The intensity of garlic infestation by dry bulb mite Aceria tulipae (Keifer, 1938) was observed on different garlic varieties in central Moravia. The aim of this study was to determine infestation of different garlic varieties during storage in the winter period 2011–2012. Current studies on 11 garlic varieties from the Centre of the Region Haná at an altitude of 210 m showed high abundance of Aceria tulipae on 10 varieties. Bolting garlic varieties (Bzenecky Mutant VF, Sochi 25, Tiraspol, Zailijskij) were highly infested, non-bolting varieties (Czerga, SIR 10 new breeding, Gjirokaster) were infested weakly or not at all (Kelcyre). The highest abundance of mite was found out in semi-bolting garlic variety (Plovdiv Rogosh) with total number up to 1 500 individuals in one clove. Significant differences in infestation between external and internal part of the clove were observed in 4 of 11 evaluated varieties. Root segment was significantly the most infested part of the clove. The most resistant kinds to mite infestation were the Kelcyre, Gjirokaster and SIR 10 new breeding varieties. The highest mite introduction to inside cloves was observed in the Plovdiv Rogosh variety. The choice of suitable varieties can significantly eliminate occurrence of A. tulipae and their infestation.

This article focuses on the therapeutic potential ascribed to ayahuasca by users in the Czech Republic. Following an online survey, the fieldwork among users of ayahuasca was carried out from November 2015 to December 2016. The research sample consisted of 46 persons (23 women and 23 men), who took part at least once in some type of ayahuasca ritual and/or were the facilitators of the ayahuasca sessions. We held semi-structured interviews with participants in order to discover the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca. Transcribed recordings were analyzed using the Grounded Theory Method. The results suggest that the intensity of effects produced by ayahuasca is not directly proportional to its therapeutic effect. According to the informants, ayahuasca is applicable in the treatment of drug addiction. They consider it to have a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential. This therapeutic potential could be based on memory recall.

Grape is a major agrarian input for winemaking in the Czech Republic (Czechia). This contribution assesses the performance of grape production in Czechia. The country’s performance is compared with Slovakia and some major producing countries in the world. Using the OLS approach, the results show that area harvested, yields, farm gate price and wine export have a positive relationship with grape production in Czechia. The descriptive approach shows Czechia as a net importer of wine. Also, grape yields in Czechia and Slovakia have been below the EU and global averages. These two countries’ wine exports have been concentrated in few markets within the EU single market. There is a need for grape farmers in the countries to find ways to improve yield per hectare. Similarly, export promotion should be encouraged and diversified beyond the EU markets to reduce external demand volatility or shocks. Arguably, this measure may accelerate foreign earnings from grape and wine related export products in the country.

Abstract

The aim of the three year research was to determine the first occurrence of Delia antiqua (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), specify its bionomics, compare its harmfulness on different garlic varieties, find out the effect of temperature on their life cycle and how their abundance influences garlic yield in regional agriculture areas traditionally growing garlic such as southeast and central Moravia. There was a significantly higher infestation of Delia antiqua on the edge (32.3 larvae) of study plot than in the middle (16.3 larvae) from 2010 to 2012. Intensive laying eggs of D. antiqua takes place between 9–11 a.m. and 16–18 p.m. hours at the edges of the study plot. The highest number of laid eggs was of 28 per one plant in Nedakonice. The development lasted 15 days at 21 °C under laboratory conditions.