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The genus Allium belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and represent the biggest genus of monocotyledonous plants. The genus includes a large number (over 1000) of species that are widely used as vegetables, spices, medicinal and ornamental plants. Regardless of the variety of species, their use and cultivation are mainly of a local character, except in the case of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.), which are globally known and have a use in the diet all over the world. In addition to onions and garlic, the following species are grown in the Serbia: leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.), Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.), shallot (Allium ascolanicum L.) but on smaller surfaces compared to onion and garlic, or at backyards and hobby gardens. Depending on the selected species, cultivation begins in autumn (October) or in spring (February-March). Cultivation of onion and garlic, as the most abundant Allium species, for production of dry bulbs, primarily start in spring. In the case of onion, growers prefer to produce commercial onion crops from little bulbs, rather than seed. On the other side, garlic are propagated only vegetative, by planting cloves, because, and today garlic varieties are completely sterile and they don't produce seeds. Leek, Welsh onion and chives are produced by transplants while field seeding is not recommended. Shallot, as a perennial Allium species produces a cluster of small, pointed bulbs from a single planted bulb. In general, alliums require fertile, well-drained, slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.8) soils. In addition, crop rotation is very important in Allium cultivation. Currently, the topical issue in Allium cultivation is related to the establishment of growing technologies that ensure high yield, good quality and high nutritional value of alliums, among which biofortification stands out.

Background: Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata Sturt.) is an important vegetable plant that, together with peas and green beans, is grown industrially and sold frozen (in grain). Due to the specific processing during which the grain is separated from the cob with knives in the technological phase, the cob must be of the correct shape, completely filled with high-quality grain of uniform maturity, which contributes to the quality and yield of the raw material. In Serbia, sweet corn intended for industry is grown in two sowing periods, regular (spring) and late (summer) with mandatory irrigation. The aim of this work was to examine the possibility of growing sweet corn in the agro-ecological conditions of central Serbia (Velika Plana). Materials and Methods: During 2022 and 2023, the currently most popular sweet corn hybrid 'Enterprise' was tested. In both examined years, sowing was done at the beginning of May and July, and sweet corn was grown at a density of 65,000 plants ha-1 (70x22 cm). Tapes with a capacity of 10 lit•H2O•m-1•h were used for drip irrigation. Two irrigation norms (full and reduced 50%) and the regime of natural wetting conditions were applied as a control treatment. In both years of testing, the experiment was set up at the beginning of May and July by sowing the most popular sweet corn hybrid Enterprise F1 in our area. Harvesting and analysis of cobs was done on average 24 days after fertilization. Results: The dates did not have a significant effect on the length of the cob and it was 21 cm on average for both sowing dates. Treatments with watering had a length of cobs significantly greater than the control, while their values were not statistically significantly different. The diameter of the cob was on average 4.89 cm and it was significantly influenced by the time of sowing and the irrigation regime. The total mass of the cob differed significantly according to the dates and had values of 279.4 g for the May sowing, and 306.2 g for the s

Background: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a very popular vegetable species that is characterized by a specific taste and high nutritional value. The flower is used for food, although the other green parts of this plant are also edible. In Serbia, broccoli is produced throughout the year, except for winter. Due to the relatively short growing season, it is a good pre-crop, as well as a subsequent crop. During production, the utilization of applied nutrients is questionable, and therefore their effect on production. Materials and Methods: During these studies, the influence of micro granulated starter fertilizer (Super Start NP 10:35 +2% MgO + 5% S +2% Zn, Elixir Zorka, Serbia) on the production characteristics of broccoli was investigated, with the aim of finding the optimal dose its applications. Fertilizer was added to the soil along both sides of the planted plants at a distance of about 10 cm from the roots. In addition to the control in which no starter fertilizer was applied, there were 5 more treatments with doses from 15 to 35 kg/ha. Broccoli variety Parthenon F1 (Sakata Seed) was grown at a density of 28,800 plants/ha. Other agro technical measures were standard (watering, protection). Results: Inflorescences were harvested at technological maturity when they reached the appropriate size. The measured values for the width, height and mass of the inflorescence were significantly higher in the varieties with the highest doses of starter fertilizer. The yield behaved in the same way. The width of the inflorescence ranged from 16.37 to 20.63 cm, the height from 12.52 to 14.79 cm, the mass of the inflorescence from 448.7 to 661.4 g, while the yield had values from 10.68 to 15.74 t/ha. Conclusion: For all examined parameters, the values obtained at the highest doses of starting fertilization (30 and 35 kg/ha) did not differ statistically significantly. Based on this, it can be concluded that the dose of applied starter fertilizer of 30 kg/ha is opti

Endive (Cichorium endivia L.) is a leafy vegetable with excellent nutritional composition and bitter taste. Unlike in Southern and Western Europe, the vegetable is little known in Serbia. In an experiment conducted in the greenhouse in the fall of 2022 (August-October), the influence of mulch and bioregulators on the production characteristics of the narrow-leaved curly endive cultivar "Cigal" (C.e. var. crispum) was studied. An extract of the seaweed Ecklonia maxima, trade name Kelpak, was used as a bioregulator. Endive was grown on raised beds with and without PE mulch film. The bioregulator was applied in several ways, from watering the seedlings to foliar treatment. The best results were obtained with the combination in which the seedlings were irrigated with bioregulator before planting and then treated with it for 10 days. The total weight of the endive leaf rosette was 658.1 g for this combination, while it was 550.7 g for the control. The plants grown on the mulch film showed a statistically very significant increase in the total weight of the leaf rosette. All other parameters studied behaved similarly: the number of leaves in the rosette, the height and width of the leaf rosette, and the mass of the tree. The commercial yield of endive after removal of the oldest leaves ranged from 32.7 to 40.4 t/ha. Based on these studies, it can be recommended for production practice to grow endive on dams and with mulch film, and to treat the plants with natural bioregulators from planting to preharvest.

In this research, we examined the effect of 15 genotypes of selected Allium species: A. sativum L. (10 genotypes), A. ampeloprasum L. var. ampeloprasum (3) and A. cepa L. (2), on the content of metals and metalloids in bulbs. Determination of the content of elements was performed using the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy and ICP-OES method (mg/kg of dry matter). This research found that all tested genotypes differed statistically significantly in the content of Na, K, Ca and Mg both from each other and within the species. The highest content of Na, K, Ca and Mg was established in A. sativum, while the lowest content were observed in onion (A. cepa). Genotypes of A. ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum contained moderate amounts of Na, K, Ca and Mg. The content of certain metals was the same in all genotypes of the tested Allium species and was ˂ 0.01 mg/kg (Hg) and ˂ 0.5 mg/kg (Hg, Co, Ni and Mo). The species A. ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum showed the highest affinity for Cd accumulation in bulbs, followed by A. sativum and A. cepa.

Lettuce, or Lactuca sativa L., is a leafy vegetable from Asteraceae family, that has great nutritional value and it is beneficial for human health. Leaves of this annual plant are great source of fiber in addition to bioactive compounds and are mostly consumed fresh, whereas in some cultures stems are also being prepared as meals. Cultivars of this cool-seasoned vegetable differ by the leaf number, color, size, shape and edges, stem and rosette development, etc. In this study, five lettuce cultivars were analyzed in order to inspect their impact on morphological properties and yield: Aleppo (type Lollo Bionda), Carmesi (Lollo Rosso), Murai (Red Oak leaf), Kiribati (Green Oak leaf) and Tourbillon (Crystal). The experiment was conducted in plastic greenhouse, using the method of randomized block design, where each of four repetitions consisted of eight plants. The analyzed traits were: number of leaves, fresh leaves weight, stem weight, diameter and height of plants, rosette diameter and height, whole plant weight. Statistical analyses pointed out significant differences for each examined morphological aspect. The largest diameter of the rosette was measured in cultivar Crystal (26.6 cm), as well as the diameter (25.9 mm), weight (7.3 g) and the height of the stem (44.6 mm). Further, cultivar Green Oak leaf was formed the largest number of leaves (39.7) in addition to greatest fresh leaves weight (343.5 g) and whole plant weight (347.0 g). Cultivar Lollo Rosso was achieved the highest rosette (18.5 cm) among others, whereas the lowest values in all parameters were obtained from Red Oak leaf cultivar.

Fortification - the process of enriching products with essential nutrients has been used for many years in various branches of the food industry. However, the term biofortification is more recent and refers to increasing the concentration of essential nutrients, especially vitamins and microelements, in edible plant parts. The idea of biofortification as a measure in agricultural production was developed with the aim of reducing the consequences of “hidden hunger”, which is particularly pronounced in underdeveloped countries, and refers to insufficient intake of essential nutrients. Current research shows that more than two billion people in the world are affected by a deficiency of microelements, particularly zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) and vitamin A. In the context of biofortification, there are several methods that can be used to improve the nutritional value of plant products, namely: transgenic breeding methods (genetically modified crops), conventional breeding methods (selection and crossing) and agrobiofortification (application of fertilizers containing microelements). Agrobiofortification can be done in several ways: soil or foliar application of fertilizers or by treating seed before sowing. Agrobiofortification is considered as an efficient, economically justified and simple method that can be applied to all crops with known cultivation technology, with the aim of obtaining functional food. The specificity of agrobiofortification is reflected in the knowledge of the affinity of the plant species for the adoption of certain elements, in order to implement mineral nutrition in a way that ensures optimal growth and development of plants with the simultaneous accumulation of necessary elements in the edible plant parts. In addition, it is necessary to determine the optimal dose of fertilizer that is ecologically and economically justified, as well as the optimal timing of fertilizer application, that is, to determine the phase of plant development wh

Wild rocket, scientifically known as Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC is a leafy green plant from the Brassicaceae family. Native to the Medditerian region, today this perennial plant is cultivated worldwide, owing to the distinctive pungent taste of its deeply lobed green leaves. Beyond their culinary uses, the leaves of wild rocket exhibit potential for pharmaceutical applications due to their rich bioactive compounds profile. These include vitamins, pigments (chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids), phenolics, and glucosinolates (GLSs), all exhibiting strong antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biofortification, employing biostimulant Kelpak and two distinct foliar fertilizers (iron and potassium-enriched) in comparison to a control group, on the phenolic and glucosinolate content in the leaves of wild rocket hybrid T&T F1. Using an ultra-highperformance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system, coupled with a quadrupole time-offlight mass spectrometry (Q-ToF-MS), a total of twenty-three plant phenolics was quantified, and the relative content of four glucosinolates was evaluated in 70% methanol extracts. Concerning the overall content of phenolic compounds, treatment involving iron application showed the highest levels at 3549.1 mg/kg of fresh weight (FW), while the control group exhibited the lowest content (2171.4 mg/kg FW). Moreover, the most prominent phenolics included quercetin-3,4'-di-O-hexoside-3'-O-(6"-sinapoyl)-hexoside (ranging from 527.2 to 651.8 mg/kg FW among groups) and 1,8-dipropoxyanthraquinone (278.3-558.5 mg/kg FW). The control and iron-enriched samples exhibited the presence of kaempferol-3,7,4'-tri-Ohexoside + HCOOH and isorhamnetin-3-O-hexoside-4'-O-gentobioside, in addition to the non-identified sinapic acid hydroxide in the Kelpak treated group. Additionally, the determination of relative GLSs content of glucosativin, glucoerucin, neoglucobrassicin, and DMB-GLS revealed that glucosativin was the dominant

In Balkan cuisines, as well as in Serbia, pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) has a very diverse use. Knowledge about consumer preferences is of great importance for a breeding process as well as in market-orientated production. According to the authors’ knowledge, there is little data in the literature about consumer preferences in terms of pepper fruit shape, colour and hotness, especially in the region of southeast Europe and Serbia. An online survey to collect data regarding consumer preferences was conducted via Google forms. Four hundred and two participants (52% females and 48% males), answered the survey questions. In the questionnaire, participants were asked about basic personal data: gender, education level, and age.

Allium species are known as a rich source of many compounds with potential healing effects. Biofortification is recognized as an effective agrotechnical measure for raising the level of biogenic elements—especially microelements in the edible parts of these species, so Allium can be considered as a ‘natural dietary supplement’. The aim of this research was to test the effects of foliar application of Se fertilizer (Na2SeO4) in different doses (control—0, 10, 20 and 30 g per ha) on the content of macro, microelements and secondary metabolites (SMs)—free phenolics, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in the edible parts, i.e., leaves of two selected Allium species in Serbia (A. odorum and A. schoenoprasum), which grew in open field conditions over the course of two growing seasons. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), as an indicator of the ability of plants to accumulate biogenic elements, was also determined. Although with no full regularity, the dose of 10 g of Se per ha yielded the highest content for the most biogenic elements for both alliums in the first growing season, i.e., a dose of 20 g of Se per ha for A. schoenoprasum, and a dose of 30 g of Se per ha for A. odorum in the second growing season. The obtained results justified the Se-biofortification of different alliums. The BAF values indicated the ability of both Allium species to accumulate S, K and P in their leaves during both growing seasons. The accumulation of potentially toxic elements was not recorded for either species, emphasizing the safety of the produced plant material for human consumption. Additionally, Se-treated plants had higher SM contents compared to control plants. The growing season also showed an impact on SM content; i.e., in the second season, characterized as drought-stressed, the synthesis of SMs was significantly higher compared to that in the first season. Further research should be directed towards finding the appropriate dose of Se, expanded in the sense of conducti

Due to their fast growth, young seedlings have high nutrient requirements. Modern seedling production systems, particularly those with the protected root system, recommend the increased frequency of nutrient application during the process. The optimal continuous nutrient availability is primarily provided by irrigating young plants using the appropriate nutrient solution concentration. The research conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade included cucumber seedlings, while its aims were to underline the impact of seedling fertilisation on the seedling quality and to find the optimal nutrient solution concentration for irrigating seedlings. The cucumber seedlings (Darina F1) were grown in grow chambers at day/night intervals of 14/10h and air temperature of 25/18oC. The seedlings were grown in 9-cm diameter pots (Teku), filled with the substrate TKS 1 (Floragard). After sprouting, the seedlings were irrigated using different nutrient solution concentrations of Fitofert Humistart fertiliser: 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.6% and 1%. The control variant was irrigated using pure water. The seedling period lasted for 22 days (after sprouting), after which the seedling quality was determined by measuring the plant height and stem height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf surface per plant, as well as plant fresh weight. The cucumber seedlings grown in the control variant had a statistically significantly smaller plant height, stem height and stem diameter, a smaller leaf number and lower plant fresh weight. The seedling variants which were continuously irrigated using only the nutrient solution had the measured quality parameters which did not show statistically significant differences between the variants. On the basis of this research, it can be concluded that the seedling irrigation by means of nutrient solution had a positive effect on the seedling quality. Including the economic point of view, the recommended concentration of nutrient solution is 0.1%.

In the production of vegetable crops and flowers, the size of the growing space, i.e. volume of container cells or pots, has a direct impact on water and air properties of the substrate, nutrient availability, and consequently the plant growth. Reactions differ depending on the plant species. Plants belonging to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) have the root system which is very sensitive to mechanical injuries and which has weak regeneration abilities. Therefore, the volume of the substrate in which their seedlings will be grown is very significant in the seedling production. Finding the optimal substrate volume has an impact on the seedling quality and later on the production itself, but it is also very significant from the economic point of view. Therefore, studies were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade with the aim to define the optimal substrate volume which would provide the seedlings of the highest quality in the shortest time possible. The cucumber seedlings (Darina F1) were grown in grow chambers at day/night intervals of 14/10h and air temperature of 25/18oC. The seedlings were grown in pots of different volumes: 100, 200, 300, 500 and 1000 cm3. The pots were filled with the substrate TKS 1 (Floragard).

Salata (Lactuca sativa L.) je jednogodišnja povrtarska biljka, sa kratkim vegetacionim periodom i mogućnošću gajenja tokom cele godine. Jedna je od najznačajnijih vrsta iz grupe lisnatog povrća, bogata fitonutrijentima koji su esencijalni u ljudskoj ishrani. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se utvrdi uticaj genotipa, mikrobioloških đubriva i sezone na kvantitativne i kvalitativne osobine salate. U sprovedenim istraživanjima ispitani su kvantitativni (morfološki i agronomski) parametri: visina i prečnik rozete i stabla, broj listova, sveža i suva masa listova, sveža masa stabla i rozete (glavice), kao i kvalitativni (biohemijski) parametri: sadržaj nitrata, ukupne rastvorljive materije i organske kiseline, ukupna antioksidativna aktivnost, ukupni karotenoidi, sadržaj vitamina C, sadržaj ukupnih i pojedinačnih fenolnih jedinjenja, ukupni i pojedinačni seskviterpenski laktoni i aktivnost peroksidaze. Ogledi sa šest genotipova salate (tri zelene ‘Kiribati’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Aleppo’ i tri crvene ‘Murai’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Carmesi’) bili su postavljeni u kompaniji Iceberg Salat Centar, u Surčinu. Biljke su gajene u plasteniku, bez dodatnog grejanja, tokom tri uzastopne sezone (jesen, zima i proleće), uz primenu mikrobioloških đubriva (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho i njihova kombinacija). Dobijeni rezultati ogleda ukazuju na uticaj genotipa na ispitivana kvantitativna svojstva salate. Generalno, zelene sorte su pokazale tendenciju veće sveže mase rozete-glavice u odnosu na crvene tokom proleća i zime. Najveću svežu masu rozete ostvarila je zelena sorta ‘Aleppo’ u kontrolnim uslovima prolećnog ogleda, nasuprot crvene sorte ‘Carmesi‘ koja je imala najmanju masu u kontroli jesenjeg ogleda. Sorta ‘Aleppo’ pokazala je sličan trend kod parametra sveža masa listova, gde je u kontroli prolećnog ogleda ostvarila najveće vrednosti, kao i najveću suvu masu listova u zimu primenom kombinacije đubriva, čime se ova sorta izdvojila po stabilnosti za najvažnije kvantitativne komponente. Zelena sorta ‘Aquino‘, Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an annual vegetable crop, with short vegetation period and possibility to cultivate throughout whole year. It is one of the most important species from the leafy vegetables group, enriched with phytonutrients which are essential in human diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of genotype, microbiological fertilisers and season on the quantitative and qualitative traits of lettuce. Two types of the parameters were examined, quantitative parameters (morphological and agronomical)- rosette, stem height and diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry leaf weight, stem and rosette (head) fresh weight, as well as, qualitative parameters (biochemical)- nitrate content, total soluble solids, total acidity content, total antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, vitamin C content, total and individual phenolics, total and individual sesquiterpene lactones and peroxidase activity. Experiments with six lettuce cultivars (three green ‘Kiribati’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Aleppo’ and three red ‘Murai’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Carmesi’) were carried out in the company Iceberg Salat Centar, Surčin. Plants were grown in the greenhouse, without additional heating, during three consecutive growing seasons (autumn, winter and spring), with application of microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho and their combination). Results showed the influence of the genotype on the quantitative parameters. Mainly, green cultivars showed tendency to higher rosette (head) fresh weight than red in spring and winter. Green cultivar ‘Aleppo’ showed the highest rosette fresh weight in control during spring, compared to red cultivar ‘Carmesi’ with the lowest rosette fresh weight in control conditions in autumn. Cultivar ‘Aleppo’ showed the similar trend to parameter fresh leaf weight, with the highest level in control in the spring trial, as well as the highest dry leaf weight in the winter acomplished with combined fertilisers, whereby this cultivar stood out for its stabil

Salata (Lactuca sativa L.) je jednogodišnja biljka, sa umerenimzahtevima prema faktorima spoljašnje sredine, kratkim vegetacionimperiodom i mogućnošću gajenja tokom cele godine. Ogledi sa šestgenotipova salate (‘Kiribati’, ‘Murai’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Aleppo’,‘Carmesi’) bili su postavljeni u kompaniji Iceberg Salat Centar. Biljke sugajene u plasteniku, bez dodatnog grejanja, tokom tri uzastopne sezone(jesen, zima i proleće), primenom mikrobioloških đubriva (EM Aktiv,Vital Tricho i njihova kombinacija). Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da seutvrdi uticaj genotipa, mikrobioloških đubriva i sezone na sadržaj ukupnorastvorljivih materija i organskih kiselina. Najveću vrednost ukupnorastvorljivih materija i organskih kiselina ostvarila je crvena sorta ‘Murai‘u zimskom ogledu primenom đubriva Vital Tricho i EM Aktiv redom.Primena đubriva uglavnom nije uticala na vrednosti ukupno rastvorljivihmaterija i organskih kiselina, gde je tokom svih sezona sadržaj ostaostabilan. Istraživanje je pokazalo da su glavni faktori uticali naposmatrane parametre, sa izraženim uticajem genotipa., Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an annual plant, with moderate requirements to environmental factors, short vegetation period and the possibility to cultivate throughout whole year. Trials with six lettuce cultivars (‘Kiribati’, ‘Murai’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Aleppo’, ‘Carmesi’) were set up in the company Iceberg Salat Centar. The plants were grown in a greenhouse, without additional heating, during three consecutive seasons (autumn, winter and spring), using microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho and their combination). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of genotype, microbiological fertilisers and season on the content of total soluble solids and organic acids. The highest value of total soluble solids and organic acids showed red cultivar 'Murai' in the winter trial using fertilisers Vital Tricho and EM Aktiv, respectively. Application of fertilisers generally did not affect the values of total soluble solids and organic acids, whereas the content remained stable during all seasons. The research showed that the main factors influenced tested parameters, with a great impact of the genotype.

Egyptian Walking Onion (Allium x proliferum) is a perennial species, member of the Alliaceae family. In Serbia and broader region, it is grown only locally on small areas along the edges of the gardens, vineyards and orchards, because it does not form large and compact bulbs that have market value. On the other hand, the key advantage of Walking Egyptian Onion is greater tolerance to low temperatures and frost, i.e. early ripening of young onions. This allows producers to appear on the market earlier and consumers to have a quality product from the second half of winter until early spring. A multi-year study was conducted with the aim to determine the possibility of growing the Egyptian Walking Onion and its production and nutritional characteristics in the Šumadija and Braničevo Regions. On the four experimental locations (Žabari, Smederevska Palanka, Velika Plana and Jagodina) 15 samples from sole crops and intercrops with wines (Vitis vinifera L.) were collected for further investigation. The average values of plant height, number of leaves per plant, plant mass and antioxidative activity were measured, and ranged from 45.5 to 67.2 cm, 5.0 to 5.67, 57.75 to 77.5 g and 0.033 to 0.705 mg/g of fresh matter, respectively, depending of which part of plant was analyzed (green leaves or etiolated parts of leaves bassis). Although, thanks to this preliminary research, significant data have been collected, it is necessary to continue further research, because it was not entirely possible to report clear conclusions.

Pasulj i boranija pripadaju istoj botaničkoj vrsti (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Pasulj se gaji zbog fiziološki zrelog semena a boranija zbog mahuna, koje su u tehnološkoj zrelosti još nedozreli plodovi. S druge strane, nema razlike u tehnologiji gajenja semenskih useva pasulja i boranija. U radu je proučavan uticaj sorte na broj mahuna po biljci i prinos semena po jedinici površine šest sorti pasulja i boranija. Proučavane sorte bile su Galeb, Palanački zlatnožuti (PZŽ), Biser, Šumadinka, Darina i Palanačka rana. Najveći prosečan broj mahuna po biljci (8,7) i najveći prinos semena po jedinici površine (1190,83 kg ha-1) zabeležen je kod sorte Biser. Najmanji prosečan broj mahuna po biljci (0,74) i najniži prinos (150,73 kg ha-1) zabeležen je kod sorte PZŽ. Među sortama koje se u ishrani koriste kao boranija, po broju mahuna i prinosu po jedinici površine izdvaja se sorta Palanačka rana sa 7,03 mahuna po biljci i 1005,5 kg ha-1., Botanicaly the same species (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), common bean and green bena have different use. Common bean varieties are used as a mature seeds and green bean varieties as an unmature pods. When it comes to seed production technology, there is not any differences between common bean and green bean seed production. In this work, the effects of different Phaseolus vulgaris L. varieties on number of pods per plant and seed yield per hectare were examined. Examined varieties were: Galeb, Palanački zlatnožuti (PZŽ), Biser, Šumadinka, Darina and Palanačka rana. The highest average number of pods per plant, 8.7 and the highest seed yield 1190.83 kg/ha, was recorded for Biser variety. The lowest average number of pods per plant (0.74) and the lowest yield of 150.73 kg/ha was recorded for PZŽ variety. Among the green bean varieties the highest number of pods (7.03) and yield (1005.5 kg/ha) were performed with variety Palanačka rana.

Indoor flowers are an unavoidable element in modern interior design. In addition to enriching the living and working space in terms of decoration, flowers also have a beneficial effect on people: it improves mood and increases productivity at work. The benefits of growing flowers in the interior are numerous and of particular importance for human health is the fact that they improve air quality and reduce the concentrations of many pollutants. Pollutants in the interior can be divided into non-biological and biological according to the source. In most cases, external pollution is mentioned as the main source of increased concentrations of nonbiological indoor air pollutants. The assumption is that the mechanism of air purification implies the absorption of volatile compounds by plant leaves, which are then transported to the roots, and where they are then decomposed by microorganisms. On the other hand, it is supposed that certain compounds characterized as air pollutants are degraded and used in plant metabolism. Research shows that the ability to remove organic volatile compounds from the air into the interior is different and depends on the type of flower species. Indoor flowers that have been shown to be effective in air purifying are from the following families: Moracae, Araceae, Arecaceae, Araliaceae, Orchidaceae, etc. The choice of flowers to alleviate indoor air pollution depends not only on their ability to clean the air, but also on their needs for care, light and finally of personal taste.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum (syn. C. verum), known as true, Ceylon or Mexican cinnamon is the evergreen tree, which have many applications: spice, in perfumery, flavoring and pharmaceutical industries. Cinnamon bark is the most often used part, usually as a powdered spice or as a component for the extraction of essential oil [1]. Many studies are reported that cinnamon spice contains bioactive compounds which show antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The antioxidant properties of cinnamon are attributed to the high content of phenolic compounds, especially cinnamaldehyde and eugenols, which stand out as the main antioxidants [2]. In this study, the antioxidant properties of cinnamon spice were investigated using the following spectrophotometrically assays: CUPRAC, FRAP, TAC and DPPH

Species of the genus Allium are used for different purposes: as food (vegetables, spices, flavor agent in the bakery industry), medical agent in folk medicine, and as decorative perennials. Effect of onion, garlic and leek on human health have been described in many studies. The presence of compounds with potential antioxidant activity are considered responsible for their health effect. Other species of this genus have been intensively studied in recent years in order to estimate their nutritional value and healing effect. In this paper, the antioxidant activity of edible parts of two Allium species (Allium nutans and A. odorum) was determined, by DPPH. and ABTS..+ scavenging assays. The tested species were grown in Serbia, in open field conditions and were foliar treated with selenium fertilizer (Na2SeO4) in four doses (0, 10, 20 and 30 g per ha), in the phase of intensive growth. Antioxidant activity was determined spectrophotometrically, by reading the absorbances of the samples at 515 nm in the case DPPH. assay and at 734 nm in the ABTS.+ assay. The obtained results were expressed as a percentage of inhibition of DPPH radicals and ABTS radical cations caused by the action of the extract of the tested Allium species. A. nutans had the highest antioxidant activity in control variant – without Se treatment (23.77% ± 0.19) in DPPH. assay, and in variant II - 10 g of selenium fertilizer per ha (69.05 ± 6.06) in ABTS.+ assay. The highest antioxidant activity of A. odorum was detected in variant IV - 30 g of selenium fertilizer per ha (25.75 ± 0.28) in DPPH assay. In A. odorum there was no significant difference in antioxidant activity in the control variant (33.41 ± 0.38) and variant III - 20 g of selenium per ha (33.79 ± 0.46), in ABTS assay.

The research was conducted at the end of February 2021 in the Institute for Medicinal Plant Research "Dr Josif Pančić" in Belgrade, with the aim of analyzing the impact of growth bioregulators on the seed germination potential of some medicinal and aromatic plant species. Germination potential of Ocimum basilicum, Levisticum officinale, Calendula officinalis and Coriandrum sativum were analyzed following the ISTA guidelines. The seeds were treated with liquid growth bioregulators Ekobuster 1 and Slavol S for 10 minutes, while seeds in the control were treated with distilled water. Seeds of Ocimum basilicum, Levisticum officinale, Calendula officinalis and Coriandrum sativum treated with three different treatments: Ekobuster1, SlavolS and distilled water, were sown in three different containers. The seeds were sown in styrofoam containers with 160 cells with a mixture of peat moss substrate. The experiment was performed in the laboratory conditions. Containers were placed inside a polythene tent for plant propagation under artificial lighting and kept under air temperature of 23 oC with occasional wetting of the substrate. During the experiment, seedling emergence and development control as well as their pathogenicity control were performed every seven days. There was no occurrence pathogenicity on the examined plants.Based on the obtained results, germination of Coriandrum sativum seeds treated with Ecobuster 1 was 85%, while in seeds of Ocimum basilicum, Levisticum officinale and Calendula officinalis the highest germination was recorded with the use of Slavol S 82.5%, 90% and 82%, respectively; in relation to control treatment

In this study, the optimal stratification duration of wild garlic (Allium ursinum) seeds was examined, in order to shorten the period of physiological dormancy. Collected, cleaned and dried seeds were subjected to the stratification method. Apart of the gathered seeds was placed in Petri dishes on dry filter paper, while the remaining fraction was placed in Petri dishes on wet filter paper. The previously mentioned seed placement had undergone treatments during the stratification period of 0, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 weeks. Each treatment contained four repetitions of hundred seeds respectively. Seeds in Petri dishes on dry filter paper had a higher percentage of germination (52%) in contrast to others, placed in Petri dishes on wet filter paper (31%). During the stratification period of 12 weeks, the highest percentage of germinated seeds was attained, as well as the shortest length of the average germination time, along with the highest synchronicity.

The deep economic crisis in which Serbia finds itself today is a consequence of the insufficient adaptability of the Serbian economy to the changes that have occurred in the world economy, as well as the insufficient and inadequately used resources it owns. In the long run, economic recovery will not be possible without a thorough restructuring and inclusion in new economic flows. As such, agriculture stands out as the support of the national economy, which can be a key factor in economic prosperity. The production of horticultural plants has a very important place in modern agricultural production and trade and is one of the most intensive agricultural activities. It can be organized on smaller areas, enables the engagement of a larger number of people, which has the effect of reducing unemployment, and in addition to harmonizing with European and world standards, it can be a key factor in economic prosperity. Therefore, in the future, we must look at horticultural production in Serbia from the aspect of a perspective life occupation.

Global climate changes, which are characterized by an increase in temperature, reduction of precipitation, especially during the summer months, significantly affect the overall production of spring sowing crops. Maize is the predominant crop in Serbia. It is grown in about 1 million hectares with average yield about 7,9 t/ha. Precisely for that reason, in this paper, the analysis of water deficit on the maize fields in the region of Vojvodina was performed. The total used agricultural land of the surveyed area is about 1,574,365.71 ha, while the maize grown area occupies about 551,028 ha (35%). A series of meteorological data from the previous 20 years (2000 - 2019) from 7 meteorological stations of the Administrative Districts from the regions covered by the survey were used for the analysis. Evapotranspiration, crop evapotranspiration (maize), effective rainfall and water deficit were calculated using FAO-56 methodology. The amount of water consumed during the evapotranspiration process in the vegetation period averaging about 625.07 mm (from 597.4 mm in the North Bačka District to 646.8 mm in the West Bačka District). Maize has the greatest water requirement during the tasseling and silking phases, in July, when the largest water deficit is observed, which averages 152.51 mm (from 143.6 mm in the South Banat District to 159.2 mm in the Srem District). The seasonal water deficit averages 347.24 mm (from 310.8 mm in the area of South Bačka District to 369 mm in the area of West Bačka District). As the availability of water is a key factor for high and stable maize yields, this research aimed to examine the water requirements in the area where the maize represents more than half of the total production.

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are used in the diet around the world and are a significant source of proteins, especially in lower-income countries. In recent years, their importance has been growing, especially due to its beneficial effects on human health and the global epidemic of obesity and diabetes. Worldwide, the average yield of beans has varied from 786 to 894.7 in the past ten years. In the same period, the areas under beans have varied significantly, but there is a gradual increase in arable land under this crop (30,685 thousand ha in 2010 to 33,066 thousand ha in 2019). In that period, there has been also an increase in production (from 24,775,394 t in 2010 to 2,8902,672 t in 2019). The paper analyzes the situation in bean production in the Republic of Serbia in the period from 2001 to 2020, as well as possible reasons for the observed trends. In that period, average yields varied over the years ranging from 808 kg/ha (in 2012) to 1294 kg/ha (in 2006) and can be explained by favorable and unfavorable temperature conditions. Despite the relatively good prices of beans, which varied from 0.99 to 1.35 USD/kg in 2004 to 2.23 to 4.12 USD/kg in 2014, depending on the size and color of the seeds, and possible profit, a significant decrease in the area under beans was observed (from 24,968 ha in 2001 to 8,512 ha in 2020) and a reduction in total production (30,927 t in 2001 to 9,253 t in 2020).

In modern interior design, the use of interior plants is becoming increasingly popular. Flowers, not only make the space more attractive and alive, it also plays a role in overall health as it improves air quality and reduces the concentrations of many pollutants. Inhalation of biological particles that are present in the interior, can have a great impact on human health. Exposure to toxins and susceptibility of individuals to indoor pollutants depends on the concentration of pollutants, duration and frequency of exposure, and the consequences of exposure to such air can be manifested through weakening of the immune system, transient morbidity, disease and even death in extreme cases. Phytoremediation is an efficient and economically viable way of using plants to remove toxins from the air, which has the effect of improving air quality in the interior as well. Interior air pollutants come from both non-biological (asbestos, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds, CO2, SO2) and biological sources (house dust, fungi, bacteria, viruses and microorganisms). So far, numerous species of interior plants have been tested as phytoremediators in the interior, and the most effective have been the species belonging to the families: Moracae, Araceae, Crassulace, Palmae, Araliaceae, Pteridophyta, Orchidaceae and others. The following species stand out: Ficus sp., Phoenix sp., Chamaedorea sp., Phylodentron sp., Epipremnum sp., Spathiphyllum sp., Crassula ovata. It should not be forgotten that the choice of interior plants to alleviate indoor air pollution, as a phytoremediator, depends not only on their ability to clean the air, but also on the ease of cultivation and maintenance in the existing interior space, but of course on personal taste.

Alliums are nutritionally and economically important agriculture crops in many coun tries around the world. Edible parts of alliums are widely usein fresh, dried, boiled or fried forms, mostly as vegetables or as a spice in salads, dishes, dressings, etc. In addition to flavoring properties, they are known as a source ofminerals, sulphur-containing compounds and their precursors and otherbioactive compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, etc.). The benefitial impact of alliums on human health are well explained in the scientific literature and are attributed to the rich chemical composition of these plants.Information on the rec ommended daily intakeof this vegetable is important as nutritional parameter.In several scientific studies, recommended daily intake of garlic and onionis set on 20 and 50 g, respec tively. The aim of this study was to estimate the daily intake of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and seleni um (Se), three important micro/trace elements,by consuming allium spicesbiofortified with selenium in different doses (0, 10, 20, 30 g per ha). Edible parts of six allium species (leaves of Allium nutans, A. odorum and A.schoenoprasum; whole plants of A. fistulosum; cloves of A.sativum var.saggitatum and A. ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum)which were produced in open field conditions, were used for this study. The determination of mineral content were performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The estimate daily intake of Zn, Fe and Se was calculated on the basis of the above recommended daily consumption of alliums and was expressed as a percentage.The obtained results show that, by consumption of all tested allium species,daily intake of Se was the highest compared with recommended dietary intakes,compared to Zn and Fe. The highest daily intake of Zn (1.30 - 1.42% of RDA per 50 g), Fe (7.74 - 12.28% per 50 g) and Se (2.55 - 372. 64% per 50 g) was achieved by consuming A.schoenoprasum. The lowest daily intake of Zn (0.57 - 0.61% of

Предмет истраживања у овој дисертацији представљају производно-економски модели производње одабраних врста поврћа на отвореном пољу и у заштићеном простору на породичним газдинствима у североистoчном делу Републике Српске. Основни циљ истраживања је анализа изазова инвестирања у производњу анализираног поврћа. Током три узастопне године праћени су инпути и аутпути гајења паприке, парадајза, краставца и других повртних врста на 35 породичних газдинстaва, а затим је спроведена анкета на још 85 газдинстава на којима се гаји поврће. На бази прикупљених података, састављени су економски модели производње анализираног поврћа на отвореном пољу и у заштићеном простору. Применом одговарајућих калкулативних и статистистичких метода тестиране су полазне хипотезе. Економска анализа вршена је калкулативним поступцима - Direct Costing метод, ценa коштања, Benefit – Cost, диференцијална и инвестициона калкулација, и др. Утврђено је да се праг рентабилности за парадајз у затвореном простору постиже при приносу од 55.655,17 kg/ha, односно 42% од просечног, за паприку при приносу од 100.875,00 kg/ha, односно 79% од просечног, и за краставац при приносу од 94.941,18 kg/ha, односно 76% од просечног. На отвореном пољу, најнижи праг рентабилности за обим производње је код паприке 24.636,36 kg/ha, односно 50% од просечног приноса, потом код парадајза 38.714,29 kg/ha, односно 83% од просечног приноса, док је за краставац 45.166,67 kg/ha, тј. 70% од просечног приноса. Најповољнији износ нето садашњe вредности постиже се производњом две врсте годишње у високим тунелима, тј. 105.837,50 € (модел 4). Интерна каматна стопа варира по моделима и креће се у интервалу од 32,43% до 63,38% (модел 3). Приносна вредност инвестиције је најповољнија за модел 4, а рок повраћаја се креће од 1,66 година (модел 3) до 3,22 године (модел 2). Инвестирањем у производњу две врсте поврћа годишње у полувисоким тунелима (модел 3) остварује се 4,69 € на 1,00 € инвестиционих улагања, што је знатно повољније у односу на, The subject of research in this dissertation are productive and economic models of production selected types of vegetables in the open field and in a protected area on family farms in the north-east part of the Republic of Srpska. The main purpose of the research is to analyse the challenges of investing in the production of analysed vegetables. During the three successive years, the inputs and outputs of growing peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetable species on 35 family farms were monitored, and then a survey was conducted on another 85 farms where vegetables are grown. Based on the data collected, economic models of production of analysed vegetables in the open field and in a protected area were composed. The initial hypotheses were tested using appropriate calculation and statistical methods. Economic analysis was performed by calculation procedures - Direct Costing Method, Cost Prices, Benefit - Cost Ratio, Differential and Investment Calculation, etc. It was found that the Break-Even Point for tomatoes in a protected area is achieved at a yield of 55,655.17 kg/ha, or 42% of the average, for peppers at a yield of 100,875.00 kg/ha, or 79% of the average, and for cucumber at a yield of 94,941.18 kg/ha, or 76% of the average. In the open field, the lowest Profitability Rate for the extent of production is 24,636.36 kg/ha for peppers, or 50% of the average yield, then 38,714.29 kg/ha for tomatoes, or 83% of the average yield, while for cucumbers it is 45,166, 67 kg/ha, or 70% of the average yield. The most advantageous amount of Net Present Value is achieved by producing two types per year in high tunnels, ie. € 105,837.50 (model 4). The Internal Rate of Return varies by model and ranges from 32.43% to 63.38% (model 3). The Present Value of Net Cash Flows is the most favourable to model 4, and The Payback Period ranges from 1.66 years (model 3) to 3.22 years (model 2). Investing in the production of two types of vegetables per year in semi-high tunnels (m

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a very important agricultural crop in Serbia, and has great economic importance. Pepper fruits are used in the food industry like fresh or processed products and are characterized by excellent culinary and nutritional properties. They are an exceptional source of bioactive substances (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolics, capsaicin) which are considered strong antioxidants, so in addition to application in the food industry, peppers is also used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Due to the increased tendency of the use of pepper fruits in human nutrition, researchers aspire to find cultivation technology that will provide both high yield and nutritious fruit with good quality. In this paper six different starter fertilizer (Super Star, Elixir Zorka, Šabac) doses (0, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 kg/ha) were examined in combination with four treatments of biostimulator (Kelpak, Kelp Products Ltd.) application (without, once, twice and three times) at different stages of plant development on pepper variety Slonovo uvo (Superior, Velika Plana) in open field conditions. Extracts of fresh fruits were prepared with 80% methanol. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the standard spectrophotometric Folin-Ciocalteu method. The obtained results are expressed as mg of ferulic acid equivalents (FAE) per g of fresh weight. TPC was in range from 0.51 to 2.31 mg/g FAE. The obtained preliminary results do not show a clear influence of used fertilizers on the increase of total phenolic content in peper fruits, so it is necessary to continue research in order to find an appropriate model of fertilizers use to improve the pepper fruits quality.