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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.

An increased awareness of environmental protection and sustainable production raise the necessity of incorporating the selection of low nitrogen-tolerant winter wheat cultivars for high yield and quality in the breeding process. This selection can be assisted by using stress screening indices. Our study aimed to evaluate and compare a number of stress screening indices and to determine and select the most nitrogen deficiency-tolerant winter wheat cultivars for further breeding. The experiment included forty-eight winter wheat cultivars from eight different countries that were grown for two consecutive years at three different locations under low-nitrogen (LN) and high-nitrogen (HN) conditions. The results emphasized the importance of applying the appropriate stress screening indices in evaluating and selecting nitrogen deficiency-tolerant wheat cultivars. The promising stress screening indices were the mean productivity index (MP), geometric mean productivity index (GMP), harmonic mean index (HM), stress tolerance index (STI) and yield index (YI). They identified cultivars Sofru, BC Opsesija and MV-Nemere as the most tolerant cultivars to LN conditions for grain yield. The same indices classified U-1, OS-Olimpija, Forcali, Viktoria and BC Tena cultivars as the most tolerant to LN conditions for the grain protein content. Using the tolerance index (TOL), yield stability index (YSI) and relative stress index (RSI), the Katarina and Ficko cultivars were denoted as LN-tolerant cultivars in terms of the grain yield and Isengrain, Tosunbey, Vulkan and BC Darija in terms of the grain protein content.

Field trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of nitrogen level on wheat protein content and composition in 16 cultivars over two years at three locations. The nitrogen treatment comprised two nitrogen levels, 0 kg ha−1 as low and 100 kg ha−1 as high nitrogen, applied as top dressings of 50 kg nitrogen per ha at tillering and stem extension growth stages. Increased nitrogen level generally enhanced grain protein by 11.3% (11.5% vs. 12.8%). Considering protein composition determined by reversed phase–high-pressure liquid chromatography, higher nitrogen supply generally enhanced the proportion of total gliadins, α-gliadins, γ-gliadins and high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits by 1.1%, 2.0%, 3.7%, 0.6% and 0.9%, respectively, and reduced albumins and globulins, ω-gliadins, total glutenins and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits by 1.1%, 1.7%, 1.9% and 3.2%. Under a high nitrogen level, the historical cultivars Libellula, San Pastore and U-1 had a higher protein content (13.1–15.2%) with significantly higher total gliadins, which resulted in a significantly higher gliadin/glutenin ratio (1.68–1.92). In the modern cultivars, protein content varied between 11.4% and 14.6% with a well-balanced gliadin/glutenin ratio (1.08–1.50), except for cultivar MV Nemere which had a high gliadin/glutenin ratio at both nitrogen levels (1.81 vs. 1.87). In summary, increasing nitrogen level enhanced grain protein content while the composition of gliadin and glutenin fractions was changed to a lesser extent and was largely cultivar specific and therefore should be considered for wheat baking quality assessment and breeding purposes.

Transcriptomics is being increasingly applied to generate new insight into the interactions between plants and their pathogens. For the wheat yellow (stripe) rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Pst) RNA-based sequencing (RNA-Seq) has proved particularly valuable, overcoming the barriers associated with its obligate biotrophic nature. This includes the application of RNA-Seq approaches to study Pst and wheat gene expression dynamics over time and the Pst population composition through the use of a novel RNA-Seq based surveillance approach called “field pathogenomics”. As a dual RNA-Seq approach, the field pathogenomics technique also provides gene expression data from the host, giving new insight into host responses. However, this has created a wealth of data for interrogation. Results: Here, we used the field pathogenomics approach to generate 538 new RNA-Seq datasets from Pst-infected field wheat samples, doubling the amount of transcriptomics data available for this important pathosystem. We then analysed these datasets alongside 66 RNA-Seq datasets from four Pst infection time-courses and 420 Pst-infected plant field and laboratory samples that were publicly available. A database of gene expression values for Pst and wheat was generated for each of these 1024 RNA-Seq datasets and incorporated into the development of the rust expression browser (http://www.rust-expression.com). This enables for the first time simultaneous ‘point-and-click’ access to gene expression profiles for Pst and its wheat host and represents the largest database of processed RNA-Seq datasets available for any of the three Puccinia wheat rust pathogens. We also demonstrated the utility of the browser through investigation of expression of putative Pst virulence genes over time and examined the host plants response to Pst infection. Conclusions: The rust expression browser offers immense value to the wider community, facilitating data sharing and transparency and the underlying database can be continually expanded as more datasets become publicly available. EEA Bordenave Fil: Adams, Thomas M.. John Innes Centre. Norwich Research Park; Reino Unido Fil: Olsson, Tjelvar S.G. John Innes Centre. Norwich Research Park; Reino Unido Fil: Ramírez-González, Ricardo H. John Innes Centre. Norwich Research Park; Reino Unido Fil: Bryant, Ruth. RAGT Seeds Ltd.; Reino Unido Fil: Bryson, Rosie. BASF SE. Agricultural Centre; Alemania Fil: Campos, Pablo Eduardo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bordenave; Argentina Fil: Fenwick, Paul. Limagrain UK Ltd.; Reino Unido Fil: Feuerhelm, David. Syngenta Seeds Ltd.; Reino Unido Fil: Hayes, Charlotte. Elsoms Wheat Ltd.; Reino Unido Fil: Henriksson, Tina. Lantmännen Lantbruk; Suecia Fil: Hubbard, Amelia. NIAB; Reino Unido Fil: Jevtić, Radivoje. Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops; Serbia Fil: Judge, Christopher. NIAB; Reino Unido Fil: Kerton, Matthew. DSV United Kingdom Ltd.; Reino Unido Fil: Lage, Jacob. KWS UK Limited; Reino Unido Fil: Lewis, Clare M. John Innes Centre. Norwich Research Park; Reino Unido Fil: Lilly, Christine. Frontier Agriculture; Reino Unido Fil: Meidan, Udi. Hazera Seeds Ltd.; Israel Fil: Novoselović, Dario. Agricultural Institute Osijek; Croacia Fil: Patrick, Colin. Masstock Arable (UK) Ltd.; Reino Unido Fil: Wanyera, Ruth. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization; Kenia Fil: Saunders, Diane G.O. John Innes Centre. Norwich Research Park; Reino Unido

Fuzarijska palež klasova (FHB) pšenice ekonomski je značajna bolest koja može imati nepovoljne posljedice na prinos i kvalitetu pšenice. Do danas ne postoji mjera zaštite koja osigurava potpunu zaštitu usjeva pšenice, ali kombinacija više mjera može dati dobre rezultate. Učinkovitost svake pojedine mjere pod utjecajem je okolišnih uvjeta koji prevladavaju tijekom vegetacijske sezone, a učinkovitost će ovisiti i o osjetljivosti pojedine sorte na FHB. Sve veći broj istraživanja potvrđuje kako je integrirana zaštita bilja (IZB) ključ za što uspješniju borbu protiv FHB-a. Kako bi primijenjene mjere zaštite bile što uspješnije, od iznimne je važnosti dobro poznavati uzročnika bolesti, njegov životni ciklus i ekologiju. Budući da je F. graminearum dominantni uzročnik FHB-a na području Republike Hrvatske, osobiti naglasak je stavljen na sve dostupne mjere zaštite u njegovu suzbijanju., Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an economically devastating disease that may exert an adverse impact on the wheat yield and quality. To date, no measure ensures a complete protection of wheat crops, but the combination of multiple protection measures may produce the promising results. The effectiveness of each measure is influenced by environmental conditions during the growing season and cultivar susceptibility to the FHB. The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective approach to the management of FHB. For a successful control, it is essential to acquire a good knowledge of the pathogen, its life cycle, and its ecology. Since the F. graminearum is a predominant species causing the FHB on the wheat in Croatia, this paper aims to describe all available measures for its control.

U radu su istraživani učinci izlaganja biljaka ječma abiotskome stresu (nedostatku vode) u njegovim ranim fazama rasta. Izvršena su mjerenja i usporedna analiza relativnoga sadržaja vode u biljci (RWC), mase biljke u cjelini, mase lista, udjela korijena, ukupne dužine korijena te dužine pojedinih frakcija korijena (VL1-VL4) kod biljaka izloženih stresu (nedostatku vode) i biljaka bez vodnoga stresa na 10 kultivara ozimoga ječma. U istraživanjima je izmjeren prosječan RWC u nestresnim uvjetima uzgoja 97,5%, a u uvjetima stresa 66,1%. Prosječna razlika između nestresnih i stresnih uvjeta kod mase biljke iznosila je 61,2 mg, mase lista 42,5 mg, RWC 31,4%, mase korijena 18,5 mg i ukupne dužine korijena 129 cm. Ustanovljeno je da su relativni gubitci pod utjecajem vodnoga stresa manji što su frakcije korijena sitnije. Pod utjecajem vodnoga stresa najmanje gubitke mase lista i biljke imale su sorte Titan, Arturio i Bingo. Na temelju najmanjih gubitaka prouzročenih stresom mase korijena i dužine korijena, najpovoljniju reakciju na vodni stres u ranim fazama razvoja biljke imale su sorte Titan, Bingo i Rex., We conducted research on the effects of exposing barley plants to short water stress deficiency through their early growth stage. The measurements and parallel analyses of relative water content (RWC), the mass of the whole plant, leaf mass, root percentage, total root length and length of root fractions with plants exposed to stress (water deficit) and with plants which were not exposed to water deficit have been conducted. Ten varieties were included in this research. The overall average of relative water content (RWC) measured in winter barley varieties was 97.5% under non-stressful conditions, and 66.1% under stressful conditions. An average difference between non-stressful and stressful conditions of plant mass was 61.2 mg, leaf mass 42.5 mg, RWC 31.4%, root mass 18.5 mg and total root length 129 cm. Relative losses under effect of water stress were lower at smaller (finer) root fractions. Significant differences among the examined barley varieties cultivated under or without the water stress were found for plant mass, leaf mass, root mass, total root length and root fractions. Varieties with the lowest losses in leaf and plant mass are Titan, Arturio and Bingo. Also, the varieties Titan, Bingo and Rex had the lowest losses of root length and mass under water stress during the early growth stage.

Selection for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain quality is often costly and time-consuming since it requires extensive phenotyping in the last phases of development of new lines and cultivars. The development of high-throughput genotyping in the last decade enabled reliable and rapid predictions of breeding values based only on marker information. Genomic selection (GS) is a method that enables the prediction of breeding values of individuals by simultaneously incorporating all available marker information into a model. The success of GS depends on the obtained prediction accuracy, which is influenced by various molecular, genetic, and phenotypic factors, as well as the factors of the selected statistical model. The objectives of this article are to review research on GS for wheat quality done so far and to highlight the key factors affecting prediction accuracy, in order to suggest the most applicable approach in GS for wheat quality traits.

U Republici Hrvatskoj, u razdoblju od 1885. do 2010. godine, požete površine pod pšenicom rasle su do 1964. godine (od 190.000 ha u 1885. god. do 442.000 ha u 1964. god.), a od tada do danas bilježi se pad sve do 2010. godine kada je bila požeta najmanja površina od 141.000 ha. U razdoblju 1885-2010. god., proizvodnja pšenice varirala je od najmanjih 155.000 tona 1897. godine, dok je rekordna proizvo-dnja od 1.6 milijuna tona ostvarena 1990. godine. Promatrajući prosječne prinose, najniži prosječni prinos iznosio je 658 kg/ha (1897. god.), a najveći prinos od 5.483 kg/ha ostvaren je u 2008. godini. U promatranom razdoblju požete površine smanjivale su se na godišnjoj razini od 238 ha, dok su ukupna proizvodnja i prosječni prinosi rasli na godišnjoj razini u iznosu od 8.888 tona ili 37 kg/ha. Analizirajući pojedina razdoblja rezultati pokazuju da su u razdoblju 1885-1914. god. požete površine i proizvodnja rasle na godišnjoj razini od 6.760 ha i 5.473 tone, a prosječni prinosi zrna 5,7 kg/ha/godišnje. U razdoblju 1921-1939. god. požete površine i proizvodnja rasli na godišnjoj razini 2.813 ha i 5.618 tona, a prosječni prinosi zrna 6,5 kg/ha/godišnje. U razdoblju 1945-1991. god. požete površine su se smanjivale na godišnjoj razini od 1.080 ha. Proizvodnja je kontinuirano rasla na godišnjoj razini od 25.026 tona, a prosječni prinos zrna 84 kg/ha/ godišnje. U razdoblju 1992-2010. god. trend smanjivanja požetih površina se nastavio na godišnjoj razini od 2.168 ha, dok je za proizvodnju utvrđeno godišnje smanjivanje od 64 tona. Prosječni prinos zrna rastao je prosječno 61 kg/ha/godišnje., In Republic of Croatia from year 1885 till 2010 wheat harvested area grew from year 1885 to 1964 (from 190,000 ha to 442,000 ha), and since then till nowadays they decreased until year 2010 when harvested area was at the lowest level of 141,000 ha. In the same period wheat production varied from 155,000 tons in year 1897, while the best harvest year of 1.6 millions of tons was recorded in year 1990. In respect of grain yield, the lowest grain yields were recorded in year 1897 (658 kg/ha), and highest of 5,483 kg/ha was in year 2008. In the same period harvested area decreased at the annual level of 238 ha, while total production and grain yields were increased by 8,888 tons and 37 kg/ha annually. In period of year 1885-1914 harvested area and production were increased by 6,760 ha and 5,473 tons annually, and grain yields by 5.7 kg/ha/annually. In period of year 1921-1939 harvested area and production were increased by 2,813 ha and 5,618 tons annually, and grain yields by 6.5 kg/ha/annually while in the period of year 1945-1991 harvested area were decreasing by 1,080 ha annually. Production continuously grew by 25,026 tons annually and grain yield by 84 kg/ha/annually. In period of year 1992-2010 decreasing trend of harvested area has continued by 2,168 ha annually, while wheat production decreased by 64 tons annually. Grain yields were increased by 61 kg/ha/annually.

U Republici Hrvatskoj, u razdoblju od 1885. do 2010. godine, požete površine pod pšenicom rasle su do 1964. godine (od 190.000 ha u 1885. god. do 442.000 ha u 1964. god.), a od tada do danas bilježi se pad sve do 2010. godine kada je bila požeta najmanja površina od 141.000 ha. U razdoblju 1885-2010. god., proizvodnja pšenice varirala je od najmanjih 155.000 tona 1897. godine, dok je rekordna proizvo-dnja od 1.6 milijuna tona ostvarena 1990. godine. Promatrajući prosječne prinose, najniži prosječni prinos iznosio je 658 kg/ha (1897. god.), a najveći prinos od 5.483 kg/ha ostvaren je u 2008. godini. U promatranom razdoblju požete površine smanjivale su se na godišnjoj razini od 238 ha, dok su ukupna proizvodnja i prosječni prinosi rasli na godišnjoj razini u iznosu od 8.888 tona ili 37 kg/ha. Analizirajući pojedina razdoblja rezultati pokazuju da su u razdoblju 1885-1914. god. požete površine i proizvodnja rasle na godišnjoj razini od 6.760 ha i 5.473 tone, a prosječni prinosi zrna 5,7 kg/ha/godišnje. U razdoblju 1921-1939. god. požete površine i proizvodnja rasli na godišnjoj razini 2.813 ha i 5.618 tona, a prosječni prinosi zrna 6,5 kg/ha/godišnje. U razdoblju 1945-1991. god. požete površine su se smanjivale na godišnjoj razini od 1.080 ha. Proizvodnja je kontinuirano rasla na godišnjoj razini od 25.026 tona, a prosječni prinos zrna 84 kg/ha/ godišnje. U razdoblju 1992-2010. god. trend smanjivanja požetih površina se nastavio na godišnjoj razini od 2.168 ha, dok je za proizvodnju utvrđeno godišnje smanjivanje od 64 tona. Prosječni prinos zrna rastao je prosječno 61 kg/ha/godišnje.

Based on the Agricultural Institute Osijek trials (area of harvested plot=7, 56 m2) 2015/2016. year, in Osijek, sown with 10 wheat varieties (Srpanjka, Renata, Katarina, Felix, Vulkan, Kraljica, Tika Taka, Galloper, Osk 78/14 and Osk 138/14) in two repetitions on RCBD scheme in three fungicide treatmens (T1-treatment in stem elongation, T2-treatment in stem elongation and in heading, and T3-treatment only in heading) grain yield (dt/ha), hectolitre weight (kg/hl), thousand kernel weight (g), protein content (%) and amount of protein (kg/ha) were estimated. In stem elongation was used fungicide Sphere 0, 4 l/ha and in heading Prosaro 1, 0 l/ha. The highest grain yield (102, 63 dt/ha) and the highest amount of protein/ha (1336 kg/ha) was realised when protection against disease was conducted in stem elongation and in heading what is for +1, 30%, as well as +14, 16% higher in grain yield and 0, 92%, as well as +13, 76% in protein amount/ha in relation to fungicide protection treatment conducted only in heading or only in stem elongation. The highest grain yield in all treatments, primarily, were realised varieties Galloper, Tika Taka, Osk 78/14 and Kraljica, but also in certain treatments and Renata, Katarina and Osk 138/14. The highest amounts of protein/ha, in all treatments, were achieved varieties Galloper, Kraljica and Osk 78/14. For hectolitre weight (82, 2 ; 83, 8 ; 83, 0 kg/hl), thousand kernel weight (49, 3 ; 48, 7 ; 48, 4 g) and protein content (13, 1% ; 13, 0% ; 13, 1%) significant differences among treatments were not determined. In all treatments were realised above average thousand kernel weights for all varieties, while in other studied characteristics varieties held their specificity in greater measure.

An effect of artificial inoculation with Fusarium spp. and cultivars response to fungicide treatment against the FHB pathogen on important agronomic and quality traits was evaluated. Considering agronomic traits, the significant (P

Žuta ili crtičava hrđa (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) u mnogim je uzgojnim područjima pšenice destruktivna bolest. Pojavi bolesti u izrazito jakom intenzitetu tijekom prošle vegetacije pogodovali su: vrlo blaga zima, sjetva osjetljivih kultivara, stvaranje i širenje rasa gljive koje su jako agresivne i patogene (potvrđena prisutnost izrazito agresivne Warrior rase u Hrvatskoj u 2014. godini) i neadekvatna zaštita fungicidima., Yellow rust is extremely destructive disease in many wheat growing regions. In Croatia the disease occured sporadically untill 2014. The reasons for the appearance of the disease in a strong intensity during the last growing season are: a very mild winter, sowing sensitive cultivars, spread of aggressive and pathogenic fungus races (the highly aggressive Warrior race was confirmed in 2014 in Croatia) and inadequate fungicide applications.

The objective of research was to determine grain yield, hectoliter weight, grain proteins and starch content of 17 winter barley cultivars from trials at four locations (Tovarnik, Nova Gradiska, Pozega and Osijek) and during three years (2002 to 2005). All traits were significantly influenced by year (Y), location (L) and genotype (G) while sowing rate (300 and 450 seeds per m 2 ) and genotype*sowing rate (G*D) did not affect trait means (P>0,05). Interactions as year* sowing rate (Y*D), location*sowing rate (L*D) and year*location*sowing rate caused significant influence to grain yield and proteins and starch content in grains. Regression coefficient “bi”, ecovalence “W i ” and variance of deviations from regressions “S 2 d i ” pointed out best performance of cultivars Barun, Bingo and Gvozd in more intensive growing conditions due to its top yielding, lowest proteins and rich starch content of grains. Opposite to this, best yield and quality performance of cultivars at low input production could be expe...

The objective of research was to determine grain yield, hectoliter weight, grain proteins and starch content of 17 winter barley cultivars from trials at four locations (Tovarnik, Nova Gradiska, Pozega and Osijek) and during three years (2002 to 2005). AH traits were significantly influenced by year (Y), location (L) and genotype (G) while sowing rate (300 and 450 seeds per m2) and genotype*sowing rate (G*D) did not affect trait means (P

Wheat breeding and improvement of agronomic practice are main reasons for the increasing trend of wheat grain yields in Croatia. The objective of this study was to estimate breeding progress in grain yield and related changes for some wheat cultivar characteristics. Seven winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.em.Thell) released between 1954. and 1985. in Croatia were evaluated in experiments during 1994. and 1995. year at one location. Estimated genetic gain in grain yield for 1954.-1985. period was 54,35 kg ha-1 y-1 or 0,875 % yearly, and relative genetic gain was 30,65 kg ha-1 y-1 or 0,44 % yearly. Linear regression of cultivar means on year of release showed increase of 41,99 kg ha-1 y-1 or 0,6 % yearly. Linear regression between year of production and averaged grain yield was 89,1 kg ha-1 yearly. These estimates indicate that wheat breeding has contributed 47,1 % of total increase in grain yield in Croatia in period 1954. to 1985. year.

Winter wheat breeding at the Agricultural Institute Osijek has been continuously conducting since 1931. Wheat breeding work always was oriented toward creation of new wheat cultivars characterized by improved grain yield and technological quality, with better stability and adaptability in wide range of environmental conditions. The first successful wheat cultivar created at the Agricultural Institute Osijek (OS-cultivar) was U1 (multiplication 1) or Osijek awnless, released in production in 1936. It was the first OS-wheat cultivar with (for that time) high production potential realized through wide production in almost two next decades. Up today, at the Agricultural Institute Osijek more than 27 000 crossing combinations on wheat were made and extensive breeding work has been carried out. During more than 80 years of wheat breeding, generations of breeders were implementing scientific knowledge and methodology as well as their own professional skills and personal devotion in creation of new OS-wheat cultivars. As a result of that work, up to now to the Agricultural Institute Osijek had been recognized 116 winter wheat cultivars in Croatia and 47 cultivars abroad. In last more than 20 years OS-wheat cultivars have been sowing on 50-60% of wheat areas in Republic of Croatia with increasing trend of sowing areas in abroad (BiH, Kosovo, Slovenia, Romania, Turkey and Macedonia).

Cilj rada bio je dobiti informacije o fenotipskim i genetskim korelacijama za svojstva kvalitete pšenice u ranim generacijama. Za tu svrhu proveden je jednogodišnji poljski pokus s populacijom genotipova iz F7 generacije rekombiniranih inbred linija (n=143) iz kombinacije križanja Bezostaja/Klara na lokacijama Osijek i Slavonski Brod u 2008./09. godini. Za analizirana svojstva (sadržaj bjelančevina u zrnu, sadržaj vlažnoga ljepka, gluten indeks, vrijeme zamjesa -MPT, visina zamjesa -MPH i širina srednje crte nakon 8 min zamjesa -MTW), dobivene vrijednosti ukazuju na konzistentnu pozitivnu fenotipsku i genetsku korelaciju između svojstava sadržaja bjelančevina u zrnu i vlažnoga ljepka, negativnu između sadržaja bjelančevina i vlažnoga ljepka s gluten indeksom te pozitivnu između sadržaja bjelančevina u zrnu i vlažnoga ljepka s vremenom (MPT) i visinom zamjesa (MPH). Podudarnost između procjena fenotipskih i genetskih korelacija utvrđena je na obje lokacije (r=0,81** za Osijek i r=0,88** Slavonski Brod)., The objective of this paper was to estimate phenotypic and genetic correlations in order to improve existing wheat quality breeding methodology in early generations. For this purpose, one-year trial with population of 143 recombinant inbred lines from crossing combination Bezostaja/Klara was carried out on Osijek and Slavonski Brod locations in 2008/09 year. Among analyzed traits (grain protein content, wet gluten content, gluten index, mid-line peak time -MPT, mid-line peak height -MPH and mid-line tail width -MTW) consistent positive phenotypic and genetic pattern of correlations was found between grain protein content and wet gluten content, negative between gluten index with grain protein content and wet gluten content, and positive between grain protein content and wet gluten content with MPT and MPH. Conformity of the phenotypic and genetic correlations was confirmed by Mantel test on both locations (for Osijek r=0.81** and for Slavonski Brod r=0.88**).

Mutations are origin of novel variabilities. With developing new methods there are new possibilities for plant breeding for desirable characteristics. The aim of this paper is to introduce a method of reverse genetics, particularly TILLING method, and its potential for future scientific work and creating new improved cultivars for both, quantitative and qualitative characteristics. It can be used for plant breeding and getting new information on molecular level. Mutations in TILLING method are induced with chemical reagent ethyl methanesulfonate – EMS. The function of EMS is to cause mismatch in DNA heteroduplex. TILLING can be used in a numerous plant species. EcoTILLING is the method used for studying natural populations. Both of these methods have advantage for not being trans-genetic, but labour and cost effective., Mutacije su izvor novih varijabilnosti. Razvojem novih tehnologija, dobivamo mogućnosti u oplemenjivanju bilja za točno određene karakteristike. Cilj ovoga rada je predstaviti metode obrnute genetike, naročito TILLING metodu, te njen potencijal za budući znanstveni rad i stvaranje novih poboljšanih kultivara na kvantitativna i kvalitativna svojstva. Može se primjenjivati u oplemenjivanju bilja zbog dobivanja novih informacija na molekularnoj razini. Postupak se odvija izazivanjem mutacija kemijskim reagensom ethyl methanesulfonatom- EMS. Funkcija EMS-a je u spajanju nekomplementarnih baza u molekuli DNA. TILLING se može koristiti kod velikoga broja biljnih vrsta, uz korištenje naprednih i troškovno prihvatljivih tehnologija. EcoTILLING je metoda koja se koristi za proučavanje prirodnih populacija.

Opsežne spoznaje o genetskoj raznolikosti genetskog materijala pšenice vrlo su važne za daljnje uspješno i održivo genetsko unapređivanje kultivara kako unutar pojedinih programa oplemenjivanja, tako i unutar pojedinih država i šire. Analize genetske raznolikosti omogućavaju i bolje razumijevanje utjecaja modernog oplemenjivanja bilja na genetsku raznolikost pojedine biljne kulture kao i učinkovitije korištenje, upravljanje i očuvanje biljnih genetskih resursa. Zahvaljujući visokoj razini polimorfizma i informativnosti kao i relativnoj jednostavnosti primjene, mikrosatelitni biljezi ili jednostavne ponavljajuće sekvence (simple sequence repeats ; SSR) predstavljaju važno oruđe za analize genetske raznolikosti. Mikrosatelitni biljezi su u posljednjih dvadeset godina uspješno primjenjeni u brojnim genetskim studijama na različitim biljnim vrstama. Slijedom navedenog, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je procijeniti: (1) genetsku raznolikost 98 hrvatskih i 24 inozemna kultivara pšenice priznatih i uvedenih u proizvodnju od 1905. do 2008. godine i (2) procijeniti mogućnost primjene mikrosatelitnih biljega u sjemenarstvu i oplemenjivanju pšenice. Ukupno 122 kultivara pšenice analizirano je pomoću 45 mikrosatelita. Unutar skupine od 122 kultivara umnoženo je ukupno 413 polimorfnih alela. Unutar skupine hrvatskih kultivara (n=98) umnožena su ukupno 354 alela, dok su unutar skupine kultivara kreiranih na Poljoprivrednom institute Osijek (n=74) utvrđena 303 alela. Broj alela po lokusu (Na) kretao se od 3 do 20, a prosječno je iznosio 9.18, 7.87 i 6.73 alela unutar skupina s n=122, n=98 i n=74 kultivara. Prosječna vrijednost genske raznolikosti (Gene diversity ; HE) i Informacijskog sadržaja polimorfizma (Polimorfic Information Content ; PIC) iznosila je od HE=0.69 i PIC=0.65 (n=122) do HE=0.63 i PIC=0.58 (n=74). Alelno bogatstvo (Allelic richness ; Nar), kao mjera broja alela po lokusu neovisna o veličini uzorka kretala se od Nar=8.78 unutar skupine od n=122 do Nar=6.73 unutar skupine od n=74 kultivara. Ukupna utvrđena genska raznolikost i Informacijski sadržaj polimorfizma po biljegu varirao je od HE=0.34 i PIC=0.32 (biljeg gwm493) do HE=0.86 i PIC=0.85 (biljeg wmc634). Matrica genetske udaljenosti između parova kultivara utvrđena je temeljem udjela zajedničkih alela (Proportion of Shared Alleles Distance ; DPSAM) iznosile su od 0.02 do 0.96 pri čemu je veća prosječna vrijednost DPSAM utvrđena između svih (0.69), a zatim između hrvatskih (0.66) i kultivara Poljoprivrednog instituta Osijek (0.63). Na osnovi matrice udaljenosti između svih parova kultivara, u svrhu razvrstavnog i grafičkog prikaza genetske raznolikosti između kultivara, provedena je izrada stabla pomoću Neponderirane metode za sparivanje skupina na temelju prosječnih vrijednosti (Unweighted Pair-Group Method Using Arithmetic Averages ; UPGMA). Na izrađenom UPGMA stablu bilo je moguće uspješno razlikovati sve kultivare u analizi. Nije utvrđeno svrstavanje kultivara u skupine prema oplemenjivačkom program ili vremenskom razdoblju priznavanja kultivara. Općenito se može ustvrditi da je na tvorbu skupina i podskupina na stablu UPGMA najviše utjecala genetska osnova kultivara, najčešće na način da većina članova skupine posjeduje u određenoj mjeri zajedničke genetske poveznice. Potvrđen je važan potencijal primjene mikrosatelitnih biljega u provjeri genetske uniformnosti i čistoće unutar i između blisko srodnih kultivara pšenice, koji implementiran zajedno s klasičnim metodama umnažanja sjemena može značajno doprinijeti unapređenju sjemenarstva kao i zaštiti oplemenjivačkih prava. Ukupno, rezultati ovog istraživanja omogućavaju bolji uvid u genetsku raznolikost hrvatskih kultivara pšenice na DNA razini. Procijenjene genetske udaljenosti (DPSAM) između kultivara mogu pomoći u preciznijem odabiru roditelja za križanja i stvaranje novih oplemenjivačkih populacija i s obzirom na očuvanje genetske raznolikosti pšenice. Ovo istraživanje je jedna od pretpostavki uvođenju molekularnim biljezima potpomognutog oplemenjivanja (Molecular Marker Assisted Breeding ; MMAB) u program oplemenjivanja pšenice na Poljoprivrednom institute Osijek kao nadopune klasičnim oplemenjivačkim metodama.

Background and Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and applicability of different selection criteria on grain yield and grain yield components for the purposes of optimizing barley breeding program. Materials and Methods: The experimental material of the cross Timura/Osk.4.208’2-84 included 150 and 26 lines of F4 generation developed by single seed descent (SSD) and pedigree method, respectively. Trial was set up as a randomized block design with three repetitions. The following traits were analyzed: stem length, number of spikes per plant, grain weight per primary spike, grain number per primary spike, grain yield per plant, single grain weight, harvest index and grain yield per plot. Results: Genetic gain estimates showed that pedigree method was efficient for shorter stem, higher number of spikes per plant, and single grain weight and grain yield per plant while single seed descentmethod was superior for grain yield per plant. Direct genetic gain for grain yield per plot was 33.0% while indirect genetic gain varied from –18.99% to 21.7%, depending on the applied selection criteria. The most efficient indexed selection criteria for improving grain yield were Q12, Q15, Q8 and Q13. Conclusion: The study indicated that the highest efficiency in grain yield per plot was accomplished by »Q« index multi-trait selection approach. Furthermore, plant selection could be directed to a specific traits but it should be carefully exerted due to unfavorable correlations that could cause gain losses in selection.

Knowledge about genetic diversity pattern in existing wheat germplasm is essentially important for further sustainable genetic improvement and successfulness of breeding programs. Genetic diversity analysis can provide better understanding of plant breeding influence on crop genetic diversity and more efficient utilization, management and conservation of germplasm resources. Owing to their high level of polymorphisms, microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeats ; SSR) representing important tool for genetic diversity analysis and have been successfully applied for numerous assessments of genetic relationships in different plant species. Consequently, the objective of this study was to estimate genetic diversity of 98 Croatian wheat cultivars released since 1905 to 2008 year and 24 foreign wheat cultivars. Foreign cultivars were included in this research regarding to their pre-ancestral and ancestral role in Croatian cultivars, as well as important widely grown cultivars and as a control. A total of 122 cultivars were screened by 45 wheat microsatellite markers, 1 to 3 from each wheat chromosome. Within group of 122 cultivars a total of 413 polymorphic alleles were amplified. Within group of Croatian cultivars (n=98) were amplified 354 alleles, while within group of cultivars created on Agricultural Institute Osijek (n=74) were found 303 alleles. Allele number per locus (Na) was varied from 3 to 20 with an average of 9.18, 7.87 and 6.73 alleles within group of n=122, n=98 and n=74 cultivars, respectively. Average value of gene diversity (HE) and polymorphic information content (PIC) were ranged from HE=0.69 and PIC=0.65 (n=122) to HE=0.63 and PIC=0.58 (n=74). Allelic richness (Nar) as the measure of the number of alleles per locus independent of sample size showed decreasing trend from 8.78 within group of n=122 to 6.73 within group of n=74 cultivars. Overall observed gene diversity and polymorphic information content per marker were varied from HE=0.34 and PIC=0.32 (marker gwm493) to HE=0.86 and PIC=0.85 (marker wmc634). Genetic distances among pairs of cultivars based on proportion of shared alleles distance matrix (DPSAM) were ranged from 0.02 to 0.96 with higher average value among all (0.69), then among Croatian (0.66) and Agricultural Institute Osijek cultivars (0.63). The cultivars were grouped by cluster analysis using the unweighted pair- group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA). At the constructed UPGMA tree was possible to successfully differentiate all investigated cultivars. However, no clear clustering of cultivars by breeding program or year of release was observed. Cultivars that belong to the same group generally share the concerned proportion of common pre-ancestral or ancestral genetic basis. Results of this research are providing better insight in genetic diversity of Croatian cultivars at DNA level. Estimated genetic distances (DPSAM) among cultivars can be helpful for more accurate parent assortment for hybridization and creation of new wheat breeding populations with respect to genetic diversity preservation. This research is one of the prerequisites for adoption of marker assisted selection (MAS) and molecular breeding in Agricultural Institute Osijek wheat breeding program as complement to the classical breeding methods.

Ten winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars were tested in randomized complete block design (RCBD) trials at one location (Osijek) for several agronomic and quality traits through six growing seasons (1996/97–2001/02). Data were employed to develop modeling strategy for exploring genotype by environment interaction (GEI) by using models based on information on genotypic and environmental variables. The relative size, hence importance of the GEI compared to main effects of genotypes and environments was estimated for all effects from simple additive model (genotypes, environments and residuals, last including both GEI and experimental error) while the AMMI2 model was used as a basis for comparison of the GEI patterns. The final step in modeling strategy was fitting factorial regression models to all analyzed traits using available genotypic and environmental covariates, until the best fit solution was found for each analyzed trait. Comparing the relative sizes of genotypic and GEI effects, the last one was sizeable smaller, for all traits except grain yield (GY), thousand kernel weight (TKW), and Hagberg falling number (HFN). Fitting of genotypic and environmental covariates resulted in various solutions for different traits, most frequently employing single genotypic covariate – Glu-A1. Regardless of their relatively small size, the GEI effects in wheat quality traits can offer a better insight into fluctuations of varietal quality over a range of environmental conditions, as they can be successfully modeled using various genotypic and environmental covariates. The advantage of described approach is attainable in virtually any breeding program, because during the implementation of the program breeders routinely score for a number of genotypic and environmental variables.

Background and Purpose: The objectives of this study were to estimate gene effects and heritability for three important quantitative traits (grain yield components) in two wheat crosses (Divana/Srpanjka and Soissons/Žitarka). Materials and Methods: Eight generations (namely; P1, P2, F1, F2, Bc1.1. (P1xF1), Bc1.2. (P2xF1), RBc1.1. (F1xP1) and RBc1.2. (F1xP2)) were raised and subjected to generation mean analysis for detecting the nature of gene effects responsible for inheritance of the number of grains, grainweight and single grain weight per spike of the longest culm. Results: Digenic epistatic model was adequate to explain variation in generationmeans for single grain weight in Divana/Srpanjka and for grain weight per spike of the longest culm in Soissons/Žitarka crossing combinations. Additive gene effects were more important for grain weight per spike of the longest culm in Soissons/Žitarka cross, while dominance and epistatic gene effects were predominant in controlling inheritance of single grain weight in Divana/Srpanjka cross. For the number of grains in both crosses, single grain weight in Soissons/Žitarka and grain weight per spike in Divana/Srpanjka crossing combinations, digenic epistatic model failed to explain variation in generation means. Conclusions: These data suggest that in crosses where digenic epistatic model was adequate with predominant positive influence of additive gene effects accompanied with high narrow-sense heritability, it is possible to expect advance for traits studied in further segregation generations. Crosses where digenic epistatic model were insufficient to explain all variation in generation means along with low heritability imply more complex nature of inheritance and/or influence of the environment on the expression of these traits.

U proizvodnji ozimog ječma u razdoblju od 1970. do 2009. godine najznačajnije sorte su Ager, Satir, Mursa, Alkar, Alpha, Pan, Robur, Rodnik, Sladoran, Plaisant, Rex, Tiffany, Lord, Favorit, Zlatko Vanessa, Barun, a u proizvodnji jarog ječma sorte Union, Velebit, Berenice, Jaran, Gimpel, Astor, Scarlet, Matej, Prestige. U istraživanom četrdesetogodišnjem razdoblju ostvaren je državni prosjek uroda zrna ječma od 2.902 t/ha. Regresijskom analizom uroda zrna procijenili smo povećanje uroda zrna ječma od 47 kg/ha/godini. U pokusima od 1970.–2009. godine na Poljoprivrednom institutu Osijek najraširenije sorte u proizvodnji u pojedinom razdoblju ostvarile su prosječan urod zrna kod ozimog ječma od 7.685 t/ha, a kod jarog ječma 6,045 t/ha. Regresijskom analizom uroda zrna na temelju pokusa na Poljoprivrednom institutu Osijek procijenili smo povećanje uroda zrna kod ozimog ječma od 88 kg/ha/godini. Analizom varijance ANOVA procijenjeni su značajni učinci godine, lokaliteta i sorte za urod zrna i sadržaj bjelančevina. Među normama sjetve s 300 i 450 zrna/m2 nije utvrđena značajna razlika (F-test neopravdan) za urod zrna, hektolitarsku masu zrna i sadržaj škroba, a nije ustanovljena značajna interakcija sorta*norma sjetve za sva istraživana svojstva. Utvrđena je značajna interakcija godina*norma sjetve za urod zrna, hektolitarsku masu zrna i sadržaj bjelančevina. Za urod zrna, hektolitarsku masu zrna i sadržaj bjelančevina ustanovljene su značajne interakcije godina*lokalitet*norma sjetve (Y*L*D), godina*sorta (Y*G), sorta*lokalitet (G*L) i godina*sorta*lokalitet (Y*G*L). Najvišim urodima zrna, slične razine, izdvojile su se sorte Barun (7.545 t/ha), Bingo (7.490 t/ha), Gvozd (7.441 t/ha) i Zlatko (7.338 t/ha)., The most important winter barley varieties in production through the period from 1970 to 2009 were, and some still are: Ager, Satir, Mursa, Alkar, Alpha, Pan, Robur, Rodnik, Sladoran, Plaisant, Rex, Tiffany, Lord, Favorit, Zlatko Vanessa, Barun; together with spring barley varieties: Union, Velebit, Berenice, Jaran, Gimpel, Astor, Scarlett, Matej, Prestige. During forty years of research, the state average for grain yield reached 2.902 t/ha. We have estimated by regression analysis the increase of grain yield by 47 kg/ha/year. The trials held in “Agricultural Institute Osijek” through 1970-2009 showed that represented varieties within highlighted periods achieved the average grain yield of 7.685 t/ha (winter types), and 6,045 t/ha (spring types). Results obtained from regression analysis for grain yield of winter barley types displayed the increase by 88 kg/ha/year. Assessment using analysis of variance (ANOVA) pointed out significant effects of year, locality and variety towards grain yield and protein content. There has been no significant difference (F-test unjustified) while using sowing rate as a factor (300 and 450 grains/m2) for grain yield, hectoliter grain mass and protein content. Also, variety*sowing rate interaction for all of the traits observed was insignificant. On the other hand, significant interaction year*sowing rate has been pointed out for the following traits: grain yield, hectoliter grain mass and protein content. A similar case reoccurred in interactions concerning year*locality*sowing rate (Y*L*D), year*variety (Y*G), variety*locality (V*L) and year*variety*locality (Y*V*L) for traits mentioned above. The highest in grain yield were varieties Barun (7.545 t/ha), Bingo (7.490 t/ha), Gvozd (7.441 t/ha) and Zlatko (7.338 t/ha).

U pokusima s četiri sorte jarog ječma (Astor, Fran, Matej i Scarlett) tijekom pet godina (2004.-2008.) na dva lokaliteta (Osijek i Nova Gradiška) istraživan je interakcijski učinak sorte i okoline na urod zrna i količinu bjelančevina u zrnu modelima AMMI1 i AMMI2. Analizom varijance utvrđeni su značajni učinci godine i sorte na urod zrna, dok su učinci godine, lokaliteta, norme sjetve i sorte značajno utjecali na sadržaj bjelančevina. Interakcijski učinci dokazani su za urod zrna (godina x lokacija, godina x lokacija x norma sjetve i godina x sorta), te za sadržaj bjelančevina (godina x lokacija, godina x norma sjetve i godina x sorta). Sorta Matej ostvarila je najviši urod zrna u provedenim istraživanjima, uz nizak interakcijski skor IPCA1, a što ukazuje na visoku adaptabilnost ove sorte uvjetima proizvodnje. Na biplotu se uočava povezanost ove sorte s uvjetima proizvodnje lokacije Nova Gradiška - 2005. Sorta Scarlet, uz urod zrna na razini prosjeka pokusa, vrlo visokog je interakcijskog skora IPCA1, a što ukazuje na nižu adaptabilnost ove sorte uvjetima proizvodnje (lokacijegodine) u provedenim istraživanjima. Sorte Fran i Scarlett, su sorte koje se odlikuju nižim sadržajem bjelančevina, a u provedenim istraživanjima sorta Scarlett je imala viši interakcijski skor IPCA1, a sorta Fran niži interakcijski skor IPCA 1. Na biplotu modela AMMI2 uočava se velika udaljenost sorti Astor, Matej i Scarlett od ishodišta, što upućuje na nestabilnost ovih sorti za svojstvo sadržaja bjelančevina te na značajan specifičan učinak okolišnih uvjeta na sadržaj bjelančevina., The study presents results of the research on four varieties of spring barley (Astor, Fran, Matej and Scarlett) during five years (2004 – 2008) at two localities (Osijek and Nova Gradiska). The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI1 and AMMI2) models were used for analysis of genotype by environment interaction for grain yield and grain protein content. Significant effects of year and variety on grain yield and significant effects of year, locality, sowing density and variety on grain protein content were estimated by analysis of variance. Significant interactions year x locality, year x sowing density and year x variety were found for grain protein content. In this trial, variety Matej had highest grain yield with low interaction score IPCA1, which indicated favorable adaptability of that genotype to growing conditions. Biplot analysis implies grouping of this variety with growing conditions of locality Nova Gradiska – 2005. Variety Scarlett had grain yield at average level of the trial, but very high interaction score IPCA1 indicated lower adaptability of that genotype to growing conditions (locality – year). Varieties Fran and Scarlett are varieties that differ in low grain protein content, and in conducted trial variety Scarlett had higher interaction score IPCA1 in reverse to variety Fran which had lower interaction score IPCA1. Based on AMMI2 biplot analysis a distinguished distance from starting point of varieties Astor, Matej and Scarlett is notable, indicating instability of those genotypes for grain protein content parameter and significantly specific effect of environmental conditions on grain protein content.

U četverogodišnjim pokusima s 14 sorti ječma na lokalitetima u Tovarniku, Novoj Gradiški, Požegi i Osijeku istraživan je interakcijski učinak sorta*okolina AMMI1 i AMMI2 modelom za urod zrna i količinu bjelančevina u zrnu. Analizom varijance procijenjeni su značajni učinci godine, lokaliteta i sorte na urod zrna i sadržaj bjelančevina. Najvišim urodima zrna, slične razine, izdvojile su se sorte Bingo (7,357 t/ha) i Barun (7,336 t/ha). Najviše količine bjelančevina u zrnu su sorte Vanessa (13,06%) i Prometej (12,94%), a najniže količine bjelančevina u zrnu su sorte Barun (12,14%) i Princ (12,29%). Visoku stabilnost uroda zrna i količine bjelančevina u zrnu ječma, imala je sorta Barun. Stabilnost sorte Barun za urod zrna izraženija je s obzirom na godinu ispitivanja, nego u odnosu na lokalitet ispitivanja. Sorta Vanessa, uz visoki prosječni sadržaj bjelančevina u provedenim istraživanjima, imala je visoke interakcijske skorove IPCA1, koji su izraženiji kod lokaliteta nego godina ispitivanja. Sorte Tiffany, Plaisant i Favorit osrednjih su do viših interakcijskih skorova IPCA1 i IPCA2 za sadržaj bjelančevina, a u biplot AMMI2 modelu ne pokazuju povezanosti s lokacijama., Fourteen barley cultivars were tested through 4-year trials at Tovarnik, Nova Gradiška, Požega and Osijek sites in order to explore interaction effects of genotype by environment using AMM1 and AMM2 models for grain yield and grain protein content. The results of analysis of variance showed statistically significant effects of year, location and cultivar on grain yield and protein content. The highest grain yields had cultivars Bingo (7.357 t/ha) and Barun (7.336 t/ha). The highest values of grain protein content had cultivars Vanessa (13.06%) and Prometej (12.94%), whereas the lowest values of grain protein content were obtained for cultivars Barun (12.14%) and Princ (12.29%). High stability of grain yield and protein content, together with high level of grain yield and lower level of protein content, was estimated for cultivar Barun. The stability of cultivar Barun was more expressed in relation to the year of testing than to the location. Related to location of testing, high interaction scores (IPCA1) were obtained for cultivar Vanessa with high average protein content. Cultivars Tiffany, Plaisant and Favorit had medium to higher interaction scores (IPCA1 and IPCA2) for grain protein content, and in case of AMMI2 analysis they didn't show specific relation to locations.