MendelNet, 2016 (vol. 23)

In organic farming is not possible to rely on plants fertilizing during vegetation according to their actual needs. The right crop rotation and harmonic nutrition are necessary for good and quality products. This is realized mainly by cultivating green manure crop and fertilizing by organic fertilizers. The goal of this long-term experiment is to evaluate the effect of different intensity and fertilization in organic farming with and without breeding livestock on content of mineral nitrogen in soil. There are four variants in this experiment: 1. Unfertilized control, 2. Green manure, 3. Green manure + renewable external sources (27 t/ha of compost + 14 t/ha of digestate), 4. Green manure + farm fertilizers (27 t/ha of manure + 14 t/ha of liquid manure). The result obtained from the experimental year 2016 show, that the best variant providing good supply of nitrogen during vegetation is combination with green manure and renewable external resources (compost + digestate). Soil in this variant contained around 83 kg/ha of mineral nitrogen after emergence of potatoes. Variant with green manure and farm fertilizers contained 77 kg/ha and unfertilized soil contained around 46 kg/ha of mineral N. Content of mineral nitrogen in the flowering, around 55 kg/ha, was also the highest on variant 3. The remaining variants had a similar nitrogen content in the soil, around 44 kg/ha. 

The aim of this work was to highlight the great variability in the contained substances of caraway (Carum carvi L.) samples obtained from different types of cultivation and harvest years. The experiment included a total of 145 samples. At first, the isolation of essential oils by the means of steam distillation was performed, followed by the analysis of individual components using gas chromatography, where the main components carvone and limonene were determined. The presented results indicate that the coefficient of correlation between the essential oil content and the carvone content is relatively low statistically highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.32**) and for limonene there is even lower negative statistically highly significant correlation (r = -0.23**), suggesting a strong variability among individual samples regardless of their harvest year and origin.

The achenes of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, as well as an ingredient of functional food and animal feed because they contain a variety of lipids, proteins and biologically active substances. The quality of seeds of milk thistle is not only given by contained substances but also by their microbiological purity. The objective of the vegetation experiment established in 2016 was to explore the effect of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) fertilization on microbiological quality of milk thistle seeds. Six treatments were established in the experiment: 1. N₂S₀, 2. N₃S₀, 3. N₂S₂, 4. N₃S₃, 5. N₁S₁+N₁S₁ and 6. N₂S₂+N₂S₂ (where: N₁ – 25 kg/ha, N₂ – 50 kg/ha, N₃ – 100 kg/ha, S₀ – without sulphur fertilization, S₁ – 12.5 kg/ha, S₂ – 25 kg/ha, S₃–50 kg/ha). Variants 1 – 4 were treated with nitrogen and sulphur before sowing using one dose of fertilizer. Split doses application was applied at variants 5 and 6 fertilizing before sowing and at the beginning of extensive growth during elongation and branching of plants. In milk thistle achenes collected in the period of maturity of terminal flowerheads, these groups of microorganisms were determined: aerobic plate count, thermoresistant aerobic microorganisms and moulds. Protective effect of the applied sulphur against moulds and thermoresistant aerobic microorganisms on the seed was observed, but it was not significant. The aerobic plate count was not affected by fertilization.

Pelleting is used by seed companies to improve the sowability of small and unevenly shaped seeds that could not be sown by a sowing machine. Petunia x hybrida is among the most popular annuals worldwide. The ´seeds are relatively small so young plants producers request pelleted seeds. The only drawback of pellets could be lowering the germination rate after 3 years of guaranteed shelf live. Natural seeds keep high germination longer, usually for 3–5 years. In this experiment was tested germination rate of 14 F1 Petunia varieties from 2000 till 2014. In 2006 the seeds were pelleted. According to this experiment the natural seeds kept high germination after 13 years if stored in optimal conditions. The germination rate after harvesting and in 2014 was not statistically different on p = 0.05. The germination of pelleted seeds and natural seeds stored in room temperature decreased over the years.  

This paper deals with the evaluation of selected physical properties of soil in experimental plots of the Faculty of Horticulture, Mendel University in Brno. Measurements were carried out in spring and autumn 2015 in vineyards, fruit orchards, and vegetable plots. Individual measurements included sampling and analysis of intact soil samples, penetrometer measurements, measurements of infiltration capacity of soil, and determination of soil structure. The gained results confirm differences between the bulk density reduced in spring and autumn. The values of bulk density in the spring ranged between 1.43 and 2.30 g/cm³ and in the autumn between 1.50 and 2.89 g/cm³. Penetrometer measurement results confirm the higher values of soil penetration resistance in tyre tracks, compared with the centre between rows or areas near the planted rows. The highest values were measured in vineyards. The best values of infiltration measured by the Minidisc infiltrometer were measured in vegetable plots. The soil homogeneity in this variant facilitates good infiltration capability throughout the soil horizon. Soil structure was evaluated using structural coefficient, which expresses the relationship between agronomically valuable (0.25 to 10 mm) and less valuable structural elements (>10 and <0.25 mm). The results indicate that lower values of the structural coefficient are in Vineyard.

Growing catch crops has many positive effects. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effect of catch crops on the grain yield and quality of spring barley. The field trial was set up in Žabčice, one of the driest and warmest places in the Czech Republic. The trial examined the following crops: Sinapis alba and Secale cereale v. multicaule. The trial also included a control variant without catch crops. Catch crop growths were planted after winter wheat and left on the field until the spring. Spring barley was sown after the catch crops. Sinapis alba produced more biomass than Secale cereale v. multicaule. The grain yield of spring barley is mainly influenced by the species of catch crops and in combination with a particular year. Sinapis alba, except a drier beginning of the year, had no negative effect on the grain yield of spring barley. Secale cereale v. multicaule regularly reduced the grain yield of spring barley. The content of nitrogen compounds in grains in comparison with the control was lower after Sinapis alba and higher after Secale cereale v. multicaule, but with the exception of 2014, none of these results were statistically significant.

Importance of catch crops in crop production is multi-layered. However, not all catch crops provide the same benefits. The aim of the study was to monitor the yield of selected species of catch crops in a mixture, their biological differences, and the suitability of the mixture. The field trial was set up on a clay-loam fluvisol at a field experimental station in Žabčice (South Moravia, Czech Republic) in 2015. The trial included two mixtures of catch crops. The first mixture (Variant 1) is composed of Sinapis alba, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Fagopyrum esculentum, Crambe abyssinica, Pisum sativum, and Vicia sativa. The second mixture (Variant 2) includes no legumes and is composed of Sinapis alba, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Fagopyrum esculentum, and Crambe abyssinica. A statistically significant difference in dry matter yield was not observed among the mixtures of catch crops, but was recorded among the species of catch crops in the mixture. The highest yield and also rapid initial growth as well as good soil coverage was reached by Phacelia tanacetifolia and Sinapis alba. A similar growth dynamics also occurred in Fagopyrum esculentum that may be also incorporated into the mixture. Among Pisum sativum was the better choice. When deciding which species of catch crops to mix, it is necessary to respect biological differences among the different species of catch crops, especially similar growth dynamics, and their representation ratio.

The contribution is focused on the evaluation of species composition of vascular plants of bio-belts and weed plants on the neighboring plots on the land blocks with the following crops: maize (Zea mays), soya (Glycine max), and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare). The monitored plots are located in the cadastral areas of Rostenice-Zvonovice and Hlubocany in South Moravian region. The total species composition and cover of weed plants were recorded in the field in July 2016. The total number of eleven weed species was found in the selected area. The most varied spectrum of species plants was found in bio-belts. The most frequently represented weed species was Chenopodium album which had also the highest mean cover in plots. Other weed species, Avena fatua, Cirsium arvense and Convolvulus arvensis, may represent menace for planted crops in the region.

The object of this study was to find out what is the behaviour of the same winter wheat variety (Bohemia) plants cultivated within pot and field experiment. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to verify (based on the pot experiment results) whether the pot experiment (that is limited by the soil area) does not substantially affect plant reactions. The pot experiment was carried out in growth chambers where daily temperature course, relative humidity (RH) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were set via protocols. The pots were exposed to the drought stress for 14 days with the daily maximum temperature 26 °C from noon to 2 p.m. The pots were split into 2 groups: (1) Dry where the soil moisture within pots were maintained below 30% of the maximum water holding capacity, (2) Wet where the soil moisture did not decrease below 70% of the maximum water holding capacity. The plants within Wet variant were considered as a control group. The pots were placed onto the concrete floor of a vegetation hall (where the plants were exposed to the weather conditions) prior and after stress regime exposition. The field experiment was conducted within experimental station in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem belonging to the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the Czech Republic. The drought stress was established through the transparent roofs installed above plants’ tops level in the field. The control experimental plot without roofs was nearby there as well. The plants were harvested when the full maturity was reached and the selected yield formation components were evaluated.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of drought and high temperatures on Tobak winter wheat variety during one of the most sensitive developmental stage (anthesis) from the viewpoint of harvest index (HI) and spike productivity (SP). The 5 growth chambers (where the plants were exposed to these stress factors) were used for these purposes. The various protocols consisting
in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) course, relative air humidity (RH) and daily temperature courses were run. The plants were divided into 2 groups within each growth chambers: (1) Drough-stressed (Dry) and (2) well-watered (Wet). Two lengths of stresses duration were tested: 3 and 7 days. The plants were exposed to ambient weather conditions up to the full maturity after stresses exposition within the growth chambers. Subsequently, the plants were harvested manually and HI and SP were evaluated. The statistical analyses showed that the effect of each stress factor separately was statistically significant both for HI and SP14, nevertheless, these two factors interaction was statistically significant only in the case of HI.

In this study, we examined the application of selenium in various forms and doses on the growth of red clover. The first experimental factor was the form of selenium – sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles modified pork gelatin. The second experimental factor was dose selenium – 0, 2 and 20 mg/m². Sampling was conducted at an interval of 14 days. It has been shown that high doses of sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles decrease the yield of green clover. Conversely used form of selenium had no effect on the yield and other indicators.

The aim of the diploma thesis was to analyse the effect of seeding on forage quality as well as the participation of added varieties of the clover meadow and other hybrids. Sowing machines with different intensity of the original turf were chosen for seeding. The types of sowing machines were included: GP TP–300, SE 2–024 and PP–2. The crop yield of dry basis, the content of nitrogenous substances, a fibre and NEL were evaluated. The values were specified using the method of Spektroscopy in the near infrared area (NIR Systems 6500). Participation of added species was evaluated using the projective dominance method. Significance difference in the content of growth nitrogenous substances was not proved in the added varieties but the content of CP was different with regard to the sequence of mowings (P<0.05). The seeding of clover meadow had a positive influence on the content of NEL in the growth phase (P<0.05). It is recommended to add Felina variety to a pasture for horses because of its suitability for seeding and providing advantages such as resistance to  trampling or appropriate hibernation. It also provides high crop yield and due to its structure and   nutrient content can be used for horse feeding.

The diamondback moth is known globally by many as the most destructive and economically important insect pest of cruciferous crops. It is also known to have developed resistance to numerous synthetic insecticides including those with newer active ingredients (Shelton et al. 2008); and this has triggered the development of alternative measures, including botanical insecticides (Oyedokun et al. 2011). The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effect of Azadirachta indica, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and Quassia amara extracts and their mixtures on the diamondback moth larvae; in an attempt to find a superior mixture with more than one major active ingredient for the control of diamondback moth. The study consisted of two separate experiments; a feeding test, and a tarsal contact test. Mortality was recorded at 24, 48 and 72-h intervals from the start of the study. Varying levels of mortalities was recorded in both tests; mortalities ranged between 2–58% and 8% to 76% for the feeding test and the tarsal contact experiment respectively. In both experiments, the highest mortality was recorded in the first 24h and in formulations with the highest concentration. For the feeding test, Pyrethrins, Azadirachtin + Pyrethrins and Azadirachtin + Pyrethrins + Quassin extract/extract mixtures, produced the best effect; with Pyrethrins recording a 54% total mortality count, Azadirachtin + Pyrethrins combination producing a 48% mortality count and a 58% mortality count from Azadirachtin + Pyrethrins + Quassin extract combination. In the contact experiment, the highest mortality was observed in Pyrethrins, and Pyrethrins + Azadirachtin mixture; recording 76% and 64% mortality count respectively.

Remote sensing can be very useful tool for agriculture management. In this study, remote sensing methods were applied for yield estimation in the field level. There were compared remote sensing data together with yield data obtained from the field. The study area is located in Polkovice in Olomoucký region and a crop planted there in the year 2016 was spring barley as one of most important crops grown in the region. The study area in Polkovice is located at lower elevations with intensive crop production and is climatologically warmer and drier than other areas of the Czech Republic. Year 2016 was the first year when the harvest device has been used for yield analysis in this study area. The output of this method is the yield map displaying the amount of crop harvested in the particular place in the field. The yield data from the field were then compared with remote sensing data in the form of vegetation indices. Two of them were used for comparison – Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and a two-band Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI2). These indices have been often used for yield estimation in different studies but mostly in larger scales. This study investigates use of NDVI and EVI2 at more detailed scale while using various remote sensing methods. Comparisons show that remote sensing data can provide accurate estimation and can be used for yield forecasting or supplement traditional ways of yield estimation. Results of the study show that yield-index correlations are stronger for satellite data than for the drone data. NDVI showed slightly stronger correlations than EVI2. Strongest correlations between vegetation indices and yields were found for NDVI from Sentinel 2.

The aim of this work was to investigate the possibilities of stabilisation of the juice freshly pressed from young barley by the means of the essential oils of selected plant species. Barley was grown in the laboratory into the development phase DC 29. Spring barley variety Francin was used for the experiment. Essential oils of fennel (Foeniculum), cinnamon (Cinnamonum), lemon balm (Melissa) and mint (Mentha) were used in various concentrations for the stabilisation of the young barley juice. Sensory evaluation was performed for individual samples of young barley juice after the essential oil addition. The results indicate that cinnamon and mint essential oils proved to have the best preservation effects, but the best in terms of taste the use of fennel and lemon balm essential oils.

Seed vigour is the ability of seeds to germinate and form the basis for future plant growth and development in standard and stressed conditions (drought, low temperatures, lack of nutrients). The root system size of 39 winter wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) planted in field experiment was evaluated in relation to the seed germination and seed vigour and grain yield. Statistically significant inter-varietal differences in average root system size values from the entire growing season were found. Positive relationship between root system size in the grain filling stage and germination of harvested seed was confirmed for early genotypes. Root system size of late genotypes was statistically significantly associated with seed vigour. Grain yield was not affected by the seed vigour and seed germination of sown seeds, but by the root system size. Genotypes with a higher average values of root system size and root system size at stem elongation stage achieved higher grain yield. It is possible to provide selection for cultivar tolerance to stress already at the seed germination stage and on the quality of plant root systems. Seed vigour and quality of the embryonic roots
is important for the following growth and plant development.

The purpose of the work is to compile a list of species growing in vineyards of the winery village Pouzdřany and further to evaluate importance of occurring plant species in view of the ecosystem. According to the winery law, the village Pouzdřany is registered as winery village belonging to the winery region Morava and Mikulov winery sub-region. Within the winery village, three vine lines were delimited: Kolby, Stará hora, Grunty. 102 plant species were found during the monitoring. In vineyards of the vine line Kolby, 88 plant species were found, of this 7 endangered and protected. In vineyards of the vine line Stará hora it was 26 plant species. In vineyards of the vine line Grunty we found 28 plant species.

The purpose of the work is to compile a list of species growing in vineyards of the winery village Popice and evaluate importance of occurring plant species for growing of vine. According to the winery law, the village Popice is registered as winery village belonging to the winery region Morava and Mikulov winery sub-region. Within the winery village there were delimited 8 vine lines: Mitrberk, Panenský kopec, Písky, Ráfle, Sonberk, Stará hora, Svidrunk and Unédy. During our monitoring we found 104 plant species. As for the found species that can compete directly with vine, we can mention, above all, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Elytrigia repens, Elytrigia intermedia, Artemisia vulgaris, Arrhenatherum elatius and Medicago sativa. Further, there were species that can be considered as invasive and may compete negatively with vine, such as Robinia pseudacacia, Lycium barbarum, Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago canadensis.

Biochar application to the soil and its influence on soil physical, chemical and biological properties remains one of the most arguing topics last decades. Nowadays it is used as soil amendment in the terms of the strong negative impact mitigation of anthropogenic activities. Especially it may be found a lot of controversial statements regarding biochar’s impact on soil microorganisms. Main representatives of soil microbiota such as key groups of microorganisms along with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi considered to be sensitive indicators of soil state changes. Thus, in this study there is a try to enlighten the biochar’s effect on soil microbiota and colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Investigation involved five types of soil treatments with the lettuce as a model indicator plant (Lactuca sativa). Two types of bacterial inoculums applied to model plants in combination “with” and “without” the addition of the mineral fertilizer were exposed in controlled pot experiment. In order to avoid the estimation of the primary effect on plants immediately after the fresh biochar application, which could be partly deleterious, there were estimated only the results from the second generation, after the first plant generation has been harvested. The second generation of plants have been seeded into the same soil with the redosing the inoculum and fertilizers addition only. It has been analysed the colonization of roots by AMF and the total number of microorganisms including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, actinomycetes, spore-forming bacteria and micromycetes. Research results have shown of root colonization by AMF in the second plant generation with no significant differences between the treatments. The enumeration of different microorganism groups demonstrated sharp increase in all the applied treatments that corresponded to the root biomass increase as well. 

Biochar is formed in the thermochemical transformation of plant biomass through pyrolysis. It is considered that biochar improves soil properties, and that its application in the soil increases the carbon sequestration by pumping CO₂ out from the atmosphere. It was confirmed in our previous studies, that the freshly applied biochar to soils can worsen the growth of plants. Because of it, the real influence of biochar after dissipation of its initial adverse effects was examined in the next generation of plants cultivated in pots. After the addition of identical inoculums to model plants as was made in the first generation, the soil was tested concerning the fate of nitrogen - in terms of the amount of its mineral forms, their availability in the soil and the rate of leaching. For the second generation of plants five kinds of soil treatments have been prepared with the same indicator plant salad (Lactuca sativa) as in the first generation experiment. Estimation of nitrogen availability in soil and assessment of mineral nitrogen leaching have been investigated using ion exchange resin method. Experimental results have showed the lowest values of nitrogen leaching in terms of inoculum additives along with biochar application that lead to microbial development and consequently to nitrogen immobilization. Nitrogen availability investigation has indicated the increase of its amount released from the microbial biomass after second generation of plants harvesting. Hence, it may be stated that the interactions between soil mixture with biochar, native soil microorganisms and/or bacterial inoculums and experimental plants have been improved during the second plant cultivation.

In this study was investigated the state forest soils around Lenora (district Prachatice) of risk
of elements lead. The aim of your experiment was to assess the influence of glassworks in Lenora
(1834–1995) on the pollution of forest soils. From the neighborhood of Lenora were collected 42 samples from 5 locations, further sorted out into 8 sampling points up to 3 km in area of Velké Nivy, Radvanovické saddle, the hill Chlustov, the hill Ptáčník, Zátoňská mountain. EDTA-extractable (bioavailable) lead in the collected soil is the most accumulated in humus (H) organic horizons due to its high sorption capacity. The found average content of EDTA-extractable lead in the evaluated forest soils are in the range 8.5 to 28.6 mg/kg DM with a mean value of 17.6 mg/kg DM. Only three of the eight sampling points (Velká niva, Hill Chlustov east and Radvanovické saddle-spruce forest) exceeds the determined content of 30 mg/kg DM.

Drought is considered as one of the most important abiotic stress factors. The severity of drought is unpredictable as it depends on many factors such as occurrence and distribution of rainfall, temperature, evaporation and moisture storing capacity of soil. Understanding of drought stress
and water use in relation to plant growth is important for sustainable agriculture. Currently, the breeding of new varieties of barley is increasingly focused on improving the level of resistance to abiotic stresses, especially drought while maintaining good health and corresponding yield and grain quality. New genetic resources with higher resistance to drought are searched for among genotypes well adapted to dry conditions. In this work there were evaluated lines derived from reciprocal crosses between cv. Tadmor (originating from Syria, with potentially high tolerance to drought) and cv. Jersey (advanced European spring malting barley). The obtained lines (F5 and F6 generation) with parent genotypes were cultivated at two locations (Brno, Žabčice) differing in the water retention capacity of soil. The assessment was aimed at traits associated with yield and quality – thousand grain weight (TGW), protein and starch content. 

Root system plays important role in uptake of nutrients which influences the crop quality and yield. On the other hand, soil bioavailable nutrient supply is one of main limiting factor affecting development of the roots. The aim of hydroponic cultivation experiment was the determination of the nutrition deficient impact on the root system of maize (Zea Mays L.). In this experiment the root system was described by electric capacity due to we are able to find the active parts of root which are responsible for main uptake of nutrition. Three deficiency variants (nutrition solution without nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and one variant with all nutrition (control variant) were observing. LCR meter was using for measuring the root electric capacity and also the weight of dry matter of whole plant and root was determined. The weight of root dry matter of variant with P deficiency was increased in time (from 20 to 77 mg/plant), on the contrary the weight of root dry matter of variant with K deficiency was decreased in time. The electric capacity has similar trend, it was increased in variant with P deficiency and it was decreased in variant with K deficiency in the 3^rd term (0.078 nF).

The study presents result of the research that was realised in year 2015 (May–October) in the Berek floodplain forest (SE edge of Nové Zámky). Research was aimed at invasive plant communities on 3 differently managed areas of forest cover.  We were able to document 114 species on 9 permanent research plots. There were identified 35 non-native species and 20 taxa were in the category of invasive species. Using expert systems, we identified some potential plant communities: Sambuco nigrae-Aceretum negundo, Rhamno catharticae-Cornetum sanguineae, Hyoscyamo nigri-Conietum maculati, Festuco arundinaceae-Althaeetum officinalis. Factors of non-native species dispersion are mainly caused by uneven flooding of the floodplain forest during the spillage of river Nitra, exploitation of wood and maintain felled sites under power lines. Spreading of non-native especially invasive species in the lowland floodplain forest reduces species diversity of plant and animal communities and economic use cover. Therefore, we consider it necessary to manage non-native especially invasive species.

Hibernal is an interspecific cultivar of grapevine that has been cultivated in Germany. It was created by crossing the cultivars Rheinriesling and Seibel 7053 and has very promising potential in terms of fungus-resistant (PIWI) cultivars, so that it can be used for organic wine-making. The study is focused on the impact of seven selected rootstocks (125AA, Amos, Börner, CR2, 5BB, K1SO4, and T5C) on the quantitative characteristics of variety Hibernal. The experiment was carried out in 2015. The aim was to evaluate the influence of rootstocks in the selected locality, based on the following traits: plant vitality, yielding capacity of individual plants, number and weight of bunches per vine, and the weight of 50 berries. The results show that rootstock cultivar 125AA and K1SO4 performed best in the evaluation.

Wheat is a crucial dietary stable and economic commodity around the globe. It plays an important role in health benefits to combat oxidative stress in the human body by maintaining a balance between antioxidants and oxidants. The objective of this study was to determine the contents of antioxidant activity (tocopherols) in varieties of einkorn, emmer, spelt and Triticum aestivum L. and identify the richest sources for improving the nutritional value of bread, pasta and other wheat products. The field experiment were arranged in Ceske Budejovice from 2010 to 2012 with 26 wheat varieties. 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl assay was used to evaluate the level of antioxidant activity. The results revealed that antioxidant activity (AOA) ranged from 225.45 mg Trolox/kg DM to 400.83 mg Trolox/kg DM and its values were significantly different among varieties, ploidy level and wheat accessions. Also, modern wheat varieties showed higher AOA than ancient wheat varieties apart from emmer varieties.

This paper focuses on the evaluation of weed species diversity on selected land with photovoltaic power plant in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Furthermore, it is aimed on the evaluation of representation of individual species depending on different conditions within the area. The area is located in South Moravia, Brno-venkov district in the village Unin. Evaluation of vegetation was carried out by multivariate analysis of ecological data, concretely by a redundancy analysis (RDA). Overall, 65 plant species were identified on monitored land. Plant species with highest cover values in phytocoenology relevés were: Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia, Dactylis glomerata, Cirsium arvense and Digitaria sanguinalis. The regular management of land with photovoltaic power plant is crucial to prevent the occurrence of tall species causing overshadow of photovoltaic cells which would result in reduction of the production of electricity.

The aim of our work was to verify the possibility of using Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) for the determination of the content of individual silymarin complex components in the achenes of milk thistle [Silybum marianum L. (Gaernt.)] and to evaluate the possibility of distinguishing between the two milk thistle varieties (Silyb and Mirel) by the means of this spectroscopic analysis. The compounds were extracted for the determination of the silymarin complex components and determined by the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results obtained from analytical methods were used to generate the calibration model for the FT-NIR spectrometer using the partial least square method (PLS). According to correlation coefficients of the calibration models obtained for individual ingredients of the silymarin complex (0.725–0.987) these models are suitable for the preliminary determination of silymarin complex constituents. The varieties Silyb and Mirel have different ratio of the main silymarin complex components. The method of discriminant analysis (DA) was used to distinguish the varieties. Calibration model that can classify these varieties was created.

The interest in milk thistle cultivation has increased in recent years due to higher demand
for this product both in the pharmaceutical industry and in cosmetic or feed industry. Phenological characteristics of milk thistle related to the yield-producing elements are very important from
the viewpoint of cultivation. In this paper, samples of the milk thistle variety Mirel grown in two different localities (Vanovice–Drválovice and Šumperk) in pilot conditions and in randomized block plots were investigated. Two variants of the experiment, control and treatment with the preparation Stomp 400 SC, the dose 2.5 l/ha, were monitored. Plant height and number of anthodia were found higher on the site Šumperk (178.1 to 183.5 cm and 9.67 to 10.6, resp.). As for the yield-producing elements, higher yield was found for samples from the location Šumperk (1.61 t/ha). Higher average yield was observed at both studied sites for the variants treated with Stomp 400 SC, 2.5 l/ha. However, the weight of thousand seeds was found to be higher in pilot conditions (Vanovice–Drválovice),
the average value was 25.83 g.

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the variability of silymarin complex isolated from milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.] achenes. The silymarin complex was determined in 63 different samples of two home-grown varieties (Silyb and Mirel) originating from various environmental conditions and different years of harvest. The samples were analysed by the means
of a reference method using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). The obtained results indicate that the year of harvest had statistically significant influence to both the amount and the composition of silymarin complex in the samples of the Mirel variety. The situation was similar for the samples of the Silyb variety, except of the isosilybin B component.

Winter wheat is currently the most important cereal in the Czech Republic. Growers are trying to achieve high yields in bread quality. Based on these requirements, the currently cultivated varieties in the Czech Republic include those with different quality and yield potential. One approach that is being experimentally verified in the field is the planting of stands of two varieties cultivated on a single plot of land. We can speak about mixtures of two varieties, which should complement each other in their properties so as to achieve an increase in grain yield in the conditions of climate change. The aim of the field trial was to evaluate the varieties of winter wheat (Bohemia and Tobak), grown in mixture in terms of grain yield, quality (grain bulk density, protein content) and the economy (using gross margin) compared to traditional planting of one variety at two different sites (South Moravia, Czech Republic) in the year 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. The impact of year and location was found out. The advantage growing of winter wheat varieties in mixtures was found out in year 2015 at location with heavy soil, where better values of all assessed parameters were obtained in comparison with average of monoculture of two varieties. The yield was increased 0.2 t/ha and gross margin higher 489 CZK per hectare. The results from year 2016 showed, that year in general is one the most unpredictable factor, which can cause different results. Also location, in our case heavy and sandy soil can play important role in growing of varieties and bringing various results. The yield decrease of Tobak (to the lower level than Bohemia) in location of sandy soil (Žabčice-Písky) is typical example of unsuitable variety to the condition with higher environmental stress.   

The main aim of this study was evaluate a drought stress effect on winter wheat development, growth (leaf area index), soil moisture and yields. Simultaneously, the ability of Hermes crop growth model to simulate drought stress response was tested. The field trial was established at Domanínek station (Bystřice nad Pernštejnem district, Czech Republic) in 2014. Mobile rain-out shelters for precipitation reduction were installed on the plots of winter wheat in May 2015. Results of this study showed that model is able to reproduce well a soil moisture content and to certain extent the drought stress for grain yields of winter wheat. Using the rain-out shelters (from 19 May to harvest on 6 August 2015), real winter wheat yields were reduced by 1.7 t/ha. The model was able to estimate the average yield with a deviation of 0.15 t/ha (6%) for no stressed variant. Model underestimated the yields for sheltered variant with a difference 0.67 t/ha (71%) on average against observed yields. 

Barley is classified as one of the most important cereals in the Czech Republic. Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is a worldwide grain disease caused by microscopic filamentous Fusarium fungi, infecting crops in the course of vegetation. The following mycotoxin levels such as nivalenol, deoxynivalenol, 3-acyl-deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol-3-glukosid, beta-zearalenon, zearalenon, alternariol-methylether, enniatin (B, B1, A, A1), HT-2 toxin were determined in this study. It was based on the hypothesis that the enzyme preparations can eliminate the occurrence of mycotoxins. In vitro method called Daisy II was used in this study. All monitored parameters were significantly reduced. The aim was to create an alternative method for mycotoxin degradation using in vitro method.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different types of starter on starter intake and growth performance of calves in the period of milk nutrition. The experiment was performed with Czech Fleckvieh calves (n = 28). Calves were housed in outdoor individual boxes. The calves were fed by colostrum (for the first 5 days of life) or milk feed mixture (from the 6^th day of live) and starter. For the experiment the calves were divided into 4 groups (fed various types of starter: A – pelleted starter with 20% of oats; B – completely pelleted starter, C – textured starter, D – starter with chopped straw) per 7 calves. The mean age of calves in group was balanced (reached in all groups an average of 13 days) at the start of experiment. The experiment lasted for 32 days. The mean intakes of individual types of starters were relatively balanced (differences between groups are statistically insignificant, P > 0.05). The average daily gain of calves in individual groups for the period was statistically insignificant too (the range is from 0.59 to 0.69 kg/head/day). Based on the evaluated parameters we can conclude that the type (physical form) of starter fundamentally not affects the palatability or attractiveness of starter for calves during milk nutrition.

The effect of monensin (intraruminal bolus, 32.4 g) was observed in Holstein cows (milk yield of 10,200 litres) in three experiments. Blood and milk was examined during 4 to 8 weeks after parturition. The positive effect of monensin resulted in lower concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate in blood (0.60–1.31 mmol/l) and milk (0.075–0.137 mmol/l). Milk yield increased by 3.4–11.2% for the first 100 days of lactation, fat yield by 6.9–12.0%, and protein yield by 1.81–5.4%. No significant differences were found in plasma glucose, triglycerides, and urea.

Mare is in terms of reproduction described as uniparous, it means that she has one foal. More embryos, fetuses or foals represents non – physiological phenomenon and as such it brings a lot of complications. In terms of the etiology is discussed as a predisposing factor mare’s breed, the most common is a higher incidence associated with Thoroughbreds. Although in context of multiple pregnancies often mentioned is mare‘s age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and results of multiple pregnancy in Thoroughbred and Old Kladruber Horse mares. It was found 323 records of multiple pregnancies in Thoroughbred and 48 in Old Kladruber Horse mares and the result of the multiple pregnancy was in Thoroughbreds in 258 cases twin abortion, in 45 cases parturition of 2 dead foals, 15 records of parturition 1 live and 1 dead foal and in 5 cases it was the parturition of 2 live foals. In Old Kladruber Horse twin abortion was recorded 36 times, in 7 cases 2 dead foals and in 5 cases 2 live foals.

This studies was focus on compare growing abilities of aberdeen angus which are  bred on four organic farms. All these organic farms are situated in region Zlin in area The White Carpathians. Compared were weights of animals at birth and weight in 120, 210 and 365 days. Weights of animals at birth were in all breeds quite balanced and reached 38.38 ± 3.57 kg. The average weight of calves in 120 days was during the years conclusively the lowest on the C farm and it was 177.93 ± 25.06 kg. The same situation happened (p < 0.05) at weighing in 210 days when distinctly (p < 0.05) the lowest weight in watched breeds was on the farm C. On annual weighing were the heaviest animals which were bred at farm C 416.28 ± 97.29 kg. Distinctly (p < 0.01) the lowest annual weight had animals from farm D 336.13 ± 47.12 kg although in 120 days animals had the highest weight most of all farms. Interesting was weight progression at farm C which as just the only one farm applied winter calving and animals could fully utilize pasturage. On this farm was supplemented feeding by concentrates.

The aim of the present paper was to prove the influence of the breed on the qualitative and quantitative parameters of spermatic fluid of boars present at the insemination station. The research material consisted of 265 boars of breeds Czech Large White, Czech Landrace, Duroc, Line 38 and Line 48. The breed influence was identified in relation to the following values: volume of spermatic fluid (ml), concentration of sperms (in thousands per mm³), sperm motility (%) and content of pathological sperms (%). In this paper it was confirmed that there are inter-breed differences in the quality and quantity of boar’s spermatic fluid, but none of the breeds achieved unique exceptional results in all indicators. The average volume of spermatic fluid of boars oscillated within the range from 220.91 (Duroc) to 333.03 ml (Czech Landrace), sperm concentration was from 330.27 (Czech Landrace) to 741.74 thousand sperms per mm³ (Duroc), sperm motility was from 71.20 (Duroc) to 74.62% (Line 48) and the content of pathological sperms was from 5.56 (Czech Large White) to 9.04% (Duroc). For assessment of quality of spermatic fluid from a comprehensive point of view, auxiliary data was calculated for individual breeds, namely total number of sperms and corrected number of sperms in the ejaculate. The total number of sperms oscillated within the range from 91.34 (Czech Large White) to 109.99 billions (Czech Landrace) and corrected number of sperms was from 64.27 (Czech Large White) do 75.84 billions (Line 48). 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various magnesium doses in the diet on a growth performance of broiler chickens and carcass yield. Magnesium (Mg) was added to the feed mixtures in MgSO₄ form. The basic feed ration contained 1.71 g of Mg per 1 kilogram dry matter. The control group received the feed with added 2.5 g/kg MgSO₄. The feeds for two experimental groups contained the addition of 1 g/kg MgSO₄ and 7.5 g/kg MgSO₄ (groups Exp1; Exp2; respectively).  In the trial, feed intake and live weight of chickens were monitored. The experiment was conducted from day 11 to day 35 of chickens age. Experimental animals were weighed and slaughtered at the end of the trial. Feathers were removed and chickens were eviscerated. Carcass yield was calculated. Selected chickens were deboned and breast muscle and leg muscle were weighed. These parameters were expressed by the percentage of live weight of breast and leg muscle. The total magnesium levels in experimental groups (1.91 g/kg diet and 3.21 g/kg diet) had a negative effect on slaughter weight compared to the control group (2.21 g Mg/kg). This trend was noticeable in evaluation of carcass yield, as well. The differences between groups were statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). Statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was recorded between control group (2.21 g Mg/kg of the diet) and experimental group (3.21 g Mg/kg of the diet) on deboned thigh muscle. Tested magnesium levels had non-significant effect to chicken production parameters but had a positive effect on carcass yield (thigh muscle).

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of inorganic or organic selenium supplementation to pregnant beef cows (n = 12). Cows were divided into two groups per six animals and supplemented with two different forms of selenium: group A was given inorganic sodium selenite, group B was given organic selenomethionine. Before the start of supplementation cows had average glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in whole blood 847.07 ± 170.77 μkat/l and 791.30 ± 112.30 μkat/l (group A and B, respectively). The whole blood concentration of Se in group A was 136.70 ± 27.97 μg/l and in group B was 95.77 ± 20.05 μg/l. After parturition cows had higher mean activity of GPx by 26% and by 45% in group A and B, respectively. The mean concentration of selenium and GPx activity in whole blood of calves in group A was 155.35 ± 20.03 μg/l and 1143.08 ± 150.04 μkat/l and in group B 105.30 ± 24.26 μg/l and 1020.58 ± 304.08 μkat/l (Se and GPx, respectively). It can be concluded that both forms of selenium had analogical biological effect on focused parameters. 

The main aim of the study was to evaluate basic carcass characteristics of purebred lambs of Šumavská breed (S) and its crossbreds with Suffolk (SF) and Texel (T). An integral part of the study was the evaluation of the effect of genotype on weights and proportions of kidney, kidney fat and basic non-carcass traits and composition of tissues in the left leg. The experiment was carried out on an organic farm in Proseč in 2015 and three different genotypes were included in the experiment: S 100 (n = 8), T 75 S 25 x S (n = 11) and T 75 S 25 x SF (n = 8). All lambs were males. As expected the genotype had a significant effect on most of the indicators. Lambs were slaughtered at approximately the same age, however in crossbreds (T 75 S 25) x SF the highest daily gain (0.168 g/day) and carcass yield (44.71%) were found. The best conformation score (3.87) and the highest heart and liver weights and proportions: (0.20 kg and 0.55%) and (0.53 kg and 1.46%) respectively were found in this group. Also the levels of muscle and fat in the left leg were 2.05 kg and 79.77%. In contrast, in purebred lambs of Šumavská sheep the lowest daily gain (0.124 g/day), carcass yield (38.38%) and proportion of muscle + fat in left leg (74.60%) were found. The results of the experiment indicate that use of commercial crossing of ewes of Šumavská breed with rams of meat breeds has a positive impact on growth and carcass quality of lambs. However, due to the relatively low number of lambs in our experiment it will be necessary to continue in monitoring of these genotypes.

The purpose of this dissertation was the evaluation of the influence of families on exterior and performance features of their offspring and the evaluation of lines which function in private breeding in Měník. Acquired data were separated into three databases and processed in Statistics 12 Soft program, through Analysis of Dispersion - ANOVA. For purpose of this dissertation were chosen 8 ongoing families and two most significant stallions - 1028 Manillon Rouge and 2626 Sahib Kubišta of the recent times. Results first database confirm positively importance of conservation of families in breeding. Long term homogeneous families demonstrably confirm the influence on evaluation of exterior indicators (height at withers , circuit chest, and circuit cannon bone) which directly relate with health and efficiency of evaluated horses.  I deal with evaluation of the 1028 Manillon Rouge stallion's influence in the second database. I rate here concretely his offspring. Tukey and Scheffe tests confirm a statistically significant difference between the offspring by 1028 Manillona Rouge in the performance characteristic (basic performance test) and between (circuit chest). The mares have a basic performance test average higher than 7.9173 - this result is, in my opinion, excellent and can testify to the good rideability of these descendants by 1028 Manillon Rouge. Stallions have an average below 7.5530. Averages in circuit chest are: 191.51 for mares, thus attesting to their good prerequisites to become good mothers, and for stallions these are 184.52. The third database evaluates and mutually compares 1028 Manillon Rouge's and 2626 Sahib Kubišta's daughters. Tukey and Scheffe tests confirm a statistically significant difference between the offspring by 1028 Manillon Rouge and 2626 Sahib Kubišta. Tukey and Scheffe tests confirm the difference in averages in basic performance test we see  greater differences between stallions Manillon Rouge - 7.9173 and 2626 Sahib Kubišta - 7.1341.

The experiment involved 24 flocks of turkeys. Ten flocks were slaughtered within one hour after catching while fourteen flocks were transported to the slaughter for 80–100 km and the period between catching and slaughtering was 3–4 hours. The determination of PSE was done by staff visually and by palpation and they decisions were confirmed by water losses. The incidence of PSE meat was higher (P<0.05) for turkeys slaughtered within 1h after catching (5.7% vs. 1.4%). The loss of water for PSE free meat ranged from 10.1 to 13.1%, whereas PSE meat reached values from 14.2 to 15.6%, the differences were significant (P<0.05). It was confirmed that experienced staff at slaughter can very precisely and quickly recognize PSE meat visually and by palpation.

The objective of this paper was to assess the influence of the genotype on yield, quality and technological properties of cow´s milk. In this study we observed 18 dairy cows kept under indentical conditions of one dairy farm. There were three genotypes evaluated: Czech Fleckvieh (C), Holstein (H), and Ayrshire (A), 6 cows of each breed. In total 120 milk samples, taken weekly, were analysed in milk-laboratory. Following charakteristics were analysed: milk yield per standardized lactation (305 days); fat, protein and dry matter content, non-fat solids content, density, active and titrable acidity, rennet coagulation time (RCT) and curd class quality. The results were also compared with the milk recording in CZ in years 2014/15. The highest yield was recorded for Holstein cows (8802 kg) followed by Czech Fleckvieh (7591 kg) and Ayshire breed (7097 kg). The best technological properties was shown by the milk of the Czech Fleckvieh (RCT 220 s, titratable acidity 7.29 SH). The technological properties of Holstein (RCT 248, titratable acidity 6.96 SH) and Ayrshire (RCT 246, titratable acidity 6.72 SH) milk were significantly (p<0.01) worse than those of Czech Fleckvieh. Concerning to the milk composition, the significantly (p<0.01) higher contents was recorded in the milk of the Czech Fleckvieh. In the Holstein milk , compared with Ayrshire, we recorded higher protein content (3.21%), but Ayrshire had higher fat content (4.23%).  Findings suggest that Czech Fleckvieh cows at the farm yielded 451 kg of milk more, and Ayrshire cows 15 kg more, than the general average for mentioned breeds in Czech Republic (CZ).  The Holstein cows yielded 744 kg of milk less than the general average for this breed in CZ. Fat content (at farm) was higher than general average in CZ for all three breeds. In the contrary, protein content was for all breeds lower.

The aim of the study was to evaluate abiotic factor such as microclimatic conditions of boar’s stable in the artificial insemination center. The intensity of daily light and light permeation to the naturally-lit stable and lights indicators in the stable with artificial lighting were evaluated. In the each stable was evaluated the influence of season on the boar´s ejaculate quality. The measurements were always carried out on a level with the head in animal zone environment. Obtained results of quantitative ejaculate indicators, sperm volume (ml), motility (%), sperm concentration (thousand/mm³) and occurrence of pathological sperm (%) were statistically processed. Our results suggest the impact of longer photoperiod length increases a percentage of pathological changes in the end of summer month. The volume of ejaculate and the semen concentration is increased, furthermore the sperm motility is decreased.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of high temperature on selected parameters of semen quality of duroc boars at the insemination station in Velke Mezirici (N 49°23.46667', E 15°52.70135') in summer season from May to September. In the stable the temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were monitored at hourly intervals for whole period of this study. For purpose of the experiment were chosen 20 boars of the Duroc breed, divided into two groups. Group A – the control group (n = 10) has average quality of ejaculate a group B – the experimantal group (n = 10) showed below-average long-term quality of ejaculate. Analysed parametres were volume of ejaculate, concentration of sperm, motility and rate of abnormal sperm. We also monitored concentration of superoxiddismutase (SOD) and copper in ejaculate. The results of the experiment shows that the volume of ejaculate from both monitored groups increased at the same rate (P > 0.05). Concentration of sperm of group A decreased, whereas concentration of sperm of group B was at the same level during the experiment. The motility of sperm of group A at the end of the experiment increased and motility of sperm of group B has intensively decreased (P < 0.05). In the both groups there was an increase of amount of the abnormal sperm in an ejaculate. The concentration of SOD and copper in 2^nd and 3^rd period intensively increased (P < 0.05).  In our experiment the effect of the season had no significant influence on boars with the average quality of ejaculate (group A), but there was found a tendency to deterioration of motility of sperm and amount of the abnormal sperm in group of boars (group B), whose quality of ejaculate has below-average values before the start of the experiment. But the heat stress had significant influence on concentration of SOD and copper. In periods 2 and 3 there were temperatures above the thermoneutral zone (25 °C) and the concentration of copper in both groups significantly decreased and concentration fo SOD increased. 

Generally, working environment means all tangible and intangible factors that act directly on the employee and his work. Employees working in conditions of farms are exposed to different unnatural influences. These factors may include also noise. Noise always arises with a certain energy conversion. In cattle farms, the sources of noise are represented by various mechanical equipment and machines that are used for enabling the operations of the farm. The aim of the paper was to analyze the exposure of operators in milking parlours, during their day routine. The measurement took place at three different farms with different technological solution of milking system. In this article, automatic milking system, herringbone milking parlour and rotary milking parlour was evaluated. Values were processed statistically, showed in graphs and compared with values under the Directive of the European Parliament and the Council Nr. 2003/10/EC, which gives the exposure limit values L_{AEX, 8h} (noise exposure with weighting filter “A”) and upper and lower action value of exposure L_{AEX, 8h,} but also the values of L_CPk.

The HG (high growth intensity from 11 to 28 d) and LG (low growth intensity form 11 to 28 d) lines of meat-type Japanese quail, divergently selected for relative body weight gain from 11 to 28 d but constant 49 d weight were used in the experiment. Eggs were analyzed six times during laying period, form 11 to 33 weeks of age. In total 488 eggs of HG and 497 eggs of LG were analyzed for weight of eggs, weight and proportion of yolk, eggshell and albumen, and for yolk colour. Except yolk colour the line had significant effect on all observed characteristics (P<0.05). Age of quails also significantly affected all parameters (P<0.05). Egg weight was higher in LG (13.4 vs. 12.6 g) compared with HG (P<0.05) and yolk weigh was 3.9 g for HG and 4.0 g for LG (P<0.05). Except egg and yolk weight and yolk proportion significant interaction between age and line was calculated (P<0.05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the  relation between the number of somatic cells and the amount of lactose at a dairy herd of cattle managing in the organic farming mode. Individual samples of milk were monitored for a period of one year, when the samples were taken once per month and underwent analyses in the Brno – Tuřany laboratory. Apart from the somatic cells count  (SCC) (thousands/ml) and lactose (L) in milk, we monitored the milk yield (kg), the contents of fat (%),  proteins (%), urea (mg/100ml) and free fatty accids (FFA) (mmol/100g of fat). After the evaluation it is clear that the relation between the number of somatic cells and the amount of lactose is in mutual negative correlation. The results can be used in a zootechnical practice when filtering  off the results of non-infectious mastitis.  

The aim of this study was detection of the percentage of infectious agents in mortality of calves in the neonatal period. The study was conducted on 37 carcasses of Holstein-Friesian calves, aged between 2 and 14 days from 10 farms located in south-western Poland. Standard set of organs (liver, spleen, lung and intestine) were examined to presence of bacteria (general microbiology, isolation of Salmonella, Campylobacter) and Candida. Isolated strains of E. coli were evaluated for virulence genes. The results obtained from research indicate that the main cause of mortality of examined calves was diarrhea (64.9%). In 13.5% there was found sepsis, and in case of 21.6% there could not be determined the cause of death. Among the pathogenic strains of E. coli had most of the F5 (K99). In testing material there was no found Salmonella sp.

Purple wheat contains a higher amount of anthocyanins than common wheat cultivars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of feeding wheat with purple grain to metabolism and liver function and some performance parameters of broilers. A total of 50 Ross 308 hybrid cockerels were fattened on conventional deep litter system to 39 days of age. Cockerels were allocated randomly to 2 dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design with five replicates per treatment. There were 5 chickens per replicate pen. The experimental group (n = 25) received feed mixtures containing 60% of purple wheat RU 687-12 (experimental group) with content of anthocyanins 36.66 mg/kg dry matter. The other control group (n = 25) received feed mixture with 60% of common wheat with content of anthocyanins 4.88 mg/kg dry matter. The blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The blood biochemical parameters related to hepatocyte damage or metabolism of liver were analysed (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea). The highest carcass yield was found in the experimental group but differences between groups were not significant (P > 0.05). During the trial were not observed significant differences between both experimental groups in monitored basic biochemical parameters of blood. 

The Cannabis sativa L. is an annual plant and well known as an important source of fiber, food, feed, dietary oil and medicine for thousands of years in many countries. The aim of the experiment was to study whether hemp by-products may affect the microbial colonization of the gut, because it would affect the absorption and utilization of nutrients also. This could have effect to performance of chickens. A total of 60 sexed Ross 308 hybrid cockerels were fattened on conventional deep litter system. The trial was conducted from day 10 to day 37 of chicken’s age. Cockerels were divided into three equal groups with 2 replicates per treatment. There were 10 chickens per replicate pen. Cockerels were allocated randomly. The two experimental groups received feed mixtures containing 2.5% of hempseed expellers or 1% of pellets from technical hemp plant tops. The pellets from hemp plant tops are flowers and seeds with a bit of shives. It was crumbled before mixing into feed mixture. The third group was without hemp addition. On behalf of each bacterial species were not detected statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between groups at 37^th day of age. Based on our results we can conclude that the content of cannabidiol 0.03% and 0.15% (hempseed expellers and hemp plant tops, respectively) not affect monitored microbiological parameters of intestinal contents. It was achieved non-significant (P > 0.05) differences in average body weight in our study. The same trend was found in carcass yield. 

In this experiment, two organic zinc (Zn) sources, zinc chelate of proteinate (Zn-proteinate) and zinc chelate of glycine (Zn-glycin) and three calcium (Ca) levels (4 or 9 or 14 g/kg) were evaluated for their effects on the strength of broiler femur bone. Total of 48 male broiler chicks Ross 308 were divided into six groups according to 2x3 factorial arrangement (2 zinc sources and 3 supplemented calcium levels).  The basal diet contained 33 mg Zn/kg and 3.2 g Ca/kg and experimental premix was modified by adding 100 mg Zn/kg either as Zn-proteinate or Zn-glycin and by calcium levels to achieve total calcium content 4 or 9 or 14 g/kg in the diet. Calcium was supplied as CaCO₃. The feed mixture and water were offered ad libitum. The experiment started at 11 days of broiler age and chicks were fattened up to 35 days of age. At the end of the trial, birds were slaughtered and femur bone from right leg was dissected. The bone breaking strength as force in the moment of bone breaking was measured. The calcium level had significant effect (P<0.05) on the strength of broiler femur bone between group with Zn-glycin + 4 g Ca/kg and group Zn-glycin + 9 g Ca/kg, however zinc source had no significant effect.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of air temperature on rumination activity and milk production of Holstein cows. Monitoring took place at the University farm in Žabčice within 4 weeks with a lower (L.) – 11.3 °C and 4 weeks with a higher (H.) – 25.5 °C average daily temperature, in 2016. Two groups of cows – 75 animals each – were included into experiment. From both groups there were always randomly selected 10 lying and chewing cows. For these cows the length of rumination cycle (s), the number of masticatory movements (n), the intensity of rumination (n/s) and the daily milk yield (kg) were evaluated and recorded. We found a statistically significant difference in the length of ruminal cycle (L. 58.1; H.53.0), the number of ruminal movements (L. 65.9; H. 57.0) and the intensity of rumination (L. 0.88; H. 0.93).  Daily milk yield values were not statistically significant (L. 37.4; H. 36.8). 

We evaluated ergasilosis seasonal dynamics at two reservoirs (Hubenov, Koryčany) in the Morava River Basin (Czech Republic). Samples of fish were obtained at monthly intervals between April and October 2014. In total, 189 fish of 11 species were caught using electrofishing and seine nets. Highest overall values for E. sieboldi infection intensity and abundance were recorded at Hubenov in June and September. Prevalence ranged between 80 and 100%. Two highest peaks of infection intensity and abundance were recorded at Koryčany in May and the second around September and October, prevalence ranging between 33 and 100%. As the nauplius and copepod stages of arthropods form part of the zooplankton assemblage, they will be found at highest numbers in reservoirs with low predatory pressure, i.e. where predatory fish suppress zooplanktonophagic fish species.

This paper deals with the relationship between zooplankton, phytoplankton, and fish communities in a water reservoir, with implemented long-term biomanipulation measures to improve water quality. The Water Reservoir Hamry is located near the village of Hlinsko in the Czech-Moravian Highlands. It has a meso-eutrophic character and it is one of the smaller and shallower water reservoirs with an area of 42 ha of water surface and average depth of 2 meters. Bio-manipulation measures in this reservoir have been implemented and monitored since 2008. Assessment of zooplankton, phytoplankton, and fish community monitoring was conducted in the 2015 season, from March to November. Simultaneously, catches of unwanted fish were carried out in order to promote top-down effect in the reservoir. The resulting values of planktonic communities have proven to be mostly negative – almost a monoculture of cyanobacteria in the phytoplankton communities for much of the growing season, negative size ratio of zooplankton, and small overall density of organisms. These values for zooplankton indicate that when the bottom-up processes dominate, the effect of biomanipulation does not have to be demonstrably successful. On the contrary, due to excessive eutrophication of the reservoir associated with inappropriate structure of phytoplankton, the filtration pressure of zooplankton is prevented. As a result, process of improving the water quality in the reservoir via biomanipulation cannot effectively take place.

Killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus) is omnivorous amphipod native to the Ponto Caspian region. When human-mediately or spontaneously invaded new area, it can rapidly reproduce and spread, prey on wide spectrum of benthic macroinvertebrates and fish, and affect the entire ecosystems. Killer shrimp spreads in Europe and no effective eradication methods are available. Since the temperature is limited factor for survival of this species, we processed climate matching to evaluate its establishment probability on the world. Based on this analysis the world's most at risk regions were highlighted. It follows that killer shrimp is most risky especially in temperate zone within Europe, North America and Asia including Japanese Archipelago.

African characiform fish species from genus Brycinus Valenciennes (family Alestiidae) greatly vary in morphological characteristics. Moreover, recent genetic analyses suggest that validity and systematic position of certain species are uncertain and confused, and further revision of entire genus is required. Therefore, we considered to publish our finding from Cuanza River catchment in Angola. In 2007, we captured four adult females of Brycinus sp. in Cuquema River, one of the main tributaries of Cuanza River. These fishes were morphologically and genetically analysed and B. imberi (Peters) and B. lateralis (Boulenger) were identified as the most similar species. Both mentioned species can be easily distinguished from found Brycinus sp. by certain morphological characteristics and by genetic sequences. Since adult males absent in our data set, we recommend future collecting trip focused especially on mentioned males to confirm validity of suggested potentially new species.

The aim of the study was to monitor the phosphorus digestibility of the feed used in the fish breeding. Phosphorus excreted by fish into the aquatic environment may be one of the potential sources of pollution of the aquatic environment by biogenic elements. The efforts to influence the amount of phosphorus leaving the fish breeding are divided into several directions, where the main reason is different physiology of fish digestion. In particular the pond breeding of cyprinids is becoming an increasingly addressed issue. The possibility of influencing phosphorus digestibility by the use of phytate enzymes in the carp breeding is almost impossible in practise; therefore it is important to focus on one of the other methods. Breeding of new varieties of cereals with reduced content of indigestible form of phosphorus for cyprinids is one of the potentially successful ways how to eliminate the amount of phosphorus leaving the fish breeding. 60 pc of common carp fry and four experimental diets were selected for this study. The first part of the test was focused on the feeding of wheat and the second one on the feeding of barley. Control varieties and varieties with a reduced content of phytate were used in both parts. Phosphorus digestibility of the feeds was determined through the indicator method where the crude fibre served as an indicator. In the case of wheat, there was determined a statistically highly significant increase (P<0.01) of phosphorus digestibility (by 11.21%) when feeding a low -phytate variety. In the case of barley, there was determined a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) of phosphorus digestibility when feeding a low-phytate variety. Feeding cereals varieties with a reduced content of phytate has a significant effect on reducing phosphorus loading of the aquatic environment.

The aim of this study was to establish a methodology for efficient elimination of bryozoans in fish farms and their water sources. Another point was to evaluate the economic effectiveness of the suggested measures. The presence of bryozoans in aquaculture may be unfavourable because they are hosts of myxozoa that cause proliferative kidney disease (PKD), accompanied by high mortality of fish and thus high economic damages. The second problem is that bryozoans’ colonies may cover surfaces as pipes and biofilters. To test the elimination of bryozoans, agents commonly used in aquaculture, such as Savo, Persteril, and formaldehyde were used. Two species of bryozoans were selected as model species (Plumatella emarginata and Cristatella mucedo) and were tested using different concentrations of metioned substances. Colonies of species C. mucedo were more resistant against the chemicals than colonies of species P. emarginata. All individuals of species P. emarginata were killed in concentrations 0.025% for Savo, 0.0031% for Persteril, and 0.0063% for formaldehyde. All individuals of bryozoan C. mucedo were killed in concentrations 0.1% for Savo, 0.0063% for Persteril, and 0.0125% for formaldehyde. The concentrations of formaldehyde, as the only product used, killed bryozoan colonies at lower concentrations than quoted lethal concentrations for fish and selected aquatic invertebrates. Therefore, in devices with fish, the recommend concentration is 0.0125% (1.38 mg/l). Formaldehyde is the most expensive of all the tested agents at CZK 37.4/m³, while Savo is the cheapest at CZK 30/m³.

The basic parameters for the evaluation of managed aquacultural fish ponds include determining their chemical and biological composition. As the main indicators of water quality, we determine water temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, as well as compounds of phosphorus and nitrogen. The assessment of nitrogen compounds in aquacultural fish ponds is a daily routine. The experiment dealt with assessment of ions of nitrite, nitrate and ammonia nitrogen in samples of natural waters and in standard solutions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of preservation of reagents used to determine nitrogen ions on the resultant values. Selected assessments of nitrogen ions were carried out between June 2014 and April 2015. Our results show that the preservation of reagents at a lower temperature significantly prolongs the shelf life for the assessment of ammonium ions. For the assessment of nitrite or nitrate nitrogen, this preservation is of no practical importance.

We attempted to answer the question whether the pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus, L.) is used by anglers as a baitfish. We search the angling webforum and analysed relevant posts of the anglers. We found that anglers use pumpkinseed as bait but discussions reflect the awareness of potentially invasive species.

The aim of the study was to determine the toxic effects of organic pigments Alizarin Red S and Alizarin Complexone on zebra fish (Danio rerio). For short-term acute toxicity tests on zebra fish concentration of 150; 300 and 600 mg/L were chosen for both dyes. Toxic effect of dyes was observed even in the variant with 10 g/L of sodium chloride. Addition of sodium chloride increases the deposition of dyes in the bone structures of the fish. LC50 values were analyzed graphically by using probit analysis. There was no mortality during the acute toxicity test with Alizarin Red S even at the highest concentration. Toxicity value (72hLC50) for zebra fish with a combination of Alizarin Red S + 10 g/L of sodium chloride is 546.42 mg/L. Mortality for Alizarin Complexone was 100% in 24 hours at concentrations of 300 and 600 mg/L, with concentrations of 150 mg/L there was no mortality. In Alizarin Complexone supplemented with 10 g/L of sodium chloride was 100% mortality at all concentrations up to 72 hours.

Research was conducted in three fishponds, located in the area of the municipalities Šumice and Pohořelice in South Moravian region, in period from April to September 2015. Samples for phytoplankton analyses were collected twice a month, using plankton net and sampling bottles. At same time, by using portable field devices and Secchi disk, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and transparency were measured. A total of 153 taxa of the phytoplankton (27 taxa of cyanobacteria and 126 of algae) were documented in the studied ponds. The most abundant phytoplankton was in Šumický horní pond, in which big fluctuation in abundance was recorded over the study period. Cyanobacteria, over the entire year, were the most dominant group in this pond. Main representatives were from genera Microcystis. In Šumický dolní pond the most numerous were the green algae, with the genera Desmodesmus, Pediastrum, Scenedesmus and Crucigenia tetrapedia, which was the most abundant species in July and August. In Pohořelický pond, after a short period at the beginning of the season when low diversity and number of phytoplankton was documented, a dominance of green algae occurred, subsequently followed by the dominance of trichal cyanobacteria Planktothrix agardhii, Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi and Aphanizomenon flos-aqua. In all three ponds algae and cyanobacteria which correlated with the eutrophic and hypertrophic water systems were registered. 

The aim of the experiment was to determine the distribution of mercury in six selected tissues (skin, fish scales, kidneys, muscle, liver and gills) of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and its relationship to humic acid and sodium chloride when they are added. Carp fingerlings weighing 47.67 ± 4.61 g were exposed to a water solution containing a defined concentration of Hg²⁺ (1.5 μg/l) and increasing concentration of humic acid (0 mg/l, 1 mg/l, 5 mg/l) and sodium chloride (29 mg/l, 300 mg/l, 1 000 mg/l) in fish tanks for 72 hours. The concentrations of mercury in fish tanks were continuously monitored and adjusted to the required value during the whole experiment. The fish were not fed during the experiment and mercury accumulated in the carp tissues from the fish tank water only. The total mercury content in the water and in selected tissues was determined by the atomic absorption spectrometer AMA 254. The increased concentration of both humic acid and sodium chloride caused a reduction (humic acid: -65% to -96% (exception for muscle 2%); sodium chloride: -8% to 21%) of mercury accumulated in carp tissues.

The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) is an important species used to control invasive aquatic macrophytes in many parts the world. In this study, we assess the diet of grass carp introduced to two artificial channels overgrown with aquatic vegetation. We examined forty 7+ to 9+ carp (517–814 mm standard length) sampled in the summers of 1998 and 2015. Aquatic vegetation was the dominant dietary item, with insects, fruit and vegetable remains (stones of Prunus sp., potato remains) and detritus a minor part of the diet. Aquatic plant biomass declined significantly at the study sites after carp were introduced, with coverage reduced from 65–70% of the water’s surface in summer 1998 to 10% in summer 2015.

This paper focuses on the evaluation of the species composition of accompanying vegetation adjacent to water flow in the of the Upper Nitra region and species diversity among communities attacked by invasive species and non-invasive communities. The research was carried out in the vegetation period during the years 2015 and 2016 on the 10 km long section with 48 phytocenological relevés. The results indicate that there is a high concentration of researched species in the area, which progressively push out the original, natural vegetation. A total of 133 plant species were recorded 111 species in non-invasive vegetation and 104 species in invasive vegetation, 78 species were the same in both types of relevés. The species with the highest average coverage were the following invasive taxa: Helianthus tuberosus, Solidago canadensis and Amaranthus retroflexus. The non-invasive species were: Solanum nigrum, Urtica dioica, Rubus caesius and Humulus lupulus.

The article deals with mining of limestone quarries in selected cadastral area of Brno (quarry Hády and quarry Stránská skála). In both quarries were found foreign substances. The risk elements were analyzed by XRF spectrometry. On the territory refractive Hády was found higher sulfur content. The highest amount of sulfur is in the small quarry - Růženin quarry. At the quarry Stránská skála was mainly found higher content of lead and zinc. Zinc has been found at higher concentrations, especially in the near factory.

The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term observations of phenological phases „beginning of apricot flowering“ (BAF). Further to establish the level of dependence between the BAF Velkopavlovická variety and selected meteorological elements in the period before apricot flowering. For the evaluation the phenological and meteorological data from Velké Pavlovice station of Czech Hydrometeorological Institute Brno branch was used. Evaluated was a data from the period 1940–2008. The average onset of BAF phenophase in the Velké Pavlovice (Czech Republic, Central Europe) was found 11^th April, i.e. 101^st day of the year. The earliest flower of apricot was 18^th of March 2007, the latest 6^th May 1957. Linear trend-line shows an earlier onset phenophase approximately 13 days, i.e. 2 days per decade. To quantify the apricot demands on heat before the flowering the sums of effective air temperature from 0 to 10 °C for varying lengths of the period before flowering were calculated. The relationship between the accumulated growing degree days (AGDD) and BAF was assessed using correlation coefficients. Observed correlation coefficients varied from -0.46 to 0.50, suggesting a relatively weak dependence between the BAF and test meteorological characteristics. In connection with the assumption that flowering trees may be affected by heating of buds due to solar radiation was also performed an evaluation of the duration of sunshine. Significant effect on the flowering apricot, applicable for predicting of the onset of phenological stage, was not established. Nevertheless, the air temperature plays an important role on onset of apricot flowering phenophase is not its clear indicator. Methods based on AGDD calculations are quite successfully used in particular for determining of onset phenophases following the flowering. Attempts to forecast of the onset of the first phenophases, bud development and BAF are not entirely successful.

The paper is focused on the assessment of transport serviceability in rural municipalities in the Banská Bystrica district by public bus transport. Particular parameters of serviceability are able to reflect the level of rural development in terms of quality of life for inhabitants as well as offer of transport for visitors and tourists. Based on the categorization of municipalities into the size categories, the main differences among the groups and municipalities are highlighted. Very positive results were obtained in municipalities located at thoroughfares and municipalities with tourism potential, which creates wider range of connections with places of local, regional and national importance. The worst values were identified within the small rural settlements with less than 200 residents that are usually situated on the periphery and therefore they do not have conditions to create an increased demand for public transport. The presented results depict a municipal development in the light of public transport serviceability, which is a one of the factors affecting the migration of population.

In the years between 2005 and 2012, this study has evaluated the relative abundance and diversity of insectivores of the shrew family (Soricidae) in lowland, upland, and mountain forest habitats of Moravia. In each of these three different elevation levels, two types of habitats were further defined. They include old growth forests, with tall, fruiting trees and a limited herbaceous forest floor, as well as forest clearings with dense undergrowth of herbs and grasses, which means a total of six types of habitats. Shrews were captured using snap traps set up in lines. A total of 302 individuals belonging to seven species were found. The most abundant and most dominant species was Sorex araneus (rA = 0.313; D = 73.45%), while other species were present in much lower numbers. To evaluate the communities, the used ecological indices included diversity, equitability, and similarity. The highest number of species was found in mountain clearings (n = 5), while the lowest occurred in old upland forests (n = 1). The highest diversity was in old growth lowland forests (H' = 1.194), the lowest in upland forests. In terms of abundance and diversity, forest clearings were richer than old forests, while mountain and lowland forests were richer than uplands forests. In terms of species, the most similar were communities of old growth mountain forests and mountain forest clearings. Forest clearings as early successional forest habitats with rich herbaceous undergrowth in lowlands and mountains proved to be important environmental refugia for this group of small mammals in the landscape.

Biochar is carbonized organic matter rich in carbon. Application of biochar into the soil is considered as way for mitigating climate change. Its influence on soil is controversial. According many studies, biochar has positive effect on soil properties, especially on chemical and physical properties. Assessing the impact on the biological component is problematic because biochar contains common aromatic substance which could be toxic for plant and microbiota. Our study wants to use simple fast and cheap process for so-called ageing (activating) of biochar. Biochar was ageing-activating in aeration water environment during two weeks. After this period, activating biochar was used the same way like conventional biochar. Six variants of experiment were established, including variant with compost and combination of different type of biochar and compost. Significant differences between individual kinds of biochar in plant biomass production were not detected, but the measured results indicated positive effect of compost application on decrease in phytotoxicity of biochar. On the other hand the application of activated biochar had significant positive influence on colonization of indicator plant roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi about 50% in comparison with variant where conventional biochar was applied.

Desertification is becoming a global problem and use of soil amendments is one of the options to decrease the danger. Many authors indicate that biochar can affect soil hydro-limits in a positive way. Unfortunately biochar also affects biological properties of soil. Predictions of the effect of biochar application are very difficult and must be based on aromatic substance concentration and on the dosage of biochar. In our experiment we prepared pots for establishing the effect on different substrates. Each container contained two separate parts with two different substrates. We measured the concentration of base groups of microorganisms on Lactuca sativa roots and the decomposition of cellulose. According to our results biochar can mitigate the impact of stress caused by drought on soil microorganisms. These amendments did not affect cellulose decomposition.

During two-years experiments (2014–2015) we evaluated intensity of basal soil respiration and microbial biomass content. Object of study was Haplic Cambisol (Vatín, Czech Republic) under two different management systems: ploughing and permanent grassland. Soil basal respiration was determined using GS-chromatography. Amount of microbial biomass was measured by fumigation-extraction method. Results showed there is a tendency of increasing amount of microbial biomass and intensity of basal soil respiration after conversion of arable soil in permanent grassland. After two years of experiments no statistically significant differences were found. Close correlation was determined between microbial biomass and intensity of basal soil respiration (r = 0.856).

The calcium ammonium nitrate with single superphosphate and muriate of potash; digestate and farmyard manure were applied into the soil with aim to study their effect on biological soil parameters. Field experiments started in 2014 on the experimental plots of Mendel University in Brno (Vatín, Czech Republic). We evaluated intensity of basal soil respiration, soil organic matter stability and N/B, G/N ratios. Measurements were carried out using Vaisala GMT 222 device. Results indicated lower basal soil respiration after digestate application. However statistically differences in time of collecting were not found.

In this paper we focus on the development of land-use changes in two villages – Tekovské Nemce and Hronský Beňadik. These villages have old vineyards and a fruit growing tradition and are situated in the Middle-Hron river region (Slovakia). We evaluated and compared changes of secondary landscape structure (SLS) in two time periods (1949–1986 and 1986–2016). The result is identification of landscape development trends, which are an important basis for planning sustainable future development of the municipality and biocultural diversity. 

This contribution deals with development evaluation of land use and analysis of long-term ecological stability development around Jevíčko. The area of interest is formed by Basic territorial units Bělá u Jevíčka. From the Lucc Czechia database and data from Czech Office for Surveying, Mapping and Cadastre were selected and compiled the required data with individual acreages of cultures for interest Basic territorial unit. From these data was calculated Coefficient of ecological stability according to Míchal (1985) and according to Miklós (1986). Generally, can be stated the largest acreage on the area of interest are occupied by forests and arable land. Arable land had the highest acreage in 1948 and since 1990 is evident decrease of arable land and rise of the other areas. Ecological stability quantified by Coefficient of ecological stability according to Míchal (1985) is the lowest in 1948 and highest in 2016. It should be noted step increase in value of Coefficient of ecological stability in 1990, but since 1990 is value stagnant. Reduction of the coefficient in 1948 is due to increase of arable land acreage. Increasing of the coefficient since 1990 is due to reduction of arable land and increasing quantities of permanent grassland, forest areas, water areas and permanent cultures. According to Míchal (1985) methodology area remains classified as heavily used area with weakened self-regulatory processes. According to Miklós (1986) methodology values of Coefficient of ecological stability ranges from 0.48 to 0.51. The lowest value was also achieved in 1948 and the highest in 2016. It may be noted stagnating of values after 1990 again.

Dispersed settlement is a unique settlement type which appears in Slovakia. Dispersed settlement was created by one of the newest waves of settlement in 15^th and 16^th century in marginal and houseless parts of our country. This settlement was just seasonal at first, but it became permanent later. This kind of settlement appears in the village Terchová which belongs to area called “Javornícko-beskydská kopaničiarska oblasť” and Žilina subarea. We studied the development of dispersed settlement in Terchová from 1949 up to the present time. We studied current possibilities and tried to propose another development oportunities for dispersed settlement. The use of dispersed settlement transformed several times since its creation. It was mainly functional or physiognomic changes. Dispersed settlement was used for living and husbandry at first. Later the residents started to migrate from hamlets to village centre and some hamlets became abandoned. In past several decades these abandoned hamlets have begun to be used by cottagers. Nowadays hamlets in our area of interest are used either for living or for recreation. During our research we were curious about how will dispersed settlement develop in the area that is a centre of tourism in Malá Fatra National Park and how increased number of visitors will effect it.

The investigations aimed to determine a possible application of Phytotoxkit^TM biotest for the assessment of soils amended with sewage sludge. The experiment was performed in a laboratory on samples of sewage sludge. The test bases on estimation of germination and early growth inhibition of sweet sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum L.). Two kinds of sewage sludge: dewatered and anaerobically stabilized sludge with dry matter content of about 24%, and dewatered sludge with dry matter content of about 92%. The results indicate that the tested samples of sewage sludge are toxic. Growth inhibition (%) at the studied samples ranged from 94.97% to 100%. Phytotoxkit is a good method to evaluate the toxicity of sludge’s, and can be a valuable addition to the physico–chemical methods.

We present the results of our study of wind erosion in heavy soils. The areas that are at highest risk of wind erosion usually display light soils; however, in some localities with the occurrence of heavy soils, wind erosion may also be observed in particular meteorological conditions. The meteorological conditions in winter seasons induce degradation of soil aggregates. This degradation in mainly effected by the action of water and subsequent freezing/thawing of the soil surface. Due to the pressure of freezing water in the soil and its subsequent resolution, the soil aggregates are degraded to erodible fractions, with a possible erosion event in the case of erosion-effective wind. The quality of agricultural land fund in the Czech Republic is assessed via a valuation system based on the ecological-productive land evaluation. This system was established in the 1960–1980s after a complex survey of agricultural land. It provided integral information on the agricultural land quality and on the price of agricultural land parcels derived from their productive capacity. Starting from the 1990s, evidence in the database of Evaluated Soil-Ecological Units (ESEU) has been regularly updated. To analyse the susceptibility of heavy soils to wind erosion we used the database of ESEU and selected soil types according to the main soil unit (further referred to as MSU) – 06, 07, 20, 61, 63, and 57. The studied area is situated in the surroundings region of South Moravia (Czech Republic), where all the above-mentioned MSU can be found. In all cases, soil samples were collected at the beginning and end of winter. After collection, the soil samples were analysed for aggregates and the proportion of erodible and non-erodible fractions was determined. Climatic data on the temperature of soil surface and condition of soil moisture were obtained from the nearest professional station of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI).

Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) is common tree in forest stands and potentially important source of wood and non-wood forest products. It seems that for future reforestation of forest stands which were destructed by bark beetles in Moravia-Silesian Region, birch will be promising tree species with multiple utilisation. The aim of our study is identification of influence of forest type on occurrence of silver birch in Moravia-Silesian Region, the Czech Republic, Central Europe. Study was done on data from National forest inventory I.  Results of our research shows positive influence of rich forest sites on higher occurrence of silver birch. Although occurrence of silver birch is partially influenced by forest management we can recommend to continue in research on encouraging of silver birch occurrence in Moravia-Silesian Region.

Areas of commercial suburbanization can be found mainly along major communication lines on the periphery of cities. These, used to have primarily residential or agricultural function. Due to a boom of commercial activities, process of commercial suburbanization can be observed also in Nitra city intensively. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the progress of localization of commercial areas in Mlynárce district between 1998 and 2016. Mlynárce district (Nitra city) recorded an increase in commercial subjects from 18 in 1998 to 156 in 2016. Comparison of aerial photographs combined with field research lead to an assessment of the intensity of growth of commercial activities. In addition, it enabled recording of real number of commercial activities in the observed area. Moreover, basic localization conditions of commercial suburbanization were identified.

The aim of this study was to find out new information about the predation and araneophagy of Pholcus phalangioides. The actual experiment was conducted in laboratory conditions and it had been used a total of 248 spiders there. Together with studied Pholcus phalangioides there were gradually tested five other species: Hasarius adansoni, Psilochorus simoni, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, Tegenaria atrica and Tegenaria domestica. All experiments were carried out in laboratory containers under the same laboratory conditions. The existing results have brought findings that juvenile individuals of these tested synantropic species are not able to defend against adults of Pholcus phalangioides and via this way could this species spread so quickly across Europe.

The paper deals with the migration factors (push and pull factors) defined and evaluated according to a questionnaire survey conducted among inhabitants (aged 18–30 years) of Bystřice nad Pernštejnem micro-region, situated in the inner periphery of the Czech Republic. Emigration leads to ageing and depopulation of rural areas. Leavers are mainly young and educated people representing the hope and prospect for the micro-region. Push factors are centrifugal factors, which make or motivate migrants to leave their native villages. Pull factors motivate migrants in their effort to move to certain target towns or regions. Young residents in the region miss more opportunities of entertainment, culture and sports, and subsequently also an offer of skilled jobs. They would also like to become independent, which is often easier in larger towns. Cities are attractive for young people by a wider range of entertainment, culture and sports (the strongest pull factor), by higher salaries and jobs that are more prestigious. Attractive for respondents is also the urban style of living, which provides greater anonymity.

Development of Moravian borderland landscape in the 20^th century is a very moot point. Landscape changes caused by natural factors as well as by political and socio-demographic changes are apparent until today and the borderland landscape has often problems to cope with them. The paper presents detailed information and analysis of landscape in the western part of the Znojmo region, concentrating on the cadastral areas of Onšov and Lesná. The two neighbouring villages are situated north-west of the town of Znojmo. The study analyzes the historical development of the landscape and land use, focusing on the identification of problems in the landscape, which were caused by its inappropriate management. A source for the analysis was the method comparing maps and semi-standardized interviews with local old residents who were able to describe changes occurring in the landscape during the last fifty to sixty years. Results of the analyses show that significant changes in landscape use occurred particularly in critical periods due to the construction of dam, later after World War II and in the period of collectivization.

Wheat grain yields and value of the effective drought index (EDI) in the critical period in terms of yield formation of winter wheat in the Czech Republic were evaluated for the period 1971–2015. The EDI was calculated for four different experimental stations. The EDI is based on the calculation of effective precipitation using only daily precipitation. At these stations were determined dry years: 1974, 1976, 1993, 2012, and humid years: 1987, 1996, 2006, 2010. The historical yield range from the experimental stations for the wheat was correlated with the values of the EDI across the stations for each decade (ten days). The statistically significant correlations (α = 0.01, α = 0.05) between the wheat yield and the value of the EDI were found in 1., 2., 3., 10. and 11. decade of vegetation.

Morava River Board, s. e. as the governor of Litava basin is monitoring deteriorated physical and chemical indicators of main river in long term period, however exact source of pollution whether point or nonpoint is not known. Annually observed increased concentrations of phosphorus rate the Litava according to ČSN 75 7221 in V. class which means very heavily polluted water. The aim of this research is monitoring and chemical analysis of surface water quality in the upper part of Litava river basin in order to identify potential sources of pollution, which should be examined in detail within the scope of further investigation. Twelve sampling profiles were selected in the treatment area – eight profiles are directly on the stream of Litava river, four are on main tributaries. Monitoring program is performed by above-and-below approach, where sampling profiles are placed upstream and downstream of treatment area section. During three-month period of monitoring four water quality indicators were being measured in the field monthly: pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity. Also the samples were being taken and further analysed in the laboratory of water management for determination of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Results has been graphically demonstrated and evaluated according to Government order No. 401/2015 Coll., as amended and ČSN 75 7221. Chemical analysis confirmed that high concentration of total phosphorus is the major issue in upper basin of the Litava river, except spring areas.

Today in many parts of Europe including Czech Republic, the soil cover is damaged by intensive application of mineral fertilizers containing mineral nitrogen (N_min). On the other hand, the increasing number of biogas plant stations and composting plants has been put into operation in CZE since 2002. Therefore, the present work deals with application of digestate and compost as potential alternative organic sources of N which can be used in Czech agriculture without negative effects on soil properties. The potential effect of these organic fertilizers and one mineral fertilizer was studied by pot experiment. The highest level of N utilization was found in variants where digestate (150 kg N/ha) and compost (150 kg N/ha) were applied, about 20% higher in comparison with control variant (without fertilizers) and 35% with variant fertilized by mineral N. Above all, application of digestate had positive effect on plant biomass production and compost application on development of potential soil fertility.  

Soil temperature is very important, it affects not only the soil environment but also the plants. But, scientists have not devoted big attention yet.Long-term field experiments started in 2014 on the experimental plots of Mendel University (Vatin, the Czech Republic).  The calcium ammonium nitrate and digestate were applied into the soil with aim to study their effect on soil temperature dynamics and to compare differences in the effect of industrial and organic fertilizer on the course of soil temperature. We evaluated changes in different depth (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 m) by vegetation cover corn. Measurements were carried by temperature sensors. Better (for limits extreme temperature) was digestate with lower (almost 4 °C) variation range in 0.05 m. Results indicated different variation ranges and different delays mainly in surface layer. The main difference was in the depth of 0.05 m. The soil temperature amplitudes with mineral fertilizer in the depth of 0.05 m were slightly bigger than within the digestated plots, and they came about one hour earlier.

Agricultural production is very demanding in nutrients. Fertilisers are applied to aid this compensation. The paper introduces the development of basic physical soil properties (bulk density, total porosity, field capacity and minimum air capacity), depending on applied fertilizers – digestate and mineral fertilizer - during the growing corn crop season. The soil properties were monitored from the beginning of the growing period in the year 2014 up to 2016, in two depths. The changes in physical soil properties were not the same during the years and the soil properties difference was found through depths. Significant change of physical properties was observed in the case of mineral fertilizer application.

The paper deals with evaluation of phenological data series of sugar beet, sum of daily average active air temperature (5, 10 and 15 °C) and length of the vegetation season. The average value of phenological phases onset and the beginning of agronomic practices of two long-term periods (1931–1960, 1960–1990) were compared. A prolongation of the interval between sowing and emergence was proved. The length of growing season was different at analyzed stations. Sowing of sugar beet is on average performed in earlier time. We are not able to determine significant trend. This may be due to high-performance agronomy machines that are used in agriculture. A thirty-year trend analysis (1961–1990) of sugar beet phenological phases shows significant changes in phenological phases sowing (20 days) and emergence (14 days). Significant trend was found in case of phenological phases sowing (r = 0.510) and emergence (r = 0.445). Active sum of daily average temperature above 5, 10 and 15 °C and length of the vegetation season which is given by values of the daily average values of air temperature exceeding given threshold (5, 10, 15 °C) are addressed in this work. The average values of four long-term periods (1931–1960, 1961–1990, 2021–2050, and 2071–2100) were compared to one another. The comparison of sum of active air temperature and vegetation season length proved their gradual increase and prolongation from 1931–1961 to 2071–2100.

The paper deals with analysis of phenological data of spring barley for the Tečovice station and Luhačovice station. This analysis is carried out for the period 1931–1960 and 1961–1990. When comparing these two periods growing season getting longer about 3 days in 1961–1990 in station of Tečovice. In this period a prolongation of the sowing term was found out (4 days). A shortening of the interval between emergency and heading (9 days), and a prolongation of the interval between heading (9 days) and harvest was also proved. Statistically significant linear trend was found out only for agronomic practice of harvest (r = 0.503) in station of Tečovice. The trend analysis of phenophases and practices onset proved a significant 14 days delay of the harvest beginning in the frame of a 30 years period 1961–1990. The period 1961–1990 was divided into decades in the paper. Subsequently the trend analysis was perfomed. Statistically significant linear trend was found out for phenophases heading in the third decade (r = 0.754) and for agronomic practice in the second decade (r = 0.783) in the Tečovice station. Significant linear trend was discovered in the second decade for all monitored phenophases in Luhačovice station. After calculation the cover and management factor on the base of Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was performed for extreme years. Value of the cover and management factor in Tečovice station was 0.1474 in 1974 and 0.1886 in 1964. The protective effect of vegetation in Luhačovice station was 0.1327 in 1974 and 0.2411 in 1983.

The main aim of this work is demarcation of protected localities in the Czech Republic, which may be threatened by drought, including the prospect until the year 2100. ArcGIS program was used to calculate the results, thus the results are presented as maps provided with a commentary. The drought threat is viewed from the aspect of climatic drought, which is defined by the basic water balance of grass cover. As protected localities the protected areas and Natura 2000 areas are considered.

The main aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the application of biochar and activated carbon to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in conditions of simulated drought. The experimental pots were built so that the root system of one and the same pre-grown plant was divided by plastic foil into two compartments, one with and one without the addition of biochar (active carbon) in order to differentiate the reactions of the root system to stress created by drought. The cultivation tests of the soil-microorganism-plant (winter wheat) system were focused on understanding the reactions of soil microbial communities and experimental plants on the plant growing measures in combination with model effects of drought. Activated carbon had no demonstrable effect on the production of biomass, but the application of biochar aided significantly in the production of aboveground biomass in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the stressful conditions of simulated drought. The plants preferred to grow their root system in the half with added biochar and activated carbon.

The paper presents a year’s summary (third year) of results of a long-term experiment which was established to examine the hypothesis that cultivation of a mixed culture of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) affects leaching of mineral nitrogen from the soil. The reason for the examination of this hypothesis is the increasing amount of mineral nitrogen in drinking water sources. The mixed culture or intercrop means the growing of two crops at the same time in the same place. In this case, the particular mixture consists of cereal/legume intercropping. A lysimetric field experiment was established to verify the hypothesis. Six variants were established in three repetitions. In two variants, only winter wheat with fertilisation (140 kg of N/ha/yr) and without fertilisation was grown. In the other four variants, winter wheat was grown alongside white clover (Trifolium repens L.) with the use of varying doses of mineral (DAM 390) and organic (Lignohumate B) fertilisers. Percolate leaching from the experimental lysimeters was collected and traps with ion exchange resin (IER) were placed in each container. The amount of ammonia (NH₄⁺-N) and nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) nitrogen in the water was measured regularly. The amount of trapped mineral nitrogen into the structure of from IER was also measured. A statistically significant difference (ANOVA; P < 0.05) was found between variant CY and all other variants. Of particular importance is the difference between variants CY and A1, since both were fertilised with mineral fertiliser only. From this, we can deduce that intercrop/mixed culture reduced the leaching of ammoniacal nitrogen from the system. A statistically significant difference (ANOVA; P < 0.05) was found between variant CY and A2 in the capturing of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) from traps.

The article deals with the identification of risk areas in selected cadastral area Hustopece in terms of soil conservation. Based on defined risks and their threat level, it is possible to design complex system of measures to protect soil and landscape. Gradually are defined and described various risk factors, which may effect on the landscape – water and wind erosion, size of land blocks, land use. The multi-criteria analysis was made to define the most threatened parts of land blocks in study area. The result is synthetic map showing the most vulnerable land blocks in the area. It was found, that the Hustopece cadastre is highly vulnerable to soil degradation. Most of land blocks are in categories with high risk of soil erosion. The possible protective measures are described.

The paper presents an analysis of the development trends of landscape elements in the cadastral municipality of Neverice. The object of our study was to analyze the development of the secondary landscape structure over several time periods (1860, 1949 and 2015). Because of the limitation of the contribution, we present the evaluation of development trends concisely but sufficiently from our perspective.  

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of production technology on the technological and sensory value of puff pastry. The effect of recipe innovation has been validated by method of experimental baking and evaluated by objective measurements. We have monitored the influence of the percentage of fat content in the recipe on the number of produced layers. Sensory analysis and objective measurements revealed differences among the various kinds of processing. The recorded values were statistically processed using STATISTICA 8 software. Eighteen trained evaluators have conducted the sensory evaluation. Products that received the best sensory rating and were also the thickest (1.8 mm) were made in a combination of 60% fat for dough rolling and 243 layers in the classic recipe. Products with 60% fat in combination with 729 layers in the improved recipe used the Volumax enzyme product. The highest corpus (2.8 mm) was in the improved recipe with the fourth folding (2187 layers) containing 60% fat. The addition of the enzyme preparation significantly improved the sensory quality and height of the corpus.

The aim of this study was to test the effect of packaging foil with essential oils on meat samples. Slices of pork roast were packed and stored in a refrigerator for 7 days. Different groups of microorganisms were determined. Significantly lower amounts of aerobic plate counts were observed in a prototype compared to the control after 7 days of storage. For the other groups of microorganisms was not found significant differences. This study describes the importance of testing of the antimicrobial agents effect directly on foodstuffs. The study was also focused on monitoring of the packaging foil effect on colour of meat.

The Brettanomyces/Dekkera yeast can infect wine, and, thanks to its metabolism, it can produce volatile substances that affect the aroma of wine. Volatile phenols, sensorily active substances formed due to the yeast metabolism, can deliver desirable spicy tones or, on the contrary, very unpleasant wet animal-like odour to the wine. It depends on the concentration of mainly 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol in wine as well as on wine consumers´ ability to perceive these tones. Twenty-four samples of red wines suspected of having increased content of volatile phenols, produced by Dekkera/Brettanomyces yeasts, were gathered for this experiment. The content of ethylphenols (4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol) in the samples was analysed by GC-MS and ranged from 10 to 3035 μg/l The samples were then evaluated via sensory analysis carried out by professional tasters. The results were compared and correlated between the concentration of volatile substances and sensory perception of ‘Brett’ characteristics in wine. Highly probative correlation of the average evaluation of ‘Brett’ character in analysed wines and the real content of ethylphenols measured by GC-MS is an important outcome of the research. Weak negative dependence was calculated for parameters of sensory evaluation, which confirms generally decreasing evaluation (on the 100-point scale) of samples with a growing ‘Brett’ character. 

The nutritional intake during young adulthood supports the maintenance of physical health, impacts risk for future disease, and plays a role in the prevention of excess weight gain. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (2013), Czech Republic ranks as the fattest country in Europe, based on the prevalence of obesity among adults. Around 28.7% of the adult population is considered obese, and this number is projected to rise according with the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) in 2030. Currently young people’s health is receiving more attention because of alarming data regarding risk factor such obesity prevalence. Identifying people at greater risk of developing obesity is important for the development of effective public health strategies to prevent and treat excess weight gain and its associated co-morbidities. The presented study was conducted to describe food-preparation behaviors, cooking skills, resources for preparing food, and associations with diet quality among young adults from Mendel University in Brno. Finally, a number of recommendations, according to the results of this study, were formulated to foment new eating habits among the experimental sample.

The cereals grains are excellent sources of digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and proteins in addition to providing vitamins (group B and vitamin E) and minerals (zinc, phosphorus, selenium, and iron). The whole grain cereals contain high levels of bioactive phytochemicals, such as antioxidants that could provide protective effects against human chronic diseases. Its enrichment with more amount of anthocyanins, allows a better use of its potential bioactive property. For this reason, the state authorities are seeking functional foods to mitigate health problems as cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. They would like to create functional foods that satisfy the function to nurture and to prevent. This research focuses on the use of the brewer spent grain (BSG) varieties of colored wheat, which are enriched genetically with anthocyanins, to its use in bakery products.  

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is formed by dehydration of sugar and Maillard reaction during storage and food processing. The aim was to determine the amount of HMF in selected syrups, honey, cane molasses and sucrose, and then in doughs and biscuits made from these sweeteners. Biscuits were baked at 175 °C, 200 °C and 225 °C. In doughs was measured pH. The lowest specified value of HMF was in biscuits with sucrose, the dough with sucrose had the highest value of pH.

Selected fatty acid (FA) contents and their groups were determined in milk fat of two cattle (Czech Fleckvieh, Holstein) and two goats’ (Brown Shorthair, Anglo-Nubian) breeds. Goat fat in comparison with cow fat showed higher proportion of volatile FA (14.9–15.6% and 8.4% from total FA, respectively), and lower proportion of C16:0 (25.6–26.8% and 30.7–31.5%, respectively). The differences in milk FA between imported breeds and breeds of Czech origin have been also tested. The statistically significant differences were confirmed only in goat fats for C18:3n-3, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (p<0.01, 0.001), and in groups of saturated and unsaturated FA (p<0.05, 0.01).

The aim of the paper was to compare the colour changes of semi-hard cheeses, depending on days of ripening. The surface of cheese samples were treated of two techniques i.e. oiling and waxing. CIELAB Colour parameters (L* a* b* and ΔE*_ab) were measured for cheese samples (oiled and waxed) and measuring points were located either near edge or in middle of cheese samples sliced in half. Samples were subjected to measurement after manufacture and then every 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 85, and 115 days of ripening, respectively, there were observed statistically significant differences in all colour parameters during ripening and between waxy and oiled cheese samples. Lightness (L*) declined and yellow tone (b*) was more appreciable for oiled cheese during ripening. Wax protective layer prevented moisture loss and that caused that value of L* and a* parameters were not so variable. Total colour difference was (ΔE*_ab) clearly perceptible for all cheese samples.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the content of selected phenolic compounds (3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde , p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, sinapic acid, syringic acid, vanilic acid, vanilin, cinnamic acid) in eight kinds of spices (marjoram, sweet pepper, black pepper, caraway seeds, anise, thyme, cinnamon and oregano) by using high performance liquid chromatography Agilent 1200 Series with diode array detector and a triple quadrupole mass detector 6460 Triple Quad (LC / MS). The extraction with methanol at various concentrations (60%, 80% and/or 100%) was done prior to determination of the mentioned phenolic compounds. The content of phenolic compounds was determined by using of method of HPLC-MS. The highest content of caffeic acid was determined in oregano (82.6 ± 4.0 µg/g), marjoram (93.7 ± 3.8 µg/g) and thyme (115.8 ± 3.6 µg/g). In anise and caraway seeds, the highest content was found at cryptochlorogenic acid (anise = 314.7 ± 14.0 µg/g, caraway seeds = 290.5 ± 14.0 µg/g). Ferulic acid (26.5 ± 1.3 µg/g) was the most abundant in sweet pepper. Cinnamic acid (278.0 ± 15.3 µg/g) was mostly occured in cinnamon. 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (53.0 ± 2.6 µg/g) was determined as of the highest content in black pepper.

The aim of the work was to analyse different cannabinoids occurring in the food samples. The chromatographic data for the cannabinoids of interest namely Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) were determined using gas chromatography. Hemp seed powder, hemp oil and hemp protein in various degrees of concentration were used for the preparation of the food sample to be analysed. Hemp has a botanical relationship with drug/medicinal cannabis. Cannabis has psychotropic substances, which are wrongly attributed to hemp. The psychoactive compound THC was found in very low concentrations in the food samples.

The cannabis plant is one of the economic plants providing fiber, seeds and aromatic resin. It produces different terpene phenolic compounds, including psychoactive ∆⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis plants used for food production should not exceed 0.2% THC. The presence of THC in food can be detected by chemical or biological analytical methods. This study is dealing with biological method of DNA profiling to detect and identify cannabis DNA in pastry by three SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers, also called microsatellites. Results confirmed the thermal degradation of DNA in food during baking process and the reliability and usefulness of SSR markers. CAN0110 and CAN1690B markers appeared to be well suited for assessing the presence or absence of cannabis in pastry, while ANUCS204 marker showed a potential for genotyping, to determine the variety and origin of included cannabis material in the future.

This paper deals with the possibilities of using products derived from industrial hemp in creating recipes of common bakery products. The food industry may use only industrial hemp products containing less than 0.3% of THC. Nine recipes were created during testing, in which addition of hemp oil, hemp grits, hemp flour and hemp protein added to wheat flour, or combinations thereof, were evaluated. The influence of the recipe composition on the bakery product characteristics was evaluated by the baking test (Rapid-Mix-Test or RMT). Lowest baking loss (10.62%) and the highest yield of bread (147.81%) was in recipe with 10 % share of hemp flour. The highest volume yield was recorded after the addition of hemp oil. Index number that characterizes arching of baking goods was highest for variants with 5% and 10% of hemp grits. Sensory analysis evaluated descriptors of shape, crust colour, aroma, elasticity of the crumb, crumb colour, ease of bite, mouthfeel after brief chewing, consistency, crumb moisture, taste and overall impression. Addition of the hemp oil in seven descriptors out of eleven achieved a better evaluation than in the control variant. The addition of hemp flour and protein has positively influenced the crumb moisture.

Thirty-two piglets at the age of eight weeks were divided into two groups for 60 days of fattening. The experimental group (FO) was fed the basic feed mixture with addition of fish oil (2.5%) and the control group (PO) was fed basic feed mixture with addition of palm oil (2.5%). Fish oil is characterized by high proportion of n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Palm oil has high level of palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids.  At the end of fattening period, fatty acids content in the liver, muscle and adipose tissues were determined. FO-diet caused increase of PUFA n–3 in all observed tissues (P < 0.01). PO-diet had effect only in adipose tissue, where significant increase of palmitic, stearic and linoleic acids was found (P < 0.05).  

The aim of this paper deals with the physicochemical changes and sensory profile of semi-hard cheese during ripening. Accurate cylindrical samples of cheese with different surface treatment (wax vs. oil) were prepared. The first group of cheese was treated by wax and second group was oiled. From these groups, there were picked parts of cheese after 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 85 days of ripening to physicochemical analysis. Dry matter was determined by drying the sample to a constant weight at 102 °C, content of fat, protein content by Kjeldahl method, content of salt and titratable acidity, water activity (25 °C) and pH. It was evaluated colour, texture and overall appearance by sensory evaluation at Department of Food Technology Mendel University in Brno. There were statistically significant differences in all physicochemical parameters during ripening between waxy and oiled cheese. Similarly, there were statistically significant differences between each group (waxy vs. oiled) in different stages of ripening. Statistical differences were caused by different water content during ripening which has influenced content of fat, protein and other components. The wax keeps whey in the cheese which caused better ripening in the entire volume of cheese. The wax did not have any negative influence on ripening of cheese. The oiled cheese were gradually drying and thus was influenced ripening which was negatively assessed evaluators.

Measurement of electrical properties is one of the most important operations in the collection, storage and processing of the agricultural production. The physical properties of biological materials affect measurement accuracy. Bee bread – also called "Perga" – are fermented bees pollen in the comb, which store bees as protein supply. Bee bread is considered the most perfect of all natural foods – used by the Greeks as ambrosia. It includes many vitamins and trace elements. We measured several electrical properties, such as capacitance, resistance, impedance and loss factor. From measured and calculated values are constructed graphical dependencies of electrical quantities on frequency and moisture content. We found out that all measured electrical properties decreased with frequency, increase of the moisture content caused the growths of electrical properties.

In this study, an experiment on the antimicrobial activity of grape seeds from Vitis vinifera L. was performed. Vitis vinifera L. is known for its health benefits because of its high content of phenolic compounds. Grape seed extract was made from interspecific wine cultivars. Three pathogens (Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis) were selected for the experiment. The antimicrobial effect was determined using a disc diffusion method. The high efficiency of grape seed extract was observed on Candida tropicalis (12.9 mm) and Enterococcus faecalis (9.1 mm). Grape seed extract was proven to be effective in inhibiting these pathogens.

This paper deals with the application of flour, obtained by milling wheat varieties with colored pericarp (Rosso, Karkulka) and blue aleurone (Scorpion); and hemp products (hemp grits, hemp protein) for the production of bakery products. For testing purposes nine recipes ware created, 10% of hemp grits or 5% of hemp protein were added to the wheat flour. The influence of the recipes on the bakery product properties was evaluated by the bakery experiment - RMT test. The highest yield of the dough was measured in variants where hemp protein was added. The specific bread volume was higher in those variants which contained flour wheat from Scorpion variety (368 ml/100g). On average, the lowest loss at baking was determined after the addition of hemp protein. The addition of hemp grits supports the convexity of the baked goods. The use of this recipe also affected other sensory characteristics of the product associated with its consumption.

As part of the experiment, we have studied the effect of different storage conditions chocolate in a normal household. Freshly produced chocolate was stored in five temperature regimes, namely frozen -18 ^oC, 6 °C, 12 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C. After one month of storage, the samples were removed from individual regimes and immediately subjected to sensory analysis supplemented by the evaluation of textural properties on the TIRA test device. The significantly lowest values (p > 0.95) of hardness were determined for samples stored at 30 °C (2.5–5.5 N). The greatest hardness of the chocolate had frozen samples (52.2–75.9 N). When stored at temperatures 6 °C or 12 °C, the products did not significantly differ in terms of hardness. At the room temperature of 20 °C, conclusive softening already took place (19.3–29.6 N). Higher storage temperature (30 ^oC) significantly (p > 0.95) reduced the colour evaluation, while glossiness was the significantly better (p > 0.95) than samples at 30 °C, 6 °C and frozen, but did not different compared to 12 °C. Higher temperatures (30 ^oC) deteriorated breakage and aroma. Temperature of 30 °C significantly (p > 0.95) decreased the hardness at the time of consumption and increased the stickiness of chocolate.

Cadmium, lead and mercury contents in fish were studied. Fresh and frozen fish from 17 FAO localities were bought in Czech markets. Atomic absorption spectrometry technique was used for determination of cadmium, lead and mercury concentration. Ten samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit for mercury (0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg for selected fish species) and three fish samples exceeded the maximum limit for cadmium (0.05 mg/kg) set by Commission Regulation (EU) No1881/2006. The limit of lead concentration (0.3 mg/kg) was not exceeded in any fish sample. This study shows that fish samples of marlin (Tetrapturus albidus) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are one of the most contaminated fish which can pose a great risk for human health after consumption. Because mercury and cadmium contents in some samples were higher than maximum limits recommended by FAO/WHO, our research led to withdraw of some batches of the fish from the Czech markets.

Ascorbic acid is used as a supplement to sulphur dioxide in winemaking. Its main advantage lies in quick oxidation under conditions of white wine. This fact is based on the ability of ascorbic acid to protect the oxidizable components of wine, including phenolic and taste substances. This research was focused on the effect of ascorbic acid on sensory and analytical parameters of white wines during production technology. Our study compares various doses of ascorbic acid (10 g/hl and 15 g/hl) and sulphur dioxide (40 mg/l), which were added to the mash of two varieties: Rhine Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. The experiment examines the amount of reductones, the amount of free and total sulphur dioxide and the effect on analytical and sensory component of resulting wines. The values were determined using titration method with standard solution of iodine. On the basis of the results obtained we can conclude that the best option appears to be the variant where ascorbic acid is combined with sulphur dioxide. On the contrary, the variant using only ascorbic acid is completely inappropriate for production of white wines.

As part of the experiment, fruit varieties of Idared, Desert and Rubinola were stored under a normal atmosphere in a cold room at 4 °C; the pieces of fruit counted 25 per variety. The fruit was stored for 90 days; every 10 days, the spectra were measured using near-infrared (“NIR”) spectroscopy. The stored fruit was evaluated for the content of titratable acidity, soluble solids, polyphenols and ascorbic acid. The spectra of the pieces of fruit were evaluated using NIR spectroscopy based on developed models of calibration. The calibration models consisted of 188 pieces of fruit of Rubinola, Desert and Idared varieties. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the material composition of apples during the period of storage using NIR spectroscopy. For all of the three varieties the content of studied substances changed in a very similar manner during the storing period; the content of ascorbic acid was the only exception in that it increased for Rubinola during the time and gradually reduced for both the Desert and the Idared varieties. Idared and Desert had approximately the same content of ascorbic acid at the beginning of storing (about 45 mg/kg). During the storage period the ascorbic acid content decreased almost identically for both of the varieties to reach a final value of about 30 mg/kg.

Berries are highly valued fruits containing many organic compounds with significant health benefits. This work is focused on determination of elemental composition of different red currant and gooseberry varieties, which is less known. An acid digestion method was used to decompose fruit samples and a method for determination of 9 nutritionaly important elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was optimized. From the analysed varieties ´Jesan´ and ´Rubigo´red currants and ´Hinnonmaki Rot´ and ´Krasnoslawjanskij´red gooseberries were evaluated as the best for the use in food industry in terms of elemental composition.

The article deals with monitoring of the strength of coconut shells by way of the acoustic emission method. The purpose of this research is the process of formation and diffusion of micro fissures. These micro fissures rise by weighting of coconut shell samples through the use of compression force between two platens. The aim of the research is to focused on the possibilities of the acoustic emission usage for maximal coconuts strength prediction. In addition, the experimental measurement is focused on suitable placement and gripping of acoustic emission sensor.

The first aim of this study was to determine the amount of proteins, lipids and saccharides in the hen egg yolk and albumen of different hen breeds. The second aim was to determine the correlation between amount of analysed components (proteins, saccharides and lipid) in hen albumen and amount of analysed components (proteins, saccharides and lipid) in hen yolk, during storage time.  Hen eggs were stored at 6 °C for 57 days and were sampled in two periods (29 June 2015, 23 February 2016). Two different breeds were used for this study – Hybrid Isa Brown (36^rd week of lay) for first period and Hybrid Hisex Brown (13^rd week of lay) for second period. Total of 180 eggs were analysed. Biuret agent was used for determine of proteins in hen yolk and albumen. Concentrated sulfuric acid and 5% phenol were used for determination of saccharides in hen yolk and albumen. The amount of proteins and saccharides was determined by the UV-VIS absorption spectrometer (Helios Epsilon, Thermo Scientific). For determination of lipids saponification value was used. The differences in amounts of proteins, lipids and saccharides were not found between Hybrid Isa Brown and Hybrid Hisex Brown. Correlation was not found between amounts of proteins, lipids and saccharides in hen yolk and hen albumen for storage time.

Insects are considered a promising source of sustainably-produced protein-rich foods. Western culture attitude towards the value of edible insects dramatically changed in the past 20 years. Even in the Czech Republic the interest in Entomophagy is growing. The cultural centre in Mšec in the Czech Republic held public events. 164 visitors came within two days. Visitors heard a lecture about five breeding species of edible insects and then tasted the dishes with these insects. There were those species: Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas atratus, Locusta migratoria, Apis mellifera, Gryllus assimillis. Respondents evaluated the taste of insects, the smell, the crunchiness and softness of insects in food, the succulence of insects, the visibility of insect bodies in food, the difficulty of treatment and the difficulty of breeding. The research showed that respondents chose Apis mellifera and Gryllus assimillis as insects with the best flavours and aroma. Other results showed the suitability of individual insect species to Entomophagy needs in the Czech Republic. Research has also shown how to handle insects in the food that the consumer is the most accepted. Based on these results, we concluded that edible insects could be accepted by consumers as part of food in the Czech Republic.

 Eggs are a source of proteins and bioactive molecules, including antioxidants. The effect of storage time on the antioxidant activity in hen and quail egg components was chosen as an important parameter in this work. For the determination of antioxidant activity ABTS method was used. Our results showed higher antioxidant activity in yolk in both kinds of eggs and quail eggs showed higher activity in comparison with hen eggs. The obtained results also suggested that the total antioxidant capacity was decreased during storage, which was probably caused by the loss of naturally occurring antioxidants or formation of new compounds with pro-oxidant activity during storage.  

This paper describes standard testing of chicken broiler femoral bones strength with destructive breaking test and monitoring of structural stress with the acoustic emission (AE) signal in real time. Tested samples were assigned to four different groups according to nutrient levels in chicken feed, namely magnesium and calcium. Tested chickens were fast-growing hybrids ROSS 308, commonly used in poultry production. Objective of this experiment was assessment of AE recording in course of bending and breaking test, where the AE signal provides information on internal structural changes in material.

Plant secretomics is a new and largely unexplored area of the plant proteomics. Evidence is emerging on the important role of secreted proteins in plant’s interactions with its environment. Here, we tested a hydroponic-based cultivation of Nicotiana tabacum and analyzed root secreted proteins that accumulated within 48 h. Altogether, more than 350 proteins were detected in the hydroponic medium.

Petunia hybrida is an important annual plant. Current assortment of Petunias consists mainly of generatively propagated F1 varieties. Vegetatively propagated varieties are nowadays increasingly gaining popularity. In this experiment was successfully verified the possibility to create tetraploid varieties that would be propagated vegetatively. Large flowered hybrids with genotype Ggg were obtained. As a maternal component tetraploid genotype gggg and as a paternal component diploid GG genotype was used. From the seeds received from pollinating 120 flowers were obtained 10 triploid hybrids. Diameter of the flowers was 98 mm, which is 25% more when compared to parental component with big flowers. The growth characteristics as well as the health conditions were good. This is a new perspective possibility to create new varieties of Petunia hybrida. 

This paper compares the differences in species composition on different parts of the railway with the results of previous research. It evaluates the presence of individual species according to their harmfulness and links to the ecosystem. For this research were chosen the sections between the cities Chrudim and Úhřetice. The species composition of weeds was evaluated according to phytocoenology relevé in four periods: July and August 2013, July and August 2015. 100 weed species were found on the railway. The obtained data were statistically evaluated by DCA (Detrended Correspondence Analysis) and CCA (Canonical Correspondence Analysis) analysis. The highest coverage had species as: Potentilla reptans, Urtica dioica, Equisetum arvense, Arrhenatherum elatius, Rubus caesius, Clematis vitalba, Galium mollugo.

Most striking changes induced by treating biological samples are changes on the level of organism morphology. These changes are result of internal and external factors, but obviously the changes in body shape or topology affect the further development on the lower level by downward causation. Here,  the use of image analysis software ImageJ is described. It is shown that ImageJ is not difficult to use and can easily produce valuable data which is demonstrated on the example of measuring rosette areas and length of leaf blades of plantlets treated by abiotic stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of concentration of different growth regulators (auxins and cytokinins) on morphological characteristics of hemp variety Bialobrzeskie. The plants were sprayed with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and the resulting influence on the total height and lateral branching was observed. Expected results were obtained for variants treated with BAP, whereas the variants treated with auxin showed an increase in lateral branching.

The cannabis plant is a tall annual crop of economic importance. It is mostly dioecious, but fiber hemp varieties have been bred to be monoecious. Separating male and female plants at early developmental stage is useful due to the influence of gender at agriculturally significant traits. Several experiments have been focused on developing a reliable molecular marker for sex determination in cannabis plants. Our study compares three DNA markers for the detection of male genotype in totally twelve samples of industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis plants. Genotype scoring of SCAR119 marker appeared to be the most reliable, followed by MADC2 and SCAR323, when compared to the observed phenotype of plants. The results confirmed the insights given in previous studies. Research and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis should continue in order to find more advanced DNA markers for sex determination of cannabis plants.

Besides many possibilities of applications of nanoparticles in the field of medicine, diagnostics, molecular biology, bioorganic chemistry or remediation of environment, there is also a potential of employment of nanoparticles as a tool for elimination and control of bacteria invading plant tissue. In this experiment an antibacterial activity of selected nanoparticles based on silver, gold and bimetallic silver/copper was tested on bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) (strain 1279a). The strongest inhibitory effect represented by doubling time of treated cultures was measured in the presence of the smallest silver nanoparticles (9 nm) at the highest concentration (5 ppm).

Samples of Turnip yellow mosaic virus obtained from two Czech viral collections were used for design and optimization of real-time PCR detection system for its presence. Samples were sequenced and the phylogenetic analysis was done. The new real-time PCR primer pair and probe were designed and the systems based on TaqMan probe and SYBR Green were tested. The detection system for TYMV using SYBR Green was optimized and evaluated on 6 different cultivars of Brassica species artificially inoculated by TYMV. 

Using 7 specific STS markers, allelic composition of Glu-A3 locus was examined among set of 36 winter wheat genotypes containing blue, purple, yellow and red caryopses. Allele Glu-A3d was occurred in all analyzed samples. Together with the Glu-A3d allele were detected Glu-A3f (53 %) and Glu-A3c (8 %) alleles. Two heterozygous gene forms were detected in wheat collection (Glu-A3d/f and Glu-A3c/d). Other Glu-A3a, Glu-A3b, Glu-A3e and Glu-A3g alleles were not detected in any sample. Selected yield and quality characteristics are also presented. Lines with non-standard caryopsis color had lower yields in comparison with standard ones. Group of lines with purple pericarp had high falling number which is connected with low activity of the hydrolytic enzymes and good resistance to sprouting. The non-standard color of the caryopsis is determined by anthocyanins and carotenoids which are important antioxidants.

The aim of this work is the study of one of the key genetic principles in domestication traits in pea – pod dehiscence by comparative analysis of wild and domesticated pea genotypes. Pod dehiscence is one of various mechanisms of seed spreading into their surroundings for the purposes of species preservation. Wild pea after maturing pods suddenly opens and fruits are scattered far and wide. This undesirable characteristic is for humans problematic because collection pea pod when touched if bursts is difficult and may cause yield loss in legumes before or during harvest. Pea is an example of crops that have undergone a process of domestication. Non-pod dehiscence, non-dormant seeds or bigger seeds are domestication traits that differentiate cultural kinds from wild species peas. There was evaluated a group of several RILs formed by crossbreeding of contrast parent genotypes of wild JI 64 Pisum sativum ssp. elatius L. and cultural pea JI92 Pisum sativum ssp. sativum L. This work was preceded by the method called MACE (Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends) to identify differences in gene expression during pod maturation. The expression of a selected gene was determined using qRT-PCR for pod dehiscence.

Cell division, expansion and differentiation require a sophisticated spatial arrangement of the cytoskeleton. The ever increasing progress in fluorescent microscope techniques has allowed to visualize rearrangements and dynamics of actin and microtubule arrays in various cell types and tissues in plants. Processes controlling proper cytoskeleton organisation and its response to various stimuli, mediated by actin and microtubule binding proteins as well as plant hormones, are being an area of active investigation. As the current research of cytoskeleton regulation focused mainly on hormone auxin, the involvement of cytokinin is still unclear. In this study, we describe generation of transgenic lines of Arabidopsis thaliana comprising inducible system for manipulation of endogenous cytokinin level and simultaneously GFP-labelled actin or microtubule proteins. These lines serve as a tool for the study of cytokinin mode of action in the course of cell/organ development. Based on our results, it is obvious that cytokinins play a considerable role in modulation of plant cytoskeleton. However, further research is necessary to elucidate precise cytokinin signalling pathways and cross-talk with other hormones, which participate in such complex processes of cell morphology.

The textile industry, by far the most frequent user of synthetic dyes, is in need of ecologically efficient solutions for its colored wastewaters. White-rot basidiomycetes are among the most potent organisms to biodegrade and detoxify a wide range of pollutants and synthetic dyes, enabled by ligninolytic enzymes, namely, laccases. Present study was undertaken to explore white-rot fungi Trametes versicolor and Fomes fomentarius for their laccase production and potential in dye decolorization. The laccase production was induced by 0.5 mM copper sulphate and their effectity in decolorization of five types of synthetic textile dyes (N-heterocyclic, azo, triphenylmethane and triarylmethane) was studied. The most effective laccase decolorization was observed for the dyes Malachite Green and Bromothymol Blue using 0.5 mM copper as inducer for both fungi. 

Amygdalin (AMG) is a cyanogenic glucoside primarily found in the seeds of bitter almonds (Prunus dulcis). It is a biomolecule exhibiting antitumor activity which has also been used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, leprosy and diabetes. This in vivo study was designed to reveal whether amygdalin is able to cause changes in the oxidative profile of rabbit testicular tissue. Twelve adult male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: the Control group received no AMG and two experimental groups receiving daily intramuscular AMG injections at 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg b.w. respectively over the period of 28 days. At the end of the experiment testicular tissue was collected from each animal and tissue lysates were prepared. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assessed by chemiluminescence assay. Protein oxidation was evaluated using the traditional 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was assessed with the help of the TBARS assay. The resulting data reveal, that 0.6 mg/kg b.w. AMG administration led to an insignificant decrease of ROS production, protein and lipid oxidation. On the other hand, administration of 3.0 mg/kg b.w. AMG resulted in an insignificant increase of LPO while the ROS production and protein oxidation were significantly (P < 0.01) increased in comparison with the Control. Our results reveal that AMG administration may have a dose-dependent impact on the testicular tissue, acting as an antioxidant at low doses, while high doses may compromise the delicate oxidative balance in male reproductive structures.

The increasing incidence of obesity is a problem in the Czech Republic as well as in some other countries. Regular walking may be important component of weight management. Effective approaches are necessary to promote this activity. Dog walking may be such a solution that can help encourage physical activity and improve the health of humans and dogs. Dogs can interact with other dogs in public places. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine interactions between dogs in public places in town Přerov. Four hundred and eighty five canine dyads were observed. The sex of the dog and age of the dog had an effect on the initiation of interactions between dogs. The age of the dog and size of the dog had an effect on the termination of interactions between dogs. Further research will be necessary to fully understand dog interactions in public places.

Aim of this study was to compare selected reproduction indicators of Holstein cattle at two farms. The data gained in 2014 a 2015 were compared. In the observed cow population values of the 1^st inseminations, all inseminations, re-inseminations, cow pregnancies after the 1^st insemination and all inseminations, interval, gestation period and conception rate were compared. The conception rate after all the inseminations at the both farms (32.16 to 39.57%) was almost in accord with the average rate in the Czech Republic. The gestation period values (103.83 to 144.26 days) and interval values (66.17 to 88.18) were of an average or even substandard level. These two herds shall be classified as of a low level of reproduction.

In years 2011 to 2015, three field experiments were performed in the capital city of Prague to study decomposition and insect colonization of large cadavers in conditions of the Central Europe. Experiments in turns followed decomposition in outdoor environments with the beginning in spring, summer and winter. As the test objects a cadaver of domestic pig (Sus scrofa f. domestica Linnaeus, 1758) weighing 50 kg to 65 kg was used for each test. Our paper presents results of family Muscidae, which was collected during all three studies, with focusing on its using in forensic practice. Altogether 29,237 specimens of the muscids were collected, which belonged to 51 species. It was 16.6% (n = 307) of the total number of Muscidae family which are recorded in the Czech Republic. In all experiments the species Hydrotaea ignava (Harris, 1780) was dominant (spring = 75%, summer = 81%, winter = 41%), which is a typical representative of necrophagous fauna on animal cadavers and human corpses in outdoor habitats during second and/or third successional stages (active decay phase) in the Czech Republic.

The study was aimed at validating the influence of increased intake of extracted rapeseed meal (4.7 kg/cow/day) on the distribution of iodine in various body fluids (blood plasma, urine and milk) in groups of dairy cows. The feed ration contained 1.2 mg iodine/kg of dry matter (i.e. additive iodine – inorganic form) in the 1^st stage of experiment, 0.6 mg iodine/kg of dry matter (i.e. additive iodine – inorganic and organic form) in the 2^nd stage. The average contents of iodine in milk and urine were: 33.1µg/land 192.9 µg/l in 1^st stage of experiment, 79.6 µg/land 376.3 µg/l in 2^nd stage. Our results show that an increased intake of extracted rapeseed meal reduces utilization of iodine (iodine in milk) and increases urinary iodine excretion. Our results also show that organic form of iodine was effectively utilized.

Applied research method is a combination of search retrieval and empirical part based on observing two experiments carried out between 2011 and 2012 and between 2012 and 2013. In all experiments model carcasses of pigs Sus scrofa f. domestica Linnaeus, 1758 were used. Pig carcasses meant to imitate the real crime scenes, substituting human corpses. Samples were collected from dead bodies and from nearby vegetation. The objective of the experimental part was to observe and annotate which species of Sepsidae family were present at given time and to elaborate on possible relation between their presence and phases of cadaver decomposition. During trials, altogether 15 195 adult specimens of family Sepsidae were collected which belonged to 15 species. The most abundant species was Nemopoda nitidula (Fallén, 1820) which larvae were collected from both carcasses. The experiment leads to broadening of the available knowledge about Sepsidae family and helped to verify applied data collecting methods.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of diet enriched with 2.5% fish oil (source of polyunsaturated fatty acids) and the effect of diet enriched with 2.5% palm oil (source of saturated fatty acids; control) on plasma lipids level. Two model animals were used: Sus scrofa and Rattus norvegicus. Levels of total plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density cholesterol and high-density cholesterol were analysed by the enzymatic-colorimetric method. There were no significant differences between absolute values of the lipid fractions. Plasma lipid concentration in animals which was fed by diet enriched with fish oil was expressed like ratio of the plasma concentration in the other group of animals. In this case dietary fish oil decreased high-density cholesterol less (P<0.01), but low-density cholesterol and triacylglycerols more (P<0.05 and P<0.001) in rat plasma than in pig´s. However, used amount of fish oil added to diet was not able to improve plasma lipid markers in comparison with saturated palm oil.

In domesticated animals there are many different coat colors and mutations, often connected with pleiotropic effects. The aim of this thesis named The study of color genes sequences in chinchilla based on homology of human and mice sequences was describe by molecular-genetic principles of pigmentation, introduce genes involved in melanogenesis and influencing a melanin function, their structure, mutations and mention other mutations which change the phenotype. Information about alleles TYR, TYRP1, TYRP2/DCT, agouti, AGRP, gene group MCR gene group (MC1R-MC5R) and more are focused on human (Homo sapiens), mouse (Mus musculus) and chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera). In these three species selected sequences of genes TYR and TYRP2/DCT were compared.

Immunocastration of pigs is an alternative way to prevent the presence of boar taint, especially skatole which cause negative deviation of meat quality. The vaccine Improvac actively immunizes against gonadotropin – releasing hormone (GnRH). It triggers a cascade of hypotalamic – pituinary – gonadal axis actions during sexual maturation and contributes to the development of spermatogenesis. This inhibition leads to significant changes in testicular tissue, both structural and functional. Testes undergo changes effecting reproduction in addition to other indicators, such as boar taint. For comprehensive understanding of this topic is needed specifically specify changes in testis tissue and possible impacts in other economically interesting tissues. In the experiment 10 boars were treated with the vaccine Improvac with two subcutaneous applications. The testes were processed by standard histological techniques. Testes tissue have showed significant morphological changes in seminiferous tubules and interstitial space. Null or decreased spermatogenesis were performed in germinal tissue and atrophy of Leydig cells leaded to inhibition of steroidogenesis.

It is essential for the method real-time PCR to control variables by validation of normalization of the data. The aim of this study was to develop a set of reference genes for relative quantification of mRNA expression in the porcine liver. The mRNA stability of expression was studied for five genes: GAPDH, HPRT1, PPIA, TOP2B, TBP1, where for each gene the Ct value characterized the level of expression in liver. With the help of geNorm range of stability of analysed genes was (from the most stable to the least): PPIA, TBP1, TOP2B, GAPDH, HPRT1.

The objective of the experiment was to test a hypothesis that the biologically active substances present in fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) are able to stabilize inflammatory status in an organism. Thirty two pigs ( Large White x Landrace) at the age of eight weeks with the mean live weight of 25.5 kg were used as a model organism. The pigs were divided into two groups with 16 animals each; the experimental and control group was fed the basic feed mixture with 2.5% of fish oil (F) and 2.5% of palm oil (P), respectively. The F – and P – pigs were randomly divided into two groups 70th day of fattening, and eight F – and eight P – pigs were treated with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After anesthetizing, pigs were sacrificed by bleeding, the blood and liver samples were taken, and expression of the liver genes coding for 7 selected cytokines and plasma concentration of adiponectin and three cytokines was determined. No significant effect (P > 0.05) of dietary intervention on feed intake, live weight and live weight gain was found. Fish oil tended to increase (P > 0.05) relative expression of all tested cytokine genes, the effect being significant (P < 0.05) in the case of IL – 6 and TGF – β1 after LPS application. Fish oil also increased (P < 0.05) plasma concentration of TNFα in pigs treated with LPS. On the other hand, fish oil tended to decrease (P = 0.22) plasma adiponectin in comparison with palm oil. The present study did not confirm anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil.

The aim of our experiment was to find out if a new forms of zinc based on nanotechnology, can increase the antioxidant state in laboratory rats. The male of outbred Wistar albino rats strain were used in this experiment. The rats were sorted out to the three groups. In each of group were stabled 6 males. The first control group (Control) (n = 6) was not fed with higher doses of zinc. The second group (ZnEDT) of rats (n = 6) was fed with zinc nanoparticles chelated by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (200 mg/kg of diet). The third group (ZnNTA) of rats (n = 6) was fed with zinc nanoparticles chelated by nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) (200 mg/kg of diet). After 15 days of zinc nanoparticles exposure, the rats were sacrificed. Immediately, the samples of blood and liver were analyzed. As markers of oxidative potential of organism were used antioxidant activity determined using FR method, level of superoxiddismutase and methallothionein and finally, content of total zinc determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The nanozinc supplementation shows the influence on studied parameters. Our results proved the rat organism is sensitive on the used zinc nanocomplexes.

SMM mediums were invented to increase turkey spermatozoa motility. Effect of SMM extenders were previously tested on turkey spermatozoa with outstanding results in in vitro conditions what lead testing these mediums on rabbit spermatozoa with emphasis on motility and viability parameters. Semen samples of New Zealand White rabbits were assessed in this study. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of rabbit spermatozoa motility in in vitro conditions using different semen extenders (SMM1, SMM2, SMM3) at different times, cultured at temperature of 5°C. Using CASA analysis, the effect of selected extender (SMM1, SMM2, SMM3) on rabbit spermatozoa motility parameters in vitro during the incubation period and at 5 °C was determined. The total spermatozoa motility was in experimental samples in the range of 90.59–31.28% (SMM1), 85.94–28.15% (SMM2) and 89.48–24.66% (SMM3) compared to control sample – 87.82–20.51%. Even though motility decreased along with rising time, some significant differences between control sample and samples enriched with tested SMM extenders were found. Significant stimulation effect of SMM extenders was preferably manifested in  samples which contained medium SMM1.The percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa showed significantly positive effect of added extender, furthermore after one hour of incubation all experimental samples reached the level of significance (P < 0.001). No significant difference in velocity parameter VCL was detected between control and experimental samples, except for the one hour interval where positive effect of semen extender was monitored (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01). Long term semen storage (24 hours) resulted in significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) decrease of path in samples with mediums SMM2 and SMM3. The spermatozoa viability was tested using MTT assay at intervals of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and no significant difference compared with control was detected. Results of this study confirm that the newly developed extenders for turkey semen have also positive effect on rabbit spermatozoa in vitro.

Bioimaging using laser ablation connected with inductively coupled plasma and mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) offers the ability of imaging of elements in the different types of biological tissues with very good spatial resolution from units to hundreds µm. This method is used in biomedical research such as cancer diseases. A wide range of application also provides information about distribution of essential elements in organs (liver, kidneys).

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the fish oil, respectively its main component, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the expression of genes PPARα, SREBP-2, Insig-1, Hmgcr and Ldlr which control cholesterol homeostasis in the liver of rats (Wistar Albino; n = 32) and pigs (Large White x Landrace; n = 32). Rats and pigs were randomly assigned into two groups of 16 animals and fed ten weeks by the diet with either 2.5% of fish oil (group F; source of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, EPA+DHA) or 2.5% of palm oil (group P; high content of saturated fatty acids; control group). Dietary fish oil relative to palm oil increased PPARα and SREBP-2 gene expression much strongly (P<0.01) in the pig liver in comparison with the rat liver, but expression of Insig-1 and Hmgcr genes in the liver of the F-pigs relative to the expression of these genes in the liver of the P-pigs was substantially lower (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) as compared to rats.

As we could see in the last few years, climatic conditions indicated a very low level of atmospheric precipitation. For this reason, it is necessary to deal with the issue of supplementary irrigation. On selected crops, we have to apply several doses of spray. We then focus on the quality of work of the used technology. Longitudinal spray uniformity is among the factors of the quality of work and it is also associated with the continuous and stable hose winding speed. To be able to assess the quality of the longitudinal uniformity of the speed of hose winding on the reel, we needed to design a digital device. The hardware design itself is not sufficient; therefore its software part needs to be added. The microcontroller PIC16F877 with the MOL30 tachometer was used as the main logic unit. The port RS232 was used for communication. After solving and constructing this device, we verified its functionality directly in the working conditions of a particular hose reel irrigation machine. The designed device Speedmeter SM2 enables saving of the data into the internal memory. It enables to store up to 122 values with setting up the time interval from 1 to 32768 sec. This device was verified in practical measurements, where an absolute error of the 0.34 m/h irrigator was found (relative error was 2.7 % to the set value).

Toxic metals can be present in municipal wastewaters sludge and may inhibit the process of anaerobic fermentation. According to literature zinc is one from toxic metals with the strongest inhibitory effect. Therefore, this article deals with effect of zinc on anaerobic fermentation of sewage sludge and biogas production. Inhibitory effect of zinc on anaerobic stabilization of sewage sludge was studied using batch anaerobic fermenters at temperature 42 °C ± 1 ºC. Hydraulic retention time was 21 days. As toxic substance was used zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) in three different amounts: 75, 312 and 625 mg/l which represent 12, 50 and 100 mg Zn/l, respectively. Biogas and methane yield after 21 days hydraulic retention time were used as comparative parameters of inhibitory effect of zinc. There were no significant differences between biogas yields from all tested concentrations of zinc and blank. There was only one significant difference between methane yields from tested concentrations of zinc and blank. The reduction of 6.3 ± 2.5% in the cumulative methane production can be observed after addition of 100 mg Zn/l (625 mg ZnCl₂/l).

The present paper deals with laboratory studies of contamination of hydraulic oils with analysis of the physico-chemical properties, in order to determine and lengthen the change interval of hydraulic oils used in stationary pressing devices. The aim was to determine the degree of contamination of samples of hydraulic fluids, to prolong change intervals, to ensure the proper operation of hydraulic presses. Result of the analysis of hydraulic fluids was, that the physico-chemical properties of the used hydraulic fluids, after the two-year period of usage, preserve the properties, which determine the correct operation of the production of pressing equipment.

The article illustrates the problems related to the production of emissions of diesel engine, while the negative influence of the exhaust gases emitted is undesirable to humans, for ecosystems and for the actual working environment of agricultural machinery. In this time, methods of measurement of exhaust gas of diesel engines equipped with an exhaust system with exhaust gas filtration are considered inadequate. The purpose of the allowance therefore consists of establishing the methodology of measuring the exhaust gas NO_x on the selected reference engine. Established methodology consists of loading the engine modified with free acceleration from idle to a maximum speed and scanning the emission of NO_x at introduced current speed and time monitoring the regeneration of the NO_x emissions at idle speed. For an objective assessment of mentioned parameter, the required number of repetitions is set with the help of statistical methods. At the beginning of the methodical process of measuring emissions, it is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature, which is performed by running the engine at higher speed and subsequent five rinsing accelerations from idle speed to a maximum. Motor load was formed by inertial forces of dynamic changes during the acceleration of the engine rotating parts. When measuring with free acceleration, results were evaluated based on the recovery time to baseline NO_x max. 25 s while we were waiting for stability NO_x emissions to baseline with a tolerance of -1% ppm of baseline. The results obtained from experimental work serve as a proposal for the further development of science in the area of transport and diesel engine. Based on a sample of measured data, it is possible to set the limit values of NO_X emissions for the reference engine. These were important for determination of the NO_x emissions curve depending on speed, whereby the course we have expressed mathematically by power function.

The paper focuses on modernization of learning facilities on evaluation of combustion processes, parameters and graphic indication of limiting states. Primal part of device was older type of dynamometer used for measuring power of tractors, which was redesign and modernized for measuring the power about 140 kW and torque about 450 Nm of small vehicle’s engines. For data acquisition and calculations was designed new software in programming language. The control of hydrodynamic brake was automatised and all important parameters of learning facilities and engine was recorded in PC and visualized on the main monitor. Designed and modernized learning facilities can measure basic parameters: engine torque, engine power, RPM, fuel consumption with gravimetric method and other numerous internal engine parameters, that can be set “on line” through a special engine control unit. The whole modernized learning facilities are designed on open platform with free access for administrator.

In this article are presented facts from photovoltaic theory and practise. The amount of energy produced by PV system is influenced by many internal and external factors.  One of the most important factors is temperature which has significant influence on PV system energy production. The temperature of PV module is affected by emissivity, absorptivity of cell surface and convective heat transfer coefficient. In the text are presented parameters of real PV system installed on RES laboratory roof in Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. Measured parameters by PV systems were used for verification of mathematical model for time temperature relation. The main aim was modelling of convective heat transfer coefficient dependence on temperature and wind speed. There were compared time relations of measured and modelled convective heat transfer coefficient.

Customers are still unfamiliar in the areas of quality, varietal purity, and keeping quality of grape seed oils. These parameters can influence consumers in their purchase decisions. An important indicator for determining the variety’s purity, stability, and oil degradation due to storage is their colour intensity. A variety of methods can be used for evaluation of colour intensity of oils. For example CIELAB method. Utilization of the obtained results, particularly the hue (h_ab) and chroma (C*_ab) factors, facilitates the use of CIELAB method to verify the authenticity of grape seed oils and exclusion of impurities, especially of cheaper oils.

The paper evaluates the effects of the inclination factor which determines the performance of deployed lawn mowers. The identified coefficients facilitate the assessment of the impact of inclination on the really attained performance of most used machines on a real territory. The results show a significant impact on the slope above 9.0°. The impact of 12.0° slope, which is the limit value for conventional techniques, showed a reduction of performance coefficient to be 0.76. The effect of gentle slopes up to 8.5° (15.0%) showed a reduction of performance coefficient to be 0.93.

Biomass provides a great diversity of input materials and universal use, not only for heat production but also for electricity production in modern combustion devices. The quality of biofuels depends on the total content of combustibles. Course of combustion is affected by the levels of volatile and solid combustibles. The aim of this research was to determine the amount and release course of combustibles in selected biofuels depending on temperature by the means of gravimetric method. For this purpose, we used a gravimetric furnace Nabertherm L9/11/SW/P330. The results are processed in tabular and graphic form and enable to characterize the release course of combustibles in the tested fuels. The highest content of combustibles was observed in samples of softwood pellets, in the amount of 99.64%. The highest proportion of volatile matter from the total amount of combustibles was present in cherry wood, in the amount of 74.4%.

This thesis attends to the optimization of separated waste collection routes, the waste is being collected by the company Technické služby VM s.r.o. The solution is carried out according to the salesman's methods with farthest insertion's algorithm. This algorithm provides possible solutions in an interface of two algebraic systems Maple and Bjornson's application. The routes for separated waste collection, which are compared, constitute an output.

Using of algae in a biogas transformation is still in the beginning. However, the microalgae have large potential from the perspective of growing demands on biogas quality and trend of using natural resources. First of all, it is their ability to fix carbon dioxide (CO₂) using photosynthesis and presumed ability of some algae to metabolize hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). Biogas contains not only required methane but also components causing its worse quality such as mentioned CO₂ and H₂S. Therefore, the algae are potential biological systems for biogas-conditioning. The microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa Chick (IPPAS C2) was used for fixation of CO₂ and H₂S in our experiment. The microalgae were cultivated in a medium BG 11. The algal suspension was aerated with the biogas during two weeks. Different values of CO₂ concentration measured in the input and output confirmed decrease of CO₂ caused by intensive growth of algal culture. Decline of H₂S was not confirmed.

This article deals with the issue of martensitic transformation scanning using acoustic emission. The principle of which is the use of acoustic detectors, especially in extreme temperatures. Special waveguides were developed for these purposes, enabling this type of measurement. The maximum temperature achieved in the experiment was 850 °C. Samples of carbon steel were used for the measurement, due to their extensive use in the industry. The properties of carbon steel can be widely influenced by alloying carbon and a combination of thermal and thermomechanical processing. After a non-destructive measurement by acoustic emission, was used the university device XEDO with a piezoelectric sensor. The martensitic steel quenching was performed in water. After the samples were thermally treated, was determined their hardness in different locations on the sample. The samples were then subjected to metallographic abrasive cutting, and images of the resulting structure of the samples were taken with an electron microscope. The acoustic emission was used to create a record of the heating and cooling of samples martensitic ally quenched in water.  The most important result was the creation of an acoustic record of the martensitic transformation itself.

This article deals with the determination of the tractor engine power in the field condition. Effective engine power is the basic output parameter of the engine. At the evaluation of tractor output parameter, engine power is used for determination of drawbar pull. Engine power is product of torque and angular speed. CAN-Bus reading is widely spread technique in testing. Information about actually torque is also provided, but this information and its value is indicated in percent. For this reason, the direct calculation of engine power is not possible and it is necessary to proceed from other parameters. Application of the engine load and the engine speed for determination of the engine power is the objective of this article. In this paper, the individual steps of model creation including partial calculations mentioned above are described. 

With increasing size and weight of machines using in agriculture is also increases concern of soil compaction. Soil compaction affects adversely the yield in turn. Basic connection between the soil and the machine are the tyres. Choosing tyres in agriculture affects not only the economy but also the effect of the machine to the soil. Manufactures of tyres and agricultural equipment develop new design solutions to smaller negative impact of driving the machine on the soil. It also chosen tyre pressure can cause the different effects on soil properties. In this work, we focused on the influence of tractor passes at three different inflation pressures – 1, 1.5 and 2 bars on physical soil properties - on bulk density and porosity.  The results clearly did not indicate which variant of tyre inflation pressure was the best. And also due to the fact that the hard layer caused was around the depth 0.25 m by prolonged use minimization technology.

The aim of this paper is to emphasise the possibilities of lifetime improvement of working tools of agricultural machinery and especially to increase the abrasion resistance of the surface layer The life expectance was extended by welding of new cutting edge and hardfacings on functional areas of these new cutting edge (facet). I were used two technologies of surfacing by means of flame and an electric arc in the tests. The measurements were carried out over 40 ha and 80 ha of work tools in the soil.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand is one of the most commonly used group determination. The aim of work was to compare the selected methods used for determining the biological oxygen demand. For comparison respirometry and electrochemical methods for determining the biological oxygen demand were chosen. This article compares these methods when common matrices waste water and sludge from wastewater treatment plants were used. Furthermore, analysis duration, investment costs and operating requirements were evaluated for each method. The result is a comparison of the results of each method. 

This research aims to experimentally analyze and evaluate the influence of varying the spark timings (ST) on the cylinder pressure development and output parameters of a four-stroke spark ignition (SI) engine. Measurements were performed at stoichometric conditions for six different ignition timings at fixed compression ratio 9.5:1, wide throttle open and engine speed 2500 rpm. The main goal is determination of cylinder pressure curve due to piston top dead center (TDC). The correct variation in cylinder pressure is very important for optimal energy conversion in combustion chamber, which maximize the engine efficiency. Results showed that higher values of ignition timings increase the engine output power as well as the cylinder pressure. The proper adjustment of the engine is the key to achieve optimal engine parameters, which also proved this measurement.

On this article is described the method of automobile control unit data mining. The article is divided into several categories. One part contains the theory of data mining, describing the history of its origin of the method and its division. The main focus is on the communication of control units and diagnostic testers in CAN bus vehicle buses. The data mining method focuses on specific objectives in this article. The objectives are described in the practical part of this article. On the practical part is described the connection of diagnostic hardware to the control unit of the BOSCH engine marked EDC17CP20. The communication sample is subtracted from the CAN bus with hardware. The sample is then analyzed and interpreted. For example, it displays the VIN (Vehicle identification number) from the engine control unit, CAN bus filters and other parameters. The results are then reviewed in the original diagnostic tool SuperVAG.

Paper deals with possibilities of non-destructive testing (with acoustic emission) for identification and characterization of distinct stages in course of mechanical stress loading in aluminium alloys EN AW 7075 and modern composite materials, especially fibrous polymer composites with carbon support. In experimental part of paper we propose method for continuous acoustic signal recording, on-flight data assessment, and measurement of stressed material response to applied mechanic stress in real time. Partial results from ongoing research were consecutively implemented into mentioned method, namely calibration process of acoustic emission detection on measuring apparatus. Observation of material response to mechanic stress load with thoroughly designed technique of detection, processing, and assessment of acoustic emission signal provides the valuable information on material response to stress load and physic interpretation of measured data enables new insight into processes accompanying the occurrence of cracks in solid materials. Above mentioned emission signals provide lead on indication of micro-fissure emergence in stressed material internal structure.

We demonstrate that peptides of in-gel digested proteins separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis can be transferred directly onto a C18 disk and analyzed via Liquid Extraction Surface Analysis mass spectrometry. This concept, if further optimized, could facilitate a rapid identification of proteoforms separated by 1D or 2D electrophoresis.

Chemical composition of soil was studied within post mined area of limestone quarry Mokrá, south Moravian region, the Czech Republic. According to fieldwork research six quarry walls were selected for detail study. From one to four sampling sites were determined within each quarry wall. Overall fifteen sampling sites (10*10m) were determined from central part where Devonian limestone dominates to the east part where transition to Drahany Kulm formation occurs. Three soil samples from each sampling site were analyzed by Energy dispersive fluorescence spectrometer (ED–XRF, DELTA soil). This relatively new method was tested for brief characterization of soil substrate and bedrock type. For this purpose the samples were only sieved (2 mm) a dried. This time and cost reducing method confirmed two types of the bedrock in quarry Mokrá and corresponded with supposed mineral composition. Chemical composition of macro and microelement revealed any anomaly which can dramatically inhibit plant growth.

The many negative side effects of drugs used for treatment of highly diverse diseases, such as cancer, lead in recent years to the development of ways how to target the drug selectively to the diseased tissue while avoiding the healthy cells. Nanocarriers, made from various materials, can serve as a suitable platform for this targeted drug delivery. Herein, we evaluate the long-term stability of nanocarrier based on ubiquitous protein apoferritin with encapsulated doxorubicin. Various properties of the nanocarrier were observed over the course of 12 weeks while stored at various temperatures, such as premature drug release, optical properties of the encapsulated drug, nanocarrier size and surface zeta potential. The nanocarrier showed very good stability for up to 12 weeks with the best results observed with nanocarrier prepared in water and stored at dark at 4 °C.

Studies of processes leading to cancer tumour progression are one of the major foci of current cancer research. Therefore, it is important to shade the light on the metabolic pathways involved in cancerogenesis. In the present study we have chosen as a model two prostatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (PC-3 and LNCaP) for the comparison of the metabolites involved in tumour growth. Applying the HPLC-MS method, we determined and compared the concentration levels of S-(5’-adenosyl)-L-homocysteine (SAH) and S-(5’-adenosyl)-L-methionine (SAM), that are involved in the tumour growth processes. SAM/SAH ratio, a methylation index describing the aggressiveness of tumour cells, was determined here. The methylation index was 0.4 and 1.2 for PC-3 and LNCaP cells, respectively, pointing out that the PC-3 cells are more aggressive than LNCaP cells. This finding is of great importance for our following studies.

Seed proteome analysis is a challenging task. Here, we compare seed proteome composition of four contrasting plant species - Arabidopsis thaliana, Hordeum vulgare, Helianthus annuus and Solanum lycopersicum. We found a strong negative correlation between seed protein content and the amount of detectable proteins in the LC-MS analysis.

The norepinephrine transporter (hNET) is a potential target for many antidepressants and for neuroblastoma therapeutics. The entrance channel of hNET and also dopamine transporter (DAT) serve as candidate site for targeting by large peptides e.g. α-helix-based. Targeting peptides, also known as homing peptides, are used to direct the delivery of cargo to specific cell types. Peptides of known secondary structures such as α-helix and β-sheet have predictable and stable folding. In this study, approx. 27 peptides, with predictable secondary structures, were evaluated by 20 dockings predictions on unrefined hNET homology model and DAT crystal structure using molecular mechanics (total ~1080 models). As anticipated, peptide size was detrimental for docking in channel space, whereas peptide isoelectrics point did not affect docking. Peptide’s initial non-bonded energy affected docking while overall peptide free energy and initial electrostatic energy did not. Two α-helices showed favorable docking in channel of hNET; namely, GASNGINAYL and SLWERLAYGI with binding energy of -106.2 kJ/mol and -128.6 kJ/mol, respectively. Prior to in vitro and in vivo applications, future work will focus on development of refined accurate model of hNET and application of solvated docking (in presence of water). This study provides new insight to the development of helix-based therapeutic peptides.

Bacterial infections and the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics are included among the major global health problems. Therefore selenium nanoparticles in complexes with chitosan and selenium nanoparticles with Schiff base chitosan were synthesized and tested as potential antibacterial agents. Selenium nanoparticles with chitosan showed the average particle size of 29.4 nm with zeta potential of -44.3 mV. The standardized disc diffusion method has been used for susceptibility testing of selenium nanoparticles with chitosan and derivates on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Chitosan selenium nanoparticles show inhibitory effect on gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli only, whereas chitosan Schiff bases inhibit growth of all bacterial strains tested. The use of selenium nanoparticles in combination with chitosan Schiff bases appears to be a good way for the reduction of bacterial infection.

This paper describes the preparation and electrochemical application of chromium (III) oxide modified carbon paste electrode for simple and high sensitive simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper ions. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry which is very sensitive for metal ions was selected as electrochemical detection method. This method was optimized with respect to deposition time, deposition potential, frequency and amplitude. The detection limits were found to be 30.3 µg/L for Zn²⁺, 3 µg/L for Cd²⁺, 24.2 µg/L and 3 µg/L for Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ respectively. The potential for simultaneous detection of these heavy metal ions by the chromium modified carbon paste electrode was also demonstrated. Using this modified carbon paste is also possible to detect mercury ions, detection limit was found to be 18.2 µg/L.

Multi-walled-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are widely explored as carriers for drug delivery, due to their facile transport through cellular membranes, and are reportedly found to be effective against cancer. In the present study, we have designed a MWCNTs nanocarrier for doxorubicin delivery to prostate cancer tissue. The cell penetrating peptide (SMSIALR) modified MWCNTs provide better penetration of nanocarrier into cancer cells. Using fluorescence measurement, the doxorubicin (DOXO) binding efficiency was estimated to 100%. MALDI analysis confirms the presence of doxorubicin and peptide on the MWCNTs structure. The stability behavior of the colloid suspension indicates the positive charge of carbon nanocarrier and due to this fact, the cancer cells membranes carry negative charge, the MWCNTs is established as suitable drug delivery system for doxorubicin.

Water pipe materials can have significant effect on drinking water quality. Whereas heavy metals originate from metal pipes and couplings, new plastic polyethylene pipes can also leach different organic compounds that can effect olfactory and taste properties of water, and even be harmful to consumers. In this project the effect of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipes on water quality was studied in laboratory and in residences with drinking water pipes made of different pipe materials. PEX pipes leached several organic volatile compounds, such as methyl and ethyl tert-butyl ethers (MTBE and ETBE) and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) in the water in both laboratory tests and in the studied house. Water incubated in the pipes in laboratory was found to leach anti-androgenic and anti-retinoid X-like compounds. Water metal content was not affected by PEX pipes but rather the couplings and other network materials. Risks of leached compounds were low, and mostly affecting the taste and odour of water. Metal couplings and other metal network materials in household can potentially increase harmful metal exposure of residents.

The white-rot fungi produce wide range of extracellular enzymes (especially ligninolytic enzymes) and they can degrade complicated and difficult degradable compounds. An immobilization of enzymes causes their stability, reusability and cheapness, so they could be effectively used in biotechnologies and other branches. In this work we focused on the optimization of isolation procedure namely precipitation the enzymes, which will be used for immobilization in the next step. 75% ammonium sulphate was used to salting the enzymes and experimentally set the optimum pH for two species of white-rot fungi – Trametes versicolor and Fomes fomentarius. Our results show that the optimum pH for precipitation by ammonium sulphate is different for used species. Consequently, pH optimum for Trametes versicolor was 6, for Fomes fomentarius was 8.

This study is focused on the effect of copper on the redox status and biosynthesis of antioxidants and simple phenolic compounds in microalgae Scenedesmus quadricauda. These compounds are constitutively expressed in higher plants. However, there is still lack of information about the activity of these compounds and their role within antioxidant system in the microalgae species. Our data indicate a strong effect of Cu²⁺ on the higher biosynthesis of simple phenolic acid (phenylpyruvic acid, phenylacetic acid 3,4 dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) and polyphenol (rosmarinic acid) in the microalgae Scenedesmus quadricauda. The similar effect we observed in biosynthesis of GSH and GSSG respectively. A decrease in the ratio GSH/GSSG was observed in the each concentrations of Cu²⁺ (1, 4 and 8 mg/l) already after 24 hours compared to the control sample. The biggest decrease in the ratio was observed at the concentration of 8 mg/l, which also negatively affected the viability and growth of microalgae cells.

Nuclear proteome contains important regulatory proteins. To improve the detection of these proteins, Percoll gradient-based fractionation techniques have been developed and optimized. However, owing to the ever increasing sensitivity of identification methods based on liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, the time and material consuming fractionation methods may no longer be necessary.  Here, we show that a Percoll-based nuclear protein fractionation of tomato leaf proteome increased the number of detected proteins, but at least some nuclear proteins were lost or depleted in the process.

Visualization of nanoparticles can be exceedingly useful in tracking of targeted drug delivery systems. For this purpose, highly luminescent quantum dot nanoparticles may represent a suitable option due to their superior photophysical properties and versatile surface chemistry. This study was mainly focused on application of CdTe quantum dot nanoparticles for fluorescence imaging of their transport in plants. In vivo experiments were carried using leaves of sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus). Leaves, soaking water solution of CdTe-PVP and CdTe/ZnS quantum dots, were monitored (ʎ_em 535 nm and 600 nm respectively) for 8 hours at time intervals of 60 minutes using In Vivo Xtreme Imaging System (Bruker, MA, USA). Autofluorescence of biomolecules present in plants, including chlorophyll, carotene and xanthophylls, represents a crucial problem in fluorescence imaging of plants. However, by using adequate excitation and emission filters during fluorescence images acquisition, this phenomenon can be effectively suppressed. Moreover, multispectral imaging and spectral modelling can be performed in order to distinguish fluorescence of quantum dots. In this study, a comparison of two different modifications of CdTe quantum dots is provided together with recommendations on setting of appropriate excitation and emission range for image acquisition.

The aim of the study paper was to evaluate a rate of soil contamination by heavy metals from the expected contaminated site 1 (Odra Hills) and expected contaminated site 2 (Drahany Upland) using Coefficient of Industrial Pollution (CIP). In the total, 37 topsoil samples were collected. The pH and ORP parameters were used to evaluate changes in environment. Among the study elements are arsenic, copper, zinc and lead and to evaluate them the X-ray spectroscopy was used. The Coefficient of Industrial Pollution (CIP) reported medium soil contamination at the Shooting Range areas from ECS1 as well as from ECS2. The main source of copper and lead probably come locally from the munitions. The heavy metal content in the other anthropogenic-changed landscapes was compared to the natural background.