Fulltext search in archive

The genetic diversity of 132 pig isolates of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia was examined by IS901 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with restriction endonuclease PvuII. A total of 18 RFLP types were detected. The occurrence frequency of respective RFLP types varied between respective pig farms, with the exception of one RFLP type F found in 21 (34.4%) of 61 farms and in 10 (55.6%) of 18 farms in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, respectively. Two different RFLP types were detected in 5 (33.3%) of the 15 studied farms, from which more than one isolate were examined. These results show the low variability of the MAA isolates among the pig farms and the possibility of various sources of infection for pigs from infected farms.

Frisol forte (FR F) and Frisol active (FR A) are slow-acting organic fertilisers recommended for reclamation and revitalisation of undeveloped soils and degraded areas. Tentative results of experiments carried out with these products on spoil banks in the CR showed controversial reactions of plants - on the one hand a high mortality of seedlings and a very good growth on the other. Reasons for these disproportions projecting themselves into the welfare of woody plants probably lie in an incorrect dosage of products. Thus, a special long-term experiment was established with the objective to find an optimal dosing to be used in practice for the reclamation process on spoil banks. By the method of measuring and statistical evaluation of height and stem diameter growths it was discovered that the best results were achieved by the combined use of both products with a dosage in the range of 30-60 g FR F + 250 ml FR A/5 l of water/10 seedlings. The discovered dosage is lower than that indicated by the manufacturer and literature. The application of granulated FR F alone was not so effective. The best dosage in this case was also 60 g/seedling. A disadvantage of using the combination of both types of Frisol is that the water required for dissolving the FR A liquid concentrate is not always available in the location being reforested.

Aprostocetus micantulus (Thomson, 1878) (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae), Torymus heyeri Wachtl, 1833 (Chalcidoidea: Torymidae), Pseudencyrtus idmon (Walker, 1848) (Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae) and Platy-gaster compressicornis (Thomson, 1859) (Platygasteroidea: Platygasteridae) are four main parasitoids reared from galls of Thecodiplosis brachyntera (Schwägrichen, 1835) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) developing on Pinus mugo L., P. rotundata Link, P. sylvestris L. and P. × pseudopumilio (Willk.) G. Beck (Pinaceae) in the Czech Republic during outbreak 1967-1972. Of total 4,279 parasitoid specimens, Platygaster compressicornis (1,778 specimens, 41%) was the most abundant, Aprostocetus micantulus (1,047 specimens, 25%) and Pseudencyrtus idmon (1,020 specimens, 24%) less abundant and Torymus heyeri (434 specimens, 10%) was on the fourth place of abundance. In laboratory conditions, adults of Platygaster compressicornis emerged simultaneously with adults of T. brachyntera, adults of Pseudencyrtus idmon and Torymus heyeri 14-24 days after emergence of T. brachyntera and adults of Aprostocetus micantulus after 24-60 days. Behaviour of adult parasitoid during the process of building the opening hole to escape from gall is described. Larvae identified and figured by FANKHÄNEL and ZELETZKI (1964) as larval stage of Misocyclops pini are misidentification; in reality they are the salivary glands of larvae of Thecodiplosis brachyntera.

A dramatic forest decline due to the bark beetle outbreak, which occurs in the Norway spruce stands in the Western Beskidy (southern Poland) since 2003, was started after severe physiological drought during winter time. An analysis describing some spatio-temporal characteristics of this process, with special regard to the patterns of bark beetle occurrence related to root fungal diseases, is presented. In 2003 the bark beetle occurrence level assessed as high and catastrophic was recorded on 40% of the area, while in 2006 - on 59%. The range of Armillaria root disease and bark beetle outbreak increased towards higher altitudes, including the zone above 1,000 m a.s.l. The wind damage in 2004 and 2007, and high temperatures in the summer 2006, further stimulated the increase in bark beetle populations level. Some conclusions on possible development of the outbreak and recommendations concerning related needs in forest protection, are given.

Ditylenchus dipsaci, the stem nematode, is a migratory endoparasite of over 500 species of angiosperms. The main method of D. dipsaci control is crop rotation, but the presence of morphologically indistinguishable host races with different host preferences makes rotation generally ineffective. Therefore, a sensitive, rapid, reliable, as well as cost effective technique is needed for identification of D. dipsaci in biological samples. This study describes the development of species-specific pairs of PCR oligonucleotides for detection and identification of the D. dipsaci stem nematode in various plant hosts. Designed DIT-2 primer pair specifically amplified a fragment of 325 bp, while DIT-5 primer pair always produced a fragment of 245 bp in all D. dipsaci isolates. Two developed SCAR primer pairs were further tested using template DNA extracted from a collection of twelve healthy plant hosts; no amplification was however observed. The developed PCR protocol has proved to be quite sensitive and able to specifically detect D. dipsaci in artificially infested plant tissues.

To answer many questions of evolutionary developmental biology, it is necessary to identify genes which could be responsible for the studied traits. In this review, I have summarised the methods that are currently used to identify these genes. Mainly the PCR-based methods of gene cloning are discussed here, with the special attention given to the comparison of primer design strategies and PCR amplification strategies. In addition to the review of methods used by other authors, an overview of our experience with PCR-based gene cloning in dioecious model plant species Silene latifolia is included.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of MHS-genotype and feeding regime on the growth and development of muscle and fatty tissue in the whole body as well as in hams of hybrid pigs. The experiment was carried out on 72 barrows that were divided into 4 groups regarding the MHS-genotype (NN and Nn) and feeding regime (standard and intensive). Data necessary to determine the volume of examined tissues were obtained by means of magnetic resonance tomography. During the fattening period there were no statistically significant differences between pig groups with respect to total lean content of the body although the feeding regime effect in the finishing fattening phase was on the margin of statistical significance (P = 0.057). Differences between investigated groups with respect to the lean content in hams were not significant either. Results of this research lead to a conclusion that different feeding regimes and MHS genetic status of pigs do not have a significant influence on the growth of muscle and fatty tissue in hams.

In an experiment with 18 lactating Chios ewes, the replacement of barley grain, wheat grain, sugar beet pulp and lucerne meal with fermented olive wastes (FOW), maize grain and soybean meal was used to formulate diets that allowed the net energy (NE) for lactation (NE_l) density of FOW to be calculated. In the experiment, which lasted 8 weeks, ewes were allocated, after equal distribution for milk yield, body weight (BW) and lactation number, into three treatments of 6 ewes each in a Youden square experimental design with 4 consecutive periods of 14 days. Ewes in all groups were offered a concentrate mixture ad libitum (1.12 kg/ewe/day, dry matter (DM) basis) and lucerne hay (0.90 kg/ewe/day, DM basis). FOW were added to the concentrate mixture at inclusion levels (on an as-fed basis) of 0, 100 and 200 kg/t for treatments FOW0, FOW100 and FOW200, respectively. There were no differences among groups in milk protein (60.0 g/kg), lactose (53.0 g/kg) or ash (9.6 g/kg) contents, but milk fat content increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing dietary levels of FOW. Average milk yield (1 137 g/day) and yields of components tended (P < 0.10) to decrease with increased FOW feeding. The best estimate of the NEl density of FOW was 2.55 MJ/kg DM at 2.7×M NE intake, a value only slightly lower than that of 2.62 at 2.7×M based upon a Van Soest et al. (1984) discount from equations of Van Es (1978), who suggested 3.00 MJ/kg DM at 1.1×M of NE intake. FOW is a low protein, high fibre and low NEl feedstuff that will be of limited value in rations of high producing lactating ewes.

In this paper, we describe and compare the employment, wages and prices in the agricultural and other rural sectors in Central and East European countries. Together, we point out the lack of statistical information limiting the possibilities of the comparison. We comment the marked decrease in both production and employment in these sectors during the transition period. Together with low wages and the unfavourable development of the relation between the purchase and producer prices, this situation causes the retardation in the growth of the living standard of the rural population, in comparison with other sectors of the national economy. Therefore, the necessity of restructuring agricultural production arises, and first of all, the multifunctional character of the agriculture and the development of non-agricultural activities must be supported by the rural municipalities. It concerns, of course in different rates, all discussed countries.

The paper describes the role of rural tourism for the sustainable development of rural areas and stresses out the importance of strategic approach in the planning of their development. The author identifies core problems, which eliminate their use and disable individual strategies set by some entrepreneurs in rural tourism. Concretely it is the absence of developing projects and focus on the development of individual villages. Then it is the lack of will to cooperate, local resources are not effectively used and the local community is not adequately involved.

Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was developed for the detection and quantification of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in clinical samples from persistently infected cattle. qRT-PCR was optimized to quantify the number of BVD virus copies using Light Cycler^® detection system and intercalation fluorogenic dye SYBR Green I. A universal set of primers was selected from a highly conserved 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) to detect BVDV type I and II simultaneously. Quantification of BVDV cDNA was accomplished using a calibration curve generated from 10-fold serial dilutions of standard plasmid DNA in the range 1-10⁸ copies/μl. Analysis of 290 bp amplicons enabled monitoring of the viral RNA/BVDV level in a total of five BVDV strains (BVD-NADL, A03/3004, DB03/2943, KA04/3124, KV05/3412) and sixteen bulk milk samples, and in bovine sera of persistent carriers originating from Czech farms, as well as in a batch of calf serum for cell culture. Melting temperatures of amplicons (Tm) of BVDV strains of the same genotype group I as the NADL reference strain showed variability of the thermal points, however significant differences were observed in Tm values between the representatives of genotype group I and II. Low concentrations of BVD virus in bulk milk samples were also qualitatively identified by conventional RT-PCR. Highly reproducible data were obtained as the coefficients of variation of threshold cycles values in intra-assay and inter-assay were less than 0.85% and 2.76%, respectively. The results give enough evidence of suitability of qRT-PCR assay for quantitative analysis of BVDV in clinical samples.

The paper presents the results of relatively long-term research focused on spoil bank revitalization pro-cesses in the North Bohemian Brown Coal Basin after the first three years of observations. The biological activity of soil (namely catalase and phosphatase activity), indicators of basal and potential soil respiration, ammonification and growth, development and nutrition status of forest plantations were selected as indicators of this revitalization process. These parameters were determined in five localities of different age of reclamation where different technological approaches and tree species compositions were used. The results confirm the distinct time dependence of revitalization processes. From the aspect of biological activity older reclamations are close to natural forest soil. The enrichment of top soil layer with organic matter before the plantation (by ploughing in cellulose fibres and peat addition) increased some parameters of soil biological activity. The positive amelioration effect of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) was also confirmed.

A simple method for identification and characterization of telomere-binding proteins is described in this article. After Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), proteins are eluted, renatured and used for retardation analysis with labelled oligonucleotides corresponding to human and plant of telomeric sequences. We show here that this method is efficient to recover sequence-specific DNA-binding abilities of putative telomere-binding proteins.

In this work, the effects of double, triple and quadruple combinations of gibberellic acid, kinetin, 24-epibrassinolide and polyamines (cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine) on the stomata movements in the leaves of barley seedlings grown under saline conditions were studied. In the control seedlings, the stomata number, stomata index and stomata length increased in the upper surfaces of leaves in comparison with their lower surfaces. In addition, the epidermis cell number in the leaves of control plants were fewer in the upper surface than that in the lower surface, but the stomata were statistically in the equal width in both surfaces. As for the applyings, they generally decreased stomata number, stomata index, stomata length and epidermis cell number, while they increased the stomata width in the upper and especially in the lower surface according to the control. The growth regulators used may have served to adaptation of barley seedlings to saline conditions by causing a decrease in most of the mentioned parameters.

The article was written on the base of research results concerning economic development of several selected Czech agricultural companies. In dependence on the altitude, the sample was divided into two sub-samples: companies of production areas and companies of marginal areas. Various economic indicators were monitored in these two sub-samples, the most important one being the economic result before tax. Other monitored indicators are closely related to this one - e.g. the required profit ratio, structure of the economic result, tax impact on the economic result. Other monitored indicators were: the structure of the revenue, productivity of labour, labour technical equipment, capital efficiency and other. Time comparison (development during several recent years; comparison between production and marginal areas) and space comparison of these two sub-samples were carried out. In its conclusion, this article evaluates the history of the hitherto development.

The present study concentrated on the development of an analytical method for determination of emissions of volatile organic compounds from crude and heat treated amaranth (genus Amaranthus L.) samples. Emitted substances were collected by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method and identified by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The list of identified abundant organic compounds exceeds one hundred substances of different classes. Total concentrations of quantified volatile organic compounds ranged between 2.2 and 68.9 μg/g of dried sample. Hexanal and acetic acid were found as the most abundant compounds detected in amaranth samples. It was found that heat treatment (popping) of amaranth samples changed their composition of volatile organic compounds dramatically. The highest volatile organic compound emissions were found in popped grain amaranth in comparison to all crude grains and amaranth biomasses.

The authors elaborated a new complex methodical approach to the evaluation of necrotic disease of beeches. They used two evaluation scales: a scale for the evaluation of stems and a scale for the evaluation of beech crowns. A four-degree scale for the evaluation of necrotisation of crowns completed the existing five-degree scale for the evaluation of necrotisation of stems. Combination of both these scales into one methodical approach produced the third, complex scale for the evaluation of necrotisation of whole trees. The proposed combined scale is recommended for the monitoring of beech necroses.

Sequencing of cereal genomes is not a feasible task due to their large size and high content of repetitive DNA sequences. There are two basic approaches to simplify analysis of such genomes: reduced representation approaches, such as EST sequencing, methyl filtration and Cot-based cloning and sequencing; on the other side there is analysis of genomes in a step-wise manner, e.g. through creation of chromosome-specific genomic resources. Combination of both approaches - i.e. Cot-based cloning and sequencing of DNA obtained from a chromosome-arm-specific BAC library - was tested in this work.

Proteomic techniques that allow the identification and quantification of stress-related proteins, mapping of dynamics of their expression and posttranslational modifications represent an important approach in the research of plant stresses. In this review, we show an outline of proteomics methods and their applications in the research of plant resistance to various types of stresses.

The exclusive pre-selective effect of BLAD carriers reproducing in the exposed Holstein-Friesian cattle population prompted to search for the candidate gene variants of high quality of milk performance traits within the bovine ITBG2 gene or loci linked with bovine ITBG2 gene. Theoretical considerations indicated that the &Idquo;silent mutation" C→T localized at the position of 775 bp of the gene encoding the CD18 subunit might be a potential QTL marker of high milk productivity. An association study between the polymorphism of SNP 775C>T, and the diversification of milk performance traits was carried out on the progeny of four bulls with genotypes BL/TL and 775C/T and one bull with genotypes TL/TL and 775C/T. The results documented statistically significant differences in the protein content percentage of milk in two half-sib families of bulls with BL/TL and 775C/T genotype and one half-sib family of bull with TL/TL and 775C/T genotype. It was further concluded that the polymorphism of SNP 775C>T was found to be a more efficient QTL marker than that of D128G, since in all the analysed milk performance traits for half-sib families higher values of the F coefficient were obtained for the SNP 775C>T mutation in comparison with D128G.

A total of thirty-four Czech Fleckvieh (CF), Charolais (CH) and Charolais × Czech Fleckvieh (CH × CF) bulls with an average weight of 284 kg were included in the experiment and fed ad libitum two mixed diets: MS (based on maize silage) and LCS (based on legume-cereal and lucerne silages) with different concentrations of dietary energy until slaughter at the target live weight of 600 kg. The CF bulls consumed more dry matter (DM) of feed daily than the CH bulls (P < 0.05) and gained weight less efficiently than the CH × CF and CH animals (P < 0.01) during the entire experiment. The killing-out percentage was lower in the CF than in the CH × CF and CH (P < 0.05). The CH bulls received a higher score for carcass conformation and a lower score for carcass fatness (P < 0.01) than the CF bulls, had lower proportions of kidney and cod fat (P < 0.01) than the CH × CF and CF bulls, and produced the highest percentage of high-priced meat (P < 0.05) and the lowest percentage of separable fat (P < 0.001). The bulls on the MS diet were younger than the others at the end of the experiment (P < 0.01), gained weight more rapidly (P < 0.001), consumed less DM (P < 0.001) daily, utilized nutrients more efficiently over the entire experimental period (P < 0.001), and had a higher proportion of internal fat than the LCS bulls. It can be concluded that purebred CH bulls were superior to the other breed groups in most of the traits observed. The intensive diet based on maize silage increased average daily gains, reduced the time needed to achieve the target slaughter weight, and improved the feed efficiency of bulls.

Tree vigour, occurrence of mildew and scab, yields, yield efficiency, fruit weight, flesh firmness and soluble solids content of apple trees on M 9 rootstock were monitored between 1998-2005 in 42 commercial orchards situated in all the major growing regions of the Czech Republic. Altogether 50 cultivars were included into the evaluation. The characteristics of newly bred or newly introduced cultivars were compared to the cultivars of standard assortment such as Gloster, Golden Delicious, Idared, Jonagold, Melrose, Rubín and Šampion. The group of late ripening cultivars imported from France (Baujade, Early Smith, Granny Smith and Red Winter) proved to be unsuitable for climatic conditions of the Czech Republic. Cultivars of the Rubín group (Bohemia, Gold Bohemia) showed a better quality of fruits than the cultivars of the Jonagold group, but were significantly inferior regarding yields and yield efficiency. The cultivars Rucla, Pinova and Rubinstep seemed to be potential competitors of Jonagold or Rubín; their fruit quality is similar to Rubín, and their yield efficiency is comparable to that of Jonagold. Topaz, which is resistant to scab and has recently spread in the Czech Republic, is specific for its early yield and a very good productivity observed in a majority of the orchards. In addition, characteristics of other evaluated cultivars and their potential prospects for growing in the Czech Republic are briefly discussed.

Rotaviruses are major cause of acute diarrhea in animals and humans which can result in huge economic losses in farm animals including pigs. We collected 195 samples of feces of diarrhoeic animals. Rotavirus was demonstrated by electron microscopy using the method of negative staining in 27 samples and by ELISA test using monoclonal antibodies to the group antigen VP6 in 44 samples. Nine samples were selected for virus isolation. Three virus isolates (P375/4, P410/4 and P646/1) were successfully adapted to growth in cell line MA-104. These isolates were allocated to group A rotaviruses based on ELISA, immunoperoxidase test and electropherotype analysis. Electropherotype analysis demonstrated changes during passage in cell line in two of the three isolates. The selected sample P543/1 proved negative in ELISA in a fecal sample. Electropherotype analysis of this sample revealed a "longer" electropherotype profile. The profile was suggestive of group C rotavirus. Rotavirus group C was confirmed by RT-PCR and by sequence analysis in this sample.

Cultures in vitro made in agar are rather precarious, because gel strength varies both with the medium formula used and the source and grade of agar. Any solidifying agent (like for example agar) should be strong enough to support cultivated plantlets, yet liquid enough to allow the nutrients and drossy products from plants through the medium. It should also be a chemically inert material. Agar, especially in acid solutions, is an undefined constituent of culture media, namely in the mentioned properties. Silica sand, used in cultures of herbs up to the present time, is applicable also in cultures of Sorbus sudetica. The required acid medium is exactly defined if sand is substituted for agar. Similar cultures of wood species, including conifers, will be realized in future research.

Seeds and seedlings of Quercus robur, a characteristic tree species of the hardwood floodplain forests along the Rhine River, demonstrated high resistance to complete inundation under controlled conditions. In both experimental trials no significant difference between the different flooding periods (8, 10, and 12 weeks) could be established either for shoot emergence or for the measured morphological growth parameters. Flooding delayed the germination of submerged acorns till the end of inundation. However, seeds of the flooding treatments had significantly higher germination rates than the non-flooded acorns of the control. Likewise, dry weights of seedlings from the flooded seeds were significantly higher than those of seedlings from seeds not flooded. Aboveground growth in the 24-week growth period following flooding was reduced in favour of root development in either trial of the experiment. Restricted leaf development and reduced shoot elongation stalled the growth of young oaks in the seedling trial. The results confirm knowledge from earlier experiments about the flood tolerance of Quercus robur seed and seedlings. They also serve to explain why oak seedlings are widespread on the Rhine floodplain after mast years, but gradually disappear in successive years.

The distribution of Plum pox virus (PPV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Apple chlorotic ringspot virus (ACLSV) and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) in naturally growing shrubs of blackthorn and road-bordering trees of plum and myrobalan, and of PPV, PDV, PNRSV and Cherry leafroll virus (CLRV) in sweet and sour cherry trees were investigated. The most widely distributed viruses were PPV in plums (74% of the investigated trees were infected); PPV, PDV, and PNRSV in myrobalans (26%, 11% and 18%, respectively), PDV in blackthorns (27%), and PDV and PNRSV in cherries (25% and 22%). PPV was not detected in sweet and sour cherries. The incidence of ACLSV and ApMV was negligible in individually growing trees of the genus Prunus in the Czech Republic.

The results of a study assessing the level of airborne contamination in intensive broiler breeding facilities are presented. The content of corpuscular particulates of various origin (dust, bacteria, fungi), ammonia and carbon dioxide was determined. The investigations were conducted in a poultry house on a family farm in the area of moderate continental climate during spring 2006. The air concentration of bacteria ranged from 1.7 × 104 to 2.2 × 105 cfu/m³, of fungi from 9.8 × 10³ to 8.5 × 10⁴ cfu/m³, of dust from 1.8 to 4.8 mg/m³, and of ammonia from 4 to 27.47 ppm. Total dust and fungi concentrations measured at the end of fattening period were almost identical to the initial ones, whereas the concentrations of bacteria and ammonia showed a sinusoidal rise from the beginning to the end of fattening period. In general, the analyzed air pollutants reached relatively high levels in the mid-fattening period and also show significant differentiation between fattening periods as demonstrated by t-test yielding statistical significance at a level of P < 0.05.

The paper deals with the institutional problems in the pig meat sector in the Czech Republic. The information was obtained in the frame of Project PHARE-ACE P97-8098-R "Institutional Economics in the Agri-Food Business: How can Structural Policy Help to Integrate EU?" The research was performed in year 2000 by means of a questionnaire method and a method of interviews with managers of individual entities in the food chain of pig meat sector. Problems of the execution of property rights in supplier-customer relations in the Czech pig meat sector are the following (institutional view): poor enforceability of property rights, sale for cash, refraining from long-term contracts, decrease of trust between business partners and trust in legal institutions, increase of transaction costs, lack of business ethics etc.

Two year trials at the Horticultural Faculty in Lednice (part of the Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno) evaluated six cultivars of endive (Cichorium endivia L.): 3 cultivars of C. endivia L. var. crispum (Markant, Midori, Protos), and 3 cultivars of C. endivia L. var. latifolium (Malan, Maral, Nuance). At harvest time, the nutritional composition was evaluated: levels of vitamin C, minerals (K, Na, Ca, Mg), chlorophyll, dietary fibre, dry matter and nitrates. In addition, a single plant weight and yield were measured. It was observed that the cultivars of C. endivia var. crispum contained significantly higher quantities of dietary fibre and dry matter than those of C. endivia L. var. latifolium. Nitrate levels were significantly higher in the leaves of C. endivia L. var. latifolium cultivars. Except for vitamin C and dietary fibre, it was observed that all the investigated parameters varied significantly from one year to the next. Out of the six cultivars of endive, the Maral cultivar showed the highest average yield per 100 m² (662 kg).