Localities In Slovakia Research Articles

Identification of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of ash dieback in Slovakia

AbstractSymptoms of ash dieback have been recorded in Slovakia since 2004. The field sampling was carried out in 2013, included 59 segments of shoots and 10 and more petioles per locality from four localities. The causal agent of ash dieback, the hyphomycete Chalara fraxinea T. Kowalski, was isolated from Fraxinus excelsior L. from seven localities in Slovakia. The morphology of C. fraxinea isolates and the teleomorph Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz, Hosoya are described and ITS sequences are provided.

MINERALS, MICROELEMENTS AND POLYPHENOLS CONTENT IN THE SOYBEAN VARIETIES GROWN IN DIFFERENT LOCALITIES OF SLOVAKIA

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the grown locality on minerals and risky metal intake from the soil and on polyphenols formation in the soybean seeds. The research was realised in five localities of Slovakia using the seven soybean varieties. From the point of the soil hygiene, all determined values of heavy metals content in soils were lower than given hygienic limits, with the exception of Cd. Minerals and heavy metals contents in the soybean samples show significant differences between cultivars and localities. The values show imbalance between the potassium contents and other minerals. The order of the elements levels was determined as following: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr ≈ Co > Cd. The risky elements contents, with exception of Cd, Cu, Pb and Ni content (only in some localities), did not exceed a limit for legumes by Food Codex SR. The total polyphenols content ranged from 817.6 to 1281.0 μg eq. tannic acid/g and suggest the variety dependence, but the locality influence was not significantly confirmed.

Beech bark necrotic disease (Fagus sylvatica L.) of tracheomycotic type in Central and South-eastern Europe

The results of long-term monitoring of beech bark necrotic damage in a mature stands in Czech Re - public, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria are presented in paper. Overall, 10,863 beech trees were evaluated at 121 localities. The majority of trees (6,679) were evaluated at 55 localities in Slovakia and the re - maining 2,684 trees at 50 localities in Bulgaria. In each country, we noted a wide interval of the values of beech stem necrotization index (I SN ) - e.g. in Bulgaria from 0.22 to 1.50 and in Slovakia from 0.53 to 1.97. The average value of I SN in Slovakia (1.22) was higher than the value in all other countries except for the Czech Republic (1.35). Overall, in Bulgaria, we found a more favourable state of beech bark necrotic damage than in Slovakia. As much as 80% of the Bulgarian localities had I SN values 1.5, whilst there was no Bulgarian locality recorded in this interval. We consider Slovakia and Bulgaria as the countries where the issue of beech bark necrotic damage is relatively well established.

Pseudoscorpions (Arachnida) collected from the heaps with decomposing material in Slovakia

The first detailed survey of pseudoscorpions living in the heaps with decomposing material (compost heaps, manures) is presented. The research was performed on samples from 33 localities in Slovakia during the years 2012– 2014. A total of 1118 pseudoscorpions of ten species in four families was examined during the study. The most abundant family was Chernetidae, whereas the lowest species and specimen numbers were recorded for the families Neobisiidae and Cheliferidae. Chernetid pseudoscorpions of the genus Lamprochernes Tömösváry, 1882 and of the species Pselaphochernes scorpioides (Hermann, 1804) were the most abundant. These are typical inhabitants of heaps with decomposing material, in which all their developmental stages, even females with eggs (in the case of P. scorpioides), can be found. Only one specimen each of Dactylochelifer latreillii (Leach, 1817) and Dinocheirus panzeri (C.L. Koch, 1831) was found. From a faunistic point of view, the first confirmed Slovakian record of the rare species Chthonius ressli Beier, 1956 is notable.

Record of Xya pfaendleri Harz, 1970 (Orthoptera: Tridactylidae) in the Czech Republic: evidence that the species is spreading north

SummaryXya pfaendleri was observed in the Czech Republic at one locality in 2013. The X. pfaendleri population in the Czech Republic must have established only recently (within the last two years) because the species was absent (except for one specimen detected in the 1960s) in the Czech Republic before 2011. The new population is located in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic at a latitude that is similar to that of X. pfaendleri localities in Slovakia. These populations represent the northeastern edge of the X. pfaendleri distributional range. The locality of the Czech population has a similar longitude as X. pfaendleri localities in Austria. The Czech locality is a flooded gravel pit. A related species, Xya variegata, has been recently recorded in several regions in the Czech Republic and is distributed further west and north than X. pfaendleri. The northernmost and very abundant population of X. variegata in the Czech Republic was probably established recently. As with other Orthoptera with substantial migratory capabilities, X. variegata and X. pfaendleri are currently spreading northward in the Czech Republic.

Effect-based assessment of passive air samples from four countries in Eastern Europe

Although passive sampling has been previously used for the monitoring of volatile and semi-volatile contaminants in air, there are limited data on the use of this technique coupled with bioassays based on specific biological responses. Biological responses including those mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor as well as (anti-)estrogenicity and (anti-)androgenicity of samples from four Eastern European countries (Lithuania, Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia) were determined. To address the potential differences of specific toxic potencies of pollutant mixtures in ambient air in Eastern Europe, each country was characterized by a single more remote location that served to determine regional background conditions and one location in more urbanized and industrialized locations, which were defined as "impacted" areas. Besides samples from Lithuania, a significant gradient in concentrations of AhR-mediated potency from background and impacted localities was observed. Greatest potencies were measured in samples from impacted locations in Romania and Slovakia. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that were quantified accounted for 3-33 % of the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents determined by use of the bioassay. No significant estrogenic potency was detected but anti-estrogenic effects were produced by air from two background locations (Lithuania, Slovakia) and three impacted locations (Lithuania, Romania, and Serbia). Anti-androgenic potency was observed in all samples. The greatest anti-estrogenic potency was observed at the background location in Slovakia. Anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic potencies of studied air samples were probably associated with compounds that are not routinely monitored. The study documents suitability of passive air sampling for the assessment of specific toxic potencies of ambient air pollutants.

Výskyt fuzariózy klasov jačmeňa na Slovensku

Fusarium head blight and the negative influence of this dangerous disease is current worldwide problem. The aim of this work was the evaluation of incidence and severity of Fusarium head blight of barley according to different pre-crop in different locations of Slovakia. Occurrence of Fusarium head blight (FHB) was documented during two consecutive years in June 2011-2012 under the natural Fusarium infections in fields with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare). Observations were conducted at four different localities in four climatic regions in Slovakia. Incidence and severity of FHB were evaluated at the growth stages early milk to late milk in three replications. Each replication contained 100 spikes, the incidence of FHB was calculated as FHB index. During the observed period, the infestation of affected heads by FHB ranged from 0 - 12.67 %. The average infestation of heads was 5.16 % in 2011 and 5.42 % in 2012 year. Predominance intensity of FHB on infection heads were 5% or less in each locality. Higher FHB infestations were reached at Špačince (2011), Soblahov (2012) with higher precipitation when comparing long-term average. Conversely, the lowest FHB incidence was in locality with lowest precipitation in June (Veľké Úľany – 2011, Špačince – 2012). Important influence in the severity of FHB infection had also crop rotation. The highest FHB incidence was observed in localities where was maize use as a pre-crop (Špačince, 2011 – 12.67 %, Soblahov, 2012 – 11 %).

Rubus occidentalis (Rosaceae) – a new naturalized raspberry species in the Polish flora

Rubus occidentalis L., native to eastern North America, is recorded for the first time as natu - ralized in Poland. Its spontaneous occurrence in Europe has hitherto been mentioned only from several stands in the Czech Republic and from single localities in Slovakia and Russia. The increasing popularity of black raspberry cultivation and its ability to survive under different environmental conditions suggest that the number of instances of its appearances in semi-natural habitats will grow over time. At the moment, R. occidentalis can be considered as a locally established, non-invasive neophyte.

Discrimination between four Simocephalus species from Slovakia using a PCR-RFLP technique

Planktonic crustaceans are traditionally identified based on morphological and morphometric characters. However, such characters may be hardly distinguishable and often overlap between species. A probability of misidentification is thus relatively high. Molecular techniques may increase the accuracy of identification if appropriate markers are used. Aim of our work was to develop a simple molecular procedure enabling discrimination between four species of Simocephalus occurring in Europe. PCR-RFLP technique proved to be suitable for such discrimination. Within the 709 bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene we found unique combinations of restriction sites of the BbsI and SacI enzymes for Simocephalus vetulus, S. exspinosus, S. serrulatus and S. congener. PCR products of samples from several locations in Slovakia were digested with the two enzymes and electrophoresed on an agarose gel. The restriction patterns were clearly visible and easily distinguishable. This method is applicable for identifying the four species in any life-stage. Considering its simplicity and cost-effectiveness it can be widely used as a diagnostic tool for discriminating between Simocephalus species with overlapping morphologic characters.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of monofloral bee pollen

The main aim of this study was to determine antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of monofloral bee pollen samples to pathogenic bacteria. These samples were collected in different localities in Slovakia. The antioxidant properties of examined plant species were different and decreasing in the following order: Brassica napus subsp. napus L > Papaver somniferum L. > Helianthus annuus L. The antimicrobial effect of the bee product samples were tested by using the agar well diffusion method. The methanol (99.9% and 70%) and the ethanol (96% and 70%) were used for extraction. In this study, five different strains of bacteria were tested: Listeria monocytogenes CCM 4699; Pseudomonas aeruginosa CCM 1960; Staphylococcus aureus CCM 3953; Salmonella enterica CCM 4420; and Escherichia coli CCM 3988. The most sensitive bacteria of the poppy pollen ethanolic extract was Staphylococcus aureus was (70%) The most sensitive bacteria of rape bee pollen methanolic extract (70%) and sunflower ethanolic extract (70%) was Salmonella enterica.

Boletus moravicus - ecological conditions of new localities in Slovakia.

<i>Boletus moravicus</i> - ecological conditions of new localities in Slovakia.

Power of biomarkers and their relative contributions to metabolic syndrome in Slovak adult women

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of risk components which pre-dispose individuals to cardiovascular mortality.Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the variability of biochemical and anthropometric characteristics, apolipoprotein E (APOE) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) genes and their contribution to MetS manifestation.Subjects and methods: A total of 438 adult women were recruited from different localities in Slovakia. All data was established by standard anthropometric, biochemical and genetic methods.Results: The logarithm of the ratio of plasma concentration of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol [log(TG-to-HDL-C)], waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein A1, glucose and alanin aminotransferase accounted for most of the differences in MetS manifestation. Logistic regression showed that participants with risk values of the atherogenic index log(TG-to-HDL-C) had a 15.62-fold higher risk of MetS compared to those with lower values for this index (95% CI = 8.3–29.1). Women with hyperglycaemia (or formerly diagnosed diabetes mellitus) had an 8.82–times higher risk of MetS (95%CI = 3.22–24.16). Women with hyper-uricaemia had the same risk of MetS incidence as women with abdominal obesity, Exp (B) = 4.05.Hypercholesterolaemia, ACE and APOE genotypes did not influence MetS.Conclusion: MetS may involve many risk factors that can cause serious disorders in multiple organs. However, women with risk values involving plasma atherogenic index log (TG-to-HDL-C) experienced the highest risk of developing MetS.

Distributions of 137Cs and 210Pb in moss collected from Belarus and Slovakia

In the present work, moss samples collected in Slovakia and Belarus were assayed with respect to gamma-emitting radionuclides. The results for 137Cs and 210Pb are discussed. Moss was used for the first time in Belarus, as a biological indicator of radioactive environmental pollution in consequence of the Chernobyl accident in 1986. In Belarus, the maximum activity of 137Cs was observed in the Gomel region near Mazyr (6830 Bq/kg) and the minimum activity in the Vitebsyevsk Region near Luzhki-Yazno (5 Bq/kg). “Hot spots” were also observed near the towns Borisow and Yuratsishki. The results of measurements of 137Cs in moss samples collected in 2000, 2006 and 2009 in the same localities of Slovakia are presented and compared with the results of air monitoring of 137Cs carried out in Slovakia from 1977 until 2010.Measurements of the 210Pb concentration in moss samples collected over the territory of Slovakia showed, that the median value exceed 2.3 times median value of 210Pb obtained for Belarus moss. For that reason, the inhalation dose for man from 210Pb and 137Cs in Slovakia is more than twice as high as in Belarus, in spite of the initially very high 137Cs exposure in the latter country.

Contamination of Wheat Grains with Species of Genera Fusarium in Different Localities of Slovakia in 2006-2008

Contamination of Wheat Grains with Species of GeneraFusariumin Different Localities of Slovakia in 2006-2008The frequency and relative density of occurrence ofFusariumspp. was evaluated on 112 wheat grain samples from different agro-ecological localities in Slovakia. The samples were collected in 2006, 2007 and 2008 from the same farmers and from the same localities every year immediately after harvest. In 2006, contamination was 95.2%, in 2007 it was 64.3%, and 71.4% in 2008. The highest average frequency of occurrence was found inFusarium graminearumin 2006 - 65%. The prevalence ofFusarium poaewas ascertained in 2007 and 2008. The highest frequency ofFusariumspp. occurrence was revealed in locality Turčiansky Ďur in 2008 - 53.9%. The highest identified amount ofFusariumspecies (12) was from the area of Turčiansky Ďur in 2007.Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium poaeandFusarium oxysporumwere the most frequent in 2006, whileFusarium poae, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium graminearumandFusarium semitectumdominated in 2007.Fusarium poaedominated in 2008, then followedFusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporumandFusarium avenaceum. Other identified species, such asFusarium equiseti, Fusarium tricinctumandMicrodochium nivale, were in population structure in a relatively low density. Grains contaminated withFusariumspp. are unsuitable for both human and animal consumption because of the adverse health effects of fusariotoxins.

New finds of the Neogene lizard and snake fauna (Squamata: Lacertilia; Serpentes) from the Slovak Republic

This paper deals with the squamate fauna from three Neogene localities in Slovakia. Neogene lizards and snakes have rarely been reported from this region and many aspects of their evolution and palaeodiversity are still poorly understood. Squamate remains from the Upper Miocene (MN 9) locality of Borsky Svaty Jur belong to at least five different taxa: Lacerta sp., Pseudopus sp., Colubroidea indet. (? Elapidae), Natricinae indet. and Colubridae indet. The ophidian assemblage from Ivanovce (Lower Pliocene; MN 15b) is dominated by colubrids, mainly Zamenis longissimus. The remainder is comprised of the species Natrix natrix. Squamate material from this locality also includes Lacerta cf. agilis, Pseudopus sp. and Ophisaurus sp., while that from Hajnacka (Upper Pliocene; MN 16a) is extremely poor, comprising just one taxon - Natrix natrix. The Ivanovce material represents the oldest proof of the former existence of the species Zamenis longissimus and Natrix natrix in the Slovak Republic. The composition of this snake fauna indicates faunistic and palaeoecological changes at the end of the Miocene, although this was not as rapid as at similar localities in Europe. The squamate fauna of Slovakia has changed very little since the beginning of the Pliocene, and the majority of taxa are represented by species that currently occur in this region.

Vegetation of the aquatic and marshland habitats in the Orava region, including the first records of Potametum alpini, Potametum zizii and Ranunculo-Juncetum bulbosi in the territory of Slovakia

The vegetation of the aquatic and marshland habitats of the Orava region (north of Slovakia) was studied in 2009, using traditional phytosociological methods. Sixteen aquatic and eighteen marsh plant communities were described within 96 phytosociological releves by using TWINSPAN with the application of the dominance principle. Three associations, Potametum alpini, Potametum zizii and Ranunculo-Juncetum bulbosi, were found as new communities for Slovakia. Myriophylletum verticillati, Potametum nodosi, Potametum graminei and Alisma gramineum community were recorded in the northernmost localities in Slovakia. Among marsh communities, Calletum palustris is very rare, both in the Orava region and in Slovakia as a whole. According to Ellenberg’s indicator values (EIV), moisture was evaluated as the main ecological gradient. Plant communities are ordered along the first Detrended Correspodence Analysis (DCA) axis in a typical hydroseries (Potametea → Lemnetea → Phragmition communis → Phalaridion arundinaceae, Oenanthion aquaticae and Sparganio-Glycerion → Magnocaricion elatae). The second DCA axis was most correlated with EIV for nutrients. Among the five directly measured ecological characteristics (temperature, pH and conductivity of water, water depth, and substrate type), conductivity of water (0.44, P < 0.01) and substrate type (0.32, P < 0.05) were the statistically significant variables explaining the variability along the first DCA axis.

Results of outdoor radon monitoring in Bratislava and Novaky

Measurements of radon activity concentration (RAC) were made in two localities of Slovakia. The first one is located on the campus of Comenius University in Bratislava, where radon has been monitored since 1991. The second area is situated in the city of Nováky (midwest Slovakia, ∼150 km from Bratislava). The localities have a different orography. RAC was measured continuously by large-volume scintillation chambers. The outdoor air was sampled at a height of 1.5 m above the ground. Time courses of RAC in both localities have a similar character. The correlation coefficients between RAC in Bratislava and Nováky was quite high (R(2) = 0.45). However, RACs in Nováky were found out to be about two times higher (∼12.1 Bq m(-3)) than in Bratislava.

Cause of withering of Staghorn Sumach (Rhus typhina L.) in selected localities in Slovakia

Health state of &lt;em&gt;Rhus typhina&lt;/em&gt; was evaluated in 59 localities and 74 sites over the years 2001-2003 with scope (1) to identify the parasitic mycoflora of &lt;em&gt;R. typhina&lt;/em&gt; in Slovakia and (2) to identify the occurrence of &lt;em&gt;Cryphonectria parasitica&lt;/em&gt;, declared as an quarantine pest by the EPPO, besides the chestnut (&lt;em&gt;Castanea sativa&lt;/em&gt; Mill.) and oak (&lt;em&gt;Quercus&lt;/em&gt; sp.) also on &lt;em&gt;R. typhina&lt;/em&gt;. The fungus &lt;em&gt;Botryosphaeria ribis&lt;/em&gt; (Gross.) Dugg. (pycnidial state &lt;em&gt;Dothiorella mali&lt;/em&gt; (Ell.) Ev) caused damage to the &lt;em&gt;R. typhina&lt;/em&gt;. Damage to &lt;em&gt;R. typhina&lt;/em&gt; caused by &lt;em&gt;B. ribis&lt;/em&gt; was only recorded in 15 localities. Mean growth rate of hyphae of the fungus ranged from 25.7 to 48.3 mm after 96 hours of cultivation. The most appropriate medium for cultivation was 3% potato dextrose agar. The occurrence of the fungus &lt;em&gt;Fusarium oxysporum&lt;/em&gt; Schlecht and mainly of quarantine fungus &lt;em&gt;C. parasitica&lt;/em&gt; has not been recorded in the evaluated sites.

GROWTH AND BIOMASS OF TWO-YEAR-OLD SEEDLINGS OF EUROPEAN CHESTNUT DERIVED FROM THE HALF-SIB FAMILIES OF DIFFERENT ORIGIN

In the spring of 2005, seeds collected in twelve different half-sib families being at the age of 40 years and originated from mother trees grown on four different localities of Slovakia were used to established an experimental plot in the forest nursery Hladomer, Slovakia. At the age of 2 years, in each of 12 sets of seedlings 15 seedlings differing in growth performance were selected (5 from each replication) and subjected to morphometric analysis. In each seedling 5 biometric characteristics (stem height, stem diameter, root length, root diameter, diameter of the root collar), 3 single biomass characteristics (biomass of the stem and branches, root biomass, leaf biomass), 2 combined biomass characteristics (aboveground biomass and total seedling biomass) and three derived parameters (index of annual stem height increment, index of annual stem diameter increment and foliage ratio -proportion of leaf dry matter and total dry aboveground matter of the seedling) were evaluated. All characteristics under study except indices and foliage ratio exhibited significantly highest mean values in the seedlings derived from three half-sib families of Horne Lefantovce origin, particularly from the HL A family. The seedlings derived from this family showed significantly highest values of aboveground and underground biomass but the second lowest foliage ratio. This suggests the high effective use of leaves for biomass production in these seedlings. Foliage ratio was in medium strong negative correlation with most of the growth and biomass characteristics.

The occurrence and predominance ofFusariumspecies on barley kernels in Slovakia

This article focuses on the occurrence of Fusarium species on barley kernels in Slovakia. The study was conducted over two consecutive crop years (2004–2005) on three cultivars (potential malting varieties) at five locations in Slovakia. Fusarium spp. were detected in all locations and years ranging from 0.1 to 27% seed infestation. The highest infestation of kernels was recorded in 2005 for all localities and all cultivars. The following species were detected: Fusarium acuminatum, F. arthrosporioides, F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. chlamydosporum, F. equiseti, F. graminearum, F. langsethiae, F. nivale (syn. Microdochium nivale), F. oxysporum, F. poae, F. sambucinum, F. semitectum, F. solani, F. sporotrichioides, and F. tricinctum. The most common was F. poae in all localities and cultivars, with an isolation frequency ranging from 0.33 to 11.67%. This is the first report of F. langsethiae occurrence in Slovakia with an isolation frequency ranging from 0.33 to 6.67%. In 2005 a wider spectrum of Fusarium species, a higher level of kernel infestation, and a lower germinative activity was recorded than in 2004. The germinative activity of kernels was impaired the most in 2005 irrespective of cultivar. The decreasing of germinative activity in 2005 corresponded with higher kernel infestation with Fusarium fungi.