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Eighteen 5 months old veiled chameleon females (Chamaeleo calyptratus) were used in the study. Seven females received subcutaneous implants with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH) deslorelin acetate whereas eleven females were used as control animals without any implants. Females were kept in five terraria, in groups of four females (in 3 terraria) and groups of three females (in 2 terraria), respectively. A minimum of one female with GnRH implants was present in each terrarium. They were kept under standard husbandry conditions. Females of both groups (females with GnRH and controls, respectively) were monitored for three years. No differences between females with GnRH implants and females without GnRH implants were observed with respect to the presence of large ovarian follicles, number of eggs/female, or number of clutches/female. GnRH implants did not prevent spontaneous reproductive activity in any of the 7 females with implants. Ovariectomy was performed in 8 females (4 females with GnRH implants and 4 control females). Ten females (3 females with GnRH implants and 7 control females) had to be euthanised. In 17 of 18 female veiled chameleons of this study histologic examination revealed heterophilic granulomatous oophoritis. The use of GnRH agonist implants did not prove to be an appropriate method for the control of reproductive function in captive female veiled chameleons.

The aim of the study was to compare the stock of essential nutrients and carbon in the aboveground biomass of mature stands of silver fir and Norway spruce. A comparison was carried out for 14 mixed stands of spruce and fir. The tree-level dendrometric characteristics were taken from experimental measurements or were generated using the SIBYLA growth simulator. The amount of biomass was calculated using allometric equations. Samples of stem wood, stem bark, and needles were taken and analysed for carbon, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and sulphur concentrations. Using biomass data, the concentrations of the elements were converted into the stock at the stand level. Overall, spruce fixes a greater amount of carbon. The difference is in the carbon allocation, where fir allocates more carbon in the crown and spruce in the stem. Fir needles contain a greater amount of nutrients than spruce needles. A higher supply of phosphorus, nitrogen, and especially potassium was found in the stem wood and bark of fir, the amount of which is more than twice that of spruce. The stem wood of spruce, on the other hand, fixes more calcium and magnesium. As part of the study, linear regression models predicting the stock of nutrients and carbon depending on the stand basal area were parameterised.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and clay, as indicators of soil fertility, are mainly used to determine the ability of soil to retain water and store the nutrients that are necessary for plant growth. However, the distribution of SOC and clay is influenced by topography and land-use. In the present study, the relationships between SOC, clay, altitude, and slope in the topsoil of two different districts in the Czech Republic including the Liberec (71 samples) and Domažlice (67 samples) districts were investigated. To analyse the relationships between slope and SOC, linear regression was used. Results showed that SOC content increased when slope, clay, or altitude increased; however, there were no significant correlations between SOC and clay in both districts. Clay increased with decreasing slope, but clay and altitude were not correlated well in both areas. Then, study areas were divided into three land-use types including arable land, forest, and complex system of agriculture, parcels, and forests. Consequently, the correlations between SOC and slope and clay and slope were generally improved, indicating the importance of land-use on SOC and clay content. Additionally, using multiple regression with several topographic factors can provide a better prediction of SOC and clay content in each land-use for both districts, indicating the complex effects of topography on SOC and clay.

Particle drift happens during herbicide application when droplets travel outside the intended site. Different nozzles produce various range of droplets, so they play a very important role in coverage and drift occasions. When nozzles produce small droplets, the potential for off-target movement is very high. Another important factor determining particle drift is the distance between crops. Wind velocity gives the energy to herbicide particles to move away from the target place. Therefore, a drift simulation of herbicide (mesotrione and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl mixture) was done in a wind tunnel, using different nozzles Extended Range (XR) and Turbo TeeJet Induction (TTI). The wind speed was set at 4.4 m/s, representing the least favourable conditions where applications are possible. In the wind tunnel, eight crops (cantaloupe, cotton, green bean, pumpkin, soybean, sunflower, wheat, and watermelon) were positioned at 4, 6, 9, and 12 m downwind distances from the nozzle, and drift was simulated. Following treatments, plants were returned to a greenhouse for 28 days, and biomass reduction was recorded. Artificial collectors (Mylar cards) and water sensitive cards were positioned alongside plants. According to obtained results, spraying with XR nozzle influences higher injuries than TTI nozzle. Tracer deposition was higher at all distances when XR nozzle was used. Accordingly, droplet numbers, covered area, Volume Median Diameter (VMD), and deposition were higher on water sensitive cards when spraying were done using XR nozzle. As a consequence, higher biomass reduction occurred using the XR nozzle. The most sensitive crops were cantaloupe, pumpkin and sunflower, while the most tolerant were soybean and wheat.

Marek’s disease (MD) is a huge problem for researchers due to the significant losses in bird flocks, but more importantly, the virus’s mutagenic potential. The purpose of this study was to describe non-classical gross lesions observed in broilers and laying hens that suggest the disease emergence and re-emergence. The survey was conducted on 10 broiler and 4 laying hen flocks. All of the dead birds were necropsied in order to obtain a comprehensive diagnosis of lesions, analysing both macroscopic and microscopic alterations. Marek’s disease occurred in 80% of cases in broilers and 100% of cases in layer hens. The disease struck 26-day-old broilers and hens at 2 weeks of age, causing a total mortality of 6% and 15%, respectively. There were no clinical indications of the classical neurological form of the disease in either rearing type, and tumour lesions were mostly detected in the liver, spleen, and ovarian follicles in layers, and in the proventriculus in broilers. These findings demonstrated that MD is widespread and that its resurgence is primarily manifested in visceral rather than neurological manifestations. Despite MD immunization, biosecurity remains critical.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different live weights at slaughter (LWS) of Zwartbles lambs on their daily gain (DG), carcass traits (CT) and chemical and physical characteristics of the quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM). A total of four weight groups of lambs were evaluated: group A, LWS = up to 35 kg; group B, LWS from 35.1 to 40 kg; group C, LWS from 40.1 to 45 kg and group D, LWS from 45.1 to 50 kg. The LWS had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on DG and most CTs, when average DG and most weights of individual CTs increased with increasing LWS. The evaluation of the influence of LWS on the chemical and physical characteristics of QFM primarily shows that this factor had a significant (P < 0.05) effect only on the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) and redness index (RI), when in both cases the values of these traits increased (IMF: from 0.57 to 1.21%; RI: from 8.53 to 9.76) with increasing LWS. In conclusion, it can be stated that most of the monitored traits in all weight groups of Zwartbles lambs were comparable with their levels in specialized meat breeds of sheep.

The purpose of the present study was to develop edible composite films based on sodium alginate and pectin with incorporated Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot and Thymus serpyllum L. extracts. The influence of the extracts on the physicochemical, optical, mechanical, and antioxidant properties of the films was investigated. The addition of the extracts changed the colour parameters and significantly increased the barrier properties to UV and visible light. This effect is more pronounced in the film with chokeberry extract and is due to the anthocyanins contained in it (75.43 μg cyd eq·g^–1, cyd eq – cyanidin equivalents). The antioxidant activity of films with incorporated extracts was 4-fold (thyme) to 7-fold (chokeberry) higher than the control alginate/pectin film. A significant improvement in the mechanical characteristics of the films with extracts was found. The values for tensile strength were 9.41 MPa (chokeberry) and 9.54 MPa (thyme), while for the film without extract – 4.63 MPa. The resulting films could find potential application as active packaging with antioxidant properties, which could increase the quality and extend the shelf life of the foods packaged in them.

The study was carried out in the agricultural landscape (mosaic of an urban environment, gardens, grassland, fields, small forests and semi-natural non-forest habitats) in central Europe (southeast Czechia) in 2021. A light trap was used for trapping (207 nights). A total of 485 moth species and 5 170 individuals were captured. Eurytopic species dominated the area, 72% of species and 89% of individuals. Fifty-nine species are considered pests (12%), representing 25% of individuals. The seasonal dynamics of selected harmful species were evaluated and discussed. Species of semi-natural dry and wet habitats were represented by 14%, i.e. a proportion comparable to pests, but with only 4% of individuals. The numbers of species and individuals recorded and the Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness indices are lower than at natural sites. Yet, overall biodiversity is relatively high, including the presence of some rare, ecologically, or zoogeographically remarkable species.

The intensification of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. (black-grass) is becoming a major problem due to its growing resistance to a broad spectrum of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the resistance level of a black-grass population to iodosulfuron plus mesosulfuron and to identify the underlying resistance mechanism. Dose-response studies revealed that the resistance population is 22 times less sensitive to iodosulfuron plus mesosulfuron than the susceptible population. The probable resistance mechanism identified was the target-site substitution of proline (Pro) by threonine (Thr) at the 197^th position of the ALS enzyme. Furthermore, whole plant response bioassay experiments demonstrated that this population is also resistant to pinoxaden, chlorotoluron, diflufenican plus pendimethalin plus chlorotoluron, fenoxaprop and flufenacet plus diflufenican. In summary, the current findings recommend using alternative herbicides in integrated weed management to interrupt the possible evolution of herbicide resistance in these species.

The vase life of cut lilies is short. Improving the vase life is very important to keep this kind of cut flower fresh by using exogenous improvers. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effectiveness of polyglutamic acid (PGA) on the vase life of cut lilies, in order to introduce a new vase life improver for cut lilies. The results demonstrated that PGA significantly strengthened the antioxidant capacity by enhancing the antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) and the antioxidant contents (total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanin and vitamin C), which further decreased the electrolyte leakage and the malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents. Meanwhile, the PGA significantly maintained the water balance by decreasing the water saturation deficit and increasing the relative water content and the soluble sugar and proline contents, as well as the average fresh weight change rate and average water balance value of the cut flower. Besides, the PGA significantly decreased the wilted flower numbers and increased the open flower numbers, flower diameter and the vase life of lily cut flower. The above findings provided useful information for the potential application of PGA as a new vase life improver for cut lilies.

The paper analyses the effect of electronic-trading (e-trading) on the wholesale prices of select commodities in agricultural marketplaces to aid agrarian income levels. Post a literature review, the researcher performed a field survey to get the opinions of 371 farmers and traders. The researcher also conducted the descriptive statistical analysis, the difference in differences analysis, and the t-test analysis to show the wholesale price improvement after the e-trading platform implementation. The field survey findings and the statistical analysis suggest an increase in average wholesale prices of select agri-commodities in select markets of India due to the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) e-trading platform effect. The suggestions to practitioners and social policymakers highlight an improvement in the functioning of e-trading in terms of better prices for farmers, lowering transaction costs, increased transaction speed, reduced administrative hurdles, improved infrastructure and eventually higher income for a farmer. The knowledge base developed in this paper will help researchers reduce the knowledge gap in agricultural pricing.

The paper deals with the genomic evaluation of retained placenta (RP), metritis/endometritis (MET), and cystic ovarian disease (CYS) and their involvement in the selection programme of Holstein cattle. A procedure for the estimation of genetic parameters and genomic breeding values was proposed. The dataset included farmers’ records of 127 000 lactations from 109 farms for RP, 185 000 lactations from 131 farms for MET and 115 000 lactations from 87 farms for CYS. The lactational incidence was 6.9% (RP), 12.8% (MET) and 9.2% (CYS). The single-trait animal model equation included fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving and parity of the cow, random direct additive genetic effect, random permanent environmental effect and residual effect. The single-step genomic prediction (ssGBLUP) was based on more than 50 000 SNP-genotyped individuals. Heritability for all traits did not exceed 2%. Favourable correlations were found between reproductive disorders resistance, fertility and longevity traits. The correlation between CYS and milk protein yield indicated a genetic predisposition to cystic ovarian disease in high-producing cows. All significant correlations between health traits (clinical mastitis, claw and feet disorders, reproductive disorders) were positive, indicating that the selection for improvement of one health trait would induce a favourable selection response in the others.

White root disease is a significant disease of cashew caused by Rigidoporus sp. Five endophytic fungal isolates, namely AR31D (Fusarium proliferatum), AR42D (Penicillium citrinum), BR32C (Trichoderma asperellum), VNTB1 (Chaetomium sp.), and EAGS14 (Curvularia lunata), were assessed as the biocontrol agents against Rigidoporus sp. in vitro and in planta. The research objective was to obtain endophytic fungi that effectively control Rigidoporus sp. and their mechanisms. The in vitro test results showed that all isolates could inhibit Rigidoporus sp. and promote plant growth by producing volatile organic compounds, chitinase enzymes, and indole acetic acid. Meanwhile, only four isolates could solubilize phosphate with low-medium solubilization efficiency. The isolates successfully colonized the root of cashew saplings in 10–65%. The effectiveness of endophytic fungal isolates in controlling white root disease was determined by the mechanisms involved, such as resistance induction (increased activity of defense enzymes like polyphenol oxidase), chitinase enzyme production, indole acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, and suppression of plant stress which observed from decreased malondialdehyde concentrations in saplings’ roots. Trichoderma asperellum and Chaetomium sp. were the best isolates with the highest control effectiveness and stimulating plant growth.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) play a significant role in saline soil ecosystems. However, little is known about the correlation between NFB application on growth and yield components of rice plants on saline soils. Exploration and experimental methods were performed to obtain the potential of NFB from a rice field in saline soil and reinoculated in a pot experiment. The experiment was arranged as a randomised block design consisting of 8 treatments, namely inoculation application (control and seed treatments with 20 g inoculant/kg of seed) combined with soil application dosage (0, 500, 1 000 and 1 500 g/ha). The results showed that grain yield increased by 43.8–130.6% with seed treatment of 20 g inoculant/kg of seed combined with soil application 500–1 500 g inoculant/ha. Rice yield was affected by multiple variables NFB population, plant height, number of tillers, and grain straw ratio (R2 = 0.926). Path analysis findings showed that the greatest effective contribution (45.45%) yield of rice in saline soil was contributed NFB population. This finding concludes that the application of NFB inoculants as seed treatments and soil applications can serve as an effective as well as the environmentally friendly microbial-based strategy of rice cultivation on saline soil ecosystems.

The paper proposes a new soil evaluation system using the principle of the Saaty method. The Saaty method has been modified and named Soil Assessment System (SAS). Significance weights are assigned to individual soil characteristics (indicators). This provides a more detailed differentiation of the significance of the indicator on soil quality and a more accurate assessment, especially in marginal cases where the assessment by the methods used so far has not been fully conclusive. In addition to physico-chemical properties, other criteria are taken into account to assess not only productional but also non-productional functions. The possibility of using indicators referring to a broader context (e.g., soil sealing value) is also important, thus enabling a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the land. This results in points for individual sampling locations. Soils are categorized according to the number of points and results are shown on maps.

Litterfall of silver fir contributes to development of forest floor similarly like Norway spruce litterfall does. The nutrient return to soil can be intensified by mixing these conifers with other tree species whose effects on soil are positive; our study deals with European rowan. The study aimed at firs and rowans in alternating rows (Fi-Ro) compared to the monospecific plantation of fir (Fi) at two former meadow sites with the stands of 20 and 17 years of age, respectively. Both organic forest floor and its mineral subsurface were sampled. Rowan admixed to the silver fir plantation improved both the uppermost layer and the topsoil as higher pH, more favourable soil-sorption properties and higher plant available magnesium were found below Fi-Ro compared to Fi. Fine dry matter was higher below Fi, which was reflected in higher organic carbon (C_ox), combustible matter and nitrogen pools. Besides the effects of trees on the soil, silvicultural issues such as renewal costs and tree species performance in monospecific and mixed stands were presented and discussed.

The objective of this study was to verify the accuracy of the quantitative PCR (qPCR) method for in vivo detection of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster. A total of 100 faecal and gastric mucosa samples from avian cadavers were investigated, using cytological and qPCR techniques (budgerigars, Fischer’s lovebirds, red-crowned parakeets, scarlet-chested parrots, eastern rosellas, domestic canaries, zebra finches, white Java sparrow). Using qPCR, the probability of detecting positive samples of droppings was significantly higher than in the faecal smear microscopy (P < 0.01). Cytology detected the presence of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in 34 faecal samples, whereas qPCR detected 54 positive samples. In all 46 qPCR negative faecal samples, gastric smear qPCR was performed and also yielded negative results. Gastric smear qPCR was also performed in 20 cadavers where faecal qPCR has detected the presence of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster and in all samples confirmed the positive result. This verifies the accuracy of faecal sample qPCR for intravital diagnostics. Overall, the faecal qPCR technique appears to be extremely reliable, as it made it possible to detect all infected individuals, including those with negative stool or gastric cytology.

We investigated the phenotypic and genetic diversity among 25 grapevine accessions of white grape maintained in a germplasm collection ex situ. The selected varieties were characterised using standardised ampelographic descriptors and microsatellite markers to obtaintheir complete description. The ampelographic analysis based on 24 OIV descriptors and the obtained first dendrogram based on common features, revealed the extent of the phenotypic diversity ranging from 0.29 (between Coarnă albă and Chardonnay) to 0.92 (between Crâmpoşie and Cioinic), without any connection with their supposed origin or the current geographic area of distribution. The SSR allelic analysis with nine standard markers proved and confirmed its high discrimination potential for genotype identification and diversity. The second cluster analysis aimed to evaluate the genetic relationships among analysed accessions,based on Dice’s similarity coefficient, revealed two groups of varieties: the first group (A) included twelve accessions with a degree of similarity between 0.37 and 0.5. The second (B) included eleven accessions, with a similarity degree between 0.33 and 0.67. The genotypic cluster analysis showed a distinct lower similarity between the Majarcă albă variety and all the varieties from the first group, and between Busuioacă de Bohotin and all the analysed varieties. The phenotypic and genetic matrices and dendrograms, although not correlated, were complimentary and provided valuable information about the diversity of the grapevine genotypes and the identification of the synonyms.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency significantly affects crop productivity, especially legume crops. Therefore, it is important to understand the P-acquisition strategies of different leguminous crops. In this study, we undertook a pot experiment with 11 legume crops (soybean, faba bean, pea, cowpea, common bean, lentil, adzuki bean, chickpea, grass pea, red kidney bean and common vetch) to investigate P-acquisition strategies related to root morphology, organic acid and acid phosphatase exudations, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonisation under low (4.4 mg/kg) and optimal (40 mg/kg) P conditions. The results revealed that P deficiency significantly decreased biomass and P accumulation, root length (10.5%), and root surface area (7.9%), increased organic acid exudation (80.2%) and acid phosphatase activity (16.8%), and did not affect root diameter or root AMF colonisation rate. Principal component analysis revealed a positive correlation between organic acid exudation and acid phosphatase activity, while root length and root surface area negatively correlated with organic acid exudation, acid phosphatase activity and root AMF colonisation rate. P accumulation positively correlated with root length, surface area, and diameter but negatively correlated with organic acid exudation, acid phosphatase activity, and AMF colonisation rate. These findings confirmed the following: (1) legume crops use a P-mobilisation strategy related to organic acid exudation and acid phosphatase activity to acquire P under low soil P conditions; (2) organic acid exudation coincided with acid phosphatase activity to mobilise soil inorganic and organic P, improving P accumulation; (3) a trade-off exists between the P-scavenging strategy related to root morphology traits and mobilisation strategy.

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of the intranasal and parenteral administration of azaperone in order to achieve pig sedation. A total of 32 weaned piglets divided into 4 groups (8 piglets in each group) were used. Group A was injected intramuscularly (i.m.) with azaperone (Stresnil®, 40 mg/ml inj.; Elanco Animal Health) at a dose of 2 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). Group B received a dose of 2 mg/kg b.w. of azaperone intranasally. Group C was given azaperone intranasally at a dose of 4 mg/kg b.w. Group D was given 1 ml of saline intranasally and served as the control group. The response to the defined stimulus (a blunt blow of a metal rod into a metal edge of a pen), the degree of salivation, movement level, body temperature and serum azaperone concentration were included in the trial. We found that in order to induce an adequate level of sedation comparable to the standard method of application, i.e., 2 mg/kg b.w. i.m., the intranasal administration of azaperone at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight is required.

Mixed forests play a key role in terms of stability, production potential, and adaptation to climate change. In addition, the studied Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) belong to the most economically important tree species in Europe. The objectives were to determine the effect of the species composition of these two tree genera on the production, structure, diversity, and growth of mixed stands at lower elevations in the Czech Republic. Based on dendroecological samples, research was also carried out on the influence of climatic factors and climate change on the radial growth of these trees of interest. Mixed forests showed higher timber production by 29.8% compared to spruce and pine monocultures. The production of mature stands ranged from 328 to 479 m³·ha^–1. Spruce achieved higher radial growth, but its growth variability was higher than that of pine. Compared to precipitation, temperatures had a greater influence on the radial growth of both tree species, especially in the growing season. In terms of diversity, mixed stands achieved significantly higher structural differentiation and overall diversity compared to monospecific variants. Mixed stands can achieve higher production potential, diversity, and especially resistance to climatic extremes in the lowland regions of the Czech Republic. The differences between mixed stands and monocultures, i.e. the effect of tree species mixing, depend on the appropriate proportions of tree species and their spatial pattern.

Knowledge of the issue of water movement in the soil is the basis for agricultural activity, but also for many other sectors. One of the basic indicators that is evaluated in soil science is the rate of water infiltration into the soil. The article specifically states how soil texture and soil moisture affect the rate of water infiltration. The results show that changes in water infiltration can be significant and certain trends can be traced. The rate of water infiltration into the soil is most affected by the sand fraction (soil particles 0.05–2 mm). The higher the percentage of these soil particles in the soil, the lower the changes in infiltration rate depending on the degree of saturation. The article further evaluates soil moisture in relation to texture. The results were obtained at several research locations within the period 2014–2021 in the territory of the Czech Republic. The above findings are primarily applicable to the region of Central Europe or can be used as comparative values for regions in the rest of the world.

Polycyclic musk compounds are commonly used in personal care products to replace expensive natural fragrances. Due to their huge consumption, they have become a part of the aquatic environment. In the present study, a two-month exposure effect of tonalide on juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) was investigated. We determined the vitellogenin concentration to define the potential endocrine-disrupting effect of tonalide and also analysed selected indices to evaluate the induction of oxidative stress. The environmentally relevant concentration of tonalide (i.e., 500 ng/l) caused a significant decrease in the catalase activity (P < 0.05) and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the lipid peroxidation. An increasing lipid peroxidation was also recorded for the highest concentration group tested (i.e., 50 000 ng/l). On the other hand, no significant changes were recorded in vitellogenin in all the exposed groups. Thus, based on these results, we have not demonstrated the endocrine-disrupting activity of tonalide in zebrafish. The results of the oxidative stress indices showed a significant impairment of the antioxidant defence after the two-month tonalide exposure, which could indicate part of the adaptive response to the tonalide toxicity.

Salinity is one of the critical environmental factors that decreases the water availability and induces nutritional imbalance in crops. In order to study the effect of calcium nitrate [(Ca(NO₃)₂] in the nutrient solution under salinity conditions, an experiment was designed with different salinity (0, 50, and 100 mM) and Ca(NO₃)₂ (2, 3, and 4 mM) levels on Cucurbita pepo (zucchini). Based on the results, an increase in the salinity from 0 to 100 mM caused a decrease in the leaf potassium and calcium concentration, whereas the iron, magnesium and zinc concentrations increased. The most effective Ca(NO₃)₂ level in increasing the nutritional quality and yield of zucchini was 3 and 4 mM. Salinity at 50 and 100 mM significantly increased the leaf sodium concentration and leaf area as well as the leaf number per plant, while the application of both Ca(NO3)2 levels modulated the harmful effects of salinity. The amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as well as the catalase (CAT) activity increased under the severe salinity conditions, whereas the application of 4 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ had the potential of removing the negative effects of severe salinity. The catalase activity increased along with the increase in the Ca(NO3)2 concentration, which was independent from the salinity level. However, the amount of proline, MDA and H2O2 decreased in plants fed with 3 and 4 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ compared to the control in the presence of salinity. These findings suggest that both the 3 and 4 mM concentrations of Ca(NO₃)₂ under 50 mM salinity could be used to improve the zucchini performance by maintaining the ion homeostasis and inducing the antioxidant defence system.

The paper aims to identify the changes and intensity of the factors influencing consumers’ purchasing decision-making process in the food market. The research offers a unique comparison of the situation between the years 2007 and 2022 and reveals the emerging factors affecting consumer decisions. The authors conducted a representative questionnaire survey (N = 686) to determine the influence of individual factors. The data were processed using factor analysis, which allowed for the reduction of the number of factors (20) to four determinants covering 61% of the total variability in the dataset. The determinants of consumer purchasing decisions include traditional promotional elements, product parameters, newly formed factors based on sustainability and health awareness trends, and price discounts. Consumer behaviour appears to be influenced by a wide range of short- and long-term factors, and it is necessary to look at it comprehensively over a longer time horizon, taking current trends into account.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fat levels (200 g·kg^–1 meat and 500 g·kg^–1 meat) and types [lard, glycerolised lard (GL), and purified glycerolised lard (PGL)] on the quality and sensory characteristics of emulsion-type sausages. As observed, at the same type of fat, the low-fat sausage (200 g·kg^–1 meat) had a significantly higher L*-value (lightness) and lower cooking loss and total expressible fluid (P < 0.05) than the high-fat sausage (500 g·kg^–1 meat) and exhibited a denser and more homogeneous microstructure. Additionally, T₂₃ (relaxation time) of the low-fat sausage shifted toward a slower relaxation time, and higher A₂₃ (peak area) was found, which suggested the water mobility was restricted. However, at the same fat content, the low-GL and low-PGL sausages showed better textural properties and superior overall acceptability from sensory evaluation compared with the low-lard sausage (P < 0.05). Still, they have no significant differences (P > 0.05). Therefore, lard-based diacylglycerol could be effectively applied as a fat replacer in emulsion-type sausages with low-fat contents to produce healthier meat products.

Nitrogen dynamics in soil produce N2O emissions. To decrease N2O emissions and conserve N, recent studies have focused on chemicals derived from root exudates that inhibit nitrification. However, selective plant breeding could be used to control nitrification activity in soil instead of fertilisers or synthetic nitrification inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the relationship between nitrification rates (NR) and related N dynamics and plant characteristics for 11 maize varieties with varying levels of nitrification inhibition (NI) compared to Brachicaria humidicola (Bh) as the positive control. In a greenhouse experiment, soil concentrations of NI, NR, NH4+-N, and NO3--N and nitrogen uptake by plants were measured. Six maize varieties had a 1.1–1.6 times lower NR than Bh. Low-NR varieties had higher NI and lower root-to-shoot ratios. NI was positively correlated with total N and shoot N content but not with cumulative N2O and NH4+-NO3-. These results show that maize has the capacity to reduce soil nitrification while increasing the total N in the soil and shoot N content in maize.

Seasonal heat stress and metabolic disorders during mid-lactation are the main factors limiting production in Holstein cows, and several proteins and molecules involved in metabolic pathways are altered in response to stress. We investigated the effects of heat stress on the milk yield, milk composition, serum oxidative status, and metabolites in Holstein cows during mid-lactation to identify biomarkers associated with heat stress in serum and milk. Holstein cows with similar body condition scores (3.0 ± 0.25), parity (2.5 ± 0.5), and lactation days (115 ± 5 days) were selected in August (heat stress, HS, n = 20) 2017 and March 2018 (non-heat stress, NHS, n = 20). Milk yield was recorded daily and serum was collected on days 1, 31, and 61. Serum and milk metabolites were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry on day 1. The results showed a significantly lower average daily milk yield in the HS group than in the NHS group (P < 0.05). The milk compositions of fat (%), lactoprotein, lactose yield, and milk solid-not-fat in the HS group were significantly lower than in the NHS group on days 1, 31, and 61 (P < 0.05). The levels of  malondialdehyde were higher, whereas those of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were lower in the serum of the HS group (P < 0.05) than that of the NHS group. The serum concentrations of d-glucose, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and d-lactose were significantly higher in  the NHS group than in the HS group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of lactic acid and milk urea nitrogen in the NHS group were lower than those in the HS group (P < 0.05). The present data suggest that metabolic biomarkers are closely associated with heat stress in the serum and milk, which provides a basis for evaluating indicators of heat stress occurrence in mid-lactation cows.

This review focuses on the behaviour of four psychoactive compounds (carbamazepine, tramadol, sertraline and citalopram) in the environment. The review presents how they may directly affect freshwater systems, soils and living organisms and to which extent. The transformation of these very stable compounds in soils were controlled by oxidation, demethylation, decarboxylation and hydroxylation. Sorption to organic matter and clay particles controlled their mobility. Despite their expected sorption in soils, sediments and sludge, all compounds can be taken up by plants and by fish. In plants, all compounds and several of their metabolites were found in the leaves, indicating the mobility and transformation of the compounds within the plant systems. Factors that control the compounds mobility in plants were found to be the pH of soils and the xylem flow. As for fish, many of the compounds were found in the brain and muscles of fish, some of which, depending on the species, affected the behaviour of the fish. The implications of these compounds so widely present in the environment indicate the need for certain measures to be put into place to prevent these compounds from continuously entering plant and animal systems.

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a severe worldwide wheat foliar disease and has become common in Tunisia. Two hundred wheat field surveys were conducted in northern Tunisia during the 2017–2019 seasons to determine disease intensity and the correlation of the tan spot with agricultural practices and environmental factors. The disease infested 67% of the visited regions. The highest prevalence (87.5%), incidence (> 30%), and severity (> 10%) were observed in sub-humid regions, contrary to the middle semi-arid regions. Logistic regression was used to analyse the correlation of incidence and severity with various factors as independent variables. In a multiple variable model, the bioclimatic stages, variety, previous crop, humidity, and rainfall were significantly associated with tan spot incidence and severity. High incidence and severity were significantly correlated to the sub-humid regions, varieties Maâli, Razzak, Karim, and Carioca, rainfall, high level of humidity, and monoculture. The correlation between the tan spot and several environmental factors must be considered to ensure successful and sustainable disease management strategies.