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In the Balkans, the production of globally cultivated green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) can be slow due to reduced quality and intensity of solar insolation. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of artificial illumination and the duration of light exposure on the growth and quality of two lettuce genotypes seedlings: Genesis and Jukebox. The research was conducted at the Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, Serbia. Lettuce seeds were sown in 9 styrofoam containers per genotype, filled with commercial substrate. In the phase of three leaves, plants were placed in plant growth chambers under multispectral white (W) LEDs and monochromatic blue (B) LEDs (three containers per LED and genotype), while three containers were kept in the greenhouse and served as control. The plants were cultured in plant growth chambers for 25 days under a 9h/15h and 10h/14h (light/dark) photoperiod, to simulate outdoor conditions. Morphological growth parameters (number of leaves and plant weight) were measured on the 11th and 25th days. Chlorophyll content was measured on the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th days. Plants grown under W and B LEDs had a significantly higher number of leaves, plant weight, and chlorophyll content than plants grown in a greenhouse. Using energy-efficient white and blue LED lights in lettuce seedling production during 18-25 days positively impacts seedling quality, and with this seedling production, the plants can achieve high yields and quality.

The storage proteins influence technological quality value of grain wheat, dough quality traits, and loaf quality. The aim of this study is to estimate variability in the dry gluten content, loaf volume, and their relationships with encoding alleles of gliadin and glutenins. Wheat genotypes grown in two vegetation seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17) were studied. The technological quality traits analyzed in this study varied in wheat genotypes within and between vegetation seasons. In both vegetation seasons the highest dry gluten content was established in G-3621-1 (30.23% and 31.15%) and the highest value of loaf volume in G-3621-1 (530 ml and 540 ml). In both vegetation seasons the least dry gluten content was found in G-3606-6 (25.42% and 25.98%) and the least loaf volume in G-3606-6 (380 ml and 390 ml). The composition of gliadin and glutenin alleles in the wheat genotypes analyzed was different. The genotypes carrying Gli-B1b, Gli-D1b, Gli-D2b, and Glu-A1b, Glu-B1c, Glu-D1d had the highest gluten content, while the genotype that carried Gli-B1l and Glu-A1b, Glu-B1c, Glu-D1d had high bread volume. The results have shown relationships between gliadin and glutenin alleles and quality traits of grain, flour, and bread.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress factors that limit the productivity of crops, including wheat, in many regions of the world. Therefore, the priority in wheat breeding, to ensure global food security, is developing varieties that are adapted to saline environments. In situ, evaluation of wheat genotypes can provide valuable information on the performance of different genotypes under natural saline conditions and can help to identify the most salt-tolerant genotypes. To ensure an accurate evaluation of the performance of twenty-seven wheat genotypes under different environments, the trial was conducted on two different soil types (solonetz and chernozem) in two growing seasons. AMMI analysis shows that the environmental factor had the largest share (55.15%) in the variation of grain yield, where soil type had a dominant effect. Genotypes Renesansa, Harmonija, and Bankut 1205 achieved a high grain yield on both soil types. However, among the mentioned genotypes, the genotype Harmonija showed the highest tolerance to salinity. A significant proportion of the genotype and environment interaction (GEI; 25.89%) shows that there is a change in the ranking of genotypes across environments. According to the AMMI1 biplot, the genotypes Renesansa and Harmonija were distinguished by high grain yield and high stability. The environment Chernozem 2015/2016 had the greatest contribution to the GEI and the highest grain yield, while Solonetz 2017/2018 was characterized by the highest stability and the lowest grain yield. According to the AMMI2 biplot, genotype Harmonija achieved high stability in unfavourable environmental conditions that characterized the environment Solonetz 2017/2018.

Considering that agricultural production needs to be adjusted to global climate changes, it is of particular importance to develop bread wheat germplasm with improved tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. Therefore, the aim of this research was to identify stable wheat genotypes with increased salinity stress tolerance. The experiment was conducted with 27 wheat genotypes, at two localities: Kumane (solonetz soil type) and Rimski Šančevi (chernozem soil type) during two growing seasons. A significant influence of genotype and environment, as well as G × E interaction, on the phenotypic expression of yield components was found. The factor of genotype had the largest effect on the variation in plant height (38.7%) and the smallest effect on the variation in the number of grains per spike (8.24%). The greatest influence of the environment (64.7%) and G × E interaction (17.44%) was found in the variation in the number of grains per spike. Salinity conditions contributed the most to the decrease in the number of grains per spike (30%), which is considered the best indicator of the impact of stress on the plant. The smallest decrease in the number of grains per spike was recorded in the genotypes Šumadija (16.0%) and Harmonija (18.8%). However, AMMI and PCA analyses showed that the genotype Harmonija is characterized by a higher value of the number of grains per spike and greater stability. The genotypes Renesansa, Jugoslavija, Bankut 1205, and Harmonija were characterized by the smallest reduction in plant height under salinity conditions, among which Jugoslavija and Renesansa exhibited high stability and lower trait values. The smallest reduction in spike length was found in the genotypes Jugoslavija and Šumadija, which exhibited the specific adaptability to salinity stress. In terms of salinity tolerance, the genotypes Šumadija, Harmonija, and Renesansa are considered valuable genetic resources in breeding programs.

Bread wheat is one of the most represented field crops whose level and stability of yield is very important for the food security in Republic Serbia. In the paper was investigated stability of yield expression of 15 winter bread wheat genotypes in different agroecological conditions of Serbia, using the Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model and GGE-biplot method of analysis. Aim of investigation was to determine which of applied analysis is superior in identification of the most desirable genotypes for cultivation in given environments. Analysis of variance showed that genotype and genotype-environment (G×E) interaction represent highly significant sources of variability in expression of grain yield. AMMI and GGE analyses were point out similar results and an indisputable conclusion is that multienvironment trials, besides routine usage of analysis of variance, must be analized with one of this two models, which combine analysis of variance and PCA analysis. AMMI analysis is simpler for interpretation and closer to the concept of view of the agronomical trial, while GGE analysis is more complex and gives more precise interpretation of "which-won-where", i .e. for defining of narrowly adapted genotypes in given environments. Thus, G11 as the genotype with highest average yield is narrow adapted to the environment Sombor and can be recommended, as well as in the environment 2 (Kruševac), while genotypes with modest requests (G2) rather can be recommended for cultivation in the environment 1 (Kragujevac), which is characterized by less fertile soil and a smaller amount and uneven distribution of precipitation.

Various statistical methods were applied in this research: analysis of genetic parameters, Pearson's correlation, genotypic and phenotypic correlations, and Path analysis, with the aim of creating a selection criterion for increasing wheat grain yield. A two-year experimental study was conducted with twenty-seven wheat genotypes, grown on two localities: Rimski Šančevi (Bačka, Vojvodina), on Chernozem soil type; and Kumane (Banat, Vojvodina), on Solonjec soil type. The highest values of phenotypic coefficient of variation (CVp) had the grain weight per plant (17.44% on Chernozem and 13.81% on Solonetz), while the lowest value of CVp had the thousand grain weight (8.12% on Chernozem and 5.47% on Solonetz). On Chernozem, the value of the genotypic coefficient of variation (CVg) ranged from 1.51%, in the number of grains per spike, to 9.17% in the spike length, while on Solonetz, grain weight per plant had the lowest value of CVg (0.36%) and plant height the highest one (11.15%). At both localities, grain yield was in highly significant and positive correlations with all analyzed traits, except with plant height and spike length. In favorable environmental conditions (Chernozem), Path analysis revealed that grain yield directly depends on grain weight per spike (0.317**), number of grains per spike (0.232**) and spike weight (0.209**), and other analyzed traits have a positive indirect effect on grain yield over mentioned traits. Under salinity stress conditions, the grain weight per plant had the highest direct effect on grain yield (0.891**), which makes this trait a good selection criterion in breeding for salinity stress tolerance.

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of microbiological and organic fertilizers on morphological and productive characteristics of triticale during a three-year period (2009/10-2011/12). A two-factorial field experiment was arranged using a randomized block design with four replications. The object of the study was the triticale winter cultivar Odisej, and the following treatments were applied: a control variant without fertilization, microbiological fertilizer "Slavol" (Agrounik Serbia) 5.0 l ha-1 , organic fertilizer "Biohumus Royal offert" (Altamed RS) 3.0 t ha-1 + microbiological fertilizer "Slavol" (Agrounik Serbia) 5.0 l ha-1 . The results showed that the expression of the characteristics was significantly affected by the environment. The lowest values were obtained in the first year when the most unfavourable meteorological conditions were observed. The application of microbiological fertilizer had no impact on the stem length and grain weight per spike, but it significantly increased the number of fertile spikelets (3.7%), spike length (7.7%) and grain yield (18.6%). The combined application of fertilizers provided better results for all the examined characteristics, while in comparison with the control, the differences ranged from 4.3% for the number of fertile spikelets to 46.5% for grain yield. The strongest correlation was determined between the spike length and the number of fertile spikelets (r = 0.939**). The obtained results lead to the conclusion that under variable environmental conditions, the application of fertilizers has a significant impact on morphological and productive characteristics of triticale, and consequently on the stability of this crop production in the organic farming system.

Identification of high yielding and stable genotypes is one of the main goals in all breeding programmes. Estimation of hybrids is often aggravated due to the presence of genotype x environment (GE) interaction. One of the ways to eliminate negative effect of this interaction is the application of reliable statistical models such as AMMI model, which singles out high yielding and stable genotypes that have positive reaction to the improvement of production environments. This research aimed to establish specific maize hybrids interactions in different environments in two years by AMMI analysis. Twelve KWS maize hybrids belonging to FAO 400-500, were examined in two years over eight locations in Vojvodina. The highest yield in both years had the hybrid KWS2 (12.764 kg ha-1). Based on the AMMI1 model, hybrid KWS9 showed the highest stability and adaptability at all locations. According to AMMI2, hybrids KWS1, KWS3 and KWS12, had the highest stability and adaptability, while hybrids KWS2, KWS6, KWS8, KWS9 and KWS10 showed a satisfactory level of stability and it is necessary to pay attention to which locations they have positive interactions in order to be recommended in such regions. Nevertheless, based on the AMMI2, locations Temerin, Kikinda and Zrenjanin, showed similar interaction response, which points out that the number of trial locations could be reduced. Obtained results would contribute to the more precise decision in hybrids recommendation for the certain region, but also in defining further aims in maize breeding.

The main goal of plant breeding is to improve quality traits, yield and resistance to abiotic and biotic stress factors. A thousand years ago, people selected the best plants, seeds or fruits to produce seed for new crops and food for human and animal nutrition. Modern plant breeding is based on genetic principles and contributes to increases in yield and quality components (contents of protein, amino acids, fat, sucrose, mineral elements etc.). Breeders in conventional breeding programs in the last six decades have made changes to plant phenotypes, significantly improved resistance to diseases, earliness, and frost and drought resistance, and improved scientific farming practices, baking and milling technologies, and beverage production technology. Through bioinformatics and improved technology, breeders have developed ways to improve and accelerate the breeding process to combine desired traits in new genotypes as well to operate at the level of individual cells and their chromosomes. Nowadays, modern biotechnology is used to improve human nutrition, and develop genotypes with significantly higher yields and quality compared with genotypes created by conventional breeding. By genetic modification it is possible to add, modify or delete a trait without interfering between two complete genomes. However, genetically modified crops can be used after their assessment in terms of human health, food safety and the environment.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of several mycotoxins produced by certain Fusarium species that frequently infect wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley and other grains in the field or during storage. DON affects animal and human health causing vomiting, acute temporary nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and fever. The objective of this study was to evaluate the natural occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON) in white wheat flour, whole wheat flour and wheat bran. In this study, a total of 75 white wheat flour, whole wheat flour and wheat bran samples were collected in the period of 2016-2017. All samples were analyzed for DON by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. DON was detected in 23 out of 45 white wheat flour samples (51.11%), at levels ranging from 99 μg/kg to 440 μg/kg. Out of 15 whole wheat flour samples, 14 were contaminated by DON (93.33%), at levels ranging from 98 μg/kg to 479 μg/kg. The maximum contamination level of DON (2,790 μg/kg) in this study was found in wheat bran. Presence of DON was detected in all 15 samples of wheat bran (100%). These results suggest a high percentage of contaminated samples, especially among wheat bran samples, which raises a risk for consumers of wheat bran and the need to monitor final products before consumption.

This paper presents the conditions and possibilities significant resources of sustainable agriculture and the organic food production system in Serbia. The concept of organic agriculture was considered in the function of the organic food production. The principal characteristics of adjustment of cropping practices and procedures of establishing and realisation of the organic food production are pointed out. Furthermore, biological control in the realisation of the organic agricultural production is indicated. Fundamental procedures of biological control in organic agriculture are related to providing quality of soil, water resources and feed. Moreover, the alternative forms of crop protection products are indicated. Specificities of alternative programmes are studied with the aim to produce organic food. The necessity to adjust the education of producers and experts to perform the organic food production is also indicated.

The paper presents the results for grain yield of buckwheat varieties grown in two localities (Pašića Polje and Laholo) in the Municipality of Bijelo Polje, Montenegro. The study was conducted in plot trials, which were performed in a randomised block design with four replications in 2010. Buckwheat is grown according to the principles of organic production. The trials included 11 varieties (Novi Sad, Buckwheat 2, Bamby, Czech, Darja, Prekmurska, Čebelica, France, Buckwheat 1, Spacinska and Godijevo). The Godijevo type was used as a standard variety. Statistically significant differences regarding yield were found between the varieties and localities studied. At the site, "Pašića Polje", the average yield was 511.86 kg haˉ¹ or 54.14 kg less than the standard-type Godijevo. In this experimental field, the highest yield was obtained by the Buckwheat 2 variety (619.25 kg ha‾¹), 53.25 kg more than the standard Godijevo variety (566.00 kg ha‾¹1). The lowest yield was obtained by the Buckwheat 1 variety (308.75 kg ha‾¹), 257.25 kg less than the standard variety. In this experimental field ("Pašića Polje"), significantly lower yields were achieved compared to the "Laholo"experimental field. At the "Laholo" locality, the average yield was 784.70 kg ha‾¹ or 134.30 kg less than the standard-type Godijevo. In this experimental field, the highest yield was obtained by the French variety (964.75 kg ha‾¹), 45.75 kg more than the standard Godijevo variety (919.00 kg ha‾¹). The lowest yield was obtained by the Buckwheat 1 variety of 1 (455.25 kg ha‾¹), as much as 463.75 kg less than the standard variety. In this experimental field ("Laholo"), significantly higher yields were achieved compared with the "Pašića Polje" experimental field. A significant difference in grain yield was found between the localities under study. The greatest difference was found in the French, Prekmurska and Godijevo varieties, and the lowest in the Buckwheat 1 variety.

Genetically modified (GM) crops and biotechnology are providing new opportunities for increasing crop productivity and tackling agriculture problems, such as diseases, pests and weeds, abiotic stress and nutritional limitations of staple food crops. As GM crops are being adopted in various locations with different ecosystems, a scientifically based understanding of the environmental effects of cultivations of GM crops would assist decision makers worldwide in ensuring environmental safety and sustainability. In this paper are discussed some of the most important problems related to the GM crops into the environment such as: plant protection, hybridisation, ecological effects of HRCs, gene flow, biodiversity, stress, ecological risks (ERA), effects on the soil ecosystem etc.