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Based on detailed studies of the past of the agrarian thought of the world (evolution of agro-innovation), and within it, the relationship of man and seed, the author has selected key data for Table 1. In addition, more or less known folk sayings, proverbs, curses and allegories in which the seed is the key word have been collected. Then, religious books, folk art and literature works (sayings) of prominent individuals and experts and observations of the author himself have been studied. According to the collected opus, it can be concluded that the vast importance of seed meaningfully entwined into all spheres of folk life and cultural heritage. Seed is directly tied to the following eight key (r)evolutionary milestones in the food and economic life of mankind: 1. the first and for the longest time, the seed used to be the main food of the people and the first food reserve; 2. Neolithic Revolution was simply caused by the sowing of seeds; 3. for the sake of sowing man began to develop more complex processing techniques; 4. everywhere and forever, especially since the late 15th century, the seed has been a carrier of (rescuing) plants between Europe and the New World, that is, between continents; 5. seed was the first product that has been chemically treated since the mid-18th century; 6. standard operation procedures and quality are promoted on seed by which it became the first product to have prescribed (compulsory) methods, but it also became a good whose quality has to be tested before sale; 7. hybrid seed is a 'perpetrator' of the green revolution in the mid-20th century and at last there is disputable seed of genetically modified organisms that are spreading with certain reactions. The author proposes that the United Nations Standard International Trade Classification includes a special section (division) which would classify the seed for sowing, while beyond this Classification terms such as seed, plant seed should be replaced with non-seed expressions such as grain, kernel.

Soil is a vital component for the growth of trees and shrubs in the shelterbelts agroforestry practices. Management of trees has a critical contribution to soil improvements. People's use of shelterbelts is varying across agroecology zones of Ethiopia. Some nations use it as their cultural expression, while the others use it as area demarcation (farming and home). In shelterbelt agroforestry practice, Millettia ferruginea, Sesbania sesban and Acacia abyssinica legumes tree species were deliberately planted for soil management across agro-ecologies. Considering the population and the farm size of farmers in Ethiopia, most farmers' knowledge of shelterbelts for soil management is scantly documented. This is due to a low level of awareness and expert consultancy. Therefore, this paper reviews the soil management roles and possible threats, opportunities, and challenges of shelterbelts. This review paper was developed through using related published papers. Scientists reported that areas covered by well-managed shelterbelts had good soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. The soil quality and fertility of the area further improved through good soil microbial activities. The tree crop compatibility, climatic factors, land use policy, and scarcity of land were among the possible threat and challenges to shelterbelts establishment. Generally, good tree and shrub management skills result in a high level of land productivity. Therefore, further development planners should focus on the extensive demonstration of shelterbelt practices as well as training and monitoring of farmers on such issues for their livelihood improvements.

Cabbage is one of the most commonly produced vegetable crops worldwide due to its ability to adapt to a range of climatic conditions and soil types. As an intensive vegetable crop, cabbage can be produced all year round. Regarding the fact that cabbage needs optimum agroclimatic conditions during growing period for better yielding results, the paper aims to clarify and define the specific agroclimatic requirements, such as temperature, water, light and soil, suitable for cabbage production. Cabbage production should take place on a seasonal basis, as an early, summer, autumn, or winter production. Production goals should take into consideration whether the cabbage is intended for fresh consumption, pickling, storage or another specific method of consumption or processing. Growing the same cultivar in two different temperatures during one year should be avoided. The combination of suitable production conditions, intensive cultivation practices and mechanisation, can boost the genetic potential of the cabbage cultivars. Local climate conditions greatly affect cabbage production, primarily plant growth, occurrence and development of diseases, harmful insects, and weeds. Production planning must take into consideration both the regional (mean annual temperatures and precipitation) and the local climate conditions (frost occurrence). Cabbage is currently produced in the open field throughout the year, but we may be forced to change the course of cabbage production due to the increase of extreme local climate change. For this reason, the aim of this paper was to give recommendations of agricultural practices that could minimize the detrimental effects of climate change in cabbage production.

The increasing usage of chemicals for plant protection in recent years has become a serious problem. One of the possible solutions is use of beneficial microorganisms instead of synthetic fungicides, which will contribute to the protection of the environment and human health. Since the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum are the most important pathogens that cause maize diseases and produce mycotoxins, the potential of Trichoderma harzianum for biocontrol of both phytopathogens was examined in this paper. The aim of this paper was to study the influence of different carbon and nitrogen combinations in the medium for T. harzianum production. T. harzianum was cultivated in Erlenmeyer flasks and the effect of cultivation broth against selected maize pathogens was tested using well diffusion method. The results of this study showed that the combination of different carbon and nitrogen sources in the T. harzianum cultivation medium statistically significantly affects the production of Trichoderma cultivation broth effective on two tested phytopathogens. Dextrose as a carbon source and soybean flour as a nitrogen source proved to be the best combination in the medium for production of T. harzianum cultivation broth effective on A. flavus and F. graminearum. Maximal inhibition zone diameters of 31 mm and 56.33 mm were registered in those medium formulations for A. flavus and F. graminearum, respectively. These researches represent an important step for further research in which a medium of low market value would be selected. This would reduce the price of the production process but also the final product.

The paper analyzes a complex relationship between biomedical technology and ethics and offers insight into the role of the criminal law in regulating this subject matter. In the first part of the paper the author offers analysis of the relationship between medicine and ethics as well as the ethical rules of conduct in modern medicine and stresses the need for legal intervention in this matter. In the second part of the paper the author points out that sudden development of biomedicine and biotechnology in the last twenty years has led the society into a great temptation and forced onto the ethics and the law considerable challenges. While discussing the relationship between biotechnology and ethics, the author pointed out that it would be more suitable to declare the principle of tolerance, kept in check by the principle of responsibility, to be a fundamental principle in biotechnology. However, traditional principle of ethics in medicine should not all together be disregarded. In the last part of the paper the author offers analysis of the extent and perspective of the criminal law reaction in the subject matter and concludes that in the field of biotechnology not too much hope should rest on the role of the criminal law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High germination of seeds and seedling establishment are critical for soybean production since it determines crop density and eventually affects the yield. Accurate evaluation of the germination potential of sowing material is valuable, as well as initial quality assessment of newly harvested seed. ISTA Rules prescribe alternative methods for soybean seed germination: sand, between paper, top of paper covered with sand and since 2020 organic growing media. In the Seed Testing Laboratory at the Maize Research Institute soybean germination is conducted in the sand at 2030°C. The objective of this study was to evaluate several available organic growing media and compare results obtained with the standard laboratory method. Five soybean seed lots of different quality were tested in four germination growing media (3 organic and sand), at two temperature regimes (25 °C and 2030°C). Statistical analyses showed that all types of organic growing media were of the same quality. Slightly higher germination in organic growing media was obtained in the experiment at 2030°C compared to sand, but those differences were not statistically significant. When testing was done in germinator with 25°C positive effects of organic growing media were identified and this impact was significant, especially for low-quality seed lots. The experimental outcome was to continue with routine practice and use organic growing media for retesting of seed lots with lower germination as an alternative substrate.

The paper examined the impact of the application of three different phytohormones (INCIT 2, INCIT 5 and INCIT 8, all based on a-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA)), with the cuttings of two forms of Pannonian thyme (the L-16 form, with hairy leaves, and the L-9 form, with hairless leaves), established during two periods (March and May), on the percentage of the rooted cuttings and the morphological properties of the seedlings. As the control, the variant without the application of the phytohormones was taken. The research was conducted in the period from 2019 to 2020, in a plastic greenhouse, using the plant collection of the Institute for Medicinal Plants Research "Dr Josif Pančić", which is located in Pančevo city, Serbia (44°52'20"N; 20°42'06"E; 74 m.a.s.l.). For this research was used the Pannonian thyme species (Thymus pannonicus All.) from the Lamiaceae family, which is grown and produced at the Institute. Plant establishment was carried out in four repetitions with 33 cuttings per each variant. Standard measures of care were used during the period of production of Pannonian thyme. The measurement was performed after 60 days from the date of conducted the experiment. The following parameters were measured: the percentage of rooted cuttings (%), the mass of the rooted plantlings (g), the mass of roots (g), the length of rooting (cm) and the number of root hairs of the formed rootings. The measuring was done using a ruler, millimetre paper and an analytical balance. Given the results achieved, INCIT 2 proved to be the most suitable phytohormone for the rooting of Pannonic thyme cuttings, with the average percentage of rooted cuttings of 61.3%. The lowest rooting percentage was recorded in the control variant, only 29.4%. Satisfactory rooting was found in the cuttings treated with INCIT 8 (57.6%). The L-16 form cuttings showed a higher rooting rate, an average of 53.8%, whereas the L-9 form cuttings had a lower average percentage of rooted cuttings (45.0%) for both plant establishment periods. Greater success and quality in the rooting of cuttings was recorded in the second (May) period of plant establishment, averaging 58.1%, which was higher by 17.4% than the percentage of rooted cuttings in the first establishment period (40.7%). It is important to note that the rooting of the L-9 form was significantly higher in the second establishment period (58.1%) than that in the first establishment period (31.9%).

For the production of high-yielding sunflower hybrids, it is necessary to cross inbred lines, the parent components of hybrids, which differ in a number of traits. The aim of this paper was to examine the variability of sunflower inbred line for agronomically important traits and to classify them based on similarities. 110 inbred lines from the collection of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad were used in this paper. Nine important agronomic traits were examined: plant height, head diameter, number of days from germination to flowering, number of days from germination to maturity, seed yield, oil percentage, oleic acid content, 1000 seed mass and hull percentage. Inbred lines showed high variability for tested traits. The largest coefficient of variations was for seed yield (CV = 42.51%), and the smallest was for days from germination to flowering (CV = 8.86%) and days from germination to ripening (CV = 8.27%). Based on the principal components analysis (PCA analysis), inbred lines were grouped by similarity: (I) inbred lines with high seed and oil yields, (II) inbred lines with a short period from germination to flowering and (III) inbred lines with a high percentage shells, for special use. Seed yield and oil percentage as the most important agronomic traits were positively correlated, and they were positively correlated with the largest number of examined trais. The data obtained in this paper will be taken into account when crossing the inbred line in order to create sunflower hybrids.

Following the path established in Serbian anthropology by the subdiscipline of the anthropology of film, as well as the anthropological "section" for the study of science fiction, the analytical focus of this paper is the film Men and Chicken. Contrary to critics who saw in this film "an unreadable, morbid and cynical postmodern horror", the basic thesis of this paper is that the film helps us not only to question public ideas about science, but also to shed light on the hopes, fears and conceptual dilemmas caused by the advance of biotechnologies. It helps us to, using a product of popular culture close to the experience of the general public, analyze the way in which the imaginarium of the film deals with the "paradox at the heart" of western thought - the simultaneous claim that humans are animals and that animality is the polar opposite of what we hold to be human. The paradox in question need not be an intellectual chew toy for a bored mind, nor an opportunity for demonstrating the wondrous power of an analytical process of Levi-Straussian calibre, rather a very relevant question in current institutional and public discussions on creating hybrid embryos/species at the heart of which are attempts to establish the biological, moral and cultural status of humans, non-humans and hybrids.

This is the first part of an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) study of oilseed rape cultivated under conditions prevalent in the region of Vojvodina, Serbia. The paper presents the initial two phases of the LCA: goal and scope definition, as well as the life cycle inventory (LCI). The assessment exclusively focuses on the rapeseed oil production chain, which includes the transportation of oilseeds to regional silos as its final stage. The assessment of production inputs, including quantities of mineral fertilizers, pesticides, and diesel fuel needed to achieve an assumed yield of 3000 kg ha-1, relies on recommendations from relevant agricultural advisory institutions. Emissions of pollutants into the environment, considered as outputs, are calculated using methodologies that account for locally specific conditions and production practices. Collected or estimated input and output data are entered into the OpenLCA software, which, in conjunction with the ecoinvent 3.7 database, computes the results of the LCI analysis. The LCI result contains data on hundreds of different pollutants emitted into the environment during the processes that make up the oilseed rape production chain, as well as a detailed inventory of consumed or used natural resources. However, LCI results only provide data on the quantities of different exchanges with the environment, not their potential impacts. Thus, they are not suitable for concluding the overall impact of oilseed rape production on the environment. Consequently, the analysis requires supplementation through the third LCA phase: the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). This phase provides further explanations and interpretations of the significance of inventory results from an environmental protection perspective.

In the previous period, research was carried out with a focus on the application of various types of microbiological preparations in order to influence their possible influence on the morphological, productive and qualitative properties of industrial plants. Research was conducted in the period from 2015 to 2023 both in the open field and in laboratory conditions. In the group of industrial plants, oil, protein, medicinal, aromatic and spice plants were investigated. This paper shows the influence of certain biopreparations on the treatment of organic soybean seeds before sowing and during cultivation. For that purpose, mixtures of microbiological strains (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus amiloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus megatherium, Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azotobacter chroococum) were used, with the addition of liquid fertilizers of plant origin enriched with K, Ca and Mg. The use of microbiological strains in the cultivation of organic soybeans has a significant effect on increasing the content of proteins and vegetable oils in soybeans, as well as on the values of morphological parameters and yield in the crop of organically produced soybeans. Microbiological preparations have the potential to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural systems. The use of selected microbiological cultures for treatment during the inoculation of soil and seeds in the cultivation of industrial plants is reflected in the improvement of the nutritional and functional properties of plants, which are an excellent source of valuable food ingredients.

This constitutes the second segment of an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) study on oilseed rape cultivation in the prevalent conditions of Vojvodina, Serbia. The paper presents the results of the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) phase of the LCA. The functional unit (FU) is one hectare of agricultural land used for winter rapeseed cultivation, with a reference flow of 3,000 kg of seeds, representing the average yield per hectare. The assessment is focused on the rapeseed production chain, concluding with the transportation of oilseeds to regional silos. The environmental impact assessment employed the ReCiPe 2016 (H) LCIA method, using the OpenLCA software. The study found that the total damage to human health was estimated at 0.0048 DALY, while damage due to biodiversity loss was calculated as 0.0001 species per year. Additionally, the damage resulting from the exploitation of geological mineral reserves was determined to be 167 USD per FU. Notably, land occupation was identified as the primary contributor to biodiversity loss, accounting for 90% of the associated damage within the rapeseed production chain. Meanwhile, the life cycle of diesel fuel, the mineral fertilizer production chain, and nitrogen compound emissions from agricultural land collectively accounted for 74% of the damage to human health and 91% of the damage attributed to mineral resource consumption. On the midpoint level, the ReCiPe 2016 (H) LCIA method calculates results within 18 impact categories, including the impact on global warming and fossil fuel depletion. The cumulative impact of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted in the rapeseed production chain is equivalent to the impact of 1,970 kg of carbon dioxide. The carbon footprint of rapeseed was estimated at 0.65 kg CO2 eq. per kg of rapeseed. In the production chain of 3,000 kg of rapeseed, 454 kg of oil equivalent is consumed, which means that approximately 6.93 MJ of energy from fossil sources is required to produce 1 kg of rapeseed under the prevalent conditions in Vojvodina. The ReCiPe 2016 method identified and assessed the impact of approximately 750 different emissions with adverse effects on the environment, as well as the impact of around 250 different forms of natural resources consumed or used in the rapeseed production chain. However, the results of the LCIA analysis show that only about ten elementary flows are responsible for over 90% of the total damage in specific protection areas. These primarily include air emissions (carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, and suspended particles), emissions of certain heavy metals into water and soil (hexavalent chromium and zinc), as well as the exploitation of some natural resources, notably arable land, natural gas, and crude oil. The results of the LCIA analysis can be utilized to identify processes and emissions where rationalization or improved control can yield the greatest environmental benefits. The most substantial environmental improvements are expected through the reduction of mineral fertilizer consumption per unit yield and the decrease in diesel fuel usage for field and transportation activities. Furthermore, enhanced control over emissions that contribute significantly to the adverse impacts of the rapeseed production chain can also lead to substantial environmental enhancements.

The most common mechanical damage to soybean in the agroecological conditions of Serbia occurs after the appearance of hail, floods or due to damage from wild animals and insects. In recent years, extreme temperatures accompanied by drought have been increasingly recorded during the summer months, as well as the appearance of hail, which has become frequent during the growing season of spring crops. The aim of this work was to determine the consequences and the extent of yield reduction if hail occurs in the generative stages of soybean development. The occurrence of hail in the R1 (beginning bloom) and R3 (beginning pod) stages of development in the form of plant damage was simulated. This paper will present the results of how three soybean varieties reacted after simulated hail damage in two stages of generative development and what the effects were on yield, height, number of fertile nodes, as well as percentage of plant regeneration. The trial was set up in 2020 as a two-factorial experiment in three replications. Three soybean varieties were sown in late April. In order to simulate hail damage, the plants were cut to a height of 15 cm to ensure at least two nodes and enable the regeneration of the plants. The stage of development of soybean, i.e. the moment of hail damage, had a direct impact on the yield, the number of regenerated plants, as well as the number of fertile nodes.

In this paper, the authors present the specifics of the management of economic entities in the field of agricultural production in the Republic of Serbia. In addition to the goals that all business entities are faced with, which are economic goals that are reflected in the realization of profits for the sake of business security for a long period of time and safe survival in a constantly turbulent environment, and legal goals that oblige first-class entities to operate in accordance with legal regulations, limiting conditions of freedom of management, in the form of respect for high ethical principles, are set before economic entities engaged in agricultural production due to the use of agricultural land that represents a good of general interest and a natural resource. This activity has a significant impact on human health and the environment. The authors used a survey of the owners of 40 agricultural farms and small businesses in the territory of the municipality of Ruma and other stakeholders, first of all buyers of goods of the surveyed economic entities, then extensive literate review and the method of comparative analysis. The results of the research show that for those economic subjects whose business requires the trust of citizens and protection of the environment, respect for high ethical principles in business, could be the tip of the scales that will determine their survival on the market. It has been shown that compliance with the rules of business ethics, in the long term, brings the business entity more profit, so compliance with those rules is becoming more and more universal. That is why agricultural producers follow the ethical principles of responsible business. The role of the Government of the Republic of Serbia could be crucial here with certain types of assistance, which would further improve the sustainable development of agricultural entities.

The most critical aspect of plant survival and reproduction is seed germination. Considering the specificity of the Cannabis sativa production, obtaining high-quality hemp seed is not an easy task. Germination testing is often the most reliable way of assessing viability, but the selection of appropriate methods is complex. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different conditions (i.e. various methods of germination testing) on the successful process of hemp seed germination, achieving maximum germination potential. Our results showed that C. sativa seeds germinated well in different methods, such as between filter papers, top of filter papers and sand, but there were significant differences between the applied methods. This means that the hemp seeds may have different requirements for germination than conditions covered by the Rules recommended methods. Further, the results show that hemp seed may have certain residual dormancy that needs to be investigated in detail.

Field trials supposed to enable selection of the most successful genotypes which is critical because of the existence of Genotype by Environment interaction. To assess this interaction we are forced to conduct field trials in several environments and/or years. When we asses grain yield of maize hybrids during the breeding process, it is always based on multi-environment small plot field trial (MESPT). That is why this part of the breeding process is most demanding in terms of technical, financial and labor requirements. In this paper, one possible systematic approach to assessing multi-environment field trials conduction is described. The main goal of the described approach is to provide the best possible results with the use of reasonable resources. As the results of trials cannot be directly interpreted without previous statistical processing, quality of raw data as input for biometrical (statistical) analysis is essential for obtaining a relevant and objective measure of genotype relative value in terms of productivity and adaptability (reliability) of new advanced maize hybrids. There are many definitions of data quality but data is generally considered high quality if it is fit for intended uses in operations, decision making and planning. The main aim of this paper is to underline the importance of the data cleaning process in MESPT.

Given the importance of biotechnological research in modern diagnostics and therapeutics, on the one hand, and stimulative function of a patent, on the other hand, this work deals with the question of the possibility of patent protection of human embryonic stem cells. Taking into account that this is a biotechnological invention, the key question that this paper highlights is the interpretation of the provisions of their patentability. Namely, thanks to the advanced methods of isolation, purification and preparation for implementation, modern patent systems do not exclude a priori living organisms from patent protection. Therefore, the analysis of representative administrative decisions or court rulings sought to define the criteria that would be applied in order to give patent protection to a certain biotechnological invention (stem cells) while others do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1865, Gregor Mendel presented the lectures 'Experiments in Plant Hybridization' concerning his results from cross-breeding experiments with different types of garden pea, performed in his monastery garden in Brno. Mendel studied easily observed pairs of opposite traits, such as purple or white flower, and discovered dominant and recessive traits. He concluded that parents pass separate and distinct factors (today called genes) on to their offspring that are responsible for inherited traits. However, the scientific community did not understand that; indeed it was the beginning of what becomes genetics. The lectures published in 1866, Mendel sent to more than 30 biologists across Europe, but almost no one commented them. In the next 35 years, these papers were only three times cited. The genetics became more important at the beginning of the 20th century, when three different research groups (Hugo de Vries, Carl Erich Correns and Erich von Tschermak with their co-workers) independently re-discovered Mendel's Laws of inheritance. However, as soon as the work was rediscovered, it created controversy. The closeness of Mendel's experimental observations to those predicted by his theories has led to numerous articles and ongoing debate about whether the data could have been obtained in the published form without some falsification. There have been many plausible arguments made for and against this view by a range of eminent geneticists and statisticians. Some have gone so far, as to suggest that the theories ensued from Mendel's two laws were not even correctly formulated in his original paper. The strongest supporters of Mendel's theory became biologist William Bateson and zoologist and geneticist Thomas Hunt Morgan. Morgan argued that genes are located on chromosomes and that the cells chromosomes hold the actual hereditary material, thus created what is now known as classical genetics. For his discovery concerning the role play by the chromosome in heredity, Morgan received the Nobel Prize in 1933. As the architect of genetic experimental and statistical analysis, Mendel remains the acknowledged father of genetics.

Differences in the seed testing rules for domestic trade (Regulation on the quality of seeds of agricultural plants Sl. SFRJ 47/1987) and export (International rules for seed testing - ISTA rules) are the reason for the lack of consistency in the seed testing and the interpretation of the obtained results. For certain species, there are even different test methods, which can additionally lead to inconsistent test results of the same seed lot. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to highlight the differences that exist and point out the need to harmonize national and international rules for seed testing. Through this review, the main differences during sampling and the most common methods of seed testing are shown: purity, germination, 1000 seed weight and moisture content. Differences in the quality control of test conditions are also shown, which laboratories that have both, national and international accreditation, must pay attention to. International rules (ISTA) are changed every year, at the initiative of member laboratories, based on new research and experiences from laboratories around the world. Harmonization of national and international rules for seed testing would greatly facilitate work in laboratories and contribute to uniform criteria for seed testing and reporting of test results.

In addition to compromising food security, climate change-related extreme weather lowers urban residents' incomes and access to food. Unexpected effects of climate change on food availability are possible. This review paper aims to investigate how climate change affects the availability of food. Climate change can have a wide range of effects on agricultural systems, making it more challenging to sustainably produce enough food and inexpensive, nutrient-dense food. We must broaden our narrow focus from increasing yield and plant productivity to take into account the impact of climate change on the nutritional content of food crops in order to fully comprehend how climate change is affecting our world's food supply. Proactive adaptation can boost capacity to manage climate change by integrating climate change in long-term decision-making and eliminating disincentives to adjust behaviour in response to climate change.

The choice of agricultural crops for sowing and the planning of yields and economic results is realized in conditions of uncertainty and risk. The factors that contribute most to the uncertainty in achieving yields in agricultural production can be quantified using the method of fuzzyfication. The method based on the unique assessment of criteria represents an innovative approach to solving uncertainty in agricultural production. A key feature of this method is its ability to treat criteria as fuzzy scores and to allow their aggregation to make a final yield planning decision. In the paper, 15 main criteria were chosen that influence the planning of yield when sowing sage, nettle and rye. Based on economic indicators, the economic analysis does not numerically describe the impact of uncertainty, which in agricultural production can have an inestimable importance on realized yields and incomes. The method used is a suitable tool for analysis and planning in agriculture, it enables effective treatment of uncertainty and competing criteria, providing farmers with a reliable basis for making decisions about yield planning.

The paper evaluated the tolerance of 19 wheat genotypes in the seedling stage grown in hydroponic conditions to induced osmotic stress. Desiccation osmotic stress simulating natural drought stress was induced using the chemical compound polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Tolerance of genotypes to induced osmotic stress is shown by stress indices: stress tolerance index (STI) and stress sensitivity index (SSI). The most sensitive to induced osmotic stress were the Pobeda and Ingenio genotypes, whose SSI index values were 2,49 and 2,10. The most tolerant to osmotic stress was the F1 progeny Dika x Donska with an SSI index value of 0,24. The highest values of the STI index were recorded in the Phoenix (1,11) and Ingenio (1,00) genotypes, while the genotypes Pobeda x Brigant (0,70), NS 40S (0,71) and WWBMC2 (0,76) had the three lowest STI index values. Five F1 genotypes stood out as superior in both optimal and osmotic stress conditions: Dika x Donska, WWBMC2 x Ingenio, Dika x Ingenio, Pobeda x Donska, Phoenix x NS 40S. The examined genotypes from the territory of Serbia (Pobeda, Zemunska Rosa and NS 40S) showed a high sensitivity to osmotic stress and a high potential for large biomass production.

The paper presents the results of testing of seed germination and initial growth of seedlings of four sunflower hybrids: 2950, 2951, 3007, 3009) at different temperatures: 20° C, 25°C, 30°C. In all hybrids tested, the highest germination of sunflower seeds was achieved at a temperature of 30° C; however, in two tested hybrids (2950 and 3007) no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) was found between germination at a temperature of 30° C and 25° C. Correlation interdependence between germination and stem growth was positive and statistically significant (r=0.576p ≤ 0.05), while a positive but not statistically significant interdependence was also determined between germination and radicle growth (r=0.252p ≥ 0.05).

Contemporary science demands that scientists are following domestic and foreign scientific and technical achievements through conference attendances and scientific and professional literature. Agricultural science is based on practical data, field experiments, but nevertheless it is essential to be up to date with the work of foreign researchers, scientific centers and institutions through their publications. The aim of this paper was to present a part of the agricultural lexicon (with the accent on the plant species names), as well as the general scientific and organizational terms with the equivalents in Russian - Serbian and Serbian - Russian, which is of the great importance in activities of Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, presented through perennial practices of translation. Those terms are recognized as important and frequent, without wishing to go into professional divisions in agriculture as science. This paper is dedicated to the scientists who posses basic linguistic knowledge of Russian language and are starting to use Russian scientific and professional literature in agriculture, as well as students of Russian language for the purpose of establishing and widening linguistic fund.

This paper presents an overview of the research on soybean resistance to pathogens. The review included most harmful agents of soybean diseases in Serbia, as well as those that are potentially harmful. Development and cultivation of resistant cultivars is the most efficient, economical and environmentally acceptable control measure for plant disease. It points to the variability in pathogenicity (physiological races) of parasites, especially expressed in Phytophthora sojae, Peronospora manshurica and Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea, which requires continuous breeding for resistance. Resistant, partially resistant and moderately susceptible genotypes, which are used as donors of resistance genes to different pathogens, are listed in this paper. Also, avirulent genes in the parasite and resistance genes in soybean are indicated. Gene mapping significantly contributes to better understanding of the mode of inheritance and consequently, more efficient breeding for disease resistance. Significant improvement is expected by using molecular techniques, especially in dealing with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea and Phomopsis longicolla. For these parasites only partial resistance has been reported but not complete resistance.

Rapeseed has multiple purposes: animal nutrition, production of oil and biodiesel. Content of oil and protein in dry seeds of rapeseed is 40-47% and 19-29%, respectively. However, the seed also contains harmful substances: glucosinolates, erucic acid, phytate and tannin. This paper describes the importance of rapeseed in animal nutrition and shows the possibility of its inclusion in animal meal depending on the content of glucosinolates. The main antinutritive factors present in this oil crop are glucosinolates, therefore this paper shows their biological effect in animal nutrition and their detoxification. Canola varieties have reduced glucosinolate content and they have almost entirely superseded the old varieties of rapeseed. Glucosinolates alone are biologically inactive molecules, but their degradation products are biologically active and well known for their diverse biological effects. The degree of negative impact of glucosinolates in the diet of animals depends on their level and composition of formed degradation products, but also the species and age of animals. In order to reduce glucosinolate content different methods are used which include their hydrolysis or decomposition before feeding the animals.

This paper presents the results of 30 representative samples of alluvial-diluvial soils of Srem region of Serbia. The following basic chemical properties were examined: active soil acidity (pH in H2O), substitutional acidity (pH in 1M KCl), CaCO3 content, humus content, total nitrogen content, and content of available forms of phosphorus and potassium. The paper shows the characteristics, origins, behaviour and content of total and available nickel in the soil. Average value of total nickel in the analyzed soil samples was above the MAC 115.95 mg kg-1, while the mean value of available nickel was 1.484 mg kg-1. The share of available nickel in total nickel is a good indicator of the origin of soil contamination. Having identified a low percentage of readily available nickel in total nickel (an average of 1.36%), we can conclude that the content of Ni in the soils of Srem is of natural origin and that there is no threat that this element would enter the food chain.

Carrot is among the most important vegetable crops because of its composition and vitamin content. The fungi belonging to genus Alternaria, especially A. dauci (Kühn) Groves et Skolk, causal agent of leaf spot and blight of carrots, and A. radicina Meier, Drechsler et Eddy, the agent of black root rot, can jeopardize the entire production of carrots. Both types can be found in a high percentage of seeds, carrots, parsley and celery. The method of detection filter paper (blotter method) and the method of isolation on malt agar were recommended by ISTA Rules. The presence of A. dauci (causal agent of leaf spot and blight of carrots) and A. radicina was performed on 12 samples of potentially infected carrot seeds originating from France, as part of laboratory ring tests. The presence of A. dauci and A. radicina using the filter paper method in 12 tested samples ranged from 0% to 21% and from 1% to 30% respectively. On MA medium the respective percentages ranged from 0% to 23% and from 1% to 31%.

The paper aims to explain two basic standpoints regarding the enhancement of human beings through genetic engineering. Savulescu seems to be starting from a technoprogressive, (neo)liberal orientation, while Fukuyama's position implies a step back - to (bio)conservatism, returning to the natural human rights. These opposing general attitudes reflect the same aspiration - towards greater control and monitoring by the state for the benefit of individuals and (or) humankind. While Fukuyama justifies the narrow use of biotechnology for the purpose of therapy and prevention of disease, so far Savulescu goes a step further, understanding 'enhancement' to include increasing the length and quality of life, and focuses exclusively on genetic intervention for this purpose. Discussing the same problems Fukuyama lists several reasons why we should limit the use of biotechnology - reasons of religious, utilitarian and philosophical nature. In this paper, arguments for and against genetic intervention are discussed, while cited examples are commented ad hoc.

This paper reviews sunflower hybrid seed processing at Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad with all practical, technical and technological solutions. Additionally, efforts of Institute's employees are presented here in creating new technical solutions, particularly machines, aimed at their adaptations in existing sunflower seed processing, in order to get better quality and quantity of the processed seed. The paper also reviews original solution of the seed processing improvement with the new machines, regarding their position in the system and their connection in the semiautomatic operation system, with the possibility of independent operation. Seed processing results in high quality sunflower hybrid seed produced and ready for the severe market competition. .

Unlike other grain crops, the area under triticale in the Republic of Srpska has been expanding every year. Since the introduction of this plant species in the broad production began a few years ago, the finding of the optimal variety agrotechnique in different environmental conditions has great importance. This paper deals with the results of the trials from seven locations in two very extreme vegetation seasons (2002/03, 2006/07). High yield of triticale on the location Banja Luka (150 m alt.) with five triticale varieties in four sowing rates in the replication trial in very unfavorable weather conditions in 2003, points to emphasized triticale tolerance to high temperatures and drought. High grain yield of triticale in the trials on the locations Banja Luka, Butmir (460 m alt.) and Živince (230 m alt.) was obtained in 2007 too, when all vegetation months had higher mean temperature than long term average, what is a unique appearance in the entire 'meteorological history'. In the paper the appearance of the earliest triticale heading is described and explained. It happened at one production trial on Manjača (250 m alt.) in the first decade of March in 2007. On the another location on Manjača (450 m alt.), in the macrotrial, rye showed much higher tolerance to extreme soil acidity, than triticale. Obtained results and unusual appearances on triticale are helpful for the further research of the stability and adaptability of more important triticale traits. .

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.

In order to examine the influence of plant growth stimulating bacteria, which belong to the genus Streptomices sp., Paenibacillus sp. and Hymenibacter sp., on the yield and seed quality of linseed and black cumin, as well as on the morphological characteristics of these plants, a two-year field experiments were conducted. Soil treatment with a mixed culture of bacteria of different concentrations was applied during the sowing of plants. Before sowing, the influence of individual strains on the germination index of linseed and black cumin was examined. Based on the results presented in the paper, the strains CKS1 - Paenybacillus chitinolyticus, CKS3 - Hymenobacter sp., and CKS7 - Streptomyces fulvissimus, gave germination index values GI over 100% in linseed, within all tested concentrations, while in black cumin, such an effect was shown only by strain CKS7. The positive effect of the bacterial preparation in both examined plant species was recorded by measuring the yield of seeds per hectare treated with a lower concentration of the bacterial preparation compared to the corresponding untreated samples (control sample). A significant difference was recorded by measuring the number of cocoons in samples of treated linseed compared to untreated ones, as well as the mass of roots of both treated plant species. Also, the highest overall germination compared to the control was achieved by the linseed variant L2 in the treatment with a lower concentration of bacteria of 98.3±1.4%.

The paper analyzes the influence of soil type and its agrochemical characteristics on the morphological and productive parameters of different yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) populations. At 8 locations the following fertility parameters were analyzed: pH (H2 O), pH (KCl), CaCO3 (%), humus (%), total N (%), available P2 O5 and K2 O (mg 100 g-1 soil). From the morphological parameters, the following were measured: plant height, number of leaves, number and diameter of the head, from the productive parameters, the fresh above-ground masses per plant, the fresh above-ground masses and seeds yield per hectare and the harvest index were analyzed. Among the quality parameters of yarrow seeds, germination energy, total germination and weight of 1,000 seeds were examined. The largest number of heads (13.6), a diameter of heads (1.9 cm) and seed yield (386.0 kg ha-1) had the population of yarrow from the location Pančevo (Am1). In this variant, seeds with the highest germination energy (48.8%) and total germination (53.4%) were obtained. The population in this locality was in second place in fresh above-ground masses yield (15,604.0 kg ha-1). The highest fresh above-ground masses yield per hectare, was obtained in variant Am5 (location Starčevo "rit"). The lowest values of morphological and productive parameters and the weakest quality of seeds were found in the yarrow plants originating from soils with less natural fertility and soils located in urban areas.

Currently, the whole world is confronted with a geometric increase in the human population without a corresponding increase in the agricultural land resource to meet the human demands for food and clothing which are primarily sourced from agricultural industry. Therefore, it is needful for every country to search the importance of agroforestry and make haste to adopt it as it is the only option and panacea with which to combat the world ever increasing human population with limited and dwindling agricultural land resource. Agroforestry is more intentional, intensive, interactive and integrated than agriculture per se. Improved agro-forestry practice is eco-friendly, job creative and lucrative. It also promotes wider biodiversity and high yields of crops and livestock through proper soil management. Agroforestry is a multidisciplinary science encompassing agronomy, physiology, horticulture, apiculture, soil management, ecology, agrisilviculture, silvopasture, agrosilvopasture, and apisilvoculture have made it more comprehensive than other farming systems. The most glaring importance of agroforestry is centered on its ability to adapt to climate change, especially now it has become a case study in the world as its adverse effects on both living and non-living things cannot be neglected. So, this review paper is aimed at sensitizing and encouraging worldwide farmers and non-farmers to adopt the modern agro-forestry practices as improved means for promoting food security and checking deforestation with its associated adverse effects in the world. However, there are numerous challenges confronting the establishment of agroforestry and basically among them are - scarcity of land, improved seeds/seedlings, and conservative attitudes of the farmers.

In this paper, the grain and structural parts of the grain of maize hybrid ZP 677 were studied, using Infrared Spectroscopy - Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR). The ATR spectra of grain, endosperm, pericarp and germ of maize hybrid are characterized by a number of bands, band intensity, band kinetics and band location distribution in the wavelength range 400 cm-1 to 4000 cm-1. These parameters were specifically tested for both, the grain and the endosperm, pericarp and germ. Spectral bands that are very high and high intensity usually range from 3 to 5, characterized by different intensity, kinetic forms, as well as by the distribution of origin in the wavelength range. These spectral bands enable the identification of the following organic compounds: proteins, carotenoids, ethers, cellulose, lipids, carboxylic acids, amino acids, protein amides, alkanes, sugars, carbohydrates, ketones, alcohols, phenols, aldehydes and amines. Spectral bands of grains, endosperm, pericarp and germs that are low and very low intensity are also characterized by the number of bands, low bandwidth, distribution of the place of origin, and especially by the oscillation frequency of valence bonds of functional groups of organic molecules. Spectral bands that are low and very low intensity enable the identification of organic molecules, compounds and their fragments, as well as the identification of various forms of excited states of molecular structures and excited states of valence bonds of organic molecules. The excited state of molecular structures and the excited state of valence bonds of functional groups of organic molecules are manifested in various forms of oscillatory motion. Examples of functional groups of organic molecules in which all the mentioned excited states of molecular structures and excited states of valence bonds occur are alcohols, amines, alkynes, ketones, alkenes, ester, lipids, carbonyl group (ester), amides, nitrogen-hydrogen group, (NH), primary amines, carboxylic acids, amides, acid chlorides, nitrites, amides, carbonyl group (amide), aliphatic carbon-hydrogen bond and aldehydes.

Effects of certain types of containers on maize seed germination after the three- and five-year period of storage were observed. Genetically stabe and reliable diverse material, i.e. seed of four parental inbred lines and two F1 hybrid combinations of maize was used in the present study Seed produced in 1992 was kept in the storage room in PVC, one-and three-ply paper bags. Seed germi­nation was tested by the standard method and cold test in 1994, 1996 and 1998. Germination varied over inbreeds and hybrids and both methods in dependence on types of containers. Obtained results show that the initial differences in germination among studied inbreeds and hybrids were maintained during the storage period and that the genotype is the most important factor of modifications. Moreover, the gained results indicate that the third variant of packing (three-ply paper bags) of seed of parental inbreeds and hybrid combinations was the least favorable after five-year storage.

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems, due to metal ions persistence, bioavailability, and toxicity. There are many conventional physical and chemical techniques traditionally used for environmental clean-up. Due to several drawbacks regarding these methods, the use of living organisms, or bioremediation, is becoming more prevalent. Biotechnological application of microorganisms is already successfully implemented and is in constant development, with many microbial strains successfully removing heavy metals. This paper provides an overview of the main heavy metal characteristics and describes the interactions with microorganisms. Key heavy metal resistance mechanisms in microorganisms are described, as well as the main principles and types of heavy metal bioremediation methods, with details on successful pilot scale bioreactor studies. Special attention should be given to indigenous bacteria isolated from the polluted environments since such species are already adapted to contamination and possess resistance mechanisms. Utilization of bacterial biofilms or consortia could be advantageous due to higher resistance and a combination of several metabolic pathways, and thus, the possibility to remove several heavy metals simultaneously. Novel technologies covered in this review, such as nanotechnology, genetic engineering, and metagenomics, are being introduced to the field of bioremediation in order to improve the process. To conclude, bioremediation is a potentially powerful solution for cleaning the environment.

In vitro anther culture is the most commonly-used technology for doubled haploid production in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and various cereals. The technology application allows the genetic attainment of homozygous pure lines from heterozygous breeding material in a single generation, and has become a rapid alternative to the conventional breeding methods. This technology also contributes to more accurately assess QTL × environmental interactions and has been applied in: genetic researches for marker-trait association study, genomics and as a target for transformation, genetic engineering, gene mapping, and mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs). This paper reviews the most important factors that limit the efficiency of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) anther culture, such as genotype dependency and albinism, in addition to other affecting factors including the collection time of tillers and physiological growth environments of plants. Factors that improve the efficiency of wheat anther culture in mitigating both genotypic dependency and albinism have been included in this review, too, for example, genetic improvements by following a strategy to realize this purpose through using responsive breeding material for crossing, application of convenient stress pre-treatments (cold pre-treatments, heat shock treatment, colchicine, hormones, and chemicals) to induce androgenesis, and improvement of the composition of anther culture media and culture conditions. We have also highlighted the methods of chromosome doubling for the haploid wheat produced by anther culture androgenesis, such as spontaneous chromosome doubling or use of colchicine and anti-mitotic chemicals at an early stage of anther culture or as root immersion treatment.

This paper presents the plant genetic resources maintained by the Center of Excellence for Legumes of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia. The genetic resources of legumes (soybean, alfalfa, red clover, pea and vetch) are an invaluable source material and a rich source of genetic divergence for the development of varieties adapted to specific agricultural and environmental conditions. Soybean is the most important of all cultivated legumes and occupies the largest area under cultivation. The alfalfa collection consists of over 800 genotypes with different agronomic traits and dormancy values. The novel alfalfa breeding concept - breeding for yield per se, based on natural heterosis in the development of half hybrids - was introduced in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The Center of Excellence for Legumes has 757 soybean genotypes, 655 red clover genotypes, about 730 pea genotypes and 495 vetch genotypes. The development of the winter pea variety for grain (NS Mraz), the first of its kind in South-Eastern Europe, was significant for science.

Soybean is one of the most important industrial crops in the world. The rich nutritional content of the seed is the reason for the increased cultivation of this crop all over the world. However, a large number of phytopathogenic fungi that exist in soybean seeds can reduce the nutritional content, germination, and seed vigor. Soybean seed samples were collected from experimental fields in seven locations in Vojvodina Province, Serbia in the period 2016-2018. From each sample, 100 seeds were randomly selected. Seeds were surface-disinfested in 4% sodium hypochlorite for 5 min, washed two times in sterile water, and dried on a filter paper. All 100 seeds were placed in 20 Petri dishes with standard potato dextrose agar medium (PDA), five seeds in each, and incubated at 22 ± 2°C for seven days, under 12 h of alternating light/dark conditions. The first assessment was performed on the fourth day after isolation. The health status analysis of soybean seed showed that Peronospora manshurica, Macrophominaphaseolina, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora kikuchii as well as the species from genera Alternaria, Diaporthe, and Fusarium had colonized soybean seed in Serbia over three years. Species from the genus Alternaria and Peronospora manshurica were dominant in all three examined years. Furthermore, it has been noticed that weather conditions, location, and cultivar significantly influenced the intensity of the infection. The results of this study have shown which pathogens pose a threat to successful soybean seed production and help in finding preventive measures to control these pathogens during vegetation.

Oil crops are very significant, both in the world and in Serbia. In terms of production, the three most important oil crops in Serbia are sunflower, soybean and rapeseed. Beside significant oil crops production, substantial quantities of oil are produced as well due to significant processing capacities in Serbia. Considering the fact that over the last few decades Serbian market has been characterized by integration with the international market and considering the actual market liberalization with the EU, CEFTA countries, Russia and others, this paper analyses production and export of oil crops with special emphasis on comparative advantages in the export of oil crops using the method of revealed comparative advantage. Also, the level of intra-industry trade is considered in relation to the international market, EU and CEFTA countries. The results indicate that oils have more significant comparative advantage on the international market, especially sunflower oil.

Due to its positive effects on human health, hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum) has increasingly been used as an alternative type of cereals in recent years. The main advantage of introducing hulless barley into various food products is a higher content of b-glucan than in other cereals and in particular common wheat. The aim of this paper was to examine morphological and productive characteristics, as well as the relationship and dependence between the studied characteristics of the hulless barley cultivar Goliat cultivated in an organic farming system. The mentioned characteristics were examined with regard to the weather conditions during three vegetation seasons (2009/2010-2011/2012) and with regard to fertilization. The impact of fertilization was monitored in the following treatments: T1 - application of biofertilizer in topdressing (5.0 l ha-1); T2fertilization using biohumus (3.0 t ha-1) and biofertilizer in topdressing (5.0 l ha-1); T0 - control - without the use of fertilizer and biofertilizer. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications, on the soil type of leached chernozem. The results showed that the year had a very significant impact on all the examined characteristics. Fertilization did not have a significant impact on stem length and grain weight per spike. However, other observed characteristics showed significant changes depending on fertilization. The strongest correlation was found between harvest index and grain weight per spike (0.898**), as well as between spike length and number of fertile spikelets (0.877**). On the basis of the regression analysis equation, it was determined that with the unit increase in the number of fertile spikelets grain number per spike increased by 0.573.

The paper examines the effect of the application of three different preparations on the presence of four economically significant diseases in the crops of pot marigold, valerian and potato. On pot marigold, the intensity was determined of pot marigold powdery mildew infection of the marigold leaf (Podosphaera xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff), whereas on valerian, it was the intensity of valerian stem canker and black mold (Alternaria alternata (Fr. ex Fr.) Keissel), and in potatoes, the intensity of early blight (Alternaria solani (Ellis & Mart.)) and that of late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary). Of the preparations, the synthetic preparation "Sekvenca" ("Sequence") (a.m. difenoconazole, 250 g/l) was applied at a dose of 0.5 l/ha, the registered biostimulant "Zlatno inje" ("Golden frost") (manure-based fertiliser) was applied at a dose of 3.0 l/ha, microbiological preparation (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ssp. TMF3) at a dose of 3.0 l/ha. The fourth variant was the control variant, i.e. the variant without treatment. Field experiments were performed during 2019 at two locations in the wider area of the City of Pančevo. The experiments were performed by a randomised block system with three replications. The size of the main plot was 9.0 m2 (4.5 x 2.0 m). The following was used as plant material: the pot marigold variety of "Domaći oranž" ("Domestic orange"), the valerian variety of "Vojvođanski" ("Vojvodinian") and the potato variety of "Desire". The first assessment of disease intensity was performed one month following the treatment with the selected preparations, and the second one was performed two weeks after the first assessment. In the pot marigold crops, the smallest infection percentage had the plants treated with the type Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TMF3, in valerian, the fewest plants infected with the fungus A. alternata were recorded on small plots on which the synthetic preparation "Sekvenca" was applied, which was also the case with early blight and late blight. The weakest efficiency in the control of pot marigold powdery mildew infection and valerian stem canker and black mold was recorded with the use of the biostimulant "Zlatno inje", which showed the highest efficiency in the case of late blight. The highest yield of pot marigold seeds (632.7 kg/ha) had been treated with the type Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TMF3, with valerian, the highest seeds yield was recorded following the application of the preparation "Sekvenca" (186.1 kg/ha), while in potatoes, the highest amount of tubers was recorded with the preparation "Zlatno inje" (30.83 t/ha). However, if the agroecological and the agrotechnical aspects of production are taken into account, by the use of the type Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TMF3, a satisfactory basis was achieved for various kinds of further research of this and similar preparations in order to improve the existing production of medicinal and other types of plants.

The only species of the legume genus Vavilovia, a paleoendemic to the Caucasus commonly known simply as Vavilovia (V. formosa) has an extraordinary significance for the evolution and phylogeny of the tribe Fabeae, with its economically important species, such as lentil (Lens spp.) or pea (Pisum spp). This paper is attempting to deduce the genetic background of the materially perished, but thoroughly described, F1 progeny between Vavilovia and field pea (P. sativum var. arvense) in both crossing combinations, obtained by the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), in 1988. Although with only one plant in each direction, the resulting phenotypes are the only known successful intergeneric hybridisation in legumes with impressively interesting features, such as the trifoliolate leaves absent in both parents, as well as vastly inspiring and potentially useful for the conservation of Vavilovia and crop improvement of pea and other species of the tribe.

One of the very important problems in the agricultural production that existed for a long time is the risk from some weather adversity (hail, frost, flood, drought, storm, etc.), that is responsible for catastrophic consequences. On the other side, agricultural production is a specific area of business that is also strongly influenced by market, financial and institutional factors. These are all the dangers that do not depend on the will of man and his work, therefore it is necessary for farmers to recognize and predict the risks. There are different economic tools, which could be used to reduce the consequences from possible losses and bankassurance presents one of new products of risk management. It arises from the fact that there is need in agricultural production, through the provision of financial resources for the start of some production, also to provide simultaneously insurance against potential risks. Bankassurance is a financial instrument that integrates banking and insurance offer in the common financial market, and for farmers, this product is a combination of loans and insurance that can stabilize its revenues, but also to secure invested capital in the production. This paper presents the characteristics and advantages of bankassurance, i.e. the assignments of all three primary participants in this activity — the farmer, the bank and the insurance company. On the other side, a practical example of using bankassurance in agriculture is given and the specific advantages for farmers that are primarily connected with more favorable price of this new product are pointed out (simultaneously protects from several sources of risk - financial, production and market), but there is also additional security through the agricultural insurance.

This paper aims to briefly review how a garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) is imprinted in the folk culture of Russian-speaking territories. Having been the most important legume of this territory for millennia, this plant left its traces in local and personal names, proverbs and idioms. Some of these pieces of folklore may help to reconstruct the phenotype of peas cultivated in the old Russia.

Alfalfa is an autotetraploid, perennial forage crop adapted to different environments and management systems. Trial with 12 alfalfa populations was established in spring of 2014. The research involved 9 commercial alfalfa varieties from IFVCNS, Serbia, and included 3 experimental populations in the final phase of breeding program. The main objectives of this paper were to examine the impact of variety selection on alfalfa yield and plant height in intensive cutting management in order to define harvesting strategies (using 6 and 5 cuts per season), with main goal to maximize profit on alfalfa farms in Serbia and Southeast Europe. Our study clearly demonstrates that there is genetic potential in some Serbian varieties (NS Sila, Nera, NS Jelena, and Banat VS) for use in intensive cutting systems with 6 cuts per year that can meet farmers' needs in conventional or organic type of alfalfa hay production.This research represents an initial guideline for the alfalfa variety selection in intensive cutting management systems in Serbia and Southeast Europe.

The paper presents the results of the seed processing of the natural red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) seed with different initial purity in the seed processing center in the Institute for forage crops in Kruševac. Seeds of red clover for sowing must be clean, with high germination and high genetic value. Most of these requirements can be achieved through the seed processing, by the removal of impurities and seeds of poorer quality. In this process, there are number of technical-technological operations such as: cleaning, declarations, packaging in appropriate wrapping material and storage. The task of cleansing seeds is to remove all other seeds, weeds, impurities and extracts pure seed of the basic culture. In this way, the seed is prepared in a timely manner for good germination, sprouting, and cropping. During the processing of the red clover seeds, the relevant parameters on the equipment were determined: pure seed (%), weeds and seed of other cultures (%), inert matter (%), amount of processed seed (kg), seed losses (%) and processing output of the seed processing (%). The losses of red clover seeds in seed processing are in direct dependence on the type and quantity of weeds and other impurities present in the natural seed. On the basis of the obtained results, it is possible to optimally adjust and select the appropriate equipment for the red clover processing, depending on the quantity and type of weeds and other ingredients in the natural red clover seeds.