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Development of biorational methods for seed protection during storage against biotoic and abitoic stressors
No full textPost-harvest period represents one of the most vulnerable periods in seed production and also a vital aspect of food security. However, less than 5% of the funding has been allocated for research on mitigation of post-harvest losses, indicating a state of neglect of this crucial part of agricultural production. During storage, seed pests are a major cause of huge postharvest losses (10-100%), but recently, due to climate change, inadequate storage conditions also pose a threat to preservation of seed quality and vitality. The SafeSeed project tends to answer this challenge by defining seed traits responsible for seed tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress as well as developing a seed protectant. We will use a holistic approach in developing new and improving existing pest management tools and optimizing preventive measures for seed storing with the ultimate aim of reducing postharvest losses. Accordingly, a large genetic pool of major field crops (maize, sunflower, legumes, cereals) will undergo extensive screening that will include: i) determination of main seed traits responsible for tolerance to seed insect pests using common and –omics phenotyping tools, ii) tolerance/preference assessment in insect biotests, iii) identification of protease inhibitors that will be used for formulating bioinsecticide and seed protectant, iv) bioinformatic tools for the integration of information from seed phenotyping and insect biotests that will result in the creation of pest tolerant ideotype
Tolerance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus Say) and relation of quantitative seed traits to crop resistance
No full textCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is considered as one of the most valuable legume for human consumption. Worldwide distribution of common bean is justified with its good adaptation to diverse ecological conditions and production systems, followed by great morphological and genetic variability. Also, common bean is well known as rich source of proteins, fibers and minerals that are becoming increasingly deficient in human diet. Unfortunately, bean production is hampered and limited by insect pests, where bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)) causes major losses. Even though bean weevil infests common bean in both field and storage, its population is mainly observed postharvest. It is estimated that qualitative and quantitative seed losses made by bean weevil are often higher than 30%. Therefore, the aim of this research was to assess the tolerance of different common bean genotypes to bean weevil by insect biotest. Additional efforts were made to explore and identify seed traits responsible for bean tolerance to this pest. This research is part of larger initiative, where the final goal is to develop new and improve existing pest management tools for bean seed storing, with emphasize on biorational solutions, such as selection of pest-tolerant seed ideotype. In the long run, this should result in reduced use of pesticides in storages. Tolerance of 37 different common bean accessions to bean weevil was studied in “no-choice” biotest under laboratory conditions, in three replications. The adults of laboratory reared population of A. obtectus were placed on different common bean accessions (in petri dishes, on pre-measured seed amount) and were allowed to develop for six months (180 days). The number of newly emerged weevils was counted each month, and they were left for further development. After six months, seed damage was estimated based on the amount of consumed seeds (%), but also the final weevil population density was estimated. Data on total number of emerged insects, together with percentage of damaged seeds for each bean accession, were subjected to an analysis of variance, while corresponding means were compared by Duncan’s homogeneity of variance test (0.05 significance level) using SPSS software. Analysis of quantitative seeds traits included measurement of 1000 seed weight (g), seed length (mm), seed width (mm), seed thickness (mm) and seed hardness. In order to identify seed characteristics that could potentially be sources of common bean tolerance to bean weevil, Pearson correlation coefficients were analyzed between aforementioned seed traits and percentage of seed damage, together with A. obtectus population density. Significant differences between bean accessions were observed for the percentage of seed damage and number of emerged weevils. The percentage of damaged seeds varied from 1.03% (KP40) to 100% (KP114 and KP236), while number of imagoes ranged from 25 (KP149) to 935 (KP95). Usually, accessions with larger observed number of imagoes had the largest percentage of damaged seeds (KP70, KP327, KP305, KP51, for example) and vice versa (KP149, KP170, KP161), with some deviations. It was noted that accessions that suffered severe seed damage also had larger and longer seeds, which was confirmed with Pearson correlation coefficient in this paper. Namely, there was strong correlation between percentage of damaged seeds and seed weight (P<0.01) and percentage of damaged seeds and seed length (P<0.005). On the other hand, significant correlation between number of imagoes and studied seed traits was not found. In addition, studied accessions showed overall diversity regarding number of imagoes and percentage of damaged seeds, CV = 48.3% and CV = 37.1%, respectively. It can be concluded that studied common bean collection can be good source of variation towards breeding for tolerance to bean weevil, while detected correlations imply which quantitative seed traits should be used in the selection process. It must be stressed out that these are preliminary results, while more comprehensive research will include assessment of qualitative seeds traits, comprising both nutritive and antinutritive parameters and other biochemical properties, in order to identify most responsible traits associated with bean tolerance to bean weevil
Wheat Straw Mulching with Fertilizer Nitrogen: An Approach for Improving Soil Water Storage and Maize Crop Productivity
No full textField studies using wheat straw mulching effects on soil water storage and maize development were conducted in China. The studies contained four treatments during three years (2014 2016): CK (no straw and no nitrogen); N (no straw mulching with 172 kg N ha-1); HS + N (half straw mulching at the rate of 2500 kg ha-1 with 172 kg N ha-1), and FS + N (full straw mulching at the rate of 5000 kg ha-1 with 172 kg N ha-1). The FS + N treatment significantly increased soil water storage in a drought period during crop growth stages and promoted plant growth along with increased evapotranspiration. The FS + N treatment increased the soil water storage (26.5, 19.9 and 11.1 mm), grain yield (28.7, 6.93 and 2.4%), and water use efficiency (26.6, 6.64 and 2.40%) compared to CK, N and HS + N, respectively. In conclusion, compared to N, HS + N or FS + N increased the biomass (11 and 19%) and water use efficiency (4 and 5%), respectively, and are considered beneficial in Guanzhong, China. Mulching levels were superior to N and compensated the wheat nitrogen requirements. Thus, further studies with minimum fertilizer nitrogen for an environmentally friendly and effective approach are recommended in semiarid regions of China
Organic Production - A Leading World Trend
No full textCrop production is conducted in open fields, making it essential to follow regional climatic characteristics and know edaphic factors, which significantly influence the success of production. It encompasses multiple systems: traditional and conventional production, sustainable production, good agricultural practices, organic farming, and others. Organic farming promotes ecosystem preservation by integrating biodiversity and biological cycles, using methods that exclude external synthetic inputs. Under favorable environmental conditions, cultivated plants are more productive, while in unfavorable conditions, the application of adequate cultivation technology is necessary. The total area of Serbia is 7,747,400 ha (1,984,513 ha - forested, 709,930 ha - unproductive land, and 5,052,957 ha - agricultural land). Arable land accounts for 3,398,700 ha or 66% of the total agricultural land, grasslands and pastures cover approximately 1,455,589 ha (28%), fruit orchards and vineyards occupy 298,667 ha (6%). In 2021, areas under organic agricultural production take place in 191 countries (76 mil. ha, only 1.6% of total agricultural land) were 11% larger compared to 2017 (69.8 mil. ha). Serbia has favorable conditions for the development of organic production. The largest areas under organic production are in Vojvodina (45.07%), followed by Southeastern Serbia (33.88%), Šumadija and Western Serbia (20.74%), while the smallest areas were in Belgrade (0.31%). In 2023, organic farming in Serbia covered 29,002 ha (18,086 ha - organic status and 10,916 ha - conversion period), with the most represented crop types being cereals (5,372 ha), forage crops (3,006 ha), industrial crops (2,286 ha), followed by fruits (4,393 ha), medicinal, spice, and aromatic plants (352 ha), while the smallest areas were under vegetables (223.7 ha) and other crops (430 ha). Organic production in Serbia shows a growth trend in cultivated areas. The market for organic products remains insufficiently supplied, with demand exceeding production. Organic agriculture represents a leading global trend as it generates significant economic profit, positively impacting the trade balance of every country
History of sunflower development in Russia and Serbia
No full textSuncokret (Helianthus annuus L.) predstavlja jednu od najvažnijih uljanih kultura. Njegovo poreklo vodi iz Severne Amerike, gde su ga starosedeoci uzgajali i koristili u ishrani, medicini i ritualima još pre više od tri milenijuma. U Evropu je prenet početkom XVI veka, isprva kao ukrasna biljka, dok se njegova komercijalna vrednost razvijala sporije. Ključnu ulogu u transformaciji suncokreta u stratešku uljaricu imala je Rusija, gde su razvijene prve selekcionisane sorte visokog sadržaja ulja. rokom XX veka, zahvaljujući ruskoj genetici i američkom inženjeringu, suncokret se vraća u Severnu Ameriku kao industrijska kultura. Ovaj rad razmatra hronološki tok kultivacije suncokreta u Rusiji i Srbiji, uključujući agroekološke, kulturološke i tehničke aspekte njegovog širenja i unapređenja, sa fokusom na uticaj koji su selekcija, migracije i religijski običaji imali na njegovu istoriju i globalni značaj.Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops in the modern world. Its origin traces back to North America, where indigenous peoples cultivated and utilized it for food, medicine, and rituals over three millennia ago. It was introduced to Europe in the early 16th century, initially grown as an ornamental plant, with its commercial value developing gradually. Russia played a key role in transforming sunflower into a strategic oil crop by developing the first high-oil-content cultivars. During the 20th century, thanks to Russian genetics and American breeding efforts, sunflower returned to North America as an industrial crop. This paper examines the chronological development of sunflower cultivation in Russia and Serbia, including agroecological, cultural, and technical aspects of its spread and improvement, focusing on the impact of selection, migration, and religious practices on its history and global significance
Production and use of castor oil
No full textRicinus communis je industrijska uljana biljna vrsta koja se uspešno gaji na marginalnim zemljištima i u sušnim uslovima uz manje potrebe za inputima. Seme ricinusa sadrži do 60% ulja. Njegovo ulje je bogato ricinoleinskom kiselinom i koristi se u farmaceutskoj, kozmetičkoj i hemijskoj industriji. U zavisnosti od primene, mogu se koristiti različiti načini ekstrakcije ulja, uključujući mehaničko presovanje, ekstrakciju rastvaračem i alternativne metode poput vodeno enzimske ekstrakcije, ekstrakcije nadkritičnim ugljendioksidom i subkritičnim butanom. Izbor tehnike zavisi od ciljanog kvaliteta ulja, ekonomske isplativosti i bezbednosnih aspekata proizvodnje.Ricinus communis is an industrial oilseed crop that can be successfully cultivated on marginal lands and under arid conditions with low input requirements. Castor seeds contain up to 60% oil. The oil is rich in ricinoleic acid and is used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. Depending on the intended application, various extraction methods can be employed, including mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, and alternative techniques such as aqueous enzymatic extraction, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, and subcritical butane extraction. The choice of extraction technique depends on the desired oil quality, economic viability, and safety considerations in production
Molecular screening of stripe rust and powdery mildew resistance genes in European bread wheat using the validated gene-specific SSR markers
No full textWheat is susceptible to fungal diseases that significantly impact yield. Characterizing wheat germplasm for innate resistance is a sustainable strategy against fungal pathogens. This study evaluates the resistance potential of 60 bread wheat cultivars against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst, causing stripe rust, or yellow rust, Yr) and Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (causing Powdery mildew, Pm) using six validated gene-specific SSR markers. The results of molecular screening revealed high amplification rates for the Pst resistance genes Yr15 (98.55 %) and Yr5 (95 %), suggesting the potential presence of both resistance genes markers among the tested Cultivars. In contrast, Pm resistance genes showed varying allele frequencies: Pm41 (77.33 %), Pm24 (31.66 %), and Pm38 (8.77 %). Notably, Pm60 was absent across all tested samples. Serbian cultivar Simonida showed the highest genetic potential, harboring five resistance genes. Genotype-wise screening revealed clear genetic and geographical patterns; French cultivars had more Pst resistance genes, Serbian ones carried a broader range across Yr and Pm genes, and Croatian cultivars, though limited in number, showed significant amplification for Pm41, highlighting breeding potential. Despite significant progress, the absence of durable resistance in some genes (e.g., Pm60) suggests a need for incorporating additional resistance sources from wheat relatives. This study highlights the potential of gene-specific markers as a reliable strategy for enhancing disease resistance in wheat breeding programs, while also highlighting the valuable contribution of region-specific germplasm to the global development of resilient cultivars for ensuring food security under increasing environmental and biotic stresses
Comparison of glutelins characteristics among foxtail millet varieties: Functional, physico-chemical, and structural modifications induced by hydrothermal treatment
No full textThis research evaluated the functional, physico-chemical and structural characteristics of glutelin, a major storage protein, extracted from four Chinese foxtail millet (Setaria italica) varieties (ZZ10, Y18, CH8 and CH6) under raw (GR) and hydrothermally treated (GB) (boiled at 95–100 °C for 15 min) conditions. The purity of glutelin fractions ranged from 76.01 % to 77.56 %, with significant varietal differences in amino acid composition, thermal stability, solubility and surface properties. Glutamic acid was the predominant amino acid, and hydrothermal treatment enhanced the availability of key amino acids, particularly glutamic acid, leucine and alanine. The GB treatment reduced solubility, zeta potential, and water absorption capacity while increasing particle size and disulfide bond content, reflecting heat-induced denaturation and aggregation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed reduced α-helical content and increased β-sheet structures, indicating structural rearrangements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed compact, aggregated glutelin structures in GB samples, with CH6 and CH8 being most affected. ZZ10 maintained superior solubility, thermal stability, and structural integrity while CH6 and CH8 were highly susceptible to heat-induced changes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and intrinsic fluorescence confirmed glutelin unfolding, reduced crystallinity, and exposure of hydrophobic residues post-boiling. These findings demonstrate that ZZ10 exhibits superior thermal stability and functional properties, making it suitable for thermally processed foods, while CH6 and CH8 are more susceptible to heat-induced structural changes, limiting their functionality in such applications. The study provides crucial insights for optimizing millet-based foods through varietal-specific protein behavior
Protocol for phenotyping for biotic stress tolerance combined with drought response using imaging analyses obtained with near distance sensors
No full textThis protocol for phenotyping for biotic stress tolerance combined with drought response using imaging analyses obtained with near distance sensors was developed by IAS-CSIC for the CROPINNO project
Staff training Research Infrastructure Management held in March 2025 FZJ program, report and pictures
No full textThis dataset contains the program, report and participant pictures from a hybrid staff training Research Infrastructure Management held on 12 March 2025 by FZJ in Brussels for six IFVCNS researchers and staff members face-to-face, seven IFVCNS researchers and staff members online, and three FZJ researchers within CROPINNO project. It highlights the work done, main achievements and planned follow-up activities