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The noctuid C. trapezina (CT) has been considered an occasional predator of other Lepidoptera larvae. Functional/numerical response of predator and/or prey was estimated using 27 years of time-series data from Slovakia and stepwise multiple regression models (SMRM). SMRM were used to examine a possible delayed density-dependent feedback. We constructed 12 order-three autoregressive models [AR(3)] for CT and candidate prey. Independent variables were abundance of C. trapezina and abundance of candidate prey in lags 1, 2, and 3. Model variants were: (1) predation on free feeder models (FFM); (2) predation on shelter feeder models (SFM); (3) predation on the sum of 8 species models (S8M); (4) predation on all Lepidoptera models (ALM). Models were constructed for three areas (created by grouping sites based on significant correlations among CT populations). Additional comparative models were constructed for another three noctuid species and one geometrid species to compare their regression parameters under the same conditions as for CT. In total, 48 AR(3) SMRM were constructed for comparative species. A negative response of shelter feeders was found in models mainly for CT. We also found the positive response of CT growth rate to abundance of shelter feeders in lag 3 on two out of three models. This pattern was not found for any other comparison of species in the analysis. Possible mechanisms for these results are discussed.

To enhance the induction of shoots, the excised nodes were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing different cytokinins and various concentrations. The best conditions for shoot induction and growth were with 6-benzyladenine at 1.0 mg.l^-1. For axillary shoot proliferation, the excellent result was obtained using 2.0 mg.l^-1 meta-topoline. Well-developed shoots (more than 2 cm in length) were successfully rooted ex vitro at 82% by treatment with commercial rooting powder (2% indole-3-butyric acid; Rhizopon®). Rooted plantlets were acclimatized in the greenhouse and the survival rate of transplantation reached 80%.

The effect of wort filling time on the process of fermentation, maturation, and acetaldehyde content in beer was determined. The experiments were performed on an industrial scale, the fermentation and maturation took place in fermentation tanks. Three tanks were filled using three different intervals. Worts were aerated with sterile air and yeast was added after the second fermentation (third passage). During fermentation and maturation, changes in the content of the apparent extract and the amount of acetaldehyde were investigated. Experiments have shown that different filling times have a significant impact on the course of fermentation and the amount of acetaldehyde. With the increase of wort filling time, fermentation speed improved and acetaldehyde content decreased.

The susceptibility of field and laboratory strains against all instars larvae of S. littoralis to spinosad pesticide after a 24- and 48-h exposure and under laboratory conditions was investigated. As a result against 1^st instar larvae, the LC₅₀ values after 24 h were 12 and 0.275 µg/ml for laboratory and field strain, respectively. In addition, the resistance ratio (RR) of 1^st instar was 43.64-fold. In this interim, the 48 h LC₅₀ values were 8.7 and 0.18 µg/ml for laboratory and field strain, respectively and the RR was 48.33-fold, which revealed the field strain was more susceptible to spinosad than the laboratory strain. Distinctly similar trend was shown for later instar larvae stages. For instance, in 6^th instar larvae, the LC₅₀ values after a 24-h exposure to spinosad were 1100 and 105 µg/ml for the laboratory and field strain, respectively, and the RR value was 10.48-fold. Furthermore, after a 48-h exposure, the LC₅₀ values for laboratory and field strains were 500 and 42 µg/ml, respectively, with RR value being 11.90-fold. On the other hand, according to relative tolerance values, the 6^th instar larvae were the most tolerant instar of all the instars tested. The susceptibility of 6^th, 5^th, and 4^th instar larvae was comparable and significantly lower than that of 3^rd, 2^nd, and 1^st instar larvae. However, the 1^st instar was the least tolerant. The results implied that spinosad may play a potential role in the control of S. littoralis and, therefore, it is considered a promising tool in integrated pest management program to control Cotton leafworm which is becoming resistant to conventional pesticides in Egypt.

This research was performed to evaluate the effect of supplementing broiler diets with a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, carcass characteristics, faecal microbiota, and blood profile. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mixed gender) with an average initial BW of 39.2 g were used in a 35 days feeding trial. The chicks were allotted to pens with 16 birds per pen and eight replications per treatment with food and water provided ad libitum. Treatments were: (1) basal diet, (2) 0.25% probiotic, and (3) 0.5% probiotic. Results indicated that body weight gain (BWG) on Day 7 to 21, Day 21 to 35 and overall (0 to 35) increased (P < 0.05) linearly but feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected. A linear increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the relative weight of breast muscle when comparing the 0 to 0.5% concentration of probiotic, but breast meat colour was not affected by treatments. A significant impact (linear effect, P < 0.05) was observed on drip loss on Day 1. Inclusion of probiotic decreased (P < 0.05) the count of Salmonella linearly but the counts of E. coli and Lactobacillus were not affected. There was no remarkable influence on blood profile. Thus, it was concluded that inclusion of a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium improved growth performance and altered the intestinal microbial population, without any negative effects on meat colour and blood profile in broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of four anaesthetics on haematological and biochemical blood profiles in burbot Lota lota L. Blood profiles of burbot were evaluated 10 min and 24 h after anaesthesia with tricaine methanesulfonate (MS 222) (100 mg/l), clove oil (33 mg/l), 2-phenoxyethanol (0.3 ml/l), Propiscin (1 ml/l) and compared to non-anaesthetized control. The tested anaesthetics had no effect on haematological profile of burbot. The exposure to clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin significantly (P < 0.01) influenced the level of ammonia and glucose. The level of lactate was significantly (P < 0.01) increased following anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol and Propiscin. The levels of total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and calcium were higher (P < 0.01) with clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin compared to control. The use of MS 222 showed the lowest effect on haematological and biochemical blood profile and is recommended as a suitable anaesthetic for burbot.

The fruiting of 23 apple progenies, in total 756 genotypes grafted on M 9 rootstock, was evaluated for 11 years (2005-2015). The most precocious was the progeny obtained by the crossing of genotype HL1737 and Pink Lady cultivar, seedlings of which achieved fruiting stage just between the first and second year after planting. The least precocious was the progeny Freedom × Antonovka o.p., in which seedlings started fruiting on average just in the 5^th and 6^th year after planting. The most productive in the study was the progeny HL782 × Topaz, having a mean rating of 5.33 points on a 1-9 scale. Behind this leader, in decreasing order, were the progenies HL782 × HL665, Resista × Pink Lady, Resista × HL2219 and HL665 × HL782. The progenies Resista × Benet and Idleless × HL665 were distinguished with the highest level of biennial bearing (above 81%). The most valuable for utilisation in breeding is the progeny HL665 × HL782. Other noteworthy donors to be considered for distinctly more regular cropping are the cultivars Pink Lady, Discovery and HL2219.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) fluxes from agricultural soils have been considered as one of the important environmental impact issue, due to their role in global warming and also its mitigation by carbon (C) sequestration in soils. Substantial scope of C sequestration with the application of inorganic fertilizers and manures has been reported, but the long-term effects of continuous application need to be critically examined. To study the effect of continuous differential application of NPK fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) in maize-wheat cropping system, CO₂ fluxes were measured via closed chambers and gas chromatography in a long-term experiment in progress for the past 42 years. The average daily CO₂ fluxes differed significantly amongst various treatments and were 55, 26 and 92% higher in NPK, N and NPK + FYM treatments over the control in the maize crop season and 43, 8 and 83% in the wheat crop season. Highly significant correlation of CO₂ emissions was found with soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in the maize and the wheat crop seasons. Although, CO₂ emissions were higher from long-term inorganic fertilizers and FYM treatments, still they are environmentally sustainable management practices, as they increased soil fertility and crop yields which consequently resulted in higher atmospheric CO₂ capture by plants and carbon sequestration in soils.

The technology of a functional fermented buttermilk-based beverage was developed and the impact of beverage consumption on the health parameters of young volunteers was studied. Three functional beverages were made on the basis of buttermilk, which differed in the composition. The beverage containing the buttermilk-skimmed milk-milk protein concentrate (0.3%) as a product with the preferred quality characteristics (synaeresis, viscosity, sensory properties, and acceptability) was used for further studies regarding the impact on human health. The medical nutrition experiments did not show any statistically significant effect on the biochemical blood parameters of 25 young volunteers after a 21-day period of the consumption of fermented buttermilk beverage with milk protein concentrate, although some of them (e.g. total, low- and high-density cholesterol, triacylglycerol concentrations, etc.) slightly decreased. The anthropometric and body composition, arterial blood pressure, and pulse evaluation indicators of recipients did not change significantly.

The efficacy of superficial tillage as a sustainable tool to reduce the emergence of Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria viridis, and Sorghum halepense was evaluated with field experiments. Seeds were buried at 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm of depth to simulate seed vertical distribution caused by autumn superficial tillage. Seedling emergence was monitored weekly for two years after sowing. The highest emergence was obtained in the first year after sowing and from 1 and 2 cm. Sorghum halepense was only slightly affected by seed burial, with 15% of emergence from 10 cm of depth, while D. sanguinalis was strongly affected, with 4% of emergence from 5 cm. The efficacy of superficial tillage as control tool could vary according to local weed flora.

We tested the suitability of Landsat images to track defoliation by insect herbivory with focus on the oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana (Lep.: Tortricidae). Landsat images from the period before (2002) and after the T. viridana infestation (2007, 2014) were compared in oak forests of Zagros in western Iran. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for the test area from Landsat 5, 7, and 8 images. Because the red and near-infrared spectral bands of Landsat 8 OLI sensors are different from the other two, a model for the calibration of Landsat OLI NDVI was developed. The proposed model with a correlation coefficient of 0.928 and root mean square error of 0.05 turned out to be applicable and the NDVI decreased significantly during the observation period. Taking into account the protection status of the area and small fluctuations in temperature, the decrease in NDVI could be attributed to T. viridana damage.

The objective of this study was to compare, in client-owned patients, the analgesic effects of the centrally acting analgesics tramadol and buprenorphine in continuous intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol. The study included forty dogs aged two to seven years and weighing 6-27 kg undergoing prophylactic dental treatment. The animals were classified into ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) I. and II. risk groups. One group of dogs received intravenous administration of tramadol (2 mg/kg) and the second one buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg) 30 min prior to sedation induced by midazolam (0.3 mg/kg) and xylazine (0.5 mg/kg) i.v. General anaesthesia was induced by propofol (2 mg/kg) and maintained by a 120-minute propofol infusion (0.2 mg/kg min). Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen, body temperature and deep pain sensation elicited by haemostat forceps pressure on the fingers were recorded at ten minute intervals. The tramadol group of dogs showed significantly better blood pressure values (P < 0.001), minimal tendency to bradycardia (P < 0.05) and respiratory rate (P < 0.001), without any negative effects on oxygen saturation. Significantly better deep pain sensation was achieved in the tramadol group (P < 0.001). Blood gas/acid base profile analysis showed a non-significant increase in the tramadol group of dogs. In conclusion, in comparison with buprenorphine, tramadol provided significantly better results with respect to degree of analgesia, as well as the tendency towards cardiopulmonary complications arising during anaesthesia. Significantly better analgesia and a lower depressive effect of tramadol on vital functions allows better control and management of the continuous intravenous propofol anaesthesia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in coagulation tests, haptoglobin concentrations and leukocyte counts in rabbits with right-ventricle pacing medicated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Blood was collected from 35 non-anaesthetised males from the jugular vein at baseline, one and two months after pacemaker implantation. Animals were divided into two groups: non-medicated and medicated with ASA. Total leukocyte and platelet counts were measured on an automatic veterinary flow cytometry haematological analyser. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen levels and D-dimers were determined from citrated blood. We found significantly elevated activated partial thromboplastin times and prothrombin times in ASA in comparison to the control group, but not within the ASA group over time. We also observed a decrease in platelet counts in the control group over time, but not in comparison to the ASA group. No significant changes in total leukocyte counts and haptoglobin concentrations were detected. Medication with ASA may alter coagulation profiles in rabbits with permanent transvenous pacing.

This article was aimed at assessment of selected factors of the work environment, which influenced the operators of harvesters and forwarders. The selection of the work environment factors was based on a thorough literature survey. From the survey exposure to whole-body vibrations, noise (equivalent and peak), microclimatic conditions and mental load were selected for detailed observations. The measurements were conducted according to international standards and assessed according to European or national legislation. Subjective assessment of the effects of the work environment was conducted through a structured interview. The exposure to whole-body vibrations was 0.5 m.s-2. The equivalent noise exposure was 78 dB, peak noise exposure was 130 dB. The average temperature inside the machine cabs was 17.9°C and average airflow velocity was 0.06 m.s-2. Mental load was high according to the Meister questionnaire, three operators considered the load inadequate, two considered it adequate. Subjective assessment showed that operators considered other factors to be light or no load

In this article, the effect of increasing dry matter content and reaction time of hydrothermal carbonization on mass yield of biochar was studied. Carbonization took place in batch experiments in a pressure vessel. Results have confirmed the assumption that the mass yield of biochar would increase with growing dry matter content in the initial solution and also with reaction time at reaction temperature of 200°C. It was found that components of the liquid product that remain in the biochar have a measurable impact on its mass yield. Mixing of the reactor proved to have a considerable effect on the mass yield as well. Biochar produced in absence of mixing had higher pore volume and higher yield. This was evident even after subtracting the equivalent liquid phase dry matter in the biochar after drying.

Increased detection records of Listeria monocytogenes in foods have been recently observed. Standard methods of L. monocytogenes elimination from food products including pasteurisation or acidification may, however, be unreliable. The elimination of L. monocytogenes using specific bacteriophages which are natural antagonists of these pathogenic bacteria has become an innovative method that does not affect the taste, smell or appearance of the product. The use of phage preparations in food production is becoming an increasingly popular method for the effective and safe elimination of L. monocytogenes from food products.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is the causal agent of white mould, stem, and fruit rot diseases on a wide variety of crop plants including cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) in field and storage. Control of this pathogen by using commercial disease management methods is extremely difficult. Therefore, this study was performed to develop an alternative and effective control method for the diseases by using biocontrol bacteria - Bacillus subtilis (strains TV-6F, TV-17C, TV-12H, BA-140 and EK-7), Bacillus megaterium (strains TV-103B), and Bacillus pumilus (strains RK-103) on Petri plate assays and on red cabbage in pot assays. On Petri plates, all of the tested bacterial strains showed the zone of inhibition against the pathogen fungus ranging 15.00-26.50 mm. Their percentage inhibition rates and lesion length ranged 42.64-79.41% and 0.02-4.50 cm in pot assays, respectively. Consequently, our results indicated that especially B. subtilis strains TV-17C, TV-12H, and TV-6F can be used as bio control agent of S. sclerotiorum in red cabbage production.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes with fatness traits in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs. The polymorphisms of genes were investigated, which included beta-3-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3), heart fatty acid-binding protein gene (FABP3), and hormone-sensitive lipase gene (LIPE) as well as lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition contents in Longissimus dorsi muscle samples were measured. Results showed that ADRB3, LIPE, and LPL SNPs were associated with IMF content (P < 0.05). ADRB3 AG heterozygotes exhibited higher IMF content. LIPE A allele was associated with greater IMF content. LPL CT heterozygotes exhibited the lowest IMF content. ADRB3 c.1192G>A had highly significant association with the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (P < 0.01) and the total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (P < 0.01). LIPE c.442G>A was significantly associated with the contents of C12:0 and C14:0 (P < 0.05). LPL c.624C>T was significantly associated with the percentage of C16:1 (P < 0.05) and the percentage of total saturated fatty acid (SFA) (P < 0.05). The pigs with ADRB3 G allele had more MUFA, and the pigs with LPL T allele had less SFA, implying that the ADRB3 G and LPL T in pigs may be beneficial to human health. In conclusion, the results suggest that these genetic markers are important sources of the variations for the pork selection to obtain favourable meat with higher IMF levels and appropriate fatty acid composition.

In order to improve the gut microbiome of calves, probiotic bacteria can be fed as active living-cells (fermented milk), or as live but inactive (freeze-dried) cultures. Ten bifidobacterial strains with suitable probiotic properties (as determined in our previous study) were tested for survival during the freeze-drying process, and screened for their ability to ferment cow's milk. The viability of both freeze-dried and live-cell cultures during storage was also tested. All of the strains tested were able to ferment cow's milk, with average counts of 8.26 ± 0.62 log CFU/ml. Eight out of the ten strains were able to survive in milk for 2 months in counts higher than 10⁶ CFU/ml. Bifidobacteria showed high viability following the freeze-drying process, with average numbers of 9.03 ± 0.22 log CFU/vial and did not decrease after 12 months of storage. The mixture of rifampicin-resistant variants of bifidobacteria (RRBs) was fed to 2-day-old dairy Charolais calves in the form of living-cells, or as freeze-dried bacteria. The control group was given no probiotics. Survival of the RRBs administered and the numbers of other bacterial groups in faecal samples was monitored by culturing. Bifidobacteria that were administered passed successfully through the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and were found in numbers higher than 10⁹ CFU/g for two weeks. RRBs colonized the intestines of calves for at least 63 days in both treatment groups. Significantly higher total counts of bifidobacteria were found in the treated groups, compared to the control group. Reduction in Escherichia coli and total coliforms numbers, and an increase in lactobacilli counts were observed in both experimental groups following the application of the probiotic mixtures. Our results show that both forms of administering probiotic bifidobacteria to calves are effective, but that the freeze-dried form is more suitable from a practical viewpoint.

Ultrasound scans were used to image pathological features in sea turtles. Scans were carried out in 19 loggerhead sea turtles, weighing from 2 to 21 kg, during the course of clinical examinations using 3.5 and 7.5 MHz sector transducers. The examination was performed after placing turtles in dorsal recumbency. Turtles were manually restrained and, in order to find the most suitable acoustic windows, were held down either by their heads (left and right cervicobrachial windows), front flippers (left and right axillary windows) or back flippers (left and right prefemoral and postfemoral windows). The right and left cervicobrachial windows allowed visualisation of the liver and gallbladder; the stomach was localised through the left prefemoral acoustic window; the intestinal loops were observed through the left and right prefemoral acoustic windows; the bladder was identified through both prefemoral acoustic windows. The pathological findings were as follows: idiopathic ileus, an intestinal linear foreign body and smooth muscle hypertrophy, presence of calculi and sediment in the gallbladder. These results highlight the importance of ultrasound examination along with clinical examination in sea turtles for the evaluation of coelomic pathologies.

This research was conducted to assess the influence of long-term tillage system on soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, root biomass and crop yield in spring wheat-field pea rotation fields in a rainfed semi-arid environment from 2013 through 2015. The treatments were; conventional tillage with stubble removed (T); no-till with stubble removed (NT); no-till with stubble retained (NTS) and conventional tillage with stubble incorporated (TS) arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The soil organic carbon in NTS increased by 16% and 14% over T and NT. Compared with the T and NT, NTS increased soil microbial biomass carbon by 42% and 38% in 0-30 cm depth, respectively. Root biomass was significantly increased in NTS by 47% and 54% over T and NT, respectively. Across the three years, NTS had an average grain yield of 53% and 41% higher than T and NT, respectively. Compared with NTS, T and NT decreased root biomass by 54% and 48%, respectively. In view of the limited and erratic biomass production in this region, integration of no-till with straw mulching is recommended for soil fertility improvement, environmental quality and sustainable crop production.

Bilberry is a valuable wild forest fruit harvested in many countries in Europe. The biological activities of bilberry include antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticholinesterase activities. This study examines the protective effects of a bilberry (BB) preparation on IEC-6, Caco-2, and HepG2 cell lines. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to study the cytotoxicity of BB. The genotoxicity was determined using single-cell microgel electrophoresis. The Ames test was employed to assay bilberry mutagenicity. No significant effects of BB (12.5-100 µg dry mass/ml) were observed on the viability of IEC-6, Caco-2, and HepG2 cells. There were no differences in the percentage of DNA in the comet tail between the cells treated with BB (100 µg dry mass/ml) and the control cells. However, a significant reduction of oxidative DNA damage in the HepG2 cells was found. BB exhibited neither mutagenic nor promutagenic effects. Our results suggest that bilberry can be a potential tool in the prevention of chronic diseases, without any undesired effects on the cells of the gastrointestinal tract.

A system for evaluating outdoor recreation as a cultural agroecosystem service is presented. Every agroecosystem presumably has the potential for providing some kind of outdoor recreation. Two approaches to mapping the recreation potential were used and compared - the Social Values for Ecosystem Services (SolVES) model and the regional model (RegMOD). From the possibilities of recreation activities, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing were chosen. The comparison of the two approaches showed that the RegMOD incorporates a wider range of categories than the SolVES model, particularly for hiking. The robust character of the SolVES model is reflected by narrowing the spectrum of categories of this recreation activity. The differences in the map view are marked in the case of biking and cross-country skiing. Overall, the grasslands of the study area in Slovakia offer mainly medium relevant capacity (53.90% by the results of the SolVES, 64.90% by the results of the RegMOD) for providing selected outdoor recreation activities. The less productive (53.88% of all non-productive grasslands by the results of the SolVES, 48.00% by the results of the RegMOD) and non-productive grasslands represent a higher relevant capacity (41.18% of all non-productive grasslands by the results of the SolVES, 54.40% by the results of the RegMOD) for providing outdoor recreation activities. This brings about a new view of their management as well as use. The RegMOD developed in this paper is replicable and could be applied by managers mainly at the regional level on condition of their proficiency in geographical information systems.

The tulip tree aphid, Illinoia liriodendri, is reported in Slovakia for the first time. Colonies of I. liriodendri were found on tulip trees, Liriodendron tulipifera, in two locations of south-western Slovakia in 2014 and 2015. Colonies of nymphs and viviparous females fed on the underside of leaves with no significant symptoms of damage to tulip trees. In this short study, the first report of the aphid from Slovakia is presented and original illustrations with results of morphometric analysis of alate viviparous females are provided.

This study investigated the effects of administration of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) on serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels, libido and testicular histomorphology of male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty-two WAD goats (28 males and four females) were used for the study. The 28 males were randomly assigned to seven groups (A, B^O, B^S, C^O, C^S, D^O and D^S) of four goats each. Goats in groups B^O, C^O, and D^O were given MSG orally at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight respectively for 28 days, while groups B^S, C^S and D^S goats were given MSG subcutaneously at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Group A goats served as untreated control. The four female goats did not receive MSG, but were used to assess the levels of expression of libido by all the males. Serum luteinising hormone and testosterone were assayed prior to MSG administration (Day 0) and on Days 2, 14 and 28 of MSG administration, while serum cholesterol was assayed on Days 0, 14 and 28 of MSG administration. Libido scores and testicular histomorphology were evaluated on Days 26 and 28 of MSG administration, respectively. Results showed that on Days 14 and 28 of MSG administration the mean serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels of the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the control group. The mean libido scores of all the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control. Sections of the testes of the male WAD goats that received varying doses of MSG orally or subcutaneously showed no obvious lesions; the seminiferous tubules and interstices were normal and comparable to those of the untreated control. It was concluded that MSG administration for up to 14 and 28 days led to a significant lowering of serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol, as well as libido scores.

The effects of thermal manipulation (TM) during late ostrich embryonic development on hatchability, body weight, biochemical and hormonal changes, and the ability of hatching chicks to cope with thermal challenge in days 6-8 of age were examined. At 35 days of incubation, two hundred fertile eggs were weighed and divided into two equal groups with five replicates. The first group was exposed to 36.5°C and 25% relative humidity (RH) (control), while the second group was exposed to 38.5°C and 45% RH for 3 h daily in days 35-37 of incubation (thermal manipulation). At days 6-8 of age, the hatched chicks from each treatment were randomly divided into two groups: control group (exposed to 32 ± 1°C), and thermal challenge group (exposed to 40 ± 1°C for 3 h daily). Hatchability rate was significantly lower with high incubation temperature as compared to the normal incubation temperatures. Embryonic TM and thermal challenge in days 6-8 of age reduced significantly total protein, albumin, and triiodothyronin concentrations and elevated uric acid, creatinine, triglycerides, and glucose concentrations as compared with the control. The level of corticosterone was significantly higher in the thermal challenge group as compared to the control. In conclusion, exposing the ostrich embryos to TM (38.5°C) during late embryonic development induced physiological changes that may represent epigenetic adaptation to TM. The same mechanisms are employed for increasing the ability to improve thermotolerance post-hatch.

Minituber production by traditional method is an expensive procedure due to limited productivity. In order to increase the multiplication rate of seed material in vitro, multiple techniques have been assayed in the last decades. The aeroponic system is a soilless culture system, where roots are kept in a dark environment saturated with aerosol of nutrient solution. Aeroponics technology is potentially efficient for specific potato cultivars. The aim of this study was to investigate the multiplication rate of microtubers of national cultivars in aeroponics while maintaining weekly intervals between harvests. The total number of harvests was 14 to 15 depending on year. The results of the experiments were analysed with ANOVA and means were separated with the Tukey's test at 5% P-value. The most important parameter of minituber production, their number, was on average 32.5-36.0 per plant and 1268-1396 per m² depending on cultivar. Number of minitubers was two to three times greater in the case of aeroponic production than by traditional method. A full economic analysis is necessary to prove that this production technique can be put into practice.

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra Linnaeus) is a promising species which could help to mitigate the sanitary problems. Northern red oak is also a commercial species and offers many environmental services. Northern red oak prefers rather dry acidic sites commonly found in Bohemia. The literature confirms that the species is quite fertile but acorn production is highly variable. Northern red oak seedlings develop a long tap root during their first year, which enhances their survival and performance. Different silvicultural systems are proposed and pros and cons are discussed in this review including their influences on forest floor and soil.

A laboratory experiment was carried out on stored wheat infested by the stored product mite Acarus siro and beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis. The initial infestation was 150 mites of A. siro and 15 beetles of O. surinamensis per 1 kg of wheat. The predatory mite Cheyletus eruditus and parasitoid Cephalonomia tarsalis were added in the ratio 1:20 and 1:12, repectively. Three combinations were tested: (1) mites and (2) beetles separately, and (3) mites and beetles together. The experiment ran for three months at 22°C and 75% RH. The pests were suppressed by their antagonists in all combinations. Synchronous application of both natural enemies resulted in better control of O. surinamensis through an enhanced effect of both antagonists.

Czech collections of Cucumis spp. genetic resources includes 895 accessions ofcultivated C. sativus and C. melo species and 89 accessions of wild species. Knowledge of their morphological and biological features and a correct taxonomical ranging serve a base for successful use of germplasm in modern breeding. List of morphological descriptors consists of 65 descriptors and 20 of them are elucidated by figures. It provides a tool for Cucumis species determination and characterization and for a discrimination of an infraspecific variation. Obtained data can be used for description of genetic resources and also for research purposes.