5782 research outputs found
Sort by
Sunflower breeding strategies to overcome climate-induced agricultural challenge
No full textClimate change presents a growing challenge to global agriculture, with increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events threatening crop productivity and stability. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), one of the key oilseed crops, exhibits substantial adaptability to various agroecological conditions but remains vulnerable to combined and sequential climate-induced stresses, such as drought, heat, and soil degradation. These stresses can significantly reduce seed and oil yield, disrupt developmental phases, and impact overall crop quality. To ensure sunflower remains a resilient and productive crop under future climate scenarios, breeding efforts must focus on enhancing tolerance to a wide range of abiotic stresses. This requires a deeper understanding of genetic diversity, physiological responses, and the molecular mechanisms underlying climate resilience. Integrating advanced “omics” technologies such as genomics, phenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics enables the identification of key adaptive traits and accelerates the development of climate-resilient genotypes. Highthroughput, non-invasive phenotyping tools, especially those targeting root traits, stress physiology, and growth dynamics, offer valuable insights into sunflower responses under variable conditions. By combining genetic resources, cutting-edge technologies, and targeted selection strategies, breeding programs can develop sunflower hybrids capable of sustaining yield and quality in the face of intensifying climate challenges, thereby contributing to more resilient agricultural systems
Contribution to legume breeding on European level: BELIS project
No full textThe legume industry requires improved varieties tailored to various regions and applications to address identified challenges. The EU-funded BELIS project (2023-2028) aims to enhance competitiveness in legume breeding by refining methodologies and governance structures. Additionally, it facilitates the transfer of genetic advancements to industry players and farmers, ultimately boosting biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project is focused on seven forage legumes and seven grain legumes that are currently grown to produce feed (for ruminants – cattle, sheep, goat and monogastric animals – pig, poultry), food (as is or after processing) or to deliver ecosystem services. BELIS team is actively developing cost-effective breeding programmes and tools, providing breeders with proofs of concept, and navigating economic and regulatory environments. Within the scope of the project, IFVCNS is developing protocols for abiotic stresses, working on phenotypic and molecular breeding as proofs of concept and contributing to the variety recommendation on EU level for various legume crops. As part of the collaborative efforts to highlight how Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) tests and protocols could be improved in several partner countries in Europe, the project contributes to the study and comparison of existing VCU trial methodologies. Comprehensive data were collected from technical questionnaires regarding trial setups, operational or cultivation practices, and traits currently monitored in VCU testing across Europe. These data were supplemented by the identification of additional traits to improve the performance assessment of new legume varieties on EU level
Quality of NS soybean varieties in the macro trials in 2024
No full textMakroogledi se izvode u cilju rejonizacije sorti soje, odnosno da se za pojedine lokalitete odaberu sorte koje će u datim agroekološkim uslovima ostvariti maksimalne prinose uz minimalna variranja u različitim godinama. Cilj ovoga rada je sagledavanje prinosa, sadržaja proteina i ulja, kao i prinosa proteina i ulja po jedinici površine NS sorti soje mreži makroogleda u 2024. godini. Sorta soje NS Apolo ostvarila je najviši prinos zrna (2.116 kgha-1), sorta NS Coral najviši sadržaj proteina (41,95%), a sorta NS Viseris najviši sadržaj ulja (23,40%), dok je najviši prinos proteina po jedinici površine (858 kgha-1) ostvaren sa sortama soje NS Apolo i NS Coral, a najviši prinos ulja sa sortom NS Apolo (467 kgha-1).Macro-experiments are performed for the purpose of regionalization of soybean varieties, i.e. to select for individual cultivation sites those varieties that will achieve maximum yields in given agroecological conditions with minimal variations in different years. The aim of this paper is to consider the yield, protein and oil content, as well as protein and oil yield per unit area of NS soybean cultivars in the macro-experimental network in 2024. NS Apolo soybean variety had the highest grain yield (2116 kgha-1), NS Coral soybean highest protein content (41.95%), NS Viseris cultivars the highest oil content (23.40%), while the highest protein yield per unit area (858 kgha") achieved with the soybean variety NS Apolo, and NS Coral, and the highest oil yield with the cultivars NS Apolo (467 kgha-1)
NS sunflower hybrids in Vojvodina in 2024
No full textIspitivani su prinos semena i ulja NS hibrida suncokreta u mreži mikroogleda u Vojvodini u 2024. i u četvorogodišnjem proseku (2021-2024). Najveći prosečni prinos ostvario je hibrid NS Trifun (3,68 t/ha), praćen hibridom NS Ronin (3,62 t/ha). Najmanji prosečan prinos su ostvarili hibridi starije generacije NS Fantazija (2,78 t/ha) i Duško (2,93 t/ha). Najveći prosečni prinos ostvaren je na lokalitetu Sremska Mitrovica (3,97 t/ha) praćen lokalitetom Kikinda (3,80 t/ha). Najmanji prosečan prinos ostvaren je na lokalitetu Šupljak (2,08 t/ha t/ha). Najveći prinos ulja ostvarili su hibridi NS Ronin i NS Trifun (1,64 t/ha). Najveći prinos ulja ostvaren je na lokalitetu Sremska Mitrovica (1,82 t/ha) a najniži na lokalitetu Šupljak (0,88 t/ha). Najveći prosečan prinos semena u periodu 2021-2024 ostvario je hibrid NS Ronin (4,29 t/ha). Najveći prosečan prinos semena za 16 hibrida ostvaren je u 2023. godini (4,22 t/ha) a najmanji u 2024. (3,30 t/ha).The seed and oil yield of NS sunflower hybrids in the small-plot trials network in Vojvodina in 2024 and in the four-year average (2021-2024) were examined. The highest average yield was achieved by the hybrid NS Trifun (3.68 t/ha), followed by the hybrid NS Ronin (3.62 t/ha). The lowest average yield was achieved by hybrids of the older generation NS Fantazija (2.78 t/ha) and Duško (2.93 t/ha). The highest average yield was achieved at the location of Sremska Mitrovica (3.97 t/ha), followed by the location of Kikinda (3.80 t/ha). The lowest average yield was achieved at the location Supljak (2.08 t/ha t/ha). The hybrids NS Ronin and NS Trifun achieved the highest oil yield (1.64 t/ha). The highest oil yield was achieved in the Sremska Mitrovica location (1.82 t/ha) and the lowest in the Supljak location (0.88 t/ha). The highest average seed yield in the period 2021-2024 was achieved by the NS Ronin hybrid (4.29 t/ha). The highest average seed yield for 16 hybrids was achieved in 2023 (4.22 t/ha) and the lowest in 2024 (3.30 t/ha)
Ethnobotanical Review of Wild Edible Plants in Serbia
No full textSince ancient times, wild edible plants ensured the existence of humans. However, different geographical and ecological conditions cause the biodiversity of wild edible plants characteristic of each region. The north part of Serbia is a fertile plain known as the Pannonian Basin, which is characterized by well-developed agriculture, while the central and south parts of Serbia consist mainly of hills and low to medium-high mountains (Dinaric Alps, Carpathian, Rila-Rhodope and Balkan Mountains). In that part, which is characterized by extensive agricultural production, the traditional application of wild edible plants is much better preserved, as well as the traditional way of preparing old dishes and healing methods. In the past, food for poor people; today they are delicatess and specific gastronomic offers of rural touristic destinations. Formerly a remedy for local people, nowadays potential for the pharmaceutical industry. Autochthonous varieties of cereals, wild fruits and berries, mushrooms, wild medicinal and other weed plants today are very popular among people who strive to get closer to nature. Additionally, scientific confirmation of numerous biological activities of old plant varieties and traditional recipes are confirmed daily. For this reason, in this book chapter, we will review more than 70 wild edible plants of Serbia in light of folk belief, ethnobotany, and ethnopharmacology, as well as modern scientific approvals and recommendations for application
The role of regenerative agriculture in sustainable development
No full textRegenerative agriculture encompasses a range of sustainable development practices focused on soil health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and a holistic approach. The topicality of regenerative agriculture can be seen at the level of the academic community, farmers and politics. Looking into literature, it can be concluded that the term has not been fully defined albeit the basic principles being well understood; yet concrete practices may differ, with the possibility to adapt or to flex in different contexts. Continuous research aims at determining the effects of regenerative agriculture in crop farming and fruit growing, as well as in integrated systems of crop production and animal husbandry. The importance of regenerative agriculture has been increasing with the need for sustainable systems resistant to climate change and economic pressures that improve productivity and the welfare of livestock and preserve ecosystems. The aim of this study is to point out the multiple importance of regenerative agriculture, the need to define the term precisely, to show certain practices in plant production and an integrated system with livestock production, and to point out the role of education on the advantages of these practices
Influence of Weather Conditions on Accumulation of Volatile Aromatic Compounds in Aromatic Plants
No full textLinalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, carvone, trans-anethole, isopinocamphone, and α- and β-thujones are compounds that determine the quality of coriander, lavandin, caraway, aniseed, hyssop, and sage essential oils. Numerous studies indicate that the genetic factor is crucial in the synthesis of these volatile compounds in essential oils. However, biotic and abiotic factors can significantly affect the change their synthesis. Some of these factors are regulated by agrotechnics, such as sowing/planting time, sowing rate, fertilization, irrigation, weed control, and harvest time. However, the impact of climate change has been so pronounced in recent years that it has led to the shifting of the cultivation areas of some plants. In this chapter, the results of three-years investigations in Serbia on six essential-oil bearing plants are presented. The moderately continental climate with elements of the subtropical climate, which has been evident in the last few years, is very favorable for the cultivation of aniseed, coriander, lavandin, and hyssop, while it is unfavorable for the cultivation of annual caraway and sage
Biophysical and morphometric characteristics of sunflower achenes: Implications for industrial processing and byproduct utilization
No full textThe main focus of industrial sunflower processing is oil production, in which the pericarp is most often treated as a byproduct or biological waste. However, sunflower pericarps have shown significant potential for alternative applications. Bridging the gaps in knowledge of the properties of achenes and their byproducts would improve the efficiency of industrial processes and open new possibilities for utilizing the pericarp as a biological resource. In this work, we analyzed biophysical and morphometric properties of the achenes of eight sunflower genotypes. Their byproducts indicate a complex interrelationship among the analyzed traits. The basic achene color of the tested genotypes was gray, with dark to light shades. Larger achenes had larger seeds and a higher weight, while more spherical achenes had a higher proportion of pericarp. Additionally, achenes with a smaller cavity between the seed and the pericarp had a higher germination percentage. Genotypes with a thinner and softer pericarp had higher oil content, while greater thickness contributed to its reduction. Pericarp hardness was proportional to the number of sclerenchyma layers, not to the percentage of sclerenchyma. These findings suggest that pericarp structure can be a key determinant for both oil yield and byproduct valorization, enabling the selection of genotypes for specific industrial applications
Wheat, Barley, and Triticale Response to Nitrogen Fertilization in Pannonian Environment
No full textSmall-grain producers in the southern Pannonian Plain prefer winter barley production in poor soils and drought-prone areas, assuming higher resource use efficiency in barley than in wheat. Similarly, triticale is known to perform well in low-fertility soils and dry environments. However, information about the comparative performance of these crops within the same trials is less available for the Pannonian environment. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency traits of winter wheat, triticale, and two-rowed and six-rowed barley cultivars across different N applications in different growing seasons and locations in the Pannonian Plain. The study was conducted over two seasons at three locations (Novi Sad, Sremska Mitrovica, and Sombor) using a split-plot design. Treatments consisted of winter wheat, triticale, and two-rowed and six-rowed barley under three nitrogen fertilization levels of low, moderate, and high. Averaged across species, the reduction in grain yield in 0 N compared to 100 N was 1218 kg ha−1 (15.7%) in wheat, 1037 kg ha−1 (11.6%) in triticale, 1128 kg ha−1 (13.7) in two-rowed barley, and 1340 kg ha−1 (17.1%) in six-rowed barley. Grain yield was closely related to nitrogen uptake, showing a relationship (R2) from 0.652 in triticale to 0.956 in six-rowed barley. Nitrogen use efficiency showed a positive relationship with nitrogen uptake efficiency, while the relationship with nitrogen utilization efficiency was insignificant. There was a notable difference between crops in terms of grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency traits. Notably, two-rowed barley outperformed wheat in terms of grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency, while wheat outperformed six-rowed barley. Triticale showed the highest yield among all the studied cereal crops, attributed to increased nitrogen use efficiency and uptake, especially under low fertilization conditions
Attractiveness of wild Helianthus species inflorescences in drought conditions
No full textDrought is a significant abiotic stress affecting sunflower development, particularly during
critical phases such as flowering and seed filling, leading to reduced yield and lower oil and
protein content in seeds. Wild sunflower species are valuable genetic material for developing
drought-resistant genotypes. This study aims to analyze the impact of drought stress on various
aspects of wild sunflower species, including the morphological parameters of fruit, the
percentage of dry matter in tubular and ray flowers, and the quality of nectar of wild sunflower
species H. annuus, H, argophyllus, H. debilis, H. neglectus, H. nivelus, H. petiolaris and H.
praecox. The research aimed to assess how drought influenced their development and their
mechanisms of adaptation. Our finding revealed that fructose, glucose, and sucrose are present
in the nectar of all seven species, fructose being most dominant, with H. annnus and H.
argophyllus exhibiting the highest sugar content and largest diameter of inflorescence disc,
enhancing their attractiveness to pollinators, and energy accumulation, which results in better
reproducibility of plant in dry conditions. In contrast, H. praecox, and H. nivelus showed low
sugar content and smaller diametar of inflorescence disc, but demonstrated superior moisture
retention in its tubular and ray flowers suggesting better water retention and resouce
accumulation, giving the plant an advantage for survival in conditions with limited resources
and moisture. Research shows that high sugar accumulation in nectar and moisture content in
tubular and ray flowers are vital for survival and reproduction in dry conditions. Studying the
adaptive strategies of wild sunflowers in response to drought enhances our understanding of
how plants can adjust to such conditions. This knowledge can be applied to develop new,
drought-tolerant hybrid varieties, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable agriculture