Search

The aim of the research was to compare the productivity and quality of several forage grasses in the climate conditions of south-eastern Europe. The research was conducted during 2012 and 2013, in the south-western part of the Pannonian basin (vicinity of Osijek, Croatia). The experiment included 5 grass species: Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), hybrid ryegrass (Lolium x boucheanum), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and timothy (Phleum pratense) cut three times per year, i.e. 6 cuttings in total for two years. The results have shown that there were significant statistical differences for all investigated traits between the species, years and their interaction at the P˂0.05 levels. In average, the highest dry matter yield was achieved during the first year of using (10.4 and 9.1 t*ha-1). In average two years of using, the highest yields of dry matter had Italian ryegrass and cocksfoot. Quality results showed that the cocksfoot was the least digestible because it contained over 700 g*kg-1 of NDF and 450 g*kg-1 of ADF, unlike the perennial ryegrass which had 559 and 327 g*kg-1 of NDF and ADF. The final results showed the productivity per hectare where the most energy-producing species of Italian ryegrass with the possible production of 19,739 liters of milk with 4% milk fat. On the base protein productivity, the most prominent was the cocksfoot which could produce 11,878 liters of milk from 713 kg proteins in one year. The results show that none of the tested grasses had a balanced relationship between protein and energy.

Red clover is a perennial forage crop rich in isoflavones, the bioactive compounds with a positive effect on human and animal health. The aim of the research was to determine a variation in the isoflavone contents in the Croatian red clover collection and to identify the most promising materials to be used in the breeding program for the development of new cultivars for specific purposes. Leaf samples of 29 red clover cultivars/populations (two cultivars, twenty breeding populations, and seven local populations) were collected in a full flowering stage, and the identification and quantification of isoflavones was performed using the HPLC analysis. The most common isoflavones in the red clover cultivars/populations were formononetin and biochanin A. A significant variation among the cultivars/populations in the total and individual isoflavone content was determined. The populations with very high and low contents of both the total and of the individual isoflavones were identified to be used for the breeding purposes in order to develop new forage cultivars, or for specific goals in the pharmaceutical industry.

An applicable calculation procedure, implemented with an object-oriented software that calculates amplitudes of oscillation due to vortex shedding, is presented in this paper using a stadium lighting pole as an example. The fatigue strength of material is proven, for the defined S-N curves, according to the nominal stress method. Available Eurocode-based calculation methods are also analysed and their advantages and disadvantages are presented.

Spring field pea is one of the most important coarse legumes. In most pea breeding programs, the selection process is focused on the development of high-yielding and top-quality varieties for grain and/or green forage production. Production of protein rich grain is mainly associated with spring varieties, while production of green mass rich in protein, minerals and vitamins is characteristic for winter varieties. Due to problems with planting in autumn (late harvest of previous crop, heavy rains during soil preparation and planting, business plan modifications, abundance of cattle etc.), farmers often prefer spring pea varieties that can produce large green mass over shorter period of time, as well as ensure planting of the next crop in the same field. Objectives of this research were: agronomic value assessment of (spring and potentially winter) varieties and new breeding lines of spring field pea over a two-year period (2012-2013), as well as the selection of lines with the most potential for further breeding process and/or registration of new spring field varieties for green forage production. The highest mean yields of green mass and dry matter, as well as favourable values of other assessed traits were obtained by breeding lines MBK-7, MBK-41, MBK-51, and varieties Dora and Poneka. These varieties represent valuable germplasm for further breeding process, while selected lines have high potential for the development of new varieties.

Jari stočni grašak jedna je od najznačajnijih krupnozrnih mahunarki. Kod većine oplemenjivačkih programa graška selekcijski je proces usmjeren na razvoj visokoprinosnoga i kvalitetnoga sortimenta za proizvodnju zrna i/ili visokokvalitetne voluminozne stočne hrane. Proizvodnja zrna bogatoga bjelančevinama uglavnom je povezana s jarim sortama, dok je proizvodnja voluminozne mase, odnosno korištenje cijele biljke, koja je, osim bjelančevina, značajan izvor minerala i vitamina, odlika ozimih sorti. Zbog nemogućnosti jesenje sjetve (kasno napuštanje polja prethodne kulture, obilne kiše u vrijeme pripreme tla i sjetve, promjena poslovnoga plana, veći broj stoke i sl.), sve su češći zahtjevi proizvođača za jarim sortama graška, koje daju veliku masu u kratkome periodu (100 dana) i omogućuju sjetvu druge kulture na istoj površini. Ciljevi ovoga istraživanja bili su: tijekom dvije uzastopne godine (2012. i 2013.) procijeniti agronomsku vrijednost sorti (jarih, fakultativno ozimih) i novostvorenih oplemenjivačkih linija jaroga stočnoga graška (7 linja, 6 sorti) te odabrati najperspektivnije linije za daljnji selekcijski proces i/ili pokretanje postupka prijave nove potencijalne sorte jaroga graška za proizvodnju voluminoznoga krmiva. Najveće prosječne prinose zelene mase ostvarile su oplemenjivačke linije MBK-7 (33 t ha-1), MBK 41 (28 t ha-1) i MBK-51(28 t ha-1) te sorte Dora (35 t ha-1) i Poneka (34 t ha-1). Navedene sorte predstavljaju vrijedan materijal za daljnji oplemenjivački rad, a identificirane superiorne linije imaju potencijal za nove sorte.

The frequency of extreme climatic events has increased due to global climate change. The objectives of this research were to investigate the influence of climatic conditions (precipitation and temperature) on productivity of red clover cultivars and populations with a different genetic background and to identify those with high forage yield potential in environmental stress. Twenty-three red clover cultivars and populations of different geographical origin were studied during two consecutive growing seasons (2012 – extremely dry weather conditions, 2013 – humid weather conditions) at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia. A field experiment was performed as a randomized block design with three replicates. Green mass and dry matter yield and plant height were measured in both growing seasons, whereas the seed yield was determined in the first year only. Results indicated the stability or adaptability of evaluated red clover cultivars and populations to a dry or humid weather production conditions. Croatian populations (CD-3, TP-2, TP-7) and cultivar Viva, Serbian cultivar K-17 and German cultivar Taifun exhibited the highest forage yield potential under both, dry and humid growing conditions and represent a valuable material to be used in red clover breeding programs dealing with tolerance to abiotic stress.

Field pea (Pisum arvense L.), also known as Austrian winter pea, is increasingly being planted in Croatia and its surrounding to produce high-quality roughage. The main characteristics of the variety are short vegetation, high forage yields and excellent forage quality that is reflected in the high protein production. Seed production of peas is a very complex process. In agricultural production the yield is under the influence of plant genetic potential and environmental factors, especially of the precipitation amount during the growing season. Seed production of forage pea variety 'Osječki zeleni' along with the climatic conditions for a nine-year period (2004-2012) were analysed. The analyses showed large variability in yields, germination and 1000 grain weight as well as oscillations in the amounts of precipitation during the growing period of winter peas in the analysed years. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis showed a lack of relation between yield, germination and 1000 grain weight. There was no correlation observed between the tested parameters and the total amount of precipitation during the growing period. Thus it can be concluded that the observed parameters were substantially influenced by other environmental factors.

Field pea (Pisum sativum spp. arvense L.) is becoming increasingly common legumes in fodder production due to the high green mass yield, nutritional value and significant content of nitrogen leaving in the soil. The aim of this study was to determine the purpose and effect of nitrogen fertilization as well as the impact of harvesting regime on three field pea important traits (plant height, dry matter green mass yield). The research was conducted during a period of three years on experimental field at the Agricultural Institute Osijek. The experiment was set up in a split block design with three replications where the harvesting deadline (start of blooming and full bloom) was the main factor and seven levels of nitrogen fertilization (0 to 180 kg N ha-1) the subfactor. Significant differences at a significance level P

In this research we have determined germination energy and germination of seeds of sunflower hybrids ‘Luka’ and ‘Apolon’, at the beginning of storage and 6, 12 and 18 months after of storage period (2011-2012) in the floor concrete storage at two different air temperatures and humidity (S-1: air temperature 15-18°C and relative air humidity 65-70%) as well as in climate chamber (S-2: air temperature 10-12°C and relative air humidity 60-65%), stored in four treatments (Control: processed-untreated seed; T-1: treated with A.I. metalaxyl-M; T-2: treated with A.I. metalaxyl-M + A.I. imidacloprid and T-3: treated with A.I. metalaxyl-M + A.I. clothianidin). Based on the obtained results we have determined that sunflower hybrid ‘Luka’, compared to hybrid ‘Apolon’, in the given storage conditions and with the same seed treatment has 5-8% higher germination energy and seed germination and that in climate chamber both hybrids have 5-7% higher germination energy. Seed treatment of both sunflower hybrids with A.I. imidacloprid maximally reduced initial germination energy and seed germination in all tested periods and conditions of storage. On the average, natural seed, after 18 months of storage did not have better seed quality compared to seed treated with A.I. metalaxyl-M while other treatments had more significant influence on reduction of germination energy and seed germination, 6-15%. On the average, compared to other variants, seeds treated with A.I. metalaxyl-M after 18 months of storage in both storage conditions had higher germination energy by 4-15%, and seed germination by 2-12%.

The objective of this study was to evaluate phenotypic diversity in the alfalfa germplasm collections using multivariate analysis to examine the extent of genetic diversity and contribution of selected characters to the total diversity and finally to select the most promising clusters/populations for further breeding work. Forty alfalfa populations/cultivars of different geographical origin were evaluated for 12 agro-morphological characters during two consecutive years. The populations/ cultivars were grouped into six clusters. In most cases populations/cultivars within clusters were not associated with their geographical origin. Intercluster distances were larger than the intracluster ones. This research revealed a broad phenotypic diversity within and between the alfalfa germplasm collections. The following characters contributed most to the total phenotypic diversity: dry matter yield in the first production year, plant height and length of central leaflet. Based on the mean value of the evaluated characters and determined distances between clusters, the most promising populations/cultivars belong to the clusters IV and V. Selected populations/cultivars could be considered as a valuable genetic material for the yield and quality improvement of alfalfa in our breeding programme.

The objectives of this study were to estimate usage possibilities of semi-leafless winter pea type in voluminous feed production in mixture with cereals and to evaluate its quality in relation to standard leafed cultivars. Difference in average yields of green mass between two pea types was not significant. Significant differences were found within combinations types, ranged from 38.63 to 54.67 t ha-1 for combinations with standard leaf type and from 40.51 to 51.09 t ha-1 for combinations with semi-leafless pea type. In average, semi-leafless combinations were achieved digestive proteins yield of 1026 kg ha-1, what ensured 17101 L of milk ha-1 and 49807 MJ ha-1 of energy production, sufficient to hold norm of dairy cow and milk yield of 15712 L ha-1.

The objectives of this research were to assess the variability of 10 phenotypic traits within and among of 21 alfalfa breeding populations, and to select the most promising populations regarding high values of important agronomic traits in order to develop new synthetic cultivars. The investigation was conducted at the experimental field of the Agricultural Institute Osijek. Field trial was arranged according to the randomized block design in three replications in two consecutive years (2008-2009). Studied alfalfa breeding populations were significantly different in yields of green mass and dry matter, number of stems, height and regeneration of plants, number and length of internodes, stem thickness and width of central leaflet. Significant variability was determined within and among populations for all observed traits, except for length of central leaflet. High yields and major yield components (number of stems, height and plant regeneration), as well as favorable values for other studied traits were found for breeding populations OPL-10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20 and 21. Determined superior plants within the best populations are potential parental components for a new synthetic cultivars development.

Alfalfa is the most important forage legume on cultivated fields in Croatia (about 45000 ha of growing area – status 2003). The field experiment with application of four dolomite (Agrovapno MgO: 56% CaO and 40% MgO) rates (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 tha-1) were conducted in autumn of 2004. The experiment was conducted by randomized block design in four replicates. Alfalfa (cultivar Osječanka 88 of the Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia) was sown on March 25, 2005. Four cuttings / year were made. Fresh mass of alfalfa (cutting area 0.25 m2) was oven-dried at 65 oC. Year was the most influencing factor of alfalfa hay yields (13.03, 28.63, 29.43 and 32.77 tha-1, for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively). Liming resulted in low increases of yields up to 5% only. We presume that possible high tolerance of Osječanka 88 cultivar to soil acidity could be the main reason of low effects of liming on alfalfa yields.

Yield of dry matter and green mass are important factors in selection of fodder crop cultivars. Low genetic gain was achieved during the long time of fodder crops breeding for yield. Therefore we investigated possibility of using local populations of alfalfa for yield increase with direct and indirect selection. Strong and significant influence of genotypes and environments was recorded for all examined traits and their interactions at the level p

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a crop characterised by presence of hard (dormant) seed that are viable but do not germinate in seed quality testing. In Republic of Croatia seed are frequently stored for three to four years due to low needs for seed of alfalfa and considerable import. The share of hard seed is decreased by storage time, temperature and air moisture changes and therefore directly keeps the level of seed germination in a longer period of storage.

The paper aimed to determine yield and estimate pea grain yield stability of newly-created lines JSG-1 (cultivar in recognition process) as well as compare with foreign origin cultivars in agroecological area of east Slavonia. The trial was set up by a randomized block design on the experimental field of Agricultural Institute Osijek in four replicates in the five-year period (1998 – 2002). Six (five foreign and one inland) cultivars were included by the trial: Eiffil, Erbi, JP-5, JSG-1 (in a recognition process), Torsz and Baccara. Stability parameters were calculated by the grouping method after Francis and Kannenberg (1978) and by the model of individual stability estimation after Eberhart and Russel method (1966). According to Francis and Kannenberg, cultivars Eiffil, Erbi, JSG-1 and Baccara belonged to group I known for high yield and low trait varying coefficient, thus, represent stabile yield cultivars. According to regression coefficient and regression deviation variance the most stabile cultivar appeared to be cultivar JSG-1 (bi =1.06 and S2 di=0.010) and the lowest one was Torsz (bi =0.67 and S2 di =0.160). Cultivar Baccara (bi = 1.22 and S2 di =0.034) was comprised by the group of unstabile and adaptible for high-yielding environments.

Alfalfa is the most seeded forage crop in the Republic of Croatia.The seed requirements are estimated at 250-300 thousand kg each year. Despite the relatively suitable management, favourable environmental conditions and numerously recognized national cultivars the state seed production is insufficient and more than 70% of seed requirements are compensated by import. The research of a fungicides efficiency on alfalfa seed yield components (plant height, branch number, number of seeds per pod, number and weight of pods per stem, number and weight of seeds per stem, weight of 1000 seeds) has been carried out during 1994 and 1995 in Osijek. It involved application of two fungicides (both of them without a state alfalfa application licence): Impact C (flutriafol+carbendazim) and Tilt 250 EC (propiconazol) on alfalfa second growth seed stands in a different phenological stages of alfalfa development. The experiment was established at two three year old alfalfa stands of cultivar Osječka 66 sown in thick rows (0.12 m row spacing) and wide rows (0.5m row spacing). The experimental design was split-plot with four replicates. The plot size was 25 m2 . The fungicide application variants were as follows: 1.non treated; 2. at the beginning of a flowering stage; 3. in a full flowering stage; 4.at the end of a flowering stage; 5. as a combination of 2+4; and 6.as a combination 3+4 in a dose: Impact C 0.5 l/ha / 400 l of water and Tilt 250 EC 1 l/ha / 400 l of water. A control of the seed stands health during the vegetation confirmed the presence of disease agents: Phoma medicaginis, Stemphylium botryosum, Pseudopeziza medicaginis and Uromyces striatus. The results of the investigation indicate that applied fungicides did not significantly affect alfalfa seed yield. The total average seed yield in 1994 was 323 kg/ha and in 1995 213 kg/ha. In 1994 the seed yield on fungicide application variant 2 was 381.88 kg/ha and it was by 35% higher than on variant 3 and by 23% higher than on variant 4. In that year of the investigation the highest seed yielding variant was variant 2 in a wide row sown stand (456.3 kg/ha). It was by 48.4% higher than the same variant in a thick row sown stand (307.5 kg/ha) and by 27,5% higher than variant 1 (357.85 kg/ha). Also variant 2 had the highest number of seeds per pod and lowest height of plants in 1994 and the highest number and weight of pods in 1995. Both fungicides had significant effect (P

In the period 1993-1997 investigations were conducted on natural low marshy grassland of facies Arrhenatheretum elatioris alopecurosum located 60 km west of Osijek and 7 km south of the river Drava. Variants of nitrogen fertilization, NPK fertilizers and non-fertilized were comprised in the investigation. Presence of 121 plant species of which 22 grass and grass-like species, 12 legumes and 87 other plant species was determined. On the average of five years grassland fertilization affected changes in density value of all plant groups. The highest grass density was found out with the variant fertilized with N120P12K120 and the highest legumes density appeared to be on non-fertilized variant. In 1997 Centaurea jacea, Cerastium holosteoides and Myosotis arvensis dissapeared from plant density of other species due to fertilization and mowing effect. Grasses Alopercurus pratensis and Poa pratensis var. angustifolia as well as leguminoses Trfolim pratense and Lathyrus pratensis are especially characterized by good fodder and density value.

The academic textbook Alfalfa contains the following chapters: Review outline, Foreword, Origin and spread of alfalfa, Economic importance of alfalfa, Biological properties and breeding alfalfa, Morphological traits of alfalfa, Growth and development of alfalfa, Ecological conditions for alfalfa growth, Agronomy of alfalfa for fodder production, Pests and diseases of alfalfa and their control, Usage of alfalfa and hay, silage and haylage production, Alfalfa seed production, Prospects for alfalfa in Croatia, Index and interpreter of terms and abbreviations, About authors. How to satisfy requirements of the “queen of fodder crops“ to achieve high yields of high quality fodder is the issue presented in the book Alfalfa is being grown in Croatia on about 42 000 hectares. Average fodder yields are low, about 5 t ha1, so the employment of genetical potential of varieties in rainfed farming is 35 to 40%, making the production more expensive.

The field pea breeding at the Agricultural Institute Osijek has primarily been aimed at continued development of new cultivar types with high yield, potential early group maturity and resistance to lodging. Letin is a new semi-leafless -winter field pea (Pisum sativum) with purple flowers and a mottled light brown seed coat. Semi- leafless and leafed genotypes were evaluated for plant height, lodging, maturity, forage yield and quality in two locations. The forage yield of pea genotypes has an average of 32.21 t*ha-1. Higher yield was obtained from semi-leafless genotype (34.48 t*ha-1 ). The leafed genotype has achieved better nutritive characteristics. The obtained results point to a need for new tests and the possible introduction of semi- leafless cultivars in the production as a pea-cereal mixture or as pure crops to be utilized by cutting.