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Soil quality and fertility are associated with its productivity, and this in turn is connected to the soil biological activity. To study these effects, well designed long-term field experiments that provide comprehensive data sets are the most applicable. Four treatments (tillage methods) were set up: (1) conventional tillage (CT); (2) no tillage (NT); (3) minimum tillage + straw (MTS), and (4) no tillage + mulch (NTM). Our objective was to assess the relationships between soil microbial characteristics and winter wheat yields under these different techniques of conservation tillage within a field experiment, originally established in 1995. The differences in average grain yields over time period 2002-2009 between the variants were not statistically significant. Organic carbon in the topsoil was higher in plots with conservation tillage (NT, MTS, and NTM), than in the conventional tillage plots. There was a statistically significant correlation (P ≤ 0.01) between the grain yields and organic C content in topsoil.

The breeding value (EBV) of Holstein cattle milk performance from the first lactation was evaluated using a regular Animal Model or by Single-Step Prediction of the genomic breeding value (GEBV). A total of 838 bulls were genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 Beadchip V2. Two overlapping sets of milk performances were evaluated: calving years 1991-2004, with 729 341 lactations and 1 394 487 animals in the pedigree and calving years 1996-2009, with 808 436 lactations and 1 487 608 animals in the pedigree. The older data set included 526 genotyped bulls, in which the daughters' milk performance was known for 210 individuals. All of the genotyped animals were included in the newer data set. Of the young genotyped bulls from the older set, 279 had more than 50 daughters with performance records in the newer set. Genomic relationship matrices (G) were constructed from the allele frequencies of the current genotyped population or by assuming a constant value of 0.5 for all loci. Using current allele frequencies, the correlation of G with the pedigree relationship (A) was 0.74, while it was 0.77 when the constant value was used. G was blended with A with weights of 80 or 99%. The average EBV of the genotyped bulls exceeded the mean EBV of the entire population by 3 SD. Although the number of reference bulls was small, genotyping resulted in an increase of approximately 0.05 in the correlation of the GEBV of young bulls with their results after progeny testing. Only small differences in correlations were found in dependency on the methods used for the determination of G and in dependency on the weight used in blending G with A. Both EBV and GEBV in the older set showed higher correlations with the GEBV of the newer set than the EBV of the newer set.

Allometric growth of body macrominerals was examined in slow-growing laying-type cockerels (SG) and in fast-growing male broiler hybrids (FG) during the growing period from hatch to day 22. Allometric coefficients for dry matter, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in relation to body weight were 1.091, 1.427, 1.383, 1.284, 0.843, and 1.097 for SG chickens and 1.075, 1.276, 1.233, 1.216, 0.943, and 1.144 for FG chickens, respectively. Allometric coefficients describing the relationships of Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K with dry matter weight were 1.302, 1.260, 1.172, 0.772, and 0.998 for SG chickens and 1.185, 1.143, 1.127, 0.878, and 1.059 for FG chickens, respectively. High allometric coefficients for Ca, P, and Mg in both genotypes likely indicate a rapid growth of skeletal tissues which requires an adequate mineral nutrition during this period of growth. The deposition of Ca and P relative to dry matter was higher (P < 0.05) and that of Na lower (P < 0.01) in SG chickens thus suggesting that the relative growth of these minerals may be affected by genotype.

The causative agents of respiratory diseases of turkeys represent, primarily in fattening farms, a substantial risk of economic and breeding problems. The purpose of this communication is to provide information on the prevalence of respiratory agents of turkeys and chickens in several fattening and production farms in Southern Moravia. This study was focused on pathogens causing bacterial diseases such as Ornithobacteriosis and Mycoplasmosis, as well as viral rhinotracheitis and laryngotracheitis of poultry. The laboratory diagnosis of these diseases has been performed in our institute since January 2008. We examined 249 samples of turkeys and chickens from a single rearing house and six fattening farms in Southern Moravia. The samples were examined using the PCR or RT-PCR method. The typing of isolates of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale was done using the M13 fingerprinting method. We established the prevalence of pathogens such as Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) and laryngotracheitis virus (ILT) in selected farms.

The effect of Scots pine admixture in European beech stand on the leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N) from organic and humic horizons of Dystric Arenosols was studied in northern Poland in 2008-2009. Three zero-tension lysimeters under organic and humic horizons were installed in pure beech and mixed pine-beech stands. Water samples were collected after each rainfall, measured volumetrically, filtered and analysed. In each sample pH and concentrations of DOC, DON, NH₄-N and NO₃-N were analysed. Stronger acidification of leachates was observed in mixed stand compared to pure beech. About twice higher concentration of DOC and its fluxes per unit area were determined in mixed stand. The fluxes of DOC from unit mass of soil were less varied. In general, lower concentrations of DON, NH₄-N and NO₃-N as well as fluxes of the components (calculated in mg.kg^-1DM.year^-1 and mg.m^-2.year^-1) were observed in mixed stand.

The literature linking Bt maize versus non-Bt maize and the changes in the fungal microflora spectrum and in the mycotoxins content have been summarised. The European corn borer reportedly promotes the infection of maize by Fusarium spp. Stalk and ear rots caused by Fusarium spp. are often related to mycotoxin accumulation in maize kernels. As a result, food and animal feed from maize are more severely contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins: e.g. fumonisins (FUM), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEA). Mycotoxins in field maize lead annually economic losses of hundreds of millions of dollars in all regions of the world. The insecticidal proteins in genetically modified hybrid Bt maize reduce insect damage caused by certain Lepidopteran larvae, which in turn can reduce the infection of the grain by the mycotoxigenic fungi. Where such insect damage is a major factor in mycotoxin contamination, Bt maize can lower mycotoxin levels in many cases. The protection of maize plants against insect damage (European corn borer) through the use of Bt technology seems to be one of the ways to reduce the contamination of maize by Fusarium species and mycotoxins.

Twenty formulas of eggplant dip, motabbal al-bathinjan in Arabic (MB), using different percentages of grilled eggplant, tahina (sesame pulp), and yogurt with constant levels of salt and citric acid were prepared and evaluated for the overall acceptability. The formula composed of 84.2% pulp of peeled grilled eggplant and 14% tahina without the addition of yogurt was found the most acceptable. The cold point of the canned MB was found to be in the geometric centre of the can. Canning of MB was conducted using three time/temperature combinations at the centre (80°C/5 min, 85°C/4 min, and 90°C/3 min). It was found that all heat-processes applied resulted in a commercially sterile canned MB with a high sensorial quality, as evidenced by the results of microbiological examinations, incubation tests, and sensory evaluation. Based on Bacillus coagulans, that may grow and cause flat sour spoilage of canned MB, the sterilisation value (F₁₀₀) was estimated of the whole heat-process from the filling till cooling to about 70°C.

The whole buckwheat flour (WBF) was used in Turkish flat bread, lavaş, up to 30% level without gluten, and up to 40% level with gluten and sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL) additions. Some physical, chemical, and sensory properties of lavaş bread samples were determined. While ash, crude fiber, phytic acid (PA), Fe, K, Mg, and P contents of lavaş breads increased with WBF addition, gluten supplementation caused an increase especially in protein and Ca contents. Leavening process decreased PA contents in the breads compared to raw material, but WBF substitution increased PA contents up to 729 mg/100 g. As a result, the utilisation of WBF in lavaş bread improved the nutrients contents of the bread except PA. The dark colour and slight bitter taste of the WBF affected the sensory score of lavaş bread negatively at 40% substitution level, but the overall acceptability values did not change significantly (P < 0.05) compared to control sample.

An ideal strain for crude oil degradation in saline soils would be one with high salt-tolerance. A novel bacterial strain, Serratia sp. BF40, was isolated from crude oil contaminated saline soils. Its salt-tolerance, surface activity and ability to degrade crude oil in saline soils were evaluated. It can grow in liquid culture with NaCl concentration less than 6.0%. Its surface activity characterized as an efficient surface tension reduction, was significantly affected by salinity above 2.0%. BF40 inoculation could decrease surface tension of soil solutions and facilitate crude oil removal in soils with 0.22-1.20% salinity, but the efficiency was both significantly lower than its biosurfactant addition. The BF40 strain has a high potential for biodegradation of crude oil contaminated saline soils in view of its high surface activity and salt-tolerance, which is the first report of biosurfactant producing by the genus Serratia for petroleum degrading. We suggest that biosurfactant addition is an efficient strategy. Simultaneously, the growing status of the strain and how to boost its surface activity in saline soils should deserve further studies in order to achieve a continuous biosurfactant supply.

The effects of sex and slaughter age on growth, feed intake, carcass composition and meat quality attributes of musculus longissimus lumborum were investigated in Charolais × Simmental bulls (n = 12) and heifers (n = 12) reared and finished under identical management conditions. The animals entered the experiment at similar age (251 days) and were slaughtered at 14 or 18 months of age. Bulls gained more rapidly (P < 0.001), consumed more dry matter daily (P < 0.05), and had a higher killing-out proportion (P < 0.05). The sex × slaughter age interaction was significant (P < 0.01) for feed conversion ratio, which deteriorated markedly more in heifers than in bulls as slaughter age increased. Bulls produced leaner carcasses with a higher proportion of total meat (P < 0.001). While bulls contributed to high-priced meat by a higher proportion of meat from the shoulder (P < 0.01), heifers had higher proportions of meat from the rump and loin (P < 0.05). Older animals were generally fatter and their carcasses contained lower proportions of high-priced meat (P < 0.01) and bones (P < 0.05). Bulls exhibited lower contents of dry matter (P < 0.001), protein (P < 0.05) and intramuscular fat (P < 0.001), and a higher content of collagen (P < 0.001) in musculus longissimus lumborum than hei-fers. The meat from heifers was assessed by the sensory panel as more tender and, when aged for 11 days, more acceptable than the meat from bulls. Older animals obtained higher scores for beef flavour intensity (P < 0.01), tenderness (P < 0.001), juiciness (P < 0.05), and overall acceptance (P < 0.001).

A 2 × 2 factorial design experiment examined the effect of dietary non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) (1.3 and 4.0 g/kg) and 3-phytase (F) (0 and 150 FTU/kg) on the performance indicators of hens, physical parameters of eggs, phosphorus (P) content of the eggshells, and the pH of the digestive tract of laying hens. Two hundred and forty hens (ISA Brown) were housed in enriched cages and fed a wheat-maize-based diet. A significant effect of both NPP and F was found for the yolk colour (P = 0.016) and shell thickness (P = 0.038). The F supplement or higher level of NPP alone and in combination increased the value of the yolk colour and shell thickness. The supplementation of the basal diet with F significantly increased the laying performance, especially with regard to the egg weight and feed conversion ratio. The higher dose of NPP had a negative effect on the egg production, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The lower level of NPP (1.3 g/kg) decreased the internal egg quality and shell quality, except for the shell strength. In contrast, the addition of 3-phytase to the diet increased the shell thickness and shell weight. The P content in the eggshells was not influenced by the dietary treatment. The higher level of NPP or F increased the pH in the gizzard to a value suitable for F activity. The hens fed a diet containing 1.3 g/kg NPP achieved a higher performance; moreover, the F supplement at 150 FTU/kg increased the external quality of the eggs.

This study was aimed at determining the arterial supply and gross vascular architecture of the urinary bladder in the male cat. For this purpose, the urinary bladders of 10 cats were evaluated. Organ vascularization was investigated using the latex injection technique. The feline urinary bladder was found to be supplied by the prostatic artery, which stemmed from the internal pudendal artery and the umbilical artery that originated from the internal iliac artery. The umbilical artery extended caudally to form the cranial vesical artery, which was later distributed into the corpus and apex of the urinary bladder. The feline prostatic artery divided into the artery of the deferent duct and a slim branch, which supplied the prostate gland. The artery of the deferent duct gave off a caudal vesical artery which gave off slim branches to the preprostatic urethra. On the surfaces of the urinary bladders examined, the cranial and caudal vesical arteries followed varying courses, which reflected individual variations. In all samples, the blood vessels generally divided into two or three branches on the surface of the urinary bladder, whilst in only one sample, the caudal vesical artery was observed to be of the ladder type. Moreover, the cranial and caudal vesical arteries anastomosed with each other on the surface of the urinary bladder. This study constitutes a model for comparison with other species and provides morphological contributions to anatomy training and surgical interventions since there is a lack of literature on species-specific vascular morphology in the field of veterinary urology in contrast to the abundance of studies on humans and rodents.

The purpose of the trial was evaluation of follicular growth and endometrial folding in mares after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment in comparison with untreated mares during oestrus. In addition, the influence of follicle size at the time of hCG treatment on these parameters was evaluated. HCG (3000 IU) was administered intravenously in 17 mares bearing dominant follicles 35-40 mm in diameter (Group A) and in 13 mares with larger follicles (Group B). Ten mares with follicles ≥ 35 mm were untreated (Group C). Ultrasonographical examination of the mares continued in 6 h intervals until ovulation. Growth of the dominant follicle was faster in Group A than in Groups B and C (1.3 vs. 0.3 and 0.7 mm/6h, P < 0.05) but diameters of the preovulatory follicles were similar - 44, 48 and 44 mm in Groups A, B and C, respectively. Similarly, reduction of endometrial folding (on a three point scale) during observation was higher in Group A than in B and C (2.1 vs. 1.2 and 1.8, A : B P < 0.05) but endometrial folding values in the term before ovulation were not different (0.6, 0.9 and 0.6 in Groups A, B and C). A positive correlation between the speed of follicular growth and reduction of endometrial folding was found (r_s - 0.479, P = 0.003). Irregularity in follicle shape (the difference between the longest axis and its perpendicular axis) at the beginning of observation (3.3, 4.0 and 3.2 mm) was lower than before ovulation (7.4, 10.4 and 9.2 mm) in all groups (P < 0.01). The interval from the beginning of observation until ovulation was significantly shorter in Groups A and B versus C (37 and 31 vs. 103 h, P < 0.01). The results show that growth of dominant follicles after hCG is influenced by the size of the follicles at the time of treatment and correlates with reduction in endometrial folding as well as irregularity of follicle shape. Nevertheless, hCG treatment does not influence the size and shape of preovulatory follicles or endometrial folding immediately before ovulation.

Hypo- and anorexia are the most commonly presented complaints for many diseases in veterinary medicine, leading to malnutrition, immunosuppression, compromised wound healing and altered drug metabolism. Stimulating appetite and palatability are therefore important factors in managing anorectic pets. The palatability of a liquid nutritional supplement for cats (LNScat) and dogs (LNSdog), which can be added to the diet as appetite stimulant, was evaluated in healthy pets. In total, 60 cats and 60 dogs of different ages and breeds were included in the study. Acceptance tests were performed using LNS with a concentration of 100% (LNS100) and preferences of water and three different concentrations of LNS (LNS50, LNS70, LNS100) were tested using a traditional two-pan preference test. Acceptance tests with LNS100 showed that cats and dogs generally accepted LNS very well. In dogs, a weak positive correlation existed between acceptance and age, whereas in cats no correlation with age was observed. Furthermore, preference tests showed a clear preference for LNS, regardless of dilution (LNS50, LNS70 and LNS100), when compared to water. In cats, LNS100 was generally better accepted than LNS50 and LNS70. Dogs preferred LNS70 and LNS100 to LNS50. The present study demonstrated that LNS is highly palatable for healthy dogs and cats. If future research confirms that LNS is also highly palatable for ill and hospitalised patients and stimulates appetite in a hospital setting, a practical tool to improve moisture and nutrient intake in patients with hypo- or anorexia will become available.

Phytophthora alni is responsible for a devastating disease in alder and changes in the environment of riparian and alder carr ecosystems. One of the main approaches to solve this problem is to find naturally resistant genotypes using a series of artificial inoculation experiments, to preserve and use them in programmes for resistance breeding. However, the results of artificial inoculation experiments (screening for natural resistance) can be affected by several factors. The potential effect of the social status of the host, the presence of naturally occurring P. alni infections, the season and the size of the sections of branches used were studied in a series of infection experiments. It was found out that the development of lesions was significantly affected by the year season (the largest lesions were found in summer) and by the presence of naturally occurring P. alni infections in the sampled trees (the lesions were five times larger in healthy trees and trees recovered from natural P. alni infections compared to trees with active disease development).

Agricultural land market is usually defined as the purchase of agricultural land. In the most of the European countries, the land rental transactions have received the dominant position in the land market. Therefore, the land rental transactions are included into the agricultural land market analysis. The decision processes of market subjects are often influenced by the law. On the one hand, there is the law regulating the value of agricultural land from the various points of view. On the other hand, there are some statutes stipulating the rental legal rules. The objective of this paper is to analyse the influence of the law on the behaviour of market subjects in the agricultural land market.

Occurrences of pea aphids and their natural enemies (syrphids, mummies caused by entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria sp. and by the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi) were compared in monocultures and mixtures of field peas and spring cereals in three seasons (2008-2010). At the beginning of colonisation, the occurrence of aphids was not substantially influenced by intercropping with cereals. However, the numbers of pea aphids located on inflorescences started to decline earlier in mixtures compared with monoculture. More syrphids (eggs + larvae) were found in mixtures than in monoculture, and more syrphid eggs were found in young aphid colonies (10 to 20 individuals) in mixtures. Intercropping did not influence the occurrence of fungal mummies (Beauveria sp.), but mixtures tended to have more aphid colonies infested by A. ervi in 2008 and 2009.

Gloriosa superba is a medicinal plant severely infested with soil-borne Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. Under in vitro conditions a commercial formulation of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens inhibited the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina isolates. Among the oil cake, mahua cake at 10% completely inhibited the mycelial growth of the M. phaseolina isolates. Under field conditions both the soil and foliar application of biocontrol agents is attributed to the healthy growth of G. superba crops by controlling the tuber rot disease and ultimately boosting the colchicine content.

The aim of the study was to select wheat-Aegilops biuncialis addition lines carrying Aegilops biuncialis chromosomes differing from those which were introgressed into the wheat-Ae. biuncialis addition lines produced earlier in Martonvásár, Hungary. In the course of the experiments new wheat-Ae. biuncialis addition lines carrying chromosomes 2U^b, 6M^b, 6U^b; 5U^b, 3U^b, 7U^b; 5M^b, 6M^b and 7M^b were selected. The 2U^b disomic addition line is relatively stable, as 91% of the progenies contain this chromosome pair. The 6M^b disomic addition line proved to be dwarf and sterile, but it still exists as a monosomic addition line. Progenies analysed from the 6U^b monosomic addition line did not carry the 6U^b chromosome. One plant containing the 5U^b, 3U^b and 7U^b chromosomes and one plant carrying 5M^b, 6M^b and 7M^b chromosomes showed very low fertility. Each of the plants produced a single seed, but seeds of the parent plants are still available. Line No. 49/00 carried a submetacentric Ae. biuncialis chromosome pair and the chromosome number 44 has been constant for several generations. After FISH no hybridisation site was observed on the Ae. biuncialis chromosome pair using the pSc119.2 and Afa family repetitive DNA probes, so it was not possible to identify the Ae. biuncialis chromosome pair. However, the use of wheat SSR markers and the (GAA)_n microsatellite DNA probe allowed it to be characterised more accurately. These new lines facilitate gene transfer from Ae. biuncialis into cultivated wheat and the selection of U and M genome-specific wheat SSR markers.

A two-factorial experiment was carried out on 6 groups (10 animals each) of Polish Black and White Holstein-Friesian cows in the transition period to determine the effect of glucogenic additive (GA) to the diets containing grains of varied ruminal starch degradation on cow performance. The animals from 3 control groups (C-groups) were fed the diets without any additive, whereas 3 other, experimental ones (A-groups) received the diets with additive of glucogenic preparation (450 g per head/day) comprising calcium propionate and loose propylene glycol (1 : 1). In the control groups as well as in the experimental ones, three analogical treatments, differing in concentrate composed of grain species of varying ruminal degradability of starch, i.e. maize (M) - low ruminal degradability, barley and wheat (BW) - high ruminal degradability and marriage of them (MBW) were conducted. Finally, the treatments were: C-M, C-BW, C-MBW, A-M, A-BW, and A-MBW. The rations of all groups based on maize silage, haylage, and meadow hay were mixed at 69 : 19 : 12 ratio (dry matter (DM) basis) and given ad libitum. Besides, all the animals received adequate concentrate rations to satisfy their nutritional requirements. The experiment started two weeks before the expected parturition and lasted till the 6^th lactation week. Neither GA nor a type of grain in the diets showed significant negative influence on DM intake. A glucogenic additive has positively affected some basal nutrient digestibility, elevating significantly DM and crude protein (CP) coefficients of the apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD), by about 3 percentage points. The GA × grain interactions (P ≤ 0.05) in CATTD of CP and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were stated, with the peak values reported in the A-BW treatment. GA increased (P ≤ 0.05) daily milk yield by nearly 5% in comparison with the control treatments. GA × grain interaction was noted with the best effect in the treatment where GA was given along with maize-barley-wheat-based concentrate. Besides, the glucogenic additive decreased (P ≤ 0.05) protein (PDI) expenditure per 1 kg of fat-corrected milk (FCM) by ca. 6% and raised (by 0.15 percentage point in week 6) protein content, while lowered the urea milk level in weeks 3 and 6 of lactation by approximately 15%. It showed beneficial effect on cow reproductive indicators reducing the time interval from calving to successful insemination and improving insemination index.

Juvenile cynomolgus monkeys are valuable models for studying human diseases. Reference data of clinical chemistry, haematology and blood coagulation parameters of juvenile cynomolgus monkeys are very important for clinical diagnosis and conducting research. In this study, 72 blood samples (obtained from 35 males and 37 females) and 20 blood samples (obtained from 10 males and 10 females) were used to determine normal data of clinical serum chemistry, haematological profiles and normal blood coagulation parameters in juvenile cynomolgus monkeys. Seventeen markers of clinical serum chemistry, twenty-nine markers of haematology and two parameters of blood coagulation were analysed. These data may provide valuable information for veterinarians and investigators using juvenile cynomolgus monkeys in research on disease treatment and in experimental studies.

The operating and economical parameters of agricultural products harvesting are important aspects from production costs point of view. Profitability of the crops depends on quantity and quality of end products and efficiency of growing and harvesting operations. In case of linseeds harvesting by combine harvester statistically important impact of cutting mechanisms state on energy, exploitation and economical parameters was determined.

A mathematical sector model has been formulated to optimize the cropping pattern in Saudi Arabia aiming at maximizing the net annual return of the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia and ensuring the efficient allocation of the scarce water resources and arable land among the competing crops. The results showed the potential for Saudi Arabia to optimize its cropping pattern and to generate an estimated net return equivalent to about 2.42 billion US$ per year. The optimized cropping pattern in Saudi Arabia has been coupled with about 53% saving in the water use and about 48% reduction in the arable land use compared to the base-year cropping pattern. Comparable weights was given to different crop groups by allocating about 48.4%, 35.4%, 13.1%, and 3.2% to grow cereals, fruits, forages, and vegetables, respectively. These findings were in line with the national strategy to rationalize the cultivation of water-intensive crops in favour of highly water-efficient crops.

Chemical seed protectants are used to reduce the adverse effects of seedling fungal pathogens or insect attack on legume pastures and crops. Chickpea seeds are also frequently treated with Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer inoculant to promote effective symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), which seems to be a cost effective measure. The population of viable Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer on seeds of chickpea declined with time of storage (4°C) in pesticide treated and untreated chickpea seeds in vitro. A significant reduction in chickpea rhizobia was observed in seed treatment with Captan followed by Endosulfan and Chlorpyrifos. In a field experiment during the winter season 2006-2008, no difference in the emergence count of chickpea plants was observed. Treatments inoculated with Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer alone or along with Captan, Chlorpyrifos or Endosulfan showed improved plant growth and symbiotic parameters (plant height, nodulation, leghaemoglobin content, and nitrogen content) in comparison with the uninoculated control treatment. Significantly higher grain yield (9.6%) was observed in the treatment inoculated with Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer alone as compared to the uninoculated control. A non-significant difference in grain yield among treatments where Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer along with a mixture of fungicide and insecticides was applied was observed in contrast to the Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer treatment. In conclusion, the recommended rates of fungicide and insecticides as seed treatment were not detrimental to chickpea-Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer symbiosis, hence they can be safely used to obtain higher productivity.

The prevalence, distribution, and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus was investigated in ready-to-eat (RTE) salads, the environment, and the personnel of a salad producing plant in Greece. Staphylococci were isolated from 27% of the samples. Apart from three isolates which were sensitive to all antibiotics, all the others exhibited resistance from two up to five antibiotics. None of the isolates was resistant to oxacillin. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis showed no genetic relation between the human and salad isolates while one RAPD clone of S. aureus predominated among the salad samples. The results suggest that an effective application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is needed along the food production chain to prevent the contamination of RTE foods.

Water and nitrogen managements are both very important to increase crop yield. An experiment was carried out in split plot design to study the effects of urea types (normal urea and coated urea) and irrigation on soil and fertilizer nitrogen use in maize (Zea mays L.) field in 2006 and 2007. Irrigation was used as main plot, and urea types were used as split-plot. Two irrigation levels, no irrigation in the whole growth duration and 85 mm irrigation at the blister stage, were designed. There were five nitrogen treatments, which were no nitrogen used as control (N0), normal urea 75 kg N/ha (N1), normal urea 150 kg N/ha (N2), coated urea 75 kg N/ha (C1) and coated urea 150 kg N/ha (C2). The results showed that, at the same level of irrigation and nitrogen, the soil nitrogen contents of the treatments with coated urea (CU) applied were higher in 0~40 cm soil layers, but lower in deeper soil layers, than those with normal urea (NU) applied. Irrigation increased the nitrate losing, but the nitrate loss of CU was lower than those of NU. Using CU with irrigation could increase the nitrogen uptake by maize, and more nitrogen was transfered to grain. At the same nitrogen level, CU had higher N recovery efficiency but lower soil N dependent rate than NU. When applied with CU, the nitrogen release rate was lower and the nitrogen was quickly absorbed by maize, which reduced the risk of nitrogen loss and increased the use efficiency of soil and fertilizer nitrogen. These results suggest that coated urea combined with deficit irrigation should be applied for high yield and nitrogen use efficiency of maize on the North China Plain.

Relatively little is known about potassium leaching losses following harvest of silage maize. While direct negative impacts on the environment are unlikely, losses of K with leaching need to be known for accurate balancing, especially on coarse textured soils, where K can be a critical element. In a four-year field experiment the effects of fertilizer forms (inorganic, cattle slurry and pig slurry) and four levels of N input (0, 80, 160, 240 kg N/ha) with corresponding amounts of K on the nutrient balances and leaching of K from silage maize grown on a sandy soil were investigated using suction cups. After four years, surplus of K from cattle slurry led to higher lactate-soluble K in the topsoil. Potassium leaching differed between years with different amounts of rainfall during winter. Annual leaching losses of K increased with N and K input and amounted to 38 kg K/ha, while fertilizer form had no significant effect. Losses of K increased with increasing N leaching (R² = 0.69). We conclude that in maize production on coarse textured soils and under conditions of high N leaching (86-152 kg N/ha), K leaching can be large (6-84 kg K/ha) and constitutes a relevant part of K balances (-84 to +127 kg K/ha).

The indicators of follicle development with regard to the growth wave order, the first ovulation, animal parity, and also with regard to the simultaneous presence or absence of a follicular cyst were determined in cows in the course of 60 days postpartum. Follicular dynamics were monitored daily by ultrasonography. The animals were assigned to three groups based on the time of the 1^st ovulation: G1 (n = 9) - the 1^st dominant follicle (DF) ovulated, G2 (n = 10) - ovulation occurred on the 2^nd or later follicular waves, and G3 (n = 5) - no ovulation occurred during the experimental period. G1 animals showed better fertility later (no cyst, less days open, P = 0.07, less hormonal treatment, P = 0.008). The rhythm of follicular wave development was generally similar in all the animals (based on emergence of the first follicular wave, the interval from emergence to deviation, and the number of all follicular waves). Nevertheless, emergence of follicular waves and deviation occurred by 0.5-0.9 day earlier in primiparous than in multiparous cows and in G1 vs. G2, or G3, respectively (in all P < 0.05). DF development was independent of parity as well as group effects, but the maximum size and growth rate (1.2 vs. 0.8 cm/day, P < 0.05) were higher in ovulatory follicles (OF) than in regressive ones (rDF). The presence of a growing cyst decreased the probability of rDF as well as OF development (P < 0.0001). The OF growth rate was faster in the milieu of a stagnating cyst than without any cyst (P < 0.04). Therefore, the development of follicles was dramatically suppressed beyond, but nor before, deviation in the milieu of a growing cyst. Cessation of the cyst growth accelerated the development of OFs. On the contrary, a cystic structure without any significant growth can persist for weeks with no effect on successful follicular development.

Some species of invertebrates especially bryozoans (Bryozoa syn. Ectoprocta) and marine sponges (Porifera) are very important sources of pharmacologically exploitable compounds. These substances are probably produced to protect themselves from fish predators and may be an advantage in competition. The real sources of compounds with these antipredatory effects are probably not marine invertebrates themselves, but microscopic symbionts or food which they feed on. Bryostatins from bryozoan species Bugula neritina are produced by a bacterial symbiont called Candidatus Endobugula sertula. They have significant anti-cancer effects, but also other therapeutic benefits. Compounds with the structure of bryostatins were also discovered in some other invertebrates. Sponges are a source of many compounds, e.g., ara-A (vidarabine), manzamine, lasonolides, spongistatins, peloruside and others with antimicrobial, anti-cancer, immunosuppressive and similar activities. Other important sources of compounds with medical effects are tunicates (Tunicata syn. Urochordata) and some snails (Mollusca). One drug was developed from tunicates - Yondelis against refractory soft-tissue sarcomas. Certain other drugs originate from snails: e.g., prialt, which acts against chronic pain in spinal cord injury.

The parasite load of brown hares (Lepus europaeus) is of great interest to hunting ground managers and veterinarians. We compared the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections in 362 hares from Austria and the Czech Republic with respect to age and body weight. Samples of the entire gastrointestinal tract, liver and lungs were collected during autumn hunting events in 2007. The parasite spectrum of hares included Protostrongylus pulmonalis, Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Trichuris leporis, Eimeria spp. and tapeworms. The most prevalent gastrointestinal nematode was Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, while only individual specimens of tapeworms such as Andrya rhopalocephala, Mosgovoyia pectinata, Cittotaenia denticulata and Ctenotaenia ctenoides were found in subadult hares. A single hare was infected with Cysticercus pisiformis in Austria. Lungworms Protostrongylus pulmonalis and findings of pneumonia were significantly less prevalent in subadult than adult hares (P < 0.01) from both countries and were much less prevalent overall in the Czech Republic (P < 0.01). Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Eimeria spp. and enteritis were more prevalent in subadult hares. The nematode Trichuris leporis, on the other hand, prevailed in adults. The body weight of adult hares was negatively correlated with the intensity of infection by Protostrongylus pulmonalis (r = -0.67) and Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (r = -0.73) and the parasite loads served as significant weight predictors in multiple regression equations. This study revealed that parasitic infections of the lungs and intestines influences the health and decreases the body weight of hares in Austrian and Czech hunting grounds.