„ai“ 348 výsledků

The tree-of-heaven plant, due to the content of secondary metabolites with a variety of unique properties, is widely studied as a potential raw material for obtaining remedies for organic farming. Our work aimed to study the allelopathic effect of Ailanthus altissima extracts on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) seeds. Dry plant materials of ailanthus (leaves and seeds) were extracted with distilled water and applied to tomato seeds at a concentration of 15, 10, and 5 mg.ml-1 of dry residue to investigate their impact on the energy of germination, total germination, length of radicles and hypocotyls. The result revealed that the ailanthus extracts from leaves, collected in June, and from seeds, collected from July, had a significant inhibitory effect on all studied parameters. The total germination rate of seeds was suppressed on average by 56.2–69.0% compared to the control, and by 44.2–57.0% compared to the chemical standard. The length of the tomato radicles decreased by 1.4–18.6 times compared to the control. The most significant decrease was observed in germination energy and hypocotyl length. All three ailanthus extracts tested in the concentration of 15 mg.ml-1 significantly inhibited germination energy and hypocotyl growth of tomato seeds. It was concluded that the leaves and immature seeds of Ailanthus altissima contain potential allelopathic substances that affect the energy of germination, and total germination rate, and inhibit the hypocotyl and radicle length of tomatoes. Therefore, aqueous extracts of ailanthus should be used to protect tomato fields from weeds only in the post-emergence period.

The research of polymorphism of the PIT-1 and beta-lactoglobulin genes has been provided on the population of Ukrainian brown dairy and Sumy intrabreed type Ukrainian black-and-white dairy cows. The study of genotypes has been carried out using polymerase chain reaction in real time. The existence of interbreed differentiation in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the studied genes has been proved. The influence of the studied genes genotype on individual indicators of milk productivity of cows has been established.

This review aims to highlight the importance of genetic evaluation of health traits. In the past, cattle breeding primarily focused on milk production traits, but nowadays, there is a shift towards considering health traits and longevity. Cows are mainly affected by four diseases: mastitis, claw diseases, metabolic diseases, and reproductive diseases. These ailments negatively impact milk production, impair reproduction, and incur high treatment costs. In 2012, the ICAR implemented guidelines for the genetic improvement of health traits, establishing a system for recording diseases and their key indicators. This system includes a comprehensive key (>900 diagnoses), a reduced key (60 to 100 diagnoses), and a simple key (10 diagnoses). Genetic evaluation of health traits started in the mid-70s in Nordic countries. Previously, Czechoslovakia had a system for evaluating and classifying the overall health of breeding cows and bulls. In Slovakia, genetic evaluations for milk production traits, somatic cell score, calving ease, and longevity are performed. However, these traits are not included in the selection index along with health traits, for which genetic evaluations are not made. Two selection indexes are currently used: the Slovak Holstein Index, which takes into account milk production traits and type traits at 60% and 40% respectively, and the Slovak Production Index, which takes into account milk production in kilograms, fat production in kilograms, and protein production in kilograms.

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and antifungal activity of Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plant Rosmarinus officinalis. The essential oil (EO) were isolated by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger type apparatus and their chemical composition was identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Monoterpenes were the major class of compounds with an abundance of 1,8-cineole (46.3%), camphene (13.4%) and α-pinene (9.5%), borneol (6,5%), camphor (4.8%) and terpinene-4- (3.6%). The antifungal activity of Rosmarinus officinalis against Fusarium oxysporum, F. culmorum, F. poae and Helmintosporium sativum pathogenic fungi revealed a significant inhibitory effect. The minimum inhibitory concentration as well as the fungicidal/fungistatic profile indicated that the essential oil of R. officinalis is very active allowing inhibition at the highest concentration and the fungal strains were therefore very sensitive. Obtained results suggested that R. Officinalis essential oil might be a potential treatment for biocontrol of plant diseases.

This research investigates the effects of industrial fertilisers and the incorporation of plant biomass, including catch crops, on the yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) within a crop rotation system. The field experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2019 at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (48°19ˊ N, 18°09ˊ E). The study period was characterized by warm to exceptionally warm and predominantly dry conditions, except for 2019, which aligned more closely with the long-term average. The experimental treatments, combining the ploughing of above-ground biomass and the application of industrial fertilisers, resulted in the highest yield component values. Notably, the number of grains per cob reached 36, and the number of grains per hectare was 27.49 million. Total seed weight (TSW) was also significantly influenced by fertilisation, with the highest TSW values ranging from 220.1 g to 225.9 g, compared to the unfertilised treatment values of 194.4 g to 207.3 g. The highest maize grain yields, ranging from 5.76 t ha⁻¹ to 6.2 t ha⁻¹, and above-ground biomass production, ranging from 12.45 t ha⁻¹ to 12.60 t ha⁻¹, were achieved in treatments incorporating both industrial fertilisers and the ploughing of biomass from forecrops or catch crops. These results underscore the importance of fertilisation, organic matter incorporation, and a balanced combination of adaptive measures in enhancing maize productivity.

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.

Silages represents the principal component of the diet of high-producing dairy cows. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature on the impact of silage quality on the feed intake, performance, and health of dairy cows. The review described the impact of the nutritional quality of silages and fermentation products on dairy cow performance, including the implementation of preventive practices to avoid the undesirable fermentation process. The following section focused on the prevalence of pathogens that present a risk to animals and humans. A summary was provided of the most recent findings on the occurrence of Clostridium spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillus spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in silage. The final section of the review addressed the most recent findings on the prevalence of undesirable metabolites, such as mycotoxins and biogenic amines, in silage. The mycotoxin section concentrated on the adverse health effects of elevated mycotoxin concentrations in dairy cow feed rations.

The aim of this study was to show the individual relationships between selected parameters within the groups of high-producing Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in the Early Lactation (EL), Peak Lactation Multiparous (PLM) and Peak Lactation Primiparous (PLP). Firstly, the relationship of individual fractions (Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) method) retained on Pennsylvanian sieves on dairy cow activity - feed intake time/ eating time (ET); rumination time (RT); time no-active (TN) - was evaluated using BouMatic‘s RealTime Activity program. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the EL group, which intake less amount of fibre retained on the sieve with 8 mm hole size (46.90%) with the PLM (50.19%) and PLP (49.41%) groups (p <0.05). The decrease in fibre intake (8 mm) was related to the fraction intake retained per pad where there was a statistically significant difference between EL (28.02%) and PLP (25.69%); PLM (25.19%) group (p <0.05). The data obtained regarding ET and RT between the groups showed a statistically significant difference where low RT and ET was observed just at higher fraction intake per pad (28.02%) and lower fibre intake (46.90%) in the EL (4:16 h) group compared to PLM (4:41 h) and PLP (5:37 h) (p <0.05), where the percentage intake of fractions contained per pad was lower. The study also evaluated the effect and relationship between selected parameters (starch, lactic acid-LA, fermentation processes-FP, NH3 ,acid-detergent fibre-ADF, neutral-detergent fibre-NDF, pad, physically effective neutral-detergent fibre-peNDF) on ET and RT. The starch content of the total mix ration was in medium high negative correlation with RT (p <0.05) and on the other side the peNDF content was characterised by a strong positive correlation with RT (p <0.01). Based on these results, it was found that dairy cows in the EL group preferred a rather higher intake of fractions contained on the pad, which influences the reduced intake of particles retained on the 8 mm average sieve and thus their overall activity (ET, RT, TN) is influenced. Dairy cows in the PLM and PLP groups preferred a higher intake of fiber particles (8 mm) which influenced the increase in activity time (ET, RT).

Various genetic and environmental factors influence the composition of milk. For the cheese manufacturing industry, one of the most important genes is the CSN1S1 gene, which influences the composition of several milk components as well as technological properties. Much attention has been paid to the F allele, which has been identified as undesirable for the manufacturing cheese. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypic structure of the Slovak population of the Slovak White Shorthaired goat (Capra hircus) for the CSN1S1 gene and to evaluate the influence of the CSN1S1 F allele on milk composition characteristics. Hair roots of 86 goats were collected and used as genetic material. Genotyping was performed using PCR and PIRA PCR. Phenotypic data from 101 lactations (first and/or second lactation only) with performance control were used for association studies. The occurrence of the F allele was 0.291. An association study was performed between genotypes consisting of F and non-F alleles. Significantly higher (p >.05) milk, protein, lactose and dry matter production was observed in non-F/non-F individuals than in F/non-F individuals. Genotyping of the CSN1S1 gene could be the basis for the use of marker-assisted selection in a breeding programme for the Slovak White Shorthorn goat. Further analyses involving the effect of the CSN1S1 genotype on cheese production could be performed to quantify the impact of composition on farm economics.

In a two-year pot experiment carried out in a vegetation cage located on the premises of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, the effect of vermicompost (Vc) used at a dose 8.3 to 16.6 times higher than permitted by the Nitrates Directive on young maize plants on their phytomass was investigated. The results showed that excessive amounts of vermicompost did not have a depressing effect on the growth of young maize plants. On the contrary, they increased the production of phytomass. The legislatively determined nutrient doses should take into account the type of organic fertilizer and the different abilities of plants to convert nutrients into phytomass formation.

Based on the research results obtained by the authors and other researchers, the importance and necessity of increasing the production of leguminous crops as an important source of food for the population of our planet are substantiated. It is proved that the varieties of these crops created in our country as well as the soil and climatic features allow us to expand their acreage significantly, which will positively affect the entire agricultural complex. The methodology adopted for this research comprises field and laboratory procedures used in breeding legume crops. The genotypes of the world collection of soybean, pea, chickpea and lentil were tested for yield, drought resistance, protein content and seed quality. The paper provides a description of the varieties of soybean, pea and chickpea created in the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute, the world gene pool of these crops is characterized, which is most adapted to the steppe conditions of Ukraine. The most common methods of processing commodity seeds into food ingredients characterized by high therapeutic and prophylactic properties are described. The results can be applied in further breeding work with leguminous crops which should be aimed at developing the complex of adaptive traits and improving the chemical composition of seeds. In this paper we demonstrated the significant potential of legumes for solution of the future sustainable nutrition problems.

During evolution, plants have developed complex mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. The study of heavy metal-plant interactions, particularly at the molecular genetic level, helps to understand heavy metal accumulation in plants and their resistance to heavy metal-induced stress. Amaranthus spp. have a potential in phytoremediation techniques. In this study was analysed the effects of cadmium (Cd) treatment and Cd treatment with addition of silicon (Si) on Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. × Amaranthus hybridus L. var. plainsman, in leaves, in the context of the molecular genomic response using two different DNA marker techniques such as cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase analogues (PBA) and conserved DNA-derived polymorphism (CDDP) for WRKY genes. The PBA marker technique consists of several primers pairs that have been designed for cytochrome P450 genes, and CDDP primers pairs have been designed on conserved regions of DNA. Both marker techniques have been shown to be able to detect the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. We detected higher variability in genomic profile with the CDDP marker systems compared to PBA. However, the highest number of loci (169) we detected using the BF (forward primer) + BR (reverse primer) of PBA.

Agriphotovoltaics (APV) represents a promising option for combining food and electricity production. Furthermore, flowering strips can be additionally implemented along with APV to support farmland biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. However, these two concepts have never been investigated in one study. In this work, we investigated a combination of two types of sown strips (“Fodder strip” and “Nectareous strip” as defined in Czech legislation) and simulations of vertical APVs affect invertebrate and plant communities in strips and in winter wheat crop. Following a multitaxonomic approach, sampling was conducted in 2023 and 2024 using pitfall traps, pan traps, sweep netting and phytocoenological relevés. In most cases, the catches of the studied taxonomic groups were positively affected by the sown strips, nonetheless some of the more mobile groups were unaffected or negatively affected. The strip type affected aphid catch only, and the presence of APV simulation affected the abundance of aphids and sap beetles. The plant communities differed between modalities, but the effect of the simulation was rather weak. We also discuss the relevance of using simulations instead of real solar panels. Our study suggests that vertical APVs in combination with sown strips of flowering vegetation can be a viable option for sustainable agroecosystem management.

Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (Slovakia) for the Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources. First published in 1957 as Proceedings of the University of Agriculture in Nitra, journal is an international reviewed publication for phytotechnics and zootechnics containing scientific papers, review articles, and short communications covering selected subjects of animal and plant sciences.

The occurrence of Fluvisols is associated with the rivers, which means that their properties can be greatly influenced by the fluvial activity of the rivers. Therefore, the aim of this work were to (1.) find out whether the flow gradient along the river influenced the soil properties of Fluvisols (2.) evaluate the soil properties of Fluvisols. Soil samples were taken from Nitra River Catchment between villages Výčapy-Opatovce and Jelšovce near Nitra city. There were excavated five soil pits and soils were classified according to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources as follows: Profile 1 as Eutric Fluvisol (Loamic, Humic) (soil use: restored forest), Profile 2 as Eutric Fluvisol (Loamic, Humic) (soil use: arable soil), Profile 3 as Eutric Fluvisol (Loamic, Humic) (soil use: fallow soil), Profile 4 as Eutric Gleyic Fluvisol (Loamic, Humic) (soil use as: forest), Profile 5 as Eutric Fluvisol (Loamic, Humic) (soil use: raid forest). The investigated Fluvisols had different chemical and physical properties, but not as a consequence of the flow gradient along the river. Differences in chemistry and physical properties of Fluvisols developed along the Nitra River have been significantly affected mainly by its use, soil management practices and depth of the soil profile.

The aim of this study was to distinguishing between kernels of maize hybrids by the use of image analysis tools. We analyzed 10 registered Zea mays L. hybrids (5 – dent, 2 – semi-flint to flint, and 3 – semi-flint to dent type). Different parameters on ventral, dorsal, corolla side, and lateral side cross section of kernel were measured. Sample per each hybrid comprised 50 maize kernels. Acquired bio-images were processed by software Zeiss AxioVision Rel. 4.8. We analyzed the segmented regions of interest on the kernels. The data for area (mm2), height and width (mm) were gathered from these regions. The hybrid ZE EDOX significantly differed (p < 0.05) from all other hybrids almost in all traits. It is the hybrid with the smallest area of the whole kernel, floury endosperm proportion, and depressed part on corolla. The new trait the area of the depressed part on the kernel corolla was measured. The hybrids with smaller proportion of floury endosperm had smaller area of depressed part, and vice versa. The image analysis methods can usefully contribute to selection of proper hybrids for different types of use.

The aim of this work was to describe the microscopic and submicroscopic changes of the uterus of 20 pinzugus heifers in their postnatal development (12th, 24th and 36th week of age) and in the experimental form of subclinical hypoglycemia. Uterine specimens were obtained from the uterine horns by a vivisection for histological studies. Samples were fixed for light microscopy (LM) in formaldehyde and for scanning by electron microscope (SEM) and transmissive electron microscopy (TEM) in glutaraldehyde. Subsequently, the samples were processed in the usual manner as used in the LM and electron microscopic studies laboratories. The uterus increased to 24th weeks by 19.4 %. The uterine weight decreased significantly (P<0.01) at the time of hypoglycemia (-14.6 %). When the ovarian weight increased (+48.8 %) to 36th week of age, the uterine weight increased by 39.9 %. At the time of hypoglycaemia, the ovarian weight decreased by 4.4 % and the uterine weight decreased by 17.1 %. Endometrial development was mostly pronounced between 12th and 24th week of age (P<0.05). In particular, the superficial (+24.8 %) and glandular epithelium (+25.9 %) developed. Slower development continues up to 36th week, but in animals with hypoglycaemic development it stagnates (-4.1 % and -18.8 % respectively). The nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio was gradually reduced in luminal epithelial cells (N:C 1:3.2 to 1:2.9 respectively) and narrowed in glandular epithelial cells (N:C 1:2.3 to 1:1.7 respectively). A larger decrease was observed in the glandular epithelium. Mitochondria (M) increased the volume in both epithelium types (22.4 % and 28.2 %). In a hypoglycaemia is volume of M low (-18.4 % and -16.2 %). The rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) increased in volume (+6.5 % and +5.6 % respectively) in both types of epithelial cells. Hypoglycaemia has been shown to decrease the volume of rER approximately equally (-10.9 % and -10.2 %). Macroscopic, microscopic and submicroscopic cell changes of endometrium are described in postnatal development and experimental subclinical hypoglycemia of heifers. There is a clear manifestation of the energy deficit in the retardation of growth and developmental changes.

Aim of this study was to determine the gross energy concentration of fresh, wilted and ensiled Rumex OK 2 (Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los.) from spring months and June. Samples were collected in spring months and June of the year 2018. The plant of Rumex OK 2 consist in March mainly from rosette of leaves and the stalk is not higher than leaves, from April is stalk higher than rosette of leaves. The height of Rumex OK 2 during analysed months was following, March 60.96 ± 5.22 cm; April 114.70 ± 35.15 cm, May 168.31 ± 39.74 cm and June 197.41 ± 48.44 cm. Rumex OK 2 silage was made from wilted matter, with or without of addition of dried molasses. Gross energy was determined as the heat released after combustion of a sample (Leco AC 500) in MJ per kilogram of dry matter (DM) of the sample. The dry matter and gross energy concentration of fresh Rumex OK 2 increased during study, dry matter from 7.42% in March to 56.97% in June and gross energy from 18.00 MJ.kg-1 of DM in March to 18.88 MJ.kg-1 of DM in June. Statistically significant (P<0.05) higher concentration of dry matter, as well as gross energy was detected in wilted Rumex OK 2 samples and silages from May compared to April. Addition of dried molasses to wilted Rumex OK 2 did not affected concentration of gross energy in silages (P>0.05). From all analysed Rumex OK 2 samples the highest concentration of gross energy had silage from May with addition of dried molasses, 19.04 MJ.kg-1 of DM. The utilisation of Rumex OK 2 from spring months can by neither for bioenergy production as a source of renewable energy, or after evaluation of nutritive value as a source of energy and nutrients in animal nutrition in form of pasture and silage. Rumex OK 2 from summer months seems to be utilized only as a source of heat via direct combustion.

A two year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different tillage practices on soil physical properties and agronomic properties of three varieties of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons. The study was a split plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Tillage was the main treatment having three types; manual clearing (MC), ploughed twice (PT) followed by ridged (RT) while the sub plot was sesame varieties; 03L+ Tithonia, Ex-Sudan and E8. The result showed that soil physical properties and sesame varieties were not generally affected by tillage practices during the two years of the experiment. However, there was significant interaction of tillage and sesame varieties on soil microporosity and available water content (AWC) in 2013. RT increased AWC in 2013 and 2014 compared to MC and PT although, the treatments were statistically similar. RT significantly increased stem girth, number of leaves, and number of branches of sesame in 2013. Ex- Sudan variety produced significantly higher number of leaves and branches in 2013. However, E8 produced higher number of capsules per plant and seed yield. In 2013, interaction between tillage practices and sesame variety were significant on microporosity, available water content and plant height. Ridge tillage and E8 variety gave the best result in terms of improved soil physical properties and yield, therefore it is recommended in this study area.

Between 2006 and 2015 years the effect of different tillage of heavy clay loamy soils on their physical properties were studied. Field treatments were carried on Experimental workplace in Milhostov, in central part of the East Slovak Lowland. Conventional tillage, reduce tillage and no-tillage practises were examined. Soil samples were taken from topsoil in natural conditions without irrigation in spring time by Kopecky's rollers. From basic physical soil properties, the bulk density, total porosity and maximum capillary water capacity were analysed by known methods. The linear trend analysis was used for testing of long-term application of different soil tillage in relation to soil properties. Bulk density was in range 1331 – 1623 kg m-3, the lowest average values (in average 1466 kg m-3) was found for reduce tillage. Total porosity answered to bulk density and its values was from 38.12 % to 49.26 %, higher values were at conventional and reduce tillage and lower at no-tillage practise. Maximum capillary water capacity values in range 31.65 – 42.03 % reached level of values typical for heavy soils of the East Slovak Lowland. The trend analysis of 10-years-time series indicate decreasing of bulk density at conventional and reduce tillage variants, but its increasing for no-tillage variant. The time course of the total porosity had the opposite course than bulk density. Mainly for no-tillage variant, trend of decreasing of total porosity influence the possibility of air and water regimes changes for clay-loamy soil, which may result in a reduction of the transport function of soil. During observed period the changes of maximum capillary water capacity wasn’t significant. Application of soil protective technologies for heavy soils as integrated system, in long-time horizon doesn't have to mean deterioration of basic soil physical parameters.