Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje
RIK - Repository of the Maize Research Institute, Zemun Polje, Belgrade / RIK - Repozitorijum instituta za kukuruz Zemun polje, BeogradNot a member yet
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Integrating UAV multispectral imaging and proximal sensing for high-precision cereal crop monitoring
No full textMultispectral optical data significantly enhances cereal crop monitoring by enabling precise
tracking of growth stages, early detection of germination issues, and assessment
of plant health. This study evaluates the potential of integrating UAV multispectral sensor
with the handheld Plant-O-Meter device for high-precision crop monitoring. The aim
was to determine the optimal UAV imaging timing that aligns with proximal sensor measurements
to improve growth stage assessments. Experiments were conducted on 41
cereal genotypes, including ancient and modern varieties, under two nitrogen top-dress
dosages across 130 plots. The top ten performing genotypes were analyzed to identify
resilient varieties adaptable to climate change and evolving field conditions. Our results
demonstrate that vegetation indices during booting and spike emergence stages consistently
predict yield potential, offering a robust framework for early-stage yield estimation.
Additionally, we provide a comparative analysis of UAV and handheld sensor data,
highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Three vegetation indices, GRDVI,
NDVI and SAVI demonstrated a very strong average positive correlation: 0.957, 0.954
and 0.944 across the selected genotypes from different performance levels. The combined
dataset supports improved fertilization strategies, optimized seeding cycles, and
identification of genotypes with stable agronomic traits. This study underscores the synergistic
potential of aerial and proximal sensing technologies for next-generation cereal
crop management and precision agriculture
Mining maize gene bank diversity for desirable alleles
No full textModern agriculture combats a dual challenge-meeting societal demands for eco-friendly practices and diverse, healthier products and sustaining production in the face of climate change. This combination of factors raises unprecedented questions about how to identify and improve suitable plant materials that can be delivered to farmers and other end users. In this context, understanding the role of seed gene banks is crucial. They serve multiple functions - collecting new plant materials, conserving them under controlled environments, testing seed health, conducting research to characterise and evaluate these materials for breeding important traits and resilience against abiotic and biotic stresses, and distributing them to plant breeders, researchers, farmers, and the food industry. The vast array of traits found in cereal genetic resources maintained in ex situ collections - gene banks, along with their adaptability - is vital for enhancing the resilience of agricultural production systems and advancing innovative, efficient agro-food systems and other bio-based value chains. Thus, they represent a key form of natural capital necessary for stability and adaptability in agriculture and for fostering a sustainable bio-economy. Despite the importance of genetic diversity in plant breeding, most cereal ex situ collections are underutilised, with less than 5% actively used. Despite efforts over the past few decades to expand cereal ex situ collections globally, their size complicates the maintenance and evaluation of the genetic diversity they encompass. Many accessions lack sufficient evaluation data, hindering effective responses to user needs. Typically, only minimal passport data is available, and detailed information on unique traits is often missing. Significant gaps in documentation and characterisation hinder breeding programs. Only 64% of accessions are morphologically characterised, 51% agronomically, 14% biochemically, and about 22% for biotic traits. Hence, comprehensive characterisation is essential for maximising the value of cereal genetic resources and helping users select appropriate germplasm
Respect and care for traditional understandings of agrobiodiversity
No full textThe advancement of sustainable agriculture is closely linked to the preservation of traditional values. A modern
strategy for promoting sustainability in primary agriculture supports the integration of science and practice. This
involves involving citizens in various research projects and raising community awareness of the importance of
preserving natural resources. With the technological development of society, modern agriculture has moved
away from natural laws by introducing hybridization and the creation of new varieties on a genetically narrow
basis, which has led to natural diversity loss. The primary framework of Citizen Science is the engagement of
community members in research activities, which include the collection and monitoring of plant species and the
encouragement of citizen science initiatives such as seed sharing and the development of seed databases,
ensuring future generations access to a wide range of different information about the natural potential of the
region. The main challenge in involving farmers in scientific research and development of food production
technologies is the effective engagement of the wider community in the problem of biodiversity loss and the
conservation of natural resources. Agriculture is intrinsically linked to global and local food production systems.
This affects food security, climate change, environmental sustainability and issues of social justice. From the
perspective of sustainable agriculture, it builds sovereignty and development of rural communities. The concept
of citizen science is part of the process of creating new research methodologies that harmonize scientific
research with traditional practices within the framework of sustainable development. The ultimate goal of these
activities is to strengthen the awareness and initiative of citizens in the fight for biodiversity conservation. These
methodologies not only empower local populations, but also encourage the preservation of indigenous
knowledge, which is vital for solving contemporary challenges. Integrating citizen science into agricultural
practices can create a comprehensive framework for combating climate change and food securit
Mycotoxins content in organic and conventional cereal grains and their products
No full textDespite numerous studies comparing the mycotoxin content between organic and conventional cereal grains, there are still controversies and doubts. The assumption is that there is a greater amount of mycotoxins in organic cereal grains due to the impossibility of using classic fungicides to protect against phytopathogenic fungi. Consumer awareness about the health risks from mycotoxins is still relatively low. Using a review of the relevant scientific literature, an analysis of the frequency and concentration of the most common pathogenic fungi (Fusarium, Claviceps, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species) in organic and conventional cereal grains and products was performed. Contamination of cereals with mycotoxins is influenced by a number of factors, such as climatic conditions during the growing and harvest season, variety choice, agrotechnical measures (tillage, fertilization, rotation design/pre-crop, crop protection), as well as postharvest management (drying and cleaning of harvested grains and storage conditions). Contamination with mycotoxins produced by Fusarium sp. decreased between the 1990s and 2020. Significant effects of production system on the incidence and/or concentrations of T-2/HT-2 toxins, zearalenone, enniatin, beauvericin, ochratoxin A (OTA), and aflatoxins were observed. Also, 50% higher concentrations of deoxynivalenol were observed in conventional than organic cereal grains and products. It can be concluded that no significant difference was found in the content of mycotoxins between organic and conventional cereals and their products. Contamination levels are similar in organic and conventional cereals
Mining maize gene bank diversity: A pillar for future-ready breeding
No full textThe agricultural sector must reconcile environmentally sustainable practices with producing healthier, diversified food and feed while maintaining productivity amid climate change. The Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje (MRIZP) genebank is an invaluable repository of extensive maize genetic diversity. Efficient mining of this resource contributes to uncovering superior genotypes that underpin successful breeding initiatives. Over the past decade, research has demonstrated that pre-breeding effectively connected maize genetic resources with applied breeding programs. During this phase, 31 local landraces—out of 321 identified as promising for drought tolerance—were selected based on their superior agronomic performance per se and further evaluated, considering heterotic patterns, yield, and grain chemical composition. The introgression of landraces with the highest levels of targeted quality parameters per se—protein, starch, and lipids—will enrich elite breeding material and bolster MRIZP‘s programs focused on quality improvement. Additionally, 63 early-maturing, predominantly flint-type landraces from the drought-tolerance subset set the foundation of a novel pre-breeding initiative aimed at broadening the genetic base of early-maturing elite maize varieties. Furthermore, 572 MRIZP genebank inbreds, characterized by collection-site attributes from Southeast Europe (the MRIZP-SEE sub-panel), were genotyped using the Axiom 600k Array. Admixture analysis revealed that 455 of these inbreds clustered into distinct populations—A374, European Flint, and Wf9—highlighting clear genetic differentiation. Signatures of selection on several chromosomes highlighted stress response genes associated with climate adaptation. Moreover, the MRIZP genebank has contributed 96 maize landraces to the European Evaluation Network for Maize (EVA), part of the European Cooperative Program for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR). EVA provides standardized phenotypic data from multi-location trials across Europe, assessing traits relevant to breeders, abiotic and biotic stress resistance, as well as genotyping information. Through strategic public-private partnerships, this comprehensive dataset helps identify superior accessions for breeding to support climate resilience, sustainability, food security, and crop improvement
Growth trend of organic maize production in Serbia
No full textMaize (Zea mays L., family Poaceae) is one of the world's most important crops. Organic
farming is defined as an agricultural management system that supports and enhances natural
biodiversity, utilizing processes and technologies based on biological principles without the
use of artificial inputs or genetically modified organisms. One of the main prerequisites for
successful organic corn production is the use of hybrids well adapted to local conditions and
tolerant to disease and pest pathogens. The aim of this study was to show the range of areas
under organic maize in Serbia for the period 2011 - 2023. Data were obtained from the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia. The
following methods were used in the study: desk research, content analysis, comparative
analyses and analyses of base and chain indices. In Serbia, organic grain production in 2023
covered an area of 5,372.23 hectares, with wheat occupying the largest area at a total of
2,010.33 ha, followed by rye with 844.76 ha, while maize, with a total of 603.93 ha, ranked
fifth. During the analyzed period, the area under organic maize production varied
significantly. The smallest production was recorded in 2011 (115.28 ha), while the largest was
in 2015 (1,912.36 ha). The largest areas are located in the Vojvodina region. Given the
growing global demand for organic maize, in Serbia, organic maize production is a relatively
recent development and still occupies smaller areas, especially in comparison to conventional
maize
Evaluating of Nutritional Traits in Maize Inbred Lines
No full textModern maize hybrids, which are primarily bred for high yields, often do not meet human nutritional
requirements. Inbred lines (ILs), which serves as parental components in hybrid development, represent a valuable reservoir of nutritional traits. Bioactive compounds naturally present in maize—carotenoids and tocols (including tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3))—possess antioxidative properties hat have a positive effect on human health. In this study, 85 ILs from the Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje" gene bank were evaluated and compared to five commercial lines (SLs). The content of carotenoids (including lutein + zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin) and tocols (comprising α-T, β+γ-T, δ-T, α-T3, β+γ-T3, and δ-T3) was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and fluorescence detection (HPLC-DAD/FLD). The content of quantified phytochemicals was expressed as the mean value of three independent injections, and the obtained results were subjected to one-way ANOVA. The carotenoid content in ILs ranged from 10.80 to 40.13 μg/g dry weight (dw), whereas SLs showed a range of 27.35 to 44.74 μg/g dw. The tocols content in ILs varied between 44.71 and 129.05 μg/g dw, while SLs had values ranging from 39.26 to 82.48 μg/g dw. Among all lines tested, IL-29 exhibited the highest total carotenoid content (40.13 μg/g dw), while IL-13 displayed the highest βcarotene content (3.16 μg/g dw). Similarly, IL-66 had the highest total tocols content (129.05 μg/g dw), and IL-34 recorded the highest α-tocopherol content (18.11 μg/g dw). These results underscore the gene bank's role as a rich source of nutritional diversity. Notably, IL-13 and IL-34 stand out as promising candidates for breeding maize hybrids with enhanced β-carotene and α-tocopherol content, respectively. However, possible incomplete gene bank's germplasm coverage could be overcome by expanding germplasm screening and assessing broader agronomic impacts to ensure stable, effective nutrient improvements in maize
Prospect of corn silk's utilization for health enhancement: interconnecting traditional and modern approaches
No full textIn many nations worldwide, corn silk (Stigma maydis) has a long
history of use in functional foods and traditional medicine. Numerous studies
have demonstrated the anti-diabetic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
and antioxidant qualities of maize (Zea mays L.), which has a stigma that contains
a wide range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polysaccharides,
steroids, tannins, alkaloids, proteins, and vitamins. In order to help reduce
agricultural waste and move it toward zero waste food production, our current
research focuses on examining the complete bioactive profile of corn silk and
applying it for pharmacological purposes
The early growth of maize under waterlogging stress, as measured by growth, biochemical, and molecular characteristics
No full textAn effective strategy to address the impacts of climate change on maize involves
early planting, which mitigates drought stress during critical growth phases, preventing
yield reductions. The research assessed two maize inbred lines (sensitive and tolerant
to low temperature) under conditions of waterlogging stress. This is crucial since early
sowing often faces both low temperatures and heavy rain. Morphological, biochemical,
and molecular responses were recorded after 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days of stress during the
growth stage of 5-day-old seedlings. The findings indicated a more pronounced decline
in all morphological characteristics in the sensitive line. Both genotypes displayed an
increased root-to-shoot ratio, suggesting that the shoots deteriorate more rapidly than the
roots. Physiological evaluations demonstrated that the tolerant line was more effective
in managing ROS levels compared to the sensitive line. The involvement of H2O2 in
aerenchyma formation implies that the decreased POD activity and elevated MDA levels
observed after seven days may be associated with aerenchyma development in the tolerant
line. Genes essential for PSII function revealed that waterlogging adversely affected
photosynthesis in the sensitive genotype. In summary, the low-temperature tolerant
genotype exhibited significant resilience to waterlogging, indicating potential interaction
between the pathways governing these two abiotic stressors
Variation of mass of plant in bread wheat varieties
No full textThe mass of the plant is related to other components involved in forming the yield of wheat. The aim of this study was to estimate the variability of the mass of the plant in 10 genetically divergent wheat varieties. The experiment was set up as a randomized block design with three replications during two year of experiment (2015/16 and 2016/17). The seeds were sown at 0.10 m distances in 1.0 m long rows spaced apart by 0.2 m. Sixty plants at the full maturity stage (20 plants per replication) were harvested and used for analyzing the mass of the plant. The analysis of variance was performed using MSTAT C (version 5.0). Similarities among wheat varieties were analyzed using the hierarchical method of Euclidean distance. The results showed significant differences in average values of the mass of the plant among the analyzed wheat varieties during each year of the experiment. In the first year of the study, the least mass of the plant was recorded for the Morava variety (27.43 g), while the highest mass of the plant was found in the Kremna variety (41.47 g). In the second year, mass of the plant varied from the lowest in the Kosmajka variety (28.77 g), to the highest mass of the plant in the Ljubiţevka variety (45.53 g). On average, for all 10 wheat varieties, the mass of the spike was 34.5 g in the first vegetation season and 38.3 g in the second vegetation season, with average value of 36.4 g for all varieties and two years. The highest imapact on expresion these traits had interaction of genotype/environment (48%) and the least impact had genotype (9%). The differences in the average mass of the plant were determined by genetic and environmental factors, as well as by genotype/environment interaction