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Diversity of European genetic resources of garlic (Allium sativum L.) from Serbian collection
No full textWith aim to improve characterization and eventually, utilisation of garlic collection from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Serbia, the genetic diversity of 52 accessions was estimated
based on microsatellite markers, agronomic, biochemical and phenotypic traits (UPOV descriptor).
The Shannon index H′ with a value of 0.47–0.95 indicated a high level of diversity for the greatest
number of examined traits according to the UPOV descriptor. Based on agronomic and biochemical traits, groups of genotypes with the highest potential for yield and bioactive properties improvement were singled out. Molecular evaluation indicated the presence of duplicates in the collection and necessity of further research with additional number of DNA markers. The obtained results are important from the aspects of breeding and development of new varieties with improved yield and functional value as well as more economical conservation of genetic resources. Since diversity of plant genetic resources constantly decreases, the obtained results have long-term significance because preserved and genetically variable collections represent a valuable source of desirable genes for future human needs.U cilju unapređenja karakterizacije i korišćenja uzoraka iz kolekcije belog luka Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo u Srbiji, genetički diverzitet 52 uzorka procenjen je na osnovu mikrosatelitskih markera, agronomskih, biohemijskih i fenotipskih osobina (UPOV deskriptor). Vrednosti Šenonovog indeksa H′ (0,47–0,95) ukazale su na visok nivo diverziteta za najveći broj ispitivanih osobina prema UPOV deskriptoru. Na osnovu agronomskih i biohemijskih osobina izdvojene su grupe genotipova sa najvećim potencijalom za poboljšanje prinosa i bioaktivnih svojstava. Molekularna evaluacija je ukazala na prisustvo duplikata u kolekciji i potrebu budućih istraživanja sa dodatnim brojem DNK markera. Dobijeni rezultati su značajni sa aspekta oplemenjivanja i razvoja novih sorti sa poboljšanim prinosom i funkcionalnom vrednošću, kao i ekonomičnijeg očuvanja genetičkih resursa. Dugoročno gledano, rezultati ukazuju na značaj očuvanja genetički varijabilnih kolekcija kao vrednog izvora poželjnih gena za buduće ljudske potrebe
Waste ashes from burned sunflower hulls as new fertilising materials
No full textClosing the loop – An EU action plan for the circular economy identified the Fertilisers Regulation revision as a key legislative proposal to boost the market for secondary raw materials. The European Commission has adopted recently EU Fertilising Products Regulation EU 2019/1009 expanding its scope to secondary-raw-material-based products (from biogenic wastes and other secondary raw materials). During the industrial processing of sunflowers, sunflower husks used as alternative fuels resulting in the generation of waste ash. Sunflower ash is a known material as a good and cheap source of potassium. In present study the tested samples of ashes is characterized as a starting raw material for the producing fertilizers in an accredited and authorized Laboratory for fertilisers quality. The tested samples is not loaded with heavy metals and the risk of recycling contaminants has not been assessed. According to the content of available (water-soluble) elements, the content of soluble phosphorus and micronutrients is very low, while potassium is completely water-soluble (40 to 50% K2O m/m), therefore, the tested ashes can be regarded as a good raw material as a source of potassium component in the final product. The pH reaction of the samples is extremely alkaline, therefore it is necessary to neutralize pH reaction in the industrial processing of this raw material, or to restrict the final product for use on acid reaction soils
The potential of hydrolates for use in the production of alfalfa micro sprouts: sanitizers and flavour enhancers
No full textSprouted seeds and microgreens are emerging as innovative specialty raw salad crops, valued for their health-promoting properties. However, the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with microbial contamination in microgreens underscores the need for effective sanitization in their production. This study explores using hydrolates, by-products of essential oil distillation from six plants, as natural sanitizers in alfalfa microgreen production. The research investigates their impact on seed germination, antimicrobial activity, and sensory attributes. Results revealed that oregano, fennel, lavender, and lemon catmint hydrolates decrease alfalfa seed germination, while peppermint and hop hydrolates have no significant impact. Peppermint and fennel hydrolates demonstrate notable efficacy in antimicrobial testing. Sensory analysis indicates differences in odour and flavour, with peppermint, oregano, and lavender receiving high scores. According to the results, peppermint hydrolate can be considered a favourable option for alfalfa micro sprout production, contributing to sustainable and organic approaches in urban agriculture and underlining the importance of natural sanitizers for food safety
Establishment of the Western Balkans Soil Partnership (WBSP) as a strategy for sustainable soil management
No full textThe soils in the Western Balkans (WB) are under pressure due to rising demands for food, feed, and energy supply. Soil degradation in the (WB) poses a transboundary issue, necessitating responsible engagement from all stakeholders to ensure sustainable soil management in alignment with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Soil Partnership for the Western Balkans (WBSP) commenced in 2021 under the leadership of the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South Eastern Europe (SWG). Serving as an open forum, the partnership facilitates the gathering of all stakeholders in the region to discuss and exchange knowledge, data, best practices, and experiences related to sustainable soil management. The Western Balkans Soil Partnership was formally established in December 2022 with the aim of preserving, protecting, and restoring soils in the Western Balkan region. Participating countries include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, despite differences in developmental stages. The formation of such a partnership is justified, given that the region shares common economic and social challenges, as well as a similar cultural and scientific heritage.[https://centennialiuss2024.org/
Biochemical response of sunflower inbred lines inoculated with Macrophomina phaseolina
No full textMacrophomina phaseolina, the causative agent of charcoal rot, affects a wide array of plant hosts, including sunflower. This disease thrives in warm, arid conditions, leading to symptoms such as the wilting, drying, and premature ripening of sunflower plants. This study aims to explore the biochemical responses of 15 inbred lines, each exhibiting varying levels of resistance, to uncover potential correlations between resistance levels and biochemical reactions in sunflower inbred lines. The investigation focused on: total protein content (TPC), lipid peroxidation intensity as a marker of membrane integrity (LP), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide-dismutase activity (SOD), and total phenolic content as antioxidant compounds (TP). These parameters were assessed 10 days following the laboratory inoculation of inbred lines with the pathogen and compared with disease severity. Correlations between resistance levels and the results of these five assays were analyzed in conjunction with disease severity observed in the inbred lines. Remarkably, after the 10-day assessment period, only the total phenolic content showed a significant positive correlation with the resistance of inbred lines (r=0.712; p<0.05). This finding identified inbred lines PB 21 and L 1 as the most resilient among the tested varieties. It was observed that different inbred lines exhibit distinct responses to M. phaseolina. However, in the majority of cases, an increase in total phenolic content was noted in sunflower plants following inoculation. This suggests a potential defensive mechanism triggered by the pathogen. Further studies can analyze more precisely into the molecular intricacies of sunflower resistance to charcoal rot and validate these findings across broader genetic backgrounds.Poster from this conference is available here [http://fiver.ifvcns.rs/handle/123456789/4698
Assessing Nutritional Characteristics and Bioactive Compound Distribution in Seeds, Oil, and Cake from Confectionary Sunflowers Cultivated in Serbia
No full textSunflower seeds are key agricultural commodities due to their nutritional and industrial value. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of targeted bioactive compounds and assess the physical properties across 27 sunflower seed genotypes, including parental lines and F1 and F2 hybrids, cultivated in Serbia. Various analytical techniques were employed to determine the chemical composition and physical characteristics of the seeds. This research revealed significant genetic variability in fatty acid profiles, with differences in polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acid levels among the genotypes. Hybrid seeds displayed variations in 1000-seed weight and bulk density compared to parental lines, which exhibited higher essential fatty acid contents and mechanical properties advantageous for industrial processing. These insights highlight the potential for refining breeding strategies to improve seed quality for specific industrial purposes. Overall, this study emphasizes the critical role of genetic selection in enhancing the nutritional and processing qualities of sunflower seeds, offering valuable perspectives for advancing agricultural and breeding practices
Application and Experimental Substantiation of the Radioecological Model for Prediction in Behavior 90Sr in Cultivated Soil-Crop System: A Case Study of Two Experimental Agricultural Fields
No full textThe radioactive fission product 90Sr has a sufficient half-life (28.8 years) to be detected long after its appearance in the environment. After its uptake into the soil-edible plant system, it enters the food chain and represents a potential source of contamination that threatens human health. Due to these facts, tracking the distribution of the artificial radionuclide 90Sr in the soil–edible plant system is a subject of intense research. The tracking of the 90Sr radionuclide distribution in the soil profile, as well as in the crops on the long-term experimental fields was carried out using beta radiation spectrometry. The radiochemical analytical method was used to analyze the 90Sr content in cultivated soil and crops. The conducted study focused on the experimental substantiation of the developed model for predicting the behavior of 90Sr in the cultivated soil–crop system. The results of using the applied radioecological model for the transfer of 90Sr from the soil to the above-ground part of crops showed a relatively good agreement with the experimentally determined values of the soil–crop transfer factor, which indicates that the used model can be successfully applied for the prediction of the behavior of 90Sr in the soil–soil solution–crop system
A Comprehensive Assessment of Sunflower Genetic Diversity Against Macrophomina phaseolina
No full textThe sunflower is a significant oil crop that can be cultivated in various environmental conditions. Due to the changing climate, the pathogen profile has been altered, posing a threat to sunflower production. Among the various threats, charcoal rot, caused by the soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, is one of the most significant pathogen. This study aimed to investigate the resistance of 80 sunflower inbred lines to this pathogen using two inoculation methods and naturally infested area under field conditions in two years, 2019 and 2020. The results showed that both inoculation methods and occurrence of disease in naturally infested area (DNI) effectively differentiated between resistant and susceptible inbred lines, with the toothpick method being the most effective. Thirteen inbred lines were resistant according to all inoculation methods, and the others were moderately resistant moderately susceptible or susceptible regarding to inoculation method. The study identified five inbred lines (Ha 74, L1, LIV 10, MA SC 2 and PB 21) as the most resistant, making them important sources for breeding sunflower hybrids resistant to M. phaseolina. Their resistance was confirmed in 2020, highlighting their potential to combat the impact of climate change on sunflower production. This study represents a valuable insight into the control of M. phaseolina using sunflower resistant genotypes, especially since resistance findings have been lacking in other plant species
A novel AI-based technique for 3d shape acquisition of confectionery sunflower seeds and associated shape descriptors
No full textEvaluating the qualities of sunflower hybrids is partially based on laboratory analysis which is amenable to strict quantification and statistical and computer analysis. However, the insignificant amount of information is not gleaned from direct visual observation which is partially qualitative and where it is quantitative, it is laborious and prone to human error. To remedy this state of affairs, we have begun work on an automated, AI-powered analysis workflow for visual confectionary sunflower seed evaluation. We foresee that these advances can be used both to increase efficiency of dehulling via model machine and helping to generate novel varieties with novel seed shapes. This advancement should be possible by combining automated shape analysis, genomic analysis, and the development of generative AI models which create plausible simulations of seed geometry under known genetic and environmental conditions. In this paper we address the first step of 3D shape analysis: 3D shape acquisition. Traditional 3D shape acquisition techniques require relatively expensive equipment, consisting of multiple carefully calibrated cameras. To reduce cost and guarantee the potential for ubiquity of this approach, we propose an alternative approach based on cheap image acquisition technology and AI-powered 3D geometry reconstruction
Unraveling the nano-biochar mediated regulation of heavy metal stress tolerance for sustaining plant health
No full textHeavy metal (HM) toxicity of agricultural soils poses a major risk to plant health, human life, and global food chain. Crop output and health are negatively impacted when HM levels in agricultural soils reach hazardous points. The nano-biochar (nano-BC) mediated stress tolerance has attracted growing scientific interest because biochar has the potential to be a novel and sustainable solution that may be actively included into the development of sustainable agriculture and food production. At present, biochar is extensively employed as a powerful tool to enhance sustainable agriculture with minimal impact on ecosystems and the environment. Nano-BC offers improved surface area, adsorption and mobility properties in soil compared to traditional fertilizers. Furthermore, nano-BC may prove to be the most practical substitute for traditional waste management techniques because of its affordability, sustainability, and environmental friendliness. In this review, we examine the application of nano-BC in the regulation of HM stress tolerance for improving plant growth and development. We focus on the impact of HMs impact on crop productivity, nano-BC amendments, their application, and production. The article also explores the nano-BC risk and toxicity. Through the perspective of multidisciplinary research, this work highlights the significance of nano-BC as cutting-edge tools in the field of agriculture, igniting a paradigm shift toward sustainable and stress-resilient farming systems