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Statistical methods of imputation allow predicting genotypes of markers (which were not genotyped in the whole population) based on known linkage disequilibrium relationships between the flanking polymorphisms and the information obtained from reference datasets used as a pattern. In this study we attempted to predict genotypes of two bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) susceptibility associated indel polymorphisms located in the promoter region of PRNP gene relying on the data obtained from middle density SNPs arrays in a sample of the population of Holstein cattle. The two SNPs panels spanning PRNP locus were tested in terms of imputation efficiency. Both panels gave satisfactory imputation results showing high accuracy and high probabilities of imputed genotypes. Our results suggest that the approach applied can be used to evaluate the frequency of the disease associated polymorphisms in large populations of animals genotyped with whole-genome SNPs panels based on a limited-size reference population and small financial outlays.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of tillage systems and nitrogen fertilization on the grain yield and quality of spring wheat and on selected chemical and biological properties of soil. The first order factor was the tillage system: (1) conventional (CT) - shallow ploughing and harrowing after harvest of the previous crop, and pre-winter ploughing; (2) reduced (RT) - only a cultivator after harvest of the previous crop, and (3) no-tillage (NT) - only Roundup 360 SL herbicide (a.s. glyphosate) after harvest of the previous crop. The second order factor was nitrogen dose: (1) 90 kg N/ha and (2) 150 kg N/ha. Higher yields were demonstrated for spring wheat sown in CT and RT systems, compared to the NT system. In addition, grain yield was increased by a nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha, compared to 90 kg/ha. Contents of protein and wet gluten in the grain were also increased by the higher nitrogen dose. The RT and NT systems were observed to increase the content of organic C, total N and available phosphorus in the soil, compared to the CT system. They also increased the number and mass of earthworms in the soil, compared to the CT system.

To assess the effects of long-term fertilization on soil available micronutrients in farmland, this study examined diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in surface soil with monoculture of corn (Zea mays L.) with a 30-year filed fertilization experiment established in Northeast China. Treatments included no fertilization (CK); nitrogen only (N); nitrogen and phosphorus only (NP); NP and potassium (NPK); NPK plus cornstalk (SNPK), and NPK plus farmyard manure (MNPK). Results showed that DTPA-Fe and Mn were significantly increased with chemical N application, and DTPA-Cu and Zn were significantly increased with farmyard manure amendment, while micronutrients were not significantly different between treatment SNPK and CK. DTPA-Fe and Mn were about twice to threefold in treatments N, NP, and NPK as much as in treatments SNPK, MNPK and CK. DTPA-Cu and Zn in treatment MNPK were about 3.9 and 6.5 times as much as in CK. DTPA-Fe and Mn decreased with the increasing of soil pH and cation exchange capacity, while DTPA-Cu and Zn increased with the increase of soil organic carbon and electrical conductivity.

Black raspberry necrosis virus (BRNV) is one of the most important viral pathogens of Rubus spp. In this study, a procedure combining in vitro culture and heat therapy on axillary buds of Rubusoccidentalis was developed to eliminate BRNV from infected plants. Axillary buds were grown aseptically at 4-h alternating periods of 29°C and 38°C with 14-h day length for 1-5 weeks. Shoots induced after thermotherapy were tested for the viruses by RT-PCR. BRNV was not detected in any shoots indicating that BRNV was heat labile. BRNV-free shoots were rooted in vitro and acclimatized in greenhouse. Regenerated plants remained virus-free after 2-month acclimatization, 3-month dormancy and 5-month growth periods.

Forest roads are the most important ways of access; nevertheless, they are the main source of sediment production. The delivered sediment by forest roads causes environmental problems and pollution of water resources. This study has been done to present a model for estimating the sediment yield of forest road using a multiple regression analysis on the Caspian southern coasts (north of Iran, Lomir watershed). For this purpose, 45 wood dams were created and their sediment volume (dependent variable) was measured. The following independent variables were estimated: road length, road width, road slope, vegetation cover, height of cut slope and road age. Then, a regression analysis was done using SPSS software to present a linear model. In the next step, the accuracy and capability of the presented model were considered and validated using the model for estimating the wood dam sediment. The results showed that road length and road width have significant effects in sediment generation. Also, the presented model can estimate the forest road sediment in northern Iran.

The effect of temperature on the kinetics of pigment extraction during the maceration of different fruits (raspberry, blackberry, and cranberry) into a commercially available hard spirit (orujo, with 42% v/v ethanol) was evaluated. The analytical method used was UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The initial extraction rate showed an Arrhenius-type dependence with apparent energy activation of 28.8, 69.8, and 55.6 kJ/mol, respectively. Furthermore, a study about the evolution of the colour (from colourless to reddish colour appearance) during the soaking process was done by calculating the CIE tristimulus values (X, Y, Z) for illuminant C, until reaching the apparent stabilisation of colour, which occurs after about two to four weeks for the studied temperatures (5, 23, and 40°C). Studies about the evolution of colour in the soaking process of this kind of fruit liquors can lead to a better understanding of this process, and thus to a better control over the mechanisms underlying it.

Climate change, air pollution and global challenges. Understanding and perspectives from forest research R. Matyssek, N. Clarke, P. Cudlin, T.N. Mikkelsen, J.P. Tuovinen, G. Wieser, E. Paoletti Developments in Environmental Science 13. Elsevier Ltd., Oxford, 2013 622 pages, ISBN 978-0-08-098349-3. € 142.31.

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

Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f.sp. radicis-lycopersici Jarvis & Schoemaker (FORL) is a saprophytic fungus, responsible for the fusarium crown and root rot disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). This is one of the most destructive pathogens of this species. A new cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker C2-25 was developed for the detection of the dominant gene Frl, which confers tomato resistance to FORL. C2-25 was amplified from a conserved ortholog set II (COSII) sequence C2_At2g38025. The XapI-derived restriction product of 700 bp was informative for the identification of FORL resistant tomato genotypes and can be used as a diagnostic marker in tomato breeding programmes and hybrid seed production.

In the period 2009-2011 monitoring of the incidence of phoma stem canker was carried out at selected sites of the Czech Republic (Šumperk and Opava regions in North Moravia). The risk of infection was evaluated by assessing the autumn release of Leptosphaeria spp. ascospores and with the proPlant prediction model. In recent years, the incidence of phoma stem canker has been relatively low and this corresponded with the total count of ascospores released in the autumn period but not with an increased level of infection risk announced by the proPlant model. During the monitored period the ascospore concentration reached maximally 2 ascospores/1 m³ per day. Maximum ascospore release was recorded in 2010 as a result of favourable weather conditions. The first incidence of phoma leaf spot has been observed in mid-October. The higher values of ascospores concentration were recorded in the Opava region, but the total number of the trapped ascospores was more often higher in the Šumperk region.

Here, we describe a case of a wild female badger (a sow) with disseminated serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary which corresponds to a group of low grade serous carcinomas of the ovary in humans. Beside grossly apparent dissemination of the disease we observed a scale of histological features classifiable as a precursor lesion - borderline serous tumour of the ovary with implant metastases at the peritoneum, and features of the borderline tumour transformation in the carcinoma. The latter features included invasion of some of the metastatic peritoneal implants into the adipose tissue of the mesentery, retroperitoneum, and in the muscle of diaphragm with lymphangioinvasion and with blood-borne metastatic disease in the lungs. The primary tumour and its metastases had a uniform cytological appearance without atypia of the tumour cells. Mitotic activity was exceptional. The proliferation activity as demonstrated by immunohistochemical investigation of Ki-67 protein expression (revealing all active phases of the cell cycle - G1, S, G2, M) showed a low proliferation activity of the tumour cells, comparable with findings in low grade carcinomas or borderline tumours of the ovaries in women. WT1 protein was expressed in the whole tumour cell population. All these features were diagnostic of serous carcinoma of the ovary with low grade malignant potential. Tumours of the ovaries in wildlife have been described previously but they are infrequent and are rarely classified histopathologically. This case report offers a parallel with serous carcinomas in human pathology including features of transformation from a precursor lesion of a borderline serous tumour into a serous low grade carcinoma.

The brain arteries derived from 50 adult degu individuals of both sexes were injected with synthetic latex introduced with a syringe into the left ventricle of the heart under constant pressure. After fixation in 5% formalin and brain preparation, it was found that the sources of the brain's supply of blood are vertebral arteries and the basilar artery formed as a result of their anastomosis. The basilar artery gave rise to caudal cerebellar arteries and then divided into two branches which formed the arterial circle of the brain. The internal carotid arteries in degus, except for one case, were heavily reduced and did not play an important role in the blood supply to the brain. The arterial circle of the brain in 48% of the cases was open from the rostral side. Variation was identified in the anatomy and the pattern of the arteries of the base of the brain in the degu which involved an asymmetry of the descent of caudal cerebellar arteries (6.0%), rostral cerebellar arteries (8%) as well as middle cerebral arteries (12%). In 6% of the individuals double middle cerebral arteries were found. In one out of 50 cases there was observed a reduction in the left vertebral artery and the appearance of the internal carotid artery on the same side. In that case the left part of the arterial circle of the brain was supplied with blood by an internal carotid artery, which was present only in that animal.

The aim of the study was to evaluate egg shell quality characteristics, mineral content in the egg shell, and serum mineral concentration during the egg formation process as influenced by oviposition time and ambient temperature at the beginning and end of the laying cycle in laying hens and broiler breeders. Egg shell quality deteriorated significantly at the higher temperature and was lower in broiler breeders than in laying hens. The Ca (P = 0.047) and P (P = 0.018) contents of the egg shell were significantly higher at the higher temperature. The highest (P = 0.028) shell Ca content (352 g/kg) was in eggs laid in the morning, but the highest P (P = 0.030; 1.43 g/kg) and Mg (P = 0.001; 3.88 g/kg) contents were in eggs laid in the afternoon. Broiler breeder egg shells contained significantly more P (P = 0.004) and Mg (P = 0.001) than did those from laying hens. Serum Ca and P levels remained constant throughout the day whereas serum Mg and Zn levels decreased, the rate of decrease in Zn content being the same in all treatments, but with the amounts being greater in laying hens than broiler breeders. The results demonstrate that shell quality characteristics are more severely affected by different factors implemented in this trial compared to the shell mineral composition and especially compared to the serum mineral content.

The purpose of the studies was to establish the quantitative composition of bacteria Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. and their antagonistic effect towards soil-borne fungi after the cultivation of oats, spring vetch and tansy phacelia as intercrop cover plants. The total population of bacteria in 1 g dry weight of the soil from the experimental combination where mulch of oats was used was larger than in the combination with spring vetch or tansy phacelia. Totally, approximately three times as much Bacillus spp. was obtained from soil samples as compared to Pseudomonas spp. Tests showed that the most isolates of antagonistic bacteria out of the enumerated genera occurred in the soil after oats cultivation, and the least in the soil after the cultivation of tansy phacelia. Antagonistic Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. inhibited the growth and development of Fusarium oxysporum, Haematonectria haematococca and Thanatephorus cucumeris in the most effective way. The greatest total antagonistic effect of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. towards Altenaria alternata, F. culmorum, F. oxysporum, H. haematococca, P. irregulare and T. cucumeris was found out after managing the mulch of oats. The smallest total antagonistic effect of bacteria was observed after managing the mulch of tansy phacelia.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a rich source of polysaccharides (intibin and inulin), vitamins, acids and mineral salts. The present studies determined the antagonistic activity of selected bacteria of the soil environment of root chicory towards fungi pathogenic towards this plant: Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum, F. oxysporum, Thanatephorus cucumeris and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Root chicory was cultivated with using cover crops (oats, tansy phacelia and common vetch). The use of cover crops, especially oats, in the cultivation of root chicory had a positive effect both on the total population of bacteria and the population of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. in the soil. Antagonistic Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. displayed differentiated activity towards the studied fungi. The greatest antagonistic effect was found out after the mulch of oats. After common vetch, the antagonistic activity of bacteria was more than twice, and after phacelia three times as low as after oats. In the traditional cultivation of root chicory this activity was nearly twelve times lower.

The aim of study was to compare the effect of farming methods on soil microbial communities and dehydrogenase activity (DHA). During 2008-2013, in the five-field crop rotation the following treatments were carried out: ORG - organic; ORGFYM - organic with cattle manure; CONFYM - conventional (cattle manure, mineral fertilizers and pesticides were used). From the treatments soil samples in three replicates were taken for microbiological tests in September yearly. Total bacteria and cellulose decomposing bacteria were determined as a number of colony forming units per g of dry soil. Soil DHA was determined in accordance with Tabatabai (1982). Solid cattle manure applied in the ORGFYM rotation increased significantly (P < 0.05) the number of total bacteria and cellulose decomposing bacteria (by 19.4% and 45.3%, respectively), and DHA by 22.7%. There appeared no clear and significant differences in effects between ORGFYM and CONFYM treatments, as an average of experiment period. In some cases, the use of certain pesticides in CONFYM treatment significantly affected the microbe numbers and soil DHA.

Development of prediction models for the quality of apples is useful in guiding fruit tree nutrition and in optimising fruit management. The interrelationships between the leaf nutrient contents and some fruit quality indices were studied in five apple cultivars - Generos, Florina, Delicios de Voinesti, Jonathan and Pionier. Highly significant relationships between N and Fe contents (R² = 0.734; P < 0.01) and between Cu and K (R² = 0.702; P < 0.01) were found. Acidity was negatively correlated with soluble solids content in the cvs Generos, Delicios de Voinesti and Jonathan, whereas the respective correlation in the apple cv. Pionier was positive. In cv. Florina fruits no significant correlation was found between acidity and soluble solids content. Among macroelements, nitrogen had a considerable contribution to fruit acidity and this allows to predict this index with a high degree of safety (R² = 0.690; RMSEP_N = 0.105). Microelements have a lower contribution to acidity and a higher one to the sugar accumulation; in case of Zn are R² = 0.809; RMSEP_Zn = 4.250.

The article focuses on selected aspects of risk management in agricultural business with the aim to discuss and compare different hedging methods which are relevant for managing the commodity risks associated with agricultural production. The article provides a broader context for understanding the risks and possible responses to it and analyses four basic hedging strategies - commodity futures, forward contracts, options and option strategies. The substance, advantages and disadvantages of each hedging technique are pointed out and compared to each other with the conclusion that there is always some kind of trade-off between the advantages and disadvantages of the particular strategies. The farmers shall, therefore, consider both all aspects of the relevant strategies and their expectations, before they make the final decision which instruments to use.

The application rate of a nitrogen fertiliser is one of the most important factors that affect the nitrous oxide (N₂O) flux. Calk ammonium nitrate with 27% nitrogen content was spread by a fertiliser spreader VICON RS-L connected with a tractor Zetor 16145 and incorporated into the soil by a power harrow Pöttinger Lion 301 six hours after spreading. Monitoring points were selected based on the size of application rate 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha and were measured 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after fertiliser application and incorporation into the soil. Nitrous oxide emissions were measured by a photoacoustic field gas monitor INNOVA 1412 with a multipoint sampler INNOVA 1309. Based on the data obtained, there were found statistically significant differences among time intervals and among the size of the application rate at a 95.0% confidence level. Results have shown impacts of the size of fertiliser application rate and time interval after fertilisation on nitrous oxide flux.

We calculated high-power forwarder productivity in regeneration felling with the objective to set long-term work plans. Based on the time studies of the forwarder operator's work operation the operation time consumption was calculated and operation standards for the studied type of forwarder were designed. The standard values were determined based on the volume weight of harvested timber and the forwarding distance. The resulting time consumption required for forwarding 1 m³ of timber, whose mean tree volume is 0.30-0.99 m³.stem^-1, and upon forwarding distance of 100-1,000 m ranges from 0.05-0.09 Nh.m^-3.

Radiographic contrast studies have been recommended to identify the thoracic duct (TD) and its branches before and after surgery for total occlusion. The macroscopic identification of the TD and its branches during surgery usually involves injection of methylene blue (MB). Radiographic contrast and methylene blue can be injected into different anatomical structures (lymph node, lymph vessel, s.c.). The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques (radiographic and thoracoscopic) for visualisation of the TD after intrapopliteal lymph node injection in the pig. Six piglets from the same litter (two males and four females), two months of age were used. Iohexol at 245 mg/ml was injected into the left popliteal lymph node (LN) under general anaesthesia; hindlimb, abdominal, and thoracic radiographs were taken. A 0.25% methylene blue solution was injected into the right popliteal lymph node and the thoracic duct colouration was assessed thoracoscopically. The thoracic duct was visualised radiographically in one out of six pigs after iohexol injection and thoracoscopically in five out of six pigs after methylene blue injection. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.040). Popliteal LN lymphangiography using iohexol at 245 mg/ml in piglets should not be the recommended method for TD visualisation. Intrapopliteal injection of a 0.25% solution of methylene blue is recommended as a method of TD visualisation prior to thoracic duct ligation.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of protected organic acid blends including medium chain fatty acids and different nutrient density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and faecal noxious gas content in growing pigs. A total of 80 crossed [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] growing pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 22.61 ± 2.32 kg were used in a six-week trial. Pigs were randomly allocated into one of four treatment groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of nutrient density (high and low) and protected organic acid (0% and 0.1%) according to their sex and BW (five replicates with two gilts and two barrows per pen). Pigs fed high nutrient density diets had increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG0 and gain: feed (G : F) than those fed low nutrient density diets. Likewise, pigs fed protected organic acid diets exhibited increased (P < 0.05) ADG compared with pigs fed no additional protected organic acids. An interactive effect (P = 0.03) between organic acid and nutrient density was observed on feed conversion by pigs. Dry matter (DM) digestibility tended to improve (P = 0.08) in pigs fed high nutrient density diets compared with low nutrient density diets. However, nitrogen (N) and energy (E) digestibility was not influenced by the nutrient density. Likewise, protected organic acid supplementation did not influence (P > 0.05) DM, N or E digestibility. Organic acid supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) H₂S content from faeces on Day 1, Day 3, Day 5 and Day 7 of incubation. Low nutrient density diets led to a reduction (P < 0.05) in H₂S gas content on Day 1 of incubation. No interactive effect on faecal noxious gas content was observed between nutrient density and organic acid. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of protected organic acids with a high nutrient diet improved growth performance and reduced H₂S acid emission.

Wild boar is a native species in the fauna of the Czech Republic. It is becoming a problematic game species both in the Czech Republic and in other European countries due to its harmful impacts. So far no suitable method of its sustainable management has been devised. Yet, a correct abundance estimate is essential for proper management, field crop damage prevention and proper hunting planning. This paper employed faecal pellet group count to estimate the wild boar density in a forest environment. The research was conducted in a study area covering 12.83 km², which is surrounded by farmland. The count was done under ideal conditions in early spring, after snow had melted. The study area was organised into several differing environments in which different dung densities were expected. The presence of feeding sites, where wild boars concentrated, was taken into account. The conducted count confirmed differences in the utilization of different habitats within the study area. The resulting wild boar abundance was estimated at 64.3 (± 8.9; 95% CI) indd.km^-2.

Anew approach to forestry that increasingly values non-timber forest functions brings new interest and value also to coppice forests. A case study in the Voskop nature reserve located in the Český kras Protected Landscape Area was focused on a comparison of the timber production of individually growing trees and in multistemmed trees resprouting after cutting (stools). We recorded tree ecological characteristics of trees such as existence of stem cavities, whether the tree grows individually or from a stool and whether or not the tree is broken, dead or has a dying crown. In total 2,670 trees were sampled on a 1,875 ha sample plot. The main tree species forming coppice stands are Quercus petraea and Carpinus betulus. The total stock volume of only 136 m³.ha^-1 is very low at 84 years of age. The stock volume of individually growing trees is 84 m³.ha^-1 and the stock volume of trees in stools is only 52 m³.ha^-1 although the number of individually growing trees is lower.

The manipulation of grape yield is widely practised to improve grape and wine quality. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Zagreb vineyard hills, north-western Croatia, were subjected to three crop removal treatments [cluster thinning (CT), berry thinning (BT), CT+BT, and untreated control] in a randomised block design experiment. CT and CT+BT treatments reduced the grape yield but increased the mean cluster weight compared to control vines. BT alone had a little effect on the yield components. Control grapes generally had the lowest soluble solids (°Oe) and highest titratable acidity (g/l). In most cases, control wines had the lowest total phenols, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanin concentrations, while CT+BT treatment had the highest ones followed by CT treatment. It was concluded that CT+BT produced wines with generally increased total phenols, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanins, as well as many individual phenolic compounds. Thus, grape yield per vine seems to be strongly connected with the grape and wine compositions. The final cost-effectiveness of this canopy interventions still remains questionable.

Blue sticky traps with and without pheromone capsules were used to monitor and control Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (1895) (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) in pepper crop greenhouses in Tunisia. Traps containing pheromone capsules could catch significantly more thrips than those without capsules, proving their efficiency in attracting and controlling this pest. In fact, greenhouses with traps with pheromone capsules caught 585.1, 526.7, and 668.8 adults/trap in a greenhouse with 10 traps with pheromone capsules on April 12, 19, and 26, 2012, respectively. The capture in a greenhouse with five traps with pheromone capsules was about 456.2, 412.8, and 431 adults/trap while in a greenhouse with five traps without pheromone capsules, the capture of F. occidentalis adults numbered 198, 257, and 302 adults/trap for the same three dates. Furthermore, traps with pheromone capsules captured males and females in equal numbers while traps without capsules caught much fewer males than females: 218.2 males/trap on April 26, 2012 in a greenhouse with five traps with pheromone capsules and 212.8 females/trap, 322.4 males/trap, and 342.3 females/trap in a greenhouse with 10 traps with pheromone capsules. In neither case were the differences significant. In contrast, in a greenhouse with five traps without pheromone capsules, the number of adults was about 88.6 males/trap, a significantly lower amount than the number of females/trap (213.4). This indicates that this pheromone plays a double role as a sex pheromone and as an aggregation pheromone by attracting both sexes. In fact, this double attraction approach improved the efficiency of these capsules by preventing the mating of untrapped females with males. This induced a high percentage of males and led to a decline in the thrips population on pepper flowers. Ten blue sticky traps with pheromone capsules reduced the thrips population more effectively in one week only than the use of five sticky traps, which took two weeks to achieve the control.

The present study was aimed at the detection and describing the lesions of akabane virus in foetal and new-born calves tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Akabane virus lesions were evaluated in 12 foetuses and three new-born calves using serological and pathological methods and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Macroscopically, prominent arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly (A-H syndrome) were the main symptoms. At the histopathological examination, lesions were especially localised in the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata in the central nervous system (CNS) in calves naturally infected with akabane virus. In these areas, degenerative and necrotic neurons were observed. There was prominent mononuclear infiltration in perivascular areas. While akabane virus antigen was only detected in brain using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry against akabane virus yielded positive antigenic reactions in the cerebrum, cerebellum, liver, spleen and kidneys. In addition to these findings, there was a relationship between akabane virus infection and neurofilament (NF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) immunoreaction in astrocytes and neurons.

The Khuzestan province in south-western Iran is the centre of Persian Arab horse breeding and training. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Theileria equi in the equids of this province. A total of 165 blood samples from healthy Persian Arab horses from twenty four stables were examined for the presence of T. equi infection using molecular methods. For detection of T. equi, primers targeting the 18SrRNA gene were selected. The PCR method gave 47 (28.5%) positive results. Age (P = 0.68), sex (P = 0.88), contact with cattle (P = 0.26) and type of activity (P = 0.06) were not determined as risk factors for T. equi infection in this study. However, there was a significant geographical variation in the prevalence of T. equi infection ranging from 8.3% (2/24) in Shushtar to 55.6% (10/18) in Ramhormoz (CI, 2.46-76.82) (P = 0.003). In conclusion, equine theileriosis has the potential of posing a significant problem for Iran's Persian Arab horse industry and should remain a major concern to the horse community and regulatory agencies.

To investigate the ecological safety of Beauveria bassiana in soil, we evaluated the effects of different concentrations of B. bassiana spores suspensions and acephate on paddy soil microbial flora and enzyme activities in a potted trial. Results showed that B. bassiana can increase the quantity of bacteria and fungi on day 10 and 30, while it showed inhibition on actinomycetes growth on day 10. However, acephate reduced the quantity of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes in soil. Investigation of enzyme activities revealed that invertase activity declined during prophase, while urease activity decreased later in B. bassiana treatment groups, and there were no significant changes in alkaline phosphatase or dehydrogenase activity. Acephate showed higher inhibition rates of enzymes. B. bassiana treatment at lower concentrations showed a higher yield. Overall, compared with the acephate, B. bassiana is an effective, environmentally friendly microbial pesticide in this system.

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