Czech Biotech Research

European Corn Borer life stage model

Predicting the potential distribution of agricultural pests, both indigenous and introduced, plays a key role in determining the impact of global change on agricultural, horticultural and forestry ecosystems. This study investigates changes in the climatic niche of one of the most important agricultural pests, the European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis, Hubner), using the multi-generational phenology model ECAMON. The model enables us to predict the development of the European Corn Borer (ECB), to estimate the risk of its establishing a permanent population, and to give an indication of climate-related stress factors affecting the species.
[23.6.2008]  

GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS IN THE NEW MEMBER STATES: HOW MUCH VALUE AND FOR WHOM?

Some argue that the lack of modern agricultural development in the former socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe has made cutting edge biotechnology attractive. However, the enthusiasm in planting transgenic crops is far from being homogenous amoung the New Member States. While during 2005-2006 the Czech Republic increased its transgenic maize area by five, Hungary imposed a de facto ban on GM crops, following its earlier ban on Bt maize.
[20.6.2008]  

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN EASTERN EUROPE

In 2005, with the introduction of 270 hectares of Bt maize, the first transgenic crops appeared in the Czech Republic. The present study is the first attempt to estimate the size and distribution of the ex ante welfare effects of transgenic grain maize, sugar beet, and oilseed rape in the Czech Republic, developing a partial equilibrium model following a counterfactual approach for the agricultural season 2005.
[18.6.2008]  

Czech agro-biotechnology in 2007

The year 2007 brought serious changes in global biotech climate in agriculture market. China and India started importing food and food crops. Biofuel ideology put forward unrealistic demand for agro products as a source of bioethanol and bio-diesel. The European Union's Biofuels Directive (Directive 2003/30/EC) states that, by the end of 2010, 5.75% of all petrol and diesel transport fuels should be biomass-based. A subsequent energy strategy adopted in early 2007 increases the target to 10% for 2020. The over-supply of food crops in Europe turned into shortage sending food prices high. Global wheat price raised from 3 USD/bushel in 2005 to 5 USD in 2006 and over 10 USD in 2007. Farmers were pleased by prices increasing but consumers were afraid of future development.
[13.5.2008]  

Introduction to Immunochemical Techniques for Medical Diagnosis, Food Quality Control and Environmental Testing

J. Daussant and F.X. Desvaux: Introduction to Immunochemical Techniques for Medical Diagnosis, Food Quality Control and Environmental Testing. Published by ITC Press, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic in 2007, First Edition, ISBN 978-80-7080-641-8, Price 15 EURO including CD-ROM. The order is possible directly by following e-mail: Marketa.Poduskova@vscht.cz .
[2.4.2008]