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The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of seed coat colour on the seed quality of four red clover cultivars (germination, dormancy (hard seeds), dead seeds and initial seedling growth (vigour)) produced in Serbia over a period of two years. The seeds analyzed were first separated visually into bright, dark and mixed seed groups, followed by subsequent digital colour measurements. The results obtained showed that the seed coat colour of red clover could be considered a good indicator of seed quality and seedling growth ability. The results furthermore showed that bright-coloured seeds of red clover cultivars indicated increased vigour and seed quality compared to other colours. The impact of the production area and year on the seed quality parameters was inconclusive. A high variability in hard (CV = 22.22 %) and dead seeds (CV = 40.18 %) was recorded between different seed lots of red clover. A lower variability was found in the germination parameter of bright- and mixed-coloured seeds (CV = 4.53 % and CV = 8.53 %). The seed coat colour could be an important factor in determining the quality of red clover seeds, potentially increasing germination simply by removing dark-coloured seeds.

The research on the effect of ecological conditions and cultivars on the yield components of potatoes was conducted in Badovinci (Western Serbia) during the period 2008-2009. The following potato cultivars were included in the experiment: early ('Cleopatra', 'Anushka' and 'Presto'), medium early ('Kuroda', 'Omega' and 'Dita'), and medium late ('Desiree', 'Roko' and 'Jelly'). The four-replicate field trials were set up using the standard methodology according to the random block design. 18TThe research results suggest that genotype (G) and ecological conditions (E) significantly affect all yield components of potatoes. In both years, the highest yield was recorded18T in18T the medium late variety 'Desiree'18T 18T(18T28.30 t ha־¹), followed by the early variety 'Anushka' 18T(18T26.60 t ha־¹), 18Twhile the lowest18T 18Tyield18T was 18Trecorded18T 18Tin the medium early variety 'Omega' (18T13.35 t ha־¹). The 18Tresults obtained show that18T 18Tthe18T 18Thighest yields18T in Western Serbia were 18Trecorded in early varieties18T 18T('Cleopatra'18T, 'Anushka' 18Tand18T '18TPresto'18T) and 18Tmedium18T 18Tlate varieties18T 18T('18TDesiree'), which exhibited considerable18T resistance to high18T 18Tair temperatures18T and 18Tdrought stress18T.

Field experiments were carried out during two growing seasons with annual caraway, at three localities, in order to determine the effect of different environmental conditions on the quality of seed as reproductive material. During the experiment, it was found that the quality of caraway seed was significantly lower in the hotter and drier year in comparison to the year with moderate conditions. Unfavourable weather conditions caused premature ripening and consequently thousand seed weight was low and lower amounts of essential oils were stored in the seed. By applying the linear regressions method it was established that the total variability of both thousand seed weight and the amount of essential oil per seed were due to its association with harvest index. Because of better characteristics of seed during the moderate year, the germination energy and total germination were significantly higher, and reproductive material was of good quality.

Forage Sorghum is an annual herbaceous plant of the family grass. It is grown for feeding animals and people, and ranks among the millet grains. I disorders, sorghum is used as hay and to extract the starch, alcohol and glucose. Purpose of our paper is to determine which of the forage sorghum hybrids, among foreign selections, gives the best production results in the specific agroecological conditions on PSS Sremska Mitrovica experimental field and what are the possibilities of its use in our country. Five intraspecies hybrids (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum bicolor) and two intraspecies hybrids (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum sudanense) were analyzed in this paper. The difference in yield between the H7 hybrid that had the highest yield and H5 runner-hybrid was even 19 t ha-1, which indicates exceptionally high yield potential of H7 hybrid in biomass production. In specific agroecological conditions H7 hybrid gave the 96 t ha-1 of green fodder and 25.2 t ha-1 of dry matter.

Owing to its characteristics, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important forage plant in our country. The great importance of alfalfa is reflected in the production of high-quality fodder and alfalfa seeds, which are a valuable and competitive commodity on domestic and foreign markets. In this study, the presence of plant pathogenic genera of fungi on the seeds of five different alfalfa cultivars was investigated (Kruševačka 28, NS-Mediana, Zaječarska 83, Banjalučanka i Osječka-66) from three different lots (sites) of each cultivar. The detected phytopathogenic fungi on the alfalfa seeds caused a decrease in the overall germination, but the present research results indicate a satisfactory health status of all alfalfa cultivars and seed lots.

This paper presents the results of seven varieties of different species of wheat (Triticum spelta L. - Nirvana; Planeta, Cipovka, Aleksandra, Srma, Janja - Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori et P.; Verona - Triticum aestivum L. ssp. Compactum) for achieving seed yield and threshing. During the testing of each variety were determined by the following qualitative characteristics: 1000 kernel weight, test weight and germination. It also was determined vigor of seedlings. The experiment was conducted during 2012. and 2013. in the area Globoder of the city of Krusevac. Factor year had a significant effect on seed yield and total germination. Factor cultivar significantly affected the threshing: yield, test weight, 1000-seed weight and germination. The tested factors had no significant effect on seedling vigor.

A field study in central Srem (Serbia) evaluated during two seasons the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application (50, 100 and 150 kgha-1) and harvest time (from 70 to 110 days after the seeding) on fodder kale quality. Fodder kale was sown as a second crop in the conditions of irrigation. The goal of study was to evaluate the most important parameters of fodder kale quality (raw proteins and raw cellulose) depending on different nitrogen fertilization and harvest time. The average crude protein content increased (20.78-22,85 %) and the crude cellulose content decreased (15.12-13,96 %) as the nitrogen rates increased, directly due to the higher adoption of nitrogen and indirectly, by increasing the proportion of leaf dry matter in the total yield. The plants used in the first time of harvest had the highest leaf proportion and the highest protein content. Such trends changed in the last harvest time (by postponing the usage) when the crude cellulose content increased because of the leaf biomass reduction. The highest crude protein content (23.10 %) and the lowest crude cellulose content (13.63 %) in the fodder kale dry matter were obtained in the first harvest time (70 days after the seeding) using the highest nitrogen rate (150 kgha-1).

Coriander seed yield (Coriandrum sativum L.) depends of many factors during vegetation period, and also depend of seed quality. Coriander fruit (Coriandri fructus) which is used like spice and in medicinal purpose, and also in food and pharmacy, in the same time is and seed material. Because of that, it is very important to take care about its quality. In this paper is analyzed seed material obtained from field experiments village Mošorin, in 2011, and investigated was conducted in harvest year, and one year later. In harvest year, germination energy in average was 38,21%, and total germination 72,75%. After one year, germination energy was statistically significant smaller - 16,50%, as like total germination which was 67,42%.

The paper presents the results of two years of research conducted in eastern Serbia (2007-2008). Tests were conducted with domestic varieties K-14, which was developed at the Institute for Forage Crops, Krusevac. At two different densities B1 (the inter-row distance of 12.5 cm and 15 kg ha-1 seed) and B2 (25 cm row spacing and 7.5 kg ha-1 seed) following components of yield were observed: plant height (cm), number of generative stems, inflorescence length (cm), number of branches in umbel; seed yield (kg ha-1) The following parameters of seed quality were: 1000 seed weight (g), germination energy (%), germination of seeds (%). Interdependence of the traits was determined by simple correlation coefficients (r). The highest seed yield was recorded in density B2. Variability of seed yield was high (CV = 49.9%), because influence of year and plant density. Seed yield achieved the strongest positive correlation (p ≤ 0.01), with generative stems (r=0.994). Also strong dependence was found between plant height and number of generative stems (r=0.977).

Wheat germination could be affected by different factors, including location. Start growth of seedlings present the energy transformations and the seed substance conversion. The aim of the experiment was to examine differences in germination and growth of wheat seedlings, originating from five fields with similar characteristics, with application of thermodynamic parameters of free energy and entropy. Variations in energy and total germination of wheat seed was under 10%. After eight days of germination testing, the relation between root and shoot at level of fresh and dry matter was 1:1, while only at seedlings from one field it was 1:2 in fresh and 1.5:1 in dry matter. The present differences could be the consequence of the different energy using in seedling. Hydrolysis intensification based on spontaneous reactions and increased order in four days old seedlings could result in increased germination. On the other hand, variations in energetic potential, order degree and hydrolysis of seed substance may not take off biosynthetic reactions in root and shoot. Present data towards that variation in growth of seedlings originating from seeds from different fields could be mainly connected to variations in energy potential inputted by water, but not by synthesized substance. Minimal differences between the individual fields could affect quality of the produced seed material, what was particularly underlined by application of thermodynamic parameters as quality indicators. .

Seed vigour of four soybean genotypes was studied by a standard and the Cold test method on three soil types. A low temperature and worse substrates caused the reduction of germination, length of the hypocotyls, seedling primary roots and the emergence rate. Seed germination on sand under Cold test conditions was lower by 7-22% in addition to optimum conditions, depending on a genotype. Germination values were lower when the soil was used as a substrate (alongside of sand). The emergence rate was more affected by a substrate (sand and soil) than by temperatures. The initial growth intensity (determined over lengths of roots and hypocotyls) was significantly decreased under unfavourable temperature and the soil conditions. The chernozem was the most favourable, while the pseudogley was the most unfavourable type of soil. Seed vigour testing under optimum conditions provides the information on maximum possible germination and initial growth. Because of that, it is necessary to apply testing methods like field conditions, to get more reliable prognosis about the initial plants growth and development.

The study of tall fescue seed yield from different interrow spacing and application of fertilizer were conducted in agroecological conditions on vertisol of Serbia. The two-year period results were analyzed. For two interrow spacing used (12,5 cm with 30 kgha-1 the sowing amount of seeds, and 25 cm with 15 kgha-1 sowing amount of seeds), and quantity and time of mineral fertilizer applied (control-without application of mineral fertilizer; N60 : P60 : K60 kgha-1 applied in the fall, N90 : P60 : K60 kgha-1 applied in the fall, N60 : P60 : K60 kgha-1 applied in early spring; N90 : P60 : K60 kgha-1 applied in early spring ), an average seed yield of tall fescue was 579 kgha-1. The highest yield was achieved using 25 cm of interrow spacing and the application of N90 : P60 : K60 fertilizer in the early spring (632 kgha-1). The lowest yield was achieved using 12,5 cm of interrow spacing and without mineral fertilizer application (381 kgha-1). In contrast to highly significant impact on tall fescue seed yield examined, interrow spacing and the application of mineral fertilizer did not show significant effect on germination energy and total germinability. Although the impact of interrow spacing on the 1000 seeds mass appeared significant, application of mineral fertilizer did not. Seed yield showed a very strong positive correlation with the 1000 seeds mass (r = 0,785), as well as strong and also positive correlation with germination energy and germinability (r = 0,752 and r = 0,611, respectively). .

This paper presents the germination three cultivars of alfalfa using different concentrations of PEG-6000 (Polyethylene glycol) and control. The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance of alfalfa under drought stress effects and the choice of optimal testing methods. Seed germination and establish the presence of hard seed alfalfa was done by the standard method without pretreatment and with pretreatment. Readout germination of alfalfa seeds was done after ten days, according to the Rules for testing seed quality of agricultural products. The concentration of PEG of 0.4 MPa has proven to be optimal for assessing the seed germination of alfalfa. The alfalfa cultivars have behaved differently towards different concentrations on PEG, indicating the possibility of correct selection of alfalfa cultivars for autumn sowing period (September) after seed harvest in August.

Investigation of the influence seed tuber size and seed tuber pre-treatment on the total yield of early potato varieties Cleopatra conducted in Badovinci (western Serbia) during the 2007 and 2008 year. Examination were carried out by planting tuber weight 40 ± 5g, 60 ± 5 g i 80 ± 5 g. The research results indicate that the seed tuber size and pretreatment very significantly affected on all investigated characteristics potatoes. In both years the highest yield of tubers was established in the variant with the application of pretreatment and planting of the largest seed size fraction mass (80 g). Higher yields of potato tubers in moist conditions in western Serbia (Macva) of early varieties Cleopatra were achieved by planting larger mass of tubers (80 g) and removing the apical sprouts on tubers.

After harvesting, the seed dormancy of grasses occurs. During the maturing period, seed dormancy is slowly reduced, and seed germination reaches the maximum values of use. Germination decreases during longer storage. The levels of seed dormancy and germination prevention determine the complex of physiological and biochemical processes in the seeds, which vary depending on genetic background, environment during maturation, and even the position of seeds on the plant. The goal is to maintain, as long as possible, the maximum germination after seed ripening. However, aging and germination reduction are processes which largely depend of storage conditions and seed packaging. The three tested seed lots of tall fescue were kept in paper, textile and polyethylene (PVC) containers during 10, 16, 24, 28, 34 and 40 months. The dormancy, germination energy, and total germination were examined. The seeds stored in PVC containers required a shorter period of time in order to release from dormancy and achieve maximum germination (16 months, 43% germination). After 40 months, there was a significant decrease in germination (80%). In some seed lots, the germination dropped to 77%, which is the required minimum for marketing authorization (The Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 47/48). In the case of the seeds kept in paper containers, the maximum germination (89% and 90%) was obtained after 22 months. The same seed germination was obtained after 40 months of storage.

After the harvest of tall fescue seed dormancy is present, indicating the reduction of germination. In conventional storage conditions for seed storage, we investigated the influence of three different ways of packaging (paper bags, canvas bags and plastic bags) to change the germination of seeds immediately after harvest, after 30, 60 and 90 days. After 30 days seed dormancy is reduced by 1 to 3% and germination was increased by 2-3%, while the impact of packaging had no significant effect. The decreasing trend in seed dormancy and increased germination even after 60 days continued in the same percentages. After 90 days of storage the contents of dormant seed was reduced to 22-35% and germination was increased to 65-72%.

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.

Organic viability of soybean seed for three soybean varieties - elite (Bosa, ZPS 015 and Nena) depending on methods of manipulation with seeds during harvesting and processing phase were determined in this paper. Trial was conducted in Zemun Polje during 1999; manual and mechanized harvesting or processing methods were applied. Seed germination was tested using ISTA methods (Standard method and Cold test). Following parameters were evaluated: germination viability, germination, rate-speed of emergence, length of hypocotile and main root Rate-speed of emergence was based on number of emerged plants per day. Length of hypocotile or root and percent of germination determined vigour index. Based on obtained results it maybe concluded that methods of seed manipulation during harvesting or processing phase were influenced on soybean seed quality parameters evaluated. Ways of seed manipulation - methods evaluated were influenced organic viability of soybean seed by decreasing germination viability, total germination and length of main root.

Higher sowing densities (57,100, 71,400 and 85,500 plants ha-1) of the female component did not significantly affect the yield increase in the hybrid ZP 196 (4.56,4.61 and 4.701 ha-1) under natural conditions of cultivation, but they significantly affected the increase of the number of germinated seeds (21,272,000, 23,893,000 and 24,226,000 ha-1). In the seed production under irrigation conditions of the hybrid ZP 677, greater densities (71,400, 85,500 and 99,900 plants ha-1) did not significantly affect the increase of neither the yield (3.39,3.44 and 3.60 tha-1) nor the number of geminated seeds (11,238,000,11,651,000 and 12,427,000 ha-1). On the other hand, higher sowing densities (71,400,85,500 and 99,900 plants ha-1) of the female component significantly increased both, the yield (4.01, 4.38 and 4.40 t ha-1) and the number of germinated seeds (13,122,000,15,022,000 and 15,560,000 ha-1) in the hybrid ZP 680 under irrigation conditions.