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Summary Alternative plant cultures with favorable agronomic characteristics are a great source of refined edible oil and renewable industrial oil products. False flax stands out as a species with modest growing requirements, short vegetation and diverse use. Accordingly, the breeding program of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad created two cultivars of false flax, NS Zlatka and NS Slatka, which were the research material of this study. The use and production value of these false flax cultivars were determined by examining important seed quality characteristics: oil content, oil yield, protein content and protein yield. The highest oil content was obtained in NS Slatka (45.90%) in 2016, while the highest protein content was 30.30%. The highest oil yield (801 kg/ha in 2017) and the highest protein yield (424 kg/ha in 2017) were detected in NS Zlatka. The data obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by analysis of variance, Duncan test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Statistically significant differences were identified between the cultivars, and strong environmental influence was affirmed. By examining the correlations of the analyzed features, statistically significant correlations were found. The most common fatty acids included linolenic acid (33.80%), linoleic acid (18.81%), oleic acid (15.99%), eicosenoic acid (14.22%) and erucic acid (2.90%). The results obtained are applicable in further breeding program of false flax. They are of special importance in increasing the use value of false flax owing to the oil and meal high quality and potential for even more diverse use.

Camelina has been used from ancient times, but recently has re-emerged as a valuable plant with the potential for successful replacement of conventional oilseed crops. The utilisation of camelina and its by-products in animal feed is a matter of scientific study due to their excellent nutritional potential. The present study aimed to investigate the nutritive value of two Serbian camelina seed genotypes (NS Zlatka and NS Slatka) as a potential alternative to commonly used oilseed crops in animal feeding. For that purpose proximate composition, fatty acid profile, amino acid profile and tocopherols were analysed. The study also included the investigation of the content of anti-nutritive compounds that can adversely affect the nutritional value of feed. The results showed that camelina seeds had a high amount of proteins (around 28%), amino acids and γ- tocopherols. Camelina genotypes were characterized by unique fatty acids composition, with its oil consisting of approximately 57% polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which the highest proportions were α-linolenic acid (~37%) and linoleic acid (~17%). An optimal ratio of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (0.5) was also reported in this study. The concentration of anti-nutritional factors and heavy metals in camelina seeds was below the maximum set limit for feedstuff. To conclude, the investigated Serbian camelina genotypes can be used as a valuable source of proteins, essential fatty acids and tocopherols in animal nutrition and has a great potential to replace conventional oilseeds Lanik se gaji još od davnina, ali u poslednje vreme ponovo postaje predmet interesovanja zbog svog potencijala da zameni konvencionalne uljarice. Usled izvrsnog nutritivnog potencijala, iskorišćenje lanika i njegovih sporednih proizvoda prerade u hrani za životinje predstavlja predmet naučnih studija. Cilj ovog istraživanja bilo je ispitivanje nutritivne vrednosti semena dva srpska genotipa lanika (NS Zlatka i NS Slatka) kao potencijalne zamene uobičajeno korišćenih uljarica u ishrani životinja. U tu svrhu, rađene su analize hemijskog sastava, određivan je masnokiselinski i aminokiselinski profil kao i sadržaj tokoferola. Takođe, određivan je i sadržaj antinutritivnih materija koje mogu da umanje kvalitet hrane za životinje. Dobijeni rezultati su pokazali da seme lanika sadrži značajnu količinu proteina (oko 28%), aminokiselina i γ-tokoferola. Pokazano je da ispitivani genotipovi lanika poseduju karakterističan masnokiselinski sastav, pri čemu je ulje sadržalo oko 57% polinezasićenih masnih kiselina od kojih su najzastupljenije bile αlinolenska (~37%) i linolna (~17%) kiselina. Takođe je utvrđen i optimalni odnos n-6 i n3 masnih kiselina (0.5). Sadržaj antinutritivnih materija i teških metala u semenu lanika bio je ispod maksimalne dozvoljene granice za hranu za životinje. Zaključak ovog istraživanja je da se ispitani srpski genotipovi lanika mogu koristiti kao vredan izvor proteina, esencijalnih masnih kiselina i tokoferola u ishrani životinja, kao i da poseduju potencijal da postanu zamena konvencionalnih uljarica.

With the aid of models used in artificial intelligence, a wide range of data can be processed quickly with high accuracy. The quality of rapeseed oil from 40 genotypes cultivated during four consecutive years was analysed. Two machine learning techniques (artificial neural network – ANN, and random forest regression – RFR) were applied for the modelling of fatty acids content (C16:0; C18:0; C18:1; C18:2; C18:3 and C22:1), α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and total tocopherols, according to the data of production year and winter rapeseed genotype. The developed models exerted high-quality anticipation features, showing high r2 during the training cycle. The best fit between the modelled and measured traits for ANN model was observed for erucic acid content. RFR modelling for all fatty acids was more effective than ANN model, with the highest precision for palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids (r2>0.9). This study emphasized the possibility of using ANN and RFR models to model winter rapeseed quality traits. This is a peer-reviewed accepted version of the published article [http://fiver.ifvcns.rs/handle/123456789/3232] with embargoed access until 17 November 2023. This work was carried out as a part of the activities of the Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Breeding of Climate Resilient Crops–Climate Crops, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia.

Key message This review illustrates how far we have come since the emergence of GE technologies and how they could be applied to obtain superior and sustainable crop production. Abstract The main challenges of today’s agriculture are maintaining and raising productivity, reducing its negative impact on the environment, and adapting to climate change. Efficient plant breeding can generate elite varieties that will rapidly replace obsolete ones and address ongoing challenges in an efficient and sustainable manner. Site-specific genome editing in plants is a rapidly evolving field with tangible results. The technology is equipped with a powerful toolbox of molecular scissors to cut DNA at a pre-determined site with different efficiencies for designing an approach that best suits the objectives of each plant breeding strategy. Genome editing (GE) not only revolutionizes plant biology, but provides the means to solve challenges related to plant architecture, food security, nutrient content, adaptation to the environment, resistance to diseases and production of plant-based materials. This review illustrates how far we have come since the emergence of these technologies and how these technologies could be applied to obtain superior, safe and sustainable crop production. Synergies of genome editing with other technological platforms that are gaining significance in plants lead to an exciting new, post-genomic era for plant research and production. In previous months, we have seen what global changes might arise from one new virus, reminding us of what drastic effects such events could have on food production. This demonstrates how important science, technology, and tools are to meet the current time and the future. Plant GE can make a real difference to future sustainable food production to the benefit of both mankind and our environment.

The genetic variability of 13 rapeseed genotypes created in Serbia was assessed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, in three consecutive years. The genotypes were evaluated and classified based on 10 quantitative traits (plant height, height to the first branch, stem width, number of lateral branches, number of leaves, number of pods, seed yield per plant, 1000 seed weight, oil content and protein content), using principal component analysis (PCA) and two-way cluster analysis. The first four PCs with eigenvalues >1 contributed to 83% of the total explained variance. The PC analysis revealed that plant height, height to the first branch, number of lateral branches and number of leaves contributed maximum to the total divergence of the material. The genotypes were classified in two main clusters: the first cluster comprised three genotypes, while the other genotypes belonged to the second cluster which can further be divided to two subclusters. One genotype was not classified in these two clusters. The selected genotypes that have desirable traits may be used in hybridization programs for improvement of seed yield and traits that contribute to seed yield most. Genetička varijabilnost 13 genotipova uljane repice stvorenih u Srbiji, analizirana je u Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo u Novom Sadu, tokom tri uzastopne godine. Genotipovi su procenjeni i klasifikovani na osnovu 10 kvantitativnih osobina (visina bilјke, visina do prve grane, širina stablјike, broj bočnih grana, broj listova, broj ljuski, prinos semena po bilјci, masa 1000 semena, sadržaj ulјa i sadržaj proteina), koristeći analizu glavnih komponenti i dvosmernu klaster analizu. Prve četiri PC ose doprinele su 83% od ukupne objašnjene varijanse. PC analiza je pokazala da su visina bilјke, visina do prve grane, broj bočnih grana i broj listova maksimalno doprineli ukupnoj varijabilnosti materijala. Genotipovi su klasifikovani u dva glavna klastera: prvi klaster se sastojao od tri genotipa, dok su ostali genotipovi pripadali drugom klasteru koji se dalјe može podeliti na dva podklastera. Jedan genotip klasifikovan je izvan oba klastera. Odabrani genotipovi koji imaju poželјne osobine mogu se koristiti u programima hibridizacije za pobolјšanje prinosa semena i osobina koje najviše doprinose prinosu semena.

The archaeobotanical research of the macrobiotic remains from archaeological sites provides a valuable insight into the plant economy of the continental Celtic (Gaulish or Galatian) tribe of Scordisci, which lived around the rivers of Sava, Drava and Danube during the last three centuries before Christ. The field crop production of Scordisci was based upon cereals, grain legumes and oil crops. The importance of spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L.) in the everyday diets of Scordisci has been underestimated so far. Recent researches proved the presence of Byzantine oat (Avena byzantina K. Koch) at the Celtic tilths in the northern Balkans. Cereals were stored in mud-plastered granary baskets. The spectrum of grain legumes is as diverse as that of cereals. The latest analyses expand the list of oil plants with a new species – dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica (M.Bieb.) Fisch. & C.A.Mey.). There is also the first evidence of a beer production facility in one of the Scordisci oppida, Čarnok. Arheobotanička istraživanja makrobiljnih ostataka na arheološkim lokalitetima pružaju uvid u biljnu privredu keltskog kontinentalnog (galskog ili galatskog) plemena Skordiska koje je poslednja tri veka pre nove ere živelo na prostoru oko reka Save, Drave i Dunava. Ratarstvo Skordiska se zasnivalo na proizvodnji žitarica, zrnastih mahunarki i uljarica. U najvećoj meri uzgajali su ječam, proso, jednozrnu pšenicu, golozrnu i dvozrnu pšenicu. Do sada je bio potcenjen značaj krupnika u ratarskoj proizvodnji ovog plemena. Novija istraživanja su po prvi put dokazala postojanje vizantijskog ovsa na keltskim oranicama u severnom delu Balkana. Uz ovu novu kulturu Kelti su sa svog neuspelog pohoda na Grčku poneli i korovsku biljku koja se u našim krajevima pojavljuje po prvi put — obični posunac. Žitarice su čuvane u silosima od pletera oblepljenog blatom. Inventar zrnastih mahunarki ne zaostaje po brojnosti u odnosu na žitarice. Uzgajaju se sočivo, grašak, sastrica, bob i urov. Lan je glavna uljarica, dok se sitna semena maka i lanika retko pronalaze. Najnovija, do sada neobjavljena istraživanja zaboravljenog uzorka iz 60-ih godina pršlog veka sa arheološkog lokaliteta Gomolava, dokazuju prisustvo još jedne uljarice u naseljima Skordiska — lalemancije. Na osnovu novih saznanja na drugim arheološkim istraživanjima uspeli smo da identifikujemo prvu pivaru na tlu Srbije u keltskom opidumu Čarnok.

Five different rapeseed genotypes were tested. The following traits were considered: seed yield, seed germination, seed oil content, 1000 seed weight and seed protein content and they were used to determine whether there is significant or nonsignificant correlation. Highest average results were determined in genotype G-3 (yield 2.544 kg; germination 90%; 1000 seed weight 4,30 g; oil content 45,31% and protein content 19,83%) while G-5 (1.838 kg; 87%; 3,50 g; 44,77% and 17,28%) had the lowest average result of observed parameters. Highly significant positive correlations were found while comparing seed yield with 1000 seed weight (0.753**) and protein content (0.726**). High significant positive correlation were also determined comparing seed germination with 1000 seed weight (0.832**) and protein content (0.892**). Also high significant correlation was determined comparing 1000 seed weight and protein content (0.812**). Positive significant correlations were found by comparing seed yield and seed germination (0.644*). Path analysis indicated highest significant positive direct effect of 1000 seed weight (0.716**) and protein content (0.666**) on seed yield. High but negative significant value had seed germination (-0.645**). In the study of indirect effects on seed yield, none of significant effects were determined. The study of direct effects on oil content showed that the seed germination had high significant positive effect (- 1.296**) on oil content. Significant but hot high effect has seed yield (0.556*). In other two traits it was determined negative high significant effects (1000 seed weight – 0.797** and protein content – 0.717**) on seed oil content. The existence of indirect significant effects on oil content in four cases was determined Ispitivano je pet različitih genotipova ozime uljane repice. Ispitivani su sledeći parametri: prinos semena, klijavost semena, masa 1000 semena, sadržaj ulja i proteina u semenu. Genotip G-3 ostvario je nabolje rezultate (prinos 2.544 kg; klijavost 90%; masa 1000 semena 4,30 g; sadržaj ulja 45,31% i sadržaj proteina 19,83%) dok je genotip G-5 ostvario najlošije rezultate (1.838 kg; 87%; 3,50 g; 44,77% i 17,28%) posmatranih parametara. Visoko značajna pozitivna korelacija utvrđena je upoređivanjem vrednosti: prinosa semena sa masom 1000 semena (0.753**) i sadržajem proteina (0.726**); klijavosti semena sa masom 1000 semena (0.832**) i sadržajem proteina (0.892**) odnosno mase 1000 semena i sadržaja proteina (0.812**). Pozitivna značajna vrednost korelacije utvrđena je posmatranjem prinosa semena i klijavosti semena (0.644*). Pat analiza prinosa semena pokazala je da masa 1000 semena (0.716**) i sadržaj proteina (0.666**) imaju najveći pozitivan uticaj dok klijavost semena ima najveći negativan visoko značajan uticaj (-0.645**) na prinos semena. Posmatranjem indirektnih uticaja na prinos semena nije utvrđena nijedna značajna vrednost posmatranih parametara. Kod sadržaja ulja Pat analiza utvrdila je da klijavost semena (1.296**) ima najveći pozitivan uticaj na sadržaj ulja u semenu. Značajan pozitivan uticaj na sadržaj ulja ima prinos semena (0.556*). U preostalim direktnim uticajima utvrđen je negativan visoko značajan uticaj (masa 1000 semena – 0.797** i sadržaj proteina – 0.717**) na sadržaj ulja u semenu. Posmatranjem indirektnih uticaja utvrđeno je da postoje 4 značajna uticaja, od kojih su tri pozitivna a jedan negativan.

Winter oilseed rape has recently been described as a new host for the phytopathogenic bacteriumXanthomonas campestrispv.campestris(Xcc) in Serbia. In order to provide information about the genetic structure of this bacterium's population and its pathogenic features on this crop, a collection of 65 winter oilseed rape Xcc isolates obtained over a 5-year period (2014-2018) from different Serbian localities was examined. The presence of intrapathovar diversity within the tested isolates was confirmed by repetitive element PCR (rep-PCR), revealing 14, 10, and 4 different profiles for BOX, ERIC, and REP primers, respectively. A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach separated the isolates into seven groups on a phylogenetic tree. The PubMLST non-redundant database was used to compare sequences of four housekeeping genes from isolates with 75 strains ofXanthomonasspp. to determine nucleotide changes caused by host-pathogen coevolution. Five allelic profile combinations (ST3, ST5, ST9, ST26, and ST47) were determined, with ST47 being the most frequent. Pathogenicity and host range tests showed higher virulence of the tested isolates on winter oilseed rape than on otherBrassica oleraceahosts (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and kohlrabi). The most aggressive isolates were NCPPB4679, NCPPB4680, and Xc361, belonging to genotype ST26. Fifty oilseed rape lines, cultivars, and hybrids showed susceptibility to the three Xcc isolates tested (of high, low, and moderate virulence), indicating that there was no resistance to the bacterium. The results provide significant information about diversification of Xcc isolates and their evolution toward specialization for winter oilseed rape.

In rapeseed, there is a constant need for increasing its genetic diversity, particularly through breeding of hybrid varieties in order to produce genotypes with improved seed yield, as well as other important agronomic traits. However, to create commercial hybrids, the knowledge of the genetic diversity of the parents is prerequisite, considering that the hybrid's performance greatly depends on the choice of parental lines. There is a lack of information about using the genetic distance to determine the extent of heterosis in spring rapeseed in Europe. The goals of this research were to determine the genetic variability of rapeseed breeding material for important agricultural traits, to analyse the differences in grouping of the parental genotypes based on their genetic distances determined by morphological traits and molecular markers and to estimate the correlation of the differently established parental genetic distances with hybrid performance, heterosis, general combining ability of both parents and specific combining ability in crosses. This will provide novel information for parental selection in order to develop a better approach for prediction of heterosis in spring rapeseed hybrid breeding program. The field trial included ten spring rapeseed genotypes that were crossed in a half diallel fashion thus making 45 hybrid combinations. Distances between parents were calculated based on data from 14 analysed phenotypic traits and 64 SSR markers. The obtained results showed that the parental genetic distance based on phenotypic traits was better in predicting heterosis and combining ability in comparison with the distance estimated by SSR analysis. Although the obtained results revealed that the genetic distance based on molecular markers had no correlation with mid-parent and high-parent heterosis, further studies are needed with a larger number and different types of markers to draw the final conclusion.

The evaluation of genotype x environment interaction (GXE) is an important component of the selection process in multi-environment trials. The objective of this study was to analyze the GXE interaction for seed yield (SY), germination rate (GR), thousand seed weight (TSW) and protein content (PC) of 18 sunflower parental lines through the application of AMMI analysis, as well as to identify suitable sunflower parental lines with both high performance and high stability. Highly significant differences for SY, GR, TSW and PC were found for main effects (genotypes, years). For all investigated traits GXE interaction was also highly significant, suggesting a different response of genotypes across testing environments. Highest SY was shown by genotypes G12, G14 and G17. Most stable lines for seed yield were Gl, G2, G18 and G17. High stability in terms of GR showed the genotypes G3, G11 and G15, with average values higher than the general average. In the three-year experiment environment E3 was most stable for GR. Genotypes G2, G4, G5, G6 and G7 were stable for TSW. Similar average values and stability for TSW showed E2 and E3. The lines with the most stable reaction in the examined environmental conditions for PC were G7 and G10. The most stable environment for PC was E3.

Rapeseed is one of the major oil crops, grown in various agroecological conditions. Interest in organic rapeseed is rising, with increasing importance to breeders to determine the need for specific organic breeding programs. The objective of this study was to determine the adaptive value of rapeseed cultivars in organic farming environments. Five winter rapeseed cultivars were grown in conventional and organic plots, each with three sowing dates in four replications. The trials were organized using a randomized block design. The effect of cultivar and farming on emergence, percentage of harvested plants, yield, oil and protein content were investigated. Locally recommended agricultural practices were used to keep the fields free from weeds, insects and diseases. In organic field, weeds were removed mechanically while insects were treated using organic insecticide. The seed samples for analysis of oil and protein content were taken during harvest. Considering agricultural practices, it was found that rapeseed can be successfully grown in organic agriculture, but further improvements are needed to increase stability of production. Early sowing date provides enough time for rapeseed growth before the winter and good overwintering. The cultivars had higher oil content in the conventional farming, while there was no significant effect of farming system on protein content. For cultivar Slavica, higher yield was recorded in organic system, while cultivars Banaćanka and Nena had high yield in both farming systems. The results suggest that the existing conventional breeding material can be used as a good starting point for further trait improvements in organic farming. Uljana repica je jedna od glavnih uljanih kultura koja se uzgaja u različitim agroekološkim uslovima. Interesovanje za organsku uljanu repicu raste, pri čemu je oplemenjivačima od sve većeg značaja da odrede potrebu za posebnim programima organskog oplemenjivanja. Cilj ove studije bio je utvrđivanje adaptivne vrednosti konvencionalnih sorti uljane repice u okruženjima organske poljoprivrede. Pet sorti ozime uljane repice uzgajano je na konvencionalnim i organskim parcelama, od kojih svaka sa tri datuma setve u četiri ponavljanja. Ispitivanja su organizovana korišćenjem slučajnog blok dizajna. Ispitivan je uticaj sorte i načina gajenja na nicanje, procenat požnjevenih biljaka, prinos, sadržaj ulja i proteina. Lokalno preporučene agrotehničke mere su korišćene da se polja sačuvaju od korova, insekata i bolesti. U organskom polju korov se uklanjao mehanički dok su insekti tretirani organskim insekticidom. Uzorci semena za analizu sadržaja ulja i proteina uzeti su tokom žetve. Uzimajući u obzir agrotehničke mere, ustanovljeno je da se uljana repica može uspešno gajiti u organskoj poljoprivredi, ali potrebna su dalja poboljšanja da bi se povećala stabilnost proizvodnje. Rezultati pokazuju da rana setva pruža dovoljno vremena za razvoj uljane repice pre zime i dobro prezimljavanje. Sorte su imale veći sadržaj ulja u konvencionalnom gajenju, dok nije bilo značajnog uticaja sistema gajenja na sadržaj proteina. Za sortu Slavica veći prinos je zabeležen u organskom gajenju, dok su kod oba sistema gajenja sorte Banaćanka i Nena imale visoki prinos. Rezultati upućuju na zaključak da se postojeći konvencionalno oplemenjivani materijal može koristiti kao dobra polazna tačka za dalje poboljšanje svojstava sorti u organskoj poljoprivredi.

As one of the greatest agricultural challenges, yield prediction is an important issue for producers, stakeholders, and the global trade market. Most of the variation in yield is attributed to environmental factors such as climate conditions, soil type and cultivation practices. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and random forest regression (RFR) are machine learning tools that are used unambiguously for crop yield prediction. There is limited research regarding the application of these mathematical models for the prediction of rapeseed yield and quality. A four-year study (2015–2018) was carried out in the Republic of Serbia with 40 winter rapeseed genotypes. The field trial was designed as a randomized complete block design in three replications. ANN, based on the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno iterative algorithm, and RFR models were used for prediction of seed yield, oil and protein yield, oil and protein content, and 1000 seed weight, based on the year of production and genotype. The best production year for rapeseed cultivation was 2016, when the highest seed and oil yield were achieved, 2994 kg/ha and 1402 kg/ha, respectively. The RFR model showed better prediction capabilities compared to the ANN model (the r2 values for prediction of output variables were 0.944, 0.935, 0.912, 0.886, 0.936 and 0.900, for oil and protein content, seed yield, 1000 seed weight, oil and protein yield, respectively).

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] has increased cold, heat, and drought tolerance and decreased susceptibility to diseases and pests than oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Because water deficit at sowing leads to unsatisfactory stand establishment due to irregular seed germination and emergence, the aim of this study was to understand the response of camelina germination under osmotic stress and identify critical soil moisture levels for successful establishment. Two spring cultivars, NS Slatka and NS Zlatka, developed at the Institute of Fieldand Vegetable Crops Novi Sad, Serbia, were compared under 9 levels of osmotic stress, ranging from 0 MPa to - 1.6 MPa. Polyethylene glycol was used to obtain the osmotic potential of the solutions. Results showed that the tested cultivars did not decrease germination under mild and medium osmotic stress levels (down to - 0.8 MPa). However, germination significantly decreased in both cultivars under higher levels of osmotic stress, and NS Zlatka was more sensitive. Germination speed significantly increased at - 0.4 MPa. The estimated osmotic potentialsto stop germination were - 1.45 MPa for NS Slatka and - 1.46 MPa for NS Zlatka. Time to 50% germination also showed a significant bi-linear trend in response to osmotic potential, but in the opposite direction than the one observed in germination. Inflection points were recorded at - 0.77 MPa for NS Slatka and - 0.78 MPa for NS Zlatka, thereafter time to 50% of germination rapidly increased. This study confirmed that camelina can withstand increased levels of drought stress at germination, so it could be considered a more suitable option than oilseed rape on marginal land, or environments with irregular precipitation. This is the peer reviewed accepted version of the published article [http://fiver.ifvcns.rs/handle/123456789/2560] that will be available from 30 July 2024

The Pannonian Plain, as the most productive region of Southeast Europe, has a long tradition of agronomic production as well as agronomic research and plant breeding. Many research institutions from the agri-food sector of this region have a significant impact on agriculture. Their well-developed and fruitful breeding programmes resulted in productive crop varieties highly adapted to the specific regional environmental conditions. Rapid climatic changes that occurred during the last decades led to even more investigations of complex interactions between plants and their environments and the creation of climate-smart and resilient crops. Plant phenotyping is an essential part of botanical, biological, agronomic, physiological, biochemical, genetic, and other omics approaches. Phenotyping tools and applied methods differ among these disciplines, but all of them are used to evaluate and measure complex traits related to growth, yield, quality, and adaptation to different environmental stresses (biotic and abiotic). During almost a century-long period of plant breeding in the Pannonian region, plant phenotyping methods have changed, from simple measurements in the field to modern plant phenotyping and high-throughput non-invasive and digital technologies. In this review, we present a short historical background and the most recent developments in the field of plant phenotyping, as well as the results accomplished so far in Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia. Current status and perspectives for further simultaneous regional development and modernization of plant phenotyping are also discussed.

The genus Brassica is recognized for including species with phytoaccumulation potential and a large amount of research has been carried out in this area under a variety of conditions, from laboratory experiments to field trials, with spiked or naturally contaminated soils, using one- or multi-element contaminated soil, generating various and sometimes contradictory results with limited practical applications. To date, the actual field potential of Brassica species and the feasibility of a complete phytoextraction process have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize the results of the experiments that have been performed with a view to analyzing real potentials and limitations. The reduced biomass and low metal mobility in the soil have been addressed by the development of chemically or biologically assisted phytoremediation technologies, the use of soil amendments, and the application of crop management strategies. Certain issues, such as the fate of harvested biomass or the performance of species in multi-metal-contaminated soils, remain to be solved by future research. Potential improvements to current experimental settings include testing species grown to full maturity, using a greater amount of soil in experiments, conducting more trials under real field conditions, developing improved crop management systems, and optimizing solutions for harvested biomass disposal.

Foresight in climate change and the challenges ahead requires a systematic approach to sunflower breeding that will encompass all available technologies. There is a great scarcity of desirable genetic variation, which is in fact undiscovered because it has not been sufficiently researched as detection and designing favorable genetic variation largely depends on thorough genome sequencing through broad and deep resequencing. Basic exploration of genomes is insufficient to find insight about important physiological and molecular mechanisms unique to crops. That is why integrating information from genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and phenomics enables a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the background of architecture of many important quantitative traits. Omics technologies offer novel possibilities for deciphering the complex pathways and molecular profiling through the level of systems biology and can provide important answers that can be utilized for more efficient breeding of sunflower. In this review, we present omics profiling approaches in order to address their possibilities and usefulness as a potential breeding tools in sunflower genetic improvement.

© 2019 Serbian Chemical Society. All rights reserved. This study represents a new strategy for discrimination of 59 samples of various cold-pressed, virgin and refined edible vegetable oils according to the corresponding botanical origin. Samples were produced from 17 plant species: olive, sunflower, safflower, flax, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, walnut, hazelnut, almond, grape, black cumin, apricot, plum, soybean, wheat and rapeseed. A GC/MS device performing in a ion current (IC) mode, combined with multivariate clustering, was employed in the analysis. Derivatization reaction occurred in the injector of a gas chromatograph. The discriminations between species were based on marker-peaks of 9 molecular ions of dominant fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), which were chosen as descriptors: m/z 268, 270, 292, 294, 296, 298, 324, 326 and 354. Dendrogram obtained after performing cluster analysis shows clear discriminations of the analyzed samples, based on the belonging botanical origin. These results demonstrate that IC-GC/MS approach with cluster analysis could be a useful tool in rapid screening for botanical origin of commercial samples of various edible vegetable oils.

In addition to true cereals (Poaceae) and legumes (Fabaceae), which are most commonly used as cover crops, plant species from the mustard family (Brassicaceae) are increasingly used due to their biological and agronomic characteristics. Crucifers grow fast, develop high biomass, achieve great land coverage ( gt 80%) and possess high nutrient uptake. These are the reasons that their use as cover crops has a beneficial effect on soil fertility, erosion prevention, weed suppression and groundwater quality protection. Majority of crucifers contain glucosinolates, the enzymatic conversion of which releases biologically active compounds into the soil, which are toxic to soil pathogens, nematodes and some weeds. In this way, crucifers act as soil biofumigants, and this effect is used in the control of harmful organisms within the cover crops technology. Due to different production systems and agroecological conditions, the release of these compounds in the soil is not constant, so the efficiency is not always the same. In this regard, biofumigation as a biological measure should be seen as a part of an integrated pest management strategy. With its flowers, crucifers attract a large number of insects: pollinators, predators and parasitoids, thus positively affecting the biodiversity of beneficial insects and the biocontrol of harmful ones. The most commonly used multipurpose cover crops are: rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), brown mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.), charcoal turnip (Brassica rapa rapifera), fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera) and others. Osim pravih žita (Poaceae) i leptirnjača (Fabaceae) koje se najčešće koriste u pokrovnim usevima, zbog svojih bioloških i agronomskih osobina sve više se koriste biljne vrste iz porodice kupusnjača (Brassicaceae). Kupusnjače brzo rastu, imaju veliku produkciju biomase, ostvaruju veliku pokrivenost zemljišta (>80%), a usvajanju i velike količine hranljivih materija. Zbog svega toga, primenom u pokrovnim usevima, povoljno utiču na plodnost zemljišta, sprečavaju njegovu eroziju, guše korove i štite kvalitet podzemnih voda. Većina kupusnjača sadrži glukozinolate, čijom enzimskom konverzijom se u zemljištu oslobađaju biološki aktivna jedinjenja, koja su toksična za zemljišne patogene, nematode i neke korove. Time kupusnjače u zemljištu deluju kao biofumiganti, a ovaj efekat u okviru tehnologije pokrovnih useva koristi se u kontroli štetnih organizama. Zbog različitih sistema proizvodnje i agroekoloških uslova, oslobađanje tih jedinjenja u zemljištu nije konstantno, pa efikasnost nije uvek ista. U tom smislu biofumigaciju kao biološku meru, treba posmatrati kao deo integrisanog pristupa kontrole štetnih organizama. Svojim cvetovima biljne vrste kupusnjača privlače veliki broj insekata: polinatora, predatora i parazitoida, pa tako pozitivno utičući na biodiverzitet korisnih insekata i biokontrolu štetnih. U pokrovnim usevima za različite namene najčešće se koriste: uljana repica (Brassica napus L.), bela slačica (Sinapis alba L.), smeđa slačica (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.), repa ugarnjača (Brassica rapa rapifera), stočna rotkva (Raphanus sativus L.), uljana rotkva (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera) i druge.

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is one of the oldest oilseed crops in Europe. Over the last twenty years, it has reemerged as a very promising alternative oilseed crop. Camelina has broad environmental adaptability, a wide range of resistances to pests and diseases, low-input requirements, and multiple industrial and feed applications exist for its seed oil and meal. In a multi-environment study conducted in Serbia, seven yield-related traits, including plant height (PH), height to the first branch (HFB), number of lateral branches (NLB), number of seed capsules per plant (NSCP), number of seeds per plant (NSP), mass of seeds per plant (MSP), and the total percentage of oil in the seed (TPOS), were analyzed in 20 spring camelina accessions. The combination of two years, two locations, and two sowing dates (autumn and spring) resulted in eight different environments across which the performance of the accessions was evaluated. The aims of the study were (a) to provide a phenotypic characterization and performance evaluation of the camelina accessions, (b) to identify correlations between the selected traits, and (c) to determine the effect of environmental factors on the traits. Environments contributed to the largest proportion in the total variance, explaining approximately 90% of the variance for all traits, except for NLB (70.96%) and TPOS (42.56%). The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) showed that the weather conditions, and seeding dates were the most influential environmental factor. Location had a minor to moderate effect on the investigated traits. Lines CK3X-7 and Maksimir had the highest seed yields, and CK2X–9 and CJ11X–43 had the highest seed oil contents. All four lines had good adaptability and yield stability, making them the most suitable candidates for cultivation in the environmental conditions of Serbia in southeastern Europe. The present results reveal a potential for developing higher-yielding camelina cultivars with increased seed oil content and improved adaptability to various environmental conditions. Supplementary Materials: [https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/agronomy11050858/s1]

Seeds of seven different genotypes of underutilised oil crop Carthamus tinctorius L. (Asteraceae) from alternative oil species collection of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops (Novi Sad, Serbia), were analysed for their protein, oil, fatty acids, tocopherols and total phenolics contents, with a view to test their diversity and potential as an alternative source of these valuable compounds. Seeds of the tested safflower genotypes had total protein (determined by Kjeldahl method) content from 11.5 to 16.0%, while total oil content (determined by Soxhlet method) ranged from 16.8 to 24.5% of dry matter, on average. Two main unsaturated fatty acids in safflower seeds, oleic and linoleic acids, represent approximately 90% of the total fatty acid content (determined by gas chromatography). Linoleic acid was the dominant fatty acid in all genotypes (61.2-80.2% of oil), while oleic acid was in a negative correlation with linolenic acid content and ranged from 9.6 to 29.5% of oil. The amount of saturated fatty acids ranged from 5.5 to 6.05% for palmitic, and 2.1 to 3.5% for stearic acid. Safflower seed is a source of α-tocopherol (determined by high performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection) and its amount ranged from 358.8 to 461.8 mg/L of oil. The content of total phenolics (determined spectrophotometrically) ranged from 4.0 to 6.0 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry weight. This comprehensive screening of valuable chemical compounds of safflower seeds shows the importance of this alternative oil seed crop as a good source of important nutrients and bioactive constituents. Seme sedam različitih genotipova manje gajene biljne vrste Carthamus tinctorius L. (Asteraceae), dela kolekcije alternativnih uljanih vrsta Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo (Novi Sad, Srbija), je analizirano na sadržaj proteina, ulja, masnih kiselina, tokoferola i ukupnih fenola, kako bi se ispitala njihova raznovrsnost i potencijal upotrebe ove vrste kao alternativnog izvora ovih, značajnih jedinjenja. Sadržaj proteina (određen metodom po Kjeldahl-u) u semenu šafranike bio je od 11.5 do 16.0%, dok je ukupan sadržaj ulja (određen metodom po Soxhlet-u), u proseku bio od 16.8 do 24.5% suve materije. Dominantne nezasićene masne kiseline u semenu šafranike bile su oleinska i linolna kiselina, koje predstavljaju približno 90% ukupnog sadržaja masnih kiselina (određen gasnohromatografski). Najzastupljenija masna kiselina u svim genotipovima je linolna kiselina (61.2-80.2% ulja), dok je oleinska kiselina bila u negativnoj korelaciji sa sadržajem linoleinske kiseline i bila je u rasponu od 9.6 do 29.5% ulja. Količina zasićenih masnih kiselina kretala se u rasponu od 5.5 do 6.05% za palmitinsku i od 2.1 do 3.5% za stearinsku kiselinu. Seme šafranike je značajni izvor α-tokoferola (određen metodom tečne hromatografije visokih performansi sa fluorescencentnim detektorom) i njegova količina se kretala od 358.8 do 461.8 mg/l ulja. Sadržaj ukupnih polifenola varirao je između 4 i 6 mg ekvivalenata galne kiseline/g suve materije. Analiza datih genotipova semena šafranike ukazuje na značaj ove alternativne uljarice kao dobrog izvora važnih hranljivih sastojaka i bioaktivnih jedinjenja.

In recent years, overcoming the negative impact of climate change on the productivity of cultivated plants and the creation of tolerant genotypes have become one of the strategic goals in agriculture. In that context, IFVCNS breeding teams work intensely on finding innovative solutions to the main problems and challenges facing science and agriculture in the 21st century - climate change, environmental protection and sustainable crop production. In climate-smart crop breeding programmes IFVCNS researchers use innovative and high-throughput solutions for the exploitation of the existing and creation of the new genetic variability of field crops, creation of superior genotypes and transfer and implementation of new knowledge and technologies.

Camelina (Camelina sativa [L.] Crtz.) is an oilseed crop of the Brassicaceae family. It represents revived crops, which was reintroduced to contribute in diversification of the used crops. Field trials were set in a total of five different locations across four years in which in Serbia (2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019) and in Austria (2016/2017). In all samples, 12 different environments were processed. Analysis of the distributions of environments for oil content, which mirrored protein content, using the PCA analysis, shows a statistical significance of the first two main components, which participated in the phenotypic variation with a larger amount to additive component and with both axes having a statistically significant effect on the interaction. The first two main components jointly explained more than 80% of the variation in two traits. The statistical significance of the remainder is a consequence of an agronomically explicable variation. The genotypes NS Zlatka and NS Slatka, used in this study, come from elite breeding material that is engineered to provide a consistent return to the producer regardless of the amount of money invested in primary agricultural production. Incorporating these varieties into the crop rotation would broaden the range of species available in Balkan agriculture.

The most of the research work on camelina has been carried out in northern America and continental Europe. Two breeding groups (IFVCNS and BOKU) and one group focusing on the agronomy (DISTAL) just recently started research activities focusing on the development of new genotypes more adapted for southern regions of Europe. Common field trials, with 2 camelina lines selected by IFVCNS and 6 lines selected by BOKU were established at Bologna, Italy and at Rimski Šančevi, Serbia. Newly developed camelina lines were found to be highly adapted to Bologna environment, being able to achieve sustained seed yield in spite of delayed sowing and higher temperatures during pod filling period.

As an esthetic trait, ray floret color has a high importance in the development of new sunflower genotypes and their market value. Standard methodology for the evaluation of sunflower ray florets is based on International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) guidelines for sunflower. The major deficiency of this methodology is the necessity of high expertise from evaluators and its high subjectivity. To test the hypothesis that humans cannot distinguish colors equally, six commercial sunflower genotypes were evaluated by 100 agriculture experts, using UPOV guidelines. Moreover, the paper proposes a new methodology for sunflower ray floret color classification - digital UPOV (dUPOV), that relies on software image analysis but still leaves the final decision to the evaluator. For this purpose, we created a new Flower Color Image Analysis (FloCIA) software for sunflower ray floret digital image segmentation and automatic classification into one of the categories given by the UPOV guidelines. To assess the benefits and relevance of this method, accuracy of the newly developed software was studied by comparing 153 digital photographs of F-2 genotypes with expert evaluator answers which were used as the ground truth. The FloCIA enabled visualizations of segmentation of ray floret images of sunflower genotypes used in the study, as well as two dominant color clusters, percentages of pixels belonging to each UPOV color category with graphical representation in the CIE (International Commission on Illumination) L*a*b* (or simply Lab) color space in relation to the mean vectors of the UPOV category. Precision (repeatability) of ray flower color determination was greater between dUPOV based expert color evaluation and software evaluation than between two UPOV based evaluations performed by the same expert. The accuracy of FloCIA software used for unsupervised (automatic) classification was 91.50% on the image dataset containing 153 photographs of F-2 genotypes. In this case, the software and the experts had classified 140 out of 153 of images in the same color categories. This visual presentation can serve as a guideline for evaluators to determine the dominant color and to conclude if more than one significant color exists in the examined genotype.

Plant genetic resources are a link between agriculture, environment and trade, so their conservation requires cooperation from different sectors. The existing diversity in genetic resources is the foundation in breeding for new challenges or new markets in the future. The number of crop genetic resources in Serbia is obscure because there is no national inventory. It is thought that there are about 15,000 seed accessions and 3500 accessions of fruit trees and grape in collections of different national institutes and stakeholders. In the National Plant Gene Bank, there are more than 4000 accessions of nearly 250 plant species. Crops kept in ex situ collections are used in breeding programs and interspecific crosses, for selection and introduction of desired traits through pre-breeding programs. Serbia as a state participates in all national and international efforts for preservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. Additionally, Serbia has also established a set of national regulations related to plant genetic resources and their use in breeding. Since Serbia is one of Europe’s most important crop producers, especially in maize (11% of EU-27 production), soya (35%), sunflowers (6%) and sugar beet (2.5%), this paper discusses certain issues and achievements in the use of plant genetic resources in cereal and oil crops improvement in Serbia, as well as national and international regulations affecting their exploitation.

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. Šafranika (Carthamus tinctorius L.) predstavlja jednu od važnih uljanih kultura koja pripada familiji Asteraceae. Tokom 2015. godine, prikupljeno je 46 uzoraka biljaka šafranike poreklom iz Srbobrana koji su serološki testirani na prisustvo virusa mozaika krastavca (cucumber mosaic virus, CMV), virusa mozaika lucerke (alfalfa mosaic virus, AMV) i virusa mozaika salate (lettuce mosaic virus, LMV) korišćenjem komercijalnih kitova za DAS-ELISA test. U prikupljenim uzorcima dokazano je prisustvo CMV i AMV, dok prisustvo LMV nije dokazano ni u jednom od testiranih uzoraka. Prisustvo CMV je dalje potvrđeno mehaničkim inokulacijama test biljaka Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Nicotianaglutinosa i Datura stramonium kao i na C. tinctorius, čime je potvrđena infektivna priroda oboljenja. Molekularna detekcija CMV obavljena je amplifikacijom fragmenta dužine 871 bp kod svih ispitivanih izolata korišćenjem specifičnih prajmera CMVCPfwd/CMVCPrev koji omogućavaju umnožavanje celog CP gena kao i delove 5' i 3' UTR. U cilju dalje identifikacije, RT-PCR produkti izolata 290Saff i 294Saff su sekvencionisani (MH577791 i MH577792) i upoređeni sa CMV sekvencama dostupnim u GenBank bazi podataka. Filogenetska analiza na osnovu sekvence CP gena pokazala je grupisanje odabranih izolata u tri podgrupe, IA, IB i II. Izolati CMV iz šafranike poreklom iz Srbije grupisali su se u podgrupu II. Prema našim saznanjima, ovo je prvi izveštaj o prisustvu CMV na biljkama šafranike u Srbiji koji može da nanese veliku štetu u proizvodnji ove biljne vrste, a takođe predstavlja pretnju drugim ekonomski značajnim gajenim biljnim vrstama u Srbiji.

The aim of this research was to determine the optimum planting density for the production of high-quality cut flowers with desirable characteristics. 25 single-stem ornamental sunflower genotypes were planted at different densities and evaluated for flowering time, flower diameter, and stem circumference and length over a two-year production cycle. Three spacing patterns were used: 25 x 25 cm, 30 x 30 cm, and 70 x 30 cm, which led to the planting densities of 160 000, 90 000, and 60 000 plants/ha, respectively. The plant density had the most important effect on the stem circumference, flower diameter, and stem length (total variation 52, 60, and 58%, AMMI analysis) and a small effect on the flowering time (total variation 1%, AMMI analysis). Based on environment-focused scaling, all high-density environments could be suitable for the production of single-stem sunflower genotypes. The results demonstrated the adaptation of several sunflower genotypes G9, G11, G12, G21, and G22 as the most suitable based on the optimum flower diameter, stem circumference, and stem length. These results may lead to progress in growing ornamental sunflowers as a cut flower.

Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses influencing performance of crops. Certain stress-related conditions can appear and slow down germination, seedling development and in some cases cause loss of life durability of seed. Assuming that drought in the substrate affects corn seed performance, such conditions were simulated in this study in order to examine their effects on seed germination and length in seven corn hybrids. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 has been used in laboratory studies for simulation of drought conditions. Different osmotic potentials of PEG solutions were used (control; -0.1, -0.3, -0.6 and -0.9 MPa). Germination percentage decreased as osmotic potential increased at PEG solution. Suša je jedan od najvažnijih abiotskih stresova koji utiču na razvoj ratarskih kultura. Određeni uslovi koji su povezani s pojedinim stresovima mogu dovesti do usporavanja klijanja, razvoja ponika, a u nekim slučajevima i do gubitka životne sposobnosti semena. Pod pretpostavkom da nedostatak vode u supstratu utiče na karakteristike semena kukuruza, simulirani su uslovi suše u ovoj studiji sa ciljem da se ispita njihov uticaj na klijavost semena i razvoj ponika sedam hibrida kukuruza. Polietilen glikol (PEG) se koristi u laboratorijskim istraživanjima za simulaciju uslova suše. Koristili smo različite osmotske potencijale u rastvoru PEG-a (kontrola, -0,1, -0,3, -0,6 i -0,9 MPa). Procenat klijavosti je opadao sa smanjenjem osmotskog potencijala u rastvoru. Osetljivost korena i nadzemnog dela se povećava sa smanjenjem osmotskog potencijala. Na potencijalu od -0,6 i -0,9 MPa, nadzemni deo semena kukuruza nije se razvio.

Evaluation of genetic material involved in breeding proces is of great importance in order to choose the most valuable genotypes with ability to efficiently combine desirable genes in progeny. The objective of this study was to utilize diallel method in order to estimate mode of inheritance, heterosis effect, combining abilities and components of genetic variance for important properties in sunflower and to identify those genotypes that can make progress in sunflower breeding. Present research had been carried out during 2012 and 2013 growing seasons. Evaluation included 6 sunflower genotypes and their 15 combinations which were crossed according to incomplete diallel. For seed yield/plant dominance of better parent (d+) was expressed as a mode of inheritance, while regarding thousand seed weight the most common modes of inheritance were dominance (d+) and partial dominance of better parent (pd+). The most common mode of inheritance regarding oil content was superdominance (sd+). Empirical estimates of combining abilities of genotypes involved in breeding process is main startegy in evaluation of breeding value. Regarding seed yield/plant significant and positive heterosis effect (28.9%) was calculated in combination Harkovski x Rodnik (P3xP5), while the highest heterosis effect for oil content (12.8%) was determined in combination Harkovski x Amaian (P3xP6). Combining ability analysis indicated that both genetic components, additive and non-additive, were important in expression of investigated traits. Components of genetic variance indicated prevalence of dominant component (H) compared to additive (D) and higher concentration of dominant genes (u) compared to recessive (v), in all investigated traits. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR-31025]

Background Rape stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus napi Gyll.) and cabbage stem weevil (C. pallidactylus Marsh.) can cause significant yield losses to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), and chemical control is often needed to protect crops from these pests. The efficacy of six insecticides, chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin, bifenthrin, alpha-cypermethrin, pirimiphos-methyl, thiacloprid and tau-fluvalinate, was tested in a 4 year field trial. Besides the standard efficacy analysis expressed through the number of larvae per stem, a damage rating scale was introduced and modelled using a regression model for ordinal categorical data. Results Compared with the control, expressed through damage rating and larval number, treatments with chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin and bifenthrin, showed higher efficacy in the control of stem weevils compared with alpha-cypermethrin and pirimiphos-methyl. The lowest efficacy was observed in treatments with tau-fluvalinate and thiacloprid. Conclusion This study showed that a combined efficacy evaluation expressed through both damage rating scale and the count of larvae, supported by an ordinal regression model for data analysis, is indispensable for obtaining accurate results. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sugar beet cultivars have different responses in various environments, such as different locations, years, mineral nutrition treatments or the combination of these factors, due to genotype × environment interaction. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) is one of the most commonly used multivariate methods for analysis and visualization of genotype × environment interaction data. The main goals of the present study were to (i) investigate the application of AMMI method in the analysis of genotype × fertilizer interaction in sugar beet, (ii) to assess genotype × fertilizer interaction, and (iii) to identify sugar beet cultivars with the most stable response and high yield performance across different mineral nutrition treatments. The trial with eight sugar beet cultivars was conducted in two successive growing seasons at Rimski šančevi, Serbia. The different levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilizers (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and their combinations represented specific environments for testing genotype × fertilizer interaction. Results from the analysis of variance indicated that the fertilizer treatment, cultivars, and their interaction significantly affected root yield variation in both seasons. Results from our study suggest that AMMI model with two and three first IPCA axes were recommended in 2014 and 2015, respectively. According to AMMI 1 and AMMI 2 biplot, E14 and E15 were high yielding and among the most stable treatments in both years. Among high yielding genotypes in 2014, G4 and G8 stand out as the most stable, while in the following year G3 had the lowest interaction score. AMMI analysis enabled identification of specific associations between cultivars and different mineral nutrition treatments, which was important for adjustment of fertilizer management for each cultivar in order to achieve high root yield with decreased and more rational fertilizer doses. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31015]

Winter oilseed rape (WOSR) production is dependent on weather conditions, but is also characterized by low nitrogen (N) use efficiency. The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate sources of variability for the seed yield and oil content of four rapeseed cultivars under the influence of three sowing dates (SD trial) and five nitrogen dosages (N trial) during four growing seasons, (ii) understand year-related interactions and the effect of climatic variables in different growth stages, and (iii) assess the presence of interactions cultivar by year (C &times, Y) and treatment by year (T &times, Y). Six climatic factors were observed, during germination, overwintering, budding, flowering and ripening. The mixed effect split-plot analysis of variance was used, as well as factorial regression models. The C &times, Y interaction was the most important for the oil content in both trials. The precipitation at budding stage (75.8%), relative air humidity at overwintering (63.3%) and flowering stage (53.0%) accounted for the highest proportion of T &times, Y interaction for the seed yield, as well as precipitation at flowering (92.0%) and ripening (85.0%) for the oil content. Water availability was the main determinant of the seed yield and/or oil content accompanied with cooler temperatures during the seed development. The study successfully dissected the effect of year-related climatic variables on the agronomical traits in winter rapeseed. Based on this, appropriate agronomic practices can be applied at specific growing stages to ensure a high seed and oil yield.

Sunflower has been proposed as a potential crop model for an adaptation to a changing environment and special attention should be paid to testing hybrids under different environments. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) supplemented with genotype main effects and genotype by environment interaction effects (GGE) were used for dissection of genotype by environment interaction and evaluation of hybrids and testing environments. The research included 24 sunflower hybrids grown across twelve environments. AMMI analysis identified four significant interaction principal components (IPC), while in GGE biplot the first two IPCs accounted together for 44.59%. Environmental factors contributed the largest proportion in the total variation of seed yield (67.40%), followed by interaction and genotypes. High yielding hybrids H1, H14 and H11 showed specific adaptation to environments E10 and E1, respectively. The average environment coordination (AEC) view of GGE biplot indicated H17 as the most desirable genotype regarding seed yield. From the results of this study it can be concluded that MET trials are important not just for evaluation of stability and choosing the most stable genotypes, but also the genotypes that will perform well in low yielding environments and be able to take advantage of the favourable environmental conditions.

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. Tokom 2018. godine, sa dva lokaliteta gajenja slačice, ukupno je sakupljeno 58 uzoraka koji su serološki testirani na prisustvo Turnip yellow virus (TuYV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) i Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) korišćenjem komercijalno dostupnih kitova za DAS-ELISA test. Prisustvo TuYV serološki je dokazano u 42 sakupljena uzorka slačice, dok prisustvo CaMV i TuMV nije dokazano ni u jednom od testiranih uzoraka. Za dalja istraživanja odabrana su dva izolata TuYV prirodno zaraženih biljaka slačice, koji su uspešno preneti vašima na pet različitih test biljaka, čime je potvrđena infektivna priroda oboljenja. Molekularna detekcija obavljena je amplifikacijom fragmenta dužine 780 bp kod četiri ispitivana izolata korišćenjem specifičnih prajmera TuYVorf0F i TuYVorfOR. RT-PCR produkti izolata 88Sal i 98Bni su sekvencirani (MK144816 i MK144817) i upoređeni sa TuYV sekvencama dostupnim u GenBank bazi podataka. Izolati iz Srbije su pokazali najviši stepen nukleotidne sličnosti od 98,9% i 99% (100% aminokiselinska sličnost) sa izolatom TuYV Br iz Poljske (EU022489). Filogenetska analiza pokazala je grupisanje TuYV izolata iz Srbije zajedno sa ostalim TuYV izolatima iz GenBank baze podataka.

Since maize is grown in climatically diverse regions and under different production conditions, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of two common stress factors (drought and salinity), on seed germination, as well as on seedling root and shoot length of maize hybrids. The experiments were conducted in 2015, in the Laboratory for Seed Testing of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops from Novi Sad, Serbia, on seven maize hybrids from different maturity groups (from FAO 300 to FAO 700). For simulation of drought conditions we have used polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (control and concentration of 1, 10, 16 and 23%). For study of salt stress, NaCl in concentration of 0.02, 0.07, 0.12, 0.17, 0.20 and 0.22 M has been used. The data obtained were processed by ANOVA. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to measure statistical differences between treatment methods and the control. In drought stress study, germination percentage started to decrease at the 0.1 MPa. Root and seedling length were less affected by PEG treatment. In salt stress study, a significant drop in germination was observed at the concentration of 0.20 M of NaCl.

The present study provides insight into the diversity of 147 Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) isolates obtained from six Brassica oleracea vegetable crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi) and the winter oilseed rape crop Brassica napus, collected from different regions in Serbia in 2014. The XCF/XCR pathovar‐specific primer set was used for fast preliminary identification. In repetitive sequence‐based PCR (BOX, ERIC and REP) of all isolates, a higher level of genetic diversity was found in winter oilseed rape isolates compared to isolates from the other hosts. ERIC and REP‐PCR showed the highest heterogeneity, with 10 and nine banding patterns, respectively. The REP‐PCR results showed the highest correlation (70%) with those obtained with multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), performed with 10 housekeeping genes (fusA, gap‐1, gltA, gyrB1, lacF, lepA, rpoD, dnaK, fyuA and gyrB2). Three distinct phylogenetic groups of winter oilseed rape isolates were detected using MLSA. Two genes, gltA and rpoD, showed the greatest ability to identify and discriminate winter oilseed rape Xcc isolates from isolates of the other six hosts. The lepA gene exhibited specific three‐nucleotide changes in sequences of some of the isolates. Results of virulence testing of 18 representative isolates showed statistically significant host–pathogen specialization for Xcc isolates from winter oilseed rape, cauliflower, kale and kohlrabi. In conclusion, oilseed rape isolates are more genetically diverse and show greater specialization to their host in comparison to the rest of the tested isolates from other brassica hosts.

In October 2010 the occurrence of the stem canker symptoms in rapeseed was observed at the locality Rimski Šančevi in Serbia. Several strains of fungi were isolated from the stem. Morphological characteristics of the isolates were studied on a PDA medium at 25±1oC: growth rate, colour, shape and appearance of colonies and the edge of the colony, the pigment, size, colour and shape of pycnidiospores and pycnidia in 10 isolates (isolated in Serbia K-111, IK-112, K-113, K-114, K-115, K-116, IK-117, K-118, K-119, and K-120). All tested strains had fast growth, the regular form of colonies and poor sporulation on nutrient medium. Pycnidiospores are unicellular, hyaline, and mostly straight, with or without a drop of oil. Molecular identification was performed by the application the PCR technique using primers PN3/PN10. In addition to these 10 isolates, two reference strains obtained from the Centre for Agricultural Studies, Rothamsted, UK, which are marked with L. m (Leptosphaena maculanS), L. b (Leptosphaeria biglobosa) and 7 reference isolates originating from Serbia, which are marked K-7, St-16, GS-25, L-5, C-3, LJ-2, S-1 were used. On the basis of DNA amplification with primers PN3 and PN10 tape length was about 580 bp for isolates (L.b, IK-111, K-112, K-113, K-114, K-115, K-116, K-117, K-118, K-119, K-120) while that was 560 bp for other group of isolates (L.m, K-7, St-16, GS-25, L-5, C-3, LJ- 2, S-1).This study showed that 10 isolates (K-111, K-112, K-113, IK- 114, K-115, K-116, K-117, K-118, K-119, K-120) isolated from the stem of rapeseed belong to the species Leptosphaeria biglobosa. U oktobru 2010. pojava simptoma raka stabla na uljanoj repici je uočena na lokalitetu Rimski šančevi u Srbiji. Nekoliko izolata gljive je izolovano iz stabla. Morfološke karakteristike 10 izolata izolovanih u Srbiji su proučene na PDA podlozi, na temperaturi 25±1 oC : rast, boja, oblik, izgled kolonija ivice kolonije, lučenje pigmenta, veličina, boja i oblik piknospora i piknida K-111, K-112, K-113, K-114, K-115, K-116, K-117, K-118, K-119, K-120. Svi testirani izolati imaju brz porast, pravilan oblik kolonija i slabu sporulaciju na hranljivoj podlozi. Piknospore su jednoćelijske, hijalne, uglavnom prave, sa ili bez kapi ulja. Molekularna identifikadja je urađena upotrebom PCR tehnike korišćenjem prajmera PN3/PN10. Pored ovih izolata, dva referentna soja su dobijena iz Centra za poljoprivredna istraživanja Rothamsted, Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo, i označeni sa L. m {Leptosphaeria maculans), L. b (Leptosphaeria biglobosa) i 7 izolata poreklom iz Srbije, označenih sa K-7, St-16, GS-25, L-5, C-3, LJ-2, S-1. Na osnovu DNK amplifikacije sa prajmerima PN3 i PN10 dužina je oko 580 bp (L.b, K-111, K-112, K-113, K-114, K- 115, K-116, K-117, K-118, K-119, K-120) dok kod drugih izolata (L.m, K-7, St-16, GS-25, L-5, C-3, LJ- 2, S-1) je 560 bp. Ova proučavanja su pokazala da svi ispitivani izolati (K-111, K-112, K-113, K-114, K-115, K-116, K-117, K- 118, K-119, K-120) izolovani iz prizemnog dela stabla uljane repice pripadaju vrsti Leptosphaeria biglobosa.

Rapeseed is one of the most important sources of edible oil, raw material for industry, as well as feed. The yield and quality of rapeseed have significantly been improved in recent decades as a result of intensive breeding and optimized production technology. The application of Mendel's rules in introducing monogenic traits has also contributed to success in rapeseed breeding. Rule 1, which refers to the uniformity of F1 generation, is now the basis of widespread development of rapeseed hybrids. Rule 2, dealing with genetic segregation in the F2 generation, is the basis for understanding the process of breeding lines. Rule 3, regarding the independent segregation of genes and traits, while exempting linked traits, is the basis of combining different desirable properties by selection. In the last few decades, the systematic use of Mendel's rules has contributed to the improvement of many properties of rapeseed, including tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, yield and seed quality. Particular progress has been made in breeding for resistance to diseases, including the identification of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection. The next objective of rapeseed breeding is to create varieties with improved tolerance to environmental stress (e.g. frost, heat, and drought). Based on Mendel's rules, classical breeding methods and the latest developments in the field of molecular genetics and breeding, future progress is expected in the field of rapeseed breeding with an emphasis on polygenic, quantitative traits such as biomass, seed, and oil yield.

The increased production of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is evident on a global scale, but also in Serbia in the last decade. Rapeseed is used primarily for vegetable oil and processing industry, but also as a source of protein for animal feed and green manure. Following the cultivation of varieties, breeding and cultivation of hybrid rapeseed started in the 1990's, to take advantage of heterosis in F1 generation, while protecting the breeder's rights during seed commercialization. The breeding of hybrid oilseed rape requires high quality starting material (lines with good combining abilities) for introduction of male sterility. Ogura sterility system is primarily used at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia. To use this system, separate lines are modified with genes for cytoplasmic male sterility (cms female line - mother line) and restoration of fertility (Rf male lines - father line). In order to maintain the sterility of the mother line it is necessary to produce a maintainer line of cytoplasmic male sterility. Creation of these lines and hybrids at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops was successfully monitored with intense use of cytogenetic laboratory methods. The structure and vitality of pollen, including different phases during meiosis were checked so that cms stability was confirmed during the introduction of these genes into different lines. Rapeseed breeding program in Serbia resulted in numerous varieties through collaboration of researchers engaged in breeding and genetics of this plant species. So far, in addition to 12 varieties of winter rapeseed and two varieties of spring rapeseed, a new hybrid of winter rapeseed NS Ras was registered in Serbia. NS Ras is an early-maturing hybrid characterized by high seed yield and oil content. Average yield of NS Ras for two seasons and three sites was 4256 kg ha-1 of seed and 1704 kg ha-1 of oil. Three promising winter rapeseed hybrids are in the process of registration in the Republic of Serbia and one in the EU. While addressing many challenges in breeding, especially resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, in addition to classical breeding, it is necessary to apply the cytogenetic and molecular analysis to increase the efficiency of producing competitive rapeseed genotypes. Porast proizvodnje uljane repice (Brassica napus L.) evidentan je u svetskim razmerama, a poslednje decenije i u Srbiji. Uljana repica se koristi prvenstveno za dobijanje ulja za ishranu i prerađivačku industriju, ali i kao izvor proteina za ishranu domaćih životinja i zelenišno đubrivo. Nakon gajenja sorti počelo se 90-ih godina prošlog veka sa oplemenjivanjem i gajenjem hibrida uljane repice, kako bi se iskoristio efekat heterozisa u F1 generaciji, uz istovremenu zaštitu prava oplemenjivača prilikom prometa semena. U oplemenjivanju hibrida uljane repice neophodno je u kvalitetan početni materijal (linije dobrih kombinacionih sposobnosti) uneti svojstvo muške sterilnosti. U Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, Novi Sad koristi se prvenstveno Ogura sistem sterilnosti. Korišćenje ovog sistema obuhvata unošenje citoplazmatske muške sterilnosti (cms linije majke) i gena za restauraciju fertilnosti (Rf linije oca). Da bi se sterilnost linije majke održala neophodno je proizvesti i liniju održivača citoplazmatske muške sterilnosti. Prilikom stvaranja ovih linija, hibrida i u semenskoj proizvodnji u Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo intenzivno i vrlo uspešno su korišćene citogenetske laboratorijske metode. Analizirana je građa i vitalnost polena, kao i različite faze tokom mejoze i utvrđena stabilnost svojstava prilikom unošenja ovih gena u različite linije. U oplemenjivanju uljane repice u Srbiji postignuti su značajni rezultati kroz saradnju istraživača koji se bave genetikom i oplemenjivanjem ove biljne vrste. Do sada je pored 12 sorti ozime i dve sorte jare repice u Srbiji registrovan hibrid ozime uljane repice NS Ras. NS Ras je ranostasni hibrid koji se odlikuje visokim prinosom zrna i ulja. Prosečan prinos u dve sezone za tri lokaliteta je bio 4256 kg ha-1 semena i 1704 kg ha-1 ulja. Još tri perspektivna ozima hibrida uljane repice nalaze se u postupku registracije u republici Srbiji i jedan u EU. U rešavanju mnogih izazova u oplemenjivanju, prvenstveno otpornosti na biotski i abiotski stres, pored klasičnog oplemenjivanja neophodno je primeniti, citogenetske i molekularne analize za povećanje efikasnosti oplemenjivanja uljane repice.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. It is primarily grown for seeds used for bird feed or as edible oil. Stamens are used in traditional medicine and nutrition. Breeding for high resistance to dry growing conditions has initiated intensive studies of this plant species in recent years. Six safflower genotypes of different geographical origins (Ukraine, Italy, Turkey) were collected and added to the collection of less cultivated oil plant species of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. Phenotypic observations during two growing seasons revealed that analysed genotypes differed in flower colour (yellow, orange, red), in the presence of spines, and in seed oil and protein content. Oil and protein content differed between years and genotypes, indicating large influence of genotype and environmental conditions on variations of these quantitative traits that are negatively correlated. Genetic variability of the analysed genotypes was tested by use of molecular markers. Given that sunflower and safflower belong to the same family, the possibility of applying SSR markers developed for sunflower for molecular analysis of safflower was analysed. The obtained results proved that sunflower markers can be successfully transferred to safflower. Future studies should include larger number of markers in order to identify polymorphic and informative ones. Significant variations within a relatively small number of the analysed safflower genotypes justify further work on the evaluation of the collection, taking into account both genetic and environmental factors. Šafranjika (Carthamus tinctorius L.) pripada porodici Asteraceae (Composita). Gaji se prvenstveno za dobijanje semena koje se koristi za ishranu ptica ili proizvodnju jestivog ulja. Prašnici se koriste u tradicionalnoj medicini i ishrani. Visoka otpornost na sušne uslove gajenja inicirala je poslednjih godina intenzivnija istraživanja ove biljne vrste. Za kolekciju manje gajenih uljanih biljnih vrsta Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, prikupljeno je šest genotipova šafranjike različitog geografskog porekla (Ukrajina, Italija, Turska). Fenotipskim opažanjem u toku dve vegetacione sezone utvrđeno je da se genotipovi među sobom razlikuju u boji cveta (žuta, narandžasta, crvena), u prisustvu bodlji, kao i sadržaju ulja i proteina u semenu. Sadržaj ulja i proteina se razlikovao između godina i genotipova, što ukazuje na veliki uticaj i genotipa i spoljašnje sredine u variranju ovih kvantitativnih svojstava koja se nalaze u negativnoj korelaciji. Genetička varijabilnost genotipova je ispitana molekularnim markerima. S obzirom na to da suncokret i šafranjika pripadaju istoj porodici, proučavana je mogućnost upotrebe SSR markera suncokreta za molekularnu analizu šafranjike. Dobijeni rezultati pokazali su da se markeri suncokreta mogu uspešno koristiti za šafranjiku i da buduća istraživanja treba da sadrže veći broj markera u cilju identifikovanja polimorfnih i informativnih markera. Značajne razlike u relativno malom broju analiziranih genotipova šafranjike opravdavaju dalji rad na evaluaciji kolekcije, uzimajući u obzir i uslove sredine i genetičku varijabilnost.

This study analysed polymorphism of 15 microsatellite loci in the col­lection comprising of 40 genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 32 genotypes belonging to other species within Triticum genus and 3 genotypes from Aegilops genus. The results showed significant differences in the variability of the tested loci in bread wheat and related species. In the collection of bread wheat genotypes, 119 alleles were detected with the average number of 7.9 alleles per locus. In wild and cultivated related species 157 alleles were identified, with the average of 10.5 alleles per locus. All analysed parameters of microsatellite loci variability (PIC value, gene diversity, heterozygosity, etc.) indicated higher level of polymorphism in wild relatives than in the cultivated bread wheat. Analyses of individ­ual genomes indicated that in the bread wheat genetic diversity of the B and D genomes was significantly reduced in relation to the A genome, while the differences in polymorphism between genomes in the wild relatives were significantly lower. The results showed that wild related species can be used as sources for new variability in wheat breeding. U radu je ispitana polimorfnost 15 mikrosatelitskih lokusa u kolekciji koju čine 40 genotipova gajene pšenice (Triticum aestivum L.), 32 genotipa koji pripadaju drugim vrstama roda Triticum i tri genotipa iz roda Aegilops. Rezultati su pokazali da postoji značajna razlika u varijabilnosti ispitivanih lokusa kod gajene pšenice i njenih srodnika. U kolekciji genotipova gajene pšenice detektovano je ukupno 119 alela, sa prosekom od 7,9 alela po lokusu. Kod divljih i gajenih srodnika identifikovano je ukupno 157 alela, sa prosekom od 10,5 alela po lokusu. Svi izračunati pokazatelji varijabilnosti mikrosatelitskih lokusa (PIC vrednost, divergentnost gena, heterozigotnost, itd.) ukazuju na veću polimorfnost divljih srodnika u odnosu na gajenu pšenicu. Analiza pojedinačnih genoma takođe je pokazala da je kod gajene pšenice divergentnost B i D genoma značajno umanjena u odnosu na A genom, dok su kod divljih srodnika razlike u polimorfnosti pojedinačnih genoma značajno manje. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na to da se divlji srodnici mogu koristiti kao izvori nove varijabilnosti u oplemenjivanju pšenice.