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

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

This study aims to explore the optimum nitrogen (N) application method by analyzing effects of variable N application stages and ratios on the N absorption and translocation of high-yield summer maize (DH661). The study included field experiments and ¹⁵N isotopic dilutions for pot experiments. Results showed that the yield was not increased in a one-off N application at the jointing stage. The uptake of fertilizer-derived N in the grain increased with the increasing of N applied times. Compared to a single or double application, total N uptake (N_up) and biomass increased significantly by supplying N at the six-leaf stage (V6), ten-leaf stage (V10) and 10 days after anthesis in ratios of 3:5:2 and 2:4:4. The fertilizer-derived recovery rates were 67.5% and 78.1%, respectively. The uptake and utilization of fertilizer-derived N was enhanced by increasing the recovery rate of N supplied after anthesis, and reducing the absorption of soil-derived N. Therefore, the 2:4:4 application ratios was the optimal N application method.

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

The risk rate of sugar beet growing was analyzed by using the algorithm for modelling and generating the random numbers based on the conditions determined in advance and the statistical distribution of sugar beets yield, the total costs, earnings and gross profit. On the bases of results of the analysis of economic risks of sugar beet production in years 1995-2009, it follows that the sugar beet growing in all regions is highly risky in the Czech Republic. The subsidy SAPS and TOP-UP per 1 hectare of sugar beet have a positive impact on its economics though not sufficient enough. In practice, it means that it is highly probable that the break-even point will not be achieved and thereby it is highly probable that the fixed costs are not covered and the update of machines is significantly limited. This happens mainly in the marginal regions. If the agricultural companies count on the separate sugar payment, the sugar beet growing is in all regions of the Czech Republic with acceptable risk.

The SBM (stabiliser of biomass) mechanical plant model is designed for the hydrothermal treatment of biologically degradable materials with using the principle of thermal hydrolysis. The primary task of this equipment is to subject biologically degradable materials to hydrothermal treatment and to recover the materials for a further use or to eliminate them. These entities could use the mechanical plant for economic and environment-friendly methods of handling biologically degradable wastes or materials. The objective of the experiment with various types of biologically degradable materials was to establish the level for the transformation of input characteristics of tested materials after conversion in the SBM mechanical plant and to assess the suitability of the processing by using this method with respect to the use of the final product. Materials tested in the first experiments included stable manure heated or unheated during the processing and maize silage wastes in mixture with wood chips.

A road network in forest lands provides easy access to forest resources for extraction, regeneration, protection and recreation activities. Erosion from forest roads and skid trails is a major concern in forest management due to the capability to cause adverse environmental effects. The objective of this paper is to introduce two methods for reducing erosion on forest roads and skid trails: water diversion and vegetation cover. Factors affecting erosion on forest roads and skid trails are climate, quality of forest road surfacing material, traffic, slope and vegetation cover. There are several management practices to mitigate the impact of logging and forest road and skid trail construction on stream water quality. Sediments delivered to streams from roads and skid trails lead to a number of dramatic effects on water quality and aquatic life. These management practices were found to be effective in controlling and reducing the runoff volume and soil erosion. Therefore, management and maintenance of forest roads and skid trails are essential elements to mitigate erosion.

Fluorine is essential in human and/or animal nutrition, thus it is important to know its concentration in a diet. One of the important sources of fluorine for humans is tea, containing relatively high amounts of this trace element. A method for fluoride determination in various kinds of tea using microwave supported sample preparation in a high pressure oxygen atmosphere followed by potentiometry with a fluoride ion-selective electrode were described. The parameters of the microwave device for such combustion procedure were checked and optimised in order to find settings ensuring complete sample combustion and/or absorption of the analyte in the absorption solution. For the ion-selective electrode measurement, the technique of standard addition was chosen. The Nernstian slope of the fluoride ion-selective electrode was measured and calculated in the concentration range in which the potential of samples occurred. Concentrations of fluorides in tea in the range from 24.5 mg/kg to 254.5 mg/kg were found. In order to check the accuracy of the method certified reference materials were used. The precision expressed as the relative standard deviation ranged from 3.7% to 15.9%. The method is fast, accurate and reliable for this kind of analysis.

One of the key goals of the Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection is to maintain and improve soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. A decline of SOC stocks is politically perceived as a serious threat to soil quality and functions. A suitable tool for acquiring the information on SOC stock changes is modelling. The RothC-26.3 model was applied for long-term modelling (1970-2007) of the SOC stock in the topsoil of croplands of Slovakia. Simulation results show a gradual increase in the SOC stock in the first phase of modelling (1970-1995) mainly due to higher carbon input in the soil. A significant linear correlation (r = 0.4**, n = 275) was found between carbon input and the final simulation of SOC stock. A close relationship between the SOC stock and soil production potential index representing the official basis for soil quality assessment in Slovakia was also determined and a polynomial relationship was found which describes the relation at the 95% confidence level. We have concluded from the results that balanced or positive changes in the SOC stock dynamics that are important for sustainable use of soils could be influenced positively or negatively in Slovakia by political decisions concerning the soil management. Moreover, the soil production potential index can be used as soil quality information support for such decision-making.

The effect of inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis on the yield of fresh and dry mass of English ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as well as on the number of rhizospheric microorganisms was studied. The microorganisms were introduced into the soil before sowing. The control plots were not inoculated. The number of microorganisms was determined after the third mowing. The yield was determined after the first, second and third mowing. In comparison with the control, after the first and second mowing, there was a statistically significant increase in the fresh and dry mass in both inoculated variants whereas after the third mowing, a statistically significant increase in the yield of fresh mass was recorded only in the variant with B. subtilis. The use of B. subtilis had a better effect on the total yield of the fresh and dry mass of English ryegrass. The number of the investigated groups of microorganisms, apart from actinomycetes, increased in the inoculated variants. Inoculation of P. fluorescens affected the increase of total number of bacteria and aminoheterotrophs whereas inoculation of B. subtilis affected the increase of the number of azotobacter and fungi.

This paper uses a dynamic, partial equilibrium econometric model to analyze the impact of the 2003 CAP reform and changes of exchange rate on agricultural markets and agricultural incomes in Slovakia. We evaluate three scenarios: (1) baseline scenario with no change in agricultural policies (Single Area Payment Scheme and top-ups are assumed until 2015), (2) CAP reform scenario with full decoupling from 2007 and with modulation from 2013, and (3) exchange rate scenario. In the baseline scenario, production increases. Consumption increases with some exceptions (like pork). Agricultural income rises significantly in the baseline scenario. The full decoupling has a minor impact on agricultural markets relative to the baseline. Weak Euro would lead to higher prices and higher production but lower consumption. Change in the exchange rate causes substitution in consumption of certain commodities due to the relative price changes.

The effects of five training systems on tree growth, fruit yield and some fruit characteristics were assessed in Jonagold apple cv. grafted on M.9 rootstock. The trees were trained in one of five ways: slender spindle (SS; 4,761 trees/ha), vertical axis (VA; 2,857 trees/ha), hytec (HT; 1,904 tree/ha) and two different tree densities of super spindle (L-Super S with 5,000 trees/ha; H-Super S with 10,000 trees/ha). Trunk cross-sectional area (TCA) was higher in HT and VA than SS, L-Super S and H-Super S in the 4^th year. While HT had the highest cumulative yield/tree, the lowest cumulative yield was observed in H-Super S. Although HT had the highest yield/ tree, it ranked the last in cumulative yield efficiency (CYE) due to high TCA. The highest (CYE) was measured in trees trained as L-Super S. When cumulative yields (CY)/ha were evaluated, the yield advantage of high density planting was clearly evident for the first three cropping years. H-Super S systems (10,000 trees/ha) had the highest CY/ha and achieved a yield of 91.24 t/ha in year 4. HT (1,904 trees/ha) had the lowest CY/ha (33.46 t). Training systems had no consistent effect on average fruit diameter, weight, firmness, soluble solid and titratable acidity.

Slovenia, like other developed countries, is characterized by the fact that the number of farm takeovers is decreasing and farms are not being transferred to successors in a timely manner. As an EU member state, Slovenia is entitled to financial incentives intended to halt or at least ameliorate this trend, but the situation is nonetheless not improving. This article proceeds from the hypothesis that economic factors are not the only ones that affect succession on Slovenian farms. The hypothesis was confirmed in a study limited to mountain farms. It was determined that, although economic factors have a significant effect on succession on Slovenian farms, at the same time other factors also affect this. Among these, the factors that stand out the most are those through which tradition or traditional thought and behavioral patterns are expressed, as well as the factors that express the standpoints, perceptions, and opinions of farm owners.

In total 228 enterococci strains isolated from food were studied. Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, and E. casseliflavus were found to be the dominant strains while E. durans and E. mundtii were present in a smaller extent. Antimicrobial activity determined by double layer technique revealed that 150 (65.7%) strains showed antimicrobial activity against the individual tested pathogenic strains of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicilin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Cell-free neutralised supernatants (CFNS) were prepared from 150 potential bacteriocin producers. Of these 150, CFNS 107 (71.3%) strains were active in the bacteriocin production against one or more pathogenic strains tested. S. aureus and MRSA were found to be more sensitive to the antimicrobial substances than L. monocytogenes. Multiplex PCR for the detection of seven virulence genes in bacteriocin producing strains showed that 47.6% of strains were able to amplify one or more virulence genes. E. faecalis was the most virulent species. The presence of tyrdc gene was seen in all bacteriocin producing strains. None of the strains carried genes encoding the resistance to vancomycin.

This study provides new information on the distribution of the chestnut blight agent Cryphonectria parasitica and its vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) in the Czech Republic. This study has revealed the presence of the disease in six localities. The VCG tests showed that each locality was represented by a single distinct VCG, which was different from the others collected in the country. The tests with 31 European testers of C. parasitica VCGs (EU-1 to EU-31) had assigned Czech isolates to VCGs EU-1, EU-4, EU-12, EU-13, EU-15, and EU-19. Moreover, the study showed that in the Czech Republic chestnut blight attacks young trees, not exceeding 35 years of age, and that climatic conditions in the country are suitable for C. parasitica. As two of the diseased localities were ornamental tree nurseries, one might expect its further spread over the country as a result of plant trade. The origin of infection remains unknown in all the localities where C. parasitica was detected.

The cortical branches of the middle cerebral artery in the otter were described using 60 hemispheres. It was demonstrated that the artery is divided into ten permanent branches. Two rhinal arteries supply the region of the brain located on the border between the old and the archicortex and the neocortex. The other eight branches are divided into three branches running towards the frontal lobe, two branches - to the region of the parietal lobe and three temporal branches which supply blood to the neocortex only. The frontal, parietal and temporal branches descended independently from the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery or first formed a common trunk. Common trunks for specific groups of bifurcations were described as the middle cerebral artery (anterior, superior and posterior).

The reaction of five apple cultivars to olive wilt caused byVerticillium dahliae Kleb was evaluated. Five apple cultivars (Royal Gala, Delicious Anabri, Double Red, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith) and one olive cultivar (Nabali Mohassan) were inoculated with V. dahliae and grown under partially controlled greenhouse conditions. Typical symptoms of the disease were developed on the inoculated olive seedlings. However, all tested apple cultivars did not show the typical symptoms of Verticillium wilt except cv. Delicious Anbari, which showed 8.31% disease severity. The average percentage of disease severity was 61.2% in Nabali Mohassan. The pathogen was positively re-isolated from the inoculated seedlings of cvs Nabali Mohassan and Delicious Anbari after 12 months from the inoculation date. Results indicate that an apple plantation to replace dead or severely diseased olive trees infested with Verticillium wilt is an appropriate low-cost and environmentally sound IPM alternative approach to control Verticillium wilt.

Significant quantities of Cd have been added to soils globally due to various anthropogenic activities, posing a serious threat to safe food production and human health. Rhizosphere, as an important interface of soil and plant, plays a significant role in the agro-environmental system. This article presents a review of relationship between root excretion and microorganisms and plant resistance to Cd toxicity and possible mechanisms. Root exudates markedly altered in species and quantity under Cd stress. Root exudates can affect Cd absorption by plants through changing the physical and chemical characteristics of rhizospheres. The influence of root exudates on Cd bioavailability and toxicity may include modifying the rhizosphere pH and Eh, chelating/complexing and depositing with Cd ions, and altering the community construction, the numbers and activities of rhizospheric microbes. In this paper, the methods to reduce the transfer of Cd in soil-plant system by adjusting rhizosphere environment are discussed, and some aspects are also proposed that should be emphasized in the future research work.

Field experiments were conducted at two different locations (Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal and farm field Talagang, district Chakwal) for two crop-growing seasons in northern rainfed Punjab, Pakistan to assess the yield and micronutrient uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The treatments were four combinations of two levels of sulfur (15 and 30 kg/ha) from two sources (gypsum and ammonium sulfate) and a no-sulfur control. Application of sulfur resulted in a significant increase in seed yield up to 17% over control. Ammonium sulfate was a more efficient source of sulfur as compared to gypsum at both the locations. Sulfur application resulted in a significant increase in micronutrient uptake by plant; however effect of sulfur application on soil pH at the end of experiment was not significant. Availability of soil zinc and copper increased with sulfur application at the end of two year experiment. Tissue copper and iron and soil available copper and iron correlated negatively with soil pH. Sulfur should be applied to chickpea grown under rainfed conditions in order to increase seed yield, to improve nutritional composition of product and to enhance efficiency of other fertilizers.

The paper addresses the initiative Tradice Bílých Karpat. It is the example of innovative use of local resources through joining together organic farmers and environmentalists. Content analysis (research technique used in combination with case study) proved to be an efficient tool when evaluating the impacts of this initiative for the public. The results documenting the impacts of this initiative for the public are rather of regional nature. They address only some activities of the Tradice Bílých Karpat, mostly those concentrated around processing of local apples. The paper also outlines the possible reasons for the existing image of this initiative presented in mass media and presenting it for the public.

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

In this study, productivity rate and operation cost of farm tractor were evaluated in a mountainous natural forest. Data for the study came from a detailed time study in the Research and Educational Forest of Tarbiat Modares University (REFTMU) and was used to develop a multiple linear regression model to predict the skidding cycle time. The results showed that effective independent variables of skidding time were skidding distance and slope of skid trail (P = 0.01). Average productivity rate ranged from 2.43 to 2.60 m².h^-1. Total time and effective time, respectively. Total cost of the system was 10.24 USD.h^-1 whereas 4.58% of the cost of skidding resulted from personal delay. The cost and productivity resulting from this study emphasized the importance for foresters to consider a farm tractor when designing skidding operations in young stands or prescribing a combination of two machines in mature stands.

The pine stand in the Havraní Skála locality in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park was affected by an extensive mixed-severity wildfire in summer 2006. The fire severity, fire type and fire extent were assessed by various fire severity measures collected in the field (mean bole char height on stems on sample plots, content of oxidizable C and total N at a soil depth of 0-5 cm), as well as by classification and filtering of green canopy cover from time series of aerial photographs acquired before the fire (2005), soon after the fire (2006) and one year after the fire (2007). The specific image analyses made it possible to uncover the spatial and temporal pattern of the stand defoliation. The central part of the site was mainly affected by the crown fire and thus defoliated substantially right during the fire. On the contrary, the peripheral part of the site was mostly affected by low-severity ground fire and therefore defoliated progressively one year later. All the fire severity measures used were well related.

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

Ethiopia is one among the nations that possesses the largest number of livestock population in the African continent estimated to be 33 million cattle, 24 million sheep and 18 million goats. In contrast to the huge livestock resource, the livestock productivity is however, found to be very low. The major biological and socio-economical factors attributing to the low productivity includes: the low genetic potential and performance, poor nutrition (in quality and quantity terms), the prevailing of different diseases, traditional way of husbandry systems and inadequate skilled manpower, among others. Ethiopia is one of the African countries where tuberculosis is wide spread in both humans and cattle and the endemic nature of tuberculosis in humans and cattle has long been documented. The disease is considered as one of the major livestock diseases that results in high morbidity and mortality, although the current status on the actual prevalence rate of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) at a national level is yet unknown. Detection of BTB in Ethiopia is carried out most commonly on the basis of tuberculin skin testing, abattoir meat inspection and very rarely on bacteriological techniques. Recently undertaken studies indicated the prevalence rate of BTB with a range of 3.4% (in small holder production system) to 50% (in intensive dairy productions) and a range of 3.5% to 5.2% in slaughterhouses in various places of the country. BTB in cattle remains to be a great concern due to the susceptibility of humans to the disease. The infections mainly take place by drinking raw milk and occur in the extra-pulmonary form, in the cervical lymphadenitis form in particular. The aim of this paper is to review the status of BTB in Ethiopia in relation with the existing animal husbandry systems and abattoir meat inspection surveillances. Control measures, economic impacts and the zoonotic aspect of the disease are also briefly addressed.

In 2009-2011 virulence of the wheat leaf rust population was studied on Thatcher near-isogenic lines with Lr1, Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr3a, Lr9, Lr11, Lr13, Lr15, Lr17, Lr19, Lr21, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26 and Lr28. Samples of leaf rust were obtained from different parts of the Slovak Republic. A total of 122 wheat leaf rust isolates were analysed. Resistance gene Lr19 was effective to all tested isolates. Virulence to Lr9 was found, however only in one isolate. Gene Lr24 conditioned resistance to almost all rust collections. A lower frequency of virulence to Lr2a and Lr28 was also observed. Nineteen winter wheat cultivars grown in Slovakia were tested with 8 leaf rust isolates. Winter wheat cultivar Bona Dea was resistant to all isolates applied in the greenhouse test. Presence of Lr genes was estimated according to the reactions of the tested cultivars. Presence of Lr10, Lr26, Lr34 and Lr37 was studied by molecular markers.

Peat used as a feed supplement for piglets has favourable dietetic qualities; however, its frequent contamination with potentially pathogenic mycobacteria (PPM) has been shown to pose a potential risk to piglet health. The purpose of the present study was to investigate possible ways of devitalising mycobacteria. Examination of 118 samples from various types of commercially available peat (natural peat, packed peat for horticulture and specially processed peat intended for piglet feeding) showed that PPM were present in 84 (71.1%) samples. Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (82.1%) was the most frequent mycobacterial isolate. In addition, from a natural locality where peat is mined and stored in large piles for up to four months, mycobacteria were detected in peat samples collected from the surface and from up to 25 cm in depth. We used different physical and chemical procedures for peat decontamination (peracetic acid, formaldehyde, steam, and microwave radiation) in attempting to devitalise the mycobacteria in peat. We found that PPM can be reliably devitalised with 1.0% peracetic acid, or 5.0% formaldehyde. However, under field conditions, when using bulk amounts of peat, none of the above procedures were shown to be suitable. Based on these results, the feeding of peat to piglets is confirmed as a high-risk practice.

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

Theileriosis is a serious animal disease that is transmitted by ticks. Theileria species are tick-borne obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that cause severe and mild infections in their hosts. Two of them, Theileria annulata and Theileria parva, cause lymphoproliferative disease with high mortality and morbidity in cattle commonly known as tropical theileriosis and East Coast fever, respectively. Currently available antiparasitic drugs are effective in animals but animals may remain carriers and treatment is most effective in the early stages of the disease. The isolation, cloning and analysis of lactate dehydrogenase from T. annulata was the goal of the present study with the ultimate aim of designing new antiparasitic drugs that will hopefully have a wider mode of action in animals. Blood samples were taken from a four year-old Brown Swiss cow showing signs of acute tropical theileriosis and genomic DNA was extracted following the confirmation of the clinical diagnosis. For the first time, in this study, the lactate dehydrogenase sequence was isolated from from a Theileria species. Following extraction from genomic DNA by PCR the sequence was cloned into the vector pGEM-T easy. Sequencing of the whole gene from both directions indicated that the open reading frame was interrupted by two introns. Several single nucleotide exchanges, deletions and insertions were also observed in the T. annulata lactate dehydrogenase sequence compared to the host. The most remarkable difference between the parasite and host enzyme is a five residue insertion in the active site loop region that might be an attractive target for inhibitors of the enzyme. This study opens a new route to further kinetic and structural studies towards the development of novel inhibitors of T. annulata lactate dehydrogenase.