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A survey of the degree of importance consumers attach to the food safety management in accommodation facilities offering food was carried out. Consumers, that is, potential guests, without exception, attach importance to food safety comparable to the importance they attach to sensory properties of food, nutritional value of food and efficiency of service, which from the aspect of business success further emphasizes the need for transparent management of food safety in accommodation facilities offering food. With the aim of comparing the complexity, challenges and importance of food safety management in accommodation facilities that provide combined tourist accommodation and catering services depending on the type of facility, analysis of the complexity of food safety issues was performed depending on the type of facility. The obtained results suggest that the complexity of food safety management depends on the type of facility and is most pronounced in facilities such as hotels and motels. For the case of accommodation facilities with complex food offer, such as hotels, the challenges of food safety were considered through interviews with responsible staff in hotels. The challenges of managing food safety in these facilities are numerous and conditioned by various factors, starting from the diversity of the raw materials, through the compactness of the space, to the challenges related to the establishment of a traceability system. In the complex environment of food safety management in hotels, the knowledge of staff is invaluable.

Fresh fruit and vegetables contribute to almost 50% of food wasted by households in the EU. To understand the main reasons for wasteful behaviour among the consumers in Vojvodina (Serbia) cross-sectional data were collected through a self-administrated online survey of 711 correspondents. The questions presented in the study focused on the method of preserving the fruits and vegetables in domestic conditions before their consumption. Self-estimation of wasteful behaviour in the household and socio-demographic factors, including the respondents' self-estimated health status, were analysed using the correspondence analysis. The results showed that the first two dimensions explained for 95.06% of the total per cent of inertia (statistically significant at p

Although regular intake of fruits and vegetables has an essential role in a healthy diet and well-being, a majority of consumers in Serbia have a suboptimal intake of these groceries. To understand the main determinants of this unsatisfactory situation, the study tested an extended model of the theory of planned behavior intending to suggest necessary steps for improving fruits and vegetables daily intake. This theory, extended for the role of knowledge, was tested using structural equation modeling. Fit indices confirmed the utility of this extended model of the theory of planned behavior in explaining consumers' behavior as well as the mediating role of behavioral intentions. Serbia, as one of the central developing countries in the Balkans, was chosen to test the model with the possibility of applying it to other developing countries facing malnutrition. Data were collected in North Serbia, through an online survey (n=688). Despite consumers' high awareness of fruits and vegetables' beneficial health effects, the influence of consumers' knowledge only is not sufficient to trigger behavioral changes. Consumers' intentions and behavior should be influenced indirectly, by changing their attitudes and subjective norms. All custom-made activities promoting a higher fruit and vegetable intake should consider the present findings to achieve a bigger effect on behavioral changes among consumers.

Canned meat in pieces (CM) is a group of meat products widely consumed by children and consumers with special diet regimes, due to high protein and low fat content. In this study safety of these products regarding sodium chloride and nitrite contents was examined in total of 19 meat samples produced by 14 most represented meat processors on Serbian market. The statement about high protein and low fat content in CM for products from the Serbian market was confirmed. The products made from chicken meat ("Pileća prsa", protein 12.4 to 17.4 g/100 g; fat 0.92 to 3.84 g/100 g) had higher protein and lower fat content that the products made from pork ("Pizza šunka", protein 11.5 to 14.3 g/100 g; fat 4.61 to 14.4 g/100 g). In the group "Pileća prsa" 90.91% of samples had sodium chloride content below 1.5 g/100 g, while in the group "Pizza šunka", 75% of samples had sodium chloride content lower than 1.5 g/100g. Residual nitrite content in product "Pileća prsa" ranged from 0.62 to 20.7 mg/kg and in product "Pizza šunka" this content ranged from 3.27 to 19.2 mg/kg. These results indicate that all analysed samples were below the required limits of nitrite content. According to the results obtained in this study, children and consumers with special diet regimes are free to consume Serbian meat products in the type of CM considering the contents of protein and fat, as well as sodium chloride and nitrite residue.

This paper presents relationship between the rheological properties of dough and individual polymer swelling properties in wheat flour mill streams. The swelling properties were measured by applying the Solvent Retention Capacities (SRC) tests. Significant correlation coefficients were determined for certain rheological parameters. In an effort to extract additional insights from the properties measured, a multivariate analysis was used to develop relationships between the studied parameters. To determine relevant relationships among the parameters, the data exploration step by the Principal Component Analysis was performed. Then, multivariate Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models were developed, to predict certain empirical rheology parameters based on the SRC parameters. The processing of experimental data indicated the possibility of using SRC parameters for predicting rheological properties in conjunction with a suitable mathematical model. The presented approach may be useful for rapid prediction of wheat flour mill streams characteristics and for optimization of the end-flour performances.

Medicinal and aromatic plants, such as wild garlic (Allium ursinum), are valuable sources of bioactive compounds in traditional and modern medicine. However, the challenges in cultivating wild garlic and its seasonality limit its availability primarily to early spring. To maintain the quality of wild garlic, effective postharvest practices are essential, considering the delicate nature of its leaves and their susceptibility to rapid decay. This study focuses on implementing eco-friendly postharvest practices to address the seasonality and perishability of wild garlic. Optimizing storage conditions and drying processes is essential for extending its shelf life and preserving bioactive components. Two postharvest approaches were evaluated, with vacuum packaging at 4 °C demonstrating the most effective preservation of sensory attributes and bioactive composition over a 9-day period. Additionally, different drying methods, including convective and vacuum drying at various temperatures, were investigated. When the best drying temperature was selected, the results revealed that convective drying is more efficient at preserving phenolic compounds in wild garlic leaves at 60 °C. Conversely, vacuum drying shows superior preservation of alliinase activity and total thiosulfinate content at 70 °C. Furthermore, this study explores the utilization of unused wild garlic, which is typically discarded as waste during storage. By employing suitable drying methods, this material can be preserved and provide a valuable source of phenolic compounds (7.17–10.12 g GAE/100 g) and thiosulfinate (9.35–12.72 mg AC/110 g) compounds for various extraction processes. Accordingly, this research presents significant implications for the integration of wild garlic into diverse industries, particularly in the fields of food and pharmaceutical sectors. The findings offer opportunities for sustainable utilization, economic benefits, and a more environmentally friendly and economically viable approach to wild garlic production and processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of produce cannot be improved after harvest, only maintained. Postharvest handling depends on the specific conditions of production, season, method of handling, and distance to market. Under organic production, growers harvest and market their produce at or near the peak ripeness more commonly than in many conventional systems. Organic production often includes more specialty varieties whose shelf life and shipping traits are reduced or even inherently poor. Harvesting and handling techniques that minimize injury to the commodity, as well as increased care with field and packinghouse sanitation, (chlorine, ozone, calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide, acetic acid, peroxyacetic acid, vinegar, ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) during postharvest processes are vital components of a postharvest management plan for organic products. Sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and physical treatments such as heat treatments (as hot water treatment or dips, short hot water rinsing and brushing or hot air) can significantly lower the disease pressure on the harvested commodities. These sanitation practices are very easy to implement in the organic food production chain. They start in the field and continue during harvesting, sorting, packing, and transportation and continue even in the consumer’s home. All those treatments reduce rot development, provide quarantine security, and preserve fruit quality during cold storage and shelf life. In addition, the use chitosan, propolis, methyl jasmonate, essential oils, carnuba wax, biocontrol agents and modified atmosphere packaging can also reduce decay development during prolonged storage. All these treatments can be applied alone or in combination with each other in order to improve decay control after harvest and provide a healthy and safe product to the consumer. The aim of this chapter is to shed more light on the latest information on permitted treatments for organic products and on the possible mode-of-action of these treatments. This chapter summarizes technologies developed over the past five years that explore special physical treatments applied either directly, or in combination with other means to control rot development and insect infestation on fresh produce.

A patent portfolio focusing on sensors for the measurement of fruit properties was generated and analyzed with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the trends in the development and application of sensors intended for measuring fruit properties and their changes. A patent portfolio of 189 patents, utility models and patent applications was formed. Three groups of patents were identified: (i) sensor-based measurement of individual parameters, (ii) multisensor solutions for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple relevant aspects and (iii) solutions integrating sensor-derived data with artificial intelligence tools and techniques. The analysis of the patent portfolio pointed out the main driving forces of technology strengthening in the field of fruit property measurement. The development of sensing technologies enables the real-time, rapid and cost-effective determination of ever-increasing and more sophisticated sets of fruit properties and environmental conditions. Solutions integrating different sensing technologies into multisensor systems for monitoring fruit quality, ripening or freshness as holistic concepts opens avenues for the introduction of a new approach to fresh produce management. Increasing numbers of solutions introducing the application of artificial intelligence tools such as computer vision, machine learning and deep learning into the fresh produce supply chain contribute to the possibilities of substituting human decision-making at points of relevance for fresh produce management with optimal evidence-based solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced individuals' dietary choices and food-buying behavior. Present research specifically delves into the alterations in fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among consumers in Serbia during the pandemic. The study employs an extended model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), incorporating the construct of consumers' knowledge to comprehensively explore behavioral changes. Conducted in the first half of 2020, the study engaged 479 participants from Serbia, using an online questionnaire for data collection. Structural equation modelling was employed for a thorough analysis of the gathered responses. The main outcome revealed a noteworthy connection between consumers' knowledge and their attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions regarding F&V consumption. Subjective norms significantly influenced consumers' desire to increase F&V intake during and after the outbreak. These intentions aligned with actual behavior changes, indicating a shift toward higher F&V consumption. Consumer knowledge also notably shaped attitudes and behaviors regarding F&V intake. Notably, the TPB proved valuable in predicting and understanding these dietary shifts during global crises like the pandemic. These insights not only bolster healthier eating habits but also have broader implications for public health. Understanding consumer behavior dynamics during crises like COVID-19 is crucial for crafting effective strategies to promote overall human health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how genetic and climatic factors affect parameters of breadmaking quality of wheat kernel and flour starch component. Nine wheat cultivars with different combinations of HMW-GS were grown in three production years. Various rheological devices such as Falling Number (FN), Farinograph, Amylograph, Mixolab and SDmatic were used for characterization of milled wheat samples. The most results showed that climatic factors affected parameters of breadmaking quality of wheat kernel and flour starch component more than HMW-GS composition. However, some results of the bread making quality parameters that are considered to be very reliable indicators of changes in starch component of wheat in wet years, such as FN and maximum peak of viscosity by Amylograph, were dependent of HMW-GS composition.

The aim of this work was to characterize visual properties, instrumentally measured colour properties, field fungi presence and Alternaria toxins levels in wheat samples grown under conditions aimed at inhibition and stimulation of wheat infection with fungi from the Alternaria genus. Experiment was carried out on the wheat treated by fungicide and wheat inoculated by Alternaria spp., while non treated wheat was used as a control. Statistically significant difference was observed between all three treatments using visual scale. Protected wheat samples were significantly different from other samples in terms of all measured colour parameters while inoculated and control wheat samples were significantly different in terms of lightness and dominant wavelength. Identification of field fungi in the all examined wheat samples showed that the dominant mycotoxigenic fungus was Alternaria spp., followed by Fusarium spp. The content of Alternaria toxins in samples of wheat hulls and dehulled kernels point out at higher concentrations of Alternaria toxins in hulls than in dehulled kernels. [Projekat Ministarstvo nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46001 i br. III 46005]

The aim of this study was to consider the contribution of individual attributes in the sensory profile of the fresh pepper fruit using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Four traditional Serbian red pepper cultivars, grown in Leskovac area and produced by seed sowing or transplanting, were evaluated in this study. Sensory profiling was performed by the trained panel, using a generic descriptive method. ANOVA showed the importance of the many selected attributes with different levels of significance. The final list of attributes (shape, colour intensity, shininess, pericarp colour uniformity, amount of seeds at placenta, size of placenta, harshness, elasticity, odour and sweetness) that were contributed to the differentiation of the tested samples was obtained on the basis of three derived PC analysis. To establish the final attribute list, a larger set of samples should be tested in future to derive general conclusions.

The aim of this research was to compare different instrumental methods for determining the textural characteristics of cooked carrots. The changes of different texture parameters during cooking were also examined in order to find the optimal cooking time. Two previously prepared commercial carrot samples were cooked for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. Texture analysis was performed using a TA.XT Plus Texture Analyser equipped with different fixtures. The coefficient of variation values obtained for firmness determined by penetration test and texture profile analysis have shown that these tests are most suitable for determination of cooked carrot texture. Experiments should be conducted on larger number of carrot samples in order to draw general conclusions. Further research should include carrots cooked in smaller intervals (1 min) to find out the optimal cooking time. Results should be correlated with texture profile evaluated by a trained panel.

Cereals are the primary source of human diet, wheat being the third most produced grain worldwide, and in Serbia second most produced grain, just behind corn. As a result of climate change and global warming, frequent occurrences of mycobiota on steep grains can produce a negative impact on the safety of food products and their quality, which inevitably leads to large economic losses. Although Fusarium spp. remains a main source of mycotoxins contamination of wheat, in recent years, due to the evident climatic changes affecting agricultural production, other mycotoxigenic fungi have been pointed out as important wheat contaminants. Among them are the fungi of the genus Alternaria, especially A. alternata, which under favourable conditions, produces mycotoxins such as alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, tenuazonic acid, and other Alternaria toxins. Taking into account the toxicity of metabolites produced by certain species of fungi of the genus Alternaria in the system from farm to table, it is necessary to develop specific and sensitive analytical methods in order to implement systematic controls of occurrence of Alternaria toxins. Liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the technique of choice for the detection and quantification of Alternaria toxins in food and feed. There are several limiting factors such as the efficiency of sample cleanup and the lack of reference materials for food and feed. The aim of this study was to choose the most suitable preparation method for the determination of Alternaria toxins from wheat samples by LC-MS/MS technique based on published sample preparation methods, with possible modifications, which are used in analysis of mycotoxins. Modified method of wheat samples preparation by extraction with ethyl acetate was selected as acceptable based on extraction efficiency of analytes of interest.

The objective of this study was to investigate the application of different instrumental methods for measuring the hardness of fresh and cooked parsnip. Research was carried out on two previously prepared commercial parsnip samples, both fresh and cooked for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. Hardness was measured using a TA. XTPlus Texture Analyzer, equipped with different fixtures and load cells. Penetration test was performed on the parsnip discs, while the instrument was equipped with a 5 kg load cell and a 2 mm diameter stainless steel flat cylinder probe. Shearing test was conducted on the whole parsnip roots with a 30 kg load cell and Warner-Bratzler (WB) flat knife blade. The obtained values of the coefficients of variation for both methods indicated that these methods are more suitable for measuring the hardness of fresh parsnip. The results of analysis of variance showed that penetration test generally expressed better differentiation between the samples A and B. The greatest change of firmness during cooking was observed after the first 5 minutes, as measured by both methods. Parsnip firmness progressively decreased with increasing cooking time, with less pronounced differences between the cooking times obtained by shearing test. Further experiments should include more representative parsnip samples and more repetitions within the sample in order to make general conclusions. All results should be verified with sensory evaluation of parsnip hardness by an expert panel or a panel of trained assessors.

The change of paprika surface colour during three years of storage was monitored by measuring CIEL*a*b* colour parameters once a year. Ten commercial and three branded paprika samples, originating from Hungary, Austria and Serbia, were stored in original packaging at ambient temperature in dark during the storage period. The colour of paprika powder was measured by Chroma Meter CR-400 (Konica Minolta, Japan), using attachment for granular materials CR-A50. Directly measured colour parameters were CIE L* (lightness), a* (+a* = redness, -a* = greenness), b* (+b* = yellowness, -b* = blueness) and dominant wavelength (DWL), while derived colour parameters were chroma (C*), hue angle (h°), and total colour change (ΔE). Paprika samples had similar granulation, and therefore it was concluded that it did not influence the colour reflection. The change of reflected colour of paprika powder during storage can be characterized by increase of CIE L* and b* colour values and decrease of a* colour value. Therefore, chroma values remained almost unchanged, while hue angle showed shift in spectrum from red-orange to orange-yellow, similarly to dominant wavelength. The paprika samples changed their colour most rapidly during the first year of storage, except the branded paprika from Serbia. Commercial paprika samples from Serbian market changed their colour more rapidly comparing to other investigated samples.

Data on protein fractions proportion obtained with RP-HPLC and technological quality parameters for 29 wheat cultivars grown in Serbia and Croatia were used for studying of interrelations among wheat protein fractions with different solubility and molecular weight properties by multivariate (PCA) analysis. Obtained trends were used as the base for investigations related to differentiation of technological quality among wheat cultivars with different combination of protein fractions compositions using univariate statistics (ANOVA followed by Duncan’s test) in order to draw out information about interrelations between protein fractions proportion in wheat cultivars and their technological quality. Analysis based on first four PCA factors (89.04% of variability) pointed out at interdependences between: (1) high content of albumins and globulins, low gliadins content and gliadins/glutenins ratio, high ω-gliadins, LMW glutenins and low α- gliadins share in total protein with low water absorption, high energy and high resistance to extensibility ratio, (2) high albumin and globulin content and high proportion of ω-gliadins in total protein and low extensigraph extensibility, (3) high share of high molecular weight glutenins (HMW-GS) in total proteins, high extensigraph resistance/extensibility ratio and (4) high γ-gliadins share in total protein and low extensigraph resistance/extensibility ratio. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31007]

In this study, a total of 78 maize samples harvested during September and October 2012 in Vojvodina were analyzed. Presence of aflatoxins (AFs) was deter­mined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Among the 78 analyzed maize samples, even 44 (56.4%) samples were contaminated with AFs. Concentration interval between 1-10 μg/kg, 10-50 μg/kg and 50-80 μg/kg were found in 23.1%, 17.9% and 15.4% of analyzed maize samples, respectively. It was supposed that prolonged drought during spring and summer of 2012 had a great influence on high contamination frequency and concentration of AFs. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46001]

Data on the occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in maize from Serbia and Europe are very limited. In this study a total of 50 maize samples harvested during September and October 2012 in Serbia were analyzed. Presence of T-2/HT-2 toxins was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Among the 50 analyzed maize samples even 26 (52.0%) samples were contaminated with T-2/HT-2 toxins. Concentration interval between 25-60 μg/kg and 60-200 μg/kg were found in 46.0% and 6.0% of analyzed maize samples, respectively. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46001]

The influence of post-harvest ripening conditions of pepper Aleva NK picked in red maturity stage on the composition of volatiles in spice paprika was investigated by GCMS. The post-harvest ripening in the dark and under daylight was conducted under semicontrolled conditions for two weeks. The obtained chromatograms indicated that the aroma of investigated spice paprika consisted of a large number of volatile compounds regardless of the application and conditions of the post-harvest ripening. The main volatiles of the analyzed paprika samples were fatty acids and their esters, terpenes and terpenoides and aldehydes and ketones. The share of fatty acids and their esters decreased during the post-harvest ripening, and the ripening in the dark favored the decrease. The share of terpenes and terpenoides and the share of aldehydes and ketones in the total volatiles increased during the post-harvest ripening. The post-harvest ripening in the dark favored the increase of the share of terpenes and terpenoides, while the ripening under daylight favored the increase of the share of aldehydes and ketones. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46001]

Polymeric wheat endosperm proteins, especially the high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), are probably the most interesting protein fraction giving the essential information about bread-making quality of wheat flour. A relatively new method that shows a great potential for a fast, reliable and automatable analysis of protein purity, sizing and quantification is microfluidic or Lab-on-a-Chip (LoaC) capillary electrophoresis. This work was aimed to explore the possibilities of implementation of LoaC method to analysis of protein samples isolated from a Serbian common wheat variety, emphasizing the steps that might bring uncertainties and affect reproducibility of obtained glutenin subunits quantitation results. A good resolution of protein bands in a molecular weight range of 14.0 to 220.0 kDa was achieved. The reproducibility of HMW-GS sizing and quantitation were good, with the average coefficient of variation values of 1.2% and 12.2%. The ratio of HMW-GS to low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) was about 20%. The investigation ruled out influences of the extract solution addition and the buffer addition steps of the applied method, as well as the individual chip influence on GS quantitation results. However, there was statistically significant difference between HMW-GS quantitation results of multi-step and one-step extraction procedures applied prior to glutenin subunits extraction step.

The aim of this study was to examine the sensory properties of dietary cookies produced with addition of different dietary fiber sources (inulin and ligofructose, oat flakes, mixture of oat flakes and wholemeal flour, wholemeal flour and mixture of wholemeal flour and carob flour), and to measure instrumentally color changes of cookies upper and lower surfaces, after storage at temperatures of 18-20°C for 180 days. Addition of inulin and oligfructose was determined to be the fiber source with the highest impact on sensory properties. Storage for 180 days expressed the highest influence on texture properties of dietary cookies regardless of applied dietary fiber source. Color differences calculated from measured color properties (psychometric light, L*, psychometric tone, a*, and psychometric chrome, b*) between products including different fiber sources were noticeable to extremely noticeable among products, with the most expressed difference registered for products containing carob flour.

This work presents examination of damaged starch content expressed by different parameters, which were obtained by iodometric method presented by the Chopin Company using their SD matic instrument on wheat flour samples. Two wheat samples were similar by protein level (14.6 and 14.2% on dry basis matter) and different by Falling number values (409 and 121 s). Wheat flours were gained by single-stage and two-stage extraction in laboratory milling system. Eight independent measurements of every wheat flour sample were statistically analyzed by method of variance. It was found that Chopin iodometric method shows that damaged starch content expressed by different parameters is related to Falling number value and damage caused by the pressure and shear forces generated during roller milling.

The results of the technological quality evaluation of wheat from harvests 2008 and 2010 were compared. Different climate conditions preceded the harvest in these two years. In 2008 in the region of Vojvodina June was characterized with higher temperatures and sum of rainfall under the multiannual average for this month. By the middle of June air temperatures further increased, and by the end of the month values of achieved temperatures were much higher than average. During the third decade of June air temperatures mainly ranged from 30 to 35°C. During May 2010 the amount of precipitation was twice above average. Rainy weather conditions remained during June with the number of rainy days three to four times higher than commonly. Therefore, wheat harvest delayed and in most localities it started in July. Differences in climate conditions resulted in very different technological quality of wheat. The main characteristic of wheat crop 2008 were reduced quality of proteins and modified quality starch component due to exposure to heat stress. The main characteristics were low and varying values of flour and dough quality parameters: Extensograph energy, Alveograph W and Amylograph peak viscosity. From raw materials of such quality bread of appropriate quality level could be produced only when special purpose additives were applied. Wheat crop 2010 was characterized by altered quality of the carbohydrate component due to extremely increased rainfall which resulted in increased content of sprouted kernels. Dough rheological properties in the case of wheat crop 2010 pointed at stable values of Farinograph parameters with quality at the level of B1 quality group. Extensograph energy, depending on the production region, varied from impossibility of determination to maximal 60 cm2. Average Extensograph ration number was under the lower limit for successful processing in bakery products. Values of Amylograph peak value are extremely varying in dependence of production region, average value is lower than optimal and related to increased amylolitic activity caused by presence of sprouted kernels. Both wheat harvests were of very uneven trade and technological quality in all wheat-growing regions of Vojvodina. Also, both crops were characterized by low values of Falling number, amylograph maximum viscosity and extensograph energy. In spite of reasonable expectations these values did not result in deterioration of wheat technological quality.

Climatic conditions prior to wheat harvest 2010 were favorable for the development of field molds. The most important wheat contamination that should be determined is the presence and frequency of grain lots infected with Fusarium. This paper presents the results of content of fusarious kernels found in samples collected from all wheat growing regions of Serbia. Investigations were performed according to the regulations which foresee sensory determination of content of infected kernels. Determined average content of fusarious kernels was 6.01%, varying in range from 0% to 29.65 %. The obtained results, which exceeded the upper limits of permitted contents defined by national and EU regulations, pointed to the need for investigation of presence of Fusarium metabolic products, i.e. mycotoxins (zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxinivalenol (DON)) in wheat. Mycotoxin content was determined in average wheat samples and in wheat samples with increased content of fusarious kernels. Direct enzymatic immunoaffinity test (ELISA) was applied for determination of mycotoxin content. Although high content of fusarious kernels characterizes wheat crop in 2010, the determined quantities of two investigated mycotoxins did not exceed maximal permitted content. Consequences of unfavorable quantity and structure of total impurities in wheat crop in 2010 reflect decreased commercial and technological quality of wheat and point out to the need of necessary wheat safety control.

Effects of treatment with triazole fungicide were evaluated on 14 wheat genotypes with respect to mycotoxin (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol), yield, 1000 kernel weight and hectoliter weight. Mycopopulation of seed samples was also determined. According to the results, fungicide treatment can reduce the level of mycotoxins in seed samples in order to improve the quality parameters and reduce the level of fungal contamination.