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Soil microalga Coelastrella sp. alleviates water stress in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants
No full textThis study aimed to isolate a soil microalgal strain and evaluate its effects on seed germination, growth and biochemical parameters of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under three watering conditions: well-watered (70% of water holding capacity (WHC)), water-deficit (35% WHC), and flooded (95% WHC). The microalgal isolate S16/8 (Coelastrella sp.) was identified through morphological and molecular characterization. The highest values for germination percentage (96%), daily seedling growth (32 N day−1), seedling growth rate (9.6 N day−1), mean germination time (53.1 days), vigor index (6144%), root length (96 mm), and shoot length (32 mm) were achieved in variant where the isolate was applied along with its growth medium. Across all conditions, Coelastrella S16/8 positively influenced root and shoot length, as well as fresh and dry mass of six-week-old plants, with the strongest impact on stem length. Biochemical analyses revealed that Coelastrella S16/8 significantly reduced lipid peroxidation in drought-stressed plants, lowering it to nearly half of control values and 3.7 times lower under flooded conditions. Soluble protein content was highest in drought-stressed plants for both the control and Coelastrella S16/8-treated groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly elevated under flooded conditions, while glutathione (GSH) levels were notably higher in drought-stressed control plants and in Coelastrella S16/8-treated plants under flooding. No significant changes were observed in total protein (TP) content across all tested conditions and treatments
Sunflower - A model crop for sustainable agriculture
No full textThe average global temperature is rising and setting records every year, accompanied by
abnormal climate events such as supercell storms. In addition to numerous biotic factors that
create problems in growing crops, abiotic factors such as extremely high temperatures and
unpredictable rainfall present increasingly challenging conditions for successful production. At
the global level, sunflowers are a strategic agricultural crop, due to its relatively moderate
production needs compared to other crops. Benefits of growing cultivated sunflowers are
multiple, such as: 1. Food and Feed Production: Sunflower seeds are a nutritious food source
for humans and animals alike. They are rich in quality oil, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and
minerals, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet; 2. Biofuel Production: sunflower
seeds are rich in oil, which can be extracted and processed into biodiesel. Biodiesel is a
renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on finite resources; 3. Soil Improvement - Sunflower
have deep root systems that can break up compacted soil, allowing better water infiltration and
aeration. After harvest, sunflower stalks and roots decompose, adding organic matter to the soil
and improving its fertility; 4. Pollinator Support: Sunflower are attractive to bees and other
pollinators, providing them with nectar and pollen. Supporting pollinator populations is crucial
for maintaining biodiversity and ensures the pollination of many other crops; 5. Crop Rotation:
Sunflower are often used in crop rotation cycles because they have different nutrient
requirements than many other crops. Rotating sunflower with other crops helps prevent soil
depletion and reduces the risk of pests and diseases buildup. Overall, sunflower crop is
extremely important because of its many benefits in agricultural systems with impact on
environmental sustainability, soil health, biodiversity conservation, and the production of
renewable resources. Current research on sunflower, in the Center of Excellence for Innovations
in Breeding of Climate-Resilient Crops - Climate Crops of the Institute of Field and Vegetable
Crops, is based on application of modern biotechnological methods for precise phenotyping,
along with genotypic and epigenetic research, in order to examine the mechanisms of adaptation
of sunflower to extreme abiotic factors, primarily drought and heat, as an increasingly frequent
phenomenons caused by climatic irregularities. The findings of this research, along with the
simultaneous use of the genetic base of wild Helianthus species, allow us to model new
directions in sunflower breeding and create genotypes for future challenges
Optimization of sunflower genotype selection for sustainable processing: Balancing oil extraction and biomass utilization
No full textSunflower is a major oilseed crop, but its processing generates significant by-products, primarily seed hulls/pericarp. Efficient utilization of these by-products can enhance the sustainability of sunflower production, as pericarp with high lignocellulosic content has potential applications in pellet production, whereas genotypes with lower pericarp content are preferable for oil extraction. In order to optimize the industrial processing of seeds, four sunflower genotypes (H1, H2, H3, and H4) were analyzed. Head diameter was measured at the stage of physiological maturity, and plants from the two middle rows were used for yield calculation, based on yield per head with 11% moisture. Morphometric achene and seed traits (60 per genotype) were measured using calipers, while pericarp thickness was determined using a light microscope and image analysis software. The total oil percentage in the seed was measured using Maran Ultra Resonance NMR in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and ISO 10565 standard. The results indicate that H3 (27.5% pericarp, 429 µm pericarp thickness, 18.75 cm head diameter, 115.62 g yield per head) and H4 (25.9% pericarp, 318.2 µm pericarp thickness, 17.25 cm head diameter, 94.88 g yield per head) are the most suitable for pellet production, as their high pericarp content provides greater biomass yield and higher energy value. In contrast, H1 (17.42% pericarp, 194.9 µm pericarp thickness, 51.36% oil, 22.50 cm head diameter, 140.11 g yield per head) and H2 (20.85% pericarp, 157.9 µm pericarp thickness, 44.55% oil, 17.50 cm head diameter, 121.53 g yield per head) are better suited for industrial oil processing, as their lower pericarp percentage and thinner pericarp allow for a higher seed proportion and more efficient oil extraction. Notably, H1’s thinner pericarp facilitates easier removal during processing, increasing efficiency and reducing technological losses. This study highlights the importance of genotype selection in optimizing sunflower processing and sustainability. High-pericarp genotypes (H3 and H4) are better suited for biomass utilization, while low-pericarp genotypes (H1 and H2) enhance oil extraction efficiency, reducing processing losses. Targeted use of these genotypes can minimize waste, improve resource efficiency, and support a circular bioeconomy in sunflower production. Future research should further evaluate their energy potential and oil quality to refine industrial applications
Effect of silicon fertilization and crop rotation on PhytOC sequestration in Vojvodina wheat production systems
No full textCarbon dioxide (CO₂) is the primary greenhouse gas driving global warming, with annual emissions projected to reach 80 billion tons by 2050. One promising pathway for terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration is the occlusion of C within plant silica formations – phytoliths (PhytOC). To evaluate potential of wheat for PhytOC-based CO₂ sequestration, a field survey was conducted in the Vojvodina region (Serbia), which accounts for 55% of the country’s wheat production. Wheat straw and topsoil samples (plough depth) were collected from 25 sites under typical farming practices involving crop rotation (mostly maize and sunflower, rarely soybean or sugar beet) and NPK fertilization. PhytOC concentrations ranged from 50-260 mg kg⁻¹ in topsoil and 40-860 mg kg⁻¹ in wheat straw, revealing considerable genotypic variation. To assess the effect of Si fertilization, both soil (150 kg Si ha⁻¹) and foliar (1 mM H₄SiO₄) applications were tested. Compared to untreated control, straw phytolith content increased by 30% and 50% with foliar and soil Si, respectively. Correspondingly, straw biomass increased from 8.34 t ha-1 (control) to 9.45 t ha-1 (foliar Si) and 9.53 t ha-1 (soil Si), nearly doubling PhytOC yield in the Si treatments. A 60-year crop rotation trial further examined the long-term effects on PhytOC sequestration. Compared to monoculture wheat, two-crop (maize–wheat) and three-crop (maize–soybean–wheat) rotations increased wheat biomass (by 1.3 and 1.7 times), leaf Si concentration (by 1.3 and 1.6 times), and straw phytolith accumulation (by 2.4 and 2.6 times), resulting in nearly double PhytOC yields (160 and 150 mg kg⁻¹ vs. 90 mg kg⁻¹). Soil PhytOC storage increased by 25% in three-crop systems (two grains and a legume) compared to monoculture, and by 60% in two grain crops rotations. In Vojvodina, PhytOC-based CO₂ sequestration in soil (at plough depth) is estimated at 334 kg CO₂ ha⁻¹, while wheat straw captures approximately 15 kg CO₂ ha⁻¹ annually, corresponding to an estimated 5,500,000 kg CO₂ yr-1 across the region. These findings highlight that wheat’s capacity for PhytOC-based CO₂ sequestration can be substantially improved through genotypic selection, Si fertilization, and diverse crop rotations, offering a sustainable strategy for climate-smart agriculture
Early physiological responses of tomato to Trichoderma spp. under short-term water deficit
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of Trichoderma harzianum and T. brevicompactum on the physiological responses of tomato plantlets (Gružanski zlatni) under a 48h drought cycle. Tomato plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions in a growth chamber and exposed to six treatments: optimal watering (soil volumetric water content: 37%), cessation of watering and the same conditions with T. harzianum or T. brevicompactum. Trichoderma spp. (8 × 10⁶ CFU) were inoculated near the root zone at the four fully developed leaf stage. Several physiological parameters were measured using non-destructive probes: soil water content (Theta probe; Delta-T, Cambridge, UK), chlorophyll fluorescence (Handy PEA, Kings Lynn, UK), electrochromic shift, proton conductivity, linear electron flux (LEF), PSI active centers, and non-photochemical quenching (PhotosynQ, East Lansing, MI), leaf temperature (FLIR, Oregon, USA) and chlorophyll and epidermal flavonol content (Dualex Scientific sensor; Force A, France). Measurements were conducted at 6, 24, and 48 hours after treatment initiation. Tomato plants under optimal watering conditions showed a significant increase in the performance index on an absorption basis (PIABS) already 6h after Trichoderma application. This was coupled with increase of LEF. After 24h, flavonol accumulation decreased in both watering treatments with Trichoderma. In the same period, under drought conditions, Trichoderma application increased leaf temperature. After 48 hours, Trichoderma spp. influenced only LEF, increasing it in optimally watered plants. These results suggest that Trichoderma rapidly affects plant physiological responses, with the first 24h being critical for metabolic and stress-related adjustments, particularly under drought conditions
NS H 8063, realizovan hibrid suncokreta (Ukrajina)
No full textNS H 8063 je hibrid suncokreta (Helianthus annuus L.) realizovan u Ukrajini prema ugovoru br. IK25-034/1 sa LLC "Agro seme" od 14.04.2025, a ranije priznat od strane Državne komisije za zaštitu biljnih sorti Ministarstva za poljoprivredu Republike Ukrajine.Ugovor sa LLC "Agro seme" br. IK25-034/1 od 14.04.2025. godine
Soil fertility as one of the elements of yield stability and economic justification in crop production
No full textClimate, soil properties, and soil management practices are key factors
that affect plant production and overall soil fertility and health. Various
activities within intensive agriculture, such as excessive use of chemical
fertilizers and removing crop residues, degrade soil quality, alter soil
organic matter contents, lead to nutrient losses, and contribute to other
obstacles to environment and human well-being. Tailored fertilizer
recommendations for desired crop yield, based on knowing the exact status
of soil nutrients, are crucial in achieving higher and more stable yields for
specific conditions, along with efficient resource use, reduced negative
environmental impacts and economic costs.
This research presents the current status of soil fertility in the
agroecological regions of the AP Vojvodina: Bačka (three districts) and
Banat (three districts). As key yield determinants, the content of readily
available phosphorus and potassium, and humus content were analyzed.
The presented results are from the Agroveles company database.
Adequate phosphorus levels (15 – 25 mg 100 g-1 soil) were recorded on
24.11% areas in Northern Bačka and 44.62% areas in Western Bačka, as
well as on 12.38% and 56.92% areas in Central Banat and Southern Banat,
respectively. The highest phosphorus surplus was recorded in South Bačka
on 50.50% areas. In North Banat, harmful phosphorus levels were
determined on 30.12% of the tested areas. Very low and low phosphorus
levels were recorded on 20.95% and 24.76% areas in Central Banat,
respectively. Also, very low phosphorus level was observed on 1.54% areas
in Western Bačka, and low level on 10.64% areas in Northern Bačka.
In Banat, the adequate potassium content (15 – 25 mg 100 g-1 soil) was
observed on 11.35% and 72.31% areas in Northern and Southern districts,
respectively. Moreover, the highest surplus of potassium was recorded in
the Northern Banat on 64.72% of the examined areas. In Bačka, the
adequate levels of potassium were observed on 21.92% and 46.10% areas
in Western and Northern Bačka, respectively. Within the investigated areas, the harmful level of potassium ranged from 9.93% in Northern Bačka to
25.71% in Central Banat.
High humus content, above 4%, was recorded on plots with applied
manure and/or plowed crop residues. The most areas with high humus
content (63.32%) was registered in South Bačka. Conversely, very low
humus content, less than 1%, was determined in soils where these
measures were not applied. The majority of these areas (0.76%) were
registered in Western Bačka.
These results highlight the importance of monitoring soil fertility and
improving soil management through balanced fertilization and organic
matter incorporation as the basis for high yields, sustainable,
environmentally friendly, and economically justified agricultural production
Uticaj zelenišnog đubrenja i združene setve u organskoj proizvodnji na sadržaj azota u zemljištu i sekvestraciju ugljenika
No full textThe adverse effects of climate change are impacting agricultural production, necessitating adaptation and mitigation measures. Sequestering atmospheric carbon into the soil represents potential strategy to reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of green manure and intercropping of winter wheat and winter forage pea on soil organic carbon and nitrogen content, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable agricultural production. The study was conducted over three growing seasons (2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24) on experimental plots at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, Serbia. Different combinations of treatments with winter wheat, winter forage pea with biomass incorporation were applied. Sowing was done in autumn, and in early May the crops were mowed, chopped and incorporated into the soil. Soil sampling was conducted at a depth of 0-30 cm. Data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. The results indicate that green manure significantly contributes to increased nitrogen and organic carbon content in the soil, particularly when combined with other sustainable agricultural practices like intercropping. The highest organic carbon (14.89 g/kg) and nitrogen (0.195%) content in the soil were observed in these treatments. Intercropping of forage pea and wheat + biomass incorporation, compared to the control, increased soil carbon content by an average of 1.4 g/kg, meaning that the SOC stock increased by 0.5 t/ha/yr. The implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices enhances the resilience of agricultural production to climate change while preserving soil as an exceptionally important, non-renewable natural resource.Negativni efekti klimatskih promena utiču na poljoprivrednu proizvodnju, što zahteva mere prilagođavanja i ublažavanja. Sekvestracija atmosferskog ugljenika u zemljište predstavlja potencijalnu strategiju za smanjenje koncentracije CO2 u atmosferi. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se ispitaju efekti zelenišnog đubrenja i združenog useva ozime pšenice i ozimog stočnog graška na sadržaj organskog ugljenika i azota u zemljištu, sa ciljem postizanja karbonske neutralnosti i održive poljoprivredne proizvodnje. Istraživanje je sprovedeno tokom tri godine (2021/22, 2022/23 i 2023/24) na eksperimentalnim parcelama Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, Novi Sad, Srbija. Primenjene su različite kombinacije tretmana sa ozimom pšenicom, ozimim stočnim graškom sa inkorporacijom biomase. Setva je obavljena u jesen, a početkom maja usevi su pokošeni, tarupirani i inkorporirani u zemljište. Uzorkovanje zemljišta izvršeno je na dubini od 0-30 cm. Za statističku obradu podataka korišćena je ANOVA. Rezultati pokazuju da zelenišno đubrenje značajno doprinosi povećanju sadržaja azota i organskog ugljenika u zemljištu, posebno kada se kombinuje sa drugim održivim poljoprivrednim praksama poput združene setve. Najveći sadržaj organskog ugljenika (14,89 g/kg) i azota (0,195%) u zemljištu zapažen je u ovim tretmanima. Združena setva stočnog graška i pšenice + inkorporacija biomase, u poređenju sa kontrolom, povećao je sadržaj ugljenika u zemljištu u proseku za 1,4 g/kg, što znači da se zaliha organskog ugljenika u zemljištu povećala za 0,5 t/ha/god. Primena klimatski pametnih poljoprivrednih praksi povećava otpornost poljoprivredne proizvodnje na klimatske promene, istovremeno čuvajući zemljište kao izuzetno važan, neobnovljiv prirodni resurs
Mogućnost primene uljane repice, konoplje i sirka za fitoremedijaciju izmuljenog sedimenta zagađenog teškim metalima uz primenu različitih agenasa za povećanje biodostupnosti metala
No full textIzmuljeni sediment ima visok sadržaj organske materije i nutrijenata, ali izazov za njegovu upotrebu u poljoprivredi predstavlja potencijalno zagađenje, naročito teškim metalima. Fitoremedijacija je održiv i ekonomski efikasan proces u kojem biljke uklanjaju teške metale iz sedimenta tako što ih usvajaju i akumuliraju u nadzemnom delu. Efikasnost fitoremedijacije zavisi od biodostupnosti metala i količine nadzemne biomase biljaka. U ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji ispitani su dodaci sedimentu za povećanje biodostupnosti metala i efikasnosti fitoekstrakcije u sedimentu izmuljenom iz Begeja i zagađenom različitim teškim metalima (hrom, bakar, kadmijum, olovo) uz gajenje energetskih useva čija biomasa bi mogla biti upotrebljena za proizvodnju bioenergije (uljana repica, industrijska konoplja i krmni sirak).Za fitoekstrakciju hroma i bakra u uljanoj repici najefikasniji je bio kombinovani dodatak jabučne kiseline i azotnih đubriva (amonijum-nitrat, amonijum-sulfat, urea). Za fitoekstrakciju olova u uljanoj repici najefikasnije se pokazao dodatak sumpora i dodatak amonijum-nitrata u sediment. Dodaci sedimentu nisu značajno uticali na povećanje biodostupnosti kadmijuma. Produženo gajenje je dovelo do veće koncentracije teških metala u uljanoj repici gajenoj sa dodatkom azotnih đubriva što je posledica porasta biomase. Uljana repica gajena na pilot sajtu u realnim nekontrolisanim uslovima postigla je maksimalne koncentracije teških metala u fazi cvetanja, a od svih ispitivanih metala postignuta je najveća akumulacija bakra (4000 μg po biljci). Oksalna i jabučna kiselina povećale su koncentraciju i akumulaciju različitih metala kod konoplje i sirka. Utvrđeno je da vreme dodavanja organskih kiselina u sediment nema značajnog uticaja na koncentraciju teških metala u konoplji i sirku, ali da je akumulacija metala bila veća kod biljaka kojima su agensi dodati u osmoj nedelji jer su tada imale značajno veću biomasu. Dobijeni rezultati su dali doprinos odabiru odgovarajuće rotacije gajenja poljoprivrednih useva i dodataka sedimentu u zavisnosti od teških metala prisutnih u izmuljenom sedimentu, kako bi proces fitoremedijacije bio što efikasniji.Dredged sediment has a high content of organic matter and nutrients, but potential contamination with heavy metals poses a challenge. Phytoremediation is a sustainable and economically efficient process in which plants uptake heavy metals from sediment and accumulate them in aboveground parts. Phytoremediation efficiency depends on the bioavailability of metals and the plant's aboveground biomass. In this doctoral dissertation, sediment amendments are investigated for efficiency in increasing metal bioavailability and phytoextraction efficiency of heavy metals (chromium, copper, cadmium, lead) from dredged sediment from the Begej River. In the study, energy crops with potential for bioenergy production (rapeseed, industrial hemp, and forage sorghum) were grown. For chromium and copper phytoextraction in rapeseed, the most effective amendment was a combination of malic acid and nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and urea). For lead phytoextraction in rapeseed, the most effective amendments were sulfur and ammonium nitrate. Sediment amendments did not significantly enhance cadmium bioavailability. Prolonged cultivation led to higher concentrations of heavy metals in rapeseed grown with nitrogen fertilizers due to increased biomass production. Rapeseed grown at a pilot site under real, uncontrolled conditions reached maximum heavy metal concentrations during the flowering stage, with the highest accumulation observed for copper (4000 μg per plant). Oxalic and malic acids increased the concentration and accumulation of various metals in hemp and sorghum. The timing of organic acid addition to the sediment had no significant effect on heavy metal concentrations in hemp and sorghum; however, metal accumulation was higher in plants treated with amendments in the eighth week of growth, as these plants had significantly greater biomass at that stage. The obtained results contribute to the selection of appropriate crop rotation strategies and sediment amendments based on the heavy metals present in dredged sediment, ensuring that the phytoremediation process is efficient.Doktorska disertacija je odbranjena 27.10.2025. godine
Integrative transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of drought stress response in sunflower
No full textDrought stress is a major limiting factor for sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivation, necessitating a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin stress adaptation. This study aims to investigate both the transcriptomic and epigenomic responses to drought, with a particular focus on how epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression. We also seek to determine whether genes activated or repressed during drought remain persistently regulated once the stress is removed, indicating potential molecular memory. In collaboration with the University of Rostock and the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, we further aim to identify reliable biomarkers associated with drought tolerance