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Precizna poljoprivreda predstavlja načine uzgoja, koji postepeno mijenjaju tradicionalnu poljoprivredu, kroz uvođenje visokih tehnologija. Jedna od njih je i obrada vizualnih podataka u vidljivom spektru (Red Green Blue (RGB) slika). Obrada je bazirana na tehnikama koje provodi autonomna umjetna inteligencija (AI), neovisna o čovjeku. AI tehnologije imaju bržu obradu podataka i detaljniji pregled objekata, znatno precizniji od pregleda „golim okom“. Upravo zbog toga, precizna poljoprivreda pripada u treći val agronomske revolucije, iza mehaničke i kemijske. Maslina je značajna mediteranska kultura. Za uvođenje precizne poljoprivrede izuzetno interesantna jer traži pravovremenu prognozu pojave štetnih organizama. Cilj rada je prikazati preliminarna istraživanja obrade vizualnih podataka u svrhu rane prognoze pojave maslinine muhe (Bactrocera oleae (Rossi 1790)). Istraživanja se provode u sklopu projekta „SAN – Smart Agriculture Network“ (SAN - KK.01.2.1.01.0100) u Zadarskoj županiji na slobodno odabranim lokalitetima s različitim sortama maslina. Za potrebe razvoja modela korišteni su programski jezici Python i C++, te različiti oblici programske podrške (TensorFlow, Scikit, itd.). Za potrebe učenja i klasifikacije primjenom RGB slika prikupljeno je 1.500 slika žutih ploča kao podatkovna podloga za razvoj modela neuronske mreže. Sustav analize je uspostavljen korištenjem strojnog učenja odnosno umjetnih neuronskih mreža (Faster R-CNN), čijom primjenom je omogućena detekcija i klasifikacija (Labeling) pojedinačne ploče. Rezultati dobiveni primjenom ovih tehnika doveli su do razvoja modela koji sa udjelom od 83% pouzdanosti može prepoznati odraslu jedinku maslinine muhe na slici uzetoj u RGB formatu. Uz narednu nadopunu baze slikama namijenjenim za prepoznavanje iz koje se strojnim učenjem nastavlja razvoj modela, očekuje se kroz vrijeme veća pouzdanost točnosti. Uz razvoj modela razvijen je i prototip kamere koja će biti postavljena u masliniku kroz cijelu godinu, a osobito u vrijeme pojave maslinine muhe. Ona će slikati žute ploče u jednakim vremenskim intervalima i tako skratiti vrijeme potrebno za obilaske i preglede te utvrđivanje potreba za provedbom mjera suzbijanja ovog štetnika.

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is a Mediterranean fruit crop that requires irrigation to achieve optimal yield and quality. Irrigation practices and damage of olive fruit curculio (Rhodocyrtus cribripennis (Desbrochers, 1869)), a pest of olive fruit, may be an important factor in determining the stage of fruit maturity, one of the main indicator of of fruit quality. The aim of this paper is to determine how different practices, through the amount and frequency of irrigation, with presence of olive fruit curculio, affect the maturity index of olive, variety ‘Coratina’. The research was conducted on 24 olive trees at two locations in Zadar County: Žman (Dugi otok) and Novigrad. Irrigation was performed with a drip system with four variants in three replicates: K (0%) rainfed olives; T1 (PP) irrigation set according to grower experience; T2 (SAN) irrigation set according to evapotranspiration and olive phenology, at up to 80% of field capacity and T3 (100%) where 100% of calculated evapotranspiration was added. Soil analysis determined the field capacity, and evapotranspiration was read from the Pinova™ meteorological station. Harvests was conducted in October 2020 and 2021. For determination of olive fruit curculio infestation and maturity index, 100 fruits per sample were harvested. By processing the data with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and return test (Tukey), the significant effect of irrigation practices on the olive fruit maturity index by treatments, years and locations, single and interdependent, was determined. No effect was found between the presence of olive fruit curculio and the maturity index., Maslina (Olea europaea L.) je mediteranska voćna kultura koja zahtjeva navodnjavanje kako bi se postigao optimalni prinos i kvaliteta. Prakse navodnjavanja i štete od maslininog svrdlaša (Rhodocyrtus cribripennis (Desbrochers, 1869.)),štetnika koji napada plod, mogu biti bitan čimbenik pri određivanju stupanja zrelosti, jednog od glavnih indikatora kakvoće ploda. Cilj rada je utvrditi kako različita praksa, pri određivanju količine i učestalosti obroka navodnjavanja, uz prisutnost svrdlaša, utječe na indeks zrelosti masline, sorte 'Coratina'. Istraživanje je provedeno na 24 stabla masline na dvije lokacije u Zadarskoj županiji: Žman (Dugi otok) i Novigrad. Navodnjavanje je provedeno sustavom kap na kap sa četiri varijante u tri ponavljanja: K(0%) samo kišenje, T1(PP) proizvođač određivao obroke prema iskustvu, T2(SAN) obroci određivani obzirom na evapotranspiraciju i fenofazu razvoja, s do 80% poljskog kapaciteta tla i T3(100%) dodavanje vode do 100% od izračunate evapotranspiracije. Analizom tla određen je poljski kapacitet, a evapotranspiracija je očitavana s meteopostaje Pinova™. Berbe su obavljene u listopadu 2020. i 2021. Za određivanje štete od svrdlaša te indeksa zrelosti ubrano je 100 plodova po uzorku. Obradom podataka jednosmjernom analizom varijance (ANOVA) i povratnim testom (Tukey), utvrđen je statistički značajan utjecaj praksi navodnjavanja na indeks zrelosti ploda masline po tretmanima, godinama i lokacijama, jednostruko i u međuovisnosti. Nije ustanovljen utjecaj između prisutnosti svrdlaša i indeksa zrelosti.

Maslina (Olea europaea L.) je neizostavan dio mediteranske kulture od antičkih vremena. Maslinina muha Bactrocera oleae (Rossi 1790) je glavni štetnik u maslinicima, sposobna uništiti do 90% uroda ako se ne kontrolira. Danas se sve više poljoprivrednika okreće integriranom (IPM) i ekološkom (EPM) tipu gospodarenja koji se oslanjaju na prirodne procese i metode u zaštiti bilja, uključujući i biološku kontrolu štetnika. Prva dva ličinačka stadija maslinine muhe hrane se unutar ploda, ali sredinom jeseni, treći stadij pada na tlo gdje se zakukulji do trenutka piljenja. To ga čini ranjivim prema predatorima aktivnima na tlu, poput trčaka (Insecta: Carabidae). Cilj istraživanja bio je istražiti koje su vrste trčaka potencijalni predatori ličinki i kukuljica maslinine muhe u dva maslinika mediteranskog područja Hrvatske, s integriranim (IO), odnosno ekološkim tipom upravljanja (EO). Uzorci su sakupljani lovnim zamkama od travnja do studenog 2018. godine i određeni do vrste. Njihove ekološke i morfološke karakteristike su zabilježene: veličina, prehrana i vrijeme aktivnosti. Rarefakcijske krivulje su izračunate na temelju broja vrsta u odnosu na broj uhvaćenih jedinki. Jedanaest vrsta predatornih trčaka uhvaćeno je u jesenskim mjesecima u ekološkom masliniku. Carabus coriaceus i Licinus silphoides bili su dominantne vrste. Integrirani maslinik imao je devet predatornih vrsta uhvaćenih u jeseni, a dominirali su Calathus fuscipes i Pterostichus melas. Rarefakcijske krivulje ukazuju da bi se broj nađenih vrsta povećao s daljnjim sakupljanjem jedinki. Rad je proveden u sklopu projekata: MEDITERATRI (Neonikotinoidi i bakar u mediteranskoj poljoprivredi – učinci na neciljanu faunu beskralješnjaka kroz trofičke interakcije) - HRZZ: Uspostavni istraživački projekti (UIP-05- 2017) i Fond „Jedinstvo uz pomoć znanja“ br. 10/19. ESF Projekt razvoja karijera mladih istraživača – izobrazba novih doktora znanosti (DOK-01-2018 HRZZ) – Voditeljica projekata je dr. sc. Lucija Šerić Jelaska.

Smokva (Ficus carica L.) je mediteranska voćna kultura koja ima dugu tradiciju uzgoja na području Ravnih kotara. Područje istraživanja se nalazilo u blizini mjesta Polača u nasadu smokve s integriranim sustavom proizvodnje. Zastupljene sorte su „Zamorčica“, „Bjelica“ i „Petrovača bijela“. Način gospodarenja tlom u voćnjacima igra važnu ulogu u aktivnosti i raznolikosti faune prizemnih člankonožaca. Istraživanje je provedeno s ciljem proučavanja sastava i aktivnosti faune prizemnih člankonožaca u zakorovljenom za razliku od pokošenog i malčiranog nasada smokve. Za vrijeme pokusa nasad smokve je bio podijeljen na dva dijela. Jedan dio bio je zakorovljen, a drugi pokošen i malčiran nekoliko puta tijekom vegetacijske sezone. Istraživanje je trajalo od svibnja do rujna 2017. Uzorkovanje je obavljeno korištenjem lovnih posuda („pitfall traps“). Ulovljeno je sveukupno 1 689 jedinki koje pripadaju u 2 razreda, 7 redova i 15 porodica. Na zatravljenom dijelu pronađeno je 993 jedinki, dok je na pokošenom zabilježeno 696 jedinki. Najbrojniji su bili: opnokrilci (Hymenoptera - por. Formicidae), kornjaši (Coleoptera) i pauci (Araneae). U ovom istraživanju dominirali su mravi sa zastupljenošću od 77. 68% ukupnog ulova.

Spiders are one of the most abundant natural enemies in apple orchards and have an important role in the biological control of harmful arthropods. Recently, coloured shade nets were introduced into management practices to improve the utilization of solar radiation by fruit trees and to exclude pest species. While the coloured netting in apple orchards had a positive effect on fruits, the secondary aim of our research was to analyse the influence the nets had on spider diversity and species composition. In this study we sampled the ground dwelling spider assemblage by pitfall trapping and identified spiders to species. Traps were placed under trees covered by four types of exclusion photo selective nets and uncovered (control) trees in an untreated experimental plot of an apple orchard. In total 456 individuals belonging to 13 families and 26 species of spiders were collected. Two wolf spider (Araneae, Lycosidae) species dominated the assemblages ; Trochosa robusta (Simon, 1876) and Hogna radiata (Latreille, 1819) comprised 45% of the total adult catch. Spider abundance showed a declining trend over season in all treatments. Most importantly, there was no difference either between the abundance, species richness or the species composition of spiders in the treatments. The study strongly indicates that insect exclusion nets have no negative effect on ground dwelling spider assemblages.

Crveni voćni pauk (Panonychus ulmi Koch) je jedan od najznačajnijih štetnika jabuke. Na razvoj crvenog pauka utječu vremenski uvjeti kao i kemijska sredstva za zaštitu bilja. Ovaj štetnik također preferira pojedine kultivare jabuka. Istraživanje je provedeno metodom zimskog pregleda grana na području Zadarske županije (Hrvatska) tijekom tri godine (2016. – 2018.). U 2016. najveći prosječan broj prezimljujućih jaja je pronađen na sortama Gala (338,33), Cripps Pink (241,33) i Red Elstar (247) dok je na sortama Golden Delicious i Summer Red uočeno znatno manje jaja. Tijekom 2017. najveća brojnost je uočena na sortama Cripps Pink (40) i Golden Delicious (24) ali još uvijek niska u odnosu na prethodnu godinu. U 2018. najveći broj prezimljujućih jaja pronađen je na sorti Granny Smith (20). Broj jaja na sortama Golden Delicious i Summer Red je bio podjednak tijekom 2016., 2017. i 2018. Tijekom istraživanja niti na jednom kultivaru nije uočen kritičan broj prezimljujućih jaja.

Ministarstvo poljoprivrede (MP) Republike Hrvatske donijelo je Nacionalni akcijski plan za postizanje održive uporabe pesticida (NAP) sukladno zahtjevu Direktive 2009/128/EZ. Na osnovi zakona o sredstvima za zaštitu bilja izrađen je pravilnik kojim se propisuju uvjeti i način provedbe osnovne i dopunske izobrazbe profesionalnih i ostalih korisnika. Ovlaštena institucija od strane MPa, tvrtka DMD Naturalis d. o. o. iz Zagreba, započela je u prosincu 2014. provedbu izobrazbe. Tijekom razdoblja do kraja listopada 2015. provela je 142 izobrazbe za profesionalne korisnike s 20 predavača u 109 mjesta za 5 666 korisnika. Izobrazbe su provođene od Stona, najjužnijeg mjesta, do Gradišćaka kao najsjevernijeg, i od najistočnije Županje do najzapadnijeg Umaga. Provedba izobrazbi bila je izazov kako za ovlaštene institucije i angažirane predavače, tako i za korisnike jer je bila najopsežnija i najzahtjevnije organizirana edukacija punoljetnih osoba u povijesti hrvatske fitomedicinske struke. Ciljevi rada su: 1. razvijenim andragoškim instrumentom izmjeriti uspješnost provedene izobrazbe; 2. analizirati čimbenike za uspješnu izobrazbu SWOT analizom provedenom među predavačima i administratorima ovlaštene institucije. U svrhu provođenja prvog dijela istraživanja telefonski je provedena nasumična anketa koja se sastoji od tri dijela upita nad uzorkom od 10 % educiranih korisnika (N= 600). Za drugi dio istraživanja provedena je SWOT analiza izobrazbe koju su proveli predavači i administratori institucije. Po dobnoj strukturi u izobrazbi prevladavaju osobe iznad 30 godina starosti, muškarci, sa srednjom stručnom spremom. Polaznici su na većinu pitanja o zadovoljstvu s provedenom izobrazbom i osobnim napretkom odgovorili ocjenjujući ih izvrsno ili vrlo dobro. Iz vrijednosti najvećeg umnoška (19,8) SWOT matrice najbolja strategija za unaprjeđenje izobrazbe u budućnosti bila bi tzv. strategija „MAXIMINI“., The Ministry of Agriculture (MoJ) of the Republic of Croatia has adopted a National Action Plan for Achieving Sustainable Use of Pesticides (NAP) in accordance with the requirements of Directive 2009/128/EC. Based on the Law on Plant Protection Products, an ordinance has been drafted which prescribes the conditions and manner of conducting basic and additional training for professional and other pesticide users. An authorized institution by MoA, DMD Naturalis Ltd., from Zagreb, started the trainings in December 2014. During the period until the end of October 2015, they conducted 142 courses for professional users with 20 lecturers in 109 places for 5,666 of them. The trainings were conducted from Ston, the southernmost town to Gradišćak the northernmost and from the easternmost Županja to the westernmost Umag. The implementation of the training was a challenge for both the authorized institutions engaged lecturers and users as it was the most comprehensive and demanding organized education of adults in the history of the Croatian phytomedicine profession. The aims of the work are: 1. to measure the success of the training carried out with the developed andragogical instrument; 2. Analyze the factors for successful education with SWOT analysis conducted among lecturers and administrators of an authorized institution. For the purpose of conducting the first part of the survey, a random survey was provided by telephone, consisting of three parts of a query over a sample of 10% of educated users (N=600). The SWOT analysis of the provided Training was conducted by the lecturers and administrators of the institution. The age structure in education is dominated by persons over 30 years of age, male, with secondary education. Participants answered most questions about satisfaction with their training and personal progress, assessing them as excellent or very good. From the value of the highest multiplication (19.8) of the SWOT matrix, the best strategy to improve training in the future would be the so-called the “MAXI-MINI strategy”.

Ministarstvo poljoprivrede (MP) RH donijelo je Nacionalni akcijski plan za postizanje održive uporabe pesticida (NAP) sukladno zahtjevu Direktive 2009/128/EZ. Na osnovu zakona o sredstvima za zaštitu bilja, je izrađen pravilnik kojim se propisuju uvjeti i način provedbe osnovne i dopunske izobrazbe profesionalnih i ostalih korisnika. Ovlaštena institucija od strane MP, tvrtka DMD Naturalis d.o.o., iz Zagreba započela je u prosincu 2014. provedbu izobrazbe. Tijekom razdoblja do kraja listopada 2015. provela je 142 izobrazbe za profesionalne korisnike s 20 predavača u 109 mjesta za 5.666 korisnika. Izobrazbe su provođene od Stona, najjužnijeg mjesta do Gradišćaka kao najsjevernijeg i od najistočnije Županje do najzapadnijeg Umaga. Provedba izobrazbi bila je izazov kako za ovlaštene institucije i angažirane predavače tako i za korisnike jer je bila najopsežnija i najzahtjevnije organizirana edukacija punoljetnih osoba u povijesti hrvatske fitomedicinske struke. Ciljevi rada su: 1. razvijenim andragoškim instrumentom izmjeriti uspješnost provedene izobrazbe ; 2. analizirati čimbenike za uspješnu izobrazbu SWOT analizom provedenom među predavačima i administratorima ovlaštene institucije. U svrhu provođenja prvog dijela istraživanja telefonski je provedena nasumična anketa koja se sastoji od tri dijela upita nad uzorkom od 10% educiranih korisnika (N= 600). Za drugi dio istraživanja provedena je SWOT analiza izobrazbe koju su proveli predavači i administratori institucije. Po dobnoj strukturi u izobrazbi prevladavaju osobe iznad 30 godina starosti, muški, sa srednjom stručnom spremom. Polaznici su na većinu pitanja o zadovoljstvu s provedenom izobrazbom i osobnim napretkom odgovorili ocjenjujući ih izvrsno ili vrlo dobro. Iz vrijednosti najvećeg umnoška (19, 8) SWOT matrice najbolja strategija za unaprjeđenje izobrazbe u budućnosti bila bi tzv. strategija „MAXI-MINI“.

Arthropods have great significance in integrated and ecological plant protection because the increase in their population can reduce the number of pests, thereby reducing the use of pesticides. It is necessary to maintain biodiversity within the cultivation area. Biodiversity is achieved by maintaining the ecological infrastructure that provides beneficial arthropods habitat, shelter and space for overwintering, and also provides them with a food source. It was found that the presence of certain weed species is in close relationship with the increasing presence of beneficial arthropods. The objective of this research was to assess the abundance, richness and composition of arthropods in olive orchards under different land use. The experiment was done in two olive orchards in Ravni Kotari (Zadar County, Croatia). In the first orchard, the soil was cultivated, while in second orchard the soil was partly covered with weeds. Arthropod fauna was collected from the beginning of May until the end of September in 2014. For arthropod collection, an entomological net and yellow sticky traps were used. In each orchard three yellow sticky traps were placed. Samples were collected every 15 days. Richness was measured using the Shannon diversity index (H'). During this research a total of 263 arthropod individuals belonging to 10 orders were collected. The most abundant orders were: Hymenoptera (61.5%), Coleoptera (19.3%) and Neuroptera (4.5%). Beneficial arthropods such as parasitic wasps, lacewings, syrphids and ladybugs were found on yellow sticky traps. A higher number of beneficial organisms (125) was found in the olive orchard partly covered with weeds, while in the cultivated orchard 94 individuals were recorded. The olive orchard partly covered with weeds was richer in arthropods (2.90). Significant differences between the olive orchards were not found, but we can conclude that the orchard partly covered with weeds was more attractive to beneficial arthropods than the cultivated orchard.

Ground beetles (fam. Carabidae) as beneficial insects are valuable organisms to study whether any of the new implemented agricultural measures in fruit production is beneficial. The aim of our study was to analyze impact of different types of exclusion nets on ground beetle species composition and abundance in an apple orchard. The study was conducted in an IPM apple orchard, situated in the north-west part of Croatia. The treatments for the study were four types of exclusion (colored) nets (Agritenax white, Agritenax yellow and Agritenax red all with photo selective properties and Stop Drosophila Normal net - pearl color) and non-covered trees acted as a control. Ground beetles were collected during the summer and autumn (from July 1st until October 15th in 2015) with pitfall traps. During the study, a total of 1559 specimens of ground beetles were identified and sorted into 28 species. Significant differences in the captures under nets were observed for species: Anchomenus (Anchomenus) dorsalis (Pontoppidan 1763), Microlestes minutulus (Goeze 1777), and Pterostichus (Feronidius) melas melas (Creutzer 1799). The most of the ground beetles (413) were recorded under the Agritenax yellow nets and the least (184) in the control. Our study showed the positive effect of exclusion nets on ground beetle species composition and diversity in IPM apple orchard thus confirming their value in assessing the introduction of new agricultural measures into practice.

The ionosphere introduces positioning error in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). There are several approaches for minimizing the error, with various levels of accuracy and different extents of coverage area. To model the state of the ionosphere in a region containing low number of reference GNSS stations, a locally adapted NeQuick 2 model can be used. Data ingestion updates the model with local level of ionization, enabling it to follow the observed changes of ionization levels. The NeQuick 2 model was adapted to local reference Total Electron Content (TEC) data using single station approach and evaluated using calibrated TEC data derived from 41 testing GNSS stations distributed around the data ingestion point. Its performance was observed in European middle latitudes in different ionospheric conditions of the period between 2011 and 2015. The modelling accuracy was evaluated in four azimuthal quadrants, with coverage radii calculated for three error thresholds: 12, 6 and 3 TEC Units (TECU). Diurnal radii change was observed for groups of days within periods of low and high solar activity and different seasons of the year. The statistical analysis was conducted on those groups of days, revealing trends in each of the groups, similarities between days within groups and the 95th percentile radii as a practically applicable measure of model performance. In almost all cases the modelling accuracy was better than 12 TECU, having the biggest radius from the data ingestion point. Modelling accuracy better than 6 TECU was achieved within reduced radius in all observed periods, while accuracy better than 3 TECU was reached only in summer. The calculated radii and interpolated error levels were presented on maps. That was especially useful in analyzing the model performance during the strongest geomagnetic storms of the observed period, with each of them having unique development and influence on model accuracy. Although some of the storms severely degraded the model accuracy, during most of the disturbed periods the model could be used, but with lower accuracy than in the quiet geomagnetic conditions. The comprehensive analysis of locally adapted NeQuick 2 model performance highlighted the challenges of using the single point data ingestion applied to a large region in middle latitudes and determined the achievable radii for different error thresholds in various ionospheric conditions.

Lisne uši (Insecta: Aphidoidea) pripadaju jednoj od najvažnijih skupina poljoprivrednih štetnika širom svijeta. Često uzrokuju ozbiljne, ekonomske probleme na različitim poljoprivrednim kulturama. Ponekad, zbog pojave rezistentnosti ovih kukaca na konvencionalna sredstva za zaštitu bilja zaštita je jako složena. Za razliku od kemijskih sredstava biljni ekstrakti pokazuju pozitivni učinak na okoliš, biološku raznolikost i ljudsko zdravlje. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je odrediti učinkovitost različitih koncentracija vodenog i alkoholnog ekstrakta autohtonog (lokalni sortiment) i uvoznog češnjaka (Alium sativum L.) na šljivinu zelenu uš (Hyalopterus pruni Geoffr.). Pokus je obavljen u laboratorijskim uvjetima korištenjem Petrijevih posuda prethodno obloženih filter papirom na koji su postavljene lisne uši. U svaku Petrijevu posudu postavljeno je 15 jedinki. Vodeni i alkoholni ekstrakti su razrijeđeni u tri koncentracije (100%, 50% i 25%). Smrtnost kukaca je kontrolirana nakon 24 h i 48 h. Za izračun i korekciju mortaliteta korištena je Abott-ova formula. Statistički značajna razlika je uočena između tretmana i kontrole. Najveći učinak unutar 24 h je pokazao je 100 %-tni vodeni ekstrakt, kao i sve koncentracije alkoholnog ekstrakta. Najlošiji rezultat (9.99%) nakon 24 h je uočen kod 25%-tne vodene otopine. Nakon 48 h smrtnost je kod svih koncentracija bila veća od 75%., Aphids (Insecta: Aphidoidea) are one of the most important group of agricultural pests worldwide. They have often caused serious, economic damages on variety of crops. Control is sometimes very difficult mainly due to resistance to conventional pesticides. Unlike chemical pesticides, plant extracts showed many benefits to environment, biodiversity and human health. This research was conducted to determine the efficacy of different water and alcohol concentrations of indigenous (local variety) and imported garlic (Alium sativum L.) extracts on aphid (Hyalopterus pruni Geoffr.). Experiment was performed in laboratory conditions, using Petri dishes previously sheathed with filter paper, in which aphids were transferred. In each Petri dish 15 individuals were placed. Water and ethanol garlic extracts were dissolved in three concentrations (100%, 50% and 25%). Insects mortality was checked after 24h and 48h. The percentage mortality was calculated and corrected using Abott’s formula. Significant differences among treatments and control were found. Within 24h the highest effect (>80%) on aphids showed 100% water concentration, aswell as all ethanol solutions. After 24 h 25% water concentration showed very low efficacy (9.99%). After 48 h mortality was higher, more than 75% at all concentrations.

Neonicotinoids have been the most commonly used insecticides worldwide in the last two decades, whereas application of Copper (Cu) has a much longer history, especially in Mediterranean agriculture, (e.g. vineyards). Lately, large numbers of studies have shown negative effects of neonicotinoids on non-target species (especially on bees but also on other insects, and indirectly on insectivorous species like birds) being thus recently banned by EU commission. On the other hand, intensification of production in favour of ecological pest management increases the use of copper in pest control schemes and its absorption in agroecosystems. In this study we aimed to quantify the relationships between pesticide concentrations, including those with copper compounds, in soil, carabids and its prey at four sampling sites, in vineyards and olive groves under integrated (IPM) and ecological pest managements (EPM), and in pristine habitats in Zadar County, in Mediterranean region of Croatia. Soil, carabids, earthworms, snails and woodlice were sampled using pitfall traps and by hand. LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS technique were utilised to quantify pesticides and Cu concentrations in the soil and in the animals representing different trophic guilds. In addition we analysed changes in body shape symmetry of Poecilus koyi, one of the most dominant predatory carabid species in the study sites, in order to evaluate the potential environmental stress between maned and pristine habitats that can affect carabids during their development. Geometric morphometrics (GMM) has been used to analyse pronotum and abdomen shape variations, and left/right asymmetries in up to100 individuals of P. koyi per study site. Some preliminary results showed that body burden with pesticides differ between prey and predator organisms, and body concentrations of certain pesticides in carabid beetles did not correlate with those in the soil. Distribution of pesticide along different trophic guilds and changes in body shape and fluctuating asymmetry in P. koyi populations will be presented and discussed in details.

Smokva (Ficus carica L.) je mediteranska voćna kultura koja ima dugu tradiciju uzgoja na području Ravnih kotara. Područje istraživanja se nalazilo u blizini mjesta Polača u nasadu smokve s integriranim sustavom proizvodnje. Zastupljene sorte su „Zamorčica“, „Bjelica“ i „Petrovača bijela“. Način gospodarenja tlom u voćnjacima igra važnu ulogu u aktivnosti i raznolikosti faune prizemnih člankonožaca. Istraživanje je provedeno s ciljem proučavanja sastava i aktivnosti faune prizemnih člankonožaca u zakorovljenom za razliku od pokošenog i malčiranog nasada smokve. Za vrijeme pokusa nasad smokve je bio podijeljen na dva dijela. Jedan dio bio je zakorovljen, a drugi pokošen i malčiran nekoliko puta tijekom vegetacijske sezone. Istraživanje je trajalo od svibnja do rujna 2017. Uzorkovanje je obavljeno korištenjem lovnih posuda („pitfall traps“). Ulovljeno je sveukupno 1 689 jedinki koje pripadaju u 2 razreda, 7 redova i 15 porodica. Na zatravljenom dijelu pronađeno je 993 jedinki, dok je na pokošenom zabilježeno 696 jedinki. Najbrojniji su bili: opnokrilci (Hymenoptera - por. Formicidae), kornjaši (Coleoptera) i pauci (Araneae). U ovom istraživanju dominirali su mravi sa zastupljenošću od 77. 68% ukupnog ulova., The common fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is a Mediterranean fruit species that has a long tradition of cultivation in Ravni kotari (Croatia). The study area was located near the Polača in the common fig orchard under an integrated system of growing. Presented varieties are „Zamorčica“, „Bjelica“, and „Petrovača bijela“. Orchard floor management plays an important role in the epigeic arthropods fauna activity and diversity. This study aims at investigating the assemblage and activity of arthropods in weedy, unlike the mowed and mulched fig orchard. During this research, fig orchard was divided into two parts. One covered with weeds, whereas the other one mowed and mulched several times through the vegetational season. This research was performed from May until September 2017. Epigeic arthropod fauna was sampled using pitfall traps. In this research, a total of 1 689 specimens belonging to 2 classes, 7 orders and, 15 families were captured. In the weedy part of the orchard, 993 individuals were found, unlike the mowed and mulched where 696 individuals were noticed. The most abundant were Hymenoptera (fam. Formicidae) followed by Coleoptera and Araneae. In this research, ants dominated with 77. 68% of total capture.

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is used in assessing the effect of environmental stress on the development stability of individuals by measuring small random deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry. Here, we checked for FA on two predatory carabid beetles, Pterostichus melas and Poecilus koyi, in order to evaluate species response to agricultural practices within Mediterranean agroecosystems, as well as FA as a method. The samples were collected in vineyards and olive groves, both under integrated pest management (IPM) and ecological pest management (EPM), and in pristine habitats in the Mediterranean region of Croatia. Geometric morphometrics (GMMs) were used to analyze the pronotum and abdomen shape variations and left&ndash, right asymmetries of each population. In respect to the FA measurements, analyzed species responded differently, with P. koyi displaying a lower intensity of FA than P. melas. On the other hand, P. melas beetles from vineyards showed a higher intensity of FA compared with populations from pristine habitats and olive groves. Accordingly, FA pointed out olive groves as potentially less adverse habitats to predatory carabids, keeping in mind the different levels of asymmetry between the two species. Our study singled out P.melas as a more suitable species for further research, in the effect that different agricultural practices can have their impact on non-target invertebrates analyzed by measuring the FA.

This study evaluated the use of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of shape, as a bio-indicator developmental stability (DS) in multiple populations of two different agricultural productions a) perennial (orchard) and b) annual (arable) crops on the carabid beetle Pterostichus melas melas (Creutzer, 1799) morphology. Shape variation and FA levels were estimated using geometric morphometrics. The results obtained using geometric morphometric analyses such as regressions (FA scores vs Shape) and partial least squares showed that carabids that inhabited the perennial agro-ecosystem seem to have adapted to the strong anthropogenic influence (i.e. IPM practices) at the phenotypic level, while the carabids inhabiting annual agro-ecosystems experience more unstable environments and their phenotypes seem to have been changed more recently. It was expected that phenotypes of the annual agro-ecosystems would be more variable than the long-established ones. Different IPM practices in agro-ecosystems generate different disturbance degrees in insect communities, and these effects can be successfully quantified by applying geometric morphometric techniques.

Svrha izvještajno‐prognoznih poslova jest pravovremeno, pravilno, učinkovito i ekonomski isplativo provođenje mjera zaštite bilja u praksi, na temelju podataka stalnog promatranja pojave i kretanja štetnih organizama. Glavni cilj izvještajno‐prognoznih poslova jest sprječavanje, odnosno smanjivanje gubitka u poljoprivrednoj proizvodnji koje mogu uzrokovati štetni organizmi bilja i biljnih proizvoda. Poznavanje stanja i statusa te suzbijanje štetnih organizama u nekoj državi međunarodna je obveza preuzeta potpisom „Međunarodne konvencije o zaštiti bilja“ i drugim međunarodnim sporazumima koje je potpisala Republika Hrvatska (www.hcphs.hr). Više smo se puta osvjedočili da štetni organizmi ne poznaju državne granice kao barijeru prelaska na nove prostore. Nekontrolirana i suvišna uporaba pesticida u poljoprivrednoj proizvodnji u kojoj su sudionici: poljoprivredni proizvođači, savjetodavci, državna uprava i znanstvenici, kao i činjenica da je onečišćenje jednog područja potaknuto onečišćenjem drugih, bez obzira na državne granice, rezultirala je sviješću o nužnosti zajedničkog djelovanja. Suradnjom različitih dionika u zaštiti bilja, intenzivnim prijenosom znanja, zajedničkim rješavanjem problema i usuglašavanjem može se doći do dugoročnog rješavanja pitanja zaštite okoliša od nekontrolirane primjene sredstava za zaštitu bilja.

Abundance and mortality of Western corn rootworm eggs during the winter in the soil are the primary factor that determinates the potential damage of larvae on the maize roots in spring. The aim of investigation is to determine the relationship between the capture of western corn rootworm adults on baits and the estimated abundance of oviposited eggs in autumn and spring. Second aim was to describe the relationship between the estimated number of eggs in autumn and spring of next year to determine the ratio of mortality in the given circumstances. Data on the number of eggs in autumn and spring were analyzed by binominal estimate of the population number based on frequency of occurrence. Relationship between the estimated number of eggs in autumn and spring is described by linear regression model. There was a positive correlation between the data of captures of adult corn rootworm on baits and the estimated number of eggs in autumn and spring. Coefficient describes strong relationship. Linear model that describes winter mortality of eggs (y = 0,6505x – 512 586 (R² = 0,955*1) was set.

Several species of the genus Fusarium can cause apple fruit to rot while stored. Since Fusarium taxonomy is very complex and has constantly been revised and updated over the last years, the aim of this study was to identify Fusarium species from rotten apples, based on combined morphological characteristics and molecular data.We identified 32 Fusarium isolates from rotten apple fruit of cultivars Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Idared, and Pink Lady, stored in Ultra Low Oxygen (ULO) conditions. Fusarium rot was detected in 9.4 % to 33.2 % of naturally infected apples, depending on the cultivar. The symptoms were similar in all four cultivars: a soft circular brown necrosis of different extent, with or without visible sporulation. Fusarium species were identified by the morphology of cultures grown on potato-dextrose agar (PDA) and carnation leaf agar (CLA). Twenty one isolates were identified as Fusarium avenaceum and confirmed as such with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primer pair FA-ITSF and FA-ITSR. F. pseudograminearum,F. semitectum, F. crookwellense, and F. compactum were identified by morphological characteristics. F.avenaceum can produce several mycotoxins and its dominance in Fusarium rot points to the risk of mycotoxin contamination of apple fruit juices and other products for human consumption. Pathogenicity tests showed typical symptoms of Fusarium rot in most of the inoculated wounded apple fruits. In this respect Fusarium avenaceum, as the dominant cause of Fusarium rot in stored apple fruits is a typical wound parasite.

Global navigation satellite systems’ performance is affected by the ionospheric signal delay. Ionospheric models are continuously enhanced to better describe ionospheric dynamics and reduce positioning errors. Changes in the geomagnetic field, influenced by the interplanetary magnetic field, reflect to the amount and distribution of the ionospheric ionization, quantified with the Total Electron Content (TEC). This paper characterizes the ionosphere over Europe during a geomagnetic storm. Combined information of temporal TEC change and spatial TEC gradients provides better overview of the ionospheric structures and enables clear insight in their dynamics and evolution.

Ubiquitous navigation aids require adjusted interfaces to become useful for the population of sensory challenged or deprived. Multimodal interfaces cater for wide user base, and provide more information per event. A method was devised to evaluate modalities of senses and transitions in their usage, with a special focus on mobility of the blind people. A model is given to analyze transitions between modality usages.

Continuous maize production in Croatia and Central Europe is at serious risk from western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, LeConte) activity. When alternatives to sowing continuous are not feasible, farmers will need a reliable tool that will allow them to choose fields for continuous cultivation. The decision could be based on assessing the adult populations in fields from the previous year. Non-baited yellow sticky traps [Pherocon AM (PhAM)] could be utilized as a practical tool for sampling. The main objective of this study was to determine which WCR adult population data collected by PhAM traps could most reliably predict the subsequent WCR larval population and damage. Adult WCR population densities in 30 cornfields were determined weekly over a 74 day period each year (24th to 35th week) from 2006 to 2009. In addition to root damage and plant lodging measurements, soil and root sampling were conducted to measure the WCR larval population in continuous maize fields. Larval infestation is best predicted by maximal weekly capture (MWC) but, root damage is better predicted by capture of adults in the 31st week of previous year. For the prediction of plant lodging, MWC, average daily capture (ADC) and the capture of adults in 29th week were found to be equivalent. To save money and to shorten the sampling period, farmers should employ PhAM traps between the 29th and 32nd week. The estimated WCR adult capture that could cause significant larval infestation is � 22 adults/trap in the 29th week. Significant future root damage is predicted if � 41 adults/trap are captured in the 31st week. Plant lodging is predicted if � 36 adults/trap (for 90% of upright plants) or � 32 adults/trap (for 10% of partially lodged plants) are captured in 29th week. Findings will help to develop economic threshold models and improved decision-making for WCR management.

In order to describe seasonal flight activity of the cabbage maggot Delia radicum (L.) adults in relation to Julian days (JD), degree-day accumulations (DDA) and precipitation, flight dynamics were followed weekly with the use of yellow sticky traps (YST). Climatic data were collected and DDA were calculated using the lower developmental threshold of 4.3 °C. The efficacy of four insecticides applied either as standard foliar treatment or through dipping the seedlings before transplanting was determined. Seasonal flight activity during the cultivation season of a mid-early variety of white cabbage was correlated with DDA and JD and was characterized by having two peaks. The first peak occurred between 119 ± 7.5 JD and 125.5 ± 8 JD when DDA was 471.35 ± 74.97 °C. The second occurred between 172.8 ± 6.1 JD and 179.3 ± 6.7 JD when DDA was 1,217.28 ± 96.12 °C. The DDA, cumulative capture of flies and JD are suitable for predicting the timing of insecticide application. Spraying with insecticides should be applied when the cumulative capture of flies reaches 100 flies/YST and when DDA reaches 400 °C. If only one parameter reaches the threshold, additional visual surveys should be employed to establish the level of infestation. Insecticides were able to ensure only partial control. In the future, alternative control tactics which employ seed treatments and nonpesticide measures should be investigated in Croatia.