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In vivo performance of cryotreated pollen of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)
No full textThe primary objective of this research was to reveal the effect of cryotreatment on pollen reproductive ability in vivo by monitoring pollen tube growth in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) pistils. The influence of cryotreatment was considered from the context of its interaction with pollinizer genotype, and the possibility for usage of in vivo parameters for assessment of pollen fertility. Pistils of sweet cherry cultivar ‘Regina’ were pollinated with both cryotreated and fresh pollen of ‘Kordia’ and ‘Summit’. Quantitative parameters of pollen tube growth in vivo (pollen tube number in certain pistil parts, pollen tube dynamics, and fertilization percentage) were determined using the fluorescence microscopy method, and the obtained data were analyzed together with those obtained for in vitro pollen performance and fruit set. The research indicated that: (i) Reproductive ability of cryotreated sweet cherry pollen can be estimated by analyzing parameters of its performance in vivo, which should be combined with in vitro test; (ii) Semi- or fully-compatible female recipients, whose sporophytes are supportive for male gametophytes should be used for the assessment; and (iii) The key parameters for in vivo testing are pollen tube number in the upper part of the style and in the ovary, as well as fertilization percentage, i.e. the percentage of pistils with penetration of the longest pollen tube in the nucellus of the ovary on the 10th day after pollination. Therefore, in vivo testing of the pollen reproductive ability after cryotreatment can give answers about pollen quality with valuable credibility, in a maximum of two weeks after thawing and rehydration
Hemijska karakterizacija i diferencijacija crnogorskih šljivovica dobijenih dvema tehnikama tradicionalne šaržne destilacije
No full textVolatile compounds of plum spirit have a decisive influence on its quality and are closely related to the method of production. In this paper, minor and major volatile of plum spirits produced in small artisanal distilleries of Montenegro, obtained by two batch distillation techniques traditionally used (single and double distillation in alembic of the same construction) were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-FID-MS methods. All plum spirits contained all 8 major volatile compounds analyzed by GC-FID method, but out of a total of 138 minor aromatic compounds detected, only 32 are common to all samples. Wide ranges of concentrations of most volatile compounds indicated the great heterogeneity of plum spirit production methods in Montenegro, included, among others, two different distillation techniques. Тhе principаl cоmpоnеnt analysis have shown that differentiation of plum spirits obtained by single or double batch distillation is not possible using the all compounds analysed by GC-FID or GC-FID-MS, as well as compounds belonging the same chemical class, but rather based on the content of the volatile compounds typical for batch distillation tail fraction.Isparljive komponente šljivovice odlučujuće utiču na njen kvalitet i blisko su povezane sa načinom proizvodnje. U ovom radu, GC-FID i GC-FID-MS metodama su analizirane šljivovice dobrog senzornog kvaliteta proizvedene u malim zanatskim destilerijama Crne Gore, dobijene dvema tradicionalno korišćenim tehnikama šaržne destilacije (jednostrukom i dvostrukom destilacijom u alambiku iste konstrukcije). Sve šljivovice su sadržale svih 8 najzastupljenijih isparljivih komponenata (analiziranih GC-FID metodom), ali samo 32 od 138 manje zastupljenih isparljivih komponenata (analiziranih GC-FID-MS metodom). Široki rasponi koncentracija većine isparljivih jedinjenja ukazivali su na veliku heterogenost metoda proizvodnje šljivovice u Crnoj Gori, uključujući, između ostalog, dve različite tehnike destilacije. Analiza glavnih komponenata (PCA) je pokazala da nije moguća diferencijacija šljivovica, dobijenih jednostrukom ili dvostrukom šaržnom destilacijom, bazirana na svim komponentama analiziranih metodima GC-FID ili GC-FID-MS, kao i komponentama koje pripadaju pojedinim hemijskim klasama, već samo na osnovu sadržaja isparljivih komponenata tipičnih za patočnu frakciju pri šaržnoj destilaciji
Unveiling the Balkans’ advances: In vitro biotechnology of woody plants in the early 21st century
No full textThe Balkan Peninsula is a European biodiversity hotspot, home to 6,500 native vascular plant species, many of which are endemic. The region has diverse range of climates and complex topography, creating conditions that suit many woody ornamental, fruit, and forest species. Nevertheless, climate change, habitat destruction, invasive species, plant diseases, and agricultural practices threaten natural ecosystems and cultivated species. Many Balkan countries have addressed these challenges using advanced biotechnological approaches, including micropropagation, in vitro conservation, and in vitro selection for stress-tolerant genotypes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of in vitro plant biotechnology progress in the Balkan countries from the beginning of the 21st century to the present, with a focus on woody horticultural and forest species. The primary objectives of scientific research include optimizing media composition for all components and micropropagation stages, as well as effective initial explant selection. In addition, temporary immersion bioreactors, synthetic seed technology, and cryopreservation techniques have been explored to enhance plant production and conservation. Scientific research for woody ornamentals and fruit tree species has progressed in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, and Serbia while remaining limited in other Balkan countries. Forest tree production research is currently conducted in Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia, with labs focusing on micropropagation and ex situ conservation. In addition to advances in scientific research, several commercial companies operate in the Balkans, with establishments in Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, that produce in vitro-derived planting material for fruit trees and woody ornamental plants. Despite this progress, research in the Balkan countries remains fragmented, emphasizing the need to strengthen regional Frontiers incollaboration and knowledge exchange to promote agricultural development processes and biotechnological applications in this region. This review represents the first exploration of this topic in the Balkans and successfully unites researchers from several countries. It highlights key scientific advances in in vitro biotechnology for woody plants, identifies challenges, and proposes solutions. The value of interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized through the optimization of in vitro methodologies, the promotion of germplasm conservation, and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources in the Balkans
Nitrogen management in enhancing raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) productivity and sustainable development in fruit cultivation
No full textThis study investigated the effect of reduced nitrogen (N) fertilizer dosage on the vegetative and generative potential, physical and chemical characteristics, and fruit yield of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). Two raspberry cultivars (Willamette and Meeker) were treated with low and high doses of calcium ammonium nitrate and urea over 3 consecutive years (2021–2023) in Western Serbia. Basic floricane traits and fruit quality parameters were analyzed using widely accepted methodologies. The results showed significant variations in primocane growth, floricane traits, and berry quality in response to different N fertilizer doses, whereas soluble solid content (SSC)
was more stable. Lower N fertilizer doses significantly improved primocane properties, productivity, berry weight and dimensions, elongation index, titratable acidity, pH of fruit juice, sugar content, total phenols, and anthocyanins. Environmental conditions in 2021 primarily enhanced productivity and physical fruit properties, while in 2022, they improved the chemical properties of the fruit. In 2023, conditions positively influenced primocane characteristics. This research provides valuable insights into the physiological responses of raspberries to reduced N fertilizer doses, providing a sustainable approach to enhancing both the nutritional value of the
fruit and the overall efficiency of raspberry production
Efekat klimatskih promena na virusne bolesti voćaka
No full textVirusi su prouzrokovači brojnih bolesti voćaka koji izazivaju različita oštećenja na bilјnim organima, smanjuju prinos i kvalitet plodova. U zavisnosti od osetlјivosti vrste i sorte voćaka, kao i od samog virusa, ekonomske štete mogu biti velike. S obzirom na prirodu virusnih bolesti, njih nije moguće lečiti direktnim merama zaštite, već je prioritet u primeni preventivnih mera kontrole.
U poslednjoj deceniji klimatske promene imaju značajan, a često i ograničavajući uticaj na proizvodnju voća u našoj zemlјi. Pored neposrednog uticaja na same bilјke, one menjaju i uslove za razvoj svih patogena voćaka. Klimatske promene utiču na bilјne viruse, prvenstveno kroz značajne promene temperature, vlažnosti i količine padavina. Ovi faktori mogu povećati virulentnost izolata i uticati na ubrzano širenje viroza.
Od svih elemenata klimatskih promena, povećanje temperature se smatra najznačajnijim faktorom koji utiče na širenje virusa. Sa njenim povećanjem intenzivira se umnožavanje i kretanje virusa u bilјci. Međutim, na temperaturama iznad 35°C dolazi do usporavanja umnožavanja i kretanja virusa u bilјci. Kondiciono stanje bilјaka je veoma važno za efekat interakcije bilјka-virus u izmenjenim uslovima sredine. Na visokim temperaturama dolazi do poremećaja metabolizma bilјke domaćina, ona ulazi u fazu stresa i kod zaraženih bilјaka dolazi do ublažavanja simptoma. Često dolazi do lokalizacije virusa i latentne faze zaraze pa bilјke izgledaju zdrave. Ovakve pojave su dosta česte u zasadima maline u Srbiji. Povećanje temperature može uticati i na pojavu epidemija virusa promenom njihove gografske distribucije, kao i pojave na novim domaćinima.
Najveći broj virusa se prenosi insektima, tako da oni imaju kritičnu ulogu u širenju virusnih bolesti i izbijanju epedemija. Ovde dominiraju bilјne i leptiraste vaši, koje dinamično reaguju i na male promene temperature. Migracija vektora će verovatno dovesti i do širenja virusa koje oni prenose u nove regione, uprkos postojećim efikasnim merama kontrole
Segregation of apple cultivars based on phytochemical properties following calcium chloride foliar application
No full textThis study examined the impact of calcium chloride (Stopit) treatment on three apple cultivars—‘Granny Smith,’ ‘Golden Delicious Reinders,’ and ‘Red Chief’—during the 2018, 2019, and 2020 growing seasons. We evaluated the effects of cold storage on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and anthocyanin content (TAC) in both whole fruits and peels. The results show that ‘Granny Smith’ had the highest TPC and AC in whole fruits, while ‘Red Chief’ had the lowest AC. The peel exhibited higher TPC and AC than whole fruits, with ‘Red Chief’ having the highest TPC and ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ the lowest. Cold storage affected these properties, with the highest AC found in the peel of ‘Granny Smith’ after 60 days of storage. The findings highlight the importance of cultivar selection and postharvest treatments in enhancing apple nutritional quality, providing valuable insights for both consumers and producers
‘Divna’ and ‘Petra’ – new late-season plum cultivars from the Fruit Research Institute, Čačak
No full textThis study evaluated the key characteristics of tree vigor, yield, and fruit physical and chemical
properties of two new late-season plum cultivars, ‘Divna’ and ‘Petra’ released in the Fruit
Research Institute, Čačak, and compared them to the standard cultivar ‘Stanley’. The new
cultivars exhibited slightly lower tree vigor but higher yield compared to ‘Stanley’ although
their fruits were generally smaller in size. ‘Petra’ exhibited the highest levels of soluble solids
and total sugars, while ‘Divna’ had the highest total acid and reducing sugar content. In contrast,
‘Stanley’ had the highest values for sucrose content, juice pH, and ripening index. The late
ripening time, good fruit quality, and high cropping potential of ‘Divna’ and ‘Petra’ make them
promising candidates for cultivation in new orchards, as well as valuable genetic resources for
future plum breeding programs
Occurrence of phenological stages in currant cultivars (Ribes sp.)
No full textAn experiment was conducted over a period of three years to systematically examine patterns of occurrence of periodic life-cycle events or phenological stages (beginning of leaf unfolding, full leaf unfolding, inflorescence emergence, beginning of flowering, full flowering, beginning of berry set and berry ripening) in currant cultivars (Ribes sp.). The experiment included nine black currant cultivars, ten red currant cultivars and three white currant cultivars. The phenological properties of tested currant cultivars were determined using international descriptors for black currants (CPVO-TP/040/2 – UPOV, 2009), and for red and white currants (CPVO-TP/52/1 – UPOV, 2004). The tested cultivars showed differences in the phenological traits. Under the agro-environmental conditions of Čačak, black currant cultivars entered earlier into phenological stages compared to red currant and white currant cultivars. The earliest occurrence of phenological events was observed in black currant cultivars ‘Čačanska Crna’ and ‘Tisel’, red currant cultivar ‘Junifer’, and white currant cultivar ‘Primus’. On the other hand, almost all phenological stages of the latest were recorded in cultivars ‘Titania’ (black currant), ‘Rovada’ (red currant), and ‘Weisse аus Juteborg’ (white currant), except for the ripening phase, which occurred the latest in ‘Ben Lomond’(black currant) and ‘Industria’ (red currant). The results indicated that the tested cultivars are suitable for growing under the agroclimatic conditions of Čačak, Western Serbia, given their late entry into the flowering stage as their important characteristic in terms of preventing damage due to late spring frosts
Preliminary results of CKX inhibitors in poplars
No full textEndogenous cytokinin inhibitors reduce growth and affect premature senescence in poplars. Inhibitors of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) can reduce the degradation of cytokinins in plants. Recently invented two compounds, 52 and 77, of series of CKX inhibitors based on diphenylurea were used in this study. We examine their influence on the processes of clonal propagation by somatic embryogenesis and callus derived somaclonal variation in poplar in vitro culture. For clonal propagation, shoot apex of 2 months cultured poplar clones, L-12 and L-111 and 36 days old callus regenerants were used in the experiments. The treatments included two inhibitor compounds, 52 and 77, each applied at two concentrations 1μM and 0.1μM in solid MS medium, in combination with two cytokinins, 2iP (1μM) and BAP (1μM). After 48 days in the culture the following analyses were performed: multiplication index, dry mass, pigment content and biochemistry. The best results for multiplication index regarding L-12 were the combinations: 1 μM 77 with 1 μM 2iP and 0.1 μM 77 with 1 μM BAP. For L-111 that was 1μM 77 with 1 μM 2iP and 0.1 μM 77 with 1 μM BAP. Both compounds were also tested on solid WPM shoot induction medium (SIM) at 1μM and 0.1μM, respectively, for callus-based somaclonal variation in the L-12 poplar clone, with no further exogenous cytokinins introduced. After 36 days of subculture on SIM, the best results in both cases were achieved with 1 μM 77. All explants reach height of average 5 cm with fully developed leaves and roots without any signs of senescence. Positive effect of CKX inhibitors on poplar growth can be exploited in agriculture and in plant tissue culture
Embryo sac functionality in autochthonous cherry genotypes grown in the Balkan region
No full textThe present study investigated the functionality of embryo sacs in two contexts: i) field conditions with two pollination treatments (open and cross) to observe potential differences in development and ii) high constant temperatures within the climate change framework to examine their impact. Embryo sac functionality was evaluated in four autochthonous sweet and sour cherry genotypes over two years. In the field, flowers were collected at five-time points starting from anthesis, then embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained. In contrast, three-time points were utilized to assess the effects of constant temperature. The resulting histological sections were observed under a microscope. The later-flowering sweet cherry genotypes at anthesis displayed more advanced embryo sac stages. The stages of embryo sacs in sour cherry genotypes showed no consistent pattern concerning flowering time. A higher percentage of early and later stages of embryos with cellular endosperm were observed across all cherry genotypes in open compared to cross-pollination. Under constant temperatures, late-flowering sweet cherry genotypes experienced a rapid decline in embryo sac viability at both temperatures. However, this trend was not noted in sour cherry genotypes. Our histological data from autochthonous sweet and sour cherry genotypes and other pomological studies will support future breeding efforts with these genotypes