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Although they have been extensively studied in many species of the genus Rosa L., garden roses' hips have largely been overlooked. To investigate their potential use in the food industry, this study evaluated five cultivars from 'Aurora' collection: 'Purple Aurora', 'Berry Bush Aurora', 'Aromatic Aurora', 'Butterfly Aurora', and 'Rugose White Aurora'. Morphological characterization, along with the assessment of the phenolic profile, vitamin C levels, and biological activities—including antioxidant and neuroprotective effects—was conducted. The fruit mass reached 5.15 g, while the mesocarp mass ranged from 3 to 4 g, resulting in a mesocarp-to-fruit ratio of over 75%. The total phenolic content ranged from 37.1 to 63.9 mg GAE/g de, while total flavonoids were present in amounts from 0.85 to 2.14 mg QE/g de. Rosehip extracts from four out of five cultivars exhibited a very high vitamin C content, reaching 2384 µg/g fw. Quinic acid and 31 phenolic compounds were found in the rosehip extract of at least one cultivar. Results indicated 'Aurora' rosehips have potent antioxidant properties and a moderate inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase, highlighting their potential as a source of functional food. Additional research is needed to fully leverage these benefits and establish garden rosehips as a viable alternative to synthetic antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change increasingly impacts urban dendroflora, affecting plant physiology and phenological phases. This paper investigates the impact of changing climatic conditions on the blooming of Fraxinus ornus 'Globosa', a decorative form of ash that is a significant component of green infrastructure in Novi Sad, Serbia. The research, conducted over 15 years on 42 individuals in a linear planting near a large river, analyzed temperature and precipitation effects on blooming times and inflorescence characteristics The results indicate changes in the timing of blooming, earlier than recorded in the literature, suggesting that temperature variations and changes in climatic conditions have significantly influenced the phenological phases of the selected clones of globe flowering ash. Additionally, the studied individuals showed exceptional adaptation to climate change and are not considered vulnerable. This study confirmed that this cultivar of flowering ash in urban environments is a key link in the green infrastructure of cities, functioning as green corridors along river flows as a nature-based solution. The studied cultivar is an important element of cultural heritage, contributing to the recreational potential of the linear composition of the promenade, especially during the flowering phenophase, when, in addition to its aesthetic values, it has psychological effects on users of the space, offering a calming influence due to its regular canopy and planting rhythm. Additionally, this cultivar provides important ecological functions, such as offering pollen for pollinators, thereby significantly contributing to the implementation of ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amenity trees contribute to the overall quality of urban environments and are valued for their beauty and the benefits they bring to communities. However, the assessment of this capital commonly concludes with considerations of its vitality and decorativeness. Thus, this research provided a monetary assessment of losses caused by the supercell storm-induced uprooting of trees growing in three public green spaces utilized by the most vulnerable population (children aged 3–18 years). For these purposes, the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) formula was applied taking into account growth parameters, species dependence, and the specimens' condition and location. Prices from national and European nurseries were utilized to obtain appropriate base values. The results indicate that the total appraised monetary loss amounted to EUR 495,864 (national) and EUR 1,528,481 (European prices). The species P. nigra, B. alba, T. tomentosa, F. excelsior, A. saccharinum, P. occidentalis, and P. cerasifera showed lower uprooting resistance with no clear species-specific responses, but there was an interaction of biotic, abiotic, and artificial influences. Understanding the complex factors influencing tree stability is crucial for urban planners and arborists to mitigate storm- and wind-related risks. Collaborative planning and participatory management are essential for safeguarding both economic and environmental interests and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in outdoor spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornamental plant breeding enables the selection of cultivars with desired features from numerous genotypes; however, this process is time-consuming and resource-demanding. Aiming to establish a pre-selection protocol that can facilitate the selection of dwarf rose varieties, the connection between anatomical and histological characteristics and the vegetative growth of rose cultivars was examined. To assess the adaptive potential of the studied cultivars, intra-annual cambial dynamics were explored relative to the observed meteorological fluctuations during the growing season. The investigation included six garden rose cultivars from the 'Reka' and 'Pixie' collections, bred under semi-arid open-field conditions in Serbia. Plant height ranged from 20 to 68 cm, with differing growth habits and types. Vegetative growth was significantly correlated with the xylem/phloem ratio, the proportion of total vessel area relative to cross-sectional and xylem areas, vessel-related features, and porosity (correlation coefficients up to 0.78). Regeneration via cambial activity and the formation of false rings were observed in five of the six cultivars studied, with meteorological analysis suggesting that precipitation and temperature triggered cambial reactivation. This approach effectively targets key parameters in the selection of dwarf and climate-resilient rose cultivars, facilitating the development of reliable pre-selection criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe climate alterations that seriously challenge fruit production, combined with the demand for healthy, pesticide-free fruits, continuously direct rootstock/cultivar selection towards high adaptable varieties breeding. This study aimed to investigate the rootstocks’ influence on the performance of grafted ‘Summit’ cherry trees, including potentially dwarfing Prunus cerasus, Prunus fruticosa and Prunus mahaleb rootstock candidates. Anatomical properties of rootstock and scion stems were investigated to determine variation among different rootstocks and scion-rootstock combinations and to establish the link between trunk hydraulic conductivity, effective tree crown volume and yielding potential. Cross-section anatomical characteristics varied significantly both in rootstock and scion stems, indicating a clear influence of rootstock genotype on grafted sweet cherry trees. It was observed that all investigated cherry rootstock candidates belong to the low-vigorous rootstocks, based on the estimated effective crown volume of grafted trees compared to ‘Gisela 5’, with values ranging from 0.86 to 2.97 m3 in the fifth year after planting. Results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between trunk hydraulic conductivity, effective tree crown volume and yielding potential, with correlation coefficients up to 0.96. Significantly higher effective crown volume and trunk hydraulic conductance of trees grafted on P. cerasus compared to the trees on control, as well as highest yielding potential, showed better adaptation of these rootstock candidates in the trial without irrigation implemented. It was found that PC_05_04 rootstock candidate could be considered as the most appropriate choice when raising the high-density sweet cherry plantations, due to assessed parameters of vegetative and generative growth.

The woolly apple aphid—WAA (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann, 1802) poses a significant threat to intensive apple production. Given the limitations of conventional synthetic pesticides, there is an urgent need for effective and sustainable pest management strategies. Botanical extracts derived from plants with insecticidal properties mitigating aphid populations without adverse environmental impacts are scarce where WAA is concerned. Thus, the pertinent study aimed to investigate the aphicidal potential of Koelreuteria paniculata seed ethanolic extract (derived from the seed coat) and mechanically extracted oil (derived from the seed itself). At concentrations of 2.5% and 5%, both solutions expressed undeniable insecticidal potential, providing absolute (100%; oil) or significant (86–100%; ethanolic extract) mortality rates both in vivo and in vitro. Predominant phenolic compounds determined in the ethanolic extract were gallic and protocatechuic acids and three derivates—p-coumaric, quercetin, and luteolin acid derivates—contributing to more than 90% of the total phenolic content, while phenolic compounds were not detected in the oil, indicating activity of different active compounds. Although deriving from different seed parts and distinct extraction methods, both ethanolic extract and oil exhibited significant aphicidal effects against WAA. The integration of botanical extracts from invasive species into pest management practices supports ecological balance and sustainable agricultural productivity, fostering a healthier environment and more resilient agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of nature-based solutions to address the climate and biodiversity challenges have become widely acknowledged. In numerous ways, nature-based solutions align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Serbia, like many other countries, faces many negative impacts of climate change crises. In order to meet sustainable development goals linked to water pollution and biodiversity, we investigated the potential of two plants, namely, Iris pseudocorus L. and Juncus effusus L., and tested for zinc reduction, previously found as an emerging contaminant of urban waters in Serbia. We focused on the investigation of native Serbian plants, that are reported as highly valuable and endangered. Results confirmed that both plant species have high accumulation capacity for Zn uptake, whereas growth and resistance were higher for Juncus effusus L. plants. While the concentration of zinc in Iris plants ranged from 45.85 mg/L to 193.05 mg/L, the concentration found in Juncus plants ranged from 36.2 mg/L to 264.59 mg/L for leaves and 53.20 mg/L for roots. This study contributes to the support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Serbia within biodiversity conservation and sustainable water management, by providing information of plant species that can be included in future sustainable nature-based solutions projects, like bioretention systems and constructed wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature increase in urban areas due to a high share of paved and impermeable surfaces affects indigenous woody species by making changes in their biological processes. Field research includes monitoring the blooming period of 18 individuals of Tilia tomentosa Moench. in one vegetation season located in three different habitats (green strip, paved surface, and park). The beginnings of four blooming phenophases are monitored (beginning of blooming, beginning of full blooming, end of full blooming, and end of blooming), as well as the total duration of blooming. Analyzed individuals are located in the densely built-up part of Novi Sad in Serbia which is under the influence of the urban heat island effect. The results show that the blooming period of individuals located in the park lasted longer and occurred later. Between individuals from green strips and paved surfaces there are no significant dif­ferences in the blooming period and the occurring of phases, but in relation to park individuals, blooming duration is shorter and occurs earlier. Besides age and hereditary traits, air temperature as a part of the microclimate of analyzed habitats is a very important factor when analyzing the blooming phenophase. In that way, the change in blooming phenophases can be an indicator of the adaptability of indigenous species to the urban heat effect and climate change.

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) contain various phenolic compounds which contribute to total antioxidant activity. The present study was conducted to assess the antioxidant activity of 15 sweet cherry cultivars from Vojvodina province (north Serbia). The free radical scavenging properties of fruits were evaluated employing two different methodologies, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Strong correlations were found between total phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins and DPPH and FRAP assays. In particular, cultivar Peter showed the highest antioxidant capacity and possesses the highest amount of measured phenolic compounds. This investigation shows large variability among sweet cherry cultivars in measured chemical attributes.

Ophrys sphegodes Mill. is a wild orchid species which is threatened and protected due to its pollination biology, small seed and habitat destruction. The aim of this study was to establish asymbiotic germination protocol for the purpose of ex situ conservation. Two basal media Knudson C (KC) and Malmgren (MM), supplemented with organic additives (peptone (PE), L-glutamin (A)e, folic acid, casein hydrolysate (CA)) added separately and control media KC--C and MM--C were used in the present research. All the nutrition media contained 2% sucrose, 7% agar and 1% activated carbon, while their pH was adjusted to 5.8 ± 0.02 before autoclaving at 121 ° C for 20 minutes. The seeds were examined under two illumination conditions, 0/24 light/dark (L/D) and 16/8 L/D. The presented results indicate a huge influence of illumination and nutrition media on the seed germination and protocorm formation. The seed germination was overall significantly more successful in dark conditions (0/24 L/D) than with lighting (16/8 L/D). Protocorm, rhizoids and shoot formation were achieved only on the seeds cultured on MM medium, while the KC medium caused only swelling of the embryo. Organic additives had positive influence on the germination rate. According to the obtained results, the best germination rate and seedling development were achieved on MM-PE media, cultured in dark. The presented procedure accelerates the germination period and can provide a large number of plants in a relatively short period of time so it can be used for conservation programs and mass production protocol.

The imperative of sustainable agricultural development, coupled with growing challenges related to climate change reaffirms the importance of manure and increases the demand for it. Due to the underdeveloped market for manure, there is a problem in assessing its economic value, requiring appropriate research on this topic. Thus, this research aimed to assess the manure's economic value using the method of equivalent substitution. For this purpose, the chemical composition of manure was determined by standard agrochemical analyses concerning the content of the most important mineral elements—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O). These elements ranged from 0.49–0.60%, 0.15–1.10%, and 0.70–1.07%, respectively, and the content of organic matter ranging from 20.88 to 27.00%. Subsequently, the cost of equivalent substitution was calculated taking into account market prices for commercial fertilizers and organic matter based on the cost of an adequate quantity of white mustard—Sinapis alba L. fresh mass. The average cost of equivalent substitution for manure was determined to be 28.60 USD/t. The results of the applied t-test indicate that there is no statistically significant difference between the market prices of beef manure and the calculated prices of its substitution (t = −1.4069; df = 12; p = 0.1848), which implies that white mustard green manure could replace the deficit in animal-derived manure. Since both animal and green manures unambiguously should be prioritized over chemical fertilizers, future studies will reveal which other crops are applicable for further increments of green manure to make up for insufficient availability of animal manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical role of energy in contemporary life and the environmental challenges associated with its production imply the need for research and exploration of its novel resources. The present review paper emphasizes the continuous exploitation of non-renewable energy sources, suggesting the transition toward renewable energy sources, termed 'green energy', as a crucial step for sustainable development. The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of articles, statistical data analysis, and examination of databases. The main focus is biomass, a valuable resource for bioenergy and biopesticide production, highlighting not only its traditional diverse sources, such as agricultural waste and industrial residues, but also non-edible invasive alien plant species. This study explores the utilization of invasive alien species in circular economy practices, considering their role in bioenergy and biopesticide production. The potential conflict between bioproduct acquisition and food sector competition is discussed, along with the need for a shift in approaching non-edible biomass sources. The paper emphasizes the untapped potential of under-explored biomass resources and the necessity for policy alignment and public awareness. Species with a significant potential for these sustainable strategies include Acer negundo L., Ailanthus altisima (Mill.) Swingle., Amorpha fruticosa L., Elaengus angustifolia L., Falopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr., Hibiscus syriacus L., Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Paulownia tomentosa Siebold and Zucc., Partenocissus quenquefolia (L.) Planch., Rhus typhina L., Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Thuja orientalis L. In conclusion, the paper highlights the intertwined relationship between energy, environmental sustainability, and circular economy principles, providing insights into Serbia's efforts and potential in adopting nature-based solutions for bioenergy and biopesticides acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyze relations between seed quality characteristics and the influence of contaminated urban areas on seed quality of sycamore maple trees in different locations across Novi Sad (Serbia). This research analyzed seed germination of 29 adult trees of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and its red leaf variety (Acer pseudoplatanus ‘atropurpureum’ Späth.). Our results indicate a medium strong positive correlation between seed weight and viable seed. Sycamore maple trees from the same urban typology do not have significant influence on seed quality characteristics, while different urban typology has such influence. These results explain the negative influence of urban areas on seed quality characteristics. For selection of high value trees in urbanized and contaminated areas, seed quality can be the indicator of adaptability to stress related conditions.

This paper shows the results of the analysis of the fruit morphometric characteristics of 29 trees of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and red - leaf sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Аtropurpureum’ Späth.) in Novi Sad area. Based on the test trees, it can be concluded that the analyzed secondary population of sycamore maple has a high level of intra - populations variability, based on different degrees of variability of measured parameters and statistically significant differences of all analyzed parameters within the analysed genotypes. The results indicate that there are certain differences between fruit of sycamore maple and its red - leaf variety. Given that there is no statistically significant difference between sites and different urban spaces, it can be concluded that stress factors caused by a high degree of urbanity do not affect the morphometric characteristics of fruits in the analyzed test trees. Testing the symmetry of fruits indicates a high level of genetic variability within the analyzed population.

Urban horticulture represents a sustainable way of dealing with the challenges of modern cities, including urbanization processes, population growth tendencies, a lack of green areas, environmental pollution and food insecurity. This study aimed to (1) investigate the perceptions of citizens of Novi Sad municipality, Republic of Serbia, toward urban horticulture and (2) assess plant materials appropriate for cultivation in urban gardens and suggest urban spaces completely designed with the use of various forms of edible fruit species, including roses. The same questionnaire was administered with a four-year time gap, in 2019 and again in 2023, before and after the coronavirus pandemic. To investigate plant materials suitable for urban gardening, relevant articles in Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science platforms were searched. The questionnaires' results showed significant differences between the two years concerning respondents' attitudes toward urban horticulture's impact on food safety, socialization and personal health and development, which could have been influenced by the pandemic. Vegetables were grown by most respondents, commonly in household yards and gardens. The main motivations for participating in community urban gardens were to grow food for their own consumption and to make charitable contributions, followed by the motivation 'to socialize and relax'. Exemplary designs of an urban pocket, kindergarten yard and atrium courtyard are presented, providing insights into numerous possibilities for landscaping with fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current fruit production, relays on rootstocks that are size-controlling, productive and precocious. However, facing uneven precipitation distribution and long drought events, rootstocks' breeding goals should shift towards genotypes with roots promptly responding to the water availability. Thus, this study aimed to determine the root anatomical responses to the occurrence of drought episode (39 days) followed by the excessive precipitation event (113.6 mm in four days). Plant material included three cherry species and interspecific hybrid: Prunus cerasus, Prunus fruticosa, Prunus mahaleb and 'Gisela 5' (P. cerasus × Prunus canescens). Detailed anatomical analysis included root samples with the differentiated secondary structure taken from the sampling depth of 10–15 cm. The roots were to varying degrees affected by the precipitation and number of dry days, but all responded with the occurrence of the 'false' outer ring, after the excessive precipitation event. Furthermore, within all three species, a very clear pattern of vessel size production was observed: the inner ˃ the middle < the outer (newly formed) zone vessels, whilst in the interspecific hybrid this pattern could not be determined. Effective crown volumes measured in vegetations preceding (2021) and succeeding the drought episode (2022), indicated that trees grafted on P. cerasus, P. fruticosa and P. mahaleb genotypes fully recovered and achieved normal vegetative growth rates (≈30%), while trees on the 'Gisela 5' ceased their development (less than 10%). Our study indicates that indigenous germplasm can contribute to the substantial selection of genotypes successfully adapting to drought and rain episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the significant increase in population in cities, the necessity of growing safe and functional food is of great importance. Pomegranate fruit has many valuable antioxidant properties. The subject of study was the pomegranate from the continental region (Sremski Karlovci, Serbia) and the Mediterranean region (Bar, Montenegro). We compared biochemically active compounds in genotypes from both locations. The analysis performed included total phenolics, tannins, flavonoid contents, proanthocyanidins, pigments chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, as well as carotenoids. Analysis of vitamin C, titratable acidity, pH value, and total sugars were also performed. Two antioxidant tests were also conducted, including DPPH and ABTS tests. Based on the results obtained, we concluded that pomegranate grown in nonprimary conditions, such as in the continental area in Serbia, had a significantly higher amount of biochemically active compounds than the pomegranate grown in the Mediterranean urban region. It was found that the content of total phenols is significantly higher in all continental pomegranate genotypes, through all three phases, implying the adaptation of this species to continental conditions. The value of these active compounds through the second and third phases of fruit ripening is especially emphasized (ME047-1.18 mg gae/g fw; CO170-8.46 mg gae/g fw). Antioxidant tests also indicate the great potential of examined fruits, especially through the first and third stages of fruit ripening, where continental samples reached a value of 99.36 mg teac/g fw, while Mediterranean ones reached 51.84 mg teac/g fw for the ABTS assay. The proanthocyanidins content was also emphasized in continental varieties where it reached a value of CO170 (12.13 mg ce/g fw) in the third stage of ripening, while in the Mediterranean varieties the maximum was reached in the ME029 genotype (4.36 mg ce/g fw). Such results indicate the importance of growing fruit species that are adapted to urban conditions and that have been proven useful when it comes to the impact on human health in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability and correlations among morphological features of eight ornamental pumpkin varieties were studied under field conditions. The variability of plant height, fruit length, fruit width, fruith weight, fruit peel thickness, length and circumference of handle grip, leaf length, leaf width, seed length, seed width, seed thickness and number of fruits per plant in the examined material was high. The highest variability was related to the fruit properties. This variability represents a good source for future breeding programs. Correlations between the traits indicated a significant influence of leaf and seed characteristics on fruit properties. Multivariate statistical analysis provided differentiation of varieties on two phenotypically different groups.

A wide range of bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standley germplasm was collected from different parts of the world. Genetic resource preservation and determination of genetic variability was carried out as a foundation for future breeding work. The germplasm diversity collected in Serbia is a result of its adaptation to diverse ecological conditions and farmers’ selection in accordance with their preference and ethnobotanical utilization. The broad intraspecific variation of the plant, fruit and seed morphology is a direct result of the research carried out. Principal component analysis (PCA) of L. siceraria with 13 quantitative traits showed continuous variation among accessions, primarily due to fruit and seed size and shape. The evident reduction in trait variation is a direct result of the preference for ornamental use that favored certain shapes and sizes of the fruit, which has not significantly changed over the centuries.

This study presents research on the chemical composition of 15 horse chestnut seed genotypes (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) conducted on three different sites. The seeds were picked from selected trees in Bačka Palanka, Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci at the end of September 2010. The statistical parameters point out the variables of the examined features of the seed. On the basis of the moisture, starch, fat and protein contents in the horse chestnut seeds, the genotypes, the reproductive material which would be used for the intensive production of the high grade seedlings for the greening of the different area categories in urban areas, are distinguished.

Sustainability of fruit production is becoming a necessity in the time of climate changes and severe environmental issues, including decreasing water availability and biodiversity loss. To overcome these difficulties in sweet cherry production, we aimed to investigate the autochthonous cherry germplasm as a source of adaptable, size-controlling and productive rootstocks. The performance of sweet cherry cultivar 'Summit' grafted on six rootstock candidates and 'Gisela 5' as a control has been assessed in semi-arid climate, in conditions without irrigation and pruning, and with minimal herbicides' application. The qualitative (anchorage, suckering, vitality), vegetative (trunk cross sectional area—TCSA, tree dimensions) and generative (potential and achieved yielding, fruit quality) characteristics were investigated. All candidates provided adequate anchorage while three candidates did not form suckers. Trees on 'Gisela 5' showed the lowest vitality. The scion TCSA in the fifth vegetation ranged from 16.7 to 47.2 cm2, while tree height, crown width and depth were up to 293, 150 and 175 cm, respectively. In sixth vegetation, the yield reached 4.1 kg. The average fruit mass in the trial of 2020–2021 was 8 g, fruit width was up to 27.5 cm, while the dry matter content reached 19%. The study showed that with the proper rootstock selection, sweet cherries could achieve satisfactory growth and yield without harming the environment and with minimal orchard's maintenance practices. Within investigated autochthonous material, candidate PC_02_01/4 induced the best performance of 'Summit' cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Morus L., mulberry, is an interesting taxonomic group on account of its existing genetic variability, functional food potential and commercial importance. Mulberry trees are found in a wide range of areas in Serbia, accounting for a large phenotypic diversity in its genetic resources. Tree and fruit characteristics of more than 300 mulberry specimens were surveyed, and 15 genotypes of Morus alba, Morus nigra and Morus rubra species were selected for further analyses. These were located at various sites in the province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The present study was undertaken to investigate the diversity of the collected material aiming to pre-select genotypes suitable for landscaping/ornamental and/or fruit production purposes. Genotypes BP 3/9, DT1, ZP3 and MR1 have semi-vigorous growth, dropping growth habits, different leaf shapes (ovate, oval, cordate) and leaf color (from light to dark green), corresponding to ornamental mulberries. In addition, the semi-vigorous genotype ZD1 with a spreading tree and interesting palmate-lobed leaves was distinguished as a unique genotype for landscaping purposes. The most vigorous annual shoot growth was detected in the ZP3 genotype (118.5 cm), followed by DT1 (108.2 cm), MR1 (101.8 cm) and ZP1 (100.5 cm) genotypes. Contrary, genotype DJ1 exhibited the lowest annual growth with only a 32.9 cm average length of the shoots. Due to the greater fruit mass (4.2–6.1 g), sweetness and acidity balance as well as chemical composition, genotypes BP 1/4, DJ1, MG, MR1, DT1 and ZP3 may be recommended for fresh consumption, while genotypes DJ1, DT1, MR1, ZD1, ZP1 and BP 3/9 could be appropriate for home processing. According to fruit chemical analyses, the most promising genotypes were MR1 and DT1 combining high soluble solids content (21.2% and 18.5%, respectively), total sugar content (17.41% and 15.20%, respectively) and ascorbic acid content (42.24 and 49.28 mg/%, respectively). Additionally, DT1 genotype was also characterized by the highest total phenolic content (221.08 mg 27 GAE/100 g fresh weight). The most ornamental genotypes from this study (BP 3/9, DT1, ZD1, ZP3 and MR1) combined with their pomological and chemical characterization can be recommended for edible gardening purposes due to both aesthetic appearance and nutritive value of the fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]