Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje
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Sustainable agricultural strategies for optimizing soybean and millet forage biomass productivity
No full textIn response to increasing livestock populations and the need for more ecological agricultural practices, environmentally unsafe methods are being replaced by approaches that enhance forage security. Intercropping and biofertilization are recognized as sustainable strategies to address prevention of yield loss and malnutrition. This study evaluated the effectiveness of soybean-common millet intercropping and the biofertilizer Coveron (BF) on forage biomass productivity, using yield, land equivalent ratio (LER) and concentrations of P, B, Fe and Zn – key nutrients often limited in calcareous soils. Three intercropping patterns were tested: AR - alternating rows, AS1 - alternating two-row strips, AS2 - alternating two-row soybean with four-row millet strips, alongside sole crop controls. Results revealed that AS1 achieved LER > 1 for both fresh and dry biomass, despite reduced millet yield. BF had no significant effect on forage biomass and LER values. Sole soybean had the highest P concentration in both vegetative and reproductive part, while AS1 increased B and Zn accumulation in vegetative part of biomass with minimal P reduction and insignificant change in regard to Fe concentration. In millet, AR combination significantly affected P accumulation, increasing its level in reproductive part, simultaneously with reduced B concentration by all intercrop combinations. AS1 improved Fe level in both parts of millet biomass, while Zn showed different accumulation and translocation, depending on planting pattern. BF positively influenced P accumulation in soybean pods and B in millet panicle, but negatively affected P and Zn accumulation in millet vegetative part. Accordingly, intercropping soybean and common millet in alternating two-row strips represents a feasible sustainable solution for enhancing land use efficiency along with the accumulation of key nutrients in forage biomass
Mineral composition of the common winter wheat grain grown in different tillage and nitrogen levels
No full textThe content of mineral elements is a fundamental component of wheat grain quality and varies depending on applied cultural practices. The aim of the study is to examine the impact of wheat production methods on the composition of mineral elements in the grain. The field experiment was conducted in completely randomized blocks on luvic chernozem soil of the Faculty of Agriculture "Radmilovac".The variety of common soft wheat Ilina (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare), was cultivated in three tillage systems - conventional, mulch and notillage. In addition to basic cultivation fertilization treatment with NPK fertilizers in the autumn, two different amounts of N in top dressing (60 and 120 kg/ha N), were added in spring. Standard measures in wheat production were applied and the harvest was carried out at the end of June. Concentrations of 18 eighteen elements (As, Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, S, Sr, P, V and Zn) in wheat grain samples were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES). The results indicated that the concentrations of the studied elements in the wheat grain were significantly affected by the tillage systems and fertilization rates (p < 0.001), as well as the interaction of these two factors. The lowest content of the examined macroelements (K=3052mg/kg and P=3617 mg/kg), as well as the highest concentration of microelements, such as (Cu=5.104 mg/kg and Ni=0.517 mg/kg), was observed in the grain produced in the conventional tillage. The highest concentrations of Fe 48.28 mg/kg, Ba 2.991 mg/kg, and Mn 24.4 mg/kg were detected in the grain treated with 60 kg/ha N. Reduced tillage and reduced nitrogen fertilization had significantly higher positive effect on the concentration of nutritionally important minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P and Zn) in respect to the conventional tillage with higher levels of nitrogen. Results indicate that in semi-arid climate reduced soil tillage could serve as an important part of sustainable cropping system to facilitate food security
Metabolites changing in maize inbred lines grain under water deficit condition
No full textIn temperate regions worldwide, ongoing climate change has led to frequent and severe summer
droughts, resulting in a significant reduction in maize grain yields. The activation of specific
physiological processes enables plants to acclimate and adapt to challenging environmental
conditions, resulting in metabolic changes that minimise stress-related damage. This study
aimed to evaluate the status of secondary metabolites in the grain of maize inbred lines under
irrigation treatment (i.e., 75% of full irrigation) and non-irrigation treatment (considered a water
deficit condition). The tested inbred lines are components of maize hybrids developed at the
Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, belonging to diferent heterotic groups. Water stress can
trigger the plant's defence mechanisms, including the synthesis of carotenoids and tocopherols,
which possess antioxidant properties and protect the plant from the harmful efects of Reactive
Oxygen Species (ROS) produced during stress. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
(HPLC) was employed to determine the carotenoid and tocopherol content in maize kernels. A
contrasting trend in carotenoid levels was observed under water deficit conditions; two inbreds
exhibited an increase in the levels of lutein+zeaxanthin and β-carotene, while the other two
displayed a decrease. With regard to tocopherol content, water deficit conditions indicated
increased levels of all three tocopherols ( δ, α, and γ-tocopherol), with the exception of one
inbred line. However, the pronounced increase in secondary metabolite content under water
deficit conditions indicates their crucial role in mitigating the harmful efects of water deficit
stress, which may be useful in maize breeding for drought tolerance selection
Marker assisted breeding for the maize nutritional enhancement
No full textCombined with traditional selection techniques, marker assisted breeding aimed at the maize
nutritional enhancement has been established at the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje.
Over the years, commercial maize inbred lines of standard quality have been converted to
quality protein maize (QPM), as well as beta-carotene rich (BCR) maize, adapted to temperate
regions. These newly developed lines were used for developing high-yielding maize hybrids
with improved nutritional benefit adapted to temperate regions. Simple sequence repeats
(SSR) were efficiently used for direct selection of target gene (foreground selection) and for
fast recovery of recurrent parent's genome (background selection). As gene-specific markers
in foreground selection, phi057 and umc1066 were used for QPM lines, while crtRB1-3TE
marker was used for BCR lines. Background selection was performed with SSR markers
evenly distributed throughout the genome. The recovery of the recipient genome in our best
lines varied from 93% to 99% for QPM and from 90% to 99% for BCR. Biochemical
evaluation of resulting improved hybrids showed increase of relevant nutritional parameters.
Tryptophan content and tryptophan to protein ratio, an indicator of improved nutritional
protein quality, were significantly higher (p<0.05) in QPM hybrids compared to standard
maize. Also, tryptophan was above 0.075%, which corresponds to the QPM threshold value.
Similarly, beta-carotene content in BCR hybrids was significantly higher (p<0.01) in comparison
with the standard hybrids (increase up to 78.11%). Furthermore, starch and lipid contents
were significantly higher (p<0.01) in improved hybrids. These results confirmed the success
of the marker assisted conversion process, resulting in hybrids with improved nutritional
value for use in feed industry
Microelements concentration in grains of intercropped soybean and common millet
No full textThe deficiency of microelements in plants negatively impacts agricultural production and affects human health, as plants represent a primary source of essential nutrients in the human diet. Promoting sustainable, agriculture-based approaches to enhance micronutrients in grains of crops, with yield increase, can contribute to healthier nutrition through nutrient-rich foods while advancing nutritional security. The main objective of this study is focused on intercropping and bio-fertilizer (Coveron) application as convenient ecological solutions for managing microelements concentration in soybean and common millet grains. Three intercrop combinations (AR - alternating rows, AS1 - alternating strips of 2 rows of soybean and two rows of millet, AS2 - alternating strips of 2 rows of soybean and four rows of millet), together with monocrops as control, were examined. Concentrations of micro- and trace elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Obtained results revealed AS1 as a perspective combination for boosting Mn and Fe in a grain of soybean, simultaneously increasing the concentration of Fe and decreasing the concentration of potentially toxic elements (Al and Cr) in a grain of millet. The AS2 combination showed similar results, indicating its suitability for enhancing Mn accumulation in millet, too. Accumulation of other microelements was not significantly affected by the planting pattern. The bio-fertilizer was beneficial for increasing the concentration of B, Fe, Co, Zn and Mo in millet grain and Al and Co in soybean grain. According to the results, alternating strips represent promising agricultural practices to boost Mn and Fe concentration in both crops’ grains. At the same time, the integration of intercropping and bio-fertilizer has a much greater impact on managing Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, B and Al in millet grain
Geospatial sensing and data-driven technologies in the Western Balkan 6 (agro)forestry region: a strategic science–technology–policy nexus analysis
No full textGeospatial sensing and data-driven technologies (GSDDTs) are playing an increasingly
important role in transforming (agro)forestry practices across the Western Balkans 6 region
(WB6). This review critically examines the current state of GSDDT application in
six WB countries (also known as the WB6 group)—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—with a focus on their contributions
to sustainable (agro)forest management. The analysis explores the use of unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), geographic information systems
(GIS), and satellite imagery in (agro)forest monitoring, biodiversity assessment, landscape
restoration, and the promotion of circular economy models. Drawing on 25 identified case
studies across WB6—for example, ALFIS, Forest Beyond Borders, ForestConnect, Kuklica
Geosite Survey, CREDIT Vibes, and Project O2 (including drone-assisted reforestation in
Kosovo*)—this review highlights both technological advancements and systemic limitations.
Key barriers to effective GSDDT deployment across WB6 in the (agro)forestry
sector and its cross-border cooperation initiatives include fragmented legal frameworks,
limited technical expertise, weak institutional coordination, and reliance on short-term
donor funding. In addition to mapping current practices, this paper offers a comparative
overview of UAV regulations across the WB6 region and identifies six major challenges
influencing the adoption and scaling of GSDDTs. To address these, it proposes targeted
policy interventions, such as establishing national LiDAR inventories, harmonizing UAV
legislation, developing national GSDDT strategies, and creating dedicated GSDDT units
within forestry agencies. This review also underscores how GSDDTs contribute to compliance
with seven European Union (EU) acquis chapters, how they support eight Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) and their sixteen targets, and how they advance several EU
Green Agenda objectives. Strengthening institutional capacities, promoting legal alignment,
and enabling cross-border data interoperability are essential for integrating GSDDTs into
national (agro)forest policies and research agendas. This review underscores GSDDTs’
untapped potential in forest genetic monitoring and landscape restoration, advocating for
their institutional integration as catalysts for evidence-based policy and ecological resilience
in WB6 (agro)forestry systems
Maize variety verification and genetic purity methodologies: Theory vs. practice
No full textThe basis of sustainable maize production relies on high-quality seed, with variety verification
and genetic purity being essential determinants. Conventionally used grow-out tests (GOTs),
while indispensable for assessing overall phenotypic expression under field conditions, are
time-consuming, resource-intensive, and susceptible to environmental influences, often
providing results too late in the seed production cycle for effective intervention. Biochemical
markers (seed storage proteins/isozymes) in most cases environmentally independent, enable
quick and precise analysis of maize varieties uniformity and purity. Still, biochemical assays
cannot always effectively distinguish closely related inbred lines or hybrids. Advancements in
molecular marker technologies have revolutionized genetic purity assessment. Simple
Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and, increasingly, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) offer
highly precise, rapid, and environmentally independent means for distinguishing varieties and
detecting off-types. DNA-based methods enable rapid and efficient analyses, significantly
reducing time and land required, compared to traditional field trials. New emerging
technologies such as hyperspectral imaging and machine learning algorithms are showing
promise for non-destructive and automated seed identification based on miniscule phenotypic
differences. Despite these technological leaps, practical integration of advanced methods
includes challenges, such as initial investment in laboratory infrastructure, high costs of
analytical consumables, the need for standardized protocols and their inclusion into national
regulations. Furthermore, the volume and diversity of maize germplasm requires robust
reference databases for accurate comparison. In conclusion, an integrated strategy combining
the essential field-based validation of GOTs with the precision and speed of laboratory
techniques, is vital. This should strengthen seed quality assurance systems, safeguard varietal
integrity, and ultimately enhance maize productivity and food security globally, ensuring that
farmers receive the precise genetic material they intend to plant
Status of the dietary fibre and phenolic compounds in some standard and ancient cereals
No full textThe popularity of the functional food grows with the increasing awareness of consumers of its health promoting characteristic. The cereals with various active compounds are of particular importance. This research aimed to analyse whole-grain cereals (bread wheat, durum wheat, triticale, rye, barley and oat), and some ancient grains (emmer wheat and spelt) towards bioactive compounds, such as dietary fibre (arabinoxylan and β-glucan), and specific phenolic compounds. Genotypes of durum wheat, triticale, spelt, emmer wheat and barley could be considered as important and sustainable sources of prebiotic fibre (β-glucan and arabinoxylan, ranging 0.114.59% and 0.516.47%, respectively). The presence of various phenolic substances was recorded in genotypes of the examined cereals. The greatest concentration of p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid was mostly determined in Caramel oat, while the triticale (Agrounija) was highest in dihydrocaffeic acid. Dihydro-p-coumaric acid, naringin, quercetin, epicatechin were determined in grains of oat (Sopot), while catechin was present in barley grains (Apolon and Osvit) underlining their unique chemical profile. The naringenin was found in the grains of Emmer LP2-1-5 and oat genotypes. This research provides valuable information of specific nutritional profile of cereals, indicating their importance as nutraceuticals. It also provides genetic background that could be translated to genotypes with even more profound effects on human health
The role of combining abilities in maize inbred lines for developing high-yielding hybrids
No full textCombining abilities refers to the performance of parental lines in hybrid combinations and is a crucial concept in maize breeding. It provides insight into the genetic potential of inbred lines and helps breeders identify superior parents for hybrid development. Effective combiners are not only genotypes with high combining abilities but must also exhibit other desirable traits. Combining abilities are typically assessed using diallel, line x tester mating design, followed by analysis of variance to estimate general (GCA) and specific (SCA) effects. The results guide breeders in selecting the most promising parental lines and heterotic groups, ultimately leading to the development of high-yielding and stable maize hybrids. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether inbred lines with the highest absolute general combining ability values, whether positive or negative, produce hybrids with the highest specific combining ability values for grain yield and its components. Seven maize inbred lines were crossed using a diallel method to generate 21 hybrids, and the experiment was conducted in two years at three locations. A completely randomized block design with three replications was employed for both inbred lines and hybrids. Inbred lines ZPL2 and ZPL4 exhibited the highest general combining ability values for grain yield, ZPL2 and ZPL7 for ear length, ZPL4 and ZPL5 for number of kernel rows, and ZPL2 and ZPL7 for number of kernels per row. Hybrid combinations of ZP L1 x ZPL4 and ZPL2 x ZPL4 showed the highest specific combining ability values for grain yield, ZPL1 x ZPL4 and ZPL2 x ZPL6 for ear length, ZPL1 x ZPL4 and ZPL5 x ZPL6 for number of kernel rows, and ZPL1 x ZPL4 and ZPL2 x ZPL6 for number of kernels per row. Based on the results for each trait, it is clear that it is sufficient for one parent to have high general combining ability values in order to achieve high specific combining ability values when crossed with another parent