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The experiment was established in the Pomological Orchard of The National Institute of Horticultural Research in Skierniewice in a system of randomized blocks. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the impact of innovative organic fertilizers: BioIlsa, BioFeed Ecomix, biostimulator Ausma and mycorrhizal inoculum Mykoflor on the fine roots growth characteristics of 'Vanda' sweet cherry trees in comparison with NPK mineral fertilization. The experiment involved five combinations, in three repetitions of three trees each, treated with tested preparations. The study assessed the influence of fertilization on the lifespan of the roots, the depth of their formation, their diameter and survivorship using minirhizotron camera. The highest numbers of roots were found in the treatment where the plants were fertilized with NPK and the lowest following the use of the biofertilizer BioFeed Ecomix. The longest lifespan was shown by the roots of the trees treated with BioFeed Ecomix - 347 days, and the shortest - by those fertilized with the Ausma - 225 days. The lifespan of the roots increased with their diameter. The roots that lived the longest had a diameter in the range from 0.9 to 1.0 mm - 568 days, and the shortest-living were the roots with a diameter smaller than 0.3 mm - 238 days. The roots that formed in late autumn and winter had the shortest median lifespan of 159 days, while the roots formed in the spring where characterized by the longest lifespan of 300 days. The lifespan of the roots formed close to the soil surface was the shortest - 225 days, while that of the roots formed at a depth of 10 to 20 cm was the longest - 326 days. Biological origin, organic nitrogen rich fertilizers positively influence on fine roots lifespan and longevity. Mineral fertilization increases number of new formed roots.

Soil particle-size distribution or soil texture presents one of the most important physical properties. There are various systems of the classification systems for soil particle-size fractions with different boundaries. Our effort was concentrated on the mathematical approach to evaluate the existing data and convert it to the form of a reconstructed cumulative particle-size curve which will allow reading concentration of any desired particle size. Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) curves therefore represent a generalization of B-splines and Bézier curves by extending the definition by an element of rationality, which is represented by the weights of the control points, and a nodal vector of parametrization, which represents the element of uniformity. The NURBS curve was used for smooth (depending on the degree of the curve used) and as tight as possible approximation of the arranged control points, the connecting lines of which forms a convex envelope for its individual parts. The NURBS approximation curve is therefore determined by the ordered control points and their connecting lines, the weights of these points, the degree of the curve and the nodal vector of parametrization. However, the construction of the approximation curve is primarily dependent on a limited number of points of the experimentally determined particle-size distribution curves, and for curves with significant breaks in the course, one must consider either a lower accuracy of the approximation or the necessity of “improving” the approximation using the weights of individual points, inserting additional points or working with a nodal vector of parametrization. For basic approximation, the PUGIS system (Czech soil information system) offers automatic approximation using all variants mentioned in the article as well as the possibility of individual changes in the weights of control points, in their number and position, and in the nodal vector of parametrization.

The impact of drip irrigation on structural stability of soil aggregates was studied in soils of an apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard, developed on marl. The field study was carried out in a sloping (20%) terrain in the north-eastern Slovenia at three slope positions (upslope, mid-slope and downslope), involving a comparison of irrigated versus non-irrigated situations after 6 years of drip irrigation practice. Structural stability was studied in three soil layers (0-5, 5-15 and 15-30 cm) at the end of the irrigation season (in September). In the same samples, soil organic carbon, total carbonates and soil moisture contents were determined. Drip irrigation significantly reduced structural stability and soil organic carbon in the surface soil layer (0-5 cm), while total carbonates increased. Based on the whole set of data, structural stability was strongly positively correlated with total carbonates and negatively correlated with soil organic carbon. This means that the effect of higher level of organic matter mineralisation on structural stability, due to irrigation, is counterbalanced by the increase of total carbonates content in the fine textured calcareous soils. Thus, a negative effect of irrigation on soil organic carbon had less destructive consequences on structural stability than expected.

Influenza is a serious infectious disease, which is life-threatening especially in children, seniors and immunocompromised patients. In addition to vaccination, the development of new anti-influenza agents represents a crucial defence strategy to combat seasonal and pandemic influenza strains. At present most attention is paid to the development of inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase, which has been established as a key drug target for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza infections. However, the emergence of drug-resistant influenza variants highlights the need of continuously innovative strategies for the development of new drugs with improved antiviral effects, higher safety and increased tolerability. In this review article, an analysis of publications describing anti-influenza agents indexed in the Web of Science^® database has been carried out. The most important publications are presented in tables and are characterised by several key words, abstracts and references. The presented publications have been sorted according to five basic criteria: (i) review articles, (ii) design, synthesis and evaluation of new anti-influenza drugs, (iii) major classes of anti-influenza drugs, (iv) combination therapy of influenza infections and (v) influenza drug resistance. The design of this review article allows us to offer a complex overview of known antiviral agents targeting influenza viruses, facilitates easy and rapid orientation in numerous publications written on this subject, and aids the gathering of required data.

Temperature is a key parameter that influences the uptake and subsequent utilization of nitrogen by plants. Both suboptimal and supraoptimal temperatures can impair nutrient uptake. The close relatives of bread wheat provide a possible source for breeders to increase stress tolerance. The effect of the increasing temperature (5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 °C) on nitrate uptake and metabolism in five modern spring cultivars of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and two cultivars of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccon Schrank), was monitored. Wheat plants were grown under controlled conditions in hydroponics. The parameters of Michaelis-Menten kinetics, maximum uptake rate (V_max), the Michaelis constant (K_m) and selected characteristics of nitrate metabolism, the activity of nitrate reductase (NR) and contents of nitrate in leaves were observed. The effect of temperature was significant for all studied traits except K_m, while the cultivar factor was significant for V_max, K_m, NR and root/shoot ratio (R/S). Emmer wheat cultivar Rudico had significantly higher V_max at 5, 15, 20 and 30 °C than all bread wheat cultivars, on average 7.07, in comparison with 4.09–4.43 μmol NO₃^–/g FW/h in bread wheat cultivars. Emmer wheat Rudico and Tapiruz had significantly higher K_m (on average, 41.59 and 47.22 μM NO₃^–) than bread wheat cultivars (27.59–33.44 μM NO₃^–). Differences in the studied kinetic parameters of nitrate uptake offer the possibility of using T. dicoccon genotypes in breeding for better nitrogen use efficiency.

Evaluation of genetic resources of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) from different geographical areas using molecular markers (RAPD) is of great importance in the breeding process. A total of 90 polymorphic amplified products were obtained from 10 decametric RAPD primers, used to analyse the genetic diversity of 20 genotypes of eggplant (16 local and 4 genotypes of foreign origin). The highest polymorphism was determined using the OPAF-16 primer (70.83%). The number of detected bands ranged from 13 (OPF-04) to 24 (OPAF-16), while the average number of bands per primer was 17.2. The lengths of the amplified fragments ranged from 400 to 9 000 bp. The value of the Jaccard’s genetic distance coefficient ranged from 0.095 to 0.35, and the dendrogram constructed using the UPGMA method showed that 16 local and 4 foreign genotypes were grouped into nine groups (clusters). Populations K1, K8/1, K19, K22, K25 and K38 represent genotypes that separated from the others and formed single clusters. The lowest value of the calculated genetic distance was 0.095 between domestic genotypes K13 and K12, which also showed morphological similarity in terms of shape and colour. On the other hand, the highest value of genetic distance was calculated between foreign genotypes K19 and K25 (0.35), K19 and K34 (0.34) and K19 and K38 (0.34). Genetically distinct genotypes identified using RAPD markers could be potential starting genetic material for crossing with other genotypes to obtain new and improved eggplant varieties.

The compressibility features (bulk density, tapped bulk density, porosity, coefficient of compressibility and Hauser ratio) of Canarium schweinfurthii engl. nutshell powder as it affects flowability during densification process were investigated. Three different moisture contents (10.13, 15.07 and 20.11% wet basis; w.b.) and particle sizes of 0.659 7, 1.26 and 2.05 mm were considered at pressure range of 2 to 10 MPa. The compressibility relationship with the factors were modelled and the optimum flow conditions were also determined. The obtained results showed that particle size and moisture content had incremental influence on the compression features studied except moisture content on bulk density. The compressibility of the nut shell powder increased from 17.44 to 28.18% and decreased from 29.41%to 18.79% as moisture content and particle size increased respectively. Medium particle size had the least Hausner ratio (1.16) and the best flow behaviour than other sizes for all the studied moisture contents. The linear model developed and its features had significant relationship with compressibility. The optimum values of pressure, moisture content and particle size required to achieve 17.45% compressibility for good flow are 4.88 MPa, 10.91% and 0.863 8 mm respectively.

Tuna meat (Thunnus atlanticus – blackfin tuna) and purslane flour (Portulaca oleracea L.), which contain high protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids but are low fat and cholesterol, are used to substitute beef and tapioca flour to produce quality meatballs. This study aims to determine the effect of substituting beef and tapioca flour with tuna meat and purslane flour on meatballs' chemical, physical, and sensory quality. The beef was substituted with 40% tuna meat, and tapioca flour was substituted with 0, 10, and 20% purslane flour. The data obtained were analysed using a complete randomised design, with three treatments and five replications, respectively, and further tested with the Duncan test. The results showed that increasing the level of purslane flour can increase (P < 0.01) the chemical quality (water, protein, fat, ash, and omega-3) but decrease (P < 0.01) the cholesterol of the meatballs. Physical quality (water holding capacity and sensory quality (colour) of meatballs were increased (P < 0.01), but taste and acceptability were decreased (P < 0.01). It can be concluded that substituting beef and tapioca flour with tuna meat and purslane flour can increase the chemical and physical quality.

The rice drying process in a rotary dryer gives the benefit of producing uniformly dried rice in a short drying time. This work investigated a rotary dryer's efficiency and heat consumption at various temperatures (40, 50, and 60 °C) and capacities (10, 20, 30, and 40 kg). When loaded with 10 to 30 kg of rough rice and operated at 60 °C, the dryer produced dry rice with 14% w.b. moisture content for less than 3 hours. The energy efficiency and consumption were evaluated based on the experiment and theoretical analysis. According to the observation, a high temperature significantly shortened drying time. Thus, the total energy and fuel consumption decreased even at the higher capacity. The lowest carbon dioxide emission was achieved at the highest temperature and capacity.

This study aimed to obtain buckwheat bread by adding whole buckwheat to the white bread formulation in groat and flour form. The addition was made in different proportions (0, 10, 20, and 30%) according to the principle of substitution. Buckwheat addition, as groat, increased the bread's hardness to a great extent. Moisture analysis results indicated that the buckwheat additive can increase the water-holding capacity and may extend the shelf life, especially in flour form. The samples' antioxidant activities and phenolic content significantly increased when the addition was made as flour. All buckwheat-added samples had lower volume values than control samples. Buckwheat addition caused an increase in volatile components such as phenylethanol and benzylalcohol. As a result of sensory analysis, using buckwheat as flour and groat positively affected breadmaking. Considering the samples' nutritional and sensory properties, the combination in which 20% buckwheat flour is added to the white bread formulation is the most appropriate use.

This study tested the impact of priming peanut seeds from the VD01-2 cultivar with either 6 mg/L of abscisic acid or 20 mg/L of sodium nitroprusside to prevent damage from drought stress. Throughout the development of peanuts under drought-stress conditions, various morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes were analyzed. According to the study, it was determined that priming with SNP had a more significant effect than priming with ABA. The use of sodium nitroprusside priming resulted in an improvement in both the yield and quality of peanuts when grown under drought conditions. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the use of sodium nitroprusside priming showed an increase in chlorophyll content, gas exchange capacity, and antioxidant activities while reducing lipid peroxidation.

During the survey of open tomato fields in Vojvodina (Serbia), characteristic anthracnose disease symptoms, including black, circular, sunken, and watery lesions, were observed in about 20% of fruits in September 2018. Subsequent pathogen isolations formed white aerial mycelia and numerous spherical, black conidiomata on the Potato Dextrose Agar. Ten representative isolates produced hyaline, smooth-walled, cylindrical, and aseptate conidia. The presence of initially brownish necrotic lesions on the tomato, which later expanded into large rotted areas, ultimately leading to complete fruit rot, confirmed the pathogenicity of the tested isolates. Molecular identification was performed using Bayesian analysis of concatenated ITS, TUB2, CHS-1, and ACT loci. Based on the combination of the morphological and molecular features, the fungus Colletotrichum nigrum was identified as the causal pathogen. As this is the first report on this fungal pathogen on tomatoes in Serbia, it highlights the importance of early and accurate detection for effective disease prevention, thus reducing crop damage and market losses.

Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.) is one of the most yield-limiting weeds in rice in Turkey. Barnyardgrass resistance to common herbicides has been reported worldwide; however, such information is largely lacking in the country. The objective of this study was to determine the resistance spectrum of different barnyardgrass populations to the most commonly-used herbicides in rice in Turkey. The susceptibility of 40 barnyardgrass populations was evaluated. The samples were collected from fields with intensive rice cultivation in Balikesir and Çanakkale provinces. Seeds were picked from barnyardgrass plants suspected to be herbicide-resistant because of their survival in the rice fields after herbicides application. A total of 38 populations were resistant to penoxsulam, and the resistance index of these populations ranged from 2 to 39. A total of 24 out of the 38 barnyardgrass populations showed a GR₅₀ (herbicide dose causing a 50% reduction in plant dry matter) value higher than the recommended penoxsulam dose (20.2 g a.i./ha) in rice. Among these 24 barnyardgrass populations, 25, 29.2 and 45.8% populations exhibited high, moderate and low level of penoxsulam resistance, respectively. From the penoxsulam-resistant populations (38), the response of 14 populations (low to high resistance to penoxsulam) to six commonly-used herbicides for barnyardgrass control in rice was evaluated. The selected 14 populations showed resistance to almost all herbicides tested, with the lowest average resistance being determined against profoxydim and the highest average resistance against molinate herbicide. Resistance levels against six commonly-used herbicides in rice ranged from 2 to 34.

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent the future of pest control, as they have the capacity to induce serious infections in insects, trigger epizootics, and effectively manage insect populations. The study aimed to identify and test indigenous EPF isolates against Tribolium confusum using soil samples from Northwestern and central Saudi Arabia. Galleria mellonella larvae were used as insect bait to collect EPF from soil samples from date palm groves, fruit groves, and maise fields. Only 27.3% of soil samples tested positive for palm grove-originating EPFs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified the cultured fungi as Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana. Tribolium confusum pathogenicity was assessed using nine local fungal isolates. Different fungus isolates were tested for their pathogenicity on larval and adult T. confusum. The results showed that M. anisopliae MaSA-2, MaSA-3, and MaSA-4 had infection rates of 85%, 85%, and 75%, respectively, in last-instar T. confusum larvae and 5%, 10%, and 20% in adults within seven days. On the other hand, B. bassiana BbSA-4 showed a 100% infection rate in T. confusum larvae, while BbSA-5, BbSA-6, BbSA-7, BbSA-8, and BbSA-9 had infection rates of 70%, 80%, 80%, 75%, and 95%, respectively. In terms of adult mortality rates, B. bassiana BbSA-4, BbSA-5, BbSA-6, BbSA-7, BbSA-8, and BbSA-9 had rates of 25%, 35%, 35%, 20%, 20%, and 40%, respectively. The research findings show that indigenous B. bassiana and M. anisopliae fungus isolates successfully eliminated T. confusum larvae, although their effectiveness against adults was limited.

This study evaluated the nutrients, flavour and antioxidant capacity in the embryo, colloid and fruiting body of Dictyophora rubrovalvata. The embryo had the highest protein [2.91 ± 0.39 g·(100 g)^–1] and polysaccharides (17.44 ± 1.49 mg·g^–1), the fruiting body had the highest total phenol content (0.87 ± 0.17 mg·g^–1), the colloid was rich in minerals [1.57 ± 0.16 g·(100 g)^–1]. The antioxidant capacity of the embryo was higher than that of the other parts, in terms of different solvents, the antioxidant capacity of D. rubrovalvata extracted with ethanol was higher than that of water. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reducing capacity were positively correlated with polysaccharides, proteins and polyphenols. The free amino acid content ranged from 7.44 to 11.52 mg·g^–1, the distribution was fruiting body > embryo > colloid, of which glutamic acid content was the highest, and the flavour characteristics were mainly umami and sweetness. The nucleotide content of fruiting body and embryo was higher than in the colloid. In addition, the compositions of volatile flavour compounds were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), mainly alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, their distributions varied greatly among the three samples. These results indicated that different parts of D. rubrovalvata have different nutritional characteristics, the fruiting body has a high content of volatile and non-volatile components, the embryo and the colloid have good functional activity, laying a foundation for the functional development and comprehensive utilisation of D. rubrovalvata.

Coastal wetlands play a vital role in the migration and transformation of heavy metal pollutants in watersheds. There were 30 surface sediment samples that were analysed to investigate the distribution and ecological risks of heavy metals in the coastal wetlands around the Bohai Sea. Our results showed that the average concentrations of Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd in these wetlands were 17.92 ± 5.81, 50.29 ± 20.50, 31.53 ± 9.71, 25.37 ± 4.29, 80.13 ± 15.11, and 0.92 ± 0.54 mg/kg, respectively. Relative to other wetlands, Pb (25.43 ± 2.68 mg/kg) and Cd (1.67 ± 0.06 mg/kg) contents were higher in the Liaohe Delta wetland (LHDW). Cu (28.44 ± 3.71 mg/kg), Cr (83.11 ± 5.80 mg/kg), and Ni (45.91 ± 3.02 mg/kg) contents were higher in the Yellow River Delta wetland (YRDW). The Zn (120.86 ± 7.41 mg/kg) content was higher in the Qilihai wetland. Heavy metal concentrations in coastal wetland sediments are shown to be positively correlated with organic matter content. Our results showed that the concentration of heavy metals decreases with increasing sediment particle size. In this study, Cd showed the highest pollution index and, therefore, more attention should be paid to the potential ecological risks of Cd in coastal wetlands around the Bohai Sea, especially in the LHDW and YRDW.

The study focused on natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European larch (Larix decidua) within very small and four times bigger size gaps following a disturbance at a mixed temperate forest in the Czech Republic. In spring 2013, experimental gap design starts, when 1 m2 circular sampling plots along transects were delineated within four selected naturally occurring canopy openings with size below 20 m2. In December 2013, these initial canopy openings were artificially enlarged by felling to 226 m2 for small and 904 m2 for big gaps. Regeneration was monitored in the next two consecutive growing seasons after disturbance. Light conditions were measured before and after disturbance. Results indicated that four times larger gaps increased twice levels of light conditions, and that diffuse light starts to equilibrate to direct light there. Large gaps were favouring larch regeneration. Beech regeneration was predominant, independently on gap size as the study area belongs naturally to Beech Forest Vegetation Zone, however, the decline of spruce regeneration was presumably linked to drought. Gap size explained variation of larch regeneration in gaps. Contrarily, gap size could not be associated with the prolific regeneration of beech and abysmal regeneration performances of spruce in gaps.

The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine mastitis to selected antibiotics and plant extracts. In the current study, 140 milk samples were collected from cows and buffaloes. Among the 140 samples, 93 samples were positive for sub-clinical mastitis based on the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Out of the total positive samples, 45 were confirmed for S. aureus on a Mannitol salt agar media. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that 44.82% of the isolates were resistant to cefoxitin (oxacillin) confirming methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with a higher percentage (51.61%) in the buffalo than in the cow samples. Furthermore, the PCR assay confirmed the presence of the mecA gene in all the MRSA isolates. Among the seven tested antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim showed high efficacy (71.1%) against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates (MSSA). Oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim showed 20% efficacy against MRSA followed by enrofloxacin (10%). On the other hand, the tested samples from Pistacia chinensis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of bark showed a maximum zone of inhibition of 21.3 mm against MSSA and MRSA isolates at 3 000 µg/disc. Moreover, the methanol extract of Cotoneaster microphyllus formed a 12.3 mm and 9.1 mm zone of inhibition against the MSSA and MRSA isolates, respectively.

Bromus sterilis L. (barren brome) is one of the most economically important noxious grass weeds in the winter cereal fields of Europe. Its ecological behaviour in this agro-climatic region should be assessed for effective weed control strategies. The present study was conducted to assess the dormancy and germination response of the B. sterilis population from the Czech Republic under thermal, light, and stress conditions. The dormancy loss experiment revealed that seeds exposed to the light regime showed a remarkably lower percentage of germination, and under alternating temperatures of 10/20 °C in dark conditions, rapid loss of primary dormancy was observed. This population was found to germinate across a wide temperature range of 5–35 °C, with the highest germination rate at 25 °C (T50 = 1.14 days in dark, 1.21 days in light) and the germination time increased with decreasing temperatures below 25 °C. Further, due to fitness advantage, herbicide-resistant (R) biotypes were found to be more stress-tolerant than susceptible (S) biotypes under salinity and drought conditions. In the highest stress conditions, the germination of S biotypes was negligible, while R biotypes can germinate under high stress, but germination decreased below 25 °C. The current findings may add value to effective weed control strategies using prediction models based on seed dormancy and germination values under different hydrothermal conditions.

Erratum in: Soil & Water Res., 20: 69. Doi: 10.17221/2/2025-SWR

Soil organic matter and pores distribution within aggregates were studied using X-ray computed tomography (XCT; Nikon XT H 225ST and GE Phoenix L240) and advanced 2D/3D measurements by the digital Keyence VHX-6000 microscope (Japan). A new methodological approach with computed tomography involvement for studying the spatial arrangement of pores, porosity, and soil morphology is presented. Changes in studied parameters are documented along the transect of intensively used Haplic Chernozem. Soil disturbance due to erosion and colluvial soil profile formation is reported. Moreover, soil organic matter quality and aggregate stability were evaluated. Obtained results showed statistically significant differences between the control and eroded sites and between eroded and accumulated sites. The correlation coefficients were the highest for soil organic carbon (SOC) and humic substances C_HS (r = 0.805) and C_HS and C_HA/C_FA (r = 0.764). The highest porosity, aggregates stability and coefficients stability were confirmed on the eroded site. The computed tomography measurements also document the high disturbance of Haplic Chernozem on the control site and the newly formed profile of Colluvisol. Despite excellent complementary technique further research is necessary to improve micro-XCT resolution and capacity for the soil micromorphological study.

Meloidogyne hapla is a serious pest of many cultivated plants. In response to the economic significance of the species, efforts are being made to develop a new method to reduce its harmful effects on crops. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of diffusates from seeds of selected species of legumes on the motility of second-stage juveniles and to evaluate the effect of meal from seeds of selected species of legume on the capacity to infect the roots of tomato plants by the J2 stage. The experiment examined the effect of diffusates on the motility of the J2 stage performed in Petri dishes, at temperatures of 10 °C, 17 °C and 21 °C. The evaluation of the J2 stage infectivity was estimated in a pot experiment performed under controlled conditions of 20 ± 1 °C. The pots were filled with sterile substrate mixed with meal from the seeds of selected plants at 1%, 5% and 10% of the substrate weight. The studies carried out in the Petri dishes showed varying effects of the seed diffusates from selected legume plants on the motility of the J2 stage of Meloidogyne hapla. J2 were found to lose their motility within 24 h after immersion in water containing seed diffusates from Melilotus albus, Trifolium pratense T. repens, in the temperature ranges investigated (10 °C, 17 °C and 21 °C). However, in a mixture of seed diffusates and soil filtrate from the root zone of tomato plants, the absence of motility in the second-stage juveniles was observed after 24 h at 17 °C and 21 °C, with seed diffusates from Lotus corniculatus, Medicago sativa, Medicago × varia, Melilotus officinalis, as well as Onobrychis viciifolia, Ornithopus sativus, Vicia sativa, used in the mixture. Galega officinalis Risa (GoR) seed diffusates were found to have an inhibiting effect on the motility of the J2 stage of M. hapla 24 h following the immersion of the J2 stage in the solution of the soil filtrate containing tomato root diffusates, at 21 °C. The J2 stage were not rendered immotile in all the experiment set-ups involving the seeds of V. faba, Lupinus spp., likewise in the control set-ups. In the pots studied, a significant effect of the addition of legume seed meal on the development of M. hapla nematodes and tomato plants was found. The introduction of Lotus corniculatus, Onobrychis viciifolia and Vicia sativa seed meal into the substrate in the proportion of 1%, 5% and 10% resulted in the inhibition of the J2 stage penetration into the roots of tomato plants at temperatures of 17 °C and 21 °C. With the admixture of the M. sativa and T. repens seed meal, within the temperature range investigated, no nematode infection was observed in the roots, regardless of the seed meal content in the substrate. As regards to the fresh weight, tomato plants grown in a substrate containing 1% and 5% of the V. sativa cv. Jaga seed meal were characterised by significantly higher plant weight values as compared to those grown in the control set-up. The obtained results imply that is advisable to expand the scope of research to include other economically important crops damaged by the northern root-knot nematode.

Peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs) are rare in the mammary glands of dogs. Here, we report a case of a schwannoma, composed of two parts, of the mammary gland of a dog. The first part consists of clusters of uncircumscribed, alternating, more concentrated and looser regions. In the more concentrated parts, typical fascicularly arranged schwannoma intermingle in plexiform arrangement, more subtle in appearance than in neuronal tumour areas. The second part undergoes regression consisting predominantly of residual shorter rosettes of cells with the presence of a peculiar variably sized swirling of target-like formations consisting of compact, thicker, pinkish lamellae also with occasional adjacent cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells are positive for evidence of vimentin and neuro-specific enolase. They exhibit the variable expression of the S-100 protein, show mild CD56 positivity, and focally mildly accentuated proliferative activity as assessed by Ki-67. The tumour elements are negative for evidence of cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20, and oestrogen receptors. Hybrid tumours may change their morphology in combination with atypical localisation and may be underdiagnosed in veterinary biopsy practice. They differ from epithelial tumours prognostically, as well as in their development and behaviour, therefore it is essential to clearly differentiate them.

With regret, we have to inform the community of plant pathologists, plant virologists, and plant protection scientists. Assoc. Prof. Jaroslav Polák, a former and long-time Plant Protection Science editorial board member, passed away on May 20, 2024.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are causative agents of the porcine respiratory disease complex. However, information on the prevalence of these pathogens in wild boars is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the presence of antibodies to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in wild boars in Serbia. In this study 253 serum samples from wild boars were tested for antibodies to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia using the ELISA assay. The overall seroprevalence rates of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae were 4.2% and 56.9%, respectively. Antibodies to both pathogens were detected in 20 sera samples (7.9%). The prevalence of wild boars that were seropositive for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae differed with age and ranged from 10.7% to 33.3%, and for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, it ranged from 51.8% to 83.3%. Wild boars are hard to control and are considered a high-risk infection source for outdoor and backyard pigs and eventually for commercial indoor farms as well. Thus, the result of this first serosurvey in Serbia should raise awareness of the importance of wild boars as potential reservoirs of bacterial pathogens such as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Our data revealed the circulation of both pathogens in wild boars in Serbia, drawing attention to the potential health risk they present for domestic swine health.

The impact of rhizosphere aeration on the composition of xylem sap in cucumber grown in soil was studied to determine its effects on (i) water and nutrient uptake, (ii) xylem transport, and (iii) amino acid synthesis in the roots. Plants grown under three different aeration conditions were subjected to progressive gas stress throughout the whole growth period. The shoot and root growth, xylem nitrate (NO₃^–) concentration, potassium (K⁺) concentration, xylem sap flow rate, and amino acid concentrations were higher in the Z1 treatment plants than in the control (CK) plants, and the former also showed a lower CO₂ (0.25–0.84%) and a higher O₂ (18.22–20.02%). However, the Z3 treatment plants exhibited decreased xylem loading of amino acids, NO₃^– concentrations, and K+ concentrations and a lower flow rate of xylem sap, which restricted shoot and root growth due to poor aeration caused by a higher CO₂ (0.75–3.68%) and a lower O₂ (11.51–18.6%). Furthermore, the xylem pH in these plants was lower by approximately 0.17 units, and the conductivity was decreased by approximately 0.31 mS/cm. Based on the observed results, the CO₂ and O₂ in the soil can potentially regulate root and shoot growth and the xylem sap composition in cucumber. Therefore, rhizosphere aeration is important for the vigorous growth of plants.

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

The present study was conducted to explore the variability generated through recombination breeding for nine economically important traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.). Delineation of the inbred lines to different gene pools, based on genetic diversity, enables their utilisation in hybrid breeding. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and a Euclidean distance matrix was used to delineate the inbred lines to clusters. The variability was studied using the range and coefficients of variation of the traits. Significant variability was observed for all studied traits except for oil content and days to maturity. 128 Indian mustard genotypes were grouped into four distinct gene pools based on genetic diversity. A set of 20 most diverse genotype combinations was produced. Promising inbred lines were identified and recommended as donors for the respective trait. The pedigree analysis of the inbred line groups revealed, that recombination breeding caused a large diversity as confirmed by the assignment of inbred lines with the same parentage to specific clusters.

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

Agricultural production is one of the main sources of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing 50% and 60% of CH₄ and N₂O emissions, respectively. This study evaluated the rice yield and components, the CH₄ and N₂O emissions and the global warming potential between the triple rice (R-R-R) and sesame-rice rotation (S-R-R) systems in Can Tho city, Vietnam. The experiments were conducted in 3 cropping seasons: Spring-Summer 2016, Summer-Autumn 2016, and Winter-Spring 2016-2017. The results showed that there was no significant difference in yield components and grain yield between triple rice and rotation systems. The application of sesame rotation in rice-based could reduce the CH₄ and N₂O emission by 30.5% and 18.7%, respectively. Global warming potential in the S-R-R rotation was 9860 kg CO_2e/ha, significantly lower than the R-R-R rotation (12410 kg CO_2e/ha) by 20.6%. These results show that the S-R-R rotation has the potential to mitigate GHG emissions, especially CH₄, which contributes to a large amount of emissions in rice cultivation.

Seasonal heat stress and metabolic disorders during mid-lactation are the main factors limiting production in Holstein cows, and several proteins and molecules involved in metabolic pathways are altered in response to stress. We investigated the effects of heat stress on the milk yield, milk composition, serum oxidative status, and metabolites in Holstein cows during mid-lactation to identify biomarkers associated with heat stress in serum and milk. Holstein cows with similar body condition scores (3.0 ± 0.25), parity (2.5 ± 0.5), and lactation days (115 ± 5 days) were selected in August (heat stress, HS, n = 20) 2017 and March 2018 (non-heat stress, NHS, n = 20). Milk yield was recorded daily and serum was collected on days 1, 31, and 61. Serum and milk metabolites were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry on day 1. The results showed a significantly lower average daily milk yield in the HS group than in the NHS group (P < 0.05). The milk compositions of fat (%), lactoprotein, lactose yield, and milk solid-not-fat in the HS group were significantly lower than in the NHS group on days 1, 31, and 61 (P < 0.05). The levels of  malondialdehyde were higher, whereas those of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were lower in the serum of the HS group (P < 0.05) than that of the NHS group. The serum concentrations of d-glucose, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and d-lactose were significantly higher in  the NHS group than in the HS group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of lactic acid and milk urea nitrogen in the NHS group were lower than those in the HS group (P < 0.05). The present data suggest that metabolic biomarkers are closely associated with heat stress in the serum and milk, which provides a basis for evaluating indicators of heat stress occurrence in mid-lactation cows.