Emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccum SCHRANK (SCHUEBL), is an old species of cereal which has been traditionally grown in arid areas. The renewed interest in this variety has its origin in favourable quality parameters of emmer wheat grain and a beneficial effect on human organism. This article deals with a study of quality parameters and storage protein composition of 6 varieties of emmer wheat (which have been chosen from the collection of gene bank at the Research institute of Crop Production in Prague-Ruzyně and in České Budějovice). High crude protein content in grain was proved during the trials. Nevertheless, such a characteristic is not suitable for the classical bakery processing (production of leavened products). The analysed genotypes contain more than 10% of high molecular weight glutenins (HMW glutenins), approximately 70% of low molecular weight glutenins + gliadins (LMW glutenins + gliadins), and almost 20% of residual albumins and globulins. Thanks to high share of albumins and globulins, emmer wheat grain is very valuable raw material for the production of healthy diet. The level of stability of storage proteins composition destines the suitability of emmer wheat for organic and low input farming in Less Favoured Areas.

Renewable energy resources have been developing very fast due to negative effects and finite reserves of the fossil fuels. Biomass is ranked among the most promising renewable energy resources within the Central Europe. Corn (Zea mays L.) is currently the most widely grown crop in the Czech Republic; nevertheless, the cultivation of corn provokes soil erosion by water. Perennial energy grass called tall wheatgrass (Elymus elongatus subsp. Ponticus cv. Szarvasi-1) is supposed to be a good and environment-friendly alternative to corn. Field trials including these two crops were established in the experimental locality of South Bohemia. Their yield potential was monitored during spring harvest periods (use for combustion). Dry phytomass was fundamentally analysed (N, C, H, S) and higher heating value was determined too. Universal Soil Loss Equation was calculated for both crop species. Corn provided much higher average yield in a three-year interval; corn phytomass reached higher heating value as well. The area of Elymus elongatus should enlarge considerably, if we wanted to get the identical amount of energy from corn and Elymus elongatus. However, we found that, compared to Zea mays L., water erosion theoretical land losses would be several times less serious for Elymus elongatus.

This work deals with the baking quality of the spelt wheat grain (Triticum spelta L.) compared with bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Mixed flours were made of different share of spelt wheat and bread wheat (in total 11 mixtures) in 2016 in the Česke Budejovice in the laboratories of the Faculty of Agriculture. The technological quality of these mixtures was analysed, focusing on standard evaluation methods (protein content, characteristic of gluten or swellability of protein). The analysis was supplemented by complete rheological analysis made by Mixolab II. Bread was used as a model product. Subsequently, sensory evaluation of baked bread from the previously prepared mixtures was done. Part of the analysis was to estimate the economic basic bread recipe with different proportions of bread wheat and spelt wheat. The results were statistically analysed via STATISTICA 9.1 (StatSoft, Inc., USA). It was proved that the flour made of spelt can give cereal products with a higher nutritional value. The results have shown that the spelt grain is much more suitable for baking. Its advantage is the higher protein content and higher resistance of kneading of the dough and starch gelatinization rate, which was statistically confirmed. The main disadvantage is the higher price of spelt. According to the results, the ideal utilization of spelt wheat based on sensory analysis and economic calculations seems to be the mixture of spelt wheat and bread wheat, which results in an undeniable decrease of the product cost, and hence effects the common customer choice and taste preferences.

Agriculture of the Czech Republic has features of submonate and montane agriculture. More than half of the surface of the Czech Republic is less favourable areas (LFA). Organic farming is carried out on the area of 6% of the surface of arable land. The contemporary state of farming has been evaluated and organic and conventional farming systems have been compared in the framework of the analysis of structure of farming in the Czech Republic. The selective group of 437 associations, consisting of 3 subgroups, is divided into several categories according to the farming method and altitude. Parameters of plant and animal production and use of the agro-environmental programmes and measures are evaluated. The evaluation of the structure of farming permits to find optimal possibilities for future development of conventional and organic farming in the Czech Republic and for arrangements of the settings of grants and subsidies.

Cereals, the yield of which is strongly influenced by a well-selected variety, belong to the most important crops of organic farming, grown on arable land. At first a questionnaire study was executed among organic farmers in 2006 to gain information concerning the choice of variety, structure of growing, and yield of cereals in the Czech Republic. The actual cultivars of wheat are bred to be suitable for intensive farming. Therefore, not all the actual cultivars are suitable for organic farming. The methodology of tests of the suitability of cultivars for organic farming was elaborated and tested in 2006. Particular morphological, biological and agricultural features were evaluated. Selected Austrian cultivars, which were recommended for in organic farming system and breeded strains were tested. It is difficult to achieve sufficient protein content in grain in the organic farming system. The fact that the protein content in landraces of wheat is higher than the protein content in modern breeded varieties was confirmed. These varieties adapted to local conditions very well. Most of the evaluated varieties contain more crude protein in grain than modern varieties and may achieve a very good-quality production, but on a lower yield level the same as varieties of emmer.

With this issue of 2008, we bring 49 proceedings of the 85, which started life as presentations at the Annual 14th International Scientific Conference on Research for Rural Development 2008 held at the Latvia University of Agriculture, in Jelgava, on 21st to 23rd May 2008. In the retrospect of four month later, we can count the Conference as a great success. The theme - Research for Rural Development - attracted participation of 357 researches with very different backgrounds. There were 2 presentations from Czech Republic, 1 from Denmark, 1 from Poland, 1 from Sweden, 2 from Estonia, 13 from Lithuania and 65 from Latvia. Four independent reviewers estimated each report. The proceedings of the Conference is intended for academics, students and professionals researching in the area of crop production, animal breeding, agricultural engineering, agrarian and regional economics, food sciences, veterinary medicine, forestry, wood processing and water management.