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Changes in the gene pool and homogeneity of red clover cultivars occur over time. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly renew the breeding material and foundation seed. Moreover, the market also prescribes a new demand. Based on the Natura 2000 habitats profile, we collected seeds from 39 locations across Lithuania in 2016. The phenotypic traits that affect the seed yield of red clover were analysed in 2018. The homogeneity of the populations with reference to the seed yield and 1 000 seed weight (TSW) were determined as well. Also, the possibility of obtaining two seed yields per season under drought conditions from wild genotypes of red clover was analysed. We found that the final seed yield mostly depends on the seed number per flower head (SN/FH), which strongly correlated with 1^st component of PCA during first (r = 0.91) and second (0.92) harvest. Meanwhile, the cluster analysis showed that the typical wild red clover has a lower seed weight than the cultivars and could be clustered on the basis of seed homogeneity. Finally, based on the seed phenotype and harvest components, there were five prospective accessions (2177, 2871, 2876, 2898 and 2899) for a new cultivar prototype.

We investigated, under field conditions and during four years (2018–2021) the effects of five irrigation levels (T1: 100% of crop water requirement; T2: 80% of T1; T3: 60% of T1; T4: 40% of T1, and T5: 0% of T1 – rainfed) in interaction with three planting densities (PD1: 54 900, PD2: 64 900, and PD3 75 200 plants/ha) on the yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize in Srem, Serbia. The results indicate a large year-to-year variability, mainly due to the total amount and distribution of rainfall. Water regime and PD interacted significantly. Irrigation increased grain yield 28, 34, 30 and 18% for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, compared to the T5; and significantly influenced the yield components. Planting density had significantly lower effects on grain yield compared to irrigation (+1.4–1.8%). WUE is maximised (3.436 kg/m3) at T4 under 75 200 plants/ha. Grain yield and WUE increased significantly with increasing PD, while the number of grains per ear and the weight of 1 000 grains decreased with increasing PD. In conclusion, limited irrigation at T2 under PD2 may be a viable method to maximise production efficiency and maize yield under the environmental conditions of this study and at sites with similar soil and climatic conditions.

In this paper, I elucidated the influence of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on wheat cadmium (Cd) tolerance. Research results manifested that Cd stress increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents. However, Cd stress decreased AsA/ dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and GSH/oxidised glutathione (GSSG) ratios, and inhibited photosynthetic performance and plant growth. Compared to Cd alone, GABA plus Cd improved wheat Cd tolerance by increasing the activities of above antioxidant enzymes, AsA and GSH contents, and AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG ratios. Meanwhile, compared with Cd alone, GABA plus Cd also enhanced the photosynthetic performance by improving chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid (Car) contents and Car/Chl ratio, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, and Chl fluorescence parameters maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, photochemical quenching, nonphotochemical quenching and quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry, which further promoted plant height and biomass. Compared to control, GABA alone also improved above indicators. Current results suggested that GABA can be applied as an anti-cadmium agent in wheat production practice.

Compared to solely mineral fertiliser application, organic fertiliser substitution has been demonstrated to be effective in enhancing nitrogen cycling in cropland, but the relevant research based on grassland is still insufficient. A field experiment was carried out in the grasslands of northern China to examine the impact of mineral/organic fertilisation on soil organic nitrogen fractions, activities of soil N-hydrolysing enzymes and their interrelationships. The results showed that the active soil organic nitrogen pool (hydrolysable NH₄⁺-N + amino sugar-N + amino acid N) increased significantly after fertilisation, and organic fertiliser combined with mineral fertiliser addition showed the best promotion effect. N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, protease and urease activities are also significantly affected by fertilisation. The findings of our study indicate that the combination of mineral fertiliser and organic fertiliser shows a higher potential in improving the active soil organic nitrogen supply. This approach seems to be a viable agronomic strategy for augmenting soil nitrogen supply and ensuring the stability of the soil nitrogen pool in the semi-arid steppe region of northern China.

Water erosion poses a significant threat to more than 50% of agricultural land in the Czech Republic. Maize (Zea mays L.) is particularly susceptible to soil erosion, with the bare soil space between maize rows exposed to erosive agents. Intercropping has emerged as a potential solution to mitigate soil erosion risks in maize cultivation. A series of soil erosion field experiments were conducted from 2022 to 2023 using natural rainfall to investigate the influence of selected intercrop mixtures during the growing season on sediment yields and surface runoff volume. The results revealed a gradual decrease in surface runoff volume and sediment yields over the growing season. Significantly reduced surface runoff volume and soil loss were observed in two tested intercropped plots S2 – rye (Secale cereale) and incarnate clover (Trifolium incarnatum); S3 – ryegrass only (Lolium)), compared to a control plot managed conventionally with maize (S1). Surface runoff volume and soil loss from S2 and S3 reached 2.57–43.5% and 1.26–11.65% of the control plot, respectively. These findings highlight the soil conservation effect of intercrop technologies (S2 and S3) in mitigating soil erosion in maize cultivation. The importance of vegetation cover in reducing soil erosion intensified over time. Intercropping holds promise as a sustainable agricultural management strategy for sloping maize fields.

Cadmium is one of the most important environmental contaminants. Animals grazing on natural pastures are particularly exposed to cadmium. Sheep are mostly reared in extensive and grazing systems. Therefore, sheep may accumulate larger amounts of cadmium compared to other ruminant species and are a good indicator of exposure to cadmium contamination in a given area. The determination of cadmium concentrations in the muscles, livers and kidneys of lambs and sheep was carried out in the Czech Republic during the period 2001–2022. The average cadmium content in the livers and kidneys of all the lambs was 0.037 ± 0.006 and 0.061 ± 0.013 mg.kg^–1, respectively. The average cadmium content in the livers and kidneys of all the sheep was 0.319 ± 0.047 and 1.255 ± 0.204 mg.kg^–1, respectively. The maximum limit for human consumption was not exceeded in any of the 24 samples in the lambs but was exceeded in 5 of 33 liver samples and 12 of 33 kidney samples in the adult sheep. The average value of cadmium in the muscles of the lambs and sheep was 0.004 ± 0.001 mg.kg^–1. The maximum limit for human consumption was not exceeded in any muscle sample. The cadmium content in both the liver and in the kidney differs significantly between the lambs and sheep, being higher in the sheep (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). No statistically significant trend of a decrease in the cadmium content in the lamb and sheep tissues was found during the observed time (P > 0.05). We can sum up that there is an evident need for further monitoring of the cadmium concentration in lamb and sheep tissues in the Czech Republic.

Sandy soils represent an extreme environment for tree growth. Traditionally, site preparation before planting involves removing logging residues (LRR) and ploughing. An alternative method is incorporating logging residues (LRI) into the topsoil which may enhance tree regeneration and seedling growth. The aim of this study was to assess whether and how different site preparation techniques affect soil physico-chemical and microbial properties over the long term. The study was performed in the Záhorská nížina lowland (Slovakia) in September 2020. Soil samples were taken in two 25-year-old Pinus sylvestris (L.) plantations along five soil profiles in each stand, down to a depth of 30 cm. Results showed a significant increase in carbon and nitrogen concentration and soil moisture in the LRI plot. However, soil pH and phosphorus content significantly decreased. No significant differences were observed in calcium, magnesium, and potassium concentrations between the differently treated plots. The LRI plot also exhibited a significant increase in microbial biomass carbon, N-mineralisation, and catalase activity. The results indicate that different mechanical site preparation methods may impact soil properties over the long term, likely through improved seedling survival and tree growth.

Having evaluated the situation in agriculture and rural areas, and having assessed the significance of new external and internal conditions, the European Commission has decided to reform the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union. This article presents the essence of the part of the reform plan which affects the direct support system. The author of the article also examines the impact of the reform on the system's capacity to achieve the set goals, and on its efficiency. The research showed that the new legal framework proposed by the Commission would not directly improve the efficiency of the system, but the increased decision-making authority it grants to Member States provides an opportunity to reduce administrative outlays on the functioning of the scheme. Likewise, the effectiveness of a reformed direct support system in achieving the set goals will largely depend on decisions made by Member States, i.e. on the appropriate choice of instruments, and the accuracy of their form, as well as the equitable distribution of the available funds.

The Levels-of-Growing-Stock study for ponderosa pine was a collective effort among western Research Stations within the US Forest Service. The experiment was established to test sustainable productivity across a wide range of densities by periodically thinning the plots. Beyond the original purposes for wood production, contemporary applications of these long-term studies have been to determine stand density effects on (i) both overstory and understory responses to stand development of even-aged ponderosa pine, (ii) biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration, (iii) plant diversity and wildlife habitats, and (iv) forest resiliency to insects and pathogens, droughts, and wildfires. Furthermore, these installations have served as a showpiece for the public and natural laboratories for professional foresters and students. For the past half century, the study has helped guide land managers and stakeholders on public and private lands about the value of thinning in overstocked young stands of ponderosa pine across its range. We hope that it will continue to serve as a springboard for addressing future issues facing forest management.

The use of genomic data makes it possible to examine genetic variability and calculate the genetic parameters of the population in an efficient and precise way. The aim of this research was to analyse linkage disequilibrium (LD), contemporary effective population size (Ne_c), haplotype block structure, minor allele frequency (MAF), observed (H_O) and expected heterozygosity (H_E), calculate the genomic relationship matrix and perform a principal component analysis (PCA) in the Serbian Holstein-Friesian cattle population using SNP data from the GGP Bovine 100K chip. After quality control (QC), 83 208 SNPs and 1 575 cows were retained for further analysis. LD on autosomes had an average value of ≥ 0.2 up to a distance of 50–60 kb (r² = 0.211), while on BTX r² ≥ 0.2 was represented at distances of 80–90 kb (r² = 0.211). LD differed between chromosomes. The average H_O for autosomes and X chromosome SNPs was 0.412 and 0.422, respectively. 81.30% of SNPs that passed QC had MAF > 0.2. The total number of haplotype blocks in the studied population was 15 642. On average, blocks contained 2.932 SNPs. The average block length was 32.657 kb and ranged from a minimum of 0.019 kb (BTA21 and BTA26) to a maximum of 999.562 kb (BTX). The estimated value of Ne_c in the this cattle population was 142. The results of PCA showed a significant variability of genotypes in the population, but there was no clear stratification of the population. The obtained results will serve as a basis for future genomic analyses such as the detection of QTLs for important economic traits and the implementation of genomic selection.

In this study, the effects of vitamin D₃ (Vit. D) and a stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L. (UD)) extract were examined using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods in the stomach tissues of an experimentally created rat model of CD. The CD model was created using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The animals in the study were divided into control, TNBS, TNBS+Vit. D, and TNBS+UD groups. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanised and their stomach tissues were evaluated for necrosis, degeneration, apoptosis, and inflammation. Additionally, an immunohistochemical method was applied to determine the somatostatin (SSTR), aquaporin-1 (AQP-1), caspase-3, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) immunoreactivity in the gastric tissues. In the evaluations, degenerative and necrotic changes and mononuclear cell infiltration areas were observed in the TNBS group, but such changes could be improved with Vit. D and UD applications. The results suggest that the combination of the Vit. D and UD extract may have a protective and therapeutic role in mitigating TNBS-induced damage to the gastric tissues, potentially through the regulation of SSTR, AQP-1, caspase-3, and TNF-α expression. This indicates a promising avenue for further research and the exploration of these compounds in the context of gastrointestinal health.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) has potential in the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil due to its strong Cd accumulation capacity and high biomass. In this study, we investigated the growth physiology, Cd accumulation, and metabolites of L. perenne roots under different soil acid stress levels (pH 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 6.0) and Cd concentrations (100 and 0 mg/kg) after 90 days of growth. The results showed that soil acid stress significantly impacts the remediation capability and physiological metabolic properties of L. perenne. Based on root Cd content and enrichment coefficient, soil pH between 4.5 and 5.0 was more conducive to Cd accumulation. The growth physiology and Cd accumulation of L. perenne were inhibited under high soil acid stress (pH 4.0). High soil acid stress caused a decrease in root length, root volume, and root biomass of L. perenne. Root malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD)) increased significantly in response to high soil acid stress to enhance tolerance. Metabolomics analysis revealed that acid stress resulted in significant changes in certain metabolites. Tartaric acid, fructose and amino acids (glutamate and lysine) in the roots of L. perenne were compatible solutes under acid stress. This study indicated that L. perenne has strong physiological and metabolic tolerance, as well as Cd accumulation ability, in response to soil acid stress.

The drying and colour kinetics of H₂O₂-bleached pineapple fibres were studied to determine an optimum drying condition and appropriate drying and colour kinetic models. The experiments were conducted under drying air temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 ºC, air velocities of 0.27, 0.38 and 0.42 m×s^–1 and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations of 1, 3 and 5% by volume arranged in a three-factor factorial experimental design. Colour values were quantified by the CIELab system where L* is the lightness value, a* is redness/greenness and b* is yellowness/blueness. Total colour difference (ΔE), chroma, hue angle, browning index (BI) and whiteness index (WI) were calculated. The L* value, a* value, b* value, WI, BI, hue angle, and chroma were significantly affected by the interaction of the three factors. A non-parametric test was conducted for the drying rate data and showed that the drying rate was influenced by different treatments. Tensile strength was not affected by any of the factors. The optimum drying condition was determined to be 57 ºC, at an air velocity of 0.345 m·s^–1, and H₂O₂ concentration of 4.8%. The exponential model adequately described drying data. Zero-order kinetic equation described ΔE while L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue angle, WI and BI were satisfactorily described by the first-order kinetic equation.

The effectiveness of pheromone lures for Grapholita molesta (Busck 1916) from Propher (Czech Republic) and Pherobank (Netherlands), the attractiveness of green and transparent pheromone traps and the representation of non-target species were evaluated in three study areas of southern Moravia (Czech Republic) in 2019–2021 (24 traps per year). A total of 6 536 Grapholita molesta and 946 individuals of 17 non-target species were collected. Grapholita molesta was frequently captured in green delta traps with a Pherobank pheromone lure. Therefore, pheromone lures from different manufacturers have different efficacy and require the independent setting of harmfulness thresholds. An overview of non-target species recorded by other authors was compiled. Among the non-target species, morphologically similar species of Tortricidae dominated, causing considerable problems in the signalling of control measures of the target species.

The widespread application of Internet technology in rural development has significantly facilitated the modernisation of agriculture and profoundly and positively impacts sustainable rural development. This study empirically investigates the effect of Internet access on farmers‘ participation in farmer professional cooperatives based on a sample of 3 349 participants from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS), using both probit regression and instrumental variable probit (Ivprobit) regression models. The results indicate that, firstly, Internet access significantly enhances farmers‘ participation in farmer professional cooperatives. Secondly, Internet access influences farmers' decisions to join professional cooperatives differently, with older farmers, those with less education, and non-cadre individuals being more significantly affected in their willingness to participate. The findings deepen the understanding of the relationship between digital technology and organisational participation in rural development and provide empirical evidence for formulating more targeted rural development policies.

At the soil level, earthworms are key indicators of water-related processes which help soils to accept, retain, release and transmit water by influencing the soil structure through their burrowing, casts, and drilosphere. The water repellency is an indicator of soil structure stability both for the natural soil and for the earthworm casts (bioturbated soil). The water repellency of earthworm casts is a complex property that should be approached both at ecological and functional level in earthworm categorization because this cast property influences the transport and flow processes in soil, such as those of water, nutrients, pollutants, and gas diffusion. The earthworms have been described as bioremediators of soil water repellency. Casts of the earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris collected from an urban green space have been analysed for particle size composition (texture), organic carbon (OC) content and CaCO₃ content in relation to their water repellency (the hydrophobicity). The findings of this study showed that the main drivers determining the water repellency of the casts of L. terrestris, as indicator of their structural stability, are chemical (the contents of OC and respectively CaCO₃) and physical (contents of clay, silt and fine sand). The water repellency (hydrophobicity) of the casts decreased with their content of clay and silt and increased with their content of organic matter and CaCO₃. The hydrophobicity of earthworm casts is in direct positive relation with their previous water accumulation, i.e. the current penetration time of water increases or decreases if the previous penetration time of the water increased or decreased, respectively. The water drop penetration times indicated that the analysed earthworm casts were slightly water-repellent. A small to medium degree of water repellency has been mostly reported as appropriate for the aggregate stability of the soil.

The agricultural production in China is gradually transitioning from extensive agriculture to green agriculture. In this context, identifying the driving factors and dimensions of farmers’ green production behaviour can contribute to promoting sustainable agricultural development. Existing studies lack investigation into the identification of driving factors and dimensions of green production behaviour among farmers of different scales. This study examined 1 142 farm households from five major grain-producing provinces in the North China Plain in 2019. We employed probit-ISM (interpretive structural modelling) models to analyse the driving factors of green production behaviour among farmers of different scales and identify dimensional differences. The study concluded the following: i) Personal characteristics, household characteristics, operational characteristics, social network characteristics, organisational characteristics, and cognitive characteristics were factors driving green production behaviour among small-scale farmers. However, social network characteristics and organisational characteristics had insignificant effects on green production behaviour among large-scale farmers. ii) Personal characteristics, number of agricultural workers, scale of operation, degree of land fragmentation, and whether relatives and friends are civil servants were the deep-rooted factors driving farmers’ green production behaviour. Part-time farming status, proportion of grain income, types of agricultural machinery, relationship with local farm machinery operators, and organisational characteristics were middle indirect factors. Cognitive characteristics represented the direct surface factors. This study can provide crucial information for government departments, which formulate differentiated policies to promote green production behaviour among farmers of different scales.

Fatigue behind the wheel has been addressed repeatedly for at least 15 years. Various research projects, studies, and systems have been developed to prove the effect of fatigue on the number of accidents and possibly to inform drivers that this situation has occurred. The article examines the influence of stimulants on the fatigue of young agricultural machinery drivers. Commonly available means for reducing driver fatigue were chosen as stimulants (coffee, tea, maté, guarana, energy drink, lemon extract with sugar). A special test station with automatic reaction time evaluation was developed to test drivers’ reaction ability (responsiveness). Furthermore, the effects on the physical condition of the tested persons (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure amplitude and heart rate) were investigated. The conducted experiments confirmed a statistically significant effect of all tested stimulants, except for tea, for which no statistically significant changes in the monitored parameters were observed.

Dog. Specifically created to save its master’s life. – (The dog is the ideal) Friend of man, (because it is his devoted slave) (source: Gustave Flaubert, Dictionnaire des Idées Reçues). But is man the best friend of the dog? This question is legitimate when we consider living situations to which modern domestic dogs are exposed. They often do not satisfy basic animal needs. In this narrative review, the author revisits the history of the dog’s presence alongside humans, in the light of current knowledge. The modern dog (breed standards and their interests in canine research) and its breeding strategy, including extreme breeding, will then be given particular attention. Dysfunctional human psychological processes will be explored to make it possible to grasp why the breeding of the modern dog is undergoing such a transformation. Finally, based on these factual and conceptual insights, suggestions to improve canine welfare will be proposed. To be effective, all these must be assessed against real-world conditions.

Experiments were carried out to study the consequences of inoculating Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' and 'Alfred' microcuttings and young plants with Serendipita indica (formerly Piriformospora indica), an endophytic fungus. The inoculation at the in vitro rooting stage decreased the in vitro root and shoot quality, but after planting microplants in a greenhouse in a non-fertilised peat substrate, the plants grew 33% taller, with 10% more leaves and with more abundant roots in comparison with the non-inoculated microplants. The young plants rooted in vitro, acclimated in a greenhouse in a peat substrate and inoculated with S. indica at the time of the transplantation to the pots displayed, after 15 months, an increase in the shoot lengths by 35% and 13%, depending on the cultivar, in the leaf number by 47% and in the chlorophyll content by 31% when compared with the non-inoculated plants. The beneficial effect of S. indica on the young Rhododendron plants indicates the possibility of its practical use in the nursery production of this plant.

Tillage-induced erosion has negative impacts on the soil environment and production of the soil under intensive farming. Tillage erosion was evaluated during soil tillage performed by two technologies, i.e. conventional tillage and reduced tillage, commonly used in the Czech Republic. A field experiment was aimed at evaluating the soil particle translocation and magnitude of the vector angle. Aluminium cubes with an edge length of 16 mm were used as tracers. After each soil tillage operation, a metal detector searched these tracers in the topsoil. During the experiment, agricultural practices were always carried out on their respective dates for the whole season. The experiment results show that conventional tillage had a more adverse effect on tillage erosion than reduced tillage. This was confirmed on three experimental parcels with different slope gradients of 2, 6 and 11°. The largest translocation of soil tracers was observed on a parcel with the highest slope of 11°. There, the length of the translocation of tracers reached up  to almost 10 m. The average length of soil tracer translocation in reduced tillage and conventional tillage ranged between 0.86 and 3.69 m. The largest average vector angle of tracer locations was recorded on a parcel with a slope of 6° for reduced tillage. In the treatment with the slope of 2° and conventional tillage used, the direction vector indicated upslope translocation of soil tracers. It was caused by soil tillage with a mouldboard plough turning over the topsoil layer upslope. In a treatment with a slope of 2° and reduced tillage used, no influence of the crosswise slope gradient of the plot on the direction vector was observed. The acquired knowledge will be used in further study of soil erosion processes.

Advancements in technology have recently enabled to assess soil aggregate stability (SAS) using digital devices. To address the need for a faster and more efficient method of measuring SAS, we have developed a simple yet effective approach using a specialized device. The innovative method named SlakeLight involves measuring the changes in light transmittance as aggregates undergo slaking. The device consists of the measuring chamber, which is placed on a LED light source with a surface-homogeneous distribution of luminosity. During the disintegration process of aggregates immersed in water, reduction in the light emitted to the photodiodes is proportional to SAS. The functionality of the device was tested using topsoil samples from two field fertilization trials. The recorded SAS_trans values were compared with the wet sieving method (WSA) and SLAKE test. The new method showed a strong correlation with both reference methods (r = 0.89 for WSA, r = –0.86 for SLAKE). The device was able to detect a statistically significant differences in SAS between the grassland and the cropland at both sites. Although differences in SAS_trans were not significant between different fertilization treatments unlike WSA, the simplicity and speed of the measurement increase the potential of the method for practical implementation in agriculture, surpassing the limitations of traditional and labor-intensive laboratory techniques.

Rice productivity needs to be increased to feed Bangladesh’s growing population. Productivity can be increased by adopting improved varieties and management practices, which require additional capital inputs. In this article, we aim to estimate the effect of formal and semiformal credit on rice productivity in Bangladesh. We surveyed 500 rice farmers to achieve these objectives. We used descriptive statistics, propensity score matching and Heckman’s endogenous treatment effect model to analyse the data. The findings indicate that literacy, television ownership and training positively influenced access to formal credit. In general, credit recipients achieved higher productivity than did non-recipients. In the situation of credit source-specific effect, we found mixed results. Given the estimated difference of 438 kg/ha to 495 kg/ha, the results indicated that formal credit recipients had significantly higher productivity than did formal credit non-recipients. In contrast, endogenous treatment effect model results suggested that both formal and semiformal sources of credit had a significant effect on rice productivity. Increased agricultural loan disbursement through formal and semiformal credit institutions is strongly advocated. Farmers’ decision-making abilities regarding the most effective source of credit can be improved through training in financial literacy. The central bank of Bangladesh, along with the credit regulatory authorities of non-governmental organisations, can implement appropriate agricultural credit programmes for farmers.

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of soil characteristics and the applied amount of nicosulfuron on the degradation rate in soil. Soil samples were collected at three localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Manjača, Kosjerovo and Tunjice. The experiment was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Plant protection product based on nicosulfuron (40 g a.s./L, OD) was applied in concentrations of 0.075, 0.15, and 0.30 mg a.s./kg of soil. Nicosulfuron residues were analysed by the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS. Soils are classified as silty loams, with variations in mechanical composition and chemical properties. In slightly alkaline soil, the half-life (DT50) of nicosulfuron has increased (43.31 days) compared with DT50 (9.43–16.13 days) in acidic soils. The results indicate that soil characteristics and applied concentration significantly influence nicosulfuron persistence. Hence, it can be considered that nicosulfuron, applied to silty loam soils of Bosnia and Herzegovina, poses a low risk to subsequent crops and the environment.

Low temperatures are one of the major abiotic stresses that affect alfalfa’s development and yield. Enhancing frost resistance through resistance-related genes is one of the most effective ways to address this issue in alfalfa. Therefore, exploring cold-resistant gene resources and the cultivation of cold-resistant alfalfa cultivars is inevitable in order to achieve high yield and quality. In this study, we conducted transcriptome profiling of roots obtained from two alfalfa genotypes, i.e., Qingda No.1 for freeze tolerance and Gannong No.9 for freeze sensitivity. We observed that Qingda No.1 had more lateral roots and a more developed root system after overwintering, while Gannong No.9 had fewer lateral roots and an underdeveloped root system. After overwintering, Qingda No.1 exhibited higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared to Gannong No.9, while Gannong No.9 showed higher perosuperoxide dismutasexidase (POD) activity than Qingda No.1. We identified 25,935 differentially expressed genes, with 12 979 and 12 956 differential genes found in the freeze-tolerant variety Qingda No.1 group and the freeze-sensitive Gannong No.9 group, respectively. The enrichment of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways also differed between the two groups. We also discovered several gene family members, and the most frequent transcription factors were bHLH, B3, NAC, WRKY, and MYB_related. These findings provide comprehensive information to further understand the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to freezing stress in alfalfa and offer potential functional candidate genes for adaptation to abiotic stress.

Most studies of agroforestry system biodiversity focus on assessing visible, aboveground biodiversity, largely ignoring soil biodiversity. To fill this gap, a preliminary assessment of soil biodiversity in an agroforestry system was undertaken based on changes in soil enzyme activity. The study was conducted in the village of Maziarnia, Lubelskie Voivodeship, Poland, Europe. Arable fields with spring wheat, mid-field trees and perennial mixed forest were selected for the study. Soil material for physicochemical analyses (pH_H2O, pH_KCl, sorption properties, total carbon and total nitrogen) and biochemical analyses (activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease and dehydrogenases) was collected in the spring and autumn of 2022. The present study showed that the biochemical properties of the soils of the selected study sites varied depending on the type of ecosystem determining habitat conditions. Each ecosystem that makes up the agroforestry system studied is characterised by a distinctive microbiome composition and its own level of enzymatic activity. The obtained results support the thesis that agroforestry systems significantly increase the functional diversity and overall biodiversity of agricultural landscapes. However, a full, objective characterisation of the processes taking place in agroforestry systems requires long-term monitoring.

The effects of different drought stress levels on the plant growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings were investigated using different mass fractions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (0, 2.5, 5, 10%) to simulate the drought stress. The results showed that the plant height, root length, leaf dry weight (DW), stem DW, root DW, and plant DW all showed no significant difference under mild (2.5% PEG 6000) drought stress, while they exhibited a decreasing trend with an increasing level of PEG. The changing trend in the photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll a, and carotenoid content was consistent with the growth index under drought stress. Besides, the content of chlorophyll b in the cucumber seedlings increased under moderate (5% PEG 6000) drought stress, but decreased under severe (10% PEG 6000) drought stress. However, the antioxidase activities, soluble protein content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenols, and total flavonoid content in the cucumber seedlings increased gradually with the increase in the mass fraction of PEG. The results indicated that higher the level of drought stress, the higher inhibition on the seedling growth or more severe damage on the cell membrane, and higher contents of total phenols and flavonoids were obtained.

This research was carried out to evaluate the pedigree data of the Debrecen White rabbit breed. Pedigree information was supplied by the Debrecen White Rabbit Breeder Association. The final dataset contained all available information on animals registered by the breeding association up to 2023. The reference population was the active breeding stock in 2023. The estimated complete generation equivalent was 7.8, while the mean of maximum generations was 16.29 for the present stock. All individuals within the current population were inbred, with a 5.37% mean inbreeding coefficient. The division of the inbreeding coefficient showed that homozygosity is increasing in the current population. The genetic conservation index (GCI) was higher than 30 for 10.11% for the total population, and was above 38.69% for the current population.

The breed can influence the results of haematological and biochemical blood tests, with sighthounds traditionally mentioned. It may also affect certain urinary parameters. This study aimed to compare urinary protein and creatinine concentrations and their ratio (UPC, urine protein to creatinine ratio) between sighthounds and non-sighthounds and to evaluate these parameters in various sighthound breeds. Urine samples from clinically healthy dogs were collected via normal voiding, representing both sighthound and non-sighthound breeds. The protein and creatinine concentrations in the urine samples were determined, and their ratio was subsequently calculated. A total of 191 urine samples from sighthounds and 90 urine samples from non-sighthound breeds used as a control group were evaluated in the study. In sighthounds, significantly lower urinary protein concentration (248.8 mg/l and 299.8 mg/l, respectively; P = 0.045) and significantly higher urinary creatinine concentration (23.0 mmol/l and 17.5 mmol/l, respectively; P = 0.000) and lower UPC values (0.13 and 0.18, respectively; P = 0.000) were observed in comparison to the entire control group. The UPC values were found to be significantly lower in Greyhounds and Spanish Greyhounds compared with non-sighthounds. Although statistically significant changes were identified, they are unlikely to be of great clinical importance.

The aim of the study was to define and compare the quality properties of dry-cured heat-treated meat products from the meat of free-living semi-aquatic wildlife species. Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) and nutria (Myocastor coypus) are wild animals whose presence in the countryside is regulated in the Czech Republic. Basic chemical, microbiological, sensory analyses, and instrumental measurements of the colour and texture of dry-cured sausages (pork, as a control group with 51% lean pork and experimental groups with 51% lean beaver and nutria meat in fresh state) were performed. There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in microbiological counts per gram between the sausage groups according to the meat used after 3 weeks of storage. In the sensory analysis, beaver sausages were rated as the darkest and least attractive (P < 0.05). The data obtained using the Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (MORS) test did not show a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was measured between the beaver product and the pork and nutria variants using the compression method.