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Soils formed on limestones occupy large area in Serbia, but there is not a lot of information about their properties. This paper presents physical and chemical properties of the Brownized Calcomelanosols and Moderately-deep Calcocambisols of the Ozren Mountain. Brownized Calcomelanosols under natural grassy vegetation were investigated at the Vlasina pass, whereas Calcocambisols under mixed forests were investigated near the site "Ozrenske livade". Soil profiles were excavated up to the parent material, and disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from soil genetic horizons. Following soil characteristics were determined: particle size distribution, soil structure and water resistance of structural aggregates, bulk density, total porosity, air capacity, water-holding capacity, water conductivity, pH, content of humus, available phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O), hydrolytic acidity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), sum of exchangeable base cations, and base saturation. Humus-accumulative horizon (Amo) of the Brownized Calcomelanosols has silty clay texture, whereas the cambic (B)rz horizon of both soils has a clay texture. The Amo horizon of Calcomelanosols is characterized by fine to medium granular structure (0.5-5 mm) of very high water resistance. The total porosity, air capacity and water permeability of both soils is high. Their water-holding capacity is high. Amo horizon of Calcomelanosols is characterized by a high humus content (>10%). Soil reaction in water of Amo horizon is neutral, whereas in (B)rz horizons both soils are moderately acid. Both soils have high CEC (>58 cmol kg-1 ) and base saturatation (>95%). Brownized Calcomelanosol is moderately to highly supplied with available K2O, whereas Calcocambisol is moderately supplied; while both soils are very poor in available P2O5. Since this study presents quite favorable physical and chemical properties of the investigated soils due to the conservation of natural forests and grasslands, the results can help in a deeper understanding of soil ecology and the preservation of natural plant cover.

In this study, Fluvisol from the area of Stari Beĉej (Serbia) was investigated with the aim of evaluating selected chemical and physical indicators of soil quality affter its long-term use in crop production. Ten bulk soil samples (soil depth: 0-210 cm) were collected to analyze soil chemical properties (humus, CaCO3, pH, P2O5, K2O), texture (six samples, soil depth: 0-130 cm), dry-stable aggregate distribution and stability of soil aggregates (four samples, soil depth: 0-80 cm). Additional undisturbed core samples (100 cm3 volume) were also collected to determine soil bulk density, total porosity, field air capacity, and field water capacity. Water infiltration capacity was also measured in the field using a double ring infiltrometer. The results indicated that the soil had a two-layer profile and a silty loam texture (with a physical clay content of 41-42% and a colloidal clay content of 27-28%). The humus horizon has quite favorable chemical properties up to a depth of 60 cm, and at a depth of 60-80 cm it is alkalized under the influence of saline groundwater. From an agronomic point of view, the structure of this soil is favorable. The results of determining the stabillity soil aggregates show that the soil structure in the Ahp and Ah horizons at depth (0-40 cm) with a content of 41% of water-stable aggregates < 0.25 mm is significantly worse (less favorable) than in the surface part of the AhBca horizon (40-60 cm) with a content of ~58% of waterstable aggregates < 0.25 mm. The main physical properties are not particularly favorable in the Ah and AhBca horizons to a depth of 80 cm. The Ah horizon is very compact (bulk density: 1.33-1.38 g/cm3 ), and the air-filled porosity is very low (less than 5%) and small (5-10%) at all depths up to 80 cm, and it is lowest in the surface 0-20 cm layer, only 3.8%. Infiltration capacity is low. The reserves of soil moisture available for plant growth in the soil layer 0-100 cm are very good (> 160 mm water depth). In summary, the results of this study show that perennial tillage can lead to a loss of soil productivity and serious soil degradation.

We investigated, under field conditions and during four years (2018–2021) the effects of five irrigation levels (T1: 100% of crop water requirement; T2: 80% of T1; T3: 60% of T1; T4: 40% of T1, and T5: 0% of T1 – rainfed) in interaction with three planting densities (PD1: 54 900, PD2: 64 900, and PD3 75 200 plants/ha) on the yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize in Srem, Serbia. The results indicate a large year-to-year variability, mainly due to the total amount and distribution of rainfall. Water regime and PD interacted significantly. Irrigation increased grain yield 28, 34, 30 and 18% for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, compared to the T5; and significantly influenced the yield components. Planting density had significantly lower effects on grain yield compared to irrigation (+1.4–1.8%). WUE is maximised (3.436 kg/m3) at T4 under 75 200 plants/ha. Grain yield and WUE increased significantly with increasing PD, while the number of grains per ear and the weight of 1 000 grains decreased with increasing PD. In conclusion, limited irrigation at T2 under PD2 may be a viable method to maximise production efficiency and maize yield under the environmental conditions of this study and at sites with similar soil and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of long-term (> 100 yr) irrigation on soil chemical properties was studied on eight plots in the Beli Drim river valley in Kosovo and Metohija near Klina, Serbia. For these studies, soil samples from shallow profiles were collected from only one or two depth zones of the Ah horizon; and from moderately deep and deep profiles, from two to three depth zones for the purpose of comparing irrigated field and non-irrigated meadow lands. Water from the Beli Drim River and surface gravity systems (irrigation furrows or border strip irrigation) were used for irrigation. Chemical variables included determination of pH-H2O, content of CaCO3, content of humus, hydrolytic acidity, sum of basic cations, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. On irrigated soils, the results of chemical analysis showed on average a small increase in pH-H2O (0.07 pH units), as well as a significant decrease in humus content (2.00-4.75%), sum of basic cations (4.98-12.98%) and cation exchange capacity (12.8%) compared to the non-irrigated land of the study area. Long-term irrigation had no effect on hydrolytic acidity and base saturation in the Ah horizon of the investigated lands. Namely, the mentioned variations in the chemical properties of the investigated soils show that slight processes of reduction in the humus content and reduction of the content of base cations occured. Data on the chemical properties of the investigated soils indicate that the destructive processes of reduction in the humus content and leaching of base cations must be controlled in order to achieve a stable sustainable system of high productivity and prevent their further deterioration.

Physical properties play an important role in determining suitability of soil for agricultural, amelioration, ecological and technical purposes. They are influence on movement, storage and availability of water and nutrients for plants, ease of plant root penetration and movement of heat and air. Furthermore, they are also effect chemical and biological properties of soil. Although Fluvisols (alluvial-meadow soils) are one of the most widespread soils in Serbia, little research has been done on them. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the most important physical properties of long-term irrigated Fluvisols that were formed on the carbonate deposit of the White Drim River in Kosovo and Metohija (Serbia). Eight profiles, i.e. 23 undisturbed soil samples and 69 disturbed soil samples were examined. The depth of the upper part of the soil profile, which lies above the layer of sand, stones and gravel, in which the roots of the plants develop, is very uneven from profile to profile, i.e. it varies from small (approx. 30 cm) to very large (>200 cm). The investigated Fluvisols are heavy textured (>50% clay content). The results show a high variability of the physical properties in the surface layer of these soils. Most of the investigated physical properties of the eight open Fluvisol profiles, in addition to the heavy texture, are quite favorable and fairly uniform in the plow layer, while they are much less favorable, though not particularly unfavorable, under the plow layer in deeper profiles.

This study confirmed our hypothesis that new maize inbred lines and hybrids derived from them had a dominant property of an efficient photosynthetic model. This property is successfully used in breeding programmes, modern technologies of the seed, and commercial maize production. This statement is supported by the results displayed on the erect position of the top leaves of new maize inbred lines and photosynthetic and florescence parameters: the change of the delayed chlorophyll fluorescence intensity during its course and dynamics, the Arrhenius criterion for the determination of critical temperatures (phase transition temperatures) and the activation energies, as a measure of conformational changes in chloroplasts and the thylakoid membrane. Furthermore, a grain structure including its physical and chemical parameters of new maize inbred lines and hybrids was analysed in the present study. In addition, relevant breeding, seed production and technological traits, properties and parameters of new maize inbred lines and maize hybrids were observed in the present study. The overall presented results show that properties of new inbred lines and maize hybrids are based on the nature of conformational and functional changes that occur in their chloroplasts and thylakoid membranes, as well as, on progressive effects in modern breeding, contemporary hybrid seed production, and the commercial maize production. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 03E211, 03E22, 142025, TR-20003, TR-20007, TR-20014]

In this paper the influence of hybrid on the particular traits of maize seed was examined. Four maize hybrids were tested on four locations. Analysed traits were: yield, ratio of seed fractions and germination by fractions. Yield differed among the hybrids. Hybrid ZP 427 achieved the highest yield per area unit (5,522.4 kg/ha), and ZP 434 had the lowest, with 2,357.8 kg/ha. The ratio of seed fractions differed significantly depending on the hybrid. Based on the results we can conclude that hybrid ZP 600 had the best ratio of fractions, with 76.2 % of small fraction. In all tested hybrids large fractions had higher germination efficiency. The highest average germination was observed in large fractions of hybrid ZP 666 (97.87 %), while the lowest germination was at small fractions of ZP 600 (92.38 %). On all three examined traits there was significant effect of both genotype and location, as well as their interaction.

Maize is an important staple crop and a significant source of various nutrients. We aimed to determine the macronutrients, antioxidants, and essential elements in maize genotypes (white, yellow, and red kernel) using three different fertilizers, which could be used as a basis to increase the nutrient density of maize. The fertilizer treatments used bio- and organic fertilizers as a sustainable approach, urea, as a commonly used mineral fertilizer, and the control (no fertilization). We evaluated the yield, concentration of macronutrient (protein, oil, and starch), nonenzymatic antioxidants (phenolics, yellow pigment, total glutathione (GSH), and phytic phosphorus), and reduction capacity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, as well as essential elements that are commonly deficient in the diet (Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and S) and their relationships with phytic acid. The genotype expressed the strongest effect on the variability of grain yield and the analyzed grain constituents. The red-kernel hybrid showed the greatest accumulation of protein, oil, phenolics, and essential elements (Ca, Fe, Cu, and S) than a yellow and white hybrid, especially in the biofertilizer treatment. The yellow kernel had the highest concentrations of yellow pigment, GSH, phytic phosphorous, Mg, Mn, and Zn (19.61 µg g−1, 1,134 nmol g−1, 2.63 mg g−1, 1,963 µg g−1, 11.7 µg g−1, and 33.9 µg g−1, respectively). The white kernel had a greater starch concentration (2.5% higher than that in the red hybrid) and the potential bioavailability of essential metals, particularly under no fertilization. This supports the significance of white maize as a staple food in many traditional diets across the world. Urea was important for the enhancement of the antioxidant status (with 88.0% reduction capacity for the DPPH radical) and increased potential Zn bioavailability in the maize kernels (13.3% higher than that in the biofertilizer treatment). This study underlines the differences in the yield potential and chemical composition of red, yellow, and white-kernel maize and their importance as a necessary part of a sustainable human diet. This information can help determine the most appropriate genotype based on the antioxidants and/or essential elements targeted for kernel improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Genetika (0534-0012) is the property of Serbian Genetics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Variable frequent drought periods in Vojvodina region (the southeastern part of the Pannonian Plain, Serbia), severely limit maize (Zea mays L.) production under rainfed conditions. A four-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sprinkler deficit irrigation and plant density on yield and water use efficiency of maize grown on silty clay loam soil under temperate continental climate. The experiment included fully irrigated crop (I 1), three deficit irrigation treatments (I 2 , I 3 and I 4 corresponding to 80, 50 and 40 % of crop evapontranspiration, respectively) and non-irrigated treatment (I 0), and three plant densities (LPD: 54,900 plants ha–1; MPD: 64,900 plants ha–1; HPD: 75,200 plants ha–1) in four replicates. The results showed that grain yield, CWP (crop water productivity) and IWP (irrigation water productivity) varied significantly with irrigation amounts, plant densities and seasons. The irrigation rates and plant density interact significantly. MPD and HPD differed significantly from LPD in almost all seasons. With increasing irrigation and plant density, yield and CWP showed an increasing trend. The relative values of IWP increased with the rise of plant density and decreased with the amount of irrigation. The highest four-year average yield (15.03 t ha–1) was obtained in the I 1 -HPD treatment, while the lowest (9.30 t ha–1) was obtained in the I 0 -HPD treatment. The highest average values of CWP and IWP were recorded at I 3 -HPD or/and I 2 -HPD. The lowest CWP and IWP values were determined for I 4 -HPD and I 4 -MPD, respectively. In the pedo-climatic conditions of Vojvodina and similar regions, we recommend growing maize under the I 1 -HPDtreatment to achieve high yields. Under the water shortage conditions, the application of I 2 -HPD treatment is a favorable strategy saving 37 % of irrigation water, while reducing maize grain yield by ∼10 %. • Water deficit at the lowest irrigation treatment reduced grain yield by 31 %. • Increasing plants density to 64,900 plants ha−1 raises grain yield by ∼4 %. • High plant densities reduced yield at the low irrigation and rainfed cultivation. • Irrigation amount and plant density significantly affected CWP and IWP. • Grain yield, crop and irrigation water productivity significantly varied over years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic agriculture offers many benefits through the increased nutritional quality of produced crops, agro-ecosystem preservation, and climate change mitigation. The development of an efficient nutrient management strategy in low-input systems, such as organic agriculture, which supports soil fertility and essential nutrients absorption by crops, is continually exploring. Thus, a study with maize–spelt–soybean rotation during a 5-year period in organic production was established to evaluate the variability in soil organic matter (SOM) and the status of available elements: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Si from the soil, as well as grain yield (GY) and the content of protein, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Si concentration in the grain of spelt, maize, and soybean. Significant variations in mineral elements in the soil, GY, and grain composition were detected. Spelt achieved the highest average GY, while soybean grain was the richest in a majority of examined nutrients. The soil Ca content was important for GY, while the protein level in grain was generally tied to the Mn level in the soil. It was recognized that soil–crop crosstalk is an important strategy for macro- and micro-nutrients management in the soil and grain of organically produced spelt, maize, and soybean. While a reduction in the GY and protein concentration in grain was present over time, it was established that a low-input system under dry-farming conditions supports nutrient availability and accumulation in grain, under semi-arid agro-ecological conditions of central Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Genetika (0534-0012) is the property of Serbian Genetics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to investigate the Diaporthe species associated with Phomopsis stem canker of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) in Serbia. The significant increase in sunflower and soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivation may have created the bridge favorable conditions for the distribution of Diaporthe species in this region. The present study identified five Diaporthe species on sunflower: D. gulyae , D. helianthi , D. pseudolongicolla , D. stewartii , and the newly identified D. riccionae based on morphological, molecular, and pathogenic characteristics. The research emphasizes the importance of effective inoculation methods and evaluates the aggressiveness of isolates. Sunflower plants were inoculated using the stem wound method, while seeds of sunflower and soybean were inoculated using the standard seed method. Most of the tested isolates demonstrated high aggressiveness, resulting in more than 80% premature wilting of sunflower plants. Additionally, this research examined the aggressiveness of Diaporthe species on sunflower seeds, highlighting D. stewartii and D. pseudolongicolla as common pathogens of both sunflower and soybean. The most aggressive species on seeds was D. stewartii , causing seed decay of up to 100% in sunflower and 97% in soybean. The findings suggest the development of resilient sunflower genotypes through breeding programs and the implementation of strategies to manage cross-contamination risks between sunflower and soybean crops. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the interactions between Diaporthe species and the seeds of sunflower and soybean. Future research will enhance our understanding of the impact of Diaporthe species on sunflower and soybean., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

Using morphological and cultural characteristics for identification, 36 Fusarium isolates were recovered from diseased roots, stems, and seeds of soybean from several localities throughout Vojvodina Province, Serbia. Based on molecular characterization, 12 Fusarium species were identified: F. acuminatum , F. avenaceum , F. commune , F. equiseti , F. graminearum , F. incarnatum , F. oxysporum , F. proliferatum , F. solani , F. sporotrichioides , F. subglutinans , and F. tricinctum . The elongation factor 1-α-based phylogeny grouped the isolates into 12 well-supported clades, but polymorphisms among sequences in some clades suggested the use of the species complex concept: (i) F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC)- F. incarnatum and F. equiseti ; (ii) F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC)- F. oxysporum ; (iii) F. solani species complex (FSSC)- F. solani ; and (iv) F. acuminatum / F. avenaceum / F. tricinctum species complex (FAATSC)- F. acuminatum , F. avenaceum , and F. tricinctum . Pathogenicity tests showed that the most aggressive species causing soybean seed rot were F. sporotrichioides , F. graminearum , FIESC, and F. avenaceum . Furthermore, F. subglutinans , FSSC, and F. proliferatum showed a high percentage of pathogenicity on soybean seeds (80 to 100%), whereas variability in pathogenicity occurred within isolates of F. tricinctum . FOSC, F. commune , and F. acuminatum had the lowest pathogenicity. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the characterization of Fusarium species on soybean in Serbia. This study provides valuable information about the composition of Fusarium species and pathogenicity that will be used in further research on soybean resistance to Fusarium -based diseases., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.