Understanding the salt marsh ecosystem in the Guadalupe Estuary is needed because wetlands in this system support the endangered whooping crane (Grus americana). The marsh plant research and monitoring described herein were based in the salt marshes at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), which are utilized by the cranes each winter. Past research indicates that the Carolina wolfberry (Lycium carolinianum) contributes 21-52% of crane energy intake early in the wintering period (Chavez 1996). Beginning in Fall 2003, vegetation transects were sampled along an estuarine gradient at ANWR. Species diversity and composition was similar at the three sites, with all sites containing the same 6-7 common species. While Spartina alterniflora is only a minor part of this vegetation community, it dominates the few low inter-tidal, fringe areas present. Species composition exhibited little variability from Year 1 to Year 2 of the study. Densities and biomass of L. carolinianum were not significantly different between sites or years. L. carolinianum, while important to salt marsh ecology, accounts for only a small portion of the overall productivity. Based on correlation coefficients, L. carolinianum was found in association with some of the common species in the vegetation community, indicating that its growth and survival requirements are typical to the salt marshes at ANWR. Also beginning in Fall 2003, I repeatedly sampled L. carolinianum in permanent plots along the estuarine gradient. L. carolinianum exhibits strong temporal patterns. Leaf production peaked in early spring and again just prior to peak berry abundance. Flowering of L. carolinianum occurred in October and November. Peak berry abundance coincided with the cranes’ arrival in late October and early November. Berry production occurred in October, November, and December; berries were virtually non-existent in the marshes for the remainder of the year. Stepwise regression showed stem diameter alone was a good estimator of aboveground biomass of this species in ANWR marshes, accounting for 94% of the variability (p<0.001). Changes in aboveground biomass followed no distinct patterns in the year of monitoring, perhaps due to the woody stem of the plant. Spatial patterns in L. carolinianum were not explained by water quality parameters alone; it is suggested that soil properties may help to account for the spatial variability.

This diploma thesis deals with application of wolfberry (Lycium chinense) and maca (Lepidium meyenii) in food products. Both plants have high nutrition content and are studied for their health benefits to humans. In case of wolfberry it’s mainly immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties. Maca is known for increasing fertility and there’s also reported lowering of cholesterol and blood sugar. In theoretic part are summarized findings about chemical composition, science studies about effects of these plants, situation on the Czech trade and project of use. Aim of this thesis was to create practical demonstration of use and consumption both plants and to evaluate it by methods of sensory analysis. For this purpose three samples of wolfberry cereal bars and three samples of chocolate with maca powder were produced. These samples were sensory evaluated using ranking test, scale test and profile test. Higher amount of maca in chocolate had worse rating, while use of wolfberry was rated quite well. Therefore three wolfberry cereal bars were produced as the final product in cooperation with bakery and chocolate factory Fikar – bar with fruit filling glazed with chocolate, classical bar glazed and classical bar not glazed with chocolate, as a demonstration of possible industrial use.