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The suppressive biological control of mites on oilseeds can be successful under the circumstances of the ratio of prey and predators being I : 20 to 1 : 50 and the original infestation not being higher than 500 specimens per 1 kg. Preventive biological control was carried out in empty oilseed stores after they were cleared. The predators which were released in the stores 2000 specimen s being evenly distributed over an area of 100 m² were successful and suppress the population of acaroid mites.

Changes were studied in the endogenous level of glutathione (total and oxidised), and in the amount of free thiol groups as caused by the herbicide atrazine on two species of plants with different sensitivity to it. The activities of two enzymes related to glutathione metabolism (glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase) were also determined. The application of the herbicide on leaf increased the levels of total and oxidised glutathione in pea and wheat plants. Increased activity glutathione S-transferase in wheat plants was found.

Genetic variability of four polymorphisms (CAPN1, CAST, SCD, and FASN) was evaluated and the relationships between them and the beef quality traits (tenderness and fatty acid composition) in Czech crossbred cattle population were assessed. Totally 331 animals were genotyped using multiplex PCR-RFLP. For the CAST NM174003.2:c.155C>T the CC genotype was associated with higher Warner-Bratzler shear force (CC > CT, P < 0.001; CC > TT, P < 0.05) and our results (CC > TT > CT) suggest a possible effect of overdominance. The CAPN1 AF252504.2:c.947G>C did not significantly influence the beef tenderness (strongly influenced by misbalance between the genotype frequencies) suggesting the breed specific effect of this marker. Our association study of the SCD AB075020:c.878T>C polymorphism revealed a positive effect of allele C on myristoleic acid content (CC > CT > TT, P < 0.01). The significant influence of FASN AF285607:g.17924A>G on fatty acid profile was confirmed in the content of myristoleic acid (AG > GG, P < 0.05), palmitoleic acid (AA > AG > GG, P < 0.05, P < 0.001), stearic acid (AA > GG, P < 0.05), myristic acid (AG > GG, P < 0.05), and palmitic acid (AG > GG, P < 0.05). Thus in our population the SNPs of FASN and SCD appeared to be useful markers for selection of animals according to the fatty acid profile as well as SNP of CAST for beef tenderness.

In the present study the polymorphism of the myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) gene was analyzed as a genetic marker candidate for carcass traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle. Four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): HQ692911:g.93C>T in exon 8, JX088659:g.69C>T in intron 8, JX0692914:g.47C>T in intron 9 as well as JX088658:g.100G>A in the 3'flanking region were identified by DNA sequencing. By applying the PCR-RFLP method, the SNPs (g.93C>T/HaeIII and g.47C>T/Tsp45I) were genotyped in 401 Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls and their association with carcass traits was analyzed. Statistical analysis showed that the g.93C>T SNP was significantly associated with weight of lean (WLVC) and fat in valuable cuts (WFVC). Animals with the TT genotype had significantly higher WLVC (P < 0.05) and lower WFVC (P < 0.05) than those with the CC and CT genotypes. No significant relationship with carcass traits was found for the g.47C>T SNP (P > 0.05) in intron 9. Moreover, we found a significant effect of the combined genotypes onWFVC (P < 0.01), percent of lean (PLVC) (P < 0.05), and fat (PFVC) in valuable cuts (P < 0.01). This suggested that MEF2D is a strong candidate gene that affects carcass traits in cattle.

Polyclonal antibodies were raised against three immunogens- a-lactalbumin (LA), -lactoglobulin A (LGA) and B (LGB). Using these antibodies the procedures of an indirect competitive enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) were constructed, optimized a nd characterized for determination of indi vidual immunogens. It was found that ELISA of LA is very specific without any inter­ ferences of other whey proteins. However, in ELlSAs of both lactoglobulins A and B were demonstrated very high interferences of the other genetic varian t (cross-reactivities 20-280% depending on antibody and immu nogen). An excellent sensitivity of ELISA for all proteins (detection limits for LA, LGA and LGB were 13, 0.4 and 54 ng/ml, respectively) makes it possible to analyze milk samples diluted more than 1000 times. Average values of variation coefficient were in the range 16-27%. A compari­ son of whey protein determinations in raw cow's milk by ELISA and by capillary electrophoresis resulted in the best similarit y in results of LA concentration. The decrease of LA, LGA and LGB concen trations was detected by using capillary electrophoresis for an analysis of whey from heat-treated milk, while ELISA of the same milk sample showed the increase of LGB immunoreac­ tivity to 700%.

The infestation of barley grains by fungi of the genus Fusarium was studied on malting barley from Kromei'iz (360 samples) and one sample from Kojet!n in Czech Republic. Most frequent species in the season 1997-1998 were: F. culmorum (over 70% of the isolates), F. poae (over 20% of the isolates), F. avenaceum (over 2%). Much less frequent were: F. stilboides v. stilboides, F. aqaeductum v. aqaeductum, F. merismoides v. merismoides and F. gigas. The isolates of F. culmorum were highly pathogenic when barley was artificially inoculated; those of F. poae had low pathogenity. Five varieties of spring barley at growth stage 1-5 on the Feekes scale reacted to F. culmorum as follows: I) Tolar (most resistant), 2) Akcent, Lumar and Rubfn (intermediate), 3) Krona (most susceptible). An application of fungicides on a plot inoculated with F. avenaceum and F. graminearum increased the yield of grain by 0.46 to 1.71 t/ha. Most effective fungicides against the pathogens were: metconazole, tebuconazole and prochloraz. The effect of the combination tebuconazole + triadimefon + prochloraz was found to be most effective. For determi­ nation of six trichothecene mycotoxins in fungal mycelium, macroconidia and spring barley, high resolution capillary gas chro­ matography with electron capture detection was used. Only toxin T-2 and nivalenol (NIV) were detected in fungal mycelium, and a low level of NIV was found in spring barley, variety Rubfn (lower than legislated limit- 2 mglkg of cereals).

The abundance and species spectrum of cockchafers of the genus Melolontha and characteristics of the tribes in four forest regions of theCzechRepublic was explored. We used light traps, automatic meteorological stations and field investigations to study the course of swarming, species composition, abundance of the respective tribes, sex ratio during swarming and the dependence of swarming on the average daily temperature. Studies will continue in the next years and the objective is to use the results for prognosis of the occurrence of cockchafers and the damages subsequently caused by grubs in forest cultures.

Grazing-induced variations in vegetation may either accelerate or reduce soil carbon storage through changes in litter quantity and quality. Here, a three-year field study (2005-2007) was conducted in Tibetan alpine meadow to address the responses of surface soil (0-15 cm) organic carbon (SOC) storage in the plant growing season (from May to September) to varying grazing intensity (represented by the residual aboveground biomass, with G₀, G₁, G₂, and G₃ standing for 100%, 66%, 55%, and 30% biomass residual, respectively), and to explore whether grazing-induced vegetation changes depress or facilitate SOC storage. Our results showed that: (i) Higher grazing intensity resulted in lower biomass of grasses and sedges, lower root biomass, and in a change in plant community composition from palatable grasses and sedges to less palatable forbs. (ii) Increased grazing reduced the SOC content and storage with only G₃ showing an SOC loss during the plant growing season. (iii) Soil organic carbon storage exhibited a highly positive correlation with the residual aboveground biomass and root biomass. Our results imply that a grazing-induced reduction in plant biomass productivity and changes in species composition would depress soil carbon storage, and that an increase in grazing pressure can lead to a gradual change of alpine meadow soils from being 'carbon sinks' to become 'carbon sources'.

In an Island of the Netherlands, Pine (Pinus nigra) was planted to stabilize the dunes and to protect the arable lands from the blowing sand. This research was conducted to understand the most important environmental factors responsible for a vegetation change in the Pine plantation and effect of this change on the rare orchid population: Goodyera repens and Listera cordata. Vegetation sampling was carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet phytosociologic method within the three sites of this Island. Twinspan analysis confirmed the definition of three site types and redundancy analysis showed a significant difference between the pure Pine stands and the plots with regeneration. The results revealed that the most significant explanatory variables were litter cover, broadleaved tree cover, and shrub cover indicating the vegetation change under the Pine plantation. The abundance of Goodyera repens is strongly associated with the Pine forest and negatively related to broadleaved cover. Listera cordata could apparently cope with vegetation change. Controlling the herbaceous layer in the Pine plantation can promote the orchid population but on the contrary, promoting the natural regeneration of broadleaved species might endanger them.

The main aim of this article is to present a technical solution for straw and forage yield mapping when using round balers with variable chamber for harvest. The yield measurement is based on monitoring of instantaneous position of a tension roller mechanism for press chamber circular belt. Wheat straw was harvested - baled, during our trial measurements. The acreage of the trial field was 12 ha. Calibration of the measuring system showed a strong dependence of the tension roller position on the amount of pressed straw (R² = 0.99). Geostatistical evaluation confirms a spatial relationship of measured data sets with a moderate spatial dependence. Finally, yield map of straw was created

The polyphagous pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary causes significant diseases of sunflower and oil-seed rape while Diaporthe wilt, invoked by the pathogen Diaporthe (Phomopsis) helianthi Munt-Cvet. et al., is another important disease of sunflower in Slovakia. Since 2001 we have identified S. sclerotiorum on Iva xanthiifolia Nutt. in three locations and the infestation of I. xanthiifolia by D. helianthi has been observed only in one location of western Slovakia. The infestation of I. xanthiifolia by Sclerotinia disease and by D. helianthi has been observed only after secondary ascospore infection in sunflower fields.

Claw lesions and lameness in sows are an important welfare concern as well as a cause of considerable economic loss. These problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Given that group housing for gestating sows will become mandatory in the EU from 2013 onwards, the aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in sows housed in groups during gestation, and (2) to analyze whether the type of group housing system and sow-related factors were associated with lameness and claw lesions. Eight Belgian pig herds with group housing of gestating sows were selected. Four herds used pens with electronic sow feeders (dynamic groups), the other four herds kept their sows in free access stalls (static groups). All sows were visually examined for lameness at the end of gestation. Claw lesions were scored after parturition. Information about feed, housing conditions and culling (strategy) was collected, as well as information about parity and breed. Of all 421 assessed sows, on average 9.7% (min. 2.4%, max. 23.1%) were lame. Almost 99% of the sows had one or more claw lesion with overgrowth of heel horn (93%) and cracks in the wall (52%) as the most prevalent lesions. Neither for lameness nor claw lesions was significant differences found between the two types of group housing. Lameness decreased while the mean claw lesion score increased with ageing. These results suggest that lameness can be caused by reasons other than claw lesions, especially in older sows. Although no difference was found between the two types of group housing, a huge variation between herds was observed. Moreover, as the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in group housing is quite high and group housing will become mandatory in 2013, further investigation on risk factors of locomotor disorders in sows is necessary.

The brachial plexus in adult red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) was found to be formed by the rami ventralis of C5, C6, C7, C8. A thin branch of C5 and C6 constituted the cranial trunk, and the caudal trunk was formed completely by the rami ventralis of C7 and C8. Thus, in squirrels, the spinal nerves which form the brachial plexus and the joining of these spinal nerves to each other differ from other rodents and mammals.

The risk of Pb contaminated soil after treatment with different remediation techniques was assessed. Soil vitrification (microwaves) reduced Pb orally available from the stomach and intestinal phase measured by a physiologically based extraction test. Solidification of Pb (Slovakite) did not reduce the concentration of orally available Pb and increased the Pb uptake by Thlaspi goesingens for 2-times compared to plants grown on the original soil. Soil extraction with 40 mmol/kg EDTA removed 57.6% of Pb. However, the concentration of orally available Pb and Pb uptake by T. goesingens increased. The concentration of mobile soil Pb also increased for 14-times measured by a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure. Soil leaching with 10 mmol/kg biodegradable chelator [S,S] ethylenediamine disuccinate and using a horizontal permeable reactive barrier for Pb accumulation from the washing solution removed 17.8% of Pb, but increased Pb uptake by T. goesingens by 3-times and slightly increased the concentration of Pb in the intestinal phase. Leaching did not significantly effects Pb availability from the stomach phase or Pb mobility.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the most often reported attribute and is chosen as the most important indicator of soil quality and agricultural sustainability. In this review, we summarized how cultivation, crop rotation, residue and tillage management, fertilization and monoculture affect soil quality, soil organic matter (SOM) and carbon transformation. The results confirm that SOM is not only a source of carbon but also a sink for carbon sequestration. Cultivation and tillage can reduce soil SOC content and lead to soil deterioration. Tillage practices have a major effect on distribution of C and N, and the rates of organic matter decomposition and N mineralization. Proper adoption of crop rotation can increase or maintain the quantity and quality of soil organic matter, and improve soil chemical and physical properties. Adequate application of fertilizers combined with farmyard manure could increase soil nutrients, and SOC content. Manure or crop residue alone may not be adequate to maintain SOC levels. Crop types influence SOC and soil function in continuous monoculture systems. SOC can be best preserved by rotation with reduced tillage frequency and with additions of chemical fertilizers and manure. Knowledge and assessment of changes (positive or negative) in SOC status with time is still needed to evaluate the impact of different management practices.

The effects of three tillage systems: no-tillage (NT), reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT), and three levels of fertilization (0, 258 and 516 kg/ha NPK (58:18:24)), on the maize yield during ten years (1999-2008) were analyzed on the chernozem soil type in Zemun Polje, Serbia. Statistical analyses showed significant effects of all three factors i.e., year, soil tillage and amount of fertilizers, and their interactions on the maize yield. The ten-year averages showed that the highest yields were observed with CT (10.61 t/ha), while the averages with RT and NT were lower (8.99 t/ha and 6.85 t/ha, respectively). The results of the influence of the amount of the applied fertilizers on maize yield showed that the lowest yield was in the zero level of fertilization 7.71 t/ha, while the yield was raised when the 258 kg/ha and 516 kg/ha NPK were applied (9.18 t/ha and 9.56 t/ha, respectively). Analyzing the influence of the soil tillage systems on maize production with respect to the amounts of applied fertilizers, this research revealed the benefits of CT under the presented agroecological conditions, irrespective of the level of applied fertilizer.

The present investigation was undertaken to find out efficient strains of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM fungi) alone or in combinations with Trichoderma viride for inoculation Dendrocalamus strictus L. seedlings. The inoculated seedlings showed good response having higher plant height, phosphorous ions content in root and shoot, AM spore number and root colonization than non-inoculated (control) seedlings in both single (alone) and co-inoculation (combined consortium) experiments. T. viride showed significant growth followed by Glomus mosseae, G. fasciculatum and mixed AM with single inoculation. In co-inoculation, the best growth responses were observed with G. fasciculatum + T. viride followed by G. mosseae + T. viride, mixed vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizas (VAM) + T. viride, G. mosseae + G. fasciculatum + T. viride + mixed VAM, G. mosseae + G. fasciculatum + T. viride and G. mosseae + G. fasciculatum after 120 days and also depicted maximum increase in phosphorus content of shoot and root when compared with other inoculated seedlings. However, all the inoculated seedlings showed significant increase in phosphorus content when compared with control seedlings.

The Lusatian lignite-mining district (Eastern Germany) is characterized by a high share of marginal post-mining areas. At these sites, crop yield is generally low, and hence, conventional land use systems often fail in terms of reliable and efficient crop production. In this paper the attempt is made to evaluate the production of woody biomass for bioenergy in short rotation coppices (SRC) and alley cropping systems (ACS) with black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) from the aspect of possible ecological and economic benefits compared to the conventional agricultural recultivation practice. The results show that, due to both high establishment and harvesting costs and comparatively low prices of energy wood, land use systems such as SRC or ACS are currently hardly profitable compared to conventional agriculture. However, the cultivation of black locust resulted in a higher humus accumulation and in a lower harvest-related nutrient export than the cultivation of lucerne as a typical recultivation crop in this region. Therefore, it can be concluded that for an improvement of soil fertility woody biomass production is more beneficial than the conventional agricultural recultivation practice.

The leaf spotting disease complex is a major biotic constrain in enhancing grain production in the major wheat growing regions. Two leaf spotting diseases, tan spot, caused by an ascomycete fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, and Stagonospora nodorum blotch besides causing average yield losses of 5-10%, cause significant losses in grain quality by red smudge, black point and grain shriveling. Conservation agriculture in combination with wheat monoculture involving cultivation of susceptible cultivars has resulted in frequent onset of leaf spots epidemics worldwide. Development of resistant wheat cultivars, in conjunction with crop rotation, will provide an effective, economical, and environmentally safe means of controlling leaf spot. International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico has initiated major efforts to mitigate the threat of tan spot. Efforts include screening of wheat germplasm, identification of new sources of resistance, characterization of new tan spot resistance genes through classical and molecular genetic analysis, incorporation of resistance into adapted cultivars, and assessing the variability in the tan spot fungus. Screening studies reveal that elite CIMMYT germplasm has high level of resistance to tan spot caused by P. tritici-repentis race 1. These germplasm have diverse genetic make-up and the resistance is likely broad based. Association mapping studies done with CIMMYT germplasm reconfirmed the presence of previously identified genomic regions for tan spot resistance; however, novel genomic regions on long arm of chromosomes 6A and 7B have also been identified. Studies done to date indicate that CIMMYT germplasm possess high level diverse genetic based resistance to tan spot of wheat. Efforts are in place to develop desired wheat cultivars with tan spot resistance. Virulence studies indicate presence of P. tritici-repentis race 1 only with some variability in level of toxin Ptr ToxA produced in each of the 76 isolates studied.

Reptiles have recently become a popular group of pet animals. A relatively large number of studies on the morphology of the oral cavity and method of feeding in adult individuals have been published. Nevertheless, embryological descriptions of reptile body parts or structures are rare. In this study, we describe the morphology of the developing tongue, in particular its dorsal surface, in pre-hatched green iguanas. Microscopic examination of the oral cavity of early embryos revealed that the tongue was divided into three different areas: apex, corpus and radix. The dorsal lingual surface was smooth and covered by nonkeratinised stratified squamous epithelium with slight prominences in some cases. In the underlying mesenchyme of the tongue, striated muscular tissue was formed. The epithelium thickness was reduced during formation of the lingual papillae and in later stages remained simple cuboidal. No developing taste buds could be recognised in the lingual epithelium.

European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) is one of the most important tree species in substitute stands of the Krušné hory Mts. (northern part of the Czech Republic). At present, young larch stands have dynamic height growth and their canopy is closing. Therefore, the proper forest treatment with respect to all functions of these stands is an urgent issue. The aim of the study is to recognise when it is possible to start with thinning and what types of thinning regimes are more suitable in larch stands with respect to their functions as substitute tree species stands. Research was conducted on experimental series Kalek established in a larch monoculture in 1999 (stand age of 12 years) at an elevation of 780 m above sea level in the category Piceeto-Fagetum oligo-mesotrophicum - Calamagrostis villosa. The presented analysis has two main parts: (a) effect of closing canopy on growth of larch - comparison of the groups of trees from border and inside rows and (b) effect of opening canopy on growth and development of young larch stands - comparison of two partial plots (500 m² each): the one without thinning and the other with thinning (negative selection mainly from above at the age of 13 years). Comparative analyses of trees from border and inside rows showed high growth dynamics of these young larch stands, and therefore the first thinning is necessary in this stage (by 15 years of age). In spite of air pollution, the growth of experimental stands is supernormal and exceeds the data from growth tables, but 60% of individuals showed some malformations, mostly one-sided or two-sided stem curvature. Five years after the first thinning we found a significantly lower h/d ratio of mean stem on the thinned plot in comparison with the plot without thinning. On the other hand, the applied thinning had no effect (five years after realisation) on the h/d ratio of dominant trees (200 thickest trees per hectare).

Forest soil acidification and depletion of nutrient cations have been reported for several forested regions in North America, predominantly in the eastern United States, including the northeast and in the central Appalachians, but also in parts of southeastern Canada and the southern U.S. Continuing regional inputs of nitrogen and sulfur are of concern because of leaching of base cations, increased availability of soil Al, and the accumulation and ultimate transmission of acidity from forest soils to streams. Losses of calcium from forest soils and forested watersheds have now been documented as a sensitive early indicator and a functionally significant response to acid deposition for a wide range of forest soils in North America. For red spruce, a clear link has been established between acidic deposition, alterations in calcium and aluminum supplies and increased sensitivity to winter injury. Cation depletion appears to contribute to sugar maple decline on some soils, specifically the high mortality rates observed in northern Pennsylvania over the last decade. While responses to liming have not been systematically examined in North America, in a study in Pennsylvania, restoring basic cations through liming increased basal area growth of sugar maple and levels of calcium and magnesium in soil and foliage. In the San Bernardino Mountains in southern California near the west coast, the pH of the A horizon has declined by at least 2 pH units (to pH 4.0-4.3) over the past 30 years, with no detrimental effects on bole growth; presumably, because of the Mediterranean climate, base cation pools are still high and not limiting for plant growth.

This study investigated copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) enrichment factor (EF) and mobility factor (MF) as possible indicators of their uptake by spinach (Spinaceae oleraceae) and carrots (Daucus carota) grown on a sludge-amended luvisol (SAL). Sewage sludge was applied to luvisol at different rates and spinach and carrots planted. Enrichment of Cu and Pb in SAL was determined, and values regressed with those of Cu and Pb concentrations in spinach and carrots. Concentration of Cu and Pb in vegetables was calculated using the regression model obtained, and calculated values compared with actual values. Pb MF were higher than Cu MF but Cu and Pb EFsoil values were < 3.0, indicating minor enrichment from sludge addition. EF had 10% reliability in predicting Cu and Pb uptake in vegetables. MF was more than 70% reliable in predicting carrot Cu uptake and spinach Pb uptake. EF and MF are not effective as predictors of heavy metal uptake by vegetables. The role of other soil components including root exudates and by-products from microbial activities should also be investigated.

This study aims to reveal and to compare effects of two different systems of nitrogen (N) nutrition (sidedress application or injection application) on toxicity of NH₄⁺ and mixed nutrition. We investigated whether NH₄⁺ or mixed (NH₄NO₃) application causes significant changes in the endogenous levels of cytokinins (CK), whole plant N and their effects on yield of selected plants. Ammonium sulphate or ammonium nitrate were used as N source in the pot experiment. The yield of Festulolium and Trifolium pratense L. above-ground biomass and roots was more substantially enhanced after sidedress application of both ammonium sources in comparison with injection application. Our results confirmed that the accumulation of CKs in plants is in correlation with their N content (R² = 0.66-0.98). Proportions between individual CK forms remained relatively steady and their dynamics exhibited similar trends after N application. Our results indicate that the negative effect of the application of NH₄⁺ on the growth of Festulolium and clover plants could be effectively modulated by the presence of NO₃^-.

As far as honey is concerned, microwave oven heating finds its use especially for crystallised honey reliquefying. We focused on monitoring the changes in hydroxymethylfurfural content which is an indicator of heat damage done to honey, among others. Microwave honey heating was carried out in four degrees of microwave power levels over seven variously long time periods. In total, 22 analysed honey samples came directly from bee-keepers from the Czech Republic from the 2004 and 2006 harvests. Hydroxymethylfurfural content was determined by HPLC method using a liquid chromatograph Alliance 2695 with a PDA detector 2996. We obtained relatively interesting results: despite the honey having reached relatively high temperature levels (80-90°C) at the highest power levels and the longest time periods, there was no gradual significant increase in hydroxymethylfurfural content which could be expected at conventional heating. On the other hand, hydroxymethylfurfural content varied in the course of heating of the individual samples, which is a very interesting result. A significant role was played also by the botanic origin of the honeys because the course of the changes in hydroxymethylfurfural content due to microwave heating was not the same in all honeys analysed.

The effects of storage on the lipid composition of three redgram (TTB-7, BRG-1, and ICP-8863) and three greengram (PUSA BISAKI, KDM-1, and CHINA MOONG) varieties were studied. Environment variables such as temperature and relative humidity were recorded during storage period. Moisture content was found to increase along with the percent incidence of storage insects. The incidence of storage moulds and insects was recorded in all the samples; results showed that storage moulds belonged to Aspergillus species and the insect Callosobruchus chinensis infested the stored samples. The total fat, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids and peroxide value were evaluated in the control and in samples stored for three and six months. Results showed that storage depleted total fat (1.94-1.75 g), triglycerides (1.46-1.07 g), whereas phospholipids (0.06-0.21g), free fatty acids (0.002-0.01 g) and peroxide values (2.14-4.46 meq) increased. The fatty acid content of palmitic (26.03-23.56%), stearic (7.4-5.46%), linoleic (56.2-45.2%) and linolenic acids (6.9-4.7%) decreased, but oleic acid content increased (8.3-21.6%) in all the varieties during storage.

Studies of the migratory dynamics of cyathostomin infective larvae (L₃) in different seasons and with two types of irrigation were carried out over 12 months (September 2006 to September 2007) in the subtropical climate of the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Four faecal masses weighing 500 g each from naturally infected horses were placed in a Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) pasture in the beginning of each season. Samples of faeces and grass were collected every 15 days until the end of each season. The highest recovery in faeces occured in Autumn (491 910 L₃/kg dried herbage) and in pasture was achieved in Winter (9 963 L₃/kg dried herbage). The lowest number of infective larvae recovered from faeces (55 100 L₃/kg dried herbage) and pastures (2 188 L₃/kg dried herbage) were achieved in Spring. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference in infective larvae recovery between the seasons. The collection time of the samples did not affect the larva recovery. The results suggest that in the conditions of the region studied, animals maintained in pasture are at permanent risk of infection.

The effects of temperature pre-treatment, thidiazuron, naphthaleneacetic acid, and 6-benzylaminopurine on in vitro gynogenic plant production from un-pollinated melon (Cucumis melo L.) ovaries were investigated. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker analysis was conducted to identify the homozygous diploid individuals. The temperature pre-treatment (4°C) for 4 days increased embryo formation frequency (63.3%) significantly. Addition of thidiazuron (0.04 and 0.02 mg/l) in the induction medium significantly increased the number of responding ovaries (46.6%, 65.83%), respectively. The maximum number of plantlet regeneration (22.5%) was achieved by culturing the ovary derived embryos on Murashigue and Skoog medium (MS medium) supplement with 0.6 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine. Spontaneous doubled haploids originated directly through embryogenesis were subjected to genetic analysis using SSR molecular marker with 23 primers pair for homozygosity. SSR markers with microsatellite CMGA172, confirmed that the alleles in the parental material were also present in the gynogenic plantlets, but amplified only two alleles as compared to four alleles of the heterozygous parent material at same locus. Therefore these regenerated plantlets were consider homozygous and produced through a process of gametophytic embryogenesis.

In five consecutive growth seasons from 2003 to 2007 a response of maize variety Eurostar (var. FAO 240) to supply of NPK fertilizer supplemented with magnesium or zinc was investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of zinc (NPK + Zn) or magnesium (NPK + Mg) in controlling nitrogen management by maize crop fertilized with 80 and 140 kg N/ha. In the course of the study, total grain nitrogen content did not show any response to both experimental factors and weather variability, as well. However, the obtained results indicate, that magnesium and zinc have significantly increased SPAD (chlorophyll index) indices of maize cob leaf at anthesis. A significant effect of both factors interaction on nitrogen accumulation in grain and cob covering leaves was noted, but limited to the 80 kg N/ha treatment. The physiological role of Mg and Zn in nitrogen management was most manifested throughout its greater recovery from nitrogen fertilizer applied at the rate 80 kg N/ha, amounting to 92 and 94% respectively; for the NPK, it was only 78%.