Sowing area under oil-seed rape (Brassica napus L.) has grown dramatically only during the last 10 years in Latvia. Lack of knowledge and research on different issues is observed. The aim of our research, started on season 2005/2006 in Research and Study farm Vecauce, was to investigate the influence of split fungicide (1st dose of fungicide Juventus 90 s.c. (Metconasol 90 g LE-1) used as growth regulator in autumn at the 4-6 leaf stage and the 2nd dose at the growth stage 63-64) application. Winter rape development in autumn, winterhardiness, disease incidence, and yield and its structure elements were estimated. Totally 13 cultivars were used in the trial, but several assessments were done for 5 cultivars. Additional objective was to evaluate economic effect of fungicide use. Winter rape biometrical indices were influenced by the fungicide application in autumn period and by used cultivar. Fungicide treatment in autumn increased also the rape winterhardiness. Our research for the first time indicated that Phoma stem canker could become a problem for rape growers in Latvia. Fungicide use (in growth stage 63-64) decreased incidence of this disease a little (on average by 5%). Fungicide treatment according to applied scheme increased the average seed yield (check 5.37 t haE-1, with fungicide 5.80 t haE-1; LSD0:05 = 0:18 t haE-1), but impact on yield structure elements was mainly non-essential. Despite agronomic improvements, economic calculation showed that on average fungicide use in 2006 was not pro table. Research should be continued for specification of conclusions.

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.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizers and weather conditions on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield and grain quality were investigated at the Rumokai Experimental Station of the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture in the period of 1998-2000 and 2003-2004. The soil of the experimental site was Hapli Epihypogleyic Luvisol. Analyses were made with fertilisers rates of 0 and 90 kg haE-1. The data of analyses indicated a positive and reliable correlation between the yield of spring barley and the amount of precipitation in May (rate of correlation was 0.70**) and a negative and reliable correlation with the amount of precipitation in June and July (rates of correlation were -0.80** and -0.29* respectively). A reliable though weak correlation was found between the application of nitrogen fertilisers and the yield of grains. The amount of precipitation in April and the spring barley leaf diseases had a considerable negative effect on 1000 grain weight and grain size. Strong correlation was identified between the amount of precipitation in May and June and the protein content in grain. Nitrogen fertilisers promoted protein accumulation in grain.

The aim of this research is to evaluate the variability of the martagonlily (Lilium martagon L.) found in the wild in the west of Latvia. Latvia is situated in a nature zone between the vegetation of Northern and Central Europe. The country distinguishes itself with a large variety of flora and fauna (total approx. 27, 7 thousand species). The genus Lilium L. includes approximately a hundred species, subspecies and varieties of species. In northern Europe, one of the best known and longest cultivated of lilies is L. martagon L. It is distributed across the largest growing area of most species - from western Portugal throughout Europe and Asia. To evaluate the survival potential of L. Martagon L. in Latvia, research was carried out in locations at Kurzeme - districts of Ventspils, Kuldiga, and Tukums. The results indicate that the diversity in genotypes varies according to location and distribution. There are differences in phenotypes and colour variability from pale to bright violet-pink. Diameter of flower varies between of 3.5 to 6.0 cm. The height of these plants varies up to 114 - 130 cm. The flowering time is in June and July. Wild martagonlily found in these regions is growing in calcareous soils among shrubs in river valleys and semi-shaded deciduous forests. This particular martagonlily is hardy and disease resistant and is recommended as a donor in breeding programs.

The mean content of minerals in grains varies significantly among different parts of the world as it depends on the type of grain growing conditions and fertilizer application. In this study, the content of minerals in the wheat, oat and barley grains of the crop of the year 2006 from different regions of Latvia were investigated. The grain samples were analysed for K, Mg, Ca, Na, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn using Atomic Absorbtion Spectrometer, and for P using spectrophotometer. Phosphorus content in different types of grains varied from 3.10 to 5.65 g kgE-1, potassium - from 4.37 to 6.10 g kgE-1, calcium - from 0.40 to 1.40 g kgE-1, magnesium - from 1.20 to 1.68 g kgE-1, manganese – from 14.50 to 55.54 g kgE-1, copper - from 3.35 to 6.01 g kgE-1, zinc - from 18.72 to 31.84 g kgE-1, iron - from 42.39 to 120.40 g kgE-1, and sodium - from 32.34 to 55.52 g kgE-1. The greatest difference was found between the content of manganese and iron in barley, wheat and oat grains, but small difference was between the mean content of P, K, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Na.

In presented study we have investigated an occurrence of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in different smoked meat and fish samples. After clean up and extraction procedures, the samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Large variability in PAH levels for samples of the same type was found, thus the contamination level is not strongly correlated with the type of product. In the smoked fish samples concentrations of total PAHs ranged from 0.26 to 104 mu g kgE1, and in smoked meat samples - from 1.7 to 197 mu g kgE-1. In general, the predominating PAHs in all samples were benz(a)anthracene, crysene, and cyclopenta(c,d)pyrene. Also the elimination of PAHs in smoked fish by UV irradiation was investigated. Significant decrease in carcinogenic PAH content in smoked fish was found after a 15 min exposure.

A total of 120 food samples from 6 traditional and 3 non-traditional (Oriental) public catering establishments in Latvia were taken. Preliminary all food samples were divided in three food groups (categories) depending on the components of the products and processing methods. Ready-to-eat foods (RTE) with high level of total amount of microorganisms (aerobic colony count-ACC) and total coliforms (TC), as well as appropriate infringements of hygienic requirements in public catering establishments which had an impact on microbial contamination were clarified. The reasons for microbiological contamination of RTE and the growth of the microorganisms were analyzed in dependence on food category group, the activity of hydrogen ions (pH) in food, food temperature at the sampling point, their processing mode and composition. Different indicator microorganisms including Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Bacillus, yeasts, moulds and etc. were identified. The comparison between the temperature and pH and the level of microbiological contamination of the samples of food and hygienic practice in the catering establishments were clarified.

The dynamic of rapeseed oil oxidizing processes under the influence of light in brown glass, colourless glass, and colourless PET bottles during storage at 18+-2 deg C were investigated. The changes in A and E vitamins content in rapeseed oil packed in colourless PET packaging materials were determined after 4 months storage at 18+-2 deg C at daylight. The connection between different packaging materials' transparency and oxidizing of oil were observed.

The role of Bifidobacterium lactis and the effect of the addition of inulin and lactulose on the viscosity of a functional fermented milk product have been investigated. The effect of chosen starter and prebiotics on the properties of the functional fermented milk was significant for the apparent viscosity. Generally the viscosity of analyzed products was lower than the viscosity of classical fermented milk products, such as yoghurt, kefir or others. The viscosity was strongly affected by the content of total solids of the analyzed products: with an increase in the total solids there was increase in the viscosity. Among analyzed fermented milk samples, sample with 5% of lactulose had the highest viscosity. In general, inulin did not seem to have an effect on the viscosity of the analyzed product samples compared with the control sample. Bifidobacterium lactis has a weak proteolytic activity; therefore the structure and consistency of functional fermented milk product were characterized as weak, too. It is known that inulin is not only dietary fibre or prebiotic, it has the functions of food additives, too. Inulin is added to food formulations to modify products' texture or viscosity and sweetness of products. Comparison of the obtained results shows that the viscosity of the functional fermented milk product with various concentrations of lactulose or inulin is different. This suggests that the role of inulin in a food matrix is bi-functional. Inulin does not increase the viscosity of a milk product but gives a richer texture to liquid products and spreads.

Meat is muscle tissue from animals. It is a good source of protein. The meat of various species also is good source for micronutrients and vitamins. Ostrich meat differs from the meat of other animals. It is no fat; it is lean and easily separated from bones and connective tissue. It is more digestible compared to other types of meat, soft and does not require long culinary treatment. Although it can be compared with beef due to its red colour and taste, ostrich meat is as tender as chicken meat, and is characterized by short muscle fibre. The objective of study was to determine the A, E, B1, B2 and B5 vitamins content in ostrich meat and compare it with beef and chicken produced in Latvia and available at retail. All vitamins are determined by standard methods according to AOAC Official Standard Methods: vitamin A - 974.29, vitamin E - 971.30, vitamin B1- 986.27, vitamin B2 - 970.25, and vitamin B5 - 961.14. The obtained results showed that ostrich meat contains significant quantities of vitamins B1, B2 and B5. The highest content in ostrich meat was calculated for B5 (11.45 mg 100gE-1) and the lowest - for B2 (0.098 mg 100gE-1). Ostrich meat contains more than 18 % of vitamins B1 and B2 and more than 7.5 % of B5 compared with beef, and more than 30 % of vitamins B1 and B2 and more than 27 % of B5 compared with chicken. The content of vitamin E is highest in ostrich meat then follows chicken and beef. Regarding vitamin A, ostrich meat has only traces of it.