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The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of 17 samples of mead originating from the Czech Republic. The samples included honey wines (made only from water and honey) and dessert meads which were treated mainly by the addition of sugar or alcohol. The following chemical parameters were analysed: ethanol, sugar-free extract, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), sugars (monosaccharides, disaccharides), organic acids, assimilable nitrogen, and polyphenols. Substantial differences were found between samples: i) the content of glucose and fructose was 2.5-113.1 g L^-1 and 17.3-136.3 g L^-1, respectively; ii) the HMF content ranged from 1.0 mg L^-1 to 87.7 mg L^-1. The most abundant organic acids were lactic acid (average 1.0 g L^-1), gluconic acid (0.6 g L^-1), and acetic acid (0.4 g L^-1); the amount of phenolic compounds was 151.9-385.3 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) L^-1. Honey wines typically contained turanose (2.0-7.6 g L^-1) and trehalose (1.1-10.1 g L^-1), while dessert mead was characterised by an increased sucrose content (up to 76.5 g L^-1).

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat globally. FHB causes an extensive reduction in yield and reduces the grain quality through its contamination with Fusarium toxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), T2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, nivalenol, and zearalenone. This review provides an overview of updated progress of genetic studies on the resistance to FHB, with an emphasis on the sources of resistance to FHB, resistance gene/quantitative trait loci (QTL) mining, resistance gene cloning, major FHB resistance genes/QTL identification by molecular markers, and resistance mechanisms. The achievements of resistance breeding based on phenotype selection and molecular markers was also summarised. Based on the systematic analysis of breeding limitations and utilisation of FHB resistant materials, the authors put forward three suggestions: First, to toughen the resistance identification of wheat, testing traits such as Fusarium damaged kernel and DON need special attention as visual symptoms are less reliable, resistant varieties should be popularised, and the screening the resistant genes should be strengthened; The second is to use the additive effect of quantitative resistance genes accumulated from existing varieties to reduce the cost of resistance in order to create high yielding resistant varieties. Thirdly, to enhance research and utilization of new genes.

Invertebrate seed predation is a potential ecosystem service that substantially reduces weed seeds in crop fields, decreasing the seedling emergence and, thus, limiting the weed competition next season. It may, thus, be considered as a natural component of the long-term weed management toolbox. This study aimed to measure the post-dispersal invertebrate seed predation levels of the following relevant weed species in Hungarian maize fields: Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Datura stramonium, Chenopodium album, and Echinochloa crus-galli, and to compare the predation levels among them. We hypothesised that invertebrate seed predators will predate weed seeds, but the predation levels may vary with the weed species. Two sampling rounds were performed, in November 2019 and October 2020, in Gödöllő, Hungary. A total of 100 seed cards/round were placed on the soil surface inside a maize field prior to harvest, 10 m from the field's edge, along 25 transects, with four cards/transect. A distance of 10 m was set between the transects and 1 m between the cards. Twenty seeds of each weed species were glued onto sandpaper (25 × 10 cm, P-60), and a wire mesh was used to exclude vertebrate predators. The seed removal was calculated every 24 h, for seven days in 2019 and for five days in 2020, and then the seed predation was measured using the number of removed seeds on each card. The results showed high seed predation levels on all the seed cards, with an overall average of 85.9 ± 13.7%. Besides, there was a decrease in the % of remaining seeds on the cards starting from the first day after exposure due to seed predation in both years. The optimum exposure period for measuring the seed predation was found to be three to four days, though the number of predated seeds on days 3 and 4 significantly differed between years (P < 0.001), with higher predation rates in 2020 than in 2019. However, no differences were detected in the predation rates among the weed species (P = 0.962, 0.079). These findings indicate the potential contribution of seed predation by invertebrates to weed management in Hungarian maize fields.

This study investigated the influence of soil undergoing different crop rotations on the CH₄, CO₂ emissions, and decomposition of rice straw. The studied soil undergoing crop rotation systems were rice-rice-rice (SR) and baby corn-rice-mungbean (SB). Two main microcosm set-ups: anaerobic (SR-AN, SB-AN) and aerobic (SR-AE, SB-AE) conditions. Litter bags containing rice stems were inserted into the soil and recollected at different time points for chemical analysing and the gas sampling was collected to measure the CO₂ and CH₄ emissions. The results indicated that the total carbon (TC) decreased around 30%, and the TC removal in anaerobic was significantly higher than in aerobic conditions. The residue cellulose content varied in a range from 68.2% to 78.6%, while the hemicellulose content varied from 57.4% to 69.3% at day 50 after incorporation. There were no significant differences in the total nitrogen removal, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents among the microcosm set-ups. CO₂ emission increased in all the microcosm set-ups with the treatments without rice straw (CTSR, CTSB) in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. CH₄ release in the SR-AN treatments did not differ significantly compared with the SB-AN treatments. This study confirmed that the decomposition of rice straw residues is faster in the anaerobic paddy soil condition compared to the aerobic crop rotation condition.

With the need to obtain new methods to protect seed material from Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn, 1857) nematodes, a study was conducted to evaluate the nematicidal effects of several plants' essential oils on the mortality of D. dipsaci. Tests were performed under in vitro conditions; a concentration of 2 000 ppm was tested, nematodes were added into diluted oils, and numbers of living/dead nematodes were scored after 4 and 24 h. The results show a significant effect of several plant essential oils on D. dipsaci mortality, with the highest efficacy found for oil from Cinnamomum cassia ((L.) J. Presl), with 100% mortality observed even after 4 h.

The aim of this study was a clinical and radiographic evaluation of the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) method for treatment in dogs with tibial fractures. Ten dogs of different breeds, ages, and sex with tibial fractures were used as the subjects. A medial approach to the tibia was used in all the cases. The tibial tuberosity was palpated proximally and a short incision was made along the midline. After reduction of the fracture, proximal and distal insertion incisions were made to approach the tibia. The mean times for the MIPO operations were 21 minutes. The patients were able to stand and walk postoperatively on the first day and recovery was rapid for all of the dogs. The fracture healing was completed on day 45 based on the radiographic evaluations of these cases. Dogs with tibia fractures treated by MIPO healed rapidly without any complications (90%). Correct fracture selection is important for the use of MIPO to be successful. Further studies with a larger group of dogs should be considered to compare the efficacy of MIPO and other fixation techniques and for the long-term evaluation of the repaired tibial fractures.

In a contemporary globalised world, assuring food security in the conditions of developing a food self-sufficient economic structure represents not only a challenge in terms of the changing agricultural paradigm, but also an important instrument in assuring, in a long-term manner, societal resilience. However, while achieving self-sufficiency in food, China still faces challenges in terms of establishing sustainable food security and transitioning to a zero hunger state. Rapid economic growth and urbanisation have resulted in shifting food consumption patterns from crops towards more nutritious meat and dairy products and higher-qualitative imported foods. In this study, the current state of food security and production and trade in food and agricultural products in China during 2000-2020 have been analysed and an overview of the strategic directions of the domestic sustainable development, food security, and zero hunger policies are highlighted. The main aim of the study is dedicated to identifying the critical shortcomings and gaps in combating hunger and food insecurity in China and proposing policy recommendations regarding improving the stability of the food supply in the country and deigning new possible strategies to achieve it. The results highlight the major trends and shifts of the food security paradigm in the process of developing a food self-sufficient economy.

In Mexico there is an important production of soybeans; however, no evidence of the analysis of organoleptic attributes in Mexican soybean products was found, so the objective of this work was to sensorially characterise soymilk made from commercial beans grown in northern Mexico based on seven organoleptic attributes. A panel of trained judges evaluated 11 soymilks made from commercial soybeans grown in Mexico, two soymilks made from commercial soybeans reported to be free of lipoxygenases, and one control soymilk. Evaluated flavour attributes were beany, milky, greasy, toasted, bitter, metallic and rancid. The results showed that the soymilks from the JP 30790 and JP 28955 genotypes generated low beany notes. The Mexican variety Guayparime S-10 obtained the lowest beany flavour note. Among Mexican soybeans, the soymilks of Huasteca 700 and Vernal varieties got the highest values of the milky flavour and the JP 30790 and JP 28955 materials obtained intermediate values in this attribute; in the rancid attribute, the zero value was given to all the soymilks. The scarce beany notes and the high milky attribute, as well as the zero value in the rancid attribute favour an acceptable flavour in the soymilks.

Apples (Malus domestica) are one of the most important temperate fruit crops in the world. Apple production provides, directly or indirectly, employment and improvement in the living standards to millions of people, playing a key role in rural economies. We have conducted an interview-based survey to assess the current status and challenges faced by apple production in the Batna and Khenchela provinces, the two most important apple producing regions of Eastern Algeria. The survey was conducted between March and November 2019. A total of 50 apple growers answered 40 questions, including 13 direct and 20 qualitative questions. A scale ranging from 1 (very low) to 5 (very high) was used as a quantitative measurement for 12 questions. The reliability index of the questionnaire was 0.827. The results identified the main challenges faced by apple growers in Eastern Algeria as: limited access to certified and clean planting material, limited knowledge of disease and pest identification, inadequate access to appropriate disease management, lack of storage facilities and transportation of harvested fruit, and insufficient knowledge of marketing and access to markets. The study also identified a need for the development of cost-effective plant multiplication, horticultural and disease management practices and educational programmes suitable for local conditions to enhance the productivity and economic benefits of apple orchards.

Identifiable endophytic bacteria with plant growth-promoting traits promise to ensure sustainable agriculture. However, information on the versatility and exploration of sunflower-associated bacteria as bioinoculants is less studied. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence and annotation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JVB5 isolated from the sunflower root endosphere from the North West province, South Africa. The whole-genome analysis revealed a genome size of 4 771 305 bp, a sequence read count of 8 764 890, a 66% guanine-cytosine content, 57 tRNAs, 268 contigs, and 4 160 protein-coding genes with functions in various metabolic pathways. Pathways involved in the indole acetic acid production were found in the S. maltophilia JVB5 genome. The whole-genome annotation predicted notable genes involved in bacterial colonisation, antibiosis, and plant growth promotion. The predicted genes are involved in the sulfur metabolism, and the oxidative stress may enhance the plant growth promotion and boost plant the resistance to stress. Upon inoculation, S. maltophilia JVB5 efficiently colonised the sunflower root under greenhouse conditions with a significant improvement on the wet plant weight of 437.20 g compared to the uninoculated control with a 331.04 g wet weight. The genomic analysis revealing specific functional genes in the bacteria genome suggests their bioprospecting in agriculture. Hence, understanding the mechanisms employed by S. maltophilia JVB5 based on the predicted multifunctional genes will help harness their bioresource in sustainable plant health.

The aim of our three consecutive years (2017-2019) field trial was to obtain information as to the effect of weather conditions of the actual year as well as to assess the impact of some technological parameters such as fertilisation, the choice on the hybrid type on the yield parameters, phytosanitary conditions and mycotoxin contamination of maize. According to our results, the climatic characteristics of the years, the examined hybrid characters (FAO 310 and 490) and the fact of N-fertilisation had significant effects on yield parameters and grain moisture content. The additional N-supply did not affect the development or severity of stem rot in any of the hybrid effects. In this respect, the year effect appeared to be the decisive factor since much higher stem rot values were recorded in the plots of the longer growing season hybrids. Among the mycotoxins examined, only zearalenone and fumonisin found in the harvest were significantly influenced by the effect of the year, the length of the growing season as well as nutrient replenishment. It can be stated that the applied technological parameters have a major effect on the expression of this toxin load in maize. Dry maize stocks that have lost their water in the vegetation are predisposing factors for toxin accumulation. N-content of soil and that of plants can play a different role in mycotoxin accumulation in maize plants.

A two-year-old female Prague Ratter dog was presented for evaluation of cough, exercise intolerance and worsening dyspnea. A previous treatment with antibiotics did not resolve the clinical signs. A diagnostic approach revealed peripheral eosinophilia, endoscopic bronchial changes, and bronchoalveolar lavage with eosinophilic inflammation. Thoracic radiographs revealed a solitary mass and bilateral interstitial lung pattern. These radiographic findings were confirmed by computed tomography and ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lung mass. Treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine was initiated. Two months afterwards, the granuloma was no longer detectable radiographically. All medication was gradually discontinued after nine months and currently, after almost three years, the dog remains free of clinical signs.

It is becoming increasingly common for laboratories to allow the rehoming of dogs when they are no longer needed. There is no research, however, comparing the characteristics of dogs from laboratories to dogs acquired from more traditional sources for pets. This study used the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) to compare emotional and behavioural characteristics of 100 former laboratory Beagles who were rehomed to a convenience sample of 244 pet Beagles with no known history of laboratory use. Our results revealed that the former laboratory Beagles exhibited increased fearfulness, attention and attachment behaviours, and more abnormal behaviours than the convenience sample, yet were significantly less aggressive, and likely to chase other animals or escape. Importantly, we also found no significant differences in a majority of the everyday behaviours assessed. Our findings demonstrate dogs rehomed from laboratories form strong bonds with their caregivers, and make equally good companions as their non-laboratory counterparts. Our findings may be helpful in designing appropriate rehabilitation programmes, educating laboratory workers and potential adopters, and support the ongoing efforts to offer these dogs for adoption.

This study aimed to produce yogurt with Ganoderma lucidum residues and selected probiotic bacteria. To select the most potent GABA-producing strain (GABA - γ-aminobutyric acid), nine probiotic bacteria were subjected to the glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity assay. Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 was selected and used in preparing fresh yogurts, with and without supplementation of Ganoderma residues obtained after water extraction [GW (Ganoderma waste) 2% (w/v)]. A decrease in pH during fermentation and the occurrence of syneresis were investigated. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viability and anti-Escherichia activity were estimated. Further, the cytotoxic effect of yogurt extracts on the human colon cancer cell line (HCT116) was surveyed. Besides functionality, the sensory attributes were evaluated. The pH values did not significantly change with the GW addition while increasing the LAB counts [up to 9.76 ± 0.11 log colony-forming units (CFU) mL^-1] and the cytotoxic effect on HCT116 cells. Yogurt produced with selected bacteria and GW had the most valuable anti-coli effect against E. coli 0157: H7 and E. coli ATCC 35218 (American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Maryland) (4.81 ± 0.62 and 5.64 ± 0.29 CFU mL^-1, respectively). Although the added GW increased the yogurt functionality, it had a slightly negative effect on the taste and texture of the partially modified recipe. Yogurts fortified with GABA-producing strain and GW could potentially reduce relapse rates of depressive disorders.

Exogenous carbon (C) not only regulates plant growth but also provides energy for microbes and improves the soil environment. We hypothesised that exogenous C could improve plant growth by affecting the soil environment. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted and peanut cvs. Huayu 22(H) and NN-1(B) were used under three different treatments (the control, single nitrogen (N), and N combined with glucose (CN)). The results showed that the abundance and diversity of N-fixing bacteria are obviously influenced by the C and N, and exogenous C can promote the restoration of microbial diversity. The relative abundances of Burkholderiales were increased under HCN and BCN to 9.8% and 9.5%, respectively, compared to the control (3.9%, 2.5%). The abundance of N fixation bacteria increased mainly due to the soil nutrient change. In comparison with the single N treatment, the addition of the C significantly decreased the soil NH4+-N and NO3--N contents by 31.0% and 13.3%, respectively. And the activities of soil urease and nitrogenase were significantly increased. Compared to the control, single N significantly limited the root development, while the addition of C played a promoting role in root growth. Plant N accumulation increased compared with the control, but there was no significant difference between N treatment and CN treatment. These results indicated that exogenous C promoted soil microorganism activity and strengthened plant growth by changing the soil environment.

Metabolites of Emericella nidulans (EN) were separated by chromatographic methods from crude hexane included emericellin and sterigmatocystin, while crude ethyl acetate found demethylsterigmatocystin. These metabolites proved to be antagonistic to Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast. Crude extracts and nano-particles derived from EN inhibited M. oryzae. The ethyl acetate crude extract derived inhibited M. oryzae with an effective dose (ED₅₀) of 66 μg/mL. The nanoparticles showed better inhibition of M. oryzae than crude extracts at low concentrations. Nanoparticles, namely from crude ethyl acetate, crude methanol and crude hexane of EN were active against M. oryzae with ED₅₀ of 4.2 μg/mL, 4.5 μg/mL, 8.9 μg/mL, respectively. It detected sakuranetin (rate of flow value is 0.09) in nano-EN treated rice leaves. These nanoparticles inhibited M. oryzae and acted as a new elicitor to induce immunity.

The post-harvest process at the storage stage is one of the most critical processes for maintaining soybean seed quality. The type of packaging and the type of material stored will affect its shelf life. One type of packaging has specific properties that are different from other types of packaging. Therefore, this study used several types of packaging materials and soybean varieties to determine changes in its quality during storage. The treatments were arranged in a 5 × 4 × 7 factorial experiment in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications, consisting of totally 140 treatment combinations involving five different types of packaging materials. Water content, the weight of 100 grains, seedling dry weight, electrical conductivity (EC), and germination percentage were assessed monthly. The factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare water content, the weight of 100 grains, EC, germination, and seedling dry weight. A qualitative descriptive analysis method was employed for the temperature and relative humidity of the storage room. The results showed that Grobogan had the lowest germination percentage of 84.85% compared to the other varieties (86.97-90.82%). Plastic sack resulted in the most inferior seed quality (82.00% for plastic sack vs. 88.23-90.17% for the other containers). A more extended storage period of soybean seeds caused a decrease in soybean quality for all varieties and packaging materials. Up to 6 months of storage at room temperature, the quality of soybean seeds remained high, with the lowest germination of 80%.

A field experiment was undertaken in a vineyard in southern Romania to evaluate the insect species abundance in this temperate climate area, over a period of 24 consecutive weeks, starting from April 2^nd to September 27^th, 2019. A total number of 19 303 insects were collected. After their morphological analysis, 89 species of insects were identified (nine orders and 28 families), of which 52 came from beneficial fauna (six orders and 14 families, 1 316 individuals) and 37 came from pest fauna (six orders and 26 families, 17 987 individuals). The beneficial species richness of the Coleoptera and Hymenoptera orders were the best represented. The pest insects of the Coleoptera and Hemiptera orders registered a high number of families, while the Thripidae family had the highest number of individuals. The highest diversity of insect species was found in the middle of April, and the lowest was found in the middle of August. The Bray-Curtis analysis revealed the stability of the insect community in the studied grapevine growing area. Grouping insects based on their similarities revealed the highest similarity (91.05-97%) in the warmest periods (June-August) and the lowest similarity (33%) in the spring (April).

This study was embarked upon to assess forest guards' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) behavioural change sequences in Nigeria lowland forest reserves using a structural equation modelling approach. Two research questions were raised and corresponding hypotheses were tested. From the data analysed, it was revealed that both knowledge and attitude variables significantly predicted the behaviour of the forest guards' towards the management of the forest and its resources. Although the attitude variable on its own did not significantly predict the forest guards' behaviours (t = 1.401, P > 0.05), it can be stated that the knowledge of the forest guards towards the forest is a better predictor to their environmental behaviours and their behavioural change sequence (AKP) is inclined towards developing affinity to the forest. Hence seminar and symposiums should be organized for all forest guards with the objectives of having better efforts and persistence, preparation for action, better visualization of success, reduce stressors, and fewer intrusive negative thoughts in managing the forest and its resources. This will help boost their affinity to the forest and self-efficacy as the study revealed that the Attitude-Knowledge-Practice (AKP) sequence explains better the behaviour of the forest guards in protecting the forest reserves.

Bacterial antagonists are effective as an alternative to synthetic bactericides in the control of potato soft rot. The use of bioagents reduces the application of synthetic bactericides, which are harmful to humans and the environment. However, the mechanisms of some bioagents, such as some fungi and bacteria, are not yet understood. This paper reviews the current situation of potato soft rot, biological controls, antagonistic bioagents and their mechanisms, application strategies and future directions in today's agriculture. These mechanisms include mycoparasitism, competition, rhizosphere colonisation, synthesis and release of metabolites. Bioagents increased the defensive system of plants by increasing the antioxidants genes, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), and eventually increased the plant growth and yield production.

The production of summer maize is greatly affected by nitrogen (N) sources through regulating root growth and distribution. Four N treatments in the field experiment were designed as UAN (urea ammonium nitrate solution was applied under traditional side-dressing method), urea (urea was applied under traditional side-dressing method), UWFI (UAN was applied underwater and fertiliser integration technology) and CK (no N applied). The results showed that the root length density, surface area density and volume of DH605 (mid-late hybrid) and DH518 (mid-early hybrid) under UWFI were higher than other treatments, especially in shallow layers. The root absorption area of each soil layer under N application treatments varied with the growth stage. The grain yield and the accumulations of N, P and K in the shoots showed the trend of UWFI > UAN > urea > CK. Compared with UAN and urea, the nitrogen agronomic efficiency of UWFI treatment increased by 40.5~78.6%, and the nitrogen partial factor productivity increased by 4.75~7.61%. Consequently, rational application of UAN would improve root traits, nutrient uptake and utilisation, and yield of summer maize.

Climate change has increased attention paid in the research to forest soils and tree species composition, in respect to the potential for carbon sequestration. It is known that forest stands are able to store soil organic carbon (SOC), but little is known about the effect of forest naturalness on SOC content. This is important in relation of dying of unnatural spruce stands. It is necessary to determine a suitable composition of tree species which will replace them. This research is based on 248 plots with oak, beech, and spruce stands and mixtures of these species, with measured values of SOC. Our results show that autochthonous and mixed stands, in terms of tree species composition, in the study area had a higher SOC content than allochthonous and pure stands. In addition, it was found that autochthonous oak and beech stands, especially in mixtures, had a higher SOC content than allochthonous spruce stands (monocultures). On the basis of the presented results, it is possible to optimize the future tree species composition of stands in the study area, which currently have an allochthonous representation of spruce, to provide better function of carbon sequestration and resistance to climate change.

Acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) is a key metabolite produced by the acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) gene in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways. ACS is speculated to be the branching site of monacolin K (MK) and citrinin production and related to the metabolite production of Monascus. In this study, the ACS expression was inhibited by ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi). T7 was selected for a follow-up analysis of the lowest ACS expression, which was 0.401 times higher than that of the wild-type strain. The effects on the colony morphology of Monascus were determined. The morphological characteristics of mycelia and spores were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The contents of secondary metabolites, namely, MK and citrinin, were determined through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Colour values were measured with a spectrophotometer. Results showed that the low ACS expression could inhibit the growth of Monascus colonies and the hypha and affect the formation and morphology of Monascus M1 spores. It could also inhibit the production of the main secondary metabolites, namely, MK, citrinin, and pigment.

Previous studies indicated that the antioxidant and water balance capacity played important roles in improving the vase life of cut flowers. As a trace element, selenium (Se) has been proven to play an important role in extending the vase life of lily cut flowers. However, there is still no report on the effects of Se on the vase life of other cut flowers. In this study, we explored the role of inorganic selenium, named sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), in improving the vase life of Eustoma grandiflorum cut flowers. Compared with the control (distilled water) and the other Na2SeO3 concentrations, 4.0 mg/L Na2SeO3 significantly increased the superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde content and the electrolyte leakage. Meanwhile, compared with the control and the other of Na2SeO3 concentrations, 4.0 mg/L Na2SeO3 significantly increased the soluble sugar, proline and soluble protein contents, relative water content, average fresh weight change rate and average water balance value. The above results imply that Na2SeO3 showed an important role in strengthening the antioxidant capacity and maintaining the water balance. Besides, 4.0 mg/L Na2SeO3 significantly increased the flower diameter and the vase life. The above findings suggested that Na2SeO3 extended the vase life and the ornamental value of E. grandiflorum cut flowers by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and water balance, which provides new knowledge for the application of Na2SeO3 in improving the fresh keeping of E. grandiflorum cut flowers.

Technology has made it possible to achieve the very efficient use of water resources in agriculture. However, there are a set of practices that could increase both the availability and quality of the water resources, but which are not yet widely used. In view of the scarcity situation mainly produced by the consequences of climate change, the objective of this work is to analyse the adoption of sustainable irrigation management practices in agriculture. To this end, the aim is to identify and evaluate the variables involved in adopting sustainable practices in agriculture through the use of different qualitative research tools in successive phases (literature review, in-depth interviews, Delphi method and workshop). The results indicate that the sustainable practices to be adopted to improve water management in the study area are rainwater harvesting (RWH) and pond covering (PC). The main barriers are the costs, some farm characteristics and lack of research, while the facilitators include easy access to technology and the existence of farmer-to-farmer networks. Furthermore, the most influential stakeholders for these practices are the farmers, policymakers and researchers. Proposals for the adoption of sustainable water use practices have also been made consensually with all the involved agents.

Aceh Province is known by the central production of not only Gayo coffee but also Robusta coffee. They are produced on the southwest coast and east coast for cocoa commodities. Meanwhile, there have been changes in lifestyles, especially in the millennial generation, including at Aceh Province. To reach the opportunity it is very urgent to realise a new product development based on beverages. Focuses of this research were to obtain a coffee-cocoa blend formulation that is suitable for consumers and economical to develop by agroindustry. The design of experiments was formulated for an Aceh Robusta coffee-cocoa mix with percentages of 20 : 80, 40 : 60, 60 : 40, and 80 : 20. The hedonic analysis was done to find out consumer preference by aroma, colour, flavour, and texture parameters. A feasibility study was calculated by R/C ratio (Revenue/Costs), BEP (break-even point; EUR) analysis. The result of the study shows that the Robusta coffee-cocoa formulation (RK4) was liked the most by panellists with flavour description as moderate bitter and strong cocoa aroma (RK3), meanwhile based on colour and texture aspect, the panellists prefered RK1 formulation. Whereas R/C ratio 1.19, BEP (EUR) 0.7 explain that the business deserves to be developed.

The relationship between the early ground cover and the grain yield in winter wheat is not yet fully understood. In a winter wheat breeding programme, selection for early ground cover is traditionally made using visual scoring. Although visual scoring is preferred as a phenotypic screening tool by wheat breeders, its output may not be reliable, as it requires experience. A smartphone camera-based digital image technique can be recommended as a feasible, reliable, repeatable, affordable, and fast selection tool for early ground cover in wheat as an alternative to visual scoring. For this purpose, two wheat trials were conducted in the 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 seasons. In both seasons, 215 wheat genotypes in total, together with three checks from spring wheat, were tested under rain-fed conditions in the spring wheat zone in Turkey. All the tested wheat genotypes were grouped into spring, facultative, and winter growth habit using visual scoring. Simultaneously, photos were taken from each plot with a smartphone camera, and the early ground cover (%) was estimated using the smartphone camera-based digital image technique. The relationships between grain yield, visual scoring, and early ground cover could so be estimated. In both seasons, significant negative correlation between grain yield and visual scoring (r = -0.679** and r = -0.704**, respectively) and significant positive correlation between the grain yield and the early ground cover (r = 0.745** and r = 0.747**, respectively) were observed. The correlation between visual scoring and early ground cover were negative (r = -0.862** and r = -0.926**, respectively). The broad sense heritability estimates in both seasons were 0.51 and 0.85, respectively, for early ground cover, 0.91 and 0.94 for visual scoring, and 0.86 and 0.69 for grain yield. In this study, we revealed that testing winter wheat genotypes in the spring wheat zone rather than in the winter wheat zone could be a more effective way to unveil the positive relationship between the early ground cover and the grain yield. We have shown that the smartphone-based digital image technique is a useful selection tool for early ground cover in winter wheat.

While monitoring the health of different ornamental and shade trees in Serbia, symptoms indicative of cypress canker disease were observed in young Cupressus sempervirens trees in the Belgrade urban area. Symptoms included tree mortality (specimens were recorded with a change in needle colour, branch decline or longitudinal bark cankers on the stems with resin exudates) and the appearance of acervuli fruiting bodies on the bark and cones. Using light microscopy, cross sections of fruiting bodies on the cankered bark and cones were examined and numerous fusoid, six-cell conidia were recorded with four inner coloured cells and two hyaline cells at the ends. Based on the unique combination of the morphological features and the infected host, this pathogen was identified as Seiridium cardinale. This is the first report of S. cardinale on the common cypress in Serbia. Possible introduction pathways and the implications of the findings are discussed.

The honey bee is one of the insects that is significantly endangered by the application of pesticides in the cultivation of crops. Not only is acute toxicity dangerous, but the importance of chronic poisoning by low doses of pesticides in hives is growing. The behavior of bees can be affected not only by insecticide residues but also by herbicide and fungicide residues. In 2016-2018, samples of bee bread were analysed for pesticide content at 25 different localities from intensive agricultural production areas of the Czech Republic. Substances were extracted by QuEChERS and determined by liquid chromatography, together with mass spectrometric detection. We detected up to 18 pesticides in one sample. In total, during 2016-2018, we identified 53 active substances. Fifteen substances (31%) were herbicidal, 23 substances (47%) of fungicidal nature and 6 substances (12%) of insecticidal nature. The coefficient of variation showed large differences in the frequency of revealed pesticides between years. For substances sprayed outside period attractive for pollinators (mainly herbicides and some fungicides), the usual methodology cannot reliably determine the degree of contamination, and thus the actual contamination with these substances may be even higher than demonstrated in this study.

Maintaining nitrogen (N) balance and inhibiting N leaching loss in the soil-crop system is crucial to maintaining yield and reducing the environmental pollution. This study investigated the effects of soil NO₃^--N content and accumulation, eggplant yield, N leaching and balance response to biochar addition, including regular fertilisation and irrigation (W + F), biochar addition with regular fertilisation and irrigation (W + F + B), and biochar addition with 20% fertilisation and irrigation reduction (0.8W + 0.8F + B) treatments. Compared with W + F, W + F + B and 0.8W + 0.8F + B increased soil NO₃^--N content in 0-40 cm and soil NO₃^--N accumulation in 0-20 cm, and raised harvest index, N surplus and balance. Simultaneously, 0.8W + 0.8F + B compared to W + F enhanced N use efficiency and N partial factor productivity, conversely, it decreased N dry matter production efficiency, N surplus and balance. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that the effect of NO₃^--N leaching lasted in 60 cm under biochar addition in the first year, and lasted in 20 cm without biochar application in the next year. Altogether, biochar addition with 20% fertilisation and irrigation reduction is the most suitable management strategy to decrease N surplus and leaching, and maintain eggplant N uptake in a two-year cycle system on greenhouse vegetables in Mollisols.