Insects represent a fundamental component of biodiversity and play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning through pollination, biological pest control, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil formation. However, increasing evidence indicates widespread declines in insect abundance and diversity driven by climate change, habitat fragmentation, urbanisation, and intensive land use. This review synthesises current knowledge on the role of urban ecosystems and ecological infrastructure in supporting entomofaunal biodiversity. Urban green infrastructure contributes to entomofauna conservation through structurally complex vegetation, flower-rich habitats, native and drought-tolerant plant species, wildlife-friendly design, and water-related features, all of which enhance habitat availability, ecological connectivity, and functional biodiversity. The assessment of such systems is based on a broad spectrum of entomofauna monitoring methods, including traditional techniques such as the use of visual, food-based or sexual attractants, as well as molecular, digital, and automated approaches, including smart traps, computer vision, acoustic monitoring, and radar-based systems. The integration of the “citizen science” approach further expands spatial and temporal data coverage while strengthening connections between scientific research and society. By bringing these elements together, this review provides a coherent basis for integrated and multidisciplinary strategies that link ecological infrastructure, standardised long-term monitoring, biodiversity-friendly management, and public engagement, thereby supporting the maintenance of functional and resilient ecosystems under ongoing global change.
Soil is a non-renewable resource essential for food production, ecosystem services, and climate regulation, yet it is increasingly threatened by contamination. Crude oil and its derivatives (petroleum hydrocarbons, PHs) are complex mixtures of compounds that dissolve poorly in water and strongly adsorb to soil particles, reducing their bioavailability and making remediation challenging. Bioremediation, particularly through bioaugmentation and biostimulation, is recognized as a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable strategy for restoring contaminated sites. This technology exploits the metabolic diversity of microorganisms capable of biodegrading hydrocarbons. Indigenous microbial communities, naturally adapted to PHs contamination, often exhibit superior degradation efficiency due to the production of hydrocarbon-degrading enzymes, biosurfactants that increase pollutant availability, and tolerance to hydrocarbon toxicity. However, their activity is strongly influenced by abiotic soil properties such as texture, pH, temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, moisture, and oxygen content, all of which regulate microbial growth and metabolic activity. Biosurfactant-producing bacteria are of particular interest because they simultaneously degrade hydrocarbons and enhance their bioavailability, reducing the need for synthetic surfactants and lowering environmental risks and costs. Understanding the interactions between indigenous microbial communities, contamination characteristics, and soil physicochemical properties is therefore critical for designing effective, site-specific remediation strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge on soil properties important for bioremediation, highlights key bacterial strains adapted to PH contamination, and discusses how these insights can guide the development of efficient and sustainable approaches for the restoration of petroleum-contaminated soils.
Rhagoletis cerasi poses a significant threat to cherry production across Europe, presenting a substantial challenge to agricultural practitioners. This study aims to enhance the techniques used for predicting seasonal pest invasions by focusing on climate factors, specifically air humidity. A comprehensive range of analytical techniques, including linear, multiple, and logistic regression, was employed to investigate the relationship between climatic variables and the incidence of substantial pest captures (defined as more than ten individuals per day). The results of the study indicated that when atmospheric humidity exceeds 70%, it is the predominant predictor of elevated R. cerasi activity ((3=10.80, P=0.0302). Notably, while temperature appeared to constrain pest activity, precipitation did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact. The predictive models achieved an average explanatory power (R2=0.41), and visual analyses supported the finding that increased flight activity correlates with higher humidity levels. This research emphasizes the crucial role of microclimatic factors, including humidity, in refining pest monitoring and management strategies. Consequently, these findings may improve predictions and mitigate economic losses in fruit agriculture. There is optimism that the insights gained will lead to more effective solutions and a prosperous future for cherry growers across Europe.
This study evaluated the effects of fermented feed and pasture access on growth performance, feed intake, and meat quality in slow-growing red broiler chickens over a 121-day production period. A total of 125 chickens were assigned to three treatments: fermented feed with pasture access (FerVP_pasture), dry feed with pasture access (VP_pasture), and dry feed under indoor conditions (VP). Growth performance was monitored throughout the experimental period, and meat quality was assessed based on proximate composition, oxidative stability, and fatty acid profile. Chickens reared under indoor conditions (VP) achieved the highest final body weight, whereas the FerVP_pasture group showed reduced feed intake with comparable growth performance, indicating improved feed utilization efficiency. Meat quality parameters were significantly influenced by the feeding regime. The VP group exhibited higher fat content and increased lipid oxidation, while pasture-based systems resulted in leaner meat and improved oxidative stability. Fatty acid analysis revealed significant differences in PUFA composition, with the VP group showing higher n-3 PUFA content, while the FerVP_pasture group achieved a more balanced n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. All treatments maintained values below the recommended threshold for human health. The results suggest that the combination of fermented feed and pasture access represents a promising strategy for improving feed efficiency and meat quality in alternative poultry production systems, while maintaining acceptable growth performance in male and female animals.
Olive leaves (Olea europaea L.; OL), a by-product of olive processing and olive oil production, constitute a significant fraction of residual biomass. However, increasing scientific attention has been directed toward their therapeutic potential, biological activity, and nutraceutical properties, with promising applications in the prevention and supportive treatment of chronic diseases. In this study, the bioactive and nutritional profile of OL ('Frantoio' cultivar) was evaluated in differently processed forms. The antioxidant activity (AA; DPPH method) and total phenolic content (TPC) were compared among fresh, air-dried, and lyophilized samples prepared using common post-harvest processing methods. In addition, the mineral composition (ICP-OES) and fatty acid profile (GC-FID) were analyzed directly in lyophilized OL. The extract obtained from lyophilized OL exhibited strong AA (70.12%), followed by air-dried OL (69.84%) and fresh samples of OL (50.72%). The results obtained for TPC varied according to the sample preparation method, with lyophilized OL exhibiting the highest TPC level (45.75 mg GAE/g). The mineral composition determined directly in lyophilized OL showed the following order of predominance: Ca > K > Al > Na > Mg > Fe. Notably, a high proportion of alpha-linolenic acid was detected in lyophilized OL (22.20%), suggesting that this by-product may represent an interesting source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These findings indicate the bioactive potential of lyophilized OL and support their possible use as a functional supplement for enhancing the nutritional value of food products. Further studies are required to evaluate the bioavailability and therapeutic effects of OL-derived bioactive compounds using in vitro/preclinical models.
Sustainable aquaculture demands viable alternatives to traditional fish meal (FM), whose limited supply, high cost, and ecological impacts challenge its continued use in aquafeeds. This review synthesizes current knowledge on two promising protein sources - insect meal (IM) and soybean meal (SBM) - focusing on their nutritional profiles, digestibility, effects on fish growth performance, and implications for fish health and feed formulation. IMs, particularly from Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor, offer high protein content, balanced essential amino acids (EAAs), bioactive compounds (e.g., chitin, antimicrobial peptides), and micronutrients that enhance gut health and immune responses at moderate inclusion levels. SBM, with its global availability and favorable economics, provides substantial protein but contains anti nutritional factors that require processing or supplementation to optimize utilization, especially in carnivorous species. Comparative analysis reveals that IM generally yields superior functional benefits and closer nutritional similarity to FM, while processed SBM remains an effective, cost efficient ingredient in aquafeeds. Challenges for large scale adoption include variability in IM composition, production costs, regulatory frameworks, and the need to balance essential fatty acids when replacing FM. Integrating IM and SBM with traditional ingredients and refining feed formulations can support sustainable, nutritionally balanced aquafeeds without compromising fish growth, health, or product quality, contributing to the long term viability of aquaculture industries. The findings offer practical guidance for fish feed formulators seeking sustainable alternatives to FM. This knowledge can help develop nutritionally balanced and cost-effective aquafeeds without compromising fish growth or health.
This study evaluates the effects of different tillage systems on soil C-CO2 emissions in winter wheat and maize cultivation in two consecutive years in a conventional and conservation agroecosystem. The influence of soil temperature, soil moisture and soil organic carbon (SOC) on soil C-CO2 emissions should be investigated to gain insights into the relationships between environmental factors, soil properties and carbon fluxes during tillage. Soil C-CO2 emissions were measured on Gleysol, in a temperate continental climate in northwestern Croatia in 2023 and 2024. Three different tillage systems were involved in the study: conventional tillage (CT), conservation tillage system deep (CTD) and conservation tillage system shallow (CTS). Fertilization was uniform across all treatments. Statistically significant differences between tillage systems were not observed in either year, indicating that tillage depth did not significantly affect annual soil C-CO2 emissions under the studied conditions. However, significant differences were detected between the same treatments across different years. A weak relationship was observed between soil C-CO2 emissions and both temperature and moisture across the two years. SOC levels did not differ significantly between treatments, although some visible variation was recorded. These findings underline the need for long-term monitoring of tillage practices for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate climate change and enhance soil carbon sequestration.
Biostimulants, integral to organic crop management, offer a sustainable approach to enhancing plant growth and resilience. Integrating biostimulants with selective herbicides may reduce application costs while mitigating herbicide-related stress. This study investigates the combined effects of maize-selective herbicide (mesotrione + nicosulfuron at 0, 105, 157.5, 210, and 315 g active ingredient (a.i.) per hectare) with various biostimulants amino acid fertilizers (1 and 3 g/L), seaweed extracts (4 and 12 mL/L), potassium chloride (2 and 6 g/L), and a mixture of potassium chloride (2 g/L) + amino acid (1 mL/L) compared to a control with no fertilizer on maize and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). Biostimulant addition, particularly amino acids or potassium chloride at 105 g/ha a.i., significantly improved maize total dry matter, leaf area, and root volume. Moreover, incorporating seaweed extract into the herbicide mixture significantly enhanced chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid levels in maize. Notably, seaweed treatments raised the maize mortality ED50 from 223.5 g/ha a.i. (control) to 448.8 and 579.6 g/ha a.i., indicating increased herbicide tolerance. Conversely, biostimulant addition had a minimal impact on redroot pigweed mortality. These findings suggest that combining biostimulants with herbicides can improve maize tolerance without reducing weed control efficacy.
Apples are widely consumed and rich in phytochemicals beneficial to human health. This study examines changes in mineral content of five apple cultivars ('Golden Delicious Reinders', 'Red Chief', 'Granny Smith', 'Gloster', and 'Morren's Jonagored') during cold storage. Mineral compositions, including macro-[calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg)], and microelements [cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb)], were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry during harvest and different periods of cold storage, which is the dominant storage method in Serbia. The content of K, Ca, and Mg followed a regular accumulation pattern, with the highest levels observed after 120 days of storage. Cultivar/year interactions significantly affected the K/Ca and K+Mg/Ca ratios. Cu and Fe concentrations were highest in 'Gloster' at harvest, while the lowest levels were found after 120 days of storage in the second year and in 'Granny Smith', respectively. Zn levels were highest in'Morrens Jonagored' after 60 days, and Mn peaked in 'Gloster'. Pb concentrations increased during storage across all cultivars. This highlights the importance of monitoring nutrient levels to prevent quality issues during storage.
The first decade of April was characterised by particularly cold weather with minimum temperatures that were daily or even monthly records. The cooling of the weather occurred starting on April 6 and lasted until after April 10, producing late frost with dramatic effects for the farmers. The effects of the night frosts were disastrous for fruit and vegetable growing, as well as beekeeping. The study presents a comparative analysis of April 5 and 6 to capture the dynamics of the upper atmosphere involved in this strong late cooling process. The dynamics of the surface water were influenced significantly by the upper atmosphere; thus, understanding the maps improves the weather prediction models. The entrance regions of the jet streaks, isentropic lift, frontogenesis, and some degree of instability simultaneously determined an upward motion.
This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) on meat performance, chemical composition, amino acids and fatty acids profiles, and colour parameters of broiler chickens (Ross 308). A total of 500 birds were allocated into five groups (control and four experimental; n = 100/group). Experimental groups received cayenne pepper powder at inclusion levels of 0.1% (E1), 0.3% (E2), 0.5% (E3), and 0.7% (E4) for 42 days. Meat performance, chemical composition, amino acids and fatty acids profiles, and instrumental colour values (CIELAB) were determined. Carcass yield improved significantly in the highest inclusion group (E4), while live body weight and carcass weight were unaffected. Chemical analysis revealed that protein levels remained stable, whereas water content decreased and fat content slightly increased in breast muscle at higher inclusion levels. Cholesterol concentration in the thigh muscle decreased significantly already at the lowest supplementation (E1). Amino acids analysis demonstrated a dose-dependent effect: moderate supplementation maintained essential amino acids, whereas higher inclusion reduced threonine, valine, methionine, leucine, and lysine in both breast and thigh muscles. Fatty acids analysis revealed an increase in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid in breast muscle, contributing to a higher proportion of MUFA but lower PUFA. Meat colour was also affected: breast lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values were significantly altered, while thigh muscle showed increased yellowness (b*). These findings indicate that cayenne pepper supplementation can beneficially influence carcass yield, lipid profile, and meat colour, while its effects on amino acids are dose dependent.
Vaccination is considered one of the potential tools to reduce antibiotic use in dairy herds by preventing mastitis. This study compared milk yield (2024) and milk quality (June 2022-2024) in two groups of Holstein herds in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (the Czech Republic): eight vaccinated herds and eight unvaccinated herds. The groups were comparable in days in milk, calving interval, and altitude. A periodic intradermal autogenous vaccine targeted gram-negative pathogens. Milk yield was slightly higher in unvaccinated herds (vaccinated vs. unvaccinated: 1st lactation 10,372 +/- 935 vs. 10,503 +/- 2,139 kg; later lactations 11,510 +/- 1,270 vs. 11,780 +/- 2,491 kg). The somatic cell count (187 +/- 71 vs. 178 +/- 47 103/ml; P<0.001) and the total count of mesophilic microorganisms (TCM; 23.1 +/- 68.4 vs. 15.0 +/- 41.5 103CFU/ml; P<0.01) were slightly higher in vaccinated herds. The count of coliform bacteria (COLI) was 9.7 +/- 24.1 vs. 17.3 +/- 34.7 CFU/ml (P>0.05), which may indicate the vaccine's focus on gram-negative pathogens. To assess longer-term trends, bulk tank milk samples from the pre-vaccination period (2021-May 2022) were also included. Comparison of pre-and post-vaccination periods showed observable improvements over time in vaccinated herds, more notably increased fat (2.9%), lactose (0.61%), and solids-not-fat (0.56%), and reduced free fatty acids (-3.23%), TCM (-9.09%, based on geometric means), and COLI (-60%, based on geometric means). Overall, vaccination was associated with slight improvements in several milk quality indicators, which tended to move closer to those observed in unvaccinated herds.
The cultivation of fast-growing plant species for biomass production is frequently promoted in European policies aimed at enhancing energy security and sustainability. Still, the role of biomass varies widely across EU regions. However, some of these species pose ecological risks due to their invasive potential. The recorded global distributions of Arundo donax and Paulownia spp. exhibit similar patterns, with the highest concentrations occurring in Europe and North America, indicating widespread introduction and suggesting ongoing naturalization of both species across many regions beyond their native ranges. This study evaluates the invasive potential of the fast-growing perennial grass Arundo donax and two fast-growing woody taxa of Paulownia, the clone R112 and hybrid 9501. These taxa are cultivated at the research base of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (village Koli & ncaron;any), located in western Slovakia. A nine-year field study revealed that Arundo donax presents a high invasion risk, with a potential invasion score of 18, primarily due to its aggressive vegetative spread and its ability to form dense stands that displace native vegetation. Despite the absence of generative reproduction, its rapid vegetative propagation underscores the need for active monitoring. Similarly, a ten-year evaluation of Paulownia clone R112 and hybrid 9501 yielded potential invasion scores of 15 and 13, respectively. While the studied Paulownia plants did not produce viable seeds, they exhibited vigorous vegetative reproduction through root suckers. However, future hybridisation with Paulownia tomentosa remains a concern, as this could result in viable seed production and facilitate further spread. The study thus highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and management of these species to prevent uncontrolled expansion and mitigate associated ecological risks.
The application of precision drip irrigation systems has gained extensive interest as a tool for improving crop yield, growth, and water-use efficiency. This study assessed the impact of precision drip irrigation on the physiological performance and growth of maize during the 2023 growing season. The experimental material included two maize hybrids, namely, FAO290 and FAO490. The examined physiological growth indicators included leaf area index (LAI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD). Data collection was conducted at four growth stages: V12, R1, R4, and R6. Irrigation had a significant effect on SPAD readings (P<0.001), while it had no significant effect on either NDVI or LAI. In comparison with the control, the following values were recorded in irrigation treatments: 17.2%, 9.5%, and 11.4% for LAI, NDVI and SPAD, respectively. FAO490 showed better hybrid performance. Irrigated FAO490 showed 3.1%, 5.3% and 1.4% percent increase for LAI, NDVI, and SPAD values, respectively, compared to the FAO290 hybrid, concluding to a better physiological response to water supplementation of FAO490 compared to FAO290. The study justifies the impact of precision drip irrigation on maize physiological performance and growth, with FAO490 responding more favourably than FAO290. Therefore, the application of precision irrigation systems and the adoption of responsive hybrids act as coping strategies to improve maize growth under water-stressed areas and those with variable rainfall patterns.
Beekeeping is a traditional activity in Europe and Croatia; its long-term sustainability under current environmental and production conditions directly depends on conserving honey bee colonies. The occurrence of higher losses in certain areas is not unusual; however, over the past two decades, significant losses have been continuously recorded worldwide. Within the framework of the international non-profit organization COLOSS, data on winter losses have been collected in more than 40 countries using a standardized questionnaire. The study was conducted in Croatia from 2015 to 2025, and the questionnaire included questions on the number of colonies wintered in autumn as well as the number of colonies lost, as determined during spring inspections. Data on colony losses in 2020 were not collected. In total, 2,173 valid responses were collected from beekeepers who overwintered 145,717 honey bee colonies. The overall losses forthe study period from 2015 to 2025 were 19.04% (95% CI: 18.16-19.95). The highest losses were recorded among beekeepers with 1 to 15 colonies (33.63%, 95% CI: 30.11-37.34), who also had the highest proportion of weak colonies at 25.04% (95% CI: 21.70-28.71). The largest number of beekeepers (878, or 40.4%) experienced winter losses of up to 10%, while an almost equal number of beekeepers (854, or 39.3%) lost more than 20% of their colonies.
This study investigates the influence of two drying methods-vacuum drying and conventional drying at three temperatures (40 degrees C, 50 degrees C and 60 degrees C) on the quantitative properties of different potato varieties. During the study, changes in the moisture content, protein content and elemental composition of the samples were observed. The drying process was analyzed using three-dimensional surface plots to visualize the relationship between drying temperature, drying time, and moisture content, and statistical analysis was performed using a factorial analysis of variance. Drying time, method and temperature showed a statistically significant influence on the reduction in moisture content, with drying time having the greatest influence. Significant interactions were also found between drying method and variety and between variety and temperature. Higher temperatures led to a reduction in protein content, and colorimetric analysis showed more pronounced color changes at higher temperatures and conventional drying. Vacuum drying at lower temperatures proved to be the most effective method for preserving the nutritional and visual quality of the potatoes.
Every year, around the world, fatalities occur as a result of bull (Bos taurus) attacks on humans. Farmers, zootechnicians, and veterinarians are most frequently exposed to such attacks, as well as accidental passersby such as hikers and walkers. A particular group consists of people who participate in rodeos and bullfighting events. Due to similar breeding conditions and purposes of bulls, the aim of this study was, to analyze fatal bull attacks on humans in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data on attacks were collected based on police reports and from publicly available sources or open media source. The study included the age and sex of the victims, the location of the attack, the breed, purpose, and housing method of the bulls, the cause and manner of the attack, and autopsy findings. It was determined that out of 11 cases, 9 fatalities involved men and 2 involved women. The victims’ ages ranged from 42 to 77 years. Most attacks were caused by bulls kept on pasture. Breed did not influence the bulls' aggressiveness. The cause of the attack cannot always be determined; in our study, attacks were both provoked and unprovoked. Bulls are potentially equally aggressive regardless of their purpose. Autopsies of victims are not conducted regularly, nor is there systematic record-keeping of farm animal attacks by veterinary inspection authorities. Our research found that horned and polled (hornless) bulls are equally dangerous to humans. In the long term, detailed records of farm animal attacks on humans should be maintained. To prevent bull attacks, continuous education of people who work with or come into contact with bulls is necessary. The risk of attack can be reduced by using appropriate farm equipment, applying artificial insemination, and selecting breeding bulls based on temperament.
Soil quality and health can be assessed in both natural and agricultural ecosystems using indicators that sensitively reflect, in particular, adverse disturbances in these complex environments. However, selecting appropriate indicators is complicated by the complexity of soil, its previous use, and climatic influences. In addition to physical and chemical parameters, assessments often include organic matter, xenobiotics, and biological indicators. Among biological indicators, it is recommended to monitor microorganisms - not only their abundance, but also their activity. In addition to genetic, functional or biochemical diversity, microbial biomass, respiration and enzyme reactions, selected microbial groups also respond to changes in the soil environment. It is most often recommended to evaluate oligotrophic and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, microscopic filamentous fungi, and, in recent years, actinomycetes. This article summarises current knowledge confirming the importance of evaluating actinomycetes as sensitive indicators of soil quality and health. Their indicator value is mainly related to their significant contribution to the decomposition of organic matter, suppression of pathogens, improvement of soil structure and rapid response to changes in pH and conductivity. Their ability to fix nitrogen and biocontrol activity are also important for increasing fertility. Soils with high activity of non-pathogenic actinomycetes are characterised by healthy, fertile and biologically stable soil.
Agricultural brownfields are a key part of post-socialist rural areas in Central and Eastern Europe. Their regeneration is challenging and often slow or impossible without substantial financial support. Although subsidies for these transformations can be beneficial, they often face social criticism. This paper aims to assess the acceptance of subsidies for regenerating agricultural brownfields and identify factors influencing acceptable levels of support. Surveys were conducted among rural residents with agricultural brownfields and owners of unused buildings across three regions in the southern Czech Republic. Data were analysed using nonparametric methods, primarily GLM. Results show differences in the perception of subsidies between people involved in agriculture and those who are not. Differences also appear among agricultural property owners based on farm size, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of subsidies and better access for smaller enterprises.
The study evaluates the role of photoperiod sensitivity genes (E-genes) in forming growth traits and the accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) leaves under different day lengths. Four genotypes, including the cv. Clark and three nearly isogenic lines (NILs) differing in the alleles at the E1, E2, and E3 loci were cultivated under long-day (16 hours) and short-day (9 hours) conditions. Growth parameters such as relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR), along with the content of soluble carbohydrates in the leaves (monosaccharides and oligosaccharides), were determined at developmental stages V3 to V5. Short-day plants (Clark and L80-5879) demonstrated higher RGR and NAR values under long-day conditions, which was caused by increased photosynthetic activity, especially in cv. Clark (has recessive e1 allele alongside dominant E2 and E3 alleles). In contrast, short-day conditions decreased RGR and NAR, redirecting resources towards reproductive development. Neutral-day plants (L63-3117 and L71-920) demonstrated higher stability in growth and carbohydrate content across both photoperiods. Monosaccharide content increased in neutral-day lines under both photoperiods during the V3-V5 developmental period, while oligosaccharide levels decreased, indicating more stable carbohydrate mobilization compared to short-day lines. These results highlight different adaptive strategies: short-day lines show enhanced vegetative growth under long photoperiods, whereas neutral-day lines maintain metabolic stability regardless of day length. Understanding these features will help to optimise soybean cultivation more effectively in different climatic conditions.
