Všechny tituly 406 výsledků

Leaves are part of the plant organs that are important to sustain its life. These organs are sensitive to climate changes and may present phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental conditions. However, affirmation of the leaves morphological plasticity and their regulation in different environments is still little studied up to date. In the present research, we evaluated performance of 20 different groups of Argania spinosa (L.) skeels genotypes (half-sibling). Each group contains 3 half-sibs. Genotype × environment interactions (GxE) were evaluated as well, for shape and size leaves. To perform this, geometric morphometrics principles were applied to analyze genotypes morphology in three locations (Center, West and South West of Morocco). Univariate and multivariate analysis was used for data analysis. Results showed significant variation of symmetric and asymmetric components for genotypes, half-sibling and location with relatively high variation coefficient (60 %<). Shape and size differences among genotypes, suggest that they were the main source in leaf morphology variation. Canonical Variate Analysis of leaf shapes reveals that the aregions are clearly distinct from each other. For symmetric component analysis, Mahalanobis distances values among locations reached 35.53 between South-Western and North-Western locations, 21.88 North-Western and central locations and 18.29 for South-Western and Central location. The differentiation between the groups using the Canonical Variations value showed a significant effect of the environment on the studied argan genotypes. Small leaves and narrow limbs were observed in central location compared to others. However, South-Western location leaves had mainly an ovate shape. The same genotypes presented a high spectrum of shape variation varying from obovate to ovate in the other regions. This study highlights the strong correspondence between leaf morphology and genotype within different environments, and demonstrates that GxE interaction shave an impact to take into consideration in breeding programs.

Heavy metal pollution of soils in being a serious problem for sustainable agriculture. A promising solution for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils is to use plants in combination with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). In this study, a total of 30 soil samples were collected from different locations in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. They were used to isolate PSB from paddy soil on Pikovskaya agar media, and their ability in improving the phytoremediation of lead (Pb2+) by a weed plant (Echinochloa colona) as well as in promoting the growth of E. colona under Pb stress condition was investigated by pot experiments. Total 07 PSB were isolated and the ND04 showed the ability in solubilizing multiple P sources ( Ca3(PO4)2, AlPO4, FePO4, and phytate) with corresponding P solubilizing levels were 530.12, 50.13, 25.02, and 3.58 mg/L PO43–-P, respectively. Moreover, the ND04 strain was identified as Pseudomonas putida (accession number FJ976605.1) and produced the highest values of available P (1.67 mg/L) in Ca3(PO4)2 ‑incubated soil experiments. Furthermore, the ND04 inoculation significantly enhanced the growth of E. colona and also increased the phytoremediation efficiency of Pb from Pb-contaminated soil. These results suggest the ND04 could potentially use to construct novel constructed wetlands for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soil.

The observed increase in global average air temperature has a profound effect on the climate, and the effects of this phenomenon are expected to be more significant in the next 30–50 years. As a result, their physiological condition deteriorates, and their defenses and productivity decrease. This fact emphasizes the relevance and feasibility of the study, which is aimed at determining the drought and heat tolerance of plants of the Moraceae family. The work uses generally accepted methods for determining the resistance of breeding samples to heat and drought. The research established that mulberry plants of Victoria, Halyna, Merefyanska, Slobozhanska, Maclura varieties showed increased adaptive resistance to high temperatures (heat and drought). In particular, damage to leaf plates in the 40–80 °C temperature range did not exceed 50%. Scoring scales were developed for evaluating plants of the Moraceae family for drought and heat resistance, which increased the accuracy and informativeness of their determination. It is emphasized that the general level of physiological processes in germinated seeds under conditions of drought indicates the high resistance of adult plants, which ensures the possibility of preserving and growing valuable species for further breeding. From a practical point of view, the complex diagnostic assessment of Moraceae plants for adaptive resistance by various methods provided a comprehensive assessment and selection of breeding material with high adaptive potential to stressful growing conditions.

The presented mini review examines phytoliths in plants and microorganisms, focusing on their formation, physico-chemical properties, content in plant, and effects on livestock and human health. Phytoliths are primarily inorganic solid materials – biominerals, often formed by organic acids within plant tissues. They are relatively insoluble, enduring diverse environmental conditions (pH 3–9). Phytolith content in plant tissue varies significantly – from 2.5% to 70% – influenced by plant species, fertilizer use, climate, and agronomic practices. Two main types, oxalates, and silicon dioxides in opal form, are most commonly studied. Oxalates, found in both animal and human diets, can bind essential cations like calcium and magnesium, reducing their bioavailability and potentially increasing toxicity risks. When ingested, these oxalates may form insoluble compounds linked to physiological effects leading to risks associated with kidney failure. Phytolith research is interdisciplinary, spanning fields like archaeology, medicine, agriculture, nanotechnology, ecology, and environmental science. The Part I of this mini review explores the basic principles of the biomineral formation and their diversity. It goes into more detail about oxalates, their typical properties and occurrence in plants with risks for human and animal health after ingestion. The Part II of the mini review will discuss phytolith classifications, their utility, and factors influencing the formation of the second most common phytoliths made of silicon dioxide.

Uganda is among the top five pork producing countries in Africa, with pig production and local pork consumption being on an increase. Smallholder pig farming systems in Uganda are not very well documented. A household level survey of 199 households conducted between July and August 2018 in Kamuli and Hoima districts evaluated the smallholder pig breeding practices. Differences between districts were assessed with a chi-squared test. Farmers mainly relied on animals born on farm, from mating of a sow with an on-farm boar as well as boar service, and animals bought in for use as breeding animals. They were knowledgeable of off-farm sources for fattening and breeding animals. Local and crossbreds of local with ‘exotic’ types like Large White, Landrace and Camborough pigs were the predominant types of animals accessed by the farmers. The farmers seemed conversant with heat detection methods in the breeding sow. Sow reproductive problems reported by about 40% of the farmers were small litter size and few litters farrowed over the sow’s lifetime. While important for farm management and breeding purposes, animal identification and record keeping were generally lacking. Main marketing pathways were sales to other farmers and traders at farm gate. Farmers would benefit from participatory strategies that enhance access to quality genetic material. The local pig is an important resource of the smallholder pig herd and additional studies on important traits (heat tolerance, disease resistance and feed utilization) would add valuable information.

The pilot survey among 36 Simmental cattle breeders in Slovakia was performed by an expert visiting farms and filling a questionnaire with farm managers. Data on the factors that influence the emission factors of ammonia, methane or nitrous oxide are needed to provide support for sustainable livestock production policies. Highest milk production (8305±828 kg) was found in the group with intensive production system comprising 7078 cows. Extensive systems were represented by only 2 farms with 451 cows producing 5527±1094 kg of milk. All farms used phase feeding, only 15% of all cows in the survey were grazing. The dominant way of handling animal waste was solid manure with straw bedding (30 farms), while slurry prevailed for the remaining farms. There were 8 farms (2095 cows) equipped with surface covered tanks, bags or using natural crust to reduce emission from slurry storage. Median emission factors of a dairy cow based on survey data were 137.21 kg, 0.850 kg and 50.79 kg per year for methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia, respectively. When aggregated by manure management, cows producing solid manure had a lower emission factor for methane but higher for ammonia and nitrous oxide compared to cows under liquid manure management. Linking data from various aspects of dairy production at farm level supports holistic approach as important for evaluation of food systems in the future.

The efficiency of using ozone and plasma chemical technology to reduce the concentration of ethylene impurities to extend the shelf life of apples has been studied. The ozone concentration was measured by sensors located in the experimental box. The ethylene concentration was measured with an ICA56 meter (in the experimental box) and monitored by sampling from the circulation lines of both boxes. The ICA56 meter use electrochemical sensor with ethylene resolution 0.2 ppm. This sensor have cross sensitivities for CO (40%), ethanol (72%), CO2 (0%), H2 S (220%) and its reason use control method of measuring ethylene. Control samples were analyzed with a Thermo Scientific Trace 1310 gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. The chromatograph was pre-calibrated with calibration gas mixtures with ethylene content of 10 and 100 ppm. It has been shown that Gala, McIntosh and Jonathan apples are stored several times better when the air in which apples are stored is treated with a plasma-chemical system. After 40 days of storage in the control box, the weight of apples acceptable for consumption (absence of rot and mold) was for varieties Gala – 3.3 kg (31%), Jonathan – 2.1 kg (15.6%), McIntosh – 2 kg (20%). In the experimental boxing varieties Gala – 12.1 kg (66.4%), Jonathan – 10.2 kg (59.3%), McIntosh – 9.3 kg (52.5%). Thus, the combined plasma-ozone method of air treatment of stored apples has shown high efficiency and has prospects for use.

The contents of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in raw cow’s milk, feed and soil samples from three regions of Slovak Republic (SR) depending on the environmental regional classification of SR. Total 60 pool milk samples from undisturbed environment (Novoť area), moderately disturbed environment (Tulčík area), and from strongly disturbed environment (Čečejovce area) collected in April, July and September were extracted, purified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and analyzed using the gas chromatography with electron capture detector method (GC-ECD). Thirty feed samples of total mixed ration (TMR) were collected in April and September and after the extraction and purification by GPC were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography (GLC). Fifteen soil samples collected in April were analyzed using the GC-ECD. All samples of raw milk, feed and soil were under the limit of quantification (LOQ) from all regions and did not exceed the limits set by European Commission. There were no seasonal differences in the PCBs levels in the milk, feed and soil samples. The milk PCBs consumption from these locations has no negative impact on consumer’s health. The results indicate the decreasing trend in PCBs occurrence in the environment and food sources. Despite this positive findings, there is a constant need to monitor environmental burden of PCBs in the different regions of Slovakia where mainly food of animal origin is produced and to recognize another sources of PCBs that may impact the food chain.

The study aimed to examine the analyses of the trend in the numbers of dairy cows, production and reproductive traits in the population the Slovak Spotted cattle for period 2010 to 2019. The number of Slovak Spotted dairy cows is maintained on a relatively stable level in recent years. There was a decrease in the number of animals (12 428 in 2010), but not as strong as after 1990 (85 518). From 2017 number of animals is rising from 14,062, to 14,150 (2018) and 14,627 (2019), respectively. As compared to 2010 an increase of 13.15% in 2017, 13.86% and 17.68%, in 2018 and 2019 respectively was observed. Population size raised from 113.15% (2017) to 117.68% in 2019 respectively. The average annual increase in milk production between the years 2010 to 2019 was + 157.5 kg of milk (total 1,575 kg of milk), + 5.8 kg of fat (total 58 kg of fat) and + 6.1 kg of protein (total 61 kg of protein). Positive growth of milk production in recent years is slightly comparable with the trend of breeding improvement.

The presented study addresses the issue of biodiversity, which is a fundamental element of all ecosystems. Since the reduction or loss occurs as a result of many factors, such as habitat degradation, rapidly increasing environmental pollution, worsening climate crisis, monoculture cultivation, urbanisation, and the expansion of non-native species, among others, which have serious consequences for the existence of life on Earth. For this reason, biodiversity protection is necessary, as any change threatens the existing flora, fauna, habitats and the entire society, since all of these factors lead to a deterioration in the functioning of not only natural ecosystems, but also agro-ecosystems. Especially in agricultural landscapes, it is necessary to solve the above problem with measures that would support wild organisms. One of the measures is modern biobelts, which serve to slow down or stop the reduction of biodiversity, as they address the agro-environmental-climatic aspect. The present vegetation of biobelts improves the trophic supply and increases the spatial and temporal availability of food sources for the present organisms. On the other hand, biobelts pose a risk of enriching the soil seed bank with weeds, which may later be manifested in increased weeding of cultivated crops, and the proliferation of pests also appears to be a problem. Another highly effective measure in providing multiple ecosystem services, ensuring water regulation and quality, pest and disease control, while supporting biodiversity, long-term productivity and soil quality, is the use of agroforestry. The results show that increasing diversity in natural ecosystems and agroecosystems through planned measures represents an important strategy, which leads to improved biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Microalgae are recognized as one of the most promising raw materials for the production of third generation biofuels because of their fast growth and high energy yields. Chlorella sorokiniana is a green microalgae that thrives in wastewater and is also used for its purification. The goal were to verify the effective method of cultivation and subsequent biochemical conversion of green microalgae in open bioreactors, monitoring the amount and quality of biogas produced in an experimental fermenter using the wet fermentation method at the Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development at the Slovak University of Agriculture in 2023. As a result of the experiment, we found that the specific production of biogas per unit of organic dry matter of 4.503 m3/kg from the grown biomass of green microalgae of the monitored species several times, specifically 4.7 times exceeded the specific production of biogas from first-class corn silage. When converting the specific production of biogas per unit of dry matter, 2.197 m3/kg represents 3.8 times more compared to the most important raw material for biogas production, corn silage. Third generation biofuels are not yet enough used in Slovakia, but there is considerable potential, as our experiment proved.

Feed efficiency has a major influence on farm profitability and environmental stewardship in the dairy industry. The aim of this study was to describe a new selection index adopted by the Italian Holstein and Jersey Association (ANAFIJ, Cremona, Italy) to improve feed efficiency using data recorded by the official dairy recording system. Predicted dry matter intake (pDMI) was derived from milk yield, fat content, and estimated cow body weight. Fat-protein corrected milk (FPCM) was derived from milk yield corrected for fat, protein, and a fixed coefficient for lactose content (4.80%). Therefore, the predicted feed efficiency (pFE) was estimated as ratio between FPCM and pDMI. Average pFE was 1.27±0.18 (kg.d-1) with heritability of 0.32. Predicted Feed Efficiency index (pFEi), traditional and genomic, has been implemented in the Italian Holstein Friesian evaluation system. Results suggest that pFEi may be a new breeding objective for Italian Friesians. The official selection index (PFT), in use since 2002, is positively correlated with pFEi. However, the introduction of pFEi will improve the positive feed efficiency trend. This approach will permit the Italian Holstein Friesian breeders to improve feed efficiency, without increasing costs of recording system. However, to avoid the risk of selecting animals with an excessive negative energy balance after calving, it would be useful to include in the pFE a correction for body condition score and reproductive performances. Meanwhile, in order to increase the accuracy of the predicted phenotype, an Italian consortium is creating a consistent phenotypic critical mass of individual data for dry matter intake in cows, heifers and young bulls.

Pregnancy assessment is a very important tool for the reproductive management in efficient and profitable dairy farms. Nowadays, mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is the method of choice in the routine milk recording system for quality control and to determine standard milk components. Since it is well known that there are changes in milk yield and composition during pregnancy, the aim of this study was to develop a discriminant model to predict the pregnancy state from routinely recorded MIR spectral data. The data for this study was from the Austrian milk recording system. Test day records of Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss and Holstein Friesian cows between 3 and 305 days of lactation were included in the study. As predictor variables, the first derivative of 212 selected MIR spectral wavenumbers were used. The data set contained roughly 400,000 records from around 40,000 cows and was randomly split into calibration and validation set by farm. Prediction was done with Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis. Indicators of model fit were sensitivity, specificity, balanced accuracy and Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC). In a first approach, one discriminant model for all cows across the whole lactation and gestation lengths was applied. The sensitivity and specificity of this model in validation were 0.856 and 0.836, respectively. Splitting up the results for different lactation stages showed that the model was not able to predict pregnant cases before the third month of lactation and vice versa not able to predict non-pregnancy after the third month of lactation. Consequently, in the second approach a prediction model for each different (expected) pregnancy stage and lactation stage was developed. Balanced accuracies ranged from 0.523 to 0.918. Whether prediction accuracies from this study are sufficient to provide farmers with an additional tool for fertility management, it needs to be explored in discussions with farmers and breeding organizations.

Bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating plant disease on potato plant. This study aimed to screen endophytic bacteria isolated from potato roots planted in middle latitude areas and confirm their antagonistic potential against R. solanacearum. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from healthy potato roots (Granola cultivar) grown in the middle latitude area (500–700 m.a.s.l.) in Bumiaji Sub-District, Batu City, East Java, Indonesia. In this study, 130 endophytic bacteria were isolated. As a result, eight endophytic bacterial isolates were found as potential antagonists against potato wilt diseases (R. solanacearum) i.e., E1, E5, E6, E104, E117, E120, E121, and E129. Based on in vivo test, E1 isolate reduced the bacterial wilt disease in potato by 20.74% and significantly increased plant growth (plant height and plant dry weight). The ability of the endophytic bacteria to produce the antibiosis substance against the R. solanacearum and their ability to reduce bacterial wilt disease in vivo suggests that those bacterial isolates have the potency to be developed as the candidates for biocontrol agents against bacterial wilt disease caused by R. solanacearum. However, it is necessary to identify the molecular bacteria isolated in this study to determine which species can suppress wilt disease and increase the growth of potato plants.

A Field experiment was conducted in 2014 to determine insect pests associated with cucumber in Ogbomoso (Southern Guinea Savanna), Oyo-state Nigeria. Market More and Pointset cucumber varieties were used as treatments. Data were collected at three different phonological growth stages with damaged they caused. Data collections commenced at 2 weeks after planting (WAP) and were on weekly basis for six weeks. Four major insect pests observed were Phyllotreta cruciferae Fabricius, Diabrotical undecimpunctata Howardi Barber, Epilachna vigintiopunctata Fabricius and Monolepta spp Coquilletta on the two varieties observed. Except Epilachna, which belong to the family Coccinellidae others are from the family Chrymesolidae. Also, all the insects pest recorded the highest population at seedling and the population reduces at flowering to fruiting stage while Epilachna recorded the highest population at fruiting stage. The same trend was also observed for distribution across the age of the plant.

Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 is a predominant parasite of cyprinid fish all over the world. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and mean intensity of Asian fish tapeworm (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) in Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) in Mahakali River, Nepal from October 2021 to September 2022. A total of 149 Tor fish were collected from the four sites of the river using gill nets and also purchased from the local markets of respective sites assuring the fish were from the Mahakali River. Parasites were recovered and processed using standard helminthological methods. Overall, prevalence and intensity of the Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in Tor putitora were 4.69% and 2.14 respectively. Size-wise, higher prevalence and intensity were found in 0.1-0.2 m long fish (5.71%, 2.5) than ˃0.2 m long fish (4%, 1.66). Weight-wise, highest prevalence was found in 0.101-0.15 kg weighted fish (8.82%) and highest intensity in 0.051-0.1 kg weighted fish (4). Month and sex-wise, highest prevalence and intensity were observed in April (17.39%, 2.5) followed by July (8.33%, 2), January (6.66%, 1) and June (5.88%, 2) in female host fish (5%, 2.14). Higher prevalence and intensity were found in spring season (10.52%, 2.5) followed by summer (4.87%, 2) and winter season (2.32%, 1). Statistically, the prevalence and intensity of the parasite were insignificant (p ˃ 0.05). This study reveals stable low infection of the Asian fish tapeworm in Golden Mahseer but increases the risk of dissemination of parasites from the Mahakali River to nearby fish farms and also zoonotic risk to human.

This study was carried out to explain the highest percentages of total variance and best characterize the morphometric and carcass traits based on the principal components among three rabbit breeds such as New Zealand White, Hycole and Hyla. The parameters studied were body weight, chest weight, hip width, and chest girth. At slaughter, carcass traits such as hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, reference carcass weight, and commercial cut point 1-5. Correlation between morphometric measurement and carcass traits were evaluated by using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The results obtained revealed that body weight had the highest correlation with hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight and reference carcass weight among three rabbit breeds (P<0.05). It was concluded that high positive significant correlation coefficient values between morphometric measurement and most carcass traits in the three breeds of rabbits, suggesting that selection for one trait will lead to improvement in another traits.

The climate in the Czech Republic is mild, transient between oceanic and continental, with a typical alternation of 4-year periods. The continental climate is characterized by high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. During the extreme fluctuation of microclimatic conditions in the stable, there is also a change in individual reproductive indicators due to disruption of hormonal secretion, which further affects individual physiological processes, thus worsening conception or milder manifestations of heat, which we currently try to detect by neck responders and other modern systems.The experiment analyzed the effect of the average monthly temperature and humidity in the stable on the percentage of pregnant cows, in 2017 without the use of neck responders and in 2019, when all cows already had a neck responder. Monitoring was performed in 2017 and 2019 on the private farm GenAgro Říčany, a.s. (GPS 49 ° 12'32.319 "N, 16 ° 23'42.666" V). The values of average temperatures and relative humidity were calculated from 15-minute interval recordings of HOBO brand data loggers (Onset), which were placed in the stable, at the height at the withers of the cows without the possibility of influencing the measurements by the cows themselves. The object of monitoring was a herd of approximately 700 cows of Czech Fleckvieh Simmental various lactations. Data on the conception of cows were obtained both from the monthly reports of the breeding organization and from the data of the breeder.Thermal stress can have a long-lasting effect observable for weeks or months after the summer. This is also evidenced by the results of the work, which shows the worsening conception of cows, especially in late summer and autumn. At the same time, the results show a positive effect of the used neck responders, which help with the detection of heat and thus improve the reproduction of the whole herd.

Our research aimed to analyse the current state of the sheep industry in Ukraine, to highlight the geographical location of genetic resources, to describe the state of the breeding work, and to form the proposals for the development of this branch in the future. The date from the State register of breeding farms for 2005-2019 and statistical reporting were used for analysis. It is shown that over the last 14 years, the sheep industry in Ukraine has undergone significant changes: the form of ownership has changed, the number of livestock has decreased and the breed composition of sheep has changed. Currently, there are 0.7 million sheep in Ukraine, of which 26.7 thousand are registered like breeding animals belonging to 10 breeds. The largest number of sheep is concentrated in the south and west of the country, where the climatic conditions are favourable for this branch in the past. The leaders in terms of numbers are Odesa and Transcarpathia, Chernivtsi and Zaporizhia regions. Breeding pedigree animals are concentrated in Odesa and Kherson oblasts. The most numerous breeds are the Askanian meat-wool breed with crossbred wool and the Askanian Karakul breed. Taking into consideration the big potential of the sheep breeding, it is proposed to perform some steps to stimulate its development in Ukraine.

The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition of two types of floral honey (rapeseed and sunflower) obtained from sites in Dohňany and Tekovský Hrádok with honey from other locations. Rapeseed and sunflower honey are the most common honey types associated with agricultural production. Among the physicochemical properties, the honey samples were analyzed and evaluated for parameters such as glucose and fructose content, sucrose, percentage of water mass, content of water insoluble substances, free acid and heavy metal content. By comparing the obtained results with the analyses of honey from other Slovak and international locations, we found that our honey samples met the criteria set by Decree No. 41/2012 on honey in all monitored indicators. Based on this, it can be concluded that the impact of intensive agricultural production in these sites did not result in a deterioration in the quality of either rapeseed or sunflower honey.