Huňady I., Hochman M. (2014): Potential of legume-cereal intercropping for increasing yields and yield stability for self-sufficiency with animal fodder in organic farming. Czech J. Genet. Plant Breed., 50: 185-194.Intercropping of grain legumes and cereals is a promising theme in organic farming for its potential for increasing and stabilizing yields, reducing weed pressure and sustaining plant health. On animal husbandry farms, peacereal mixtures may be an interesting crop harvested for green fodder as well as for feed concentrates. Increasing self-sufficiency with fodder is in agreement with the principles of organic agriculture, and it reduces the risks related to the import of soy protein that may be admixed with GM soya. In 2008-2011, plot trials (PT) with intercropped peas and spring cereals (wheat, barley) were conducted. Varieties and pea-cereal combinations were examined to find suitable varieties for intercropping, and the best pea to cereal ratio in the seed intercrop (pea to cereal ratios 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80). Results show that intercropping peas and spring cereals may be advantageous compared to monocultures. Pea-cereal intercrops produce high yields of green matter and concentrates especially when intercropped at the pea to cereal ratio of 60:40 and 40:60. In 2009, on five certified organic farms, controlled field trials (FT) were conducted with field pea (leaf type), spring barley and spring wheat in monocultures and intercrops (pea to cereal ratio 60:40). Forage yields were evaluated at pea growth phases BBCH-scale 79 and 83. Fresh yields of monocultures and intercrops were evaluated at grain harvest.

Seidenglanz M., Huňady I. (2016): Effects of faba bean (Vicia faba) varieties on the development of Bruchus rufimanus. Czech J. Genet. Plant Breed., 52: 22-29.The development of Bruchus rufimanus was assessed in randomised field trials from 2005 to 2007 with eight faba bean genotypes (SU 5/13, SU-BT, Mistral, Merkur, Stabil Merlin, Melodie, Divine). Significant differences, reproducible between the years, were found between the faba bean lines. The varieties most attractive to B. rufimanus ovipositing females were SU-BT and Divine. Merkur showed a certain level of non-preference. The highest mortality rates of eggs and first instar larvae in pod valve tissues were recorded in Merkur (34-45%) and Divine (51-55%). The highest mortality rates of larvae and pupae during their development in seeds (effect of seed coat and cotyledon tissues) were recorded in Merkur (87-90%) and Melodie (87-99%). Parasitation by Triaspis thoracicus contributed to this mortality. The highest levels of B. rufimanus parasitation were found in SU-BT (32-35%), the lowest in Melodie (3-9%). The total reduction in Bruchus rufimanus individuals during their development was relatively high in all varieties, ranging from 72% to 99%.

Seidenglanz M., Huňady I., Poslušná J., Løes A.-K. (2011): Influence of intercropping with spring cereals on the occurrence of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, 1776) and their natural enemies in field pea (Pisum sativum L.). Plant Protect. Sci., 47: 25-36.Occurrences of pea aphids and their natural enemies (syrphids, mummies caused by entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria sp. and by the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi) were compared in monocultures and mixtures of field peas and spring cereals in three seasons (2008)(2009)(2010). At the beginning of colonisation, the occurrence of aphids was not substantially influenced by intercropping with cereals. However, the numbers of pea aphids located on inflorescences started to decline earlier in mixtures compared with monoculture. More syrphids (eggs + larvae) were found in mixtures than in monoculture, and more syrphid eggs were found in young aphid colonies (10 to 20 individuals) in mixtures. Intercropping did not influence the occurrence of fungal mummies (Beauveria sp.), but mixtures tended to have more aphid colonies infested by A. ervi in 2008 and 2009.

The ever-growing number of biogas plants also leads to an increasing demand for suitable, alternative plant substrates. A currently dominant plant substrate is maize silage. However, intensive cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) as an energy crop in monocultures poses risk to the environment (soil erosion, depletion of soil nutrient supplies, increased concentration of pests—Ostrinia nubilalis). In this study, results of experimental methane production from silages of alternative substrates, such as fodder mallow (Malva verticillata var. crispa L.; FM), white sweet clover (Melilotus albus Medik.; WSC) and their mixture, are presented. Based on the dry matter yield of a mixed culture of mallow and sweet clover, the value of the land equivalent ratio parameter (LER) was set as 1.05. The obtained LER (>1) value shows that the cultivation of the two tested crops in the mixed culture is more beneficial than their monocultures. Methane production from all three silage variants was fully comparable with results of methane production from the maize silage. Anaerobic fermentation of the mixture of FM and WSC did not result in higher methane yield than the average result of monosubstrates.

The effect of coating the seed of clover crops by water absorbing seed process (WASP) technology pelletization on its germination capacity was studied in conditions of diverse drought intensities simulated by different concentrations of polyethylenglycol (PEG) 8000 solution. Drought resistance was monitored in the seed of five fodder clover species: Anthyllis vulneraria L., Medicago lupulina L., Trifolium repens L., Melilotus albus Medik. and Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. In the seed of given plant species, germination capacity was determined along with the share of dead and hard seeds. Although the coating significantly (p < 0.05) affected the drought resistance of seeds, the germination capacity increased only in conditions of milder drought (simulation with PEG: 0.1–0.3 mol). With the increasing intensity of drought induced by higher PEG concentrations (0.4–0.7 mol) the number of germinable seeds demonstrably decreased and the number of dead seeds increased in the coated seed as compared with the uncoated seed. The coated seed can be appropriate for use in M. lupulina, M. albus and T. repens, while the uncoated seed can be used in A. vulneraria and O. viciifolia.