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Epigenetic modifications play a vital role in the preservation of genome integrity and in the regulation of gene expression. DNA methylation, one of the key mechanisms of epigenetic control, impacts growth, development, stress response and adaptability of all organisms, including plants. The detection of DNA methylation marks is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes and for developing strategies to improve productivity and stress resistance of crop plants. There are different methods for detecting plant DNA methylation, such as bisulfite sequencing, methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, MS and immuno-based techniques. These profiling approaches vary in many aspects, including DNA input, resolution, genomic region coverage, and bioinformatics analysis. Selecting an appropriate methylation screening approach requires an understanding of all these techniques. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation profiling methods in crop plants, along with comparisons of the efficacy of these techniques between model and crop plants. The strengths and limitations of each methodological approach are outlined, and the importance of considering both technical and biological factors are highlighted. Additionally, methods for modulating DNA methylation in model and crop species are presented. Overall, this review will assist scientists in making informed decisions when selecting an appropriate DNA methylation profiling method.

Environmental stresses such as drought, cold and heat in Pannonia Basin significantly endanger the cell activity, plant growth and yields in wheat, which is one of the most strategic cereal grain crops in the world. As science and technology advance, new tools are developed while old ones are refined for use by breeders. Higher agronomical efficiency is possible by combining new and old tools to bridge the abiotic stress issues. Five cultivars of winter wheat (Simonida, Petrija, Ljubica, Zvezdana and NS Mila), were used in the study carried out at our experimental field (Novi Sad as a center of Pannonia Basin) across three consecutive growing seasons to assess genetic interaction and the level of tolerance and adaptability of different cultivars to abiotic stresses like drought conditions, cold and heat. Four quantitative yield components and grain yield were analized to assess expression of adapted genotypes in the region. Among the cultivars, Simonida, which has been in use for the longest period, exhibited the most consistent yield response. Additionally, it demonstrated some degree of partial tolerance to abiotic stress conditions, possibly due to the integration of stress memory into its genetic code, supported by statistical analysis findings., Stres izazvan ekološkim činiocima kao što su suša, niske i visoke temperature u Panonskom basenu značajno ugrožavaju ćelijsku aktivnost, rast biljaka i prinos pšenice, koja predstavlja jednu od najvažnijih strateških žitarica u svetu. Kako nauka i tehnologija napreduju, novi alati se razvijaju, dok se stari usavršavaju i stoje na raspolaganju oplemenjivačima. Ipak, postizanje veće agronomske efikasnosti je moguće ako se napravi zajednička veza između njih, kako bi se premostili problemi nastali pod uticajem abiotičkog stresa. U ovom istraživanju, koje je sprovedeno na našem oglednom polju (Novi Sad kao centar Panonskog basena), je korišćeno pet sorti ozime pšenice (Simonida, Petrija, Ljubica, Zvezdana i NS Mila), u tri uzastopne vegetacione sezone, kako bi se procenila genetička interakcija i nivo tolerancije i prilagodljivosti različitih sorti pšenice na abiotičke stresove kao što su suša, niske i visoke temperature. Prinos i četiri kvantitativne komponente prinosa su analizirane kako bi se procenila ekspresija prilagođenih genotipova u ovom regionu. Rezultati statističke obrade podataka su potvrdili da sorta koja je najduže u upotrebi, Simonida, ima najkonzistentniju reakciju na prinos, i da poseduje određeni stepen delimične tolerancije na uslove abiotičkog stresa, koju je ugradila preko stres memorije u svoj genetički kod.

Klimatske promene značajno utiču na gajene kulture, smanjujući stabilnost prinosa i kvalitet semena. Adaptabilnost suncokreta na promenu klime ima ključnu ulogu u perspektivi gajenja ove kulture u Evropi. Prilagođavenjem besplatne agrotehničke mere kao što je datum setve suncokreta, poljoprivrednici mogu povećati prinose. Cilj istraživanja je da analizira i proceni kako različiti genotipovi reaguju na različite datume setve u uslovima promenjene klime, te da identifikuje najpovoljnije uslove za maksimalne prinose semena, ulja, kvalitet proizvedenog semena i morfološke osobine. Istraživanje je sprovedeno od 2020. do 2022. godine na oglednim poljima Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo Novi Sad. Ogled se sastojao od tri izolacije u četiri ponavljanja sa šest genotipova, kao simulacija semenske proizvodnje osnovne kategorije semena i setrifikovane kategorije semena I generacije. Svi genotipovi su posejani u četiri različita datuma setve sa razmakom od dve nedelje između datuma. Analizom rezultata može se primetiti da datum setve, genotip i njihova interakcija značajno utiču na variranje ispitivanih osobina. Utvrđeno je da povećanje prinosa semena prati povećanje kvaliteta proizvedenog semena u svim datumima setve. Korelacijama je utvrđeno da, smanjenje padavina u fazi nalivanja semena utiče na smanjenje prinosa semena i ulja. Primećeno je da visoke temperature od nicanja do butonizacije imaju negativan uticaj na prinos semena, ali povećavaju visinu biljke, energiju klijanja i klijavost proizvedenog semena. Visoke temperature tokom cvetanja negativno utiču na energiju klijanja i klijavost proizvedenog semena, ali pozitivno na prečnik glave. Prilagođavanje datuma setve može biti pouzdan alat za odgovor na buduće klimatske promene. Pomeranje optimalnih datuma setve (sredina aprila) na kasniji period (početak ili sredina maja) može smanjiti stresne uslove tokom oplodnje i nalivanja semena, rezultirajući većim prinosima i boljim kvalitetom proizvedenog semena, što je cilj s, Climate change has a significant impact on cultivated crops, reducing yield stability and seed quality. The adaptability of sunflower to climate change plays a key role in the perspective of growing this crop in Europe. By adjusting a free agrotechnical measure such as the sunflower sowing date, farmers can increase yields. The goal of the research is to analyze and evaluate how different genotypes react to different sowing dates in conditions of a changed climate, and to identify the most favorable conditions for maximum yields of seeds, oil, quality of produced seeds and morphological characteristics. The research was conducted from 2020 to 2022 on the experimental fields of Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The experiment consisted of three isolations in four replications with six genotypes, as a simulation of seed production of the basic seed category and the certified seed category of the first generation. All genotypes were sown on four different sowing dates with a two-week interval between dates. Analyzing the results, it can be observed that the date of sowing, the genotype and their interaction significantly affect the variation of the tested traits. It was found that the increase in seed yield is accompanied by an increase in the quality of the produced seed on all sowing dates. Through correlations, it was determined that the decrease in precipitation during the seed-filling phase affects the decrease in seed and oil yields. It was observed that high temperatures from germination to budding have a negative effect on seed yield, but increase plant height, germination energy and germination of the seeds produced. High temperatures during flowering have a negative effect on the energy of germination and germination of the seeds produced, but a positive effect on the diameter of the head. Adjusting sowing dates can be a reliable tool to respond to future climate change. Shifting the optimal sowing dates (mid-April) to a later period (early

Cilj ovog rada je bio da se u datim agroekološkim uslovima ispitaju dinamika nakupljanja suve materije u zrnu i visina prinosa u zavisnosti od hibrida kukuruza različite dužine vegetacije. Ogled je postavljen po RCB dizajnu sa 12 hibrida, u četiri ponavljanja, na oglednom polju Rimski Šančevi, Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo. Praćenje dinamike nakupljanja suve materije u zrnu je vršeno u periodu od svilanja do fiziološke zrelosti, na svaka tri dana, za svaki hibrid. Prikupljeni podaci o dinamici suve materije u zrnu su analizirani u programu SegReg. Na osnovu vremenske analize, kod svih hibrida je nakupljanje suve materije pratilo linearni trend do maksimuma tj. prelomne tačke, od koje se sadržaj suve materije nije menjao. Kod najranijeg hibrida (NS-1) je maksimalni sadržaj suve materije (0.255g) postignut 39 dana nakon svilanja (DNS), dok je kod najkasnijeg hibrida (NS-12) maksimalni sadržaj suve materije iznosio 0.249g i postignut je 42 DNS., The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of dry matter accumulation in the grains of maize hybrids of different maturity groups and their yield in the provided agroecological conditions. The trial was organised as a RCB design, with 12 hybrids in four replications, and was conducted at the Rimski Šančevi experimental field of Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad (IFVCNS). The progression of dry matter accumulation in the grain was monitored in the period from silking to physiological maturity, at three-day intervals, for each hybrid. Collected data were analyzed in the SegReg program. The dry matter accumulation followed a linear trend until the breaking point (linear plateu regression), from which its content remained stable. The earliest hybrid (NS-1) achieved the maximum dry matter content (0.255g) at 39 days after silking (DAS), while the latest hybrid (NS-12) reached its maximum dry matter content (0.249g) at 42 DAS.

Ugljenasta trulež prouzrokovana gljivom Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, predstavlja jednu od ekonomski značajnih bolesti suncokreta u svetu, posebno u suvim i toplim klimatskim regionima. Ovo istraživanje imalo je za cilj ispitivanje mehanizama nasleđivanja otpornosti na M. phaseolina analizom dve populacije suncokreta. Obe populacije su formirane ukrštanjem otpornih i osetljivih inbred linija. Osetljiva inbred linija, AB OR8, bila je zajednička za obe populacije, dok je otporni roditelj u prvoj populaciji bila inbred linija PB 21, a u drugoj populaciji inbred linija VL A8. Prva populacija obuhvatala je 200 genotipova, a druga po pulacija 190. Genotipovi su klasifikovani u četiri grupe prema nivou otpornosti, a odnos ovih grupa je upoređen sa teorijskim očekivanim odnosima., Charcoal rot, caused by soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, stands out as a significant sunflower disease globally, particularly in arid and warm climatic regions, with notable economic implications. This study aimed to examine the inheritance mechanisms of resistance to M. phaseolina by investigating two sunflower populations. In this experiment, the progeny populations of F2 plants were examined. Both populations were formed through the strategic crossing of resistant and susceptible inbred lines. The susceptible inbred line AB OR 8, was common to both populations, while the resistant parent in the first population was inbred line PB 21, and in the second population inbred line VL A 8. The first population included 200 genotypes, and the second 190. Genotypes were classified in four groups according to resistance level and ratio of these groups was compared with theoretical expectations of progeny ratio.

Climate change projections for the 21st century pose great threats to semi-arid regions, impacting seed production and the quality of sunflowers. Crop yields are negatively affected by climate variability, especially in the event of droughts during the crucial growth stages. Understanding the relationships between agrometeorological, genetic, and agronomic factors is crucial for maintaining crop sustainability. Optimal sowing dates are an essential condition for maximizing crop genetic potential, but challenges come from annual weather variations. This study analyzes how sunflower genotypes respond to different sowing dates under climate change and focuses on the conditions for obtaining maximum seed yields and favorable agronomic traits. From 2020 to 2022, the experiment featured six genotypes sown across four different dates at two-week intervals, simulating seed sunflower production. The results obtained by ANOVA indicated that the seed yield and oil yield were significantly affected by the sowing date, the genotype, and their interaction, with coefficients of variation ranging from 7.6% for oil yield to 41.1% for seed yield. Besides seed yield and oil yield, LDA biplot and Discriminant Functions confirmed that seed germination energy also played a significant role in separating genotypes into clusters. A Visual Mixed Model showed that shifting the optimal sowing date (mid-April) to early May allows a reduction in the number of days the plants spend in critical growth stages, thereby escaping stressful conditions during pollination and seed filling. The findings resulted, on average, in increased yields and improved seed quality, which are the primary goals of seed production, but not in increased 1000-seed weight. Notably, high temperatures during the critical sunflower growth stages negatively affected the measured parameters of seed production. The increased precipitation during seed filling boosted the 1000-seed mass and seed yield. Extended flowering reduced

The goal of this research is to test breeding material of different geographical origin, and material that is adapted to different agro-climatic regions. This research examines how different wheat genotypes behave in the climatic conditions of the Pannonian Plain, where environmental stress occur more and more frequently. Fifteen divergent wheat genotypes were evaluated for grain yield, heading time and yield components (spike length, grain weight per spike and plant height) across seasons 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. By applying the ANOVA model, significant differences between tested traits were recorded among the analyzed genotypes. Among the genotypes there was a variability that ranged widely for all tested traits. The coefficient of variation ranged from 5.48% for plant height to 41.03% for grain weight per spike. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between grain yield and grain weight per spike (r = 0.87), as well as between plant height and heading time (r = 0.65). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also applied in order to determine the differences between wheat genotypes. This yield marker study, which was carried out in the Western Balkans, could be very valuable in providing breeders with the information they need to evaluate their breeding programs.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress factors that limit the productivity of crops, including wheat, in many regions of the world. Therefore, the priority in wheat breeding, to ensure global food security, is developing varieties that are adapted to saline environments. In situ, evaluation of wheat genotypes can provide valuable information on the performance of different genotypes under natural saline conditions and can help to identify the most salt-tolerant genotypes. To ensure an accurate evaluation of the performance of twenty-seven wheat genotypes under different environments, the trial was conducted on two different soil types (solonetz and chernozem) in two growing seasons. AMMI analysis shows that the environmental factor had the largest share (55.15%) in the variation of grain yield, where soil type had a dominant effect. Genotypes Renesansa, Harmonija, and Bankut 1205 achieved a high grain yield on both soil types. However, among the mentioned genotypes, the genotype Harmonija showed the highest tolerance to salinity. A significant proportion of the genotype and environment interaction (GEI; 25.89%) shows that there is a change in the ranking of genotypes across environments. According to the AMMI1 biplot, the genotypes Renesansa and Harmonija were distinguished by high grain yield and high stability. The environment Chernozem 2015/2016 had the greatest contribution to the GEI and the highest grain yield, while Solonetz 2017/2018 was characterized by the highest stability and the lowest grain yield. According to the AMMI2 biplot, genotype Harmonija achieved high stability in unfavourable environmental conditions that characterized the environment Solonetz 2017/2018., Zaslanjenost spada u najvažnije faktore abiotičkog stresa koji ograničavaju produktivnost useva, uključujući pšenicu, u mnogim regionima sveta. Stoga je razvoj sorti pšenice koje su prilagođene uslovima zaslanjenosti prioritet za globalnu sigurnost hrane. Procena genotipova u realnim uslovima – in situ može pružiti odgovarajuće informacije o performansama različitih genotipova u realnim uslovima i pomoći u identifikaciji tolerantnih genotipova na salinitet. Da bi se obezbedila tačna procena, dvadeset sedam genotipova pšenice ispitivano je u različitim agroekološkim sredinama. Ogled je zasnovan na dva različita tipa zemljišta (solonjec i černozem) tokom dve vegetacione sezone. AMMI analiza pokazuje da je faktor spoljašnje sredine imao najveće učešće (55,15%) u varijaciji prinosa zrna, gde je dominantan uticaj imao tip zemljišta. Genotipovi Renesansa, Harmonija i Bankut 1205, ostvarili su visok prinos zrna na oba tipa zemljišta. Među navedenim genotipovima najveću toleranciju na salinitet ispoljio je genotip Harmonija. Značajan udeo interakcije genotipa i sredine (GEI; 25,89%) u ukupnom variranju pokazuje da postoji promena u rangiranju genotipova u različitim sredinama. Prema AMMI1 biplotu, genotipovi Renesansa i Harmonija su se odlikovali visokim prinosom zrna i visokom stabilnošću. U agroekološkoj sredini Černozem 2015/2016, koja je imala najveći doprinos interakciji, postignut je najveći prinos zrna, dok je u agroekološkoj sredini Solonjec 2017/2018 ostvarena najveća stabilnost, ali i najniži prinos zrna. Prema AMMI2 biplotu, genotip Harmonija je postigao visoku stabilnost u nepovoljnim uslovima sredine Solonjec 2017/2018.

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

Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to their role in crop adaptation to rapid climate change, it is unclear which epigenetic changes are heritable and therefore transmitted to their progeny. The identification of epigenetic marks that are transmitted to the next generations is of primary importance for their use in breeding and for the development of new cultivars with a broad-spectrum of tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we discuss general aspects of plant responses to environmental stresses and provide an overview of recent findings on the role of transgenerational epigenetic modifications in crops. In addition, we take the opportunity to describe the aims of EPI-CATCH, an international COST action consortium composed by researchers from 28 countries. The aim of this COST action launched in 2020 is: (1) to define standardized pipelines and methods used in the study of epigenetic mechanisms in plants, (2) update, share, and exchange findings in epigenetic responses to environmental stresses in plants, (3) develop new concepts and frontiers in plant epigenetics and epigenomics, (4) enhance dissemination, communication, and transfer of knowledge in plant epigenetics and epigenomics.

Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to their role in crop adaptation to rapid climate change, it is unclear which epigenetic changes are heritable and therefore transmitted to their progeny. The identification of epigenetic marks that are transmitted to the next generations is of primary importance for their use in breeding and for the development of new cultivars with a broad-spectrum of tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we discuss general aspects of plant responses to environmental stresses and provide an overview of recent findings on the role of transgenerational epigenetic modifications in crops. In addition, we take the opportunity to describe the aims of EPI-CATCH, an international COST action consortium composed by researchers from 28 countries. The aim of this COST action launched in 2020 is: (1) to define standardized pipelines and methods used in the study of epigenetic mechanisms in plants, (2) update, share, and exchange findings in epigenetic responses to environmental stresses in plants, (3) develop new concepts and frontiers in plant epigenetics and epigenomics, (4) enhance dissemination, communication, and transfer of knowledge in plant epigenetics and epigenomics

Epigenetics has emerged as an important research field for crop improvement under the on-going climatic changes. Heritable epigenetic changes can arise independently of DNA sequence alterations and have been associated with altered gene expression and transmitted phenotypic variation. By modulating plant development and physiological responses to environmental conditions, epigenetic diversity—naturally, genetically, chemically, or environmentally induced—can help optimise crop traits in an era challenged by global climate change. Beyond DNA sequence variation, the epigenetic modifications may contribute to breeding by providing useful markers and allowing the use of epigenome diversity to predict plant performance and increase final crop production. Given the difficulties in transferring the knowledge of the epigenetic mechanisms from model plants to crops, various strategies have emerged. Among those strategies are modelling frameworks dedicated to predicting epigenetically controlled-adaptive traits, the use of epigenetics for in vitro regeneration to accelerate crop breeding, and changes of specific epigenetic marks that modulate gene expression of traits of interest. The key challenge that agriculture faces in the 21st century is to increase crop production by speeding up the breeding of resilient crop species. Therefore, epigenetics provides fundamental molecular information with potential direct applications in crop enhancement, tolerance, and adaptation within the context of climate change.

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid is important pathogen of sunflower and other crops. the pathogen causes charcoal rot, disease named by charcoal coloration of infected tissues. Symptoms of diseases can vary significantly and generally appear in later development stages. Reliable disease evaluation is necessary to obtain valid information about sunflower susceptibility. Introduction of artificial inoculation of host plant is helpful for genotypes comparison. The first objective of this study was to compare two inoculation methods of sunflower with M. phaseolina and spontaneous disease occurrence. Second objective is selection of sunflower inbred lines that could be source of resistance to charcoal rot. Set of 79 sunflower inbred lines from breeding program of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad Serbia was included in research. Inbred lines were inoculated using two methods: toothpick method and Unwounded Stem Base Inoculation method (USBI). Besides two inoculation methods, inbred lines were also grown in natural conditions without artificial inoculation.

Agricultural production especially seed production, is highly important due to the fact that 95% of food is produced from plants that reproduce with seeds. For successful seed production, it is necessary to use certified seed with high germination. Seed size is one of the components of seed quality, which has a high effect on seed germination. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of seed size, obtained during seed processing, originating from the same location, on the germination of seeds of sunflower inbred lines and to assess the influence of substrate on seed germination. The study included larger and smaller seed size fractions of nine inbred lines of sunflower on three different substrates (filter paper, sand and soil substrate). The seed material for this research was produced in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results indicate that germination depended on the seed size, but also statistical analysis determined highly significant influence of substrate and genotype and their interaction. It was also found that larger seeds achieved a higher germination rate by 2% than smaller seeds, regardless the substrate and inbred line, and the difference was statistically significant. Therefore, it is recommended to sow larger seeds and achieve better seed germination which directly affects the number of plants per unit area.

As plant breeding is a very complex and sophisticated process, it is of paramount importance to understand the nature and magnitude of interdependence between specific plant features. Using PCA and correlation analysis, this study examined the variability in features of two types of inbred sunflower lines and determined its connection with their seed yields. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with four replications in Rimski Šančevi (the experimental field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad) in 2018 and 2019. It examined a total of nine inbred sunflower lines created at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The results obtained suggest a high degree of variability in the examined traits of inbred sunflower lines considered, whereas the significance indicated by the F test was confirmed by the Duncan test performed. A high degree of variability was also found between the different types of inbred lines considered. A positive correlation was found between all four traits observed in the inbred sunflower lines considered, with different levels of significance. A statistically significant positive increase in the head diameter was followed by an increase in the weight of 1000 seeds, which generated a higher seed yield per unit area. According to the arrangement of different types of inbred lines considered on the PCA biplot, it can be concluded that the linoleic inbred lines G7L and G8L had the highest average values of the 1000-seed weight, head diameter and seed yield throughout the course of both experimental years. The useful data obtained by PCA analysis can facilitate successful selection programs aimed at developing sunflower genotypes that possess high stability and seed yields.

The purpose of this research is to examine the variability in yields and yield components of wheat cultivars in Northern Serbia, examine and visualize their groupings and relationships, and determine the correlations between their traits using principal components analysis (PCA). A total of fifteen wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.), developed in 10 different countries over a period exceeding 70 years, were analyzed during the growing seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 at Rimski šančevi, the experimental station of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. A phenotypic analysis was performed for the following wheat traits: spike weight, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, thousand grain weight, and grain yield. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, an analysis of variance, a correlation analysis for interactions between the traits considered, and PCA. The results obtained indicate significant differences between the genotypes according to all the traits examined. The correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between the yields produced and nearly all yield components. The PCA confirmed the relationship between the traits examined, grouped the genotypes according to their performance, and highlighted the genotypes eligible for future breeding and research

Through choosing bread wheat genotypes that can be cultivated in less productive areas, one can increase the economic worth of those lands, and increase the area under cultivation for this strategic crop. As a result, more food sources will be available for the growing global population. The phenotypic variation of ear mass and grain mass per ear, as well as the genotype × environment interaction, were studied in 11 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and 1 triticale (Triticosecale W.) cultivar grown under soil salinity stress (3S) during three vegetation seasons. The results of the experiment set on the control variant (solonetz) were compared to the results obtained from soil reclaimed by phosphogypsum in the amount of 25 t × ha−1 and 50 t × ha−1. Using the AMMI analysis of variance, there was found to be a statistically significant influence of additive and nonadditive sources of variation on the phenotypic variation of the analyzed traits. Although the local landrace Banatka and the old variety Bankut 1205 did not have high enough genetic capacity to exhibit high values of ear mass, they were well-adapted to 3S. The highest average values of grain mass per ear and the lowest average values of the coefficient of variation were obtained in all test variants under microclimatic condition B. On soil reclaimed by 25 t × ha−1 and 50 t × ha−1 of phosphogypsum, in microclimate C, the genotypes showed the highest stability. The most stable genotypes were Rapsodija and Renesansa. Under 3S, genotype Simonida produced one of the most stable reactions for grain mass per ear.

This research was conducted on Rimski Šančevi at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia. Fifteen divergent wheat genotypes different in their morphological and physiological characteristics as well as to originate from different parts of the world were selected. For wheat breeding to be successful it is necessary to know the interrelationship of a large number of components which together affect the yield height and quality. Grain yield and its components (spike length, plant height, grain weight per spike, and heading time) were analyzed. For the data obtained from the experiment, the following parameters were calculated: mean, minimum, maximum value, coefficient of variation and standard deviation. Also, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation coefficient and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were calculated. By applying the ANOVA model, it was found that among analyzed genotypes significant differences between tested traits were recorded. The coefficient of variation ranged from 5.02% to 30.85%. Correlation analysis showed that a strong positive relationship occurred between grain yield and grain mass per spike (r = 0.815), as well as between plant height and heading time (r = 0.665). A negative correlation occurred between heading time and yield (r = - 0.650) and grain weight per spike and heading time (r = - 0.549). Genotypes Apache, Pobeda and Acciaio achieved the highest results which were confirmed by Principal Component Analysis. By analyzing the obtained final results, it was concluded that between genotypes there was a variability that ranged widely for all tested traits.

The permanent need for efficient plant breeding comes from the increment of human population, which is projected to reach 9.7 million by 2050. Novel approaches could be used to reach these goals more rapidly, raising the question of efficiency, as well. Spike length is one of the important components of grain yield formation in wheat. The influence of individual plan traits is getting more important to grain yield formation per area unit in stressful growing conditions, which are increasingly present due to global climate changes. The objectives of the present research were three-fold: (i) to determine the influence of a genotype, environment and their interaction on spike length and to evaluate stability of the trait; (ii) to present cause-causing links on a graphical example; (iii) to transform a number of possibly correlated variables into a smaller number of uncorrelated variables called principal components. Samples were obtained from 96 winter wheat cultivars grown in 2011/12 and 2012/13 on two locations. The wheat genotype population was profiled with 28 microsatellites. The ANOVA of the total phenotypic variation of the experiment shows that genotypes took the largest portion, followed by the influence of the GE interaction. Additional analysis of the GE interaction using the PCA analysis shows a statistical significance of the first two main components. In the conducted research, the dispersion of the points represents two subpopulations, but the geographical origin could not explain the grouping of genotypes within the same, so the division into two groups was done on the basis of their lines of descent.