamide content increases as the product colour intensity rises due to the increased baking temperature at which the reaction between reducing sugars and asparagine takes place, resulting in the formation of acrylamide. The results suggest that selecting commercial bakery products based on colour may be beneficial for reducing the daily intake of acrylamide by consumers. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid dark-coloured bakery products.

Grafting is the most important means of breeding peach, plum, apricot, and other fruit trees, and the selection of the rootstock is crucial to the quality of the grafting and the yield of the products. The traditional commonly used peach rootstock is susceptible to root-knot nematode infections, resulting in a decreased yield, while a variety of cherry plum rootstocks, Mirabolano 29C, is resistant to root-knot nematode. In this study, root-knot nematode infection experiments on seedlings of traditional peach rootstocks and Mirabolano 29C confirmed that Mirabolano 29C was indeed more resistant to root-knot nematodes. At the same time, we compared the roots of the root-knot nematode uninfected and infected Mirabolano 29C by transcriptome sequencing and found 3 176 differentially expressed genes. A further functional enrichment analysis of these genes found that the secondary metabolites, phenylpropane and flavonoids, may be responsible for the high resistance of Mirabolano 29C to root-knot nematodes. These results can provide a reference value for the disease resistance breeding of rootstocks.

A number of stimuli lead to what is termed "seasonal fatigue", where the only firm interconnection is the fact that this form of fatigue only occurs during a certain period of the season. The interior of the cabin and its effect on the machine operator is notable. The microclimate of the environment in which the operator works has a direct impact on his/her condition and, consequentially, the extent of his/her fatigue. The development of microclimate in a modern agricultural machine must be identified, and based on such findings, recommendation should be given regarding procedures for improving the current situation in agricultural technology. For testing, the New Holland T6.165 tractor was therefore selected. The individual measurements show that a certain drop of oxygen occurs in the cabin during the first half hour of driving. This leads to  an increase in CO₂, which is in turn caused by the higher ventilation of the given individuals present in the vehicle. To eliminate said drops in O₂, the use of oxygen concentrators may be recommended.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fat levels (200 g·kg^–1 meat and 500 g·kg^–1 meat) and types [lard, glycerolised lard (GL), and purified glycerolised lard (PGL)] on the quality and sensory characteristics of emulsion-type sausages. As observed, at the same type of fat, the low-fat sausage (200 g·kg^–1 meat) had a significantly higher L*-value (lightness) and lower cooking loss and total expressible fluid (P < 0.05) than the high-fat sausage (500 g·kg^–1 meat) and exhibited a denser and more homogeneous microstructure. Additionally, T₂₃ (relaxation time) of the low-fat sausage shifted toward a slower relaxation time, and higher A₂₃ (peak area) was found, which suggested the water mobility was restricted. However, at the same fat content, the low-GL and low-PGL sausages showed better textural properties and superior overall acceptability from sensory evaluation compared with the low-lard sausage (P < 0.05). Still, they have no significant differences (P > 0.05). Therefore, lard-based diacylglycerol could be effectively applied as a fat replacer in emulsion-type sausages with low-fat contents to produce healthier meat products.

A 2-year-old, spayed female, Bichon Frise dog was presented with reluctance to exercise, back pain, and frequent sitting down. Multiple osteolysis, periosteal proliferation, and sclerosis of the vertebral endplates of T11–13 were observed in the radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The bacterial culture of the urine specimen, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the blood, and the antibody tests were positive for Brucella canis. Accordingly, discospondylitis caused by B. canis was diagnosed and doxycycline was administered. The clinical signs resolved and the culture and PCR results were negative afterwards. Doxycycline was discontinued after 6 months. The clinical signs recurred 2 weeks later, and the combination treatment of doxycycline and enrofloxacin was initiated. Though no clinical signs were observed after 9 months and the bacterial cultures and PCR were negative, the antibody titre remained at 1 :  200 or more. The dog will continue taking antibiotics until the antibody titre drops. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a clinical infection of B. canis associated with canine discospondylitis in the Republic of Korea. Although the clinical signs of brucellosis might improve with antibiotic treatment, the disease cannot be cured due to Brucella’s various strategies to evade host immune systems. Specifically, it can proliferate and replicate within the host cells, resulting in an environment that makes treatment less effective. Furthermore, owing to its zoonotic potential, owners and veterinarians should consider lifelong management or euthanasia.

Innate immunity is the organism’s first line of defence, and the receptors of immune cells play a key role. Interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 1 and 4 (IRAK1 and IRAK4) are necessary for signal transmission from Toll-like receptors, which are the most important receptors of immune cells. The main objective of this study was to investigate the gene polymorphisms of IRAK1 and IRAK4 in Czech Fleckvieh cattle (CF) and to compare their diversity with other cattle breeds as there is still little information about these genes. PacBio Technology of next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to detect genetic variability in 164 CF bulls. The results revealed 17 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the IRAK1 gene and 12 SNVs and three deletions in the IRAK4 gene. Three methods were then used to determine allelic variability: Sanger sequencing, the primer extension method and Illumina DNA BeadChip microarray in cooperation with the Czech Moravian Breeder’s Corporation. Sanger sequencing enabled analysis of the population variability in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs210710958 and rs48726521 of IRAK1 in 164 CF bulls. SNaPshot genotyping was employed to determine the allelic frequencies of SNP rs211379365 and a novel polymorphism in IRAK1, and rs380202447 in the IRAK4 gene. DNA microarray method, which was applied to 74 CF dairy cows, revealed the allelic frequency of IRAK1 rs110533802 including the frequency 0.07 of mutant allele T. Additional microarray data allowed the comparison of the allelic frequencies among the Czech and Hungarian populations of Holstein dairy cows and beef breed populations. The results show that the functionally significant diversity in the IRAK1 and IRAK4 genes in the studied CF population is rather limited. The higher frequency 0.4 of the T mutant allele of SNP rs110533802 of IRAK1 in Holstein cattle could be the consequence of breeding for milk performance.

Growth biostimulators activate some physiological processes that increase the efficiency of the usage of nourishing substances, stimulate the development of plants and allow reduced fertiliser consummation. Most biostimulators are capable of reacting against the effect of biotic and antibiotic stresses as they increase the crop production of the cultures and represent an opportunity of growing quality and healthy food. The article affects the results of the influence of RadiCifo L24 and Euroradix over the growth and development of grafted cuttings in vine rootings. The study was carried out through the dessert seedlees grapevine variety ‘Zornitsa’ grafted over the Berlandieri × Riparia (SO4) pad. Before rooting, paraffin is applied to 2/3 of the stratified grafted cutting’s length and is then immersed in a 2% solution of RadiCifo L24 (for 20 minutes) and Euroradix (for 5 minutes), after that the cuttings are rooted to 15-17 cm in depth (to the non-paraffined part). According to the biometrics rating (number of developed shoots, number of roots), the variant with the growth stimulator RadiCifo L24 seems to be a more effective method for the production of first-class vines of the ‘Zornitsa’ variety, thus it can be recommended for the production of vine planting material.

Indigenous chickens play a significant role in food security, income growth and socio-cultural life of rural households in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity as well as the phylogenetic relationships of Vietnamese indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus) to support the conservation of their genetic resources for sustainable rural farming.  In this study, the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of 10 Vietnamese indigenous chicken breeds were analyzed using complete sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) displacement-loop (D-loop) region. The average nucleotide and haplotype diversities of Vietnamese chickens were 0.006 3 ± 0.000 22 and 0.918 ± 0.010, respectively. A total of 39 polymorphic sites and 29 haplotypes were identified. The maximum likelihood tree classified these haplotypes into seven haplogroups (A, B, C, D, E, G and V), with haplogroups A and B being the two predominant maternal lineages of Vietnamese indigenous chickens, while haplogroups C, D, E, G and V were found in the remaining chickens. Several haplotypes from different haplogroups were shared among some chicken breeds. These results suggested that Vietnamese indigenous chicken breeds have multiple maternal origins, mainly from Chinese, Southeast Asian and Indian chickens, and that these breeds share common maternal lineages. The high level of genetic diversity in Vietnamese chickens demonstrates significance of conservation for future use.

This study evaluated the productive performance, blood parameters and antioxidant status of hyperprolific sows fed control diet or diet supplemented with brown seaweed and polyphenol mixture (SPM). Ninety-six farrowing highly prolific sows (Topigs 20) were assigned to two dietary treatments from day 107 ± 2 days of gestation until weaning: control diet and the same diet containing 15 g/day of SPM. Sows fed SPM diet tended to have lower backfat losses (P = 0.06) than control sows. No difference was observed in daily feed intake. No difference in litter birth weight or number of piglets per litter was observed. In sows fed SPM, average daily gain and weaning body weight of piglets were increased (P < 0.05). Haematochemical parameters, haptoglobin and blood total antiradical activity were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatment. The paraoxonase-1 activity was higher (P < 0.05) in SPM sows than in the control. At the subsequent farrowing, the total number of piglets born was higher (P < 0.05) in sows fed SPM than in the control. Overall, these data suggest that dietary plant polyphenols and brown seaweeds improved the weaning weight of piglets and the total number of piglets born at the subsequent farrowing, modulating oxidative stress in lactating highly prolific sows.

In this study, the drying of bitter gourd slices with a halogen dryer was done at different thicknesses of bitter gourd (3, 5, and 7 mm) and temperatures (60, 65, and 70 °C). The effect of varying drying characteristics in the experiment was explored. Experimental results were evaluated based on the drying time and moisture content. The results indicate that the material drying thickness and drying temperature significantly impact the drying time and the equilibrium moisture content. Furthermore, the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) model is also used to train and predict the moisture content of bitter gourd in this research. The temperature, thickness of the bitter gourd, and drying time were used as input parameters for the model. Two measures R² and Root Mean Ssquare Error (RMSE) were used to determine the accuracy of the trained MARS model. During training, the values of R² and RMSE obtained were 0.9846 and 3.7324, respectively. The test of trained MARS was successful, with a satisfactory correlation between experimental data points and predicted points. The results show that MARS can accurately predict the moisture content of bitter gourd in a halogen dryer.

Knowledge of gene actions governing begomovirus resistance and plant architectural traits is a prerequisite for a successful hybrid breeding programme. Therefore, the gene actions associated with these traits were studied in two intervarietal crosses of Cucurbita moschata (C₁: Punjab Nawab × MVSR-6711 and C₂: Punjab Nawab × P-135). We used the generation mean analysis of six generations for this purpose. Significant differences between the generation means were observed for all the traits in both crosses. The parental lines differed significantly in most of the studied traits. The nature and magnitude of the gene effects of seventeen traits varied by trait and cross. A simple additive dominance model was adequate for the internode number, leaf length and width, petiole length, fruit weight and cavity diameter in C₁ and the number of fruits/plant in C₂. The non-allelic interaction was found to be significant for a majority of the traits including the per cent disease index of the squash leaf curl China virus, tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus and their mixed infections, which indicated, that recurrent selection in biparental progeny might be useful for the accumulation of genes with additive effects. Duplicate epistasis was observed for the vine, internodal and peduncle length in C₁ and the internode number, petiole and peduncle length, peduncle and fruit polar diameter in C₂. This information will help to establish a breeding program for the simultaneous improvement of virus resistance and yield traits in pumpkins.

The application of nutrient solutions to the foliage of plants is an alternative means to fertilise crops. Foliar fertilisation is used to overcome the disadvantages of soil applications. Variable plant responses to these foliar fertilisation spray solutions have often been described in the literature. However, knowledge about the penetration mechanisms, the role of a leaf-applied inorganic or organic solution, and the results obtained by its application is still limited. The complex character of the factors determining the effects of sprays hinders the development of suitable foliar fertilisation strategies, applicable under variable local conditions and for various plant types. This review describes some basic factors involved in the penetration process of foliar sprays in olive (Olea europaea L.) trees. Chemistry, leaf penetration, and plant nutrition principles will be merged with the aim of clarifying the constraints, opportunities, and future perspectives of sprays to cure olive tree nutrient deficiencies and, hence, both increase the yield and improve the fruit quality.

The shelf life of a food product is a finite period after manufacturing and packaging, during which it retains a required and acceptable level of quality for consumption. The objective was to characterise and describe the transparent and comprehensible processing process to collect, select, critically evaluate and summarise available evidence regarding the use of mathematical models in the estimation of the shelf life of coffee under accelerated storage conditions. Of the 183 articles identified, nine studies were included in the review: four evaluated various types of packaging containing roasted and ground coffee, three coffee-based beverages, one infusion and one in bean format; the models frequently used were Weibull-Hazard Analysis, first-order, and zero-order kinetic model, which requires the decay kinetic constant, the same as that acquired by the Arrhenius model or a proposed model. Quality descriptors and mathematical models have been identified that allow estimating the shelf life of coffee and its derivative products under accelerated storage conditions, in addition to primary sources with experimental designs.

The efficiency of different conservation practices on soil loss from road side slopes is scarcely identified in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, which could retard the implementation of these management practices. Sediment of 48 plots on the cut slopes and fill slopes of forest roads were collected to explore their responses to soil conservation practices, including straw bale (SB), living hedge (LH), dead hedge (DH), geo-cell (GC), geotextile (GT), and bare soil (BS). Moreover, the efficiency of conservation practices was evaluated to find a cost-effective approach. Sediment traps were installed at the toe of side slopes in the ditch and end of each treated plot. Sediment volume was measured monthly for six months. The results demonstrated that the lowest soil loss occurred in autumn and fill slopes treated with GC (5.05 g·m^–2) and the highest in winter and cut slopes treated with SB (41.81 g·m^–2). In all cases, soil loss from BS (126.74 g·m^–2) was significantly higher than in plots treated with conservation practices. GC performed well under certain circumstances due to two-dimensional protections of contiguous wooden lumbers. Moreover, it was found that in a short time there were not any significant differences between LH (28.78 g·m^–2), DH (36.01 g·m^–2), and GT (30.61 g·m^–2) in soil loss control ability. Regarding implementation and installation costs, GC (USD 16.67 per plot) was the most expensive, while LH (USD 3.33 per plot) was the cheapest. Regarding GC, it is necessary to conduct long-term research to determine economic efficiency, durability, maintenance, and repair costs. Until then, it is possible to use affordable treatments such as LH, which have yielded favourable results in efficiency.

Knowledge of the issue of water movement in the soil is the basis for agricultural activity, but also for many other sectors. One of the basic indicators that is evaluated in soil science is the rate of water infiltration into the soil. The article specifically states how soil texture and soil moisture affect the rate of water infiltration. The results show that changes in water infiltration can be significant and certain trends can be traced. The rate of water infiltration into the soil is most affected by the sand fraction (soil particles 0.05–2 mm). The higher the percentage of these soil particles in the soil, the lower the changes in infiltration rate depending on the degree of saturation. The article further evaluates soil moisture in relation to texture. The results were obtained at several research locations within the period 2014–2021 in the territory of the Czech Republic. The above findings are primarily applicable to the region of Central Europe or can be used as comparative values for regions in the rest of the world.

Tillage intensity can affect soil quality through soil aggregates, which are strongly associated with organic carbon. In this study, we evaluated the effect of different intensity tillage (conventional ploughing (CP), shallow ploughing (SP), deep cultivation (DC), shallow cultivation (SC), no-tillage (NT)) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil aggregates at the 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm layers and root biomass at the 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm layers. The field experiment on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) consisted of a split-plot arrangement with four replications. Dry soil aggregates were evaluated using the mean weight diameter (MWD) index. Wet aggregates were assessed using a water-stable aggregate (WSA) index. We identified that tillage intensity significantly influenced the MWD index at four soil levels. Shallow tillage showed greater results at 0-5 and 5-10 cm depths. However, deep tillage increased the MWD at 10-20 and 20-30 cm depth. NT was dominated by evaluating the WSA at every level of the soil. SOC was correlated with WSA. The highest SOC was found under NT. The different tillage intensities did not significantly affect root biomass.

Soil macroarthropods, as a component of the soil community, directly feel the impact of land use changes. Not only the density but understanding the soil macroarthropods distribution pattern will help in providing an insight into the quality of soil health. The sampling process was carried out using the pitfall trap methods on the forest, logged forest areas, mixed gardens, and monoculture gardens in the tropical rainforest of Bukit Pinang-Pinang Padang, Indonesia. The results showed that the forest as a natural habitat supported the density of soil macroarthropods among other land use types. The density in the forest, logged forest area, mixed garden, and monoculture garden sequentially is about 20.29, 13.18, 15.2 and 12.21 indv/m2. The presence frequency high value of soil macroarthropods was found in the forest, and for some soil macroarthropods, such as Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Araneits, the importance value increases when their habitat is disturbed. The fertile soil in intensive monoculture gardens does not support the individuals’ total number, types, and density of soil macroarthropods. On the other side, the dominant soil macroarthropods prefer disturbed soil conditions and will decrease their presence frequency if chemical compounds are introduced into the soil. Land use change in the Bukit Pinang-Pinang tropical rainforest area causes changes in the distribution pattern of soil macroarthropods. The changing tendency of distribution patterns in fragmented habitats is due to nutrient availability, limited resources and land treatment. Habitat fragmentation affects not only the abundance and density of individuals and types of soil macroarthropods but also the distribution pattern, which not only threatens their existence and the environment but also has the potential to regenerate.

Cytochrome P450 proteins belong to one of the largest families of enzyme proteins in plants and play important roles in plant growth and development and the stress response. In our previous studies, a cytochrome P450 gene, GhCYP94C1 (cytochrome P450 94C1), was functionally characterized as a positive regulator of seed germination, main root elongation and early flowering. However, whether the gene has other potential functions remains to be further explored. In our study, expression analysis showed that GhCYP94C1 was highly expressed in roots and was suppressed by drought treatment. Endogenous silencing of GhCYP94C1 via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) increased drought resistance in cotton plants, which was accompanied by the upregulated expression of the abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis gene nine-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 9 (GhNCED9) during drought stress. Our findings suggested that GhCYP94C1 may play an important role in drought resistance. Combined with previous research results, the present results provide a theoretical basis for future breeding of new cotton varieties with early maturation and drought resistance.

The presented research deals with the effect of plot size changes on the crop yield. Three plots were chosen in a company engaged in conventional agriculture, on which yields were monitored from 2019 using yield maps. In 2020, the plots (initial size > 30 ha) were divided into different parts sized < 30 ha. In 2021, these newly arisen parts of the plots were harvested. Changes in the yield of grown crops were analysed using yield maps acquired by the harvesting machines. Relative yields (%) and absolute yields (t/ha) were determined on all experimental land parts arising from the initial plots’ division. The values were then compared with yields recorded before the division of individual plots using zonal statistics. Measured relative yield values clearly show (P < 0.05) that the division of plots resulted in the increased heterogeneity of crop yields. On the initial plots as well as on the newly arisen plots, the relative yield was divided into the following categories: < 70, 70–85, 85–95, 95–105, 105–115, 115–130 and > 130%, with the value of 100% representing average yield. The analysis of measured yield data showed that the division of plots into smaller parts resulted in an uneven yield distribution because if a divided plot was heterogeneous in terms of yield levels, a cumulation of "higher yield levels (> 100%)" could have occurred in one specific newly arisen plot at the expense of another one. Moreover, new marginal parts of lands came into being during the division of larger soil complexes, and hence zones with potentially reduced yields.

This study aimed to evaluate alfalfa meal's chemical and nutritional composition and effectiveness on broiler chicken thigh meat quality. Alfalfa contains significant content of crude protein and fibre, minerals (iron and zinc), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and antioxidant compounds, especially total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total polyphenols content (TPC). To test its effectiveness on chicken tight meat quality, we developed a trial on 60 Cobb 500 broilers, divided into two groups of 30 animals each and fed during growing-finishing phases (11–42 days) a control diet (C) and an experimental diet (A), in which 5% alfalfa meal was added. At the end of the trial, six animals from each group were selected for slaughter and sampling. The analyses on meat samples revealed that alfalfa significantly affected bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, such as zinc, vitamin E and TPC, compared with the C samples. The utilisation of 5% alfalfa was also very effective on the fatty acids composition of thigh meat samples in the A group by increasing the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid and significantly decreasing the n-6/n-3 ratio as well as cholesterol content with 10.41% in experimental samples. Therefore, alfalfa can be a potential alternative to synthetic feed additives in producing healthier chicken meat, with increased content of bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids for human health.

This paper is focused on the description of the black mulberry (Morus nigra), its ecology and the possibilities of its in vitro propagation for quick and efficient obtaining of a large quantity of clones in a relatively short time for subsequent planting or sale. Due to ongoing climate change, it is considerable to use mulberry trees in horticulture, agroforestry and forestry under the conditions of Central Europe. The use of the mulberry is conditioned by the availability of planting stock. A proven and successful method of mulberry propagation is in vitro cultivation. Based on literature review, the recommended composition of planting media and other procedures for in vitro cultivation of mulberries are presented. The aim of the article is to inform foresters about the possibilities of using the black mulberry tree in our conditions and, using its example, to point out the possibility of using non-standard species of trees both as part of adaptation measures to the expected climate change and as one of the options for increasing the biodiversity of the landscape.

Water activity (a_w) is a key factor influencing dry-cured meat products' safety. However, the standards for determining a_w do not specify how the laboratory sample for self-analysis should be prepared and adjusted for determination in this type of food. This work aimed to verify whether the place of sampling and method of sample preparation of dry-cured meat products can influence the measured value of a_w. For this purpose, samples of dry-cured heat-treated and fermented meat products were purchased from the local market. Samples before analysis were taken from the edges and centre of the meat products, and preparation consisted of: i) homogenisation; ii) dicing (4 × 4 × 4 mm); iii) slicing. The results of this work indicate that a_w is significantly affected by both the part of the product from which the sample is taken and the method of preparation of the sample itself (P < 0.05). The highest measured values of a_w were determined in samples prepared by slicing, and the lowest values were determined in homogenised samples. The place of sampling significantly affects the a_w, especially for dry-cured heat-treated products.

Chemical fungicides can cause drug resistance of plant pathogenic fungi, environmental pollution, and potential threats to humans and animals. Therefore, developing low-toxicity, high-efficient and environment-friendly biological control products is critical for green prevention, controlling plant fungal diseases, and maintaining ecological balance. Biocontrol research mainly includes the following aspects: antagonistic microorganisms, fungicidal proteins, RNA interference techniques and botanical fungicides. Significantly, natural products extracted from medicinal plants are valuable repertoire for inhibiting plant fungal diseases. This review systematically reviewed the research advances of using natural products from medicinal plants to inhibit plant pathogenic fungi, including the types of natural products, extraction methods, and antifungal mechanisms. The further prospects for the study and application, which provide the reference for botanical fungicide development and practical application in preventing and controlling plant fungal disease, were also discussed.

This paper presents the results of a two-year trial on the yield, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacity of the ‘Willamette’ red raspberry under organic and conventional farming. A trial was conducted in a commercial plantation of ‘Willamette’ raspberries located in the southwestern part of Serbia. The total phenolics and flavonoids in the raspberry fruits were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride assay, respectively. The ferric reducing antioxidant power assay was used to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the raspberry fruits. The results of this study showed that the raspberry yields were significantly affected by the different farming systems. The raspberry yield in conventional farming was higher than that of organic farming. Contrastingly, the raspberries from the organic farming contained higher levels of the total phenolics and flavonoids and also had a higher total antioxidant activity compared to those from the conventional farming in both 2021 and 2022. This study also showed that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the ‘Willamette’ red raspberry have a significant and positive correlation with their total antioxidant capacity, indicating that the phenolic compounds play an important role in the antioxidant activity of the raspberry.