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The aim of this study was to determine the presence of zoocide (insecticide and miticide) residues in hops collected in three hop-growing regions located in the Czech Republic, and to assess their zoocide profiles and residue levels in terms of variability in temperature and precipitation across the 2018–2020 seasons. Furthermore, the weather factors that influenced the occurrence of hop pests are described and discussed. During our 3-year survey, a total of 120 samples of whole-cone hops samples harvested in three hop-growing regions were analysed for the presence of 29 insecticides and miticides using the modified QuEChERS extraction method, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A majority, 119 of 120 samples, contained a residue of at least one of the active substances surveyed in this study, and 34 analysed samples contained multiple residues with three to four zoocides presented. Concerning the most frequently detected zoocide residues, spirotetramat and/or its metabolites were found in 94.2% of the samples at levels ranging from 0.02 to 1.08 mg/kg. Of the other zoocides surveyed, residues of fenpyroximate, hexythiazox, bifenazate and lambda-cyhalothrin were routinely found in hop cone samples. Obtained data were then used for evaluating seasonal and geographical variations in the profile of zoocide residues among the hop-growing regions in the years 2018–2020, and the compliance with legal regulations concerning the use of zoocides on hops was ascertained. The results showed that (1) the profile and levels of zoocide residues found in the samples reflected seasonal prevalence of pest infestation on hop plants; (2) the strategy to control pests (especially aphids) used in most of hop yards was consistent across the seasons; and (3) a concentration of spirotetramat residues less than 1 mg/kg was typical for hops grown in the Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture in the Czech Republic plays an important role in the degradation of individual components of the environment. Reduction of soil fertility, contamination of surface- and groundwater, reduction of biodiversity and damage caused by it are proven. The agrarian landscape does not provide the appropriate ecosystem functions. It is not attractive for life of the inhabitants of rural areas, and the permeable landscape attractive for investors. It is also not permeable and attractive for investors. The farmers are offered applicable and functional techniques, technologies and procedures. These are not used and exploited in an appropriate rate. Based on the analysis of business environment, there was found that the reason is the absence of the agroenvironmental management system in operative management of agricultural subjects. For the need of the possible implementation of the appropriate system into practice, there was developed a branch standard and subsequently a methodology for the application of agro-environmental management system on the basis of a general tool for environmental management. The methodology was developed, then implemented and tested under the conditions of a concrete farm. Before the implementation of requirements, there were established environmental indicators which were evaluated before and after the introduction of the proposed system. The results of the subsequent monitoring of the chosen environmental indicators of environmental status confirmed the functionality and accuracy of the developed management tool that can also be seen as the best available technique for the implementation of the current and prepared agricultural policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]