Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje
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Marker Assisted Selection for β-carotene Rich Maize: Evaluation of Improved Hybrids
No full textCombined with traditional selection techniques, marker assisted selection (MAS) has become a valuable tool in selection for the traits of interest. Essentially, MAS is the process of using the results of DNA testing in the selection of individuals to become parents for the next generations. One successful example of MAS is maize quality improvement to obtain high-yielding hybrids with improved nutritional benefit. With the aid of gene-specific molecular marker crtRB1-3ʹTE, beta carotene rich (BCR) maize inbred lines were developed through marker assisted backcross breeding (a total of three backcrosses with recurrent parent) at the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje. The results presented herein relate to the biochemical evaluation of resulting hybrids. Two commercial SM hybrids and their BCR counterparts were the subjects of this research. Relevant nutritional parameters, such as beta carotene, protein, starch and lipid content were estimated. The content of all analysed nutritional parameters was significantly higher (p0.05). Above all, BC was elevated in both BCR hybrids for 70.94% and 78.11%, respectively. This considerable enhancement in beta carotene content confirmed the success of the conversion process, resulting in hybrids with improved nutritional value
Nutritional Enhancement of an Adapted Qpm Hybrid Developed Through Marker Assisted Selection
No full textQuality protein maize (QPM) has a high content of the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan that are deficient in standard maize kernels. Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje has a breeding program aimed to create QPM, using the integrated conventional and molecular breeding approach. The aim of this study was biochemical evaluation of a QPM hybrid, obtained by crossing adapted QPM inbred lines (commercial lines converted to their QPM version). Relevant nutritional parameters, such as protein, starch, lipid and amino acid content were analyzed, and tryptophan to protein ratio (TPR) was determined. The tryptophan content (Trp) was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the QPM hybrid in comparison with standard maize (SM) hybrid. Also, the Trp was 0.075%, which corresponds to the QPM threshold value. The tryptophan to protein ratio, as an indicator of improved nutritional protein quality, was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the QPM hybrid. The starch and lipid content were both significantly higher (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) compared to SM. Furthermore, a highly significant correlation (p<0.01) was identified between TPR and starch content, as well as a significant correlation (p<0.05) between TPR and lipid content, indicating the possibility of simultaneous selection and improvement of these traits in our breeding material. Biochemical evaluation has confirmed the improved nutritional value of this QPM hybrid, thus it was identified as a promising hybrid for use in the feed industry
Cold-stressed soybean susceptibility to Charcoal Rot
No full textThis study investigated the susceptibility of early-vegetation cold-stress soybean to Charcoal
Rot (Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid) previously isolated from industrial hemp
(Cannabis sativa cv. Fibranova). Nine soybean cultivars (six of them creation of soybean
breeding program at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, and three introduced) were subjected to
three-day cold stress in a walk-in growth chamber starting when the soybean had a fully
developed first trifoliate (V2 stage), i.e. 20 days after sowing (DAS). Tested cultivars belong
from 00 to 0-I maturity group. The infection was performed on cold-stressed soybeans and
soybeans grown in optimal conditions at 30 DAS by cut-stem inoculation technique. The
infection lesion length was measured every three to four days for three weeks. Cold stress
significantly affected the intensity of the symptoms compared to soybeans grown in optimal
conditions for all except the S9 cultivar. There were also significant differences between
cultivars in their infection response. Tested cultivars responded differently to artificial
infection under optimal conditions, and differently under cold-stress conditions
The impact of laboratory testing conditions on seed germination in different plant species
No full textThe main purpose of standardizing conditions of testing seed germination is to ensure
uniformity in the results which should be comparable to those obtained by other seed testing
laboratories. Therefore, testing conditions and criteria are prescribed by national and
international (ISTA) regulations. For each plant species, substrate, dormancy-breaking
method(s) and testing duration are prescribed. The main goal of the germination test is to
induce expression of the maximal germination potential and, in many cases several methods
are recommended for a certain plant species. The seed testing laboratory of the Maize
Research Institute Zemun Polje investigated the effect of substrate (for soybean), duration of
pre-chilling, as the dormancy-breaking method (for barley and wheat), and the timing of
evaluation on germination parameters (for maize). The effect of substrate on soybean seed
germination indicated that the organic substrate induces higher percentage of seedlings with
normally developed structure in comparison to the filter paper method. The duration of prechilling was investigated on the germination of cereal seeds by exposing samples for 3 or 6
days to low temperature (10°C). The obtained results indicate that the percentage of normally
developed seedlings of barley was not affected, while wheat positively reacted to the longer
exposure. The timing of evaluating germination energy (early germination) significantly
affected the percentage of normal seedlings in maize inbred lines. The significantly higher
percentage was recorded after a one-day delay (5th instead of 4th day). Due to the fact that
germination energy provides valuable information on seed performance under field
conditions, further practice in the laboratory was established to postpone evaluation of the
germination energy in this specific case. Results obtained from this research suggest the
necessity of selecting the most appropriate combination of germination testing conditions,
which would provide induction of the maximal seed germination potential
Empowering traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation through a citizen science approach
No full textModern agricultural practices significantly reduce agro-biodiversity by controlling seed
production and promoting new varieties with a narrow genetic base. This research employs
citizen science as an innovative research approach that promotes close collaboration between
scientific investigation and practical implementation. The aim of this collaborative initiative is
to enhance understanding of local ecosystems while advocating for the conservation of their
diversity. The network of scientists, volunteers, and farmers aims to strengthen and preserve
traditional knowledge—an essential way for addressing biodiversity decline and the
challenges of climate change. The research was conducted across the territory of Vojvodina
using a random sampling design, targeting citizens in rural areas and employing the Q&A
survey method to gather feedback and insights from respondents. Findings from volunteers'
participation in research on the conservation of indigenous varieties reveal that only a small
proportion of citizens are familiar with the terms ―biodiversity‖ and ―agro-biodiversity‖.
Additionally, only 6.1% maintain private collections of native varieties‘ seeds, although 84%
express concern about climate change. In contrast, awareness and commitment regarding
sustainable agriculture are notably higher, with 51.5% of those surveyed demonstrating
understanding and involvement. These results suggest that factors contributing to biodiversity
loss are not solely linked to modern agricultural practices but also include the erosion of
traditional knowledge and skills within the population. Targeted educational initiatives aimed
at younger generations could promote a deeper understanding of environmental issues and
emphasize the importance of agro-biodiversity for ecosystem conservation. Moreover,
preserving traditional knowledge and practices can lead to the development of sustainable
scientific methodologies
Genotype × environment interaction for grain protein and oil content in mid-season soybean genotypes
No full textThe study aimed to analyse the impact of genotype × environment (G × E) interactions on grain protein and oil content in soybean genotypes from the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje collection, in order to identify stable sources for breeding purposes. Sixteen soybean genotypes from maturity group I (mid-season varieties) were examined in field trials conducted over two years at two locations (Zemun Polje and Pančevo), using a completely randomised block design. After harvest, grain protein and oil content were tested using an NIRT (near infrared transmission) analyser. The G × E interaction for seed protein and oil content was evaluated by the AMMI-1 (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) model. The first interaction axis of the AMMI-1 model explained 76.6% of the variation in grain protein content in soybean genotypes caused by the G × E interaction. Six genotypes were positioned close to the stability line, which indicated their greater degree of adaptation to environmental changes. Among these, variety Krizia had the greatest breeding potential due to its higher protein value and good stability. Other genotypes with above-average protein content deviated significantly from the stability line, largely varying in four environments and likely expressing a good adaptation in a smaller number of specific sites. For the oil content, AMMI-1 biplot displayed that the first interaction component accounted for 70.6% of the variation due to G × E interaction. The largest number of genotypes had a trait value above the general average, differing for the interaction component. Varieties with below average (Laura) and above average oil content (A 1937) showed the greatest stability. Genotypes that produced more oil in grain and did not significantly change their response to environmental changes could be potential sources of germplasm for breeding for increased oil content (A 1937, Hodgson 78, and Shine)
Genetic structure and diversity of maize lines from the MRIZP gene bank pre-breeding program
No full textToday, maize cultivation is dominated by hybrids, which have almost completely replaced the landraces and thus contributed to the reduction of genetic diversity. The maize landraces stored in the world's gene banks represent a potential resource of currently unutilised indigenous diversity that could be harnessed for crop improvement. To evaluate the breeding potential of Croatian maize landraces, 60 test crosses were produced by crossing 30 landraces with two inbred testers. During the 2024 growing season, two field trials were sown side by side at three locations (Šašinovec, Rugvica and Osijek), one with 30 landraces and two testers and the other with 60 test crosses and five commercial hybrid checks. Combined ANOVA across locations revealed a significant effect of genotype (G), location (E) and G × E interaction for grain yield (GY) in both trials. Analysis of combining ability for GY across locations showed that general combining ability with respect to landrace and tester contributed 50 and 8%, respectively, to the total sum of squares of the test cross, while the relative contribution of specific combining ability was 42%. The average GY of the 30 landraces per se at Šašinovec, Rugvica, Osijek and across locations was 7, 4.4, 2.3 and 4.6 t/ha respectively, while the corresponding average GY of the test crosses was 12.2, 6.9, 4.4 and 7.7 t/ha respectively. However, a large variation in GY was observed among landraces and their testcrosses with both inbred testers, resulting in a wide range of estimated better parent heterosis for GY (performance of the testcrosses relative to their landrace parents), which varied from 118 to 277%. Of the 60 test crosses, 17 test crosses achieved GY at the level of the average of five commercial hybrids, while seven of them were at the level of the highest-yielding hybrid
Maize inbred lines uniformity assessment using biological markers
No full textMonitoring the variability of agro-morphological traits is a valuable approach for assessing
phenotypic uniformity and identifying traits specific to particular genotypes. Biochemical
markers and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers are widely utilized for evaluating
genetic uniformity and characterizing maize genotypes. In this study, a set of 15 newly
developed maize inbred lines (G1 G15), originating from different breeding programs at the
Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, was selected for agro-morphological characterization
and uniformity assessment using various marker types. Over a three-year field trial, agromorphological
traits totaling 32 in accordance with UPOV descriptors were evaluated, and
phenotypic uniformity was assessed using the Off-type approach. Genetic uniformity was
examined through Ultra Thin-Layer Isoelectric Focusing (UTLIEF) of reserve proteins
(albumins and prolamins), complemented by analysis with eight SSR markers. Morphological
markers revealed deviations from uniformity only in lines G1 and G2, a finding confirmed by
biochemical and SSR analyses. Additionally, minimum and maximum average values for
certain traits were observed in genotypes G3 and G11. Regarding UTLIEF results, genotype
G14 displayed the lowest number of protein bands. The SSR analysis confirmed genetic
divergence among the studied genotypes. Notably, unique alleles were identified in three
lines: in G3 at the umc 109275 locus (~141 bp), in G14 at the umc 1448 locus (~161 bp), and
in G11 at the umc 1545 locus (~76 bp). These unique alleles can aid in genotype
identification, elucidate genetic relationships and origins, and potentially be linked to
important traits valuable for breeding programs. Based on the findings, 13 of the 15 inbred
lines have achieved the required level of homozygosity, making them suitable candidates for
hybrid seed production