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Improvement of buckwheat production in conditions of climate change
No full textBuckwheat‘s high nutritional and pharmacological qualities make this pseudo cereal, a potential functional food and a symbol of a healthy lifestyle. The demand for buckwheat grain has grown because of its excellent nutritional value, balanced amino acid content, and abundance of lysine and arginine. Proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, flavonoids, fagopyrins, d-fagomine, and phenolic acids are among the bioactive components of buckwheat that have promising therapeutic effects against chronic illnesses. Every year, there are noticeable changes in the climate, increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation. The productivity of plants, including buckwheat, is impacted by rising temperatures. All of the aforementioned factors make it necessary introduction of agrotechnical measures in order to increase buckwheat production, i.e. yield. The Novosadska buckwheat variety, was examined in this study, grown in four repetitions, in two variants: the control, which was without application of foliar nutrition, and the variant that included foliar nutrition, with Phyto Complex, phytocereals nutrition, in Bački Petrovac, Serbia. The following criteria were examined of ten plants from each repetition: plant height, leaf mass, grain yield, protein and oil content, ash content, starch, water and phenol content. Grain yield and yield parameters were statistically considerably higher in the foliar nutrition variant than in the control variant. It is necessary to promote the introduction of agrotechnical measures to increase buckwheat production, aimed at increasing buckwheat yield. Improving productivity will be an important trade off between food security, population growth, better land use in the face of climate change, and increased production.The present research was reported at an jubilee scientific conference with international participation “Sustainable and competitive agriculture under the conditions of global climate change“, held in September, 03-04 2024, in Maize Research Institute, Knezha, Bulgaria
Yield potential of buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.) collection in Serbia
No full textPotential of the buckwheat production at field conditions was estimated in Bački Petrovac (45° 20' 12" N, 19° 40' 12" E), Serbia, with 161 accessions in 2023 and 187 accessions in 2024. A total of 32 traits were assessed, including 18 vegetative, 9 inflorescence and 5 seed characteristics, following the ECPGR Descriptors for buckwheat. Additionally, frost tolerance and grain yield were analysed. Extreme weather conditions, including a storm in the first year and high temperatures during the flowering phase in the second year, impacted the phenotyping by lodging or restricted fertilization. Accessions with yield below 300 kg/ha (F. tataricum) and with exceptionally long vegetation periods (F. emarginatum, F. dybotris) were excluded from the analysis. Nevertheless, significant phenotypic variability was observed for all selected traits. The yield of 176 remaining F. esculentum accessions ranged from 392 to 823 kg/ha, with an average of 597 kg/ha. Lodging susceptibility and frost tolerance had a significant effect on grain yield among all the analyzed traits, while the influence of vegetative, inflorescence and seed characteristics were less significant during both tested seasons. Out of four groups of accessions with different yield potential a group of 53 genotypes with the grain yield exceeding 700 kg/ha was selected as the most promising for Serbian conditions. In Serbia, genotypes with a growing period over 90 days are preferred. The group consists of lines with smaller height (48-150 cm), but with significantly varying maturity time (33 cultivars with more than 90 days). The detected variability provides a significant number of genotypes with performances promising achievement of an economically viable buckwheat grain yield. Besides the yield related traits, a number of traits affecting the physiological parameters were identified which can be used in breeding, providing a solid foundation for continued research. Although the traits most significantly affecting grain yield are related to the physiological parameters of the plants, the analyzed collection also includes genotypes with other favorable characteristics that can be used in buckwheat research and provide a solid foundation for effective and successful breeding.[https://www.agrobiodiversityalongthevaluechain.eu/
Assessment of Heavy Metal in Cultivated Soils of the Čačak–Kraljevo basin
No full textHeavy metals are one of the largest groups of pollutants. They are found in the natural environment, mostly in water and soil, as a result of mining and leaching of ores, industrial production, urban activities, use of artificial fertilizers in agriculture and other human activities. The concentration of toxic metals varies depending on the geological base, soil type, geographical area and climatic factors. In order to determine the distribution of the studied heavy metals and to study the physical and chemical properties of the soil of the Čačak–Kraljevo basin (Čačak and Kraljevo), soil samples were collected in the period from December 2020 to December 2021 from depth 0-20 cm. The concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb) in the prepared soil samples were determined by the ICP-AES method on the device Vista - Pro, Axial, Varian (an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer). Result showed that pH levels (H₂O) ranged of 5 to 6, indicating acidic soil. The Fe content ranged from 1.8 to 126 μg g–1, suggesting high variation across samples. Manganese levels also varied significantly from 4.6 to 136 μg g–1 and Zn concentrations were generally low (0.44 to 10 μg g-1 ). Cu levels varied between 0.52 and 15.8 μg g–1, with higher values indicating potential contamination or rich natural deposits. Ni concentrations were generally low (0.76 to 13.56 μg g–1), Pb levels indicating minimal contamination (0 to 5.7 μg g–1) and Cd level was uniformly low (0.1 μg g–1) across all samples. Most Cr values were zero, suggesting negligible Cr content in the soil. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the tested soil samples of the Čačak Kraljevo basin were lower than the average values found in other regions of Europe and the world. Knowledge of the mobility of heavy metals is one of the goals of protection, arrangement and rational use of agricultural land from the point of view of production of healthy food
The Influence of Mineral Fertilizers on the Maize Hybrids Yield and Grain Quality
No full textIn the study examines the influence of the form and amount of nitrogen on the morphological and productive properties of maize production. Trials were conducted during the 2024 year on a private property in Novi Kozjak and on land of the degraded chernozem type with maize hybrid P0 216. The mineral fertilizers UREA (46% N), CAN (27% N) and AN (34.4% N) were used as a form of nitrogen for feeding maize in amounts of 50 and 100 kg ha-1 of active matter. The obtained results showed a significantly greater influence of the amount of nitrogen compared to the form of nitrogen, on all parameters included in the research. With the use of a larger amount of nitrogen (100 kg ha-1), the increase in the values of the examined parameters of maize productivity varied in the interval from 2.1% to 5.8% compared to a smaller amount of N (50 kg ha-1). The highest values of morphological characteristics were determined in the treatment where AN, as a form of nitrogen, was applied. On the other hand, the highest yield of maize grains (12.81 t ha-1) was obtained on the variant where UREA was used for feeding
Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. NS Priora Forage and Honey Plant
No full textPhacelia tanacetifolia Benth. is an annual fodder plant that originates from North America and is grown as an ornamental (decorative), honey and medicinal plant in the Hydrophillaceae family. This species' physiologically active chemicals make it a potentially powerful material for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Phacelia tanacetifolia is utilized as a mulch because of its high soil absorption of calcium and phosphate, as a fodder plant because it inhibits erosion and acts as a nematode-free soil biocleaner, and as a monoculture or in 1:1 combination with other plants, such as field pea (Pisum sativum ssp. sativum var. arvense L.). Honey, pollen, venom, and other goods made by bees are becoming more and more popular. A wealth of nutrients and biologically active substances, including antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antiinflammatory, immunostimulant, antiallergic, and analgesic properties, can be found in honey and bee pollen. This study aimed to assess the productivity of a Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. NS Priora cultivar was cultivated in Serbia. The Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops' experimental plots at Bački Petrovac, close to Novi Sad, were used for the experiment. The phacelia NS Priora productivity parameters, biomass yield (t ha-1), grain yield (kg ha-1), and honey yield (kg ha-1), were measured. All of the parameters that were examined showed high values for variety NS Priora (9 t ha-1; 815 kg ha-1 and 780 kg ha-1). Phacelia is a popular plant to grow because it produces high-quality pollen and nectar. The results show that NS Priora can be successfully grown and is a great bee pasture
NS H 8953, hibrid suncokreta
No full textNS H 8953, hibrid suncokreta, priznat od strane Ministarstva poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede, Uprava za zaštitu bilja, rešenje broj 320-04-5976/2023-11 od 09.04.2025. godine, Beograd, Republika Srbij
Eco-friendly zeolite/PMMA thin films for efficient phthalate removal from natural waters: a computational and experimental study
No full textPhthalates (PTs), originating primarily from plastic pollution, are significant environmental and health hazards due to their persistent presence in natural waters. This study investigates the removal of phthalates from natural waters using eco-friendly natural zeolite/poly(methyl methacrylate) (NZT/PMMA) thin films. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to detect phthalates in ten water samples from the Republic of Serbia, revealing the presence of phthalate contamination. Adsorption experiments using NZT/PMMA films demonstrated exceptional efficiency, achieving 94–100% removal of dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and diisobutyl phthalate within 120 min. Material characterization via high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and BET analysis confirmed the synergistic adsorption capabilities of NZT and PMMA. Computational studies using density functional theory provided mechanistic insights, correlating molecular electrostatic potential and surface area with adsorption efficiency. The water matrix (ionic strength and humic acid) did not hinder the adsorption of PTs on NZT/PMMA films. The application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided insight into the potential adsorption mechanism of PTs on NZT/PMMA films. The anti/prooxidant activity of the materials highlights their dual potential for pollutant removal and oxidative degradation. These findings position NZT/PMMA thin films as a promising eco-friendly solution for mitigating PTs pollution, addressing an urgent global environmental challenge
Extraction and Valorization of Oilseed Cakes for Value-Added Food Components—A Review for a Sustainable Foodstuff Production in a Case Process Approach
No full textOilseed cakes, by-products of oil extraction, represent an underutilized resource with significant potential for sustainable food and pharmaceutical applications. This comprehensive review examines the valorization strategies for oilseed cakes, focusing on their rich protein (up to 56%) and fiber (up to 66%) content. We analyze both conventional and innovative extraction methods, highlighting the advantages of ultrasound-assisted (96.64% phenolic compound yield), enzymatic (82–83% protein recovery), and subcritical water extraction techniques in improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This review demonstrates diverse applications of oilseed cake components from gluten-free bakery products and plant-based meat alternatives to advanced nanoencapsulation systems for bioactive compounds. Each major oilseed type (soybean, rapeseed, sunflower and flaxseed) exhibits unique nutritional and functional properties that can be optimized through appropriate processing. Despite technological advances, challenges remain in scaling extraction methods and balancing yield with functionality. This paper identifies key research directions, including the development of integrated biorefinery approaches and the further exploration of health-promoting peptides and fibers. By addressing these challenges, oilseed cakes can play a crucial role in sustainable food systems and the circular economy, transforming agricultural by-products into high-value ingredients while reducing waste
NET4DINAR ̶ new emerging technologies for digitalized innovative agricultural research
No full textAgricultural research in the era of climate change requires a strategic shift toward digitalization, automation, and integration of advanced tools for crop monitoring, selection, and yield forecasting. The NET4DINAR project is designed to strengthen institutional capacities for research and innovation in plant breeding by integrating digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cross-border cooperation. The project is implemented through a partnership between the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, and the Agricultural Institute Osijek, aiming to build a shared research platform and deliver novel technological solutions to support breeding programs under climate stress. Wheat is selected as the model crop due to its agronomic importance and vulnerability to climatic extremes. Key project activities include: i) joint field trials for evaluation of wheat germplasm under varying environmental conditions; ii) implementation of high-throughput phenotyping using UAV-based platforms and sensor technologies for monitoring canopy development; iii) extraction and analysis of vegetation indices (e.g. NDVI, GNDVI, SR) to assess photosynthetic activity and plant vigor; iv) development of AI-powered tools for early yield prediction based on integrated phenotypic, environmental, and climatic data; and v) knowledge transfer through pilot actions and institutional training. These integrative approaches are expected to enhance the selection efficiency for stress-resilient genotypes, shorten breeding cycles, and improve the accuracy of research outputs. The AI-based forecasting platform developed within NET4DINAR will enable real-time assessment of yield potential and stress performance, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable crop production and digital transformation of agriculture. Results and tools generated in wheat will be applicable and transferable to other major crops in the region. The project directly targets research institutions and plant breeders, while indirectly supporting farmers and agricultural sectors across the cross-border area
Enhancing physio biochemical traits and yield of common buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum with rice husk biochar and nano iron oxide under water stress
No full textClimate change is making droughts more frequent, which is a major problem for crop yield, especially for crops that are vulnerable to drought, such as common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). Drought stress affects negatively on physiological and biochemical processes of plants, leading to reduced yields. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding effective strategies to mitigate drought-induced damage and enhance productivity in buckwheat. We hypothesized that iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and rice husk biochar could improve drought tolerance in buckwheat by modulating its physiological and biochemical responses. To test this, buckwheat plants were grown under well-watered (80% of field capacity, FC) and drought (40% of FC) conditions following a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed that the application of 50 g/kg rice husk biochar and 400 ppm Fe3O4 NPs, either separately or in combination, significantly enhanced the yield and improved key physiological and biochemical traits, including relative water content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant activity. The combination of Fe3O4 NPs and rice husk biochar led to improvements the plants’ relative water content, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll levels, membrane stability index, proline, antioxidant activity (DPPH), and seed yield by 22.37, 17.11, 43.05, 16.07, 43.75, 8.59, and 50.87%, respectively compared to untreated drought plants. Moreover, this treatment reduced oxidative stress indicators such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde by 31.09 and 38.19%, respectively. These results show that Fe3O4 NPs, when combined with rice husk biochar, significantly improve drought tolerance in common buckwheat, providing a viable strategy to increase crop yields in water-limited environments. In view of climate change, this study emphasises the potential of combining biochar with nanomaterials for sustainable agricultural practices