Showing papers in "Journal of Central European Agriculture in 2018"

Allelopathic potential of segetal and ruderal invasive alien plants

Abstract: At the global level, the invasion of alien organisms is considered the second largest threat to biodiversity. The assumption is that the high allelopathic potential is one of the features that helps invasive plant species to spread to new areas. In the study was determined allelopathic potential of eight invasive plant species (donor species) and their impact on test-species. Donor species were Abutilon theophrasti Med. - velvetleaf (Malvaceae), Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. - ragweed (Asteraceae), Datura stramonium L. - white jimsonweed (Solanaceae), Xanthium strumarium L. - cocklebur (Asteraceae), Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle - tree of heaven (Simaroubaceae), Amorpha fruticosa L. - indigo bush (Fabaceae), Reynoutria japonica Houtte. - Japanese knotweed (Polygonaceae), Solidago gigantea Aiton - giant goldenrod (Asteraceae). Three cultivated plant species from three different plant families were used as test-species: Avena sativa L. - oats (Poaceae), Brassica napus L. - oilseed rape (Brassicaceae) and Helianthus annuus L. - sunflower (Asteraceae). Water extracts made of whole plants of donor species were applied to the seeds of the test-species. High allelopathic potential was proven for all species included in experiment. Allelopathic effects were exclusively negative. Impact on the germination for all species is much smaller in relation to the impact on the radicle and shoot length of the test-species. Perennial species had a stronger allelopathic potential than annual species. Tree of heaven is species with the strongest allelopathic potential. Its extracts inhibited germination, radicle and shoot length of oilseed rape 19%, 94.88% and 98.91% respectively. Applying allelopathy in agriculture can reduce the use of synthetic pesticides.

Optimal doses and concentrations of mutagens for winter wheat breeding purposes. Part I. Grain productivity

Abstract: Evaluation of winter wheat mutant families (2011 – 2012, second – third generations, exclude a little number of dominant mutations at first generation) and lines (2013 – 2016, forth and next generations) has been carried out. Six bread winter wheat lines have been identified as high-grain productivity mutants (prevalent on national standard variety for agriculture zone by summarized three-year’s results). For these lines higher value of two components of yield structure (1,000 grain weight and grain weight per plant) was typical during field estimation. Other indexes didn’t get significant influences on yield performance. Gamma-rays dose 100 Gy as a mutagen factor was the most successful in induction productive mutations. Medium dose of gamma-rays (100 Gy) and concentrations of nitrosoalkylureas (0.01 – 0.0125%) are recommended for winter wheat mutation breeding on grain productivity. Four lines were recommended for state varieties exam. Two earliness, one semi- and one short-stem lines have been determined for using directly as future varieties or components of breeding crosses. Varieties obtained by gamma radiation are less sensitive to same mutagen (in terms of mutation induction). Their re-exposure is inappropriate by same mutagen. The same situation was observed for chemical mutagens. However, the varieties which obtained with field hybridization or after treated by other types of mutagens (for example exploited chemical mutagens for radiomutants) were more successful as initial material for obtaining new highproductive lines.

Consumers' attitudes towards ethnic food consumption

Abstract: Globalization, international migration and food promotion via media platforms have lead to increased consumption of ethnic food. The main aim of the research is to explore the relation between attitudes and behaviour in the ethnic food purchase and consumption. An on-line survey was conducted on a sample of 230 respondents. Most respondents consume ethnic food, mostly on a weekly basis, at home and in restaurants. The largest share of respondents has neutral attitudes towards ethnic food. Respondents with positive attitudes towards ethnic food consume ethnic food more often at home, those with neutral attitudes consume such food in restaurants, while respondents who have negative attitudes about ethnic food consume ethnic food mostly at friend’s. The respondents with positive attitudes towards ethnic food give higher importance to all ethnic food attributes (price, appearance, taste, origin, price/quality ratio and service). Results of this research can serve producers and distributors of ethnic foods to better suit the demands of modern consumers.

The influence of additives facilitating ensiling on the quality of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) silage

Abstract: Chenopodium quinoa Willd is a new plant in the conditions of Poland At harvest, it has a low content of dry matter, which makes it difficult to ensile For this reason, a study was undertaken on the effect of microbial and chemical additives on selected quality characteristics of quinoa silage Traits determining the suitability of the green forage and the influence of silage additives were assessed A microbial additive and a chemical additive were used The microbial additive contained bacterial strains of Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici (concentration 125·1011 CFU·g-1) and was applied in the amount of 1 g·t-1 of fresh material The chemical additive contained formic acid, propionic acid and ammonium formate, and was added in the amount of 5 l·t-1 of fresh material The quality of the quinoa silage depending on the additive used was evaluated The fresh material of Chenopodium quinoa Willd contained only 642% water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in dry matter (DM) and its fermentability coefficient was 292 Lactic acid was predominant in the silage, while the content of acetic acid was average In the control silage (without additives), small amounts of butyric acid (004% DM) were noted, so its quality according to the Flieg-Zimmer scale was good No butyric acid was found in the silage prepared with additives, and their quality was very good The control silage contained more N-NH3 than the silage prepared with additives (P≤001) This indicated that the preservatives (silage additives) limited the process of protein degradation in the quinoa silage

Food waste drivers in Croatian households

Abstract: A survey was conducted with the aim of analysing the knowledge and act of the Croatian population regarding food waste. Nearly half (48%) of the respondents reported that the main culprit in household food wastage was preparation of excessive amounts of food for meals, while, for one third of the respondents, in second place as a reason for occurrence of food waste was the purchasing of an excessive amount of food (28.5%). Respondents were also asked to assess what activities they conduct to reduce food waste in their households. Most respondents (34.8%) stated that they feed the dog or cat, while 27.6% store leftovers in the freezer. Almost a third of the respondents (27.6%) discard leftovers from the meal in the bin without any further use. Most respondents regard the discarding of food to be a financial loss to the household (68.1%) and to affect the environment negatively (63.1%), and most of them discard food when they suspect it is unsafe (54.3%). Answers to the question of differentiating date tags on foods showed that 36.8% of respondents do not understand the labels on food packaging. Only 13.8% of respondents reported having organized collection of bio-waste at their place of residence.

Response of sugar beet to humic substances and foliar fertilization with potassium

Abstract: Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) requires fertile soils with high biological activity, rich in minerals and organic nutrients. Biological properties of soil, such as enzymatic and microbial activity, can be effectively improved through the application of humic substances. This enables an increase in growth dynamics and, consequently, in the yield. The aim of this study was to assess sugar beet germination, depending on the soil application of the humic preparation Humistar (12% of humic acids, 3% of fulvic acids) as well as to assess the yield of sugar beet storage roots and the content of sugar in these storage roots, depending on soil applications of Humistar and/or foliar application of potassium fertilizer Drakar (31% K2O, 3% N). The field experiment was conducted in the soil classified as Mesic Typic Hapludalfs. Soil application of Humistar contributed to a reduction in sugar beet germination, measured as % of plants germinated within 14 days after sowing. However, the growth of plants in soil with Humistar was more intensive than in the control. A significant, positive influence of Humistar and Drakar on the yield of sugar beet roots has been found. Application of the two treatments did not produce better results than the use of each of them separately. Sugar content in roots was not affected by experimental factor. The study showed that both soil application of humic substances and the use of foliar potassium fertilizer can improve the yield of sugar beet and, consequently, increase the biological yield of sugar from storage roots.

Assessment of viability of new born piglets using an adjusted APGAR score

Abstract: Since decades pig breeding goals have mainly focused on prolificacy. However, large litters can have implications on piglets’ and sows’ welfare. Due to increased litter size viability of piglets may decrease, leading to a higher number of stillborn piglets and increased suckling piglet mortality. Piglet viability can be assessed using an adjusted APGAR score. This score measures in the new born piglet indicators crucial for the ability to survive. So the aim of this paper is to investigate the main effects on piglet viability by using an adjusted APGAR score. For this purpose, 25 sows and 404 born piglets were assessed using an adjusted APGAR scoring system. Every live born piglet was evaluated directly after birth regarding the parameters skin colour, umbilical cord condition, latencies to respiration, first movement, first attempt to stand up and first teat contact. Each parameter was scored from 0 (bad) to 2 (good) according to predefined categories and summed up to an overall APGAR score. The influence of provision of oxytocin or manual intervention during farrowing, care of the new born by the farmer and obstetrics on viability was investigated. It was found, that new born care and the condition of the umbilical cord had the highest influence on piglet viability. Oxytocin and obstetrics had no influence on the viability of piglets and therefore on the APGAR score.

Variability of birth weight and growth of piglets in highly prolific sows

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the variability of birth weight and growth of piglets in hyper prolific sow line. Data collected from 25 litters from Pen Ar Lan Naima sow line were used to evaluate the variability of piglets' birth weight and its consequences on subsequent growth performances. All piglets were individually weighted five times from the birth until the end of nursery period. Pre- weaning mortality was the highest in piglets with birth weight less than 1, 000 g. The difference in the final live weight at the end of nursery period between the lightest and heaviest piglets was more than 10 kg. Birth weight of piglets had a significant influence on pre-weaning mortality and subsequent growth performances. In large litters produced by highly prolific sows, the variability of birth weight of piglets together with an increased number of lighter piglets become a new challenge for pig producers.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (Funneliformis mosseae) improves alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) re-growth ability in saline soil through enhanced nitrogen remobilization and improved nutritional balance

Abstract: In current study, the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on salinity tolerance in terms of root’s reserves remobilization to shoot and its relationship with re-growth ability and ionic status of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants were investigated. In a pot experiment, a factorial experiment in base of randomized complete blocks design in three replications was carried out. Alfalfa plants (Iranian cultivar-Baghdadi) inoculated with AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) or retained as un-inoculated, were grown in soil and irrigated with three salt concentrations including 1.4 (control), 7 and 12 dS/m. Three harvests were carried out at 10% of flowering stage. AMF inoculation increased the size of root sugars and soluble N pools at harvest time. The shoot biomass production following harvest had a close correlation with nitrogen (N) remobilization from root (r=0.92, P≤0.01). However salinity stress significantly reduced amount and percentage of N remobilization to re-growing shoot but AMF plants exhibited greater amount and percentage of root N pools dedicated to remobilization. AMF inoculation also affected ionic relations of plants as AM+ plants contained greater K+ within both root and shoot organs while Ca2+ and Na+ were affected by AMF only within shoot tissue. AMF plants exhibited higher K+/Na+ within shoot and Ca+2/Na+ within root organs. There was a high positive correlation coefficient between K+/Na+, Ca+2/Na+ ratios and N remobilization from root (respectively, r=0.92, 0.88; P≤0.01). To sum up, ionic status within both root and shoot organs, got more balanced by AMF inoculation so that AMF reduced limitations within both source (root) and sink (re-growing shoot) organs concerning N remobilization to re-growing shoot.

Characterization and interrelationships of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] yield components during dry and humid seasons

Abstract: Global climate changes have caused a significant weather oscillation. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of weather conditions on the association of soybean seed yield and yield components, to find out the magnitude and effect of each component and their reaction to environmental stress. Seventy-four soybean varieties from nine geographical origins were studied during two seasons (2015 with less rainfall and increased temperatures and 2016 with increased humidity and moderate temperatures) at the Croatian Centre for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Osijek, Croatia. Correlation and path analysis were used to examine the association of the studied traits. The variance analysis revealed significant (P<0.01) effect of genotype, year and their interactions on all examined traits. During both seasons the seed yield was in significant and positive correlation with seed number per plant, pods number per plant, seed number per pod and 1, 000-seed weight. All the traits mentioned had a stronger correlation with the yield in the dry 2015 compared to the year 2016. The seed number per plant had the highest correlation coefficients and a high and positive direct effect on seed yield in both years. Therefore, the selection of high yielding genotypes based on this trait can be done directly regardless of the variable weather conditions. The hierarchical clustering of varieties resulted in eight clusters in both years, confirming high genetic variability of the examined varieties. In 2016 one cluster that mainly consisted of varieties typical for the breeding programs of this region was singled out.

Effect of Tytanit on the dry matter and macroelement contents in potato tuber

Abstract: This paper analyses the effect of the dose (0.2 L*ha-1 or 0.4 L*ha-1) and date (a single application at the leaf development stage – BBCH 14-16 or at the tuber formation stage – BBCH 41-43, and a double application at the BBCH 14-16 and BBCH 41-43 stages) of the application of Tytanit® (8.5 g Ti per liter in the form of Ti-ascorbate) on the dry matter and macroelement contents in tuber of very early potato cultivars (‘Lord’ and ‘Milek’). Potatoes were harvested 75 days after planting (the end of June). Tytanit® did not affect the content of dry matter and nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium or sulphur in potato tubers. Following Tytanit® application, there was only an increase in sodium content. The sodium content in the immature potato tubers was higher after the application of 0.2 L*ha-1 of the Tytanit®. Regardless of the Tytanit® dose, the sodium content in tubers was the lowest when the growth stimulant was applied only once in the leaf development stage (BBCH 14-16), particularly under the more favorable thermal and moisture conditions for early crop potato culture. Following Tytanit® application, the weight ratios of Ca:P, K:Ca and K:Mg in potato tuber were similar, and the weight ratios of N:S, Na:Ca and Na:Mg were broader compared to the cultivation without the growth stimulant, although the ratio of the sum of univalent cations to the sum of bivalent cations (K+Na):(Ca+Mg) was at the same level, both in the cultivation with and without Tytanit®.

The influence of stages of maturity on the agronomic traits of fibre flax introduced varieties

Abstract: The harvest time of fibre flax is influenced by climatic conditions, varieties, stages of maturity and the crop’s final use. In addition, the time of harvesting of fibre flax affects the quality of the fibres. Fibre flax can be harvested in few stages of maturity. So, this paper presents the influence of three stages of maturity (green, yellow and full ripening) on the agronomic traits (stem yield, stem yield after retting, total fibre yield, share of total fibre, long fibre yield, share of long fibre) of five fibre flax varieties. Varieties trials with fibre flax were set up in two years (2010-2011) and in two locations: at the experimental fields of the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb on eutric cambisol and of the College of Agriculture at Križevci on pseudogley on level terrain. The trials were carried out according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. According to the results of the two-years research into the agronomic traits of fibre flax, significant differences were established among the varieties and among the stages of maturity under study. The varieties Agatha, Viola and Electra recorded higher values of investigated traits. All varieties achieved higher values of investigated traits at Križevci (production on heavier soil in which some of winter moisture remained available in spring months). The highest values of investigated traits were recorded when the fibre flax were harvested in the green ripening.

Aromatic compounds of cheese ripening in animal skin: An overview

Abstract: The aroma of a cheese is one of the key quality parameters and signs of distinguishing certain cheese types by consumers. Therefore, the aim of this paper is review the existing knowledge of the aromatic profile of cheeses ripening in an animal skin. Cheeses that ripen in an animal skin and produced in similar technology in Croatia (misina – cheese in a sack), in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Cheese in a sack (local name: mjeh), Montenegro (Cheese in a sack (local name: mjeh), Turkey (Tulum cheese), Lebanon (Darfiyeh cheese) and eastern Algeria (Bouhezza cheese). The specific characteristic of these cheeses is ripening in an animal skin, as in a sack (of ewe or goat). The aromatic profile of these cheeses has not been sufficiently investigated and has been conducted primarily on Tulum and to a smaller extent of Lebanese Darfiyeh cheese, and cheese in a sack. There is no data about other cheeses that ripen in an animal skin. Since very little research has been made on the aromatic profile of these cheeses, further research should be conducted.

Enrichment of table eggs with functional ingredients

Abstract: The research was conducted on 120 laying hens of Tetra SL provenience, which were divided into two experimental groups (K and P), with 60 laying hens in each group (12 replications, 5 hens per replication). The control group was fed standard diet, while laying hens of experimental groups were given modified diet supplemented with 5% of oil mixture, 0.5 mg/kg organic selenium, 200 mg/kg lutein and 200 mg/kg vitamin E. Portion of n-3 PUFA was significantly better in designed eggs than in conventional eggs (3.76% and 1.69%, P<0.001). Ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA in experimental group was more than twice as favorable as in the control group (5.91 vs. 13.34; P<0.001). Content of selenium, lutein and vitamin E in designed eggs was statistically significantly higher than in conventional eggs (P<0.001). The content of selenium in egg yolks in conventional eggs was 0.053 μg/g and in designed eggs 0.143 μg/g, and in egg whites 0.387 μg/g and 0.662 μg/g, respectively (P<0.001). Lutein content increased from 12.44 μg/g inconventional eggs to 104.95 μg/g in designed eggs, while vitamin E increased from 12.5 μg/g to 19.82 μg/g egg yolk.

Development tendencies in crop production in Slovakia after 2004 – regional differentiations

Abstract: One of the key milestones of joining European Union was to decrease disparities within economical and social environment in Slovakia. On the contrary, disparities are still growing, also in agriculture. Structural changes in agriculture between 2004 and 2014 are explained based on several stages of development, leading to regional differentiations. Based on indicators of crop production such as – gross crop production, crop production (cereals, oil plants, potatoes, sugar beet and perennial fodder crops), production per one hectare of selected crops, per capita production of selected crops and per 1 hectare of agricultural land this paper shows trends in crop production in Slovakia between 2004 and 2014. Individual regions and their ranking in Slovakia are analysed based on the level NUTS (Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics) III (regions). The classification of development of indicators of crop production in regions of Slovakia in relation to the calculated average value of Slovak Republic from 2004 to 2014 is based on calculated average values for the monitored period. Selected stasticial methods (standard deviation, coefficient of variation, the ratio of the data set and the relative size of the data file) are applied to analyse, study and interpret development of regional disparities in crop production in Slovakia.

Relationship between origin and nutrient content of Croatian common bean landraces.

Abstract: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume crop. In Croatia, many different common bean landraces are grown mostly on small farms and in kitchen gardens. The aim of this research was to determine and compare nutrient content of Croatian common bean landraces and to test the existence of the relationship between common bean nutrient content with origin of accessions. A total of 226 common bean accessions from all over Croatia were collected, grown in unreplicated field trial at the experimental field in Zagreb, harvested and analyzed for nutrient content. Results showed high nutrient content, but clear difference between Mesoamerican and Andean gene pool regards the nutrient profile of Croatian common bean landraces was not determined. Regardless of gene pool, the average nutrient content in dry weight of Croatian common bean landraces was in range: 3.13–3.92% N, 0.49–0.57% P, 1.38–1.66% K, 0.34–0.42% Ca, 0.17–0.20% Mg, 63.75–75.77 mg Fe∙kg-1, 13.55–19.94 mg Mn∙kg-1 and 24.98–29.32 mg Zn∙kg-1. Present research provides a solid basis for future breeding programs and improvement of common bean traits.

Body and milk quality traits of purebred Holstein and three-generation crossbred cows from Viking Red, Montbéliarde, and Holstein sires

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 3-way rotational crossbreeding scheme of Holstein (HO) cows with Montbeliarde (MO), Viking Red (VR) and HO sires on body and milk quality traits. Cows were purebred HO; F1: (MO × HO; VR × HO); F2: [MO × (VR × HO); VR × (MO × HO)]; F3: {HO × [MO × (VR × HO)]}; HO × [VR x (MO × HO)]}. Data were collected on 745 cows kept in a commercial farm located in Northern Italy. Milk data were acquired from official milk recording and body condition score (BCS) and conformation traits were measured once by trained evaluator. Data were analyzed using a linear model including fixed effects of parity, DIM class and breed combinations. Average body traits: height at withers (HW), body length (BL) and heart girth (HG) of cows were 139,162 and 207 cm respectively. Crossbred cows had shorter HW, BL and HG than pure HO but greater BCS. Milk yield averaged 31.5 kg/d, with fat and protein content close to 3.8 and 3.75%, respectively. Purebred HO produced greater volume of milk than crossbreds but milk from HO had lower protein content. Different combinations of crossbred cows showed similar performance in terms of milk yield traits, but evidenced different body size. The trial is currently in progress to increase cow sample size and widen the number of herds involved.

Forage yield of a grass-clover mixture on an acid soil in the third year after soil liming

Abstract: Soil acidity is one of the most common reasons for low yields of forage crops. This paper analyzes the long-term effect of liming (control - without CaO; 3 t*ha-1 CaO; 6 t*ha-1 CaO) applied to an acid soil (pHH2O 4.8) before stand establishment on the productivity of a mixture of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and tall oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius L.) during the third year of production. Soil liming significantly increased hay yields in the first and second cuts by 17-25% and 46%, respectively, which resulted from an increase in the total yield and dry matter content of forage. In the third cut, soil liming had no effect on forage and hay yields due to the lower amount of precipitation in the second part of the growing season. Both lime application rates led to a significant reduction in the percentage of red clover in the first and second cuts, thus favoring the percentage of tall oat grass. In the third cut, only the percentage of weeds was lower in both lime treatments, as it decreased by more than 55% compared to the control.

The effect of biofertilizer and nitrogen rates on quantitative and qualitative properties of strawberry cultivar 'Paros'

Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of EM (Effective Microorganisms) application and various nitrogen levels on qualitative and quantitative traits of strawberry cultivar 'Paros'. The layout of the experiment was based on randomized complete block with three replications. The research was conducted in an experimental planting of strawberry cv. 'Paros' at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, during 2014-2015. EM was used at four rates (0, 1, 2, and 3%) in two ways (soil and foliar application) and nitrogen was used in three rates (50, 100 and 150 kg*ha-1 soil application). Leaf area, number of flowers per plant, number of fruit per plant, length, volume, fresh and dry weight of fruit, yield per plant, vitamin C content, total soluble solids content and total acidity were measured. There was significant difference between the EM and nitrogen treatments for all the traits except fruit shelf life. Mean comparison revealed that 2% concentration of EM had positive effect on most of the traits. Regarding nitrogen treatments, the best yield was obtained at application of 100 kg*ha-1.

Developing an optimized breeding goal for Austrian maternal pig breeds using a participatory approach

Abstract: Due to economic and animal welfare related issues, the Austrian pig breeding organisations revised their breeding programs. Members of breeding organisations, breeders and academic staff were involved in a participatory process from the beginning. In several meetings and workshops, 11 new fitness traits regarding maternal abilities and piglet vitality were gathered. Therefore, breeders were asked to propose important traits regarding the sow maternal ability as well as piglet vitality. Calm behaviour, milk performance and conformation were mentioned as the most important traits for the sow and suckling behaviour, high birth weight and growth rate for the piglet, respectively. Prior to routine trait recording, feasibility of trait recording was tested under practical conditions. Subsequently, breeders were trained to record the fitness traits on their farms. It has to be emphasized that farmers were highly motivated to record traits comprehensively due to their participation during the process of defining the revised breeding goals. This motivation was also reflected in good data quality.

Genetic diversity in Banija spotted pig: pedigree and microsatellite analyses.

Abstract: Genetic diversity and breed structure of Banija spotted pig (BS) was analyzed trough 721 pedigree records and polymorphism of 23 microsatellites on 30 BS pigs. Two phylogenetic trees were constructed from microsatellite and pedigree information. The inbreeding coefficient obtained by microsatellite markers was 5.6%, while the inbreeding coefficient from pedigree analysis was 3.68%. The rate of inbreeding per generation was 1.74% and effective population size was 28.81. In phylogenetic analyses, relationship coefficients and genetic distances between individuals were calculated using microsatellite and pedigree data. Phylogenetic trees from microsatellite markers and pedigree corresponded well to each other and showed consistency between microsatellite and pedigree information. From the data obtained by microsatellite markers and pedigree, two subpopulations can be observed. The existence of two subpopulations can be explained by two different paths of breed genesis. Thus, future work in the conservation process should include methods such as optimal contribution selection including factorial mating, in order to make genetic progress and control the rate of inbreeding.

Relationships between resistance characteristics of honey bees (Apis mellifera) against Varroa mites (Varroa destructor)

Abstract: Ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, today is one of the main reasons for colony losses worldwide. This study deals with relationships between measurements of resistance characteristics and measurements of bee infestation. During the trial, 105 Apis mellifera carnica colonies were tested according to AGT (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Toleranzzucht) breeding program. Data of hygienic behavior and mite population growth development were obtained. Further, they were evaluated for the traits SMR (Suppressed Mite Reproduction), recapping behavior (REC) and brood infestation. Significant influences of hygienic behavior, SMR and REC on the mite infestation were considered. SMR and REC show relatively high coefficients of regression on mite infestation values. The results show, that SMR and REC might be suitable selection traits to decrease the mite population growth within the colonies.

Biofertilizer (EM-1) effect on growth and yield of three bread wheat cultivars

Abstract: Farmers keep trying to avoid using chemical fertilizer without losing high yield. A field experiment was conducted in the fields of Agriculture College, University of Baghdad during winter seasons of 2015 and 2016 to investigate the response of three bread wheat cultivars (Ibaa99, Abu-Ghraib3 and Buhooth22) to the frequency of spraying with biofertilizer (EM-1) (one time at tillering stage, twice at tillering and stem elongation stages and three times at tillering, stem elongation and booting stages) in addition to the control (without spraying), to the increase of grain yield. Randomized complete block design (RCBD), in split plots arrangement and four replications, was used. Spraying treatments were placed as main plots and cultivars as subplots. The results showed that the Ibaa99 cultivar, three times of EM-1 spraying and their interaction gave the highest averages of grain yield (3.89 and 4.31), (3.85 and 4.36) and (4.11 and 4.58 ton*ha-1), respectively, for both seasons. It can be concluded that yield responded significantly to the frequency of EM-1 spraying during vegetative stages.

Role of financial subsidies allocated by the Common Agricultural Policy towards Irish farms

Abstract: In Ireland, the productive agrarian fabric is characterised by lots of farms predominately specialized in cereals, protein crops and dairy productions with a significant incidence of cows and sheep in zootechnic enterprises. Since 2004 to 2015 a quantitative research has been carried out on Irish farms belonging to the Farm Accountancy Data Network dataset with the purpose to assess the role and impact of financial subsidies allocated by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) towards farmer’s income and technical, economic and allocative efficiency as well. The methodology has used the multiple regression model and the Data Envelopment Analysis on a constant return to scale input oriented model. Economic crises have impacted to Irish farms corroborating the theoretical framework according to which decoupled payments allocated by the first pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy have had a more positive and significant impact on farmer’s income and their economic, allocative and cost efficiency than the financial subsidies disbursed by the second pillar of the CAP.

Cherry tomato productivity as influenced by liquid organic fertilizer under different growth conditions

Abstract: This study was carried out to examine the impact of liquid organic fertilizer Ergonfill (LFE) on the yield and quality of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill Sakura F1) under different growth conditions The experiment was set up in a randomized blocks design with four variants in three replications Experiment variants were as follows: drought-stressed seedlings with and without LFE treatment, and non-stressed seedlings with and without LFE treatment Exposure of cherry tomato seedlings to controlled water stress conditions significantly increased fruit quality parameters (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene, total phenolic and flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity), but decreased yield LFE treatment significantly increased by the all examined parameters under normal growth conditions as compared to untreated plants, and for total phenolic and flavonoids content, total antioxidant capacity and total soluble solids this increase was statistically significant Positive impact of the LFE application on cherry tomato quality is result of fertilizer composition, as well as ability of cherry tomato plants to use bioactive substances in fertilizer for its growth and development

Show jumping horses' adaption to the training over the racing season

Abstract: Equestrian sports are in connection, firstly with the physical stress that can induce mental horse's stress. Horse training is not easy to define. It is achieving concentration and fitness for a certain type of equestrian sport where a preservation of health, psychological condition, physical condition and longevity is a necessity. In equestrian sport, the better result is needed over the long period of time. Many authors describe the lactate concentrations as a parameter of fitness of the horse, which means, in equestrian sports, a result. A horse with a lower lactate level is fitter, which means that the muscle tissue produces less lactic acid which is converted in blood into the lactate ion. Researches have been made on Holstein studs and a Croatian sports horse breeding type that have been trained and bred in the same conditions. There were two groups of jumping horses in training. Younger horses gain uniformity throughout the competition season and come closer to the older group of horses in results. Younger horses gain experience through training and physical work understand as a routine; their body gains better fitness demanded by show jumping sports.

Slaughter traits, carcass measures and meat quality of Merinolandschaf lambs in Croatia

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine influence of sex on slaughter traits, carcass measures and pH value and muscle tissue colour as important indicators of lamb meat quality. For that purpose a total of 52 Merinolandschaf lambs (24 male and 28 female) at average age of about 100 days were slaughtered. The average lambs live weight at slaughter was 37.09 kg, considering that male lambs had statistically significant (P <0.05) higher live weight at slaughter than female (38.95 kg : 35.64 kg). Determined average carcass weight of 19.16 kg was almost equal in both sexes. Statistically significantly higher dressing percentage (P<0.001) was determined in female (53.57%) than in male (49.46%) lambs. The basic features of the investigated female and male Merinolandschaf lambs are: expressed measures of length, depth and width compared to most lambs of Croatian indigenous breeds. The uniformity of male and female lamb carcases was determined based on the investigated meat quality indicators (pH value and colour). Statistically significant differences were determined only for L* and a* value of colour parameter (M. semitendinosus) whose values were significantly higher in male lambs (P<0.001; P<0.01).

Opportunities for developing a business model of Mediterranean beekeeping

Abstract: The research aims to determine the conditions in the beekeeping sector of Mediterranean area at the case study of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, to identify areas with special environmental profile, to evaluate the honey produced in these areas and to analyze the possibility of linking beekeeping with tourism and related industries and services. According to a set of targets, several activities were conducted: analysis of the types of honey, technological processes and deviations from good beekeeping practices, determining the amount of investment, yields and income in honey production, analysis of the sales price, grade of marketability and sales channels of honey. The results show opportunities in production improvements by certain types of beekeepers, ways of beekeepers organizations and business associations and all that towards greater utilization of beekeeping capacity, as well as the increase of the commercial value of bee products and its integration with other economic activities.

Grooming behavior in relation to varroa (Varroa destructor) infestation level of Carniolan honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera carnica)

Abstract: Grooming behavior is one of the traits that enables Apis cerana resistance to ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. The study examines the proportion of damaged mites on 52 colonies (5 genotypes) of A. m. carnica in Croatia. The mites were collected on the sheets of the screen bottom boards, analyzed for the location of injury for each mite and correlated to infestation of colonies with V. destructor mites. In total, 2,425 V. destructor mites were analyzed, with an average of 46.6 per colony. The average (±SE) of 12.69±0.93% mites with injuries were recorded ranging from 0% to 32%. No significant difference (ANOVA, F (4, 47)=0.503, P=0.734) was found between different genotypes. The most common injuries of mites were located on the first pair of legs, while the lowest proportion of injuries were found on the idiosoma. No significant correlation was found between grooming behavior and colony infestation rate. Grooming behavior did not affect the colony infestation rate in tested colonies.

Estimation of heritability for claw traits in Holstein cattle using Bayesian and REML approaches

Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of claw conformation traits in Slovak Holstein cattle by using two approaches: the Bayesian method and the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) algorithm. Overall 860 claw trimming records of 716 dairy cows were included in this study. The claw morphometric data were collected after functional trimming between 2012 and 2017. The conformation of claws was evaluated based on eight parameters (angle, length, heel depth, height, diagonal, width, total and functional areas) by digital image analysis and NIS Elements 3.0 software. The heritability of those traits was estimated using a single trait animal model including fixed effects of herd-year-season, stage of lactation and sire. Both of applied approaches indicated low or moderate level of heritability across analysed traits, in average 0.28 ±0.08 (REML) resp. 0.22 ±0.09 (Bayesian). The highest heritability was found for diagonal of claw (0.41), while the lowest one was observed for the total area of claw (0.18) and the claw height (0.12) based on the REML algorithm and Bayesian approach, respectively. The study confirmed previous assumption that the claw conformation traits are inherited in low or moderate mode. Future analysis of genetic correlations between them can be beneficial for construction of new selection indices, better responding to today’s welfare requests and use of new generation indicators made possible.