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Soil incubation and pot experiments were conducted to follow the sorption processes of added phosphorus (P) fertiliser using the radioisotope tracer technique. Increasing doses of P fertiliser (40, 80, 160, 320 mg P/kg soil) were added to Chernozem and Arenosol and incubated for 1, 3, and 13 weeks. After incubation, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was sown in one group of pots, and the experiment had been continuing for another 9 weeks. The yield, grass P uptake, isotopically exchangeable (P_IE), water-soluble (P_W), and ammonium lactate soluble phosphorus (P_AL) fractions of soils were measured. On Chernozem, plant P uptake, P_IE, P_W and P_AL were significantly less in the case of the longest incubation period compared to shorter incubations. This suggests a transformation of P into tightly sorbed form. On Arenosol, there were only small changes in the parameters as the incubation period increased, suggesting less intense P transformation to tightly sorbed form. The P_W/P_IE ratio enhanced with increasing P-doses, and the ratios were higher on Arenosol. On Arenosol, the higher P doses caused a greater increase of P_W than on Chernozem. The P_IE + P_W showed a good correlation with plant P uptake proving this value can be a good indicator of plant-available phosphorus.

Maintaining nitrogen (N) balance and inhibiting N leaching loss in the soil-crop system is crucial to maintaining yield and reducing the environmental pollution. This study investigated the effects of soil NO₃^--N content and accumulation, eggplant yield, N leaching and balance response to biochar addition, including regular fertilisation and irrigation (W + F), biochar addition with regular fertilisation and irrigation (W + F + B), and biochar addition with 20% fertilisation and irrigation reduction (0.8W + 0.8F + B) treatments. Compared with W + F, W + F + B and 0.8W + 0.8F + B increased soil NO₃^--N content in 0-40 cm and soil NO₃^--N accumulation in 0-20 cm, and raised harvest index, N surplus and balance. Simultaneously, 0.8W + 0.8F + B compared to W + F enhanced N use efficiency and N partial factor productivity, conversely, it decreased N dry matter production efficiency, N surplus and balance. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that the effect of NO₃^--N leaching lasted in 60 cm under biochar addition in the first year, and lasted in 20 cm without biochar application in the next year. Altogether, biochar addition with 20% fertilisation and irrigation reduction is the most suitable management strategy to decrease N surplus and leaching, and maintain eggplant N uptake in a two-year cycle system on greenhouse vegetables in Mollisols.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and proper fertilisers are used to increase quality of the Salak Pondoh, such as in the plant production, fruit number and size. This study aims to determine the type and dosage of PGRs and the best type of fertiliser to increase the production bunch and fruit of Salak Pondoh. The method used was a Factorial Completely Randomised Design (FCRD) with 36 treatments (excluding the control) and 3 replications. Three treatments were conducted: first, as a control, no PGR treatment + fertilisation (no fertilisation, manure, and NPK). Second, a 3 × 3 factorial scheme. Treatment of PGR GA3 (50, 100, 150 ppm) + fertilisation (no fertilisation, manure, and NPK). Third, a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial scheme was used. Treatment of PGR Gracilaria sp. extract (50, 100, 150 ppm) with different solvents (n-Hexane, methylene-chloride, ethanol) + fertilisation (no fertilisation, manure, and NPK). The parameters observed were the number length, area of the bunch, length and area of the fruit. The results showed the highest number of bunches was found in PGR GA3 50 ppm. While, the highest bunch area was found in PGR Gracilaria sp. ethanol 150 ppm. The PGRs only increased the formation of the bunches and did not increase the length and width of the bunches and the fruit size. Fertilisation affected the Salak production in the form of the number, length and width of the bunches, and the fruit size. In addition, the fertiliser increased the number of the bunches, bunch area, and length and area of the fruit. The interaction of the PGR and fertilisation had no significant effect on increasing the Salak Pondoh production. The best result in increasing the Salak Pondoh production was PGR Gracilaria sp. ethanol 100 ppm with manure fertilisation.

One of the main objectives of walnut crossbreeding programmes is to produce cultivars with late leafing dates. Sixteen years ago, a walnut crossbreeding programme was initiated by Prof. Mehmet Sütyemez, and now a new walnut genotype, namely 'Ahir Nut', has been generated with a leafing date that starts later than all commercially-famous walnut cultivars in the world. The present study describes this walnut genotype. For a detailed analysis, 'Ahir Nut' was compared with two French-origin walnut cultivars, i.e., 'Franquette' and 'Ronde de Montignac', which have had the latest leafing dates until now. In an experimental orchard in Turkey, the leafing date in 'Ahir Nut' was 14 May, whereas the leafing date in 'Franquette' and 'Ronde de Montignac' were 23 April and 25 April, respectively. This approximately 3-week difference between 'Franquette' and 'Ronde de Montignac' to 'Ahir Nut' reveals how valuable this genotype is for walnut breeding studies. The harvest dates for 'Ahir Nut', 'Franquette' and 'Ronde de Montignac' were 4 October, 3 October, and 7 October, respectively. The defoliation date for 'Ahir Nut' was 4 December. The nut weight and kernel percentage of 'Ahir Nut' were calculated as 11.61 g and 49.84%, respectively. Remarkable phenological traits were found in 'Ahir Nut', making it a promising option for future walnut cultivation. In the present study, the late leafing date of 'Ahir Nut' prompted further research into the molecular and walnut crossbreeding potentials. This new genotype has been conserved as an important genetic resource for future walnut breeding programmes around the world.

Soil and water losses in purple soil area is becoming an increasingly severe problem, bringing enormous challenges to environmental protection in rural areas. In this study, simulated rainfall experiments were conducted to analyse the effects of rainfall and the slope conditions on the soil and water loss. Purple soil from a typical slope in the Beibei District of Chongqing was selected as the experimental soil. Twenty rainfall scenarios with varying rainfall intensities and slope conditions were created in the simulation. The results indicate that the runoff initiation time shortened with an increased rainfall intensity and slope gradient. There was a logarithmic relationship between the effect of the rainfall amount on both the runoff intensity and sediment yield intensity. Generally, both the runoff and sediment yield showed a positive linear relationship with the rainfall intensity under different slope gradient conditions. In terms of the same rainfall intensity, both the runoff intensity and sediment yield intensity increased with the slope. Furthermore, a critical slope gradient for the soil and water loss was found between 20° and 25°. This study aimed to provide a reference for soil and water conservation research in a purple soil area.

The aim of the study conducted in 2019-2021 was to determine the effect of biostimulants and growth regulators on the yield size and structure, as well as the chemical composition of edible potato tubers. The cultivar evaluated was Vineta. Asahi SL, Kelpak SL, Aminoplant, Tytanit, gibberellic acid (GA3) and Moddus 250 EC were applied in potato cultivation. The application of biostimulants Asahi SL and Tytanit increased the total and marketable tuber yield, as well as the average tuber weight. Aminoplant had a beneficial effect only on the marketable yield, while Moddus 250 EC decreased tuber yield and mean tuber weight, especially under conditions of high rainfall. Biostimulant Asahi SL caused a decrease in the number of tubers formed, while gibberellic acid stimulated tuberisation. Both preparations increased the share of deformed tubers in the total yield. The effect of biostimulants and growth regulators on the formation of the chemical composition of potato tubers was multidirectional. Tytanit increased protein content in tubers, while the remaining preparations, with the exception of the growth regulator Moddus 250 EC, decreased the amount of this component. GA3 and Moddus 250 EC decreased the content of crude fibre and, in the case of Moddus 250 EC, also the content of mineral components. The highest concentration of nitrates (V) was characteristic for potato tubers treated with Asahi SL and the lowest for those treated with Moddus 250 EC.

A patellar luxation and concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common pathology in dogs. Diagnosis is based on clinical evidence of a patellar luxation and stifle joint instability. However, diagnostic imaging is required to assess the number of skeletal deformities and signs of instability. Surgical options include both soft tissue and osseous techniques, although, in most cases, a combination of multiple procedures is necessary to correct the patellar luxation and restore the stifle joint stability. Complication rates are generally low, but can include reluxation and implant-associated complications. This article describes the patellar luxation and cranial cruciate ligament rupture signs in dogs, including the clinical presentation and diagnosis, and discusses current treatment options.

Measures for consumer protection against food adulteration and misleading labelling are integrated into EU legislation, including methods for detecting misleading practices. Verification of the meat content is available for marine products, but not for salmonid fish due to the lack of standard nitrogen factors. This study aimed to establish nitrogen factors for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The study analysed 340 fish from Czech fisheries obtained in the summer of 2018-2020. According to the established ISO methods, fillet samples with and without skin were analysed for their nitrogen content (protein), dry matter, ash, and fat. The recommended nitrogen factor for rainbow trout fillets with and without the skin is 3.07 ± 0.12 and 3.06 ± 0.14, respectively, and the nitrogen factor for fat-free rainbow trout fillets with and without the skin is 3.33 ± 0.15 and 3.29 ± 0.15, respectively. The recommended nitrogen factor for brook trout fillets with and without the skin is 3.16 ± 0.10 and 3.12 ± 0.09, respectively, and the nitrogen factor for fat-free brook trout fillets with and without the skin is 3.42 ± 0.13 and 3.36 ± 0.12, respectively. The established nitrogen factors will enable the analysis of the meat content to ensure that consumers purchase correctly described and labelled fish products.

Corrigendum in: CJFS. 2023 Feb 27; 41(1):78. doi:10.17221/26/2023-CJFS

Growing consumer awareness is forcing food producers to supply raw material and products of increasingly high quality and health-promoting properties. Knowledge of the genetic background of quality characteristics is taking on great importance, enabling selection based on molecular markers. The increasing throughput of molecular techniques, in combination with an expanding bioinformatics infrastructure, is leading to continual improvement in understanding of the molecular mechanisms influencing meat quality. This has resulted in the identification of polymorphic nucleotides [single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] showing a relationship with meat characteristics such as tenderness [polymorphism in the calpain (CAPN) and calpastatin (CAST) genes], marbling [diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1)], colour, pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) [CAST, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and others], and fatty acid profile (SCD1). An increasingly wide range of methods is used for analysis, from techniques based on amplification of nucleic acids [polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR)] through Sanger sequencing to high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. This paper is a review of the literature on polymorphism of genes determining the quality characteristics of meat and molecular methods used to detect them.

Vegetation dynamics, soil properties, and the correlation between them following a wildfire are crucial to understanding the recovery of forest (natural or planted forest) ecosystems. We compared species composition and soil properties in two burned (Br) and unburned (UBr) sites of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand in Northern Iran. We detected 39 plant species including 22 (56.4%) species that were common in both sites, 13 (33.3%) species specifically in the Br site, and 4 (10.3%) species specifically in the UBr site. Although species abundance was significantly higher in the UBr site, species richness was significantly higher in the Br site. Species composition was significantly different (F = 16.25, P-value = 0.001) between Br and UBr sites. Rarefaction-extrapolation revealed consistently and significantly higher species diversity in Br site compared to UBr site for all three Hill numbers. Only sand (t = 2.23, P-value = 0.030), pH (t = 2.44, P-value = 0.018) and electrical coductivity (t = 2.98, P-value = 0.004) were significantly higher (P-value ≤ 0.05) in the Br site due to the demobilization of base cations in burnt vegetation. In the Br site, the wildfire did not cause any marked changes in C and N stocks.

Agriculture has lost its importance in many parts of the world, leaving peasants in a state of uncertainty regarding their social status and identity. This article uses both quantitative and qualitative data to present the changes experienced by Romanian peasants as a result of an entire series of processes which led to the loss of their place within society. Statistical data are used to illustrate the evolution of the most relevant agriculture-related indicators over the last three decades. Qualitative data are presented in order to explain how developments in agriculture were perceived by peasants. While the changes might be irreversible, the story of the 'old' class of peasants should constitute a starting point for redesigning national policies and avoiding the disintegration of an entire social class.

Bacterial antagonists are effective as an alternative to synthetic bactericides in the control of potato soft rot. The use of bioagents reduces the application of synthetic bactericides, which are harmful to humans and the environment. However, the mechanisms of some bioagents, such as some fungi and bacteria, are not yet understood. This paper reviews the current situation of potato soft rot, biological controls, antagonistic bioagents and their mechanisms, application strategies and future directions in today's agriculture. These mechanisms include mycoparasitism, competition, rhizosphere colonisation, synthesis and release of metabolites. Bioagents increased the defensive system of plants by increasing the antioxidants genes, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), and eventually increased the plant growth and yield production.

Freeze-thaw erosion occurs primarily at high latitudes and altitudes. Temperature controlled freeze-thaw events dislodge soil particles and serve as a catalyst for erosion. This review paper provided an overview of the effects of freeze-thaw on soil properties and water erosion. The process of freeze-thaw cycles results in temporary and inconsistent changes in the soil moisture, and affects the soil's mechanical, physical and chemical properties, such as the soil moisture content, porosity, bulk density, aggregates stability, shear strength and organic matter content and so on. The variation trend and range of the soil properties were related to the soil texture, water content and freeze-thaw degree. Furthermore, the soil erosion was affected by the freeze-thaw processes, as thawing and water erosion reinforce each other. However, research of different experimental conditions on indoor simulations have numerous limitations compared with field experiments. The use of indoor and field experiments to further reveal the freeze-thaw effect on the soil erosion would facilitate improved forecasting.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus zeae LB2 on the gut microbiota in piglets infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Thirty-two healthy 7-day-old piglets were randomly divided into four treatment groups: control group (basal diet), LB2 group (supplemented with 1 × 10⁸ CFU/pig/day L. zeae LB2), ETEC group (infected with 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/pig/day ETEC) and ETEC+LB2 group (LB2 supplementation + ETEC infection). Intestinal contents were collected for DNA extraction and Illumina sequencing. Significant result was observed for alpha diversity in the four intestinal sections, and both ETEC infection and LB2 supplementation showed a higher Chao1 alpha diversity. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were dominant in the healthy piglets, while Proteobacteria were dominant in the ETEC-infected piglets. At the genus level, ETEC infection decreased the abundance of Prevotella, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, Flavobacterium, and Sutterella and increased the abundance of Actinobacillus. The LB2 supplementation reduced the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Actinobacillus, Porphyromonas, and Alloprevotella, and increased the abundance of Prevotella and Lactobacillus. Both ETEC infection and LB2 supplementation affected several functional pathways associated with cellular processes, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, diseases, metabolism, and organismal systems. In summary, ETEC infection induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiome in piglets, while L. zeae supplementation could positively regulate the gut microbiome during ETEC infection. Therefore, L. zeae LB2 may be an ideal probiotic for the prevention or treatment of ETEC infection.

Xylotrechus arvicola is an emerging grape pest that generates serious sanitary problems in vineyards and is currently expanding its range throughout Spain. The increasing prevalence of this pest in Spanish vineyards has been detected since 1990. In this study, the relationship between the climate and the actual distribution of the beetle was analysed, as well as how this distribution might change in the future according to several climate change models. The methodology was based on predictive models (SDM; species distribution modelling) using climate variables as explanatory factors, although the relationships were not necessarily causal. Maxent was used as the SDM method. The current climatic niche was calculated, and the actual potential distribution area was estimated. The relationships between the climate variables and the species probability of the presence were projected to various future climate change scenarios. The main conclusions reached were that climate change will favour the expansion of X. arvicola and that the potential infestation zones will be extended significantly. Although the results, because they were based on hypothetical climate frameworks that are under constant revision, were not conclusive, they should be taken into consideration when defining future strategies in the wine industry.

Ovarian teratomas are rare neoplasms in female dogs, and they are characterised by the proliferation of tissues of embryonic origin. Most teratomas are benign, but a histological diagnosis is important for clinicians. The objective of this article is to describe a benign ovarian teratoma in a dog, which was found on the street and was appearing like pregnant. A veterinary inspection by palpation documented an enlarged abdomen with a mass of tough matter located on the right side in the abdominal-pelvic part. An ultrasound examination presumed neoplastic mass in region of ovary. A bilateral ovariohysterectomy was performed and the subsequent histological evaluation revealed a benign ovarian teratoma with a histochemically and immunohistochemically verified nervous tissue. After one year, no distant metastases were found and the dog was recognised as being clinically healthy without problems. On the basis of the ultrasonography diagnostics and histopathological analyses, we have demonstrated the occurrence of a benign ovarian teratoma in a dog.

The series of phenolic acid (2-, 3-, 4-monohydroxy- and 2,4-, 2,5-dihydroxy) alkyl esters (methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl) were prepared, and their antimicrobial activities were determined. The antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis was investigated and expressed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range of 1.2-20 mM. The inhibitory activity of higher esters of phenolic acids was found to be higher than that of methyl esters and acids. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tested compounds was compared with that of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its esters (parabens).

The effect of simultaneous intercropping of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with different legumes of faba bean (Vicia faba L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and purple clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) on selected production and qualitative parameters of wheat was evaluated in field trials conducted both in organic and conventional cropping systems, in comparison with pure sown wheat. Wheat intercropped with legumes achieved higher grain yield compared to pure sown wheat for an average of two years. However, in organic cultivation, the positive effect of intercropping on wheat yields was more pronounced. In addition, a strong influence of the year was noted. In 2021, in the organic cropping system, the most yielding intercropped wheat (especially with pea and bean) achieved 114-117% higher yields compared to pure sown wheat (in the previous year of 2020, it was usually only about 102-106%). In the conventional cropping system, the effect of intercropping on wheat yield was significantly weaker, and in 2021, wheat intercropped with legumes reached even lower yields than pure sown wheat in some cases. In terms of sowing methods (both in organic and conventional cropping systems), mixed sowing with individual legumes significantly exceeded the yields of wheat grown with legumes in separate, alternating rows. As regards quality parameters, wheat intercropped with legumes reached in comparison with pure sown wheat usually had higher crude protein content in wheat grain dry matter and higher values of Zeleny sedimentation.

Environmental valuation studies in the context of developing countries have become more frequent in recent years. However, literature which reviews and examines the environmental valuation studies is limited. Thus, this paper performed a literature review on forest contingent valuation studies conducted in the Ethiopian context in the past two decades (2000 to May 2022), focusing on two specific objectives: (i) to examine amounts of resources that households are willing to pay (WTP) for forest conservation, and (ii) to identify determinants of households' WTP. Results indicate the mean lower annual WTP of USD 0.41 (2.63 birr) and 7.04 man-days per household in money and labour time, respectively. Whereas the mean upper annual WTP of USD 53.52 per household in monetary payment and 94.34 man-days per household in labour time contribution are found for the management and conservation of forest in Ethiopia. The finding reveals that there is a limited proportion of the examined studies that included and estimated WTP in a non-monetary payment vehicle, implying a need for future researches on the topic. The result shows that demographic and socio-economic variables, physical assets ownership, institutional and infrastructural services and bid price variables were the main determinants of households' WTP. This suggests that the forest conservation intervention program involving public participation in the country needs to consider the identified determinants of WTP in design and implementation of the program. Moreover, the finding indicates the presence of mixed results on the effect and direction in which some determinants of WTP are affected. This recommends a pressing need for comprehensive future studies on the research theme.

While monitoring the health of different ornamental and shade trees in Serbia, symptoms indicative of cypress canker disease were observed in young Cupressus sempervirens trees in the Belgrade urban area. Symptoms included tree mortality (specimens were recorded with a change in needle colour, branch decline or longitudinal bark cankers on the stems with resin exudates) and the appearance of acervuli fruiting bodies on the bark and cones. Using light microscopy, cross sections of fruiting bodies on the cankered bark and cones were examined and numerous fusoid, six-cell conidia were recorded with four inner coloured cells and two hyaline cells at the ends. Based on the unique combination of the morphological features and the infected host, this pathogen was identified as Seiridium cardinale. This is the first report of S. cardinale on the common cypress in Serbia. Possible introduction pathways and the implications of the findings are discussed.

Pesticide residues and heavy metals were analysed in both fresh tender coconut water (FTCW) (n = 161) and packaged tender coconut water (PTCW) (n = 126) samples collected from three southern states of India [Andhra Pradesh (AP), Kerala (KL), and Tamil Nadu (TN)]. A method validated in the laboratory using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for pesticide residues, while heavy metals were analysed using a validated method of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences in heavy metal concentrations were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc test (between different varieties collected 'within' and 'among' states). FTCW samples [n = 9 (6%)] collected from TN showed Monocrotophos and Malathion residues in the range of 1.0 µg L^-1 to 51.6 µg L^-1 and 0.5 µg L^-1 to 0.6 µg L^-1, respectively, while they were detected in n = 5 (4%) of the PTCW samples at a range of 0.90 µg L^-1 and 0.82 µg L^-1 to 1.56 µg L^-1. Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and stannum (Sn) were detected in different varieties collected from all three states. Some of the PTCW samples also contained traces of Cd, Cr, cobalt (Co), and Pb. Arsenic (As) was found in one sample from KL, while none of the samples was contaminated with mercury (Hg). The present study accentuates the need for fixing standards for the pesticide residues in coconut water.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat globally. FHB causes an extensive reduction in yield and reduces the grain quality through its contamination with Fusarium toxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), T2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, nivalenol, and zearalenone. This review provides an overview of updated progress of genetic studies on the resistance to FHB, with an emphasis on the sources of resistance to FHB, resistance gene/quantitative trait loci (QTL) mining, resistance gene cloning, major FHB resistance genes/QTL identification by molecular markers, and resistance mechanisms. The achievements of resistance breeding based on phenotype selection and molecular markers was also summarised. Based on the systematic analysis of breeding limitations and utilisation of FHB resistant materials, the authors put forward three suggestions: First, to toughen the resistance identification of wheat, testing traits such as Fusarium damaged kernel and DON need special attention as visual symptoms are less reliable, resistant varieties should be popularised, and the screening the resistant genes should be strengthened; The second is to use the additive effect of quantitative resistance genes accumulated from existing varieties to reduce the cost of resistance in order to create high yielding resistant varieties. Thirdly, to enhance research and utilization of new genes.

Temporal changes in the concentrations of plant-available phosphorus (P) in soil (Olsen-P), total soil-P and P activation coefficient (the ratio of Olsen-P to residual-P (i.e. an approximation to total-P)) were measured in plots that received consistent inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plus organic fertilizers annually. Maize and winter wheat crops were grown in rotation for 24 years. Olsen-P and P activation coefficient declined significantly in the earlier years (< 12 years) for treatments that did not include any P fertilizer, and increased over the same period for the P-fertilized treatments. The rates of change in the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient values were positively related to P balance. In the later years, the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient plateau values were positively related to the P balance.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) seed, produced in three locations, was used in the present study. Seed was stored in paper, glass, wood and PVC packing materials under room temperature conditions (18°C) for five years. The following parameters of seed quality were observed: viability, germination, dormancy and a 1000-seed weight. Standard laboratory methods were applied in the studies. The lowest viability after harvest was recorded in seeds stored in glass or pvc packing materials. All factors pointed to a great significance in the expression of viability, germination and seed weight maintenance. The highest value of germination (99%) was recorded in seeds produced in the location Karbulovo after two-year storage in the paper packing material. In the second year of storage, seed dormancy in paper packing material amounted to 0-0.1%. The seed weight changed during the storage period from 33.9 g to 24.4 g. The weight loss was the lowest in seeds stored in the paper packing material. The germination decline was slower in large than in small seeds. Obtained results indicate the importance of packing material for maintenance of seed qualitative traits. According to the gained results, seeds packed in paper packing material mostly retained their physiological and morphological traits.

The soil samples from 0-10 cm depth were collected from three areas (Center of Basrah - CB, Garmat Ali - GA, and Abu Al-Khasib - AK) located along the Shatt Al-Arab River (SR) delta in southern Iraq to estimate the distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAH total concentrations in the soils decreased significantly from CB (72.16 ng/g dry weight (DW)), GA (36.48 ng/g DW), to AK (17.30 ng/g DW) gradually indicating the impact of pollution emissions on the distribution of PAHs in soils. The low (2 and 3 ring) and high (4, 5, and 6 ring) molecular weight PAHs accounted for 14%, 16%, 37%, 21%, and 12% respectively in CB soil, 24%, 31%, 29%, 7%, and 10% in GA soil and 40%, 29%, 17%, 8%, and 8% in AK soil. The high molecular weight PAHs predominated in CB soils and the low molecular weight PAHs dominated in GA and AK soils suggesting a difference in emission sources between the studied areas. The PAH diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that PAHs in soils of the SR delta essentially originated from traffic and industrial emissions and biomass and grass/wood/coal combustion. The PAH atmospheric transport from CB area might impact the PAH distribution in the soils of AK area. The risk assessment of the soils has been performed. The total toxic equivalent concentrations (Bap_teq) of PAHs in the examined areas did not exceed the Dutch target values suggesting that no carcinogenic risk for the SR delta soils was found.

One of the aerodynamic characteristics of lentil is its terminal velocity. In order to determinate the terminal velocity, was designed a vertical wind tunnel. It was fabricated based on existing methods and standards. For decreasing the non-uniformity of airflow in the vertical wind column, was used a honey comb test area with 5 mesh screens. So, a wind tunnel nozzle was designed and fabricated using Morel method with the aim of increasing airflow rate and decreasing losses due to mesh screens. The height and section area of tunnel were 1.425 m and 0.1 × 0.1 m2, respectively. The pressure loss values were calculated at different parts of tunnel and then, the required power of tunnel was determined. In this study, lentil grains of Kimia and Gachsaran varieties were separated at three groups based on their size (small, medium and large). Then, the terminal velocity was measured at 5 levels of moisture content (8, 12, 16, 20 and 24% (w.b.)) for each group. The results showed that Kimia and Gachsaran variety had the highest (7.204 m.s-1) and the lowest (6.987 m.s-1) terminal velocity, respectively. The mean value of terminal velocity increased linearly from 6.751 to 7.396 m.s-1 by increasing the moisture content from 8 to 24% (w.b.). Also, by increasing the grains dimension from small to large, the terminal velocity increased from 6.345 to 7.792 m.s-1.

Two dogs were admitted for the diagnosis and treatment of neoplasia (a hepatic and a mammary tumour, respectively), lethargy, quadriparesis and abnormal mentation with hypoglycaemia. The blood analyses showed severe hypoglycaemia (1.32 and 1.60 mmol/l, respectively). Although prompt treatment, including intravenous administration of dextrose, was initiated, the blood glucose concentrations were not restored to a normal range. After the diagnostic procedures, no aetiology other than the hepatic tumour identified by the abdominal radiography and ultrasonography, and a mammary tumour that might have caused the hypoglycaemia, were identified. Because there was a high suspicion of non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia as a paraneoplastic syndrome, the dogs underwent a hepatic lobectomy and total mastectomy with an ovariohysterectomy, respectively. Within 12 hours after surgery, the blood glucose concentrations of both cases had normalised, even without the administration of dextrose. The histopathological examinations identified a hepatocellular adenoma and a mammary carcinoma, respectively. The endocrine analysis of the serum at admission revealed low serum insulin concentrations (< 1.44 pmol/l) and high serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 2 in both dogs. Therefore, the diagnosis in both dogs was confirmed to be non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia. Both dogs remained alive without the recurrence of hypoglycaemia 24 months later. Previously, the administration of intravenous dextrose has been considered as the initial treatment in dogs with hypoglycaemia; however, this can temporarily ameliorate the clinical signs related to the non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia and help the anaesthesia for the surgical tumour resection as an emergency. Therefore, the definitive treatment of non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia might be rapid surgical intervention, which can be associated with good prognosis in dogs with severe non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia.

The amount and spatial distribution of plants afflicted with cabbage root maggot (Delia radicum; CRM) and clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) in winter oilseed rape crops were assessed in the Olomouc region (Northern Moravia, Czech Republic) over the course of 2012-2014. A total of 16 commercial rape fields were included in the assessments. Plants with tumours showed a significantly lower (P < 0.001) level of infestation induced by CRM (24% of plants infested) compared to plants without tumours (37% of plants infested). According to a generalised linear mixed model, plants with thicker hypocotyls are predisposed to significantly higher levels (P < 0.001) of root surface damage induced by CRM. The correlation analysis indicates rather weak or intermediate levels of correlation between the two variables (hypocotyls thickness × root surface damage induced by CRM). Both CRM and clubroot symptomatic plants showed a significant tendency for aggregation in rape crops, but not in all cases. Distributions of CRM and clubroot symptomatic plants were either significantly spatially dissociated or not associated in crops. Ovipositing D. radicum females showed some tendency to avoid zones with higher number of plants infected by P. brassicae. Distributions of CRM and hypocotyl thickness levels were significantly spatially associated in crops in several cases.

Humic acid urea fertilizer (HA-N) is a new type of slow-release nitrogenous fertilizer that can enhance utilization rate of urea, and consequently increases crop yield. However, there were few researches about the effect of HA-N on the nitrogen absorption and utilization in sweet potato production. Hence, the effect of HA-N on nitrogen accumulation and distribution, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and yield of sweet potato was studied in the field using the ¹⁵N tracer technique. Results showed that HA-N significantly increased the number of storage roots per plant and the average fresh weight per storage root, as well as the yield increased by 29.6% compared with urea fertilizer. Furthermore, nitrogen accumulation of total plant was higher under the HA-N. In addition, HA-N significantly increased nitrogen production efficiency of fertilizer and nitrogen production efficiency. Results of a ¹⁵N tracer experiment revealed that the percentage of nitrogen absorbed by plant from fertilizer increased from 31.1% to 38.7% and NUE increased from 33.5% to 44.8% with application of HA-N when compared with single N treatment, respectively. HA-N significantly increased sweet potato storage root yield, nitrogen absorption and NUE, as well as it reduced the loss of nitrogen fertilizer.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of ventral slot decompression and rehabilitation therapy in dogs with cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). Surgical decompression was performed in dogs with IVDH using the ventral slot procedure. After surgery, physiotherapeutic rehabilitation consisted of a combination of electrotherapy, infrared therapy and mechanical massage; treadmill exercise was started when the animal could stand up. A total of 58 dogs were selected from the hospital and included in two groups: rehabilitated group (RG, n = 34) and non-rehabilitated group (NRG, n = 24). Dogs of each group were subdivided into five groups based on a pre-operative clinical grading system. Grade 1 designated spinal pain only, grade 2 designated ambulatory paraparesis, grade 3 designated non-ambulatory paraparesis, grade 4 designated paraplegia with deep-pain perception intact and grade 5 designated paraplegia without deep-pain perception. Post-operative changes of both groups were evaluated and compared, including time until unassisted standing and walking after surgery and the success rate. Overall, 79.41% (27/34) of dogs had a successful neurologic outcome in the RG group, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the NRG group 62.50% (15/24). Interestingly, the success rate differed when the preoperative grading system was considered. The success rates of grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 100% (9/9), 100% (7/7), 75% (3/4), 53.85% (7/13) and 100% (1/1), respectively, in the rehabilitated groups, whereas in the non-rehabilitated groups success rates were 100% (5/5), 83.33% (5/6), 60.00% (3/5), 28.57% (2/7) and 0% (0/1), respectively. The differences in success rates between the two groups according to grading were 0, 16.67, 15, 25.57 and 100%, respectively. The proposed rehabilitation therapy after surgical decompression of cervical IVDH can improve the success rate when the preoperative pathological condition is severe.