Genetic structure of wild pea (Pisum sativum subsp. elatius) populations in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent reflects moderate cross-pollination and strong effect of geographic but not environmental distance

Knowledge of current genetic diversity and mating systems of crop wild relatives (CWR) in the Fertile Crescent is important in crop genetic improvement, because western agriculture began in the area after the cold-dry period known as Younger Dryas about 12,000 years ago and these species are also wild genepools of the world’s most important food crops. Wild pea (Pisum sativum subsp. elatius) is an important source of genetic diversity for further pea crop improvement harbouring traits useful in climate change context. The genetic structure was assessed on 187 individuals of Pisum sativum subsp. elatius from fourteen populations collected in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent using 18,397 genome wide single nucleotide polymorphism DARTseq markers. AMOVA showed that 63% of the allelic variation was distributed between populations and 19% between individuals within populations. Four populations were found to contain admixed individuals. The observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.99 to 6.26% with estimated self-pollination rate between 47 to 90%. Genetic distances of wild pea populations were correlated with geographic but not environmental (climatic) distances and support a mixed mating system with predominant self-pollination. Niche modelling with future climatic projections showed a local decline in habitats suitable for wild pea, making a strong case for further collection and ex situ conservation

Space localization and quantification of surface runoff using LOREP model

Developed model LOREP constitutes a tool for identification and space localization of the plots with low water retention and comparison of various scenarios of proposed measurements. A structuralized catalogue of measurement to increase water retention in the landscape is an integrated part of the model. Suggested approach of computation of territorially specified surface water runoff is based on the combination of specific functions of GIS which enables to work with fuzzy sets and hydrological equations derived from Curve Number Method and from spatially distributed unit hydrogram

Current possibilities for quantification and modeling of recreation services

Ecosystems provide settings for a hugely diverse array of recreational activities. Recreational values are among the most well-recognized of all ecosystem services by the public, and human preferences for recreation have been well-studied by economists and other social scientists. From a spatial perspective, we can map sources of recreational value, sinks of recreational value, users of a particular recreation area for a given activity, and the spatial flow that connects users to specific recreational areas. The text presents two key approaches of modelling tools InVEST and ARIES. Methodological approaches are compared with each other and the requirements for data confronted with national data sources

The influence of land cover changes and landscape fragmentation on provision of the carbon sequestration ecosystem service

The aim of our contribution is to analyse the influence of land cover changes and landscape fragmentation in two small catchments (Všeminka, Fryštácký potok) within the forest–agricultural landscape of eastern Moravia (Czech Republic) on the carbon sequestration ecosystem service. Fragmentation was analysed using landscapeecological indices within ArcGIS 10.x software using the Patch Analyst extension. Data about the carbon sequestration ecosystem service were processed in the InVEST model. In the Všeminka catchment, carbon sequestration increased over the entire period of observation of 1953–2012. In the Fryštácký potok catchment, carbon sequestration decreased from 1950 to 2005, but increased from 2005 to 2012. The changes in fragmentation were not significant between 1953 and 2012, and so changes in carbon sequestration were caused mostly by land cover changes. The relationships among land cover change, fragmentation, and carbon sequestration from 1953 to 2012 are discussed

Landslide susceptibility model for protected area White Carpathians

Article describes in detail preparation and results of susceptibility zonation for the Bílé Karpaty protected area. Usage of susceptibility map for management purposes is also discused