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Showing papers in "Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science in 2013"


Journal Article
TL;DR: The paper reviews the current state and perspectives of biogas and digestate production, including the above factors in, including chemical composition and pH of raw materials, environmental temperature and microbial composition, influence the efficiency and reliability of the anaerobic digestion process.
Abstract: CompAretti, A., p. Febo, C. Gre Co and S. orl Ando, 2013. Current state and future of biogas and digestate production. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 1-14 Over the past few years, the worldwide cost of energy has increased significantly, due to a growing global demand for en ergy and the decreasing availability of fossil fuel sources. Many countries are adopting environmental policies promoting the production and consumption of alternative, sustainable and renewable energy sources. Among these sources is green energy production through the anaerobic digestion of agricultural feedstock, like animal manure and food industry by-products, mainly aimed at producing biogas. Nevertheless, only a very small part of the biogas potential is currently used, while many European countries are facing huge problems caused by the overproduction of organic waste from industry, agriculture and households. biogas production is an excellent way of using organic waste for energy generation, followed by the recycling of the di gested substratum (digestate) as fertiliser. Many factors, like chemical composition and pH of raw materials, environmental temperature and microbial composition, influence the efficiency and reliability of the anaerobic digestion process. t his paper reviews the current state and perspectives of biogas and digestate production, including the above factors in

39 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the chemical composition and nutritive value of four spring hulled barley varieties (Antek, Skarb, Nagradowicki and Granal) grown in one location in Poland.
Abstract: BIEL, W. and E. JACYNO, 2013. Chemical composition and nutritive value of spring hulled barley varieties. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 721-727 The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition and nutritive value of four spring hulled barley varieties (Antek, Skarb, Nagradowicki and Granal) grown in one location in Poland. In the study were determined: chemical composition, amino acids composition and coefficients of nutritive value of protein, namely chemical score (CS), essential amino acid index (EAAI) and biological value (BV). The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of nutrients were examined on 32 Wistar rats (n=8 rats per barley variety). The chemical components: ash, crude protein, ether extract, starch, dietary fibre, lignin and pentosans differed statistically (P≤0.05) between the barley varieties. The higher crude protein content in barley was accompanied by lower contents of the starch and dietary fibre. The Granal variety had a lower (P≤0.05) crude protein content however; the lysine content and quality of protein (CS, EAAI and BV) were higher than in the other three varieties. On the other hand, the ADC of crude protein and of other nutrients in the Granal variety were lower (not significantly, excepting the pentosans; P≤0.05) than in the remaining varieties. In contrast to Granal variety, the Antek variety with the highest (P≤0.05) protein content had the lowest lysine and threonine levels and quality of protein however, the ADC of crude protein was higher (P≤0.05) in comparison with the remaining varieties. Lysine was the most limiting the quality of grain barley proteins in all examined varieties. The coefficients of nutritional values (CS, EAAI, BV) of the proteins of all examined barley varieties showed the good quality of a protein for monogastric animals.

25 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: It is shown that the pest cannot permanently establish in the country outdoors, as it cannot survive the cold winter conditions, but the establishment of transient field populations, developing 2 – 5 generations per year during the growing season, and permanent populations in greenhouses is a likely scenario.
Abstract: KARADJOVA, O., Z. ILIEVA, V. KRUMOV, E. PETROVA and V. VENTSISLAVOV, 2013. Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): potential for entry, establishment and spread in Bulgaria. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 563-571 The tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta, a devastating pest of tomato in South America, was reported from Spain in 2006 and has subsequently spread throughout many European countries, causing serious damages to tomato in the invaded areas. The pest can also develop on other cultivated plants, among which are peppers, eggplants and potatoes, posing a significant threat to agriculture. The present paper describes the major pathways for entry of the pest on the territory of Bulgaria and its potential for establishment and spread in the context of the Balkan region. It analyses the endangered areas in the country with emphasis on tomato cultivation, which is most at risk, and reviews the current national situation with examples of recent outbreaks. The steady decrease in tomato production in Bulgaria has led to an increase in import of tomatoes in order to meet the consumer demands. This contributes to a higher risk of entry of T. absoluta, as 65% to 99% of the imported fresh tomatoes come from countries where outbreaks of the pest have been observed during the past 5 years. Packing materials for import of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, as well as imported planting material also present a risk and are considered in detail. T. absoluta has repeatedly entered Bulgaria through import from Turkey and Greece and it is very likely that it will continue to threaten the national vegetable production. The analysis of the available data through climatic modeling shows that the pest cannot permanently establish in the country outdoors, as it cannot survive the cold winter conditions. However, the establishment of transient field populations, developing 2 – 5 generations per year during the growing season, and permanent populations in greenhouses is a likely scenario. These facilitate the spread of T. absoluta to adjacent areas through flight and to distant loca tions through human-assisted means.

21 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The results from the present study indicate that the supplementation of chestnut wood tannins and organic acids can improve the growth performance in period from 82-127 days mainly by reducing harmful E. coli levels.
Abstract: oA and oA+T diets showed during the grower period significantly higher daily gain (ADG)(P<0.05), improved feed conversion ratio(FCR) (P<0.05) and lower levels of E. coli (P<0.05) compared with C pigs. From 82-127 days only the pigs fed the OA+T diet significantly dimin ished (P<0.05) the total count of E. coli. (5.21 ± 0.24 vs. 4.86 ± 0.28 vs. 4.24 ± 0.28 log 10 cfu/g; respectively for c , oA and oA+T; P<0.05), elevated the total count of Lactic acid bacteria (6.85 ± 0.10 vs. 7.15 ± 0.49 vs. 7.95 ± 0.50 log cfu/g; respectively for C, OA and OA+T; P<0.05)and significantly increased ADG (P<0.05) (687 ± 23 vs. 712 ± 11 vs. 766 ± 12 g/day; respectively for C, OA and OA+T; P<0.05). The results from the present study indicate that the supplementation of chestnut wood tannins and organic acids can improve the growth performance in period from 82-127 days mainly by reducing harmful

20 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, an historical overview of agricultural land use in Malaysia is presented with the aim of identifying the challenges and the challenges associated with agricultural land usage in a dynamic economic system.
Abstract: OLANIYI, A. O., A. M. AbduLLAh, M. F. RAMLI and A. M. SOOd, 2013. Agricultural land use in Malaysia: an historical overview and implications for food security. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 60-69 A study is conducted to describe the historical overview of agricultural land use in Malaysia with the aim of identifying the challenges of agricultural land use in a dynamic economic system. Economic policies were explained with major policies instruments. The effects of these policies on patterns of agricultural land use in 1960 – 2005 were assessed. Findings identified three broad economic eras in Malaysia: Agricultural (1960 1974); Industrial (1975 1999) and Urbanization eras (2000 date). Macroeconomic policies that favored industrialization and urbanization had negative effects on agricultural land use by competing with agricultural sectors for production inputs such as labor and capital because the better conditions of service and higher returns per capital in the industrial sector led to the withdrawal of inputs from the agricultural sectors. Subsequent change in tastes due to increased per capita income resulted to a change in agricultural land use in favor of highly rewarding and better-demanded crops (fruits and vegetables) thus causing agricultural land use dynamics. Sustainable agricultural land use in Malaysia, given scarce resource inputs (labor and capital) trade liberalization and globalization will depend on the ability of the country to deepen her application of science and technology for automated agricultural practices, diseases and pests control and high yielding varieties and suitable land administration policies for Malaysia to compete favorably with other major

20 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Kovacic et al. as mentioned in this paper presented an overview of the copper situation and usage in viticulture, where long-term use of copper fungicides can elevate copper levels even in the lower soil layers.
Abstract: KOVACIC, G. R., M. LESNIK and S. VRSIC, 2013. An overview of the copper situation and usage in viticulture. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 50-59 Viticulture is among those agricultural branches, which, along with the intensification of heavy industry and natural pro cesses such as the weathering of bedrock, contribute to an increased environmental intake of copper compounds, so, in many places, levels of this metal in soil are elevated or maximum soil copper limits are exceeded. Organic fruit and grape production is still the major consumer of copper-based plant protection products per unit area. Long-term use of copper fungicides can elevate copper levels even in the lower soil layers. Copper accumulation in soils along with its ecotoxicological impacts necessitates alternatives in the form of new, low copper content formulations or in the form of other means. The adverse effects of copper have also been observed in winemaking, where excessive copper residues in grapes must adversely affect wine quality. Therefore, restrictions on the use of copper fungicides in relation to soil contamination with copper compounds are

17 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: An artificial neural network model was compared to the traditional regression models for drying food materi als.
Abstract: Karlovic, S., T. BoSiljKov, M. Brncic, D. jezeK, B. Tripalo, F. DujMic, i. Dzineva and a. SKupnjaK, 2013. Comparison of artificial neural network and mathematical models for drying of apple slices pre-treated with high intensity ultrasound. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 1372-1377 In this paper, an artificial neural network model was compared to the traditional regression models for drying food materi als. High intensity ultrasound with amplitudes set to 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of maximal was used for the treatment of apple slices of different thicknesses. After 7 min of treatment, samples were dried in the infrared drier at two different temperatures. The four most frequently used regression models for drying available in the literature were fitted based on experimental data, and their usability was tested on different experimental sets. For the creation of back-propagation neural network, 3 input parameters were used (amplitude of ultrasound, sample thickness and drying temperature) together with one output (moisture content). After training and the validation of networks, statistical analysis was conducted, based on the mean square error and correlation coefficient, the best network was selected. After the assessment of networks and statistical results, neural networks showed excellent fitting to experimental data, independently of the input parameters obtained in experiments. This is opposed to standard regression models, which had excellent fit to just one set of experimental data, and show inadequate fit even with small-introduced changes in one or more input parameter.

17 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: A potential use of essential oils and aqueous plant extracts in pest management of greenhouse whiteflies is indicated, with the highest anti-oviposition effect at 3 days after infestation occurred with essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. treatment.
Abstract: Dehghani, M. and K. ahMaDi, 2013. anti-oviposition and repellence activities of essential oils and aqueous extracts from five aromatic plants against greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 691-696 The present study assessed the repellence and anti-oviposition activities of essential oils and aqueous extracts isolated from five aromatic plants against T. vaporariorum. Cucumber plants were treated with essential oils or aqueous extracts (40 μL/ mL), with control plants sprayed with distilled water. Approximately 250 greenhouse whitefly adults were released in to cage. To evaluate repellent and anti-oviposition effect, 3 and 6 days after infestation, the number of eggs and adults per leaf were recorded. The highest anti-oviposition effect at 3 days after infestation occurred with essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. treatment. The greatest repellence effect 3 and 6 days after infestation occurred with water extracts of Cuminum cyminum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. treatment, respectively. The essential oil and aqueous extract from orange fruit peelings (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)) treatments produced the least repellence and antioviposition effects. These results indicate a potential use of essential oils and aqueous plant extracts in pest management of greenhouse whiteflies.

12 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Naydenova et al. as discussed by the authors investigated the possibilities for beer production with lager brewing yeast, encapsulated in alginate/chitosan matrix with a liquid core.
Abstract: V. NAYDENOVA, V., S. VASSILEV, M. KANEVA and G. KOSTOV, 2013. Encapsulation of brewing yeast in alginate/ chitosan matrix: comparative study of beer fermentation with immobilized and free cells. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 2, 19: 123–127 In the present study, the possibilities for beer production with lager brewing yeasts, encapsulated in alginate/chitosan matrix with a liquid core, were investigated. The yeast cells – free and immobilized – were used for batch fermentations at 15°C. The dynamics of the fermentation parameters – yeast growth, real extract and alcohol – were studied at different original wort gravity – 9 to 17°P. Simultaneously, the dynamics of fl avor-active yeast by-products (esters, aldehydes and higher alcohols) were investigated. The immobilized cells showed higher real degree of fermentation and produced slightly higher levels of total fusel alcohols and esters. On the other hand, the free cells produced slightly higher levels of aldehydes. Fermentation kinetics was described using Monod equation. The immobilized cells showed higher specifi c growth rate and higher specifi c ethanol production rate for most of the studied variants. The results showed that cell immobilization did not affect the fermentation process and yeast by-products formation. The obtained data about the fermentation dynamics will be used for the development of a continuous system for beer production with immobilized cells.

10 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: 136 Xanthomonas strains causing bacterial spot of tomato and pepper from different regions in Bulgaria and Macedonia were characterized by PCR with species-specifi c primers and Copper ions in generally used concentrations in practice were effective only against pepper strains.
Abstract: KIZHEVA, Y., T. VANCHEVA, P. HRISTOVA, M. STOYANOVA, M. STOJANOVSKA, P. MONCHEVA and N. BOGATZEVSKA, 2013. Identifi cation of Xanthomonas strains from tomato and pepper and their sensitivity to antibiotics and copper. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 2, 19: 80–82 This study aims to characterize 136 Xanthomonas strains causing bacterial spot of tomato and pepper from different regions in Bulgaria and Macedonia. Three species were identifi ed by PCR with species-specifi c primers. Xanthomonas vesicatoria affects tomato and pepper and is the dominant species in Bulgaria on tomato while Xanthomonas euvesicatoria affects only pepper. This is the fi rst report of Xanthomonas gardneri of tomato and X. euvesicatoria of pepper in Bulgaria. Amylase activity and ability to utilize cis-aconitate of the strains vary and cannot be used for species differentiation. The tested xanthomonads were sensitive to streptomycin. Copper ions in generally used concentrations in practice were effective only against pepper strains.

10 citations



Journal Article
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that supplementation of LN could reduce MDA content of refrigerated meat samples only at 8 d, and had no significant effect on reducing the MDA values of meat samples during the other stored times.
Abstract: KARAALP, M. and N. GENC, 2013. Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) In Japanese quails feeding. 2. Fatty acid content and oxidative stability of breast meat. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 606-610 In this study, the antioxidant effect of dietary supplementation with bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves (LN) to a conventional diet on fatty acid content and oxidatif stability of breast meat was studied. For that purpose, a total number of 60 Japanese quails aged 56-d were fed diets supplemented with 0 (LN0), 2 (LN2) and 4 g (LN4) leaves/kg of feed, respectively. Quails were housed individually in cages during ten weeks. Fatty acid composition was determined for fresh breast meat. Malondialdehyde (MDA) values were determined in breast meat samples stored at +4 o C (2, 5 and 8 d) and at -20 o C (3 and 6 mo). Supplementation of LN had no effect on any fatty acid content of meat. However, addition of LN lowered (P<0.01) MDA content of the refrigerated meat samples only at 8 d. On the other hand, supplementation with LN had no significant effect on reducing the MDA values of meat samples during the other stored times. Besides, the amount of MDA increased (P<0.01) in all of the refrigerated and frozen meat samples with time. The results of this study demonstrated that supplementation of LN could reduce MDA content of refrigerated meat samples only at 8 d.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Changes in nematode community structure in soil food web were affected by addition of organic and inorganic fertilizers in soil, and the most disturbed community was observed in treatment with mineral fertilization.
Abstract: Organic amendments increases soil microbial biomass and nutrient availability, and affect soil nematode community by increasing abundance of bacterivore and fungivore nematodes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different organic manures (beef manure - BM, horse manure - HM, swine manure - SM, poultry manure - PM), mineral fertilization (MF) and “no amended” plots (control - CO ) on nematode community structure. Research was conducted in 2008, in Krizevci, in northwestern part of Croatia, in field planted with corn (Zea mays L). Nematode communities were analyzed to genus level. Significant differences between treatments were observed in MI and in MI25. Statistically lower MI value in MF plots in compared with CO plots indicates more disturbed environmental conditions. A significant difference between CO and MF, HM and PM plots in MI2-5 value also demonstrates change in nematode communities. Diversity and ecological indexes did not show significant differences between treatments and sensitivity to changes in soil. Changes in nematode community structure in soil food web were affected by addition of organic and inorganic fertilizers in soil, and the most disturbed community was observed in treatment with mineral fertilization. Measures of nematode community were functional in providing the information about processes in soil and reflect differences in soil ecosystem.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The introduction of new species in different parts of the world is the main reason for changing biodiversity as discussed by the authors, which give possibility of their parasites to go in environmental waters of the country where they invasive new hosts (except parasites there are viruses and bacteria spreading in this way).
Abstract: BORISOV, E. V., 2013. Representatives of Dactylogyridae Family of the Monogenea Class in Gold Fish (Carassius auratus auratus) Imported in Bulgaria from Singapore. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 2, 19: 237–242 The introducing of new species in different parts of the world is the main reason for changing biodiversity. Many ornamental fi shes are bearers of exotic parasites, which spread in environmental waters in different ways (releasing, throwing out death fi sh in sewage). This give possibility of their parasites to go in environmental waters of the country where they invasive new hosts (except parasites there are viruses and bacteria spreading in this way). In this study we fi nd fi ve species of the genus Dactylogyrus, which are typical for goldfi sh Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), which is similar to the native for Bulgaria Carassius auratus gibelio (Linnaeus, 1758). Two of the dactylogirids Dactylogyrus vastator Nybelin, 1924, D. intermedius (Weger, 1910) are extremely pathogenic. One of the others D. baueri (Gussev, 1955) is novelty to the helminthofauna of the country.

Journal Article
TL;DR: ShEVA et al. as discussed by the authors studied primary photosynthetic reactions in winter wheat cultivars after cold hardening and freezing, and found that freezing stress seems to have pivotal a role in the accumulation of bound and free o-HCA forms, while levels of endogenous SA had slight increase.
Abstract: SASHEVA, P., R. YORDANOVA, T. JANDA, G. SZALAI and L. MASLENKOVA, 2013. Study of primary photosynthetic reactions in winter wheat cultivars after cold hardening and freezing. Effect of salicylic acid. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 2, 19: 45–48 Thermoluminescence emission in winter wheat cultivar “Sadovo-1”, subjected to short period of low positive temperatures (cold hardening) and subzero temperatures (freezing) was measured in order to determinate changes in the redox cycling of Photosystem 2 centers and in the assimilatory potential in chloroplasts. Freezing stress seems to have pivotal a role in the accumulation of bound and free o-HCA forms, while levels of endogenous SA had slight increase. Subjecting the plants on freezing provoked a strong increase in plasma membrane leakage in no hardened plants. Dynamic changes of levels of free proline content were estimated after exposure of plants to low positive temperatures and subsequent freezing. Hardening effect of low positive temperatures was manifested by doubled gap of POD activity in the leaves of nonhardened winter wheat plants.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Al-SubAiee et al. as mentioned in this paper. conducted a study to identify the usage of different irrigation methods by date palm farmers in Al-Qassim area and found that more than one third (38.3%) of the farmers were employing the flood irrigation tree/basin method with the highest usage mean 2.67; SD 1.28 whereas about 31.2% farmers put trickle/drip irrigation method into their practice with the second highest usage Mean 2.28.
Abstract: Al-SubAiee, F. S., H. M. Al-GHobAri, M. b. bAiG, e. A. eiHAG and M. T. Abu-riziGA, 2013. Studies on adoption of irrigation methods by the date palm farmers in Al-Qassim area Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 1337-1345 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is facing an acute scarcity of water resources. Present study was undertaken to identify the usage of different irrigation methods by date palm farmers in Al-Qassim area. Data were collected on the study sample of 429 farmers during face-to-face interviews by using a well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by using percentages, means, standard deviation, and correlation. The findings of the study revealed that more than one third (38.3%) of the farmers were employing the flood irrigation tree/basin method with the highest usage mean 2.67; SD 1.28 whereas about 31.2% farmers put trickle/drip irrigation method into their practice with the second highest usage Mean 2.29; SD 1.28. Significant and positive correlations among the educational levels and the usage level of modern irrigation methods were realized. However, age and years of experience of the farmers were negatively correlated with the usage of modern irrigation methods. in addition, farm area was negatively correlated with the usage of traditional irrigation methods. In the light of the findings of the study, it seems logical to launch the extension education programs to enhance farmers’ adoption rates of modern irrigation methods. The study further suggests investigating the barriers faced by farmers in the adoption of modern irrigation methods in order to conserve limited water resources.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Spicka et al. as discussed by the authors assessed selected socioeconomic impacts of public support for investments and effects of investments in biogas plants in the cr. krauSe, 2013.
Abstract: Spicka, J. and J. krauSe, 2013. Selected socioeconomic impacts of public support for agricultural biogas plants: the case of the czech republic. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 929-938 The main goal of the article is to assess selected socioeconomic impacts of public support for investments and effects of investments in biogas plants in the cr. The need for this analysis arises from requirements for impact evaluation of public subsidies from the Rural Development Programme. The quantification of economic effects of investment support of biogas plants is based on counterfactual analysis. propensity score matching (pSM) with Mahalanobis distance was used to create treatment-control matches based on propensity scores and/or observed covariate variables. Mann-Whitney u test was used to compare selected indicators between supported and not supported agricultural enterprises. regarding economic performance of agricultural enterprises, analysis revealed that investments and investment subsidies targeted at biogas plants have positive effect on EBIT, cash flow and value added per hectare of agricultural enterprises. On the other side, there is no significant impact on ROA, ROE and ROCE even if these indicators have been considered as key indicators of companies’ economic performance. Setting up biogas plants does not create any new working positions in most cases, so supported enterprises with biogas plant in operation significantly increased labour productivity compared to companies without biogas plant.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The application of soil bacteria as the antagonists to the growth of pathogenic fungi, indicated that iaa producing Bacillus sp.
Abstract: StaroviC, M., D. JoSiC, S. PavloviC, S. DraZiC, D. PoStiC, t. PoPoviC and S. StoJanoviC, 2013. the effect of iaa producing Bacillus sp. Q3 strain on marshmallow seed germination. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 572-577 Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is one of the important medicinal plants in Serbia. one of the bigest problem in growing of marshmallow is poor seeds germination. rhyzospheric bacteria able to produced plant growth stimulating hormones can inpruve seed germinations and decreace seed infections with patogens. iaa production by Bacillus sp. Q3 strain estimate in this investigation ranged from 3.76-10.62 μgml-1. the application of soil bacteria as the antagonists to the growth of pathogenic fungi, indicated that iaa producing Bacillus sp. strain Q3 demonstrated not only a high level of antagonism towards the seed mycoflora, but significantly increased the germination rate of the marshmallow seeds. Soaking marshmarrow seeds for 24 h in the 105 CFU ml-1 of investigated strain Bacillus sp. strain Q3 increased the 55.1% germination and decreased the percentage of the seed infection by the fungus Alternaria alternata, compared to the control (32%). Strong increasing percent germination of marshmallow’s seeds from 26.9-55.1% and decreasing seed infection with phytopathogen Alternaria alternate, as predominant marshmallow seeds pathogen, can recommend this strain for seed protection and as PGPr.

Journal Article
TL;DR: It is proposed that the greatest length of the head skeleton in Bulgarian population of brown bears is from 280 mm to 350 mm, and the condylobasal length is from 276 mm to 304mm.
Abstract: Mihaylov, R., R. DiMitRov, E. RaichEv, D. Kostov, K. staMatova-yiovchEva, D. Zlatanova and B. BivolaRsKi, 2013. Morphometrical features of the head skeleton in brown bear (Ursus arctos) in Bulgaria. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 331-337 Fifteen craniometrical indices of the head skeletons in forty brown bears (Ursus arctos) found in Bulgaria were studied. Data for the greatest length of the head skeleton and condylobasal length as well as the results of those motivated us to propose that the greatest length of the head skeleton in Bulgarian population of brown bears is from 280 mm to 350 mm, and the condylobasal length is from 276 mm to 304mm. Our results for length skull (cranium) and face showеd that face length were 35.33% of head skeleton length. the length, rostral and caudal width of the bone palate demonstrated that the palate widened in caudal direction. the basal length of the skull was with close value to bone palate length and it could be accepted that the caudal edge of the bone palate was approximately in the middle of the ventral surface of head skeleton. the zygomatic width of the specimens was 59% from the greatest length of the head skeleton.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The present results illustrate the potential of phenotypic variables and RAPD markers to distinguish genetic diversity and Phenotypic variation and are most needed for management in gene banks.
Abstract: BACIU, A.-D., D. PAMFIL, L. MIHALTE, A. F. SESTRAS and R. E. SESTRAS, 2013. Phenotypic variation and genetic diversity of Calendula officinalis (L.). Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 143-151 In order to assess the genetic diversity, thirty-four genotypes of Calendula officinalis (L.) were evaluated by means of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. The number of amplification products generated by each primer varied from 9 (OPAB-18) to 14 (OPAL-20) with an average of 11.2 bands per primer. The pairwise Nei and Li’s coefficients showed relatively high similarity in C. officinalis SLO vs C. officinalis L. D. f (0.83), C. officinalis L. F. b vs C. officinalis 122GE (0.80) and the lowest similarity index was observed in C. officinalis L. D. b vs C. officinalis cv. Gaicha Gril (0.17). Fifteen morphological traits in a three-year field experiment were also evaluated. Genetic similarities (obtained from RAPD data), phenotypic similarities were used to create a cluster diagram, and the results were compared. According to this, genotypes were framed in four distinct clusters, but all studied accessions seem to appear as a monophyletic group (cluster I including groups II and III and group II also including group IV) in both dendrograms. Of all the studied genotypes twenty varieties were grouped in the same RAPD cluster and were pulled together in the same phenotypic clusters, meaning that this genotypes presented a small genetic distance and similar peculiarities. The present results illustrate the potential of phenotypic variables and RAPD markers to distinguish genetic diversity and phenotypic variation and are most needed for management in gene banks.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Results indicate that defoliation carried out during the flowering and 3-5 mm berry diameter considerably influence the cluster structure and grape quality, resulting in a reduction of yield in both cultivars.
Abstract: Beslic, Z., s. Todic and s. MaTijasevic, 2013. effect of timing of basal leaf removal on yield components and grape quality of grapevine cvs cabernet sauvignon and Prokupac ( Vitis vinifera l.). Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 96-102 The examination of timing of partial defoliation was performed on cultivars abernet sauvignon and Prokupac serbian autochtonous wine cultivar. leaf removal treatments were manually applied at full bloom, at fruit set (3-5 mm berry diam eter) and before veraison. The treatments consisted of defoliation of the first six nodes of all the shoots. Results indicate that defoliation carried out during the flowering and 3-5 mm berry diameter considerably influence the cluster structure and grape quality. Partial defoliation in these periods reduced the number of berries per cluster and berry size, resulting in a reduction of yield in both cultivars. early defoliation increased dry matter content of the must. defoliation treatments increased the content of total phenols in comparison with control, while the content of total anthocyanins was not significant changed in Canernet sauvignon. in cv. Prokupac, early defoliation increased content of total phenols (in the full bloom and fruit set treatments) and total anthocyanins (in full bloom treatment). The increase in the content of total phenolics and anthocyanins occurred only in treatments applied at flowering and fruit set.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The maximal exploitation of sugar beet yielding potential is, therefore, possible provided water is not a factor limiting sugar beet growth in the mead-season and P in late-season, and the lack of favourable growth conditions should not be a reason for development a sugar beet fertilizing strategy, based on reduced P and K rates.
Abstract: BARLOG, P., W. GRZEBISZ, K. PEPLINSKI and W. SZCZEPANIAK, 2013. Sugar beet response to balanced nitrogen fertilization with phosphorus and potassium. Part I. Dynamics of beet yield development. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 1311-1318 The objective of the conducted study was to determine the effect of various levels of P, K under the background of constant N rate on dynamics of sugar beet root yield. The field trial, arranged as a factorial design, was consisted of eight treatments: N 0 P 0 K 0 ; N 0 P 1 K 1 ; N 1 P 0 K 1 ; N 1 P 1 K 0 ; N 1 P 0.25 K 0.25 ; N 1 P 0.5 K 1 ; N 1 P 1 K 1 and N 1 P 1 K 1 +Ca; where 1 is recommended level of N, P, K application and Ca means that phosphorus applied as partially acidulated phosphoric rock (PAPR). The in-season yield sampling was conducted at 92, 113, 134, 155 and 175 th day after sowing. The highest degree of yield potential realization revealed in the year with favourable weather conditions. The highest yield was harvested on the plot fertilized with N 1 P 1 K 1 +Ca. In years with extended drought, sugar beet achieved the maximum yield in the treatment N 1 P 0.25 K 0.25 . Phosphorus revealed as the key yield forming factors, i.e., limiting N unit productivity. The maximum productivity of N occurred in treatments with full P rate, especially when P fertilizer was applied as the PAPR. However, phosphorus yield forming action depended on weather conditions in the mead-season and P fertilizer rate. The first factor, affecting N and K supply to sugar beet during the mead-season, was responsible for the size of the beetroot, considered as the sugar storage. Any drought, negatively impacting its size, in turn decreases P yield forming action, which appears in the late-season. The maximal exploitation of sugar beet yielding potential is, therefore, possible provided water is not a factor limiting sugar beet growth in the mead-season and P in late-season. Nevertheless, in farming practice, the lack of favourable growth conditions should not be a reason for development a sugar beet fertilizing strategy, based on reduced P and K rates.

Journal Article
TL;DR: KIZILGOZ et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the effects of phosphorus application on shoot dry matter and uptake of phosphorus, calcium and zinc in two wheat cultivars grown in a high clay soil.
Abstract: KIZILGOZ, I. and E. SAKIN, 2013. The effects of phosphorus application on shoot dry matter and uptake of phosphorus, calcium and zinc in two wheat cultivars grown in a high clay soil. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 675-678 Interactions of phosphorus (P) with calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) in different plant species have received a great deal of attention recently. A glasshouse pot experiment with different rates of P application (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg P kg -1 soil) was conducted to investigate these interactions in two wheat varieties (Ege-88 and Gun-91). Increased application of P reduced shoot Zn concentration significantly. Shoot Ca concentration was also reduced by P application but the reduction was disproportion ate to P application rate. These results demonstrate that P application could be one of the reasons for Zn and Ca deficiency. Therefore, the level of P application should be determined carefully in order to maximize yield.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The potentials of the application of modern soft computing techniques into development stage of contemporary food products are described.
Abstract: TODOROV, Y., I. NACHEVA, P. METODIEVA, M. DONEVA and Tsv. TSVETKOV, 2012. Soft computing applications in food technology. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 503-507 This paper describes the potentials of the application of modern soft computing techniques into development stage of contemporary food products. Recently, soft computing has been extensively studied and applied for scientific research and engineering purposes. In biological and food engineering, researchers have developed methods of fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, decision trees, and support vector machines to study complex characteristics of many products in order to be adopted cost effective measures satisfying the production constraints and consumer expectations.


Journal Article
TL;DR: Diversity of the species important for fi shery on the territory of Serbia has changed both spatially and temporally and the increasing diversity in accumulations is predominantly related to Cyprinidae and Percidae species.
Abstract: SIMIC, V., J. LUJIC, D. KOSTIC, M. CIRKOVIC, O. BJELIC-CABRILO, S. SIMIC and G. MARKOVIC, 2013. Diversity characteristics of the fi sh species important for fi shery in the waters of Serbia. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 1: 77–87 Diversity of the fi sh species important for fi shery on the territory of Serbia has changed both spatially and temporally. Temporal changes are connected with historical and anthropogenic factors, while spatial changes are mostly the results of anthropogenic activity. Based on the analysis of the „BAES-ex situ“ national database, there are two temporal and spatial periods. The fi rst period (from 1860 to 1950) is characterised by great diversity of the fi sh species important for fi shery in natural ecosystems, above all in rivers. The second period (from 1950 until today) is characterised by reduction in the diversity of the fi sh species important for fi shery, especially sturgeon species, in natural ecosystems, predominantly rivers, and the increasing diversity in anthropogenic water ecosystems. The increasing diversity in accumulations is predominantly related to Cyprinidae and Percidae species. The reduction in diversity in natural ecosystems is most often the result of irrational fi shery, habitat degradation, prominent anthropogenic infl uence and presence of introduced species. Many species important for fi shery are, according to the newest legal regulations of the Republic of Serbia, classifi ed in the category of strictly protected and protected species, and the permanent close hunting season or close season in certain periods and ban on hunting for individuals below prescribed size was declared for many of them. Taking into consideration prominent reduction in diversity, some of the fi sh species important for fi shery are also in „The preliminary list of species for the Serbian red list of vertebrates“ because they are in danger of being extinct.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of agronomy factors on the formation of grain quality in con trasting years was investigated and the change in quality indices of genotypes with contrasting environmental condi tions.
Abstract: IvAnovA, A., n. Tsenov and I. sToevA, 2013. Grain quality of common wheat according to variety and growing conditions in the region of Dobrudzha. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 523-529 Nowadays the quality requirements in the production of grain received by all downstream grain-flour-bread are great mainly because of the strong impact of the conditions on its formation during the different seasons. For this reason, it is nec essary to realize the new varieties the maximum of its genetic traits, even under different stress and climatic anomalies. The study is made of the main characteristics of the new quality indices common wheat varieties, developed of Dobrudzha Agri cultural Institute – General Toshevo (DAI) which genetic traits belong to different qualitative groups. The study includes two contrasting meteorological terms in the year (2007 and 2008), and varieties grown in four previous crops and three levels of fertilization. The first year of the study (2007) is characterized by a severe and long-lasting drought, and the next (2008) - with favourable conditions during the vegetation of wheat. The effect of agronomy factors on the formation of grain quality in con trasting years was investigated. Analyzed is the change in quality indices of genotypes with contrasting environmental condi tions. Established is main role in the formation of the variety of specific weight (TestW), sedimentation (SDS), the resistance of dough (DRes) and valorimetric value ( vAL) under favourable conditions during the year. In years with stress (drought), mineral fertilization is essential for the wet gluten content (WGC) and volume of bread (LVol). Under the same conditions, differences between genotypes are aligned due to a stronger variation in quality indices. In years with favourable conditions differences between the studied varieties deepen, they are most pronounced for the specific weight (TestW), sedimentation (sDs) and bread loaf (L vol). Low quality and high quality varieties retain the level of quality, regardless of environmental conditions. The varieties with genetic potential for moderate quality reacted in different ways through their respective indices to the changeable growing conditions.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Kostadinova et al. as discussed by the authors investigated the quality of Tundzha River water in the upper stream during the summer of 2010 by 25 physicochemical indices, and assessed their suitability for irrigation in agriculture.
Abstract: KOSTADINOVA, G., N. GEORGIEVA, Z. YANEVA, G. PETKOV, M. TODOROVA and Ch. MITEVA, 2013. Tundzha River water quality as a source for irrigation in agriculture. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 635-643 The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of Tundzha River water in the upper stream during the summer of 2010 by 25 physicochemical indices, and assessed their suitability for irrigation in agriculture. For sampling and sample preparation of water, international ISO and BSS references were used. Sample analyses were made by equipment Mrlti 340i/SET, spectrophotometric methods and AAS. It was established that the quality of the surface water corresponded to the standards for irrigation according to 23 indices: temperature, pH, conductivity, total hardness, Ca, Mg, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, ammonium (NH4 +), nitrites (NO2 -), nitrates (NO3 -), chlorides (Cl-), sulfates (SO4 2-), phosphates (PO4 3-), K, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr(VI). Deviations from the regulated standards were established for suspended solids and Mn. The correlation matrix revealed appreciable mutual relationship: between suspended solids-dissolved oxygen, conductivity-BOD, total hardness-BOD and total hardness-conductivity (R2 0.957 0.999), and between Mg-Ca; K-Ca; Mn-Ca; Mn-Mg; Mn-K; Ni-K; Ni-Zn; Cd-Ca; Cd-Mg; Cd-K; Cd-Mn and Cd-Ni (R2 0.951 0.999) in the studied water samples. Data analysis revealed that the anthropogenic impact on Tundzha River water in the investigated area does not affect water quality with a view to its applicability for irrigation purposes. The registered deviations from the quality standard for Mn could be explained by the discharge of industrial and sewage wastewaters from Kazanlak City (46545 inhabitants, large industrial center).

Journal Article
TL;DR: The sequenced fragments from the genome of phage Gb1 were homologous to key genes in phages LL-Ku and c5 encoding a major head protein, the tape-measure protein, tail proteins, the single strand binding protein and a diesterase, the first report of a bacteriophage from this group isolated in Bulgaria.
Abstract: ALEKSANDROVA, V., D. ISHLIMOVA and Z. URSHEV, 2013. Classifi cation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus phage Gb1 into group “b” Lactobacillus delbrueckii bacteriophages based on its partial genome sequencing. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 2, 19: 90–93 The modular evolution of phage genomes makes their classifi cation extremely diffi cult. Still in dairy industry, the identifi cation of the phage species that disturbs the fermentation process is of crucial importance in the selection of a strategy to avoid or eliminate phage infections. Phages attacking Lactobacillus delbrueckii are currently divided into four groups assigned as “a”, “b”, “c” and “d” which have substantial differences in their virion morphology and DNA homology. Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus phage Gb1 was isolated in 2005 from yoghurt production. Restriction fragments of phage Gb1 DNA were cloned into pIL253 in Lactococcus lctis IL1403 and PCR amplifi ed with vector-specifi c primers. The resulting amplicons were sequenced and identities with existing sequence databases were searched. All of the obtained sequences showed homology only to regions within the genome of phages LL-Ku and c5 with levels of nucleotide identity of 80-99%. No signifi cant sequence matches were found with other L. delbrueckii phages. The sequenced fragments from the genome of phage Gb1 were homologous to key genes in phages LL-Ku and c5 encoding a major head protein, the tape-measure protein, tail proteins, the single strand binding protein and a diesterase. As phages LL-Ku and c5 are typical representatives of group “b” L. delbrueckii bacteriophages that do not share DNA homology with L. delbrueckii phages from other groups we could classify phage Gb1 into group “b” L. delbrueckii phages. This is the fi rst report of a bacteriophage from this group isolated in Bulgaria. Further studies of phage Gb1 will facilitate the work on the selection of phage resistant starters and prevention of phage infections in yoghurt production.