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There are only two known methods for determining the sex of Ips typographus (L.) - dissection that can­not be used with live beetles and by distinguishing between the density of the hairs on the head, a less reliable method that requires experienced personnel. As a result, we have sought to find a more reliable method of sex determination for I. typographus which can be used with live specimens but is still reliable and easy to conduct. The aim of the article is to explore the inner structure in data from measurements of morphological parameters of spruce bark beetles and to find correlations which could be used for sex determination. The number of beetles in our sample was 110, all from the first trapping of one pheromone trap. The statistical methods of principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CLU) were used to support any correlation between the sex parameter and other morphological parameters (weight, elytra length, elytra width, pronotum length, pronotum width). As no correlation was found in the case of sex, we can claim that it is not possible to determine sex according to the examined morphological parameters. However, we have found an interesting inner structure in the data and it was confirmed that even weight is slightly correlated with other morphological parameters.

Soildegradationis aserious and widespread problemin Albania. Itmanifests itselfin manyformsandcauses arange ofeffects. The aim of this study was to analyze the economic losses from soil erosion and compaction in relationship to agriculture in Albania. On-site effects of these two degradative processes affect farmers directly through reducingproductionand increasingthe costsof farming. Calculation ofeconomic losses was performed by using the replacement and lost production methods. According to our assessments, the wheat and maize yield losses due to the soil compaction are112 164 tons or US$ 40.2 million, and the plant nutrient losses due to the water erosion are 69 609 tons or US$ 98million. Economic losses from the erosion and compaction in the agricultural area in Albania are at least US$ 138.2 million per year or about 5.5% of the agricultural GDP. Based on the assessed economic losses from soil degradation, it can be concluded that the soil conservation in Albania is economically viable.

We evaluated the proportion of fatty acid groups, with an emphasis on hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids, in the milk of 25 Holstein cows during the 1^st period of lactation in relation to their negative energy balance (NEB). Sampling of each cow's milk started on the 7^th day after calving. Milk samples (n = 425) were collected at 7-day periods during the first 17 weeks of lactation. The proportion (%) of saturated (SFA), hypercholesterolaemic (HCFA), volatile (VFA), unsaturated (UFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in the milk fat was determined. Body condition score and fat to protein ratio in milk were applied for precise determination of the NEB breakpoint during the observed period. The effects of parity, NEB, regression on lactation week and fat to protein ratio were evaluated using SAS 9.3. Milk contained a lower proportion of SFA as well as equally higher UFA (± 2.13%; P < 0.01) during the NEB period. The overcoming of NEB caused an increase in SFA, however, and simultaneously a significant decline in total HCFA (-1.86%; P < 0.01) as well as main MUFA (-1.81%, P < 0.05). The results document the necessity of increasing Holstein cow robustness to meet the production conditions in dairy farms in relation to the requirement of higher nutrient quality as well as the potential health benefits of cow's raw milk for consumers.

Wheat grain products are the primary source of dietary Cd-intake for humans. Since varieties differ markedly in grain-Cd accumulation, efforts are needed to find traits associated with low, or high, accumulation. Two durum wheat varieties, selected in a field screening as low (Creso) and high (Svevo) grain-Cd accumulating, were grown on soil spiked with 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mg Cd/kg. Growth patterns, Cd uptake and translocation were investigated at heading and maturity. Cadmium did not affect plant growth and grain yield, but grain-Cd concentration always exceeded the permissible limit of 0.2 mg Cd/kg, and was approximately double in Svevo than in Creso. At maturity, total Cd-uptake increased linearly with supply in Creso, from 13 to 23 µg/plant, and was approximately 18 µg/plant, irrespective of Cd level, in Svevo. Partitioning to shoot was higher in Svevo than in Creso, both at heading and maturity. We suggest that reduced plant height, high root to shoot biomass ratio during vegetative growth and elevated post-heading dry matter accumulation promoted Cd accumulation into grain. Since these traits are common to modern wheat varieties, risks of grain Cd-contamination can increase in the future.

In the present study, three soils (Ferralsol, Luvisol topsoil, and Luvisol subsoil) were amended with biochars (charcoal, hydrothermal carbonization coal (HTC) of bark, and low-temperature conversion coal of sewage sludge), wheat straw and a control (no amendment) and incubated over a period of 365 days. Each amendment was applied at a rate of 11.29 g C/kg soil. After incubation, the soils were analyzed to retrieve three density fractions (free fraction (FF), intra-aggregate fraction (IAF), and heavy fraction) which were analyzed for total carbon (TC) contents and scanned by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The biochars and straw significantly increased the TC contents of soils as compared to control. Among soil organic matter (SOM) density fractions, higher TC contents were documented in the FF and IAF from biochar treatments as compared to the straw. The FTIR spectra of the FF from the charcoal and HTC treatments showed the presence of aluminosilicate minerals on surfaces of SOM. There were slight changes in the FF of straw and HTC treatments as compared to spectra of original amendments. The study suggests that the stability of charcoal and HTC in soils is due to the recalcitrant nature of biochar followed by occlusion into soil micro-aggregates.

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Neospora caninum, the effect of infection on abortion and fertility parameters and the efficacy and outcomes with combination treatment in a dairy farm with high abortion rates and low fertility parameters. Four hundred and eighty-six cows were tested using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The seroprevalence of N. caninum was 19%. Sulphadiazine-trimethoprim and toltrazuril were administered to the seropositive animals. The risk of abortion increased 19-fold in animals infected with N. caninum (P < 0.05), and N. caninum-induced abortions occurred more often between the fourth and the sixth months of gestation. N. caninum infection also had an adverse influence on the number of inseminations to conception (P < 0.05) and calving to conception interval (P < 0.05). The treatment protocol improved the fertility parameters. Although, it is not a radical approach, this combination therapy may be recommended as the primary treatment in neosporosis.

Ectopic ACTH secretion is provoked by extra-pituitary tumours that secrete ACTH, constituting an infrequent type of Cushing Syndrome in the dog. Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) are characterised by the synthesis of peptides with hormone activity. A dog with clinical diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and presenting an abdominal tumour located in the area of the left adrenal gland was sent to the hospital. Cortisol was not inhibited at four and eight hours after the application of low-dose dexamethasone and the cortisol/creatinine ratio was elevated (93 × 10^-6, referencevalues < 10 × 10^-6). Plasma ACTH measurements were high (28.6 pmol/l, reference values 5.5-14.3 pmol/l). On computed tomography, the tumour was found in the meso-epigastrium, with both adrenal glands hyperplasic and no alteration of the pituitary image. The tumour was located between the two layers of the meso-colon and was removed using laparoscopy. After surgery, ACTH concentrations became normal and clinical signs remitted. The histopathological diagnosis was NET, with positive ACTH immunostaining.

Litterfall, an important component of the nutrient cycle in forest ecosystems, was measured for 9 years in young oak stands on two localities classified as beech-oak climax (Fageto-Quercetum). We estimated that about 4 Mg of dry mass per hectare fell each year. Nutrient content in the litterfall represents annually per hectare approximately 40-55 kg of nitrogen, 2-3 kg of phosphorus, 7-16 kg of potassium, 41-73 kg of calcium and 6-7 kg of magnesium. The amount of litterfall is positively correlated with stand basal area and with the death of suppressed tress with small crowns. We found a positive correlation between annual litterfall and the sum of precipitation and a negative correlation between annual litterfall and temperature in summer.

The study focuses on the environmental problem of diffuse pollution from agriculture (DPA) as a result of the land use and the policy intervention that can be used to mitigate the problem. Attention is paid to the use of economic instruments (EIs) in policies concerning the DPA. Also, policy options, the advantages and disadvantages of the EIs and their assessment are looked at.

Effects of floral herbivory (grazing flowers) by slugs on production and quality of seeds of herbaceous plants have been rarely quantified. We studied consequences of grazing by an invasive slug Arion lusitanicus (Mabille) for inflorescences of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wiggers). In May 2008, a grassy site in Prague-Ruzyně (Czech Republic) was densely populated by dandelion inflorescences. Of the 40% of the flowers grazed by the slug, 70% died before seed dispersal and seed was eaten from 10% of the closed mature inflorescences. Viability of seeds from inflorescences that survived slug grazing was not affected. In addition to seedling predation, grazing of flowers may be an important source of dandelion mortality at sites where this slug is abundant.

Changes of soil organic matter (SOM) parameters were investigated in a haplic Luvisol with medium-heavy texture. Soil samples were taken from several layers at minimum (MT) and conventional (CT) tillage plots of a field experiment in Sitzenhof (Germany). All cultural practices except for tillage (crop rotation, fertilizing, protection measures, etc.) were identical over the whole time of the experiment. The concentrations of oxidizable carbon C_ox and its constituents (humic acids (HA), fulvic acids (FA), and hot-water soluble carbon) are comparable in layers 15-20 cm in both variants. In 0-15 cm and 30-55 cm layers, these concentrations were higher in the MT variant. A similar trend was observed in the colour quotient values of humic substances Q4/6, which indicates increasing condensation of humus substances (HS) at deeper layers in both variants, and it is also confirmed by a humic to fulvic acids ratio HA:FA. Concentrations of SOM fractions were higher (except 15-20 cm layers) in the MT than CT treatment throughout the profile, especially below the 30 cm depth. The SOM did not accumulate markedly in the surface layer of long-term MT treatment.

The paper presents the results of over 30-years of field experiment on soil organic carbon accumulation under different crop rotation, manure and mineral N fertilization. The experiment was conducted with two crop rotations: A - recognized as soil exhausting from humus (potatoes, winter wheat, spring barley and corn) and B enriching soil with humus (potatoes, winter wheat, spring barley, and clover with grass mixture). In each crop rotation, five rates of manure - 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 t/ha and four rates of mineral fertilizers N1, N2, N3 and N4 were applied. At the beginning of the experiment in 1979, the initial organic carbon content amounted to 0.74%, and after 33 years dropped to 0.61% in crop rotation without legumes. On the contrary, in crop rotation with clover - grass mixture, the tendency to stabilization of organic carbon quantity in soil was observed with the highest value 0.79% and the lowest one 0.72%. It was found that crop rotation enriching soil with humus produced organic matter ever more than those depleting the soil with humus, regardless of the manure fertilization. Mineral fertilization has modified soil organic carbon content.

A practical technique for isolation and cryopreservation of tench (Tinca tinca) (Cyprinidae, Teleostei) early stages of germ cells (GC), including spermatogonia and spermatocytes, is reported for the first time. The germ-line cells possess the ability to differentiate into functional gametes of both sexes. These early stages of germ cells are small enough to be well-suited to cryopreservation, which, together with their high level of plasticity, makes their preservation a promising tool for maintaining genetic resources. Testicular cells were distinguished and separated by Percoll gradient, with the highest proportion of GC (62.2%) obtained from the 30% layer. The concentration and viability of GC were determined, and specific staining (DDX4) for germ cells was used to distinguish GC from somatic cells. Early stages of germ cells were cryopreserved in an extender composed of phosphate buffered saline (pH 8) with 0.5% BSA, 50mM d-glucose, and containing 1.5M cryoprotectant in the pre-programmed PLANER Kryo10 series III using a cooling protocol from +10°C to -80°C at a rate of 1°C/min. The effect of six cryoprotectants - methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl sulfoxide + propanediol (1 : 1), glycerol, ethylene glycol, and dimethylacetamid was assessed, and the results were evaluated by comparing the percentage of viable frozen/thawed GC by ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test (P < 0.05). Almost the same viability rates were obtained with no significant differences among tested cryoprotectants, indicating high stability of GC in cryoprotectants. Nevertheless, glycerol at a concentration of 1.5M was associated with the highest survival rate of thawed tench GC (57.69 ± 16.85%).

Contamination of Pansky Pond, in March 2013, with 119 mg/l aluminium, and 87 mg/l iron by acidic (pH 3.17) inflow from a nearby quarry caused fish die-off, while exhibiting symptoms of suffocation. Transformation of soluble forms of aluminium and iron into insoluble forms occurred on fish gill where the content of aluminium and iron was 100-fold and 12-fold, respectively, that found in control fish in an unaffected pond. In addition to insoluble aluminium and iron, gills showed presence of iron bacteria. Histopathology was characterised by expression of reactive processes and regressive alterations resulting in gill tissue necrosis. Impairment of the excretory function of gills was reflected in significantly (P < 0.01) higher concentrations of ammonia in the blood plasma of exposed fish compared to the control. Damage to parenchymatous tissues (kidney, liver, spleen) of the exposed fish was manifested as dystrophic alterations, higher aluminium and iron content, and enhanced activity of transaminases in blood plasma compared to the control.

In northwestern Algeria, the production of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) seedlings in four nurseries is hindered by the damping-off disease. Results obtained indicated that Fusarium spp. are commonly found on diseased seedlings, in most containers and bare-root nurseries. Twenty-one isolates of Fusarium, belonging to seven species, were previously isolated from diseased seedlings, and identified based on their morphological and molecular characteristics and their sequences had been deposited in NCBI-Genbank. These isolates were tested for their pathogenicity to local Aleppo pine seeds. The highest inhibition was observed with F. redolens and F. solani, with 75 and 69.3%, respectively. The root growth inhibition of the Aleppo pine seedlings was significantly different for each isolate. The influence of various isolates of Fusarium spp. on seed germination, shoot and root length and vigour index was significantly different. The disease incidence caused by F. redolens and F. solani was 91 and 90%, respectively.

The efficacy of twelve sodium salts as possible alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the control of onion basal rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae was evaluated. In vitro tests showed that there were significant differences between the inhibitory effects of sodium salts on the mycelial growth (P ≤ 0.05) and 2% (w/v) concentrations of sodium metabisulfite and sodium fluoride completely inhibited mycelial growth of the fungus, while other salts did not. Sodium metabisulfite and sodium phosphate monobasic had lower pH values than the other salts. Unlike sodium metabisulfite, sodium phosphate monobasic could not decrease the mycelial growth. The ED₅₀, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values indicated that sodium metabisulfite was more inhibitory to the fungus compared to sodium fluoride. In soil tests, inhibitory effect of sodium metabisulfite on the fungus was higher than that of sodium fluoride, where sodium metabisulfite completely inhibited mycelial growth at even 0.4% concentration.

119 strains of lactic acid bacteria from Chinese pickle were tested for production of antimicrobial compounds (bacteriocins). Among them, strain C8 showed strongly antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. Strain C8 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum based on phenotypical, physiological tests and 16S rDNA identification. The antibacterial substance produced by strain C8 was sensitive to protease but not affected by lipase and amylase and designated as bacteriocin C8. Bacteriocin was purified by salting-out, dialysis and Sephadex G50 column chromatography. Based on SDS-PAGE, bacteriocin C8 was 16.5 kDa in size, which was different from that of other bacteriocins and it might be a novel bacteriocin. Bacteriocin C8 showed a wide range of antimicrobial activity especially as it inhibited some Gram-negative bacteria. This bacteriocin was heat resistant (20 min at 121°C) and stable in the pH range of 3 to 6.

The genus Allium (Family: Alliaceae) is the most important among the bulbous vegetable crops. characterization of Alliums based on phenotypic traits is influenced by the environment and leads to biased diversity estimates. Recognizing the potential of DNA markers in plant breeding, researchers have adopted the molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and characterization of different quality traits in Alliums. This review presents details about the use of DNA markers in Alliums for cultivar identification, diversity studies, SSR development, colour improvement, total soluble solids (TSS), cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and efforts of DNA sequencing. As there are no such reports to describe the above work under a single heading, we decided to mine literature for those who are working in onion, garlic, chives and leek improvement to generate new insights in the subject.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the changes of Mehlich 3 - P, K, Ca and Mg contents in soil during a long-term field experiments with sewage sludge, farmyard manure (FYM) and mineral NPK (NPK) application, compared to the control non-fertilized treatment. The experiment was established at the Humpolec and Suchdol sites (Czech Republic). Potatoes, wheat and barley were grown in crop rotation. Fertilizing system was based on the same nitrogen dose of 330 kg N/ha per one crop rotation. Archive soil samples from the beginning of the experiment (1996) and from the end of each year's crop rotation (1999, 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2011) were analyzed. In spite of the different soil-climatic conditions of the studied sites, very similar tendencies of P, K, Ca and Mg contents changes after the fertilizing systems used were observed in the soil. In case of the same nitrogen dose (330 kg N/ha), sewage sludge appeared to be better source of bioavailable soil phosphorus compared to the farmyard manure and NPK. On the contrary, FYM was a better source of bioavailable potassium and magnesium, despite the lower total magnesium content in FYM. The NPK treatment was the best long-term source of bioavailable potassium.

The article presents the possibilities of visual and statistical outputs from the telemetric tracking of game: activity data, heat map, home regions, movement routes and the points of occurrence. Nowadays the methods of the telemetric tracking of game are also used for finding the best ways to eliminate damage caused by wild boar generally, and field crops damage specifically. From telemetrically gained data it is possible to study the local habits of wild boar and their preference of crops and cultivars in various periods. On the basis of this knowledge it is possible to implement the necessary agrotechnical measures. The pilot processing and verification is run on the portal Zvěř (game) online (http://zver.agris.cz/). Currently there are 11 wild boars marked and tracked. The public part of portal is used for the basic presentation of data; in the non-public part the data of private subjects (agricultural companies and hunting organizations) that are not interested in public presentation are processed in the same way. In this way there is at disposal an integral system of wild boar tracking: capturing, marking, data collection, processing and presentation. This system can be used by research institutions, farmers and hunters.

The objective of the study was to estimate the heterozygosity and phylogenetic relationship between horse breeds in Poland, according to erythrocyte antigens and protein polymorphisms. The study included 15 434 horses: Polish Coldblood, Małopolski, Wielkopolski, Hucul, Polish Konik, Biłgorajski, Felin Pony, and ponies of Shetland origin. A total of 14 loci were studied: seven blood groups and seven protein polymorphism systems. Phylogenetic trees obtained for the erythrocyte antigens and protein variants were mostly alike which suggests that both kinds of markers may be equally used in estimating the similarity of animal populations. The lower polymorphism of the structural and enzymatic proteins, as compared with the erythrocyte antigen, resulted in a lower number of alleles per locus, lower heterozygosity, and closer genetic distances. The level of heterozygosity and phylogenetic trees of the breeds turned out to be mostly concordant with the known history of the populations. Małopolski and Wielkopolski horses are the most homozygous, the Huculs, Polish Koniks, and Biłgorajskis have a middle position, while the Polish Coldbloods and the ponies are the most heterozygous. The Polish Koniks are the most related to other breeds which shows that all the breeds studied, Polish Coldbloods included, have many indigenous ancestors. The Huculs, Polish Koniks, and Biłgorajskis are closely related. In spite of different histories, the Małopolski and Wielkopolski horses have the closest relationship. The Felin Ponies cluster together with the Shetlands. According to the blood groups and protein variation, the genetic diversity of the studied horse breeds is low and mainly due to individual differences. The low genetic variability of the breeds suggests reconsidering the long-term strategies of horse breeding in Poland, particularly of the conserved breeds.

The transport of weaned piglets is considered an important stress factor since the conditions involved in shipping affect the animals' health and welfare. The principal stressor factors that piglets experience during transport include: mixing with unfamiliar animals, overcrowding, heat, cold, temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and noise. It is well known that all these factors contribute to raising the level of stress caused by the weaning process; however, the additional effects attributable to transport immediately after weaning impact the physiology, metabolism and behaviour of piglets, predisposing them to delayed growth. For this reason, animal transport must be well-planned and take into account such aspects as preparation of the piglets, choosing the best route and vehicle type, assuring adequate vehicle design and maintenance, and providing sufficient space. Also important for assuring the welfare of the piglets during transport are sufficient rest time, appropriate access to food and water, defined measures for monitoring the animals during the trip, implementing means of disease control, and establishing the steps to be followed in case of an emergency.

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection is an emerging infectious disease of ruminants first described in Germany in November, 2011. Since then it has spread very rapidly to several European countries. The disease is characterised by fever, reduced milk production and diarrhoea in cattle and abortions, stillbirths and foetal abnormalities in sheep and goats. SBV is an enveloped, negative-sense, segmented, single-stranded RNA virus, classified in the genus Orthobunyavirus of the Bunyaviridae family, and is closely related to Akabane, Ainoa and Shamonda viruses. As of now there is no vaccine available for SBV, which poses a serious threat to naive ruminant population. Owing to its recent discovery, our understanding of Schmallenberg viral disease and its pathology and pathogenesis is limited. This article reviews the data reported so far on this emerging disease with regard to aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathology, diagnosis and control and discusses the future scenario and implications of the disease.

The following case report describes the diagnosis and surgery of bilateral polydactyly of unknown origin in a dromedary camel. A two-year-old, 290 kg, intact female camel was admitted for surgical removal of bilateral supernumerary digits associated with the medial aspects of the metacarpi and proximal to the fetlock joints. Radiographic examination revealed bilateral polydactyly with complete fusion of metacarpal bones. Surgery consisted of an osteotomy of surplus metacarpal bones combined with amputation of the supernumerary digits. The follow-up at 12 months after surgery revealed a sound camel with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

One of the ways of increasing the efficiency and safety of work is the implementation of navigation systems in agricultural practice. Satellite navigation as a means of reducing the unit costs and increasing the safety can have a significant economic impact on a company when properly used. The objective of measurement was to assess the accuracy of a satellite system AutoTrack working with a correction signal SF2. Its provider specifies an accuracy of ± 5 cm for this signal type. The accuracy of machine work was compared for two scenarios, i.e. with and without satellite navigation. Further, the navigation of machines focused predominantly on AgGPS EZ-Guide Plus and AutoTrac Universal. The FMEA method was used to determine the risk of probable failures that can occur on machines while working. This work describes the individual failures that can occur on navigation systems of machines and analyses their impact on operator's safety.

Five intact male group-raised Tosa dogs were diagnosed with transmissible venereal tumours. Surgical removal with electrocautery and a cryogun was conducted because the owner wanted to maintain the fertility of the dogs. The dogs were followed up for 12 months. The surgical wounds were completely healed by five to six weeks. The dogs remained fertile without complications or recurrences. To maintain fertility in dogs suffering from transmissible venereal tumours, the combination of an electrocautery and a cryogun is suggested.

Six novel peach genotypes, designated BN-1, BN-3, BN-4, BN-7, BN-8 and BN-45, were assessed for usefulness as sources of seeds for production of generative rootstocks for peach cultivars. The genotypes BN-8 and BN-1 were the most intensely flowering, while the most abundantly and regularly fruiting genotype was BN-8, which also produced the smallest stones. The smallest fruits and the highest seed yields were produced by the genotypes BN-8 and BN-7. All of the genotypes under assessment produced seeds with higher germination capacities compared with the two control cultivars, Mandżurska and Siberian C, with the seeds of the genotypes BN-8, BN-4 and BN-3 exhibiting the most significantly elevated germination capacities. The most stones with two seeds were produced by the genotypes BN-45 and BN-3; however, produced a smaller fruit crop than did BN-8. Considering the characteristics assessed, the best as a seed source trees was genotype BN-8.

Protocols for the in vitro propagation of two endangered plant species in the Czech Republic, Gentiana verna L. and Jurinea cyanoides (L.) Rchb., were established. In G. verna, the induction of organogenesis on vegetative shoots was successful on the basal 6% agar WPM medium with 200 mg.l^-1of glutamine, 200 mg.l^-1 of casein hydrolysate, 30 g.l^-1 of sucrose, 0.2 mg.l^-1 of BAP, and 0.1 mg.l^-1 of IBA. The multiplication of primary explants was achieved on 6% agar basal MS medium with the same concentrations of substances mentioned above. In J. cyanoides, the induction of organogenesis and multiplication of its vegetative shoots were successful on MS medium with the same concentration of added substances used in G. verna. On the basal MS medium of 1/3 concentration with 3 mg.l^-1 of IBA 70-75% rooting efficiency of G. verna microcuttings and 40% rooting efficiency of J. cyanoides microcuttings were reached. The mortality during acclimatization did not exceed 20% for G. verna and 25% for J. cyanoides.

We examine the nutritional effect of selected non-traditional grain samples added into wheat flour. In a form of flour, amaranth, quinoa, lupine, 5 hemp types, 2 teff types and 2 chia types were used for wheat flour substitution on a low and high level. Samples with amaranth and lupine flour showed the best improvement in terms of protein content (in the range between 21.1 and 26.0%). The highest total dietary fibre was found in lupine composites (7.1 and 9.8%). Hemp samples contained a significant amount of minerals in comparison with the control wheat sample (from 1.16% to 1.98%). According to the above-mentioned differences, flour composites containing single tested grains were distinguished by principal component analysis. All examined plant materials could be recommended for wheat flour fortification in terms of nutritional improvement. The addition of non-traditional flours partially changed both the volume and shape of laboratory prepared bread correspondingly to the type and added amount.

A long-term experiment was used to evaluate the effects of different nutrient management practices on the distribution of soil organic N fractions and their contribution to N nutrition of a rice-wheat system. Continuous rice-wheat cultivation for 13 years without any fertilization was unable to maintain total soil nitrogen level to its original level and resulted in a decrease at 8.3 mg N/kg/year. Likewise, amino acid N, amino sugar N, ammonia N, hydrolysable unknown N, total hydrolysable N and non-hydrolysable N decreased by 37.2, 29.6, 33.7, 10.4, 26.6 and 20.4%, respectively over their initial status. However, application of inorganic fertilizers alone or in combination with organic manures led to a marked increase in total N and its fractions. The increase in total N with the application of farmyard manure, press mud and green manure along with inorganic fertilizer over treatment with inorganic fertilizer alone was 23.1, 34.4 and 7.0%, respectively. These results imply that integrated use of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures represent a sound practice for sustaining N reserves in soil. On average, amino acid-N, amino sugar-N, ammonia-N and hydrolysable unknown-N constituted about 27.9, 10.7, 28.7 and 32.7% of the total hydrolysable-N, respectively.