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Salinity is one of the greatest challenges of successful agricultural production worldwide. However, seed priming might be efficient practice for enhancing seed germination and initial plant growth and development. This experiment was undertaken with the aim of assessing the impact of different priming methods on seed quality parameters and early growth of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars under salinity stress. Pea seeds of three different cultivars were primed with water (hydropriming), KNO3 solution (0.5%), and PEG 6000 solution (-0.5 MPa) for 24h in the dark. Unprimed and primed seeds were germinated between filter papers saturated with 120 mM NaCl using the germination test. The results clearly showed that the examined parameters of primed pea seeds were substantially greater than the parameters of unprimed seeds under saline stress. Moreover, seed priming with KNO3 and PEG solutions were more effective in improving seed quality and initial growth in garden peas than hydropriming.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the second most important perennial forage legume in the Republic of Serbia, cultivated on 90-120.000 ha. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of cutting management on seed yield, some seed yield components, and seed quality of the NS red clover variety Una during the second and third year of growing. Five cutting managements with variable dates of initial cutting were tested in the 2019-2020 period. The first cutting was used for seed production in the C1 management and the second growth in the C2-C5 managements (C2-budding, C3-start of flowering, C4-mid of flowering, and C5-full flowering). In all cutting systems, significantly higher seed yields were achieved in the second year of growing. Unfavourable environmental conditions for pollinators as well as thinning of red clover crops in the third year of growing are the main reasons for low seed yields. The highest seed yield (539 kg/ha) was achieved in the C2 cutting management in the second year of growing. The cutting management had no significant effects on red clover seed quality.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different priming treatments on seed quality and initial growth and development of garden pea. For this purpose, three garden pea cultivars, developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable crops, Novi Sad were examined. The laboratory experiment was conducted under optimal conditions. Seeds were primed in water (hydropriming), 0.5% KNO3 solution, and -0.49 MPa PEG solution for 24 hours; non-primed seeds were controls. The results showed that the percentage of germination, shoot and root length, and mean germination rate significantly increased after the tested priming treatments, while the percentage of abnormal seedlings and mean germi­nation time were significantly decreased after the priming treatments compared to the control. The increase of fresh and dry seedling biomass was significant only in cv.1 and cv.2. Despite the genetic diversity of pea cultivars, the results indicated that the examined seed priming treatments enhanced seed quality and vigour of garden pea cultivars.

Soil salinization is one of the most significant global problems, leading to reduced agricultural productivity potential and biodiversity. The main salt commonly found on the surface of soils and in water is NaCl, which directly impacts plant growth and land degradation. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the morpho-physiological characteristics of two genotypes of Camelina sativa ('NS Slatka'; 'NS Zlatka') and two genotypes of Carthamus tinctorius ('NS Lana'; 'NS Una'), which potentially characterize them as salt-tolerant crops. The levels of salinity tolerance were compared under five NaCl treatments, ranging from 0 mM to 200 mM. Based on the obtained results, seeds of all four genotypes germinated at the highest salt concentration (200mM NaCl), but the germination percentage declined at all salt concentrations. Moreover, lower salt concentrations induced root elongation and reduced shoot length of seedlings of all four genotypes. Salt stress tolerance indexes showed the importance of converting the plant parameters into mathematical indexes, and the significance of comparing all the tolerance indexes according to salt stress.

Bacillus spp. are well known to protect plants from seed or soil-borne pathogens by the synthesis of various metabolites with antimicrobial activity, such as hy­drolytic enzymes and antibiotics. This study aimed to select the most effective Bacillus spp. from a group of ten antagonistic strains by antifungal activity assay. Bacillus strains were primarily isolated from the soil and identified as B. safensis, B. pumilus and B. subtilis by 16S rDNA sequencing. The four analyzed fungi: Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporoides, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, were obtained from sunflower seeds and identified using PCR analysis and primers specific for ITS region. The antifungal activity of bacterial strains was examined in a dual plate assay. Bacillus spp. demonstrated the highest antagonism against S. sclerotiorum, followed by C. cladosporoides, M. phaseolina, and A. alternata, with an average percentage of growth inhibition (PGI) of 77%, 70%, 64% and 59%, respectively. Overall, Bacillus spp. included in this study demonstrated a rather strong biocontrol potential, although the effect of particular strain varied depending on the tested fungi. The highest antagonistic effect toward M. phaseolina and A. alternata was exhibited by B. safensis B2 and B. pumilus B3. B. pumilus B11 and B. subtilis B32 were the most efficient against C. cladosporoides, whereas B. pumilus B3 and B. subtilis B7 had the highest antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum. Findings point to the fact that the most effective Bacillus spp. could be used as potential biocontrol agents for improving plant health and productivity.

One of the main climate change-related variables limiting agricultural productivity that ultimately leads to food insecurity appears to be drought. With the use of a recently discovered nanopriming technology, seeds can endure various abiotic challenges. To improve seed quality and initial growth of 8-day-old field pea seedlings (cv. NS Junior) under optimal and artificial drought (PEG-induced) laboratory conditions, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of priming with three different nanomaterials: Nanoplant Ultra (Co, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mo, and Se), Nanoplant Ca-Si (Ca, Si, B, and Fe), and Nanoplant Sulfur (S). The findings indicate that nanopriming seed treatments have a positive impact on seed quality indicators, early plant growth, and drought resilience in field pea plants established in both optimal and drought-stressed conditions. Nevertheless, all treatments showed a positive effect, but their modes of action varied. Nanoplant Ultra proved to be the most effective under optimal conditions, whereas Nanoplant Ca-Si and Nanoplant Sulfur were the most efficient under drought stress. After a field evaluation, the examined comprehensive nanomaterials may be utilized as priming agents for pea seed priming to boost seed germination, initial plant growth, and crop productivity under various environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination and seedling growth of seven genotypes of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) were studied in PEG-6000 solution having osmotic potentials -0.1 and -0.2 MPa. A study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of different osmotic potentials (MPa) on seed germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT). Results show that the percentage of germination decreased with a decrease in osmotic potential, while mean germination time increased. Variety Javor is much more sensitive than the other varieties at all levels of osmotic stress. By contrast, the lowest sensitivity of germination and MGT was found in varieties Mraz and Trezor. Seed germination tests at -0.1 to -0.2 MPa have the potential to be used as tests in field pea. Osmotic stress exposure and its duration significantly affected the growth of seedlings (shoot and root) and the accumulation of biomass, while its effect was more prominent on the growth of the shoot than on root growth, which was also confirmed by the root tolerance index.

In the 2018-19 growing season, a total of 51 leaves of eggplant plants grown under field conditions were collected randomly from nine private gardens at four different localities in the Province of Vojvodina. Eggplants with nearly 40% of plants showing bright yellow to white mosaic or mottling of leaves were found throughout the inspected fields (gardens). The collected samples were analyzed for the presence of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and potato virus Y (PVY) using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. Serological analysis of eggplant samples revealed the presence of AMV in 80.39% collected samples. None of the analyzed samples was positive for CMV and PVY. The virus was successfully mechanically transmitted to test plants including Nicotiana benthamiana, Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, as well as eggplant seedlings, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. The presence of AMV in eggplants was further verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing, using the primers CP AMV1 and CP AMV2 that amplify part of the coat protein (CP) gene. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Serbian AMV isolates grouped into a separate well-supported group together with AMV isolates from Italy, Croatia and previously characterized isolates from Serbia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AMV infection of eggplant in Serbia.

Seed vitality and vigour are the two most common parameters related to seed quality. It is crucial to have reliable methods and tests for seed quality and seed vigour testing. The standard germination test can be used to predict field emergence, but laboratory seed testing conditions are often in conflict with field conditions. Validated tests for vigour evaluation in legumes are the conductivity test, the accelerated ageing test and the tetrazolium test. Also, other types of vigour tests have been used to solve different problems in the seed sector. The modern approach, the computerised image analysis of legume seeds and sprouts, based on interactive and traditional methods, is a promising alternative for vigour determination.

The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of the electrostatic field on seeds of soybean (Glycine max L), vetch (Vicia spp. L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) which were selected at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The DC voltage of 9V was used. The durations of seed treatment were 0 (control), 1, 2 and 3 minutes. The trial was set up as a randomized block design with four replications. 4x100 seeds of each variant and control (untreated seed) were treated. After treatment, seed quality was examined using a germination test (optimal temperature) and a cold test (low temperature). The results of the study showed that the effect of the electrostatic field on seed quality depended on the plant species, the time of seed treatment and the temperature conditions in which the seed germinated after treatment. The increase in germination energy ranged up to 18.18% in vetch, and a decrease of up to 12% was observed in chickpea. The application of the electrostatic field had a significantly greater impact on seeds that were exposed to low temperatures in the germination process after treatment. The increase in seed germination ranged up to 82.35% in chickpeas, and the decrease amounted to 92.68% in peas. In addition, the obtained results indicate that it is not possible to talk about the universal application of a certain duration of seed treatment.

This study aimed to estimate genetic variability among four pea cultivars and determine seed physiological quality and initial growth of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) under drought stress. Seeds of the pea cultivars were subjected to water stress induced by polyethylene glycol PEG 6000 at three stress levels (0; -0.15; -0.49, and -1.03 MPa). The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions, in a completely randomized design with four replications, to estimate germination energy, germination, abnormal seedlings, fresh and dry shoot and root biomass, and drought tolerance index. Drought stress significantly affected germination and the other traits, with the stress effects being proportional to the stress level applied. Findings point to the fact that the osmotic potential of -0.49 MPa might be the germination sensitivity threshold for pea cultivars. The pea cultivar C1 was the most tolerant, having the highest germination, fresh and dry shoot and root biomass, and DTI under severe drought stress. Further research on the assessment of physiological and biochemical responses to drought stress is needed to confirm the findings of the present study.

Drought is one of the most important factors limiting the successful production of cultivated plants. One of the most sensitive stage to the water deficit in plants is seed germination. There are various methods of pre-sowing treatments that aim to reduce the negative impact of drought stress and improve seed germination. One of them is priming seeds. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of priming seeds in solutions - KNO3 (1%), ascorbic acid - AsA (100 mgl-1) and potassium chloride KCl (1%) on the reduction of the negative effect of drought stress. The effect of drought stress was simulated using different concentrations of PEG 6000 (0 (control), -0.30, -0.51, -0.80 MPa). The results of the research showed that with the increase of water deficiency, the effect of priming seeds is greater. At the water potential of the solution of -0.30 MPa, germination energy and seed germination increased on average by 6.77% and 5.08%, while at the water potential of the solution of -0.80 MPa, the increase was 19.28% and 16.75%, respectively. Also, priming seeds significantly reduced the intensity of lipid peroxidation and the content of free proline. From all the above, it can be concluded that priming of seeds is a method that can serve to improve the germination of soybean seeds in conditions of drought stress.

Good crop establishment is essential for achieving high yield and constraints to good establishment include untimely sowing and low seed quality combined with various adverse growing conditions after sowing. Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique used for the improvement of germination, reduction of the time from sowing to emergence and improvement of emergence uniformity. Various seed priming techniques, such as hydropriming and priming with zinc, are used nowadays to improve crop establishment. The importance of seed priming with zinc for better germination, improved stand establishment, and higher maize yield are well documented. However, there is still a lack of results on the effects of seed priming with water and zinc on seed quality and viability, given that maize seed can be kept in storage for many years without a significant reduction in germination. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming with water and Zn on the quality and viability of the maize seed. In order to evaluate the response of four maize hybrids to priming with water (hydropriming) and 4 mM zinc sulphate, primed seeds were subjected to laboratory tests, namely to the germination test, the cold test, and the accelerated aging test. Both priming treatments increased the seed quality, but the beneficial effect of Zn-priming maintained to a larger extent than hydropriming in cold-treated and aged seeds. The negative effects of hydropriming on the viability o f the aged seed of hybrid NS 4023 imply a possible limitation to deferred sowing of primed maize seed.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an important oilseed crop belonging to the family Asteraceae. A total of 46 safflower samples were collected from Srbobran locality (South Bačka District) in Serbia in 2015 and analysed for the presence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. Both viruses, CMV and AMV, were detected serologically in the collected samples. None of the analysed samples was found to be positive for LMV. The presence of CMV was further confirmed by mechanical transmission to test the plants including Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Nicotiana glutinosa, and Datura stramonium as well as C. tinctorius, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. Molecular detection of CMV was performed by amplification of a 871 bp fragment in all the tested samples, using the specific primers CMVCPfwd/CMVCPrev that amplify the entire coat protein (CP) gene and part of 3'and 5'-UTRs of CMV RNA 3. The RT-PCR products derived from the isolates 290Saff and 294Saff were sequenced (MH577791 and MH577792, respectively) and compared with the CMV sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis based on CP gene sequences showed clustering of the selected isolates into three subgroups: IA, IB and II. Serbian CMV isolates found in safflower belong to subgroup II. To our knowledge, this is the first report on CMV infection of safflower in Serbia, which has the potential to cause substantial damage to safflower production and pose a threat to other economic crops grown in Serbia.

Symptoms of cloves rot of A. ampeloprasum were noticed during 2018 in storage conditions. 16 isolates were obtained (AMP1-AMP16) and according to morphological and cultural characteristics they belong to F. proliferatum (sex. stage Gibberella intermedia), species of Gibberella fujikuroi complex. To confirm morphological identifica­tion, total genomic DNA was extracted from mycelium of the 16 isolates by amplification of TEF-1α gene, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that was performed with the primer pair EF1 and EF2. Results presented in this article clearly indicated that the new host of Fusarium proliferatum as the causal agent of cloves rot is „elephant garlic“ Allium ampeloprasum. Pathogenicity test was confirmed on Allium ampeloprasum cloves. Pathogenicity assays revealed that all isolates caused symptoms on tested Allium spp., like naturally infected cloves. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31030]

In 2018, a total of 58 mustard samples from two different localities in Serbia (Rimski Šančevi and Senta) were collected and tested for the presence of Turnip yellow virus (TuYV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) by DAS-ELTSA. TuYV was serologically detected in 42 tested samples while all collected samples were negative for CaMV and TuMV. By using aphid transmission tests, five test plants were inoculated with two ELTSApositive TuYV samples of naturally infected mustard plants. Virus species identification was performed by amplification of a 780 bp fragment in all tested samples using the specific primers TuYVorf0F/TuYVorf0R. The RTPCR products from two isolates 88Sal (MK144816) and 98Bni (MK144817) were sequenced and compared with the GenBank sequences of TuYV. Serbian isolates showed the highest identity with Poland TuYV isolate (EU022489). Phylogenetic analysis showed that TuYV isolates from Serbia were clustered with other TuYV sequences retrieved from the GenBank.

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.

A two-year investigation (2009-2010) of the presence and distribution of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) viruses in Serbia revealed that viruses occur each year in open-field production. Disease incidence, as estimated by the number of symptomatic plants in the field, highly varied depending on the year and sampling locality. Disease incidence ranged from 20% to 60%. Four viruses: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), of which PVY was predominant, were detected by serological testing of pepper samples collected from many localities in Serbia. Molecular detection of PVY was performed based on amplification of a 975 bp fragment in all tested samples, using the specific primers PVYc/PVYd that amplify the gene for P1 protein. The RT-PCR products derived from the four isolates (PL-28-09, PL-15-09, PL-3-10, PL-108-10) of PVY were sequenced (KC288142, KC288143, KC288144, and KC288144, respectively) and compared with the PVY sequences available in GenBank. Sequence analysis, conducted with MEGA5 software, revealed 99.8-100% nt identity among the four Serbian PVY isolates from pepper. The sequences of PVY isolates from Serbia share the highest nucleotide and amino acid identity with isolates from Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, and tobbaco isolate from Serbia. All of the four Serbian isolates were clustered in sub-group N-1 with other European isolates of necrotic strains.

During the past few years, symptoms of garlic clove rot have appeared in storage facilities at different localities in Serbia. Thirteen fungal isolates were isolated from samples of decayed garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.). Based on the colony and fungal morphology, isolated fungi were tentatively identified as F. proliferatum. Pathogenicity of 13 F. proliferatum strains were confirmed by inoculating garlic cloves of Allium sativum (spring cv. Labud, Sedef; winter cv. Bosut, Ranko) and Allium ampeloprasum (cv. Biser). Isolate JBL532 was classified as the most aggressive, while isolate B3 was the least pathogenic. To confirm morphological identification of 13 Fusarium isolates, amplification of TEF-1α gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the primer pair: EF1 and EF2. All isolates were cryopreserved at -80°C and deposited in the NCBI GenBank.

Drought greatly affects normal plant growth, endangering physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Under the influence of unfavorable environmental conditions, antioxidant protection systems in plant cell can be activated regardless of the stage of growth and development of plants. The experiment was conducted on three vetches species (V. sativa, V. villosa and V. pannonica) under PEG-induced drought stress. Activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (APx, EC 1.11.1.1) and catalase (CAT, EC 1. 11. 1. 6), was determined in shoots and roots of 10-day-old seedlings. Lack of water during germination period activated all the examined antioxidant enzymes in both organs of all tested Vicia species. The activity of SOD and APx generally increased at higher stress levels, while the enzyme CAT showed different patterns of action in all tested species. The results of this study suggest that drought stress causes the production of oxygen radicals that lead to oxidative stress in plants.

Camelina, a traditional oil-producing plant, has gained global interest due to the high-quality oil found in its seeds. It has numerous applications, including human dietary consumption, aviation biofuel, and biodiesel production. Seed quality testing is crucial for identifying suitable seed batches for market sale. Currently, vigor tests have been established for a limited selection of commercially cultivated plant species, including camelina. This study aims to assess seed vigor and contribute to the development and validation of methods/tests for reliable vigor assessment. The experiment used two camelina genotypes developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetables Crops in Novi Sad, Serbia. The findings revealed a noteworthy reduction in germination percentages for both genotypes across all the conducted tests, as compared to the conventional laboratory germination. Simultaneously, there was a notable increase in abnormal seedlings. However, no statistically significant differences in the values of growth parameters were observed among the applied tests. In summary, the reduced seed vigor values indicate potential issues with this trait, despite generally sound germination. Additionally, the preliminary findings and methodology developed for testing the camelina seed vigor highlighted the need for optimization when applying these tests to other species to ensure their reliability and applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanopriming is a newly developed seed technology that improves seed germination, initial plant growth, and crop yield by enabling plants to withstand a variety of abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive metal-based (Co, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mo, and Se) nanopriming as compared to hydro- and non-primed seeds of three different pea cultivars in a germination test. Seed priming with nanoparticles (NPs) improved field pea quality via significant increase in germination energy (cv. E-244), final germination (cv. E-244, cv. Dukat), shoot length (cv. E-244, cv. Partner), root length (cv. E-244, cv. Dukat, cv. Partner), fresh shoot weight (cv. Partner), dry shoot weight (cv. Partner), seedling vigor index (cv. E-244, cv. Partner), and chlorophyll content (cv. Dukat, cv. Partner), as compared to both hydropriming and the control. Moreover, nanopriming led to significant improvements in shoot length, fresh shoot length, dry shoot length, seedling vigor index (cv. Dukat), and dry root weight (cv. E-244) as compared to the control only. In general, the highest effect on the examined parameters was achieved by nanopriming, indicating that this treatment may be utilized to raise field pea quality performance. To optimize the method, it is necessary to conduct extensive laboratory and field trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains on the basis of molecular characteristics. From root nodules of different soybean cultivars were obtained 56 isolates, characterized according to morphological, cultural, and biochemical properties. Among these isolates, 33 isolates showing resemblance with Bradyrhizobium sp. were further subjected to molecular identification. Following DNA extraction, a partial 16S rDNA gene sequence from the isolates was amplified by PCR using universal primers fD1 (27F) and rP3 (1492R). Purification and sequencing of the amplified fragments were done in the bio­technology company Macrogen, Seoul, South Korea. Sequences were analyzed using the pro­gram FinchTV and BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) and compared to sequences in GenBank and the Bradyrhizobium ID-database for identification. Comparison of the se­quences with the Bradyrhizobium ID-database showed that all tested isolates were identified as Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Each isolate was deposited in the NCBI GenBank database under a unique accession number. Identification of Bradyrhizobium species from root nodules of soybean is of great importance because the symbiosis between rhizobia and legumes are a cheaper and usually more effective agronomic practice for ensuring an adequate supply of nitrogen for legumes, while preserving and improving fertility and productivity of soils. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 31022]

Biocontrol using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represents an alternative approach to disease management, since PGPR are known to promote growth and reduce diseases in various crops. Among the different PGPR, members of the genus Bacillus are prefered for most biotechnological uses due to their capability to form extremely resistant spores and produce a wide variety of metabolites with antimicrobial activity. The objective of this research was to identify antagonistic bacteria for management of the plant diseases. Eleven isolates of Bacillus spp. were obtained from the soil samples collected from different localities in the Province of Vojvodina. The antifungal activity of bacterial isolates against five fungal species was examined using a dual plate assay. Bacillus isolates exhibited the highest antifungal activity against Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae and Alternaria padwickii, while they had the least antagonistic effect on Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium graminearum. Molecular identification showed that effective bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus safensis (B2), Bacillus pumilus (B3, B11), Bacillus subtilis (B5, B7) and Bacillus megaterium (B8, B9). The highest antagonistic activity was exhibited by isolates B5 (from 39% to 62% reduction in fungal growth) and B7 (from 40% to 71% reduction in fungal growth). These isolates of B. subtilis could be used as potential biocontrol agents of plant diseases. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR-31073]

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in Serbia, where it is grown on an approximate surface of 20,000 ha. During the routine quality control analysis of onion seed in 2014, fungal infection was observed in an average of 28% of the seed. The objective of this paper was to isolate, determine, and identify Fusarium sp. based on the pathogen’s morphological and molecular characteristics. Onion seed samples were collected from different localities in the region of Vojvodina. To obtain a DNA se­quence-based identification, a total DNA of the 25 isolates was extracted directly from the mycelium (~ 100 mg wet weight), with a DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Following DNA extraction, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha region was amplified by PCR with the primer pair EF1 and EF2. An amplicon of 700 bp was amplified in 25 tested isolates. Identification of one isolate was performed by sequencing the translation elongation factor EF-1α gene, which was deposited in the NCBI GenBank database under accession number KP658211 (Fusarium sp. FIESC3). [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no TR31030: Development of new vegetable varieties and hybrids for outdoor growing and greenhouses]

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is considered to be one of the oldest crops in the world. During 2016, infected garlic bulbs occurred in storages on several localities of the Province of Vojvodina. Symptomatic cloves showed typical rot symptoms such as softened and spongy areas covered with white fungal growth with deep lesions formed on the cloves which became dry over time. A total of 36 isolates of Fusarium species were obtained from diseased cloves of garlic. Colony morphology and microscopic properties of isolated Fusarium species were recorded from the cultures grown on PDA and CLA, respectively. Identification of two chosen isolates was performed by sequencing the EF-1α gene. The TEF sequence of isolate JBL12 showed 100% similarity with several F. tricinctum sequences and sequence of JBL539 showed 99% identity with several F. acuminatum sequences and they were deposited in the NCBI GenBank. Based on the results of the morphological and molecular identification, isolates JBL12 and JBL539 were identified as F. tricinctum and F. acuminatum, respectively, as new causal agents of garlic bulbs rot in Serbia. Specific primers were designed for the PCR identification of the F. tricinctum. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31030]

A total of 86 oilseed rape samples from six crops in different localities were collected during 2014 and analyzed for the presence of Turnip yellows virus (TuYV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. TuYV was serologically detected in 60 collected samples (69.77%), and none of the samples tested were positive for CaMV and TuMV. Six selected TuYV isolates were successfully transmitted by Myzus persicae to three test plants, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. In the selected ELISA-positive samples, the presence of TuYV was further confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing. A comparison of the obtained sequence with those available in GenBank confirmed the presence of TuYV in oilseed rape samples. An analysis of P0 gene sequence data for a subset of these isolates showed they clustered with the known TuYV and were distinct from Beet western yellows virus (BWYV) isolates.

During the routine quality control analysis on bean seeds in 2015, Fusarium fungal infection was observed on an average of 17% of the bean seed. The objective of this paper was isolation and identification of Fusarium sp. based on the pathogen's morphological and molecular characteristics. Morphological identification of Fusarium isolates was performed on PDA and CLA. DNA of 14 Fusarium sp. isolates was extracted directly from the mycelium (~ 100 mg wet weight), with a Dneasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Following DNA extraction, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha region was amplified by PCR with the primer pair EF1 and EF2. An amplicon of 700 bp was amplified in all tested isolates. Identification of one isolate was performed by sequencing the translation elongation factor EF-1a gene. Completed morphological and molecular characteristics of isolates, as well as the results of sequencing confirmed that Fusarium proliferatum was the causal agent of bean seed rot.

Seed treatment is a common way of fungicide and insecticide use nowadays, since this way of pesticide application can provide the best protection in the vicinity of the future plant. The aim of research was to evaluate the effects of different seed treatments on germination and seedling growth in three maize inbred lines. The research included the seed treatment with several combinations of a fungicide Maxim XL 035-FS (a.i. metalaxil-M + fludioxonil) and neonicotinoid insecticides Gaucho 600-FS (a.i. imidacloprid) and Cruiser 350-FS (a.i. thiamethoxam), as well as untreated seed (control). The results indicated that inbred lines 21202 x 21101 NS and 317659 NS had a highly vigourous seed which was not affected by the seed treatments. The seed treatments with Maxim XL 035- FS+Gaucho 600-FS and Maxim XL 035-FS+Cruiser 350-FS led to a decrease in germination (90.25% and 89.50%, respectively) of maize inbred line 306081 NS as well as a decrease in root length (126.75 mm and 125.25 mm, respectively) and dry root weight (0.135 g and 0.1875 g, respectively) of maize inbred line 21202 x 21101 NS. All seed treatments had positive effects on root growth, as well as on fresh root weight of maize inbred lines 306081 NS and 317659 NS. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31073: Improvement of maize and sorghum under stress]

During 2014 a total of 67 pot marigold samples from five different localities in the Province in Vojvodina were collected and analysed for the presence of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. CMV was detected serologically in all inspected localities in 67.16% collected samples. None of the analysed samples was positive for INSV. The virus was successfully mechanically transmitted to test plants including Chenopodium amaranticolor, C. quinoa, Datura stramonium, Nicotiana tabacum 'Samsun' and N. glutinosa, as well as pot marigold seedlings, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. The presence of CMV in pot marigold plants was further verified by RT-PCR and sequencing, using the specific primers CMV CPfwd/CMVCPrev that amplify coat protein (CP) gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on the CP gene sequences showed clustering of the selected isolates into three subgroups, IA, IB and II, and Serbian CMV isolates from pot marigold belong to subgroup II.

Bacterial spot, caused by either Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xe-Group A), X. vesicatoria (Xv-Group B), X. perforans (Xp-group C) and X. gardneri (Xg-Group D), formerly known as X. campestris pv. vesicatoria, is considered one of the most common pepper and tomato diseases in Serbia. So far, 11 physiological races of X. euvesicatoria bacterium were described around the world. However, four of them (P1, P3, P7, P8) have been recorded in Serbia, predominating being P8. The aim of this study was to examine the sensitivity of the 11 pepper genotypes: HS-2, Amfora, Plamena, Anita, Novosađanka, Palanačka babura, Palanačko čudo, Slonovo uvo, Brillant F1, Bihar F1 and Boni to X. euvesicatoria (RKFB 263), race P8. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse. Pepper plants, with five fully expanded leaves, were artificially inoculated by dipping into the bacterial suspension, concentration of 106 cfu/ml and 108 cfu/ml, for 10 seconds. Early Calwonder (ECW) was used as susceptible control genotype, and its isogenic line ECW-20 withBs2 resistance gene as a resistant control. Experiments were organized as randomized block design with four replications, with five plants in each repetition. The intensity of infection was assessed by Horsfall - Barratt (HB) scale 7 and 14 days after inoculation. According to the results, pepper genotypes showed various degree of susceptibility to X. euvesicatoria (P8) differentiating into significantly different groups. Among the tested cultivars, Bihar F1 showed the highest degree of resistance to the pathogen, while all the other genotypes showed various degrees of sensitivity compared to the controls. Considering that most of the studied genotypes were sensitive to X. euvesicatoria (P8), with exception of the isogenic line ECW-20 with Bs2 resistance gene, transfer of this gene into commercial varieties of pepper would be a significant contribution to control of this economically important disease.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L) is widely used in the production of oil, animal feed and biodiesel. Quality of oilseed rape depends on the genotype meteorological conditions and crop management. It is important to provide sufficient quantities of soil nutrients before planting (basal fertilization), so that young plants may form a leaf rosette and prepare for a period of low winter temperature. This research was performed on four commercial genotypes of rapeseed (Banaćanka, Slavica, Express and Valeska) produced in the growing season 2008-2009. The following parameters were determined: germination, 1000-seed weight, oil content and fatty acids. Seed germination, 1000-seed weight and oil content depended on the genotype, but not on the applied NPK dose. The fatty acids content depended on the genotype and the amount of fertilizer applied.

The introduction of genetically modified herbicide tolerant rapeseed has raised questions concerning the possible transfer of transgenes into wild relatives or neighbouring fields with similar crops. Pollen of rapeseed can be spread in the area and if a non-GM crop is fertilised by GM pollen, some percentage of the collected seed product will contain GM. Current regulation in the EU limits the allowed content. For conventional crops the critical level of GM contamination is in practice below 0.9%, which is the threshold value for labelling of GM in food and feed by the EU, although the limit for seeds is 0.1% in Serbia. In organic farming, the regulations do not allow the use of genetic engineering in the grain production system.

Barley is one of the most important cereals grown in our agroecological conditions. The causal agent of loose smut on barley Ustilago nuda (Jensen) Rostrup occurs frequently as varieties susceptible to this pathogen are present in the production. Disease symptoms are manifested on barley head (spike). Parasite is transmitted by seed (seedborne) and stays in the embryo tissue of the infected kernel as dormant mycelium. Recommended method for detection of U. nuda is given by ISTA Rules (method 7-013). In tests, nine samples (weighing 120 g each) of naturally infected barley seed (about 1000 seeds, depending on the absolute mass of seed) were examined, observed and described using a Zeiss microscope with sub stage illumination with magnification range x 40 or higher. Mycelium of the fungus approximately 3 μ thick, golden brown in colour was detected and visible without a stain. The percentage of infected embryos in the examined samples of barley seeds ranged from 0.8% to 5.2%.

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), and Pannonian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) are the most often grown varieties in the production area of Serbia. The most important problem in the production of vetch seed is lodging. Yield and seed quality in lodged crops can be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is very important to accurately estimate the quality, and viability of produced seed. Common vetch, hairy vetch and Pannonian vetch were submitted to vigor testing using standard laboratory test, cold test, Hiltner test, and three variants of accelerated aging tests (39°C,72 h; 39°C, 96 h; 45°C, 48 h). When the standard laboratory test was applied, the common vetch achieved the highest seed germination value of 90%, while decreased rate of seed germination was due to unfavorable conditions applied in vigor tests. Above ground seedling growth parameters were the lowest when Hiltner test was applied. Length and mass of the root system were the lowest when accelerated aging test was applied. Hairy vetch obtained the lowest values for all tested parameters when Hiltner test was applied. Application of different variants of accelerated aging tests indicated that tested parameters were not dependent on the applied temperature, while reduction in legumes vigor was under the influence of temperature duration.

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%.

Genetic markers have been used at Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad for a number of years, both for seed quality control and for research purposes. The Laboratory for Seed Testing was the first in the former Yugoslavia to use the method of control of hybrid seed genetic purity based on enzymatic polymorphism. This paper presents the application of protein markers, isozymes, seed storage proteins and DNA markers for evaluation of seed and breeding materials of various agricultural crops in Serbia.

Oilseed rape is an agronomically important species grown for seed that contains 40-48% oil and 18-25% proteins. Oilseed rape has high demands for nitrogen. The research was performed on four varieties of oilseed rape (Banaćanka, Valeska, Slavica and Express) developed at Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, during vegetative seasons 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. During vegetation, top dressing was applied with different amounts of KAN: control (0 kg N ha-1), 50 kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1, 150 kg N ha-1 and the N quantity determination were performed applying the balancing method (also known as N-min method). Yield, 1000-seed weight, seed germination, oil and protein content were determined after harvest. Yield and seed germination depended on seed production year. 1000-seed weight depended on seed production year and genotype. Oil and protein content in seed depended on production year, genotype and amount of the N-fertilizer applied by top dressing.

A large number of microorganisms' parasite on maize seed. The most important of them are fungi. Blotter method and method of nutrient medium were used to examine the seed health of 90 maize seed samples from eight seed processing centres in the period 2006-2008. The presence of fungi from the genera Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Rhizopus was observed on maize seed. According to current regulations, level of infection caused by the fungi observed in all three years was within the normal limits. The percentage of infected samples was 45% in 2006, 40% in 2007, and 32% in 2008. Percentage of infection ranged from 0.25% to 5% in samples where the presence of fungi of the genus Fusarium was detected, while the percentage of infection on maize seed caused by the fungi from saprophite group (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp.) ranged within the limits of 0.25% to 15%.

Breeding of perennial legumes for many agronomic important traits like grain yield, persistence, longevity, resistance to diseases and pests, resistance to limiting abiotic conditions and polyploidy is more efficient and precise if genetic markers are used. Estimates based on isozyme polymorphism may underestimate overall levels of genetic variation because they are sampling only coding regions of DNA that may be conserved to maintain the function of the enzymes. The complete coverage of a genome can be achieved only by the use of molecular variability indicators (DNA polymorphism), i.e. molecular markers. Molecular markers are independent of environmental influences and can be detected in all plant development stages. The main aspects of genetic markers use in perennial legumes breeding are: germplasm characterisation, genetic linkage mapping, QTL analysis, marker assisted selection (MAS), variety identification and protection of plant breeders' rights.

This work describes the incidence and distribution of the most important bean viruses in Serbia: Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV). The viral isolates were characterized serologically and biologically. BCMV was found in the largest number of plants (30.53%), followed by BCMNV (2.67%), CMV (5.34%), and AMV (3.41%), since BYMV was not determined. Mixed viral infections were found in several samples. The RT-PCR method was used to prove that the tested isolates belong to the BCMV, family Potyviridae and strains Russian and NL-3 D. Results obtained in this work will enable further studies of the genetic variability of bean virus isolates from Serbia. .

The biochemical marker phaseolin and isozymes were used in this work to display the variation of common bean germ plasma. Fifteen bean genotypes of different origin i. e. selections were studied. From 8 analyzed enzymic systems, enzymes MDH, SKDH, ME and IDH were polymorphic, while there were no differences in zymograms for enzymes PGM, PHI, PGD, and ADH. Analysis of phaseolin revealed two types: S and T. The S type of phaseolin was found in most of analyzed genotypes (9). Phaseolin type T was found in varieties of Novi Sad selection: Zlatko, Sremac and Aster, domestic population Žuto-zeleni Stepanovićevo and Jovandeka, Croatian variety Slavonski žuto-zeleni. Those varieties were developed from domestic populations from north-west region of Balkan, Slavonia, and Vojvodina.

At the same time as development and registration of new genetic modification of plant species have intensified, the number of countries in which they are grown has also increased considerably. Genetically modified crops were grown in 22 countries in 2006, six of which were in European Union. Protocol on Biosafety, known as Cartagena protocol was adopted at the international level in February, 2000. Presence, but not growing of GMO in food is allowed in many countries, while in some others labeling of food origination from GMO is obligatory. Labeling is obligatory in European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and some others. In our country the Law on GMO and sub-law acts were conceived according to EU regulative. The terms for limited use, production, trade of GMO and GMO products have been prescribed. Validation and standardization of GMO testing methods are now being implemented. It is expected that the analytical GMO methods will soon be harmonized at the international level. .

In this paper, we investigate a wireless mobile communication system with a cooperative network operating over a mobile-to-mobile (M2M) fading channel in the presence of co-channel interference. Since there is no direct line of sight between the source (S) and the destination (D) due to various obstacles, the signal transmission takes place by using a relay (R). We modeled and represented the desired signal and co-channel interference by using the Nakagami-m fading distribution from the source (S) to the relay (R), as well as from the relay (R) to the destination (D). As the popularity of M2M communication has increased in 5G cellular networks, the performance analysis of the proposed system is of great importance. We derived closed-form expressions for the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) at the input of the destination station. Based on the cumulative distribution function (CDF), we also evaluated the outage probability (Pout) of the proposed communication system. In addition, we derived a closed-form approximate expression for the level crossing rate (LCR) by using the Laplace approximation formula for the three-fold integral. Validity of the derived theoretical results we approved by Monte Carlo simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress seriously affects the production of cool-season food legume crops such as garden peas. Seed priming is a widely used technique that increases germination and improves plant growth and development, resulting in better field performance and higher yield of crops. In the current study, we investigated three seed priming treatments—hydropriming (dH2O), osmopriming (2.2% w/v CaCl2), and hormopriming (50 mg L−1 salicylic acid—SA)—and their effect on germination, initial seedling development, and physiological traits of two novel garden pea cultivars, under optimal conditions and heat stress. Seed priming with H2O, CaCl2, and SA enhanced garden pea performance under both optimal and stress conditions via significant improvements in germination energy, final germination, mean germination time, mean germination rate, seedling vigor index, shoot length, root length, fresh seedling weight, dry seedling weight, shoot elongation rate, root elongation rate, relative water content, chlorophyll content, and membrane stability index, as compared to control. The highest effect on the examined parameters was achieved by osmopriming and hormopriming in both cultivars, suggesting that these treatments could be used to improve the heat stress tolerance of garden pea, after extensive field trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural biotechnology applies polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology at numerous steps throughout product development. The major uses of PCR technology during product development include gene discovery and cloning, vector construction, transformant identification, screening and characterization as well as seed quality control. Commodity and food companies as well as testing laboratories rely on PCR technology to verify the presence or absence of genetically modification (GM) in a product or to quantify the amount of GM material present in the product. This article describes the fundamental elements of PCR analysis and its application to the testing of grains and highlights some of areas to which attention must be paid in order to produce reliable test results. The article also discuses issues related to the analysis of different matrixes and the effect they may have on the accuracy of the PCR analytical results.

Cabbage takes up significant area in vegetable sowing structure, and one of the factors of improving this production is adequate varieties selection. During the breeding process, experimental hybrids are tested in relation to currently grown varieties and hybrids in production. In this paper the characteristics of 18 cabbage genotypes are presented, out of which there are 9 experimental hybrids, 4 varieties and 5 hybrids from broader production. Cabbage genotypes in the trial are of differing length of growing season, as well as differing head weight. Properties variability analysis was performed using PCA method, where two main components were chosen based on screen test, and these were used to define 57.7%. Head weight and head diameter are properties based on which the tested hybrids were graded into quantitatively different groups.