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The objective was to assess the effect of chemical desiccation on seed germination and storability in three sunflower female inbred lines and to point at possible indicators for optimal performance time. Desiccation was performed with Diquat (2 l ha-1) applied at 7-day intervals from the end of flowering to harvest maturity. There were 6 treatments and control (untreated). Germination was tested 2 and 21 months after harvest. The highest germination was recorded when the desiccation was performed 35 days after flowering. Results showed that optimal moment for applying chemical desiccation when there is no negative effect on the seed germination is specific for each sunflower genotype. Seeds with a high level of germination (>90%) can be stored for 19 months without significant loss in germination, namely, it was not negatively affected by chemical desiccation. Seed moisture and growing degree-days can be used as reliable indicators for optimal desiccation time. Cilj rada bio je da se ispita uticaj hemijske desikacije na klijavost i čuvanje kvaliteta semena tri inbred linije suncokreta, kao i da se ispitaju mogući indikatori za optimalno vreme izvođenja desikacije. Za desikaciju je korišćen Dikvat (2 l/ha) u intervalima od 7 dana od završetka cvetanja do žetvene zrelosti. Obavljeno je 6 tretmana i kontrola. Klijavost je ispitivana 2 i 21 mesec nakon žetve. Najveća klijavost je zabeležena pri desikaciji 35 dana posle cvetanja. Rezultati pokazuju da je optimalni momenat za izvođenje hemijske desikacije, u kom nema negativnog uticaja na klijavost, specifičan za svaki genotip suncokreta. Seme visokog kvaliteta (>90%) moguće je čuvati 19 meseci bez značajnog smanjenja klijavosti, takođe, kod takvog semena nije bilo ni negativnog uticaja hemijske desikacije. Vlaga semena i sume aktivnih temperatura se mogu koristiti kao pouzdani indikatori optimalnog vremena za izvođenje hemijske desikacije.

Summary 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.

Bearing in mind that the sunflower production in Serbia is extensive, it is very important to select a hybrid that will achieve stable and high seed and oil yields in different enviromental conditions. The objective of the study was to identify the most stable sunflower hybrids for seed and oil yield using AMMI model analysis. Nine newly developed early, medium early and medium late hybrids were tested. Hybrids were grown in different locations across Northern Serbia during two growing seasons (2013-2014). Selected locations are geographically close, but environmentally different in terms of soil, rainfalls and temperature, thus creating a specific microclimate conditions for sunflower growing. Pooled analysis of variance for seed and oil yield showed that the main effects of hybrids, environments and their interaction were highly significant. The agro-ecological environment E3 is most favourable for achieving high seed and oil yields, but E9 was the most stable. According to results of AMMI model, the most stable hybrids for the seed and oil yield, i.e. the lowest interaction with the enviroment, were NS2, NS8 and NS9. The obtained results indicate that hybrids can be recommended for production in different environments in Serbia; NS2 hybrid as early-growing, stable for oil yield; NS8 and NS9, medium-late hybrids, high productivity potential and suitable for all production systems. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31025]

In recent years, overcoming the negative impact of climate change on the productivity of cultivated plants and the creation of tolerant genotypes have become one of the strategic goals in agriculture. In that context, IFVCNS breeding teams work intensely on finding innovative solutions to the main problems and challenges facing science and agriculture in the 21st century - climate change, environmental protection and sustainable crop production. In climate-smart crop breeding programmes IFVCNS researchers use innovative and high-throughput solutions for the exploitation of the existing and creation of the new genetic variability of field crops, creation of superior genotypes and transfer and implementation of new knowledge and technologies.

Sunflower seedling performance can affect on seed yield and oil quality. Biostimulators improve seedling conditions and can help to increase plants immunity and decrease stress effect. The aim of this work was evaluation of biostimulator effect on sunflower seedling and to observe which inbred line has the best reaction on biostimulator treatment. Three inbred lines (L1, L2, L3) from Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad in three repetitions were treated with commercial biostimulator (BACILLOMIX SEMENNOPS) in dosage 100ml on 5kg of seed and compared to control without biostimulator.

For the production of high-yielding sunflower hybrids, it is necessary to cross inbred lines, the parent components of hybrids, which differ in a number of traits. The aim of this paper was to examine the variability of sunflower inbred line for agronomically important traits and to classify them based on similarities. 110 inbred lines from the collection of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad were used in this paper. Nine important agronomic traits were examined: plant height, head diameter, number of days from germination to flowering, number of days from germination to maturity, seed yield, oil percentage, oleic acid content, 1000 seed mass and hull percentage. Inbred lines showed high variability for tested traits. The largest coefficient of variations was for seed yield (CV = 42.51%), and the smallest was for days from germination to flowering (CV = 8.86%) and days from germination to ripening (CV = 8.27%). Based on the principal components analysis (PCA analysis), inbred lines were grouped by similarity: (I) inbred lines with high seed and oil yields, (II) inbred lines with a short period from germination to flowering and (III) inbred lines with a high percentage shells, for special use. Seed yield and oil percentage as the most important agronomic traits were positively correlated, and they were positively correlated with the largest number of examined trais. The data obtained in this paper will be taken into account when crossing the inbred line in order to create sunflower hybrids. Za stvaranje visoko-produktivnih hibrida suncokreta potrebno je ukrstiti inbred linije, roditeljske komponente hibrida, koje se razlikuju u većem broju osobina. Cilj ovog rada je bio da se ispita varijabilnost 110 inbred linija suncokreta iz kolekcije Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo u Novom Sadu za agronomski važne osobine i da se klasifikuju na osnovu sličnosti u pogledu ispitivanih osobina. Mereno je devet agronomski važnih osobina: visina stabla, prečnik glave, broj dana od nicanja do cvetanja, broj dana od nicanja do zrenja, prinos semena, procenat ulja, sadržaj oleinske kiseline, masa 1000 semena i procenat ljuske. Inbred linije su pokazale visoku varijabilnost za većinu ispitivanih osobina. Najveći koeficijent varijacije bio je kod prinosa semena (CV=42,51%), a najmanji kod perioda od nicanja do cvetanja (CV=8,86%) i zrenja (CV=8,27%). Analiza glavnih komponenata (PCA) izdvojila je inbred linije koji su se u većoj meri razlikovale od ostalih inbred linija prema sledećim osobinama: (I) inbred linije sa visokim prinosima semena i ulja, (II) inbred linije sa kratkim periodom od nicanja do cvetanja i (III) inbred linije sa visokim procentom ljuske, pogodne za specijalne namene. Prinos semena i procenat ulja kao najvažnije agronomske osobine su bile u pozitivnoj korelaciji, a i u pozitivnoj korelaciji sa najvećim brojem ispitivanih osobina. Podaci dobijeni u ovom radu biće korišćeni prilikom ukrštanja inbred linija u svrhu stvaranja hibrida suncokreta.

Sunflower has been proposed as a potential crop model for an adaptation to a changing environment and special attention should be paid to testing hybrids under different environments. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) supplemented with genotype main effects and genotype by environment interaction effects (GGE) were used for dissection of genotype by environment interaction and evaluation of hybrids and testing environments. The research included 24 sunflower hybrids grown across twelve environments. AMMI analysis identified four significant interaction principal components (IPC), while in GGE biplot the first two IPCs accounted together for 44.59%. Environmental factors contributed the largest proportion in the total variation of seed yield (67.40%), followed by interaction and genotypes. High yielding hybrids H1, H14 and H11 showed specific adaptation to environments E10 and E1, respectively. The average environment coordination (AEC) view of GGE biplot indicated H17 as the most desirable genotype regarding seed yield. From the results of this study it can be concluded that MET trials are important not just for evaluation of stability and choosing the most stable genotypes, but also the genotypes that will perform well in low yielding environments and be able to take advantage of the favourable environmental conditions.

Sunflower seed treatments are inevitable measure that ensures protection from soil-dwelling insects and pathogens at the first stages of plant development. Due to the ban of neonicotinoid based insecticides for the sunflower seed treatments, new registered preparations are put to test. The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy of currently registered insecticides against the wireworms (observed in field emergence and percent of damaged plants) and their effect on yield traits (yield, oil content and 1,000-seed weight) of the sunflower hybrids (Sumo 2 OR, Oliva and Novak) in comparison to previously used neonicotinoids. Seeds were treated with different pesticidal combinations: metalaxyl-m, metalaxyl-m + bifenthrine, metalaxyl-m + thiacloprid, metalaxyl-m + thiametoxam, and metalaxyl-m + imidacloprid. Twoway ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range tests were performed. Field emergence was not influenced by the treatment. Sumo 2 OR and Oliva emergence did not differ significantly among the treatments (78.3-88.3%; 83.0-91.3%, respectively), but for Novak it was significantly lower (79.3%) when treated with metalaxyl-m. The lowest percent of damaged plants was in the treatment with metalaxyl-m + thiametoxam (1.1-2.4%). However, it did not differ significantly among other treatments (2.4-3.9%), regardless on the hybrid. Novak had the highest average yield (3,938.1 kg/ha), followed by Sumo 2 OR (3,566.1 kg/ha), and Oliva (3,199.8 kg/ha), regardless on the applied seed treatments. The highest 1,000-seed weight was measured for Oliva. Given indicates that currently registered insecticides for the seed treatment of sunflower, such as Sonido and Semafor, can be adequate substitute to the banned neonicotinoids like Cruiser and Gaucho., Tretiranje semena suncokreta je nezaobilazna mera koja obezbeđuje zaštitu od insekata i patogenih organizama u početnim fazama razvoja biljaka. Zbog zabrane upotrebe insekticida na bazi neonikotinoida za tretiranje semena, u praksi se realizuju ispitivanja efikasnosti tržišno dostupnih. Cilj ovog rada je bio da se ispita efikasnost trenutno registrovanih insekticida za suzbijanje žičara (posmatrano preko nicanja i procenta oštećenih biljaka), kao i njihov uticaj na osobine prinosa (prinos, sadržaj ulja i masu 1000 semena) hibrida suncokreta (Sumo 2 OR, Oliva i Novak), u poređenju sa prethodno korišćenim neonikotinoidima. Seme je tretirano različitim kombinacijama: metalaksil-m, metalaksil-m + bifentrin, metalaksil-m + tiakloprid, metalaksil-m + tiametoksam i metalaksil-m + imidakloprid. Podaci su obrađeni dvofaktorskom analizom varijanse i Dankanovim testom višestrukog poređenja. Pesticidni tretmani nisu uticali na nicanje u polju. Nicanje Sumo 2 OR i Olive se nije značajno razlikovalo između tretmana (78,3-88,3%, 83,0 -91,3%, respektivno), dok je nicanje Novaka bilo znatno slabije (79,3%) kada je seme tretirano samo sa metalaksil-m. Najniži procenat oštećenih biljaka bio je u tretmanima metalaksil-m + tiametoksam (1,1-2,4%). Međutim, oštećenja se nisu značajno razlikovala između ostalih tretmana (2,4-3,9%), bez obzira na hibrid. Novak je postigao najveći prosečni prinos (3938,1 kg/ha), zatim Sumo 2 OR (3566,1 kg/ha), pa Oliva (3199,8 kg/ha), bez obzira na primenjene tretmane semena. Oliva je imala najveću masu 1000 semena. Izneti rezultati ukazuju na to da trenutno registrovani insekticidi za tretman semena suncokreta, kao što su Sonido i Semafor, mogu biti adekvatna zamena za zabranjene neonikotinoide kao što su Cruiser i Gaucho.

The study assessed the genetic variability among Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. isolates originating from six different countries (Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, Ukraine and Serbia), collected mostly from sunflower, but also maize, soybean, flax, common bean and zebra plant. RAPD analysis was based on 154 polymorphic bands obtained with 14 OPA primers. RAPD markers OPA-02–OPA-05, OPA-07–OPA-13 and OPA-18–OPA-20 were found to be suitable for measuring the genetic relatedness and detecting variability in M. phaseolina populations. Cluster analysis revealed high genetic diversity of M. phaseolina isolates within the same country of origin, but clear differentiation according to the isolates’ host plant and geographical origin was not observed. Contingency analysis and corrected contingency coefficients enabled determination of RAPD markers associated with geographical origin of isolates, as well as markers specific for non-sunflower isolates. Marker OPA 10_1750 was found to be highly specific for the isolates from Turkey, while two markers, OPA 3_1250 and OPA 9_800, could be used for differentiation of isolates originating from sunflower from isolates originating from other host plants.

As organic agriculture represents one of the most sustainable ways of agricultural land use, the key purpose of this research was to improve confectionary sunflower production in organic agriculture. The trial compared seed yield per plant of conventional confectionary sunflower hybrids in organic vs conventional production. Subsequently, 1000 seed weight, seed yield per plant and kernel ratio of confectionary hybrids treated with the following fertilizers used in organic production: fertilizer of animal origin (G), fertilizer based on amino acids and nitrogen (T) and microbiological fertilizer (N) were compared with untreated control (C). Fertilizers enhanced yield of sunflower compared to untreated control; the highest yield was recorded in combined of G+N and G+T, all in organic agriculture system. NS Gricko had the lowest seed yield per plant compared to the other hybrids that significantly increased when treated with G+N fertilizers; same results were obtained in treatments of NS Slatki, and NS Leviathan. Preliminary results of the study indicated that application of organic fertilizers can have a positive effect on yield of sunflower in organic production conditions, which indicates that further research is necessary. Kako organska poljoprivreda predstavlja jedan od najodrživijih načina korišćenja poljoprivrednog zemljišta, svrha ovog istraživanja bila je poboljšanje proizvodnje konzumnog suncokreta u organskoj poljoprivredi. Prilikom istraživanja upoređen je prinos po biljci konvencionalnih hibrida u organskom i konvencionalnom proizvodnom sistemu. Nakon toga, upoređeni su masa 1000 semena, prinos po biljci i udeo jezgra konzumnih hibrida tretiranih sledećim đubrivima koja se koriste u organskoj proizvodnji: đubrivo životinjskog porekla (G), đubriva na bazi amino-kiselina i azota (T) i mikrobiološko đubrivo (N) sa ne tretiranom kontrolom (C). Primena ovih đubriva povećala je prinos hibrida u odnosu na kontrolu, a najveći je zabeležen u kombinaciji tretmana G+N i G+T, a sve u organskom sistemu gajenja. NS Gricko je imao najmanji, statistički značajan, prinos semena po biljci u poređenju sa drugim hibridima, koji se značajno povećan tretiranjem G + N đubrivima; isti rezultati su dobijeni kod hibrida NS Slatki i NS Leviathan. Preliminarni rezultati studije ukazuju da primena organskih đubriva može pozitivno uticati na prinos suncokreta u uslovima organske proizvodnje, što pokazuje da su dalja istraživanja neophodna.

Sunflower seeds are regularly infested by Plodia interpunctella during storage. Although this pest prefers damaged seeds, in practice it can infest undamaged seeds as well. This research assessed the influence of the sunflower seed type (oil, protein for human consumption and bird-feed) and the initial seed damage during post-harvest processing (dehulled kernels, 10, 20, 30% of damaged seeds and undamaged seeds) on development of P. interpunctella (larval mortality, larval development, mean developmental duration, adult emergence and fecundity). Biochemical analysis of seeds, kernels and hulls detected the highest content of phenols in the seed and hull and tocopherols in the kernel of the oil type hybrid. The antioxidative activity was the highest in the seed, kernel and hull of the protein type for bird feed. The shortest development (39.5 days) and the highest fecundity (91.3) were on the oil type seeds, while the longest development (42.1 days) and the lowest fecundity (68.1) were on the seeds of the protein type for bird feed. The highest mortality of larvae was on the undamaged seeds of the protein type for bird feed and human consumption (21.3% and 14.0%, respectively). The type of sunflower and the level of initial damage affected larval mortality, developmental duration and fecundity. The mean developmental duration and the number of emerged adults were dependent only on the initial seed damage. Principal component analysis detected strong positive correlation between mortality and development with the tocopherol content on the undamaged seeds while fecundity was associated with the state of kernel and the amount of tannins, proteins and oil content in the seed. The undamaged seeds of the protein type for the bird feed were the least suitable for the development of this pest, while the oil type kernels were the most suitable.

Head size contributes substantially to seed yield of sunflower because it influences both number of seeds per head, and seed size. The aim of this field study was to determine the variability of head diameter in sunflower hybrids depending on planting date across three cropping seasons. Three hybrids (Miro, Rimi, Pobednik) were sown at four planting dates (PD1 - 20th of March, PD2 - 10th of April, PD3 - 30th of April, PD4 - 20th of May). Head diameter was analysed in the stage of flowering and physiological maturity. The trial was arranged as Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the effect of year, hybrid, planting date and most interactions were highly significant for head diameter in the flowering stage. In the stage of physiological maturity head diameter varied significantly depending only on the planting date. Also, all interactions, except year × hybrid (Y × H), were highly significant. Planting date had significant influence on head diameter in the stage of flowering and physiological maturity in sunflower. With later sowing head diameter increased, so that significantly highest head diameter across planting dates was found in PD4 (11.8 cm in flowering stage, and 22.6 cm at the stage of physiological maturity). Study results may be helpful in the recommendation for optimal planting date in sunflower. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31025]

The creation of sunflower hybrids tolerant to tribenuron-methyl enabled the use of wider palette of herbicides to control effectively weeds during the growing season. Moreover, thanks to this tolerance, chemical control of broad-leaves weeds in sunflower, especially Cirsium arvense, is more efficient. The Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops offers four new hybrids tolerant to tribenuron-methyl: NS SUMO SUN, NS SUMO STAR, NS SUMO SjAj and NS SUMO SOL, released in 2016. Hybrids belong to early and medium-early maturity groups; have high yield potential and high oil content. They are adapted for cultivation in different environmental conditions. All hybrids are resistant to broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr) races from A-E and have a high level of tolerance to Phomopsis, white rot (Sclerotinia sclorotiorum), rust (Puccinia helianthi) and others. The paper presents the results of seed and oil yield from the official trials of the Department of variety registration within the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia. Stvaranjem hibrida suncokreta tolerantnih na sulfonil-ureu tj. tribenuron-metil omogućeno je korišćenje šire palete herbicida za efikasno suzbijanje korova u toku vegetacionog perioda. Zahvaljujući ovoj tolerantnosti znatno je olakšana borba protiv širokolisnih korova, posebno palamide, u usevu suncokreta. U ponudi Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo su četiri nova hibrida NS SUMO SUN, NS SUMO STAR, NS SUMO SjAj i NS SUMO SOL, registrovanih u 2016. godini. Hibridi priradaju grupi ranih i srednje ranih hibrida suncokreta, pokazuju visok potencijal rodnosti i imaju visok sadržaj ulja u semenu. Prilagođeni su gajenju u različitim agroekološkim uslovima jer imaju široku adaptabilnost na uslove proizvodnje. Svi hibridi imaju otpornost prema volovodu (Orobanche cumana Wallr), rase od A-E i visok stepen tolerantnosti prema Phomopsis-u, beloj truleži (Sclerotinia sclorotiorum), rđi (Puccinia helianthi) i dr. U radu su prikazani rezultati prinosa semena i ulja komisijskih ogleda Odeljenja za priznavanje sorti Ministarstva poljoprivrede i zaštite životne sredine Republike Srbije.

Path coefficient analysis was applied to gain information on direct and indirect effects of studied traits (seed oil content, kernel oil content, seed protein content, kernel protein content, head diameter, kernel ratio and plant height) on sunflower seed yield. Traits which exhibit the highest effects on seed yield will be used as a selection criterion in confectionary sunflower breeding. The research was conducted during three vegetation seasons on 22 experimental confectionary sunflower hybrids, created in breeding program the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops. Among the largest number of examined traits, significant and highly significant correlations were found. With the analysis of simple correlation coefficients a low interdependence was determined between, kernel protein content, plant heights with seed yield. Negative but weak correlation was determined between kernel oil content, seed protein content, kernel ratio with seed yield. Established a negative strong correlation of head diameter (-0.190*) and negative very strong correlation of seed oil content (-0.351**) with seed yield. The seed oil content had a very strong direct negative effect on seed yield (DE=-0.831**). The head diameter, plant height, seed protein content had weak negative direct effect on seed yield. Kernel protein content and kernel oil content has demonstrated a weak direct positive effect on seed yield. Path coefficient analysis for seed yield showed very strong direct effect for kernel ratio (DE=0.487*) on seed yield, it shows that the kernel ratio is important selection criterion for confectionary sunflower breeding. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 31025: Development of new varieties and production technology improvement of oil crops for different purposes]

Summary A useful approach for improving seed germination and seedling growth is a seed priming technique. Application of the priming technique enhances water absorption, causing activation of metabolic activities in the seed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed priming on germination parameters of safflower and to compare different priming techniques: priming by soaking and priming on filter paper. The priming treatments included hydropriming (distilled water) and osmopriming with 0.1% and 0.5% solutions of KNO3 for 8 and 16 hours. The experiment revealed significant difference between the priming treatments and the control. The highest germination (89.50%) was recorded within the priming treatments by soaking in the solution of 0.1% KNO3 and priming on filter paper moistened with 0.5% KNO3 for 8 hours. Considering germination index, mean germination time and time to 50% germination, the best results were obtained within hydropriming on filter paper for 16 hours. This study has shown that the priming techniques significantly improved germination parameters of safflower. Although priming on filter paper showed better results, the soaking technique – due to its simplicity, low cost and easiness of application – can be successfully used to improve germination parameters of safflower and increase the number of plants per unit of area and thus increase the seed yield per acreage.

The most frequent oil crops in Serbia today are sunflower and soybean, planted on over 200,000 ha each, followed by rapeseed, which increases significantly in surfaces. Black and white mustard, hemp, oil pumpkin, castor bean, flax, poppy, sesame and safflower are grown on smaller surfaces. In Serbia, a total of 355 varieties of oil plant species were on the variety list in 2017, out of which 188 were sunflower, 83 soybean and 71 rapeseed, followed by oil pumpkin, hemp, white and black mustard and castor bean. Among the domestic and foreign seed companies, the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops from Novi Sad prevails with 150 registered varieties. Camelina, flax, poppy and safflower are in the registration process. In the ten-year period 2008-2017, the seed production of oil crops averaged 9,955 ha per year, of which the highest were soybean (8,200 ha per year) and sunflower (1,732 ha per year), and on small areas: rapeseed, oil pumpkin, poppy and hemp. In the 2016/2017 season in Serbia, 19,657,116 kg of soybean, 1,666,267 kg of sunflower, 137,179 kg of rapeseed and small quantity of white mustard seed, cannabis and oil pumpkin seeds were certified (all seed categories). Over 86% of declared sunflower seed and over 94% of rapeseed is imported. Serbia belongs to bigger European producers of soy and sunflower, has favorable agroecological conditions for the cultivation of oil crops, long tradition of breeding, strong processing sector, quality human resources and capacities and developed system of state regulation in seed production. The advantages Serbia has in breeding, seed production and growing of oil crops, have not been adequately exploited. Najzastupljenije uljane biljne vrste u Srbiji su suncokret i soja koje se gaje na preko 200.000 ha, sledi uljana repica čije površine značajno rastu. Na manjim površinama gaje se crna i bela slačica, konoplja, uljana tikva, ricinus, lan, mak, susam i šafranjika. U Srbiji je 2017. godine na listi priznatih sorti poljoprivrednog bilja bilo 355 sorti uljanih biljnih vrsta, od toga suncokreta 188, soje 83 i uljane repice 71, slede uljana tikva, konoplja, bela i crna slačica i ricinus. Među domaćim i stranim semenskim kućama dominira Institut za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo iz Novog Sada sa 150 registrovanih sorti. U priznavanju su i lanik, lan, mak i šafranjika. U desetogodišnjem periodu 2008-2017, semenarstvo uljanih biljnih vrsta se u proseku odvijalo na 9.955 ha godišnje, od toga najviše soje (8.200 ha godišnje) i suncokreta (1.732 ha godišnje) i na malim površinama uljana repica, uljana tikva, mak i konoplja. U sezoni 2016/2017. u Srbiji je atestirano (svih kategorija semena) 19.657.116 kg soje, 1.666.267 kg suncokreta, 137.179 kg uljane repice i manje količine semena bele slačice, konoplje i uljane tikve. Preko 86% deklarisanog semena suncokreta i preko 94% semena uljane repice potiču iz uvoza. Srbija spada u veće evropske proizvođače soje i suncokreta, ima povoljne agroekološke uslove za gajenje uljanih biljnih vrsta, dugu tradiciju oplemenjivanja, jak prerađivački sektor, kvalitetne kadrove i kapacitete i razvijen sistem državne regulative u semenarstvu. Prednosti koje Srbija ima u oplemenjivanju, semenarstvu i gajenju uljanih biljnih vrsta nisu adekvatno iskorištene.

The main purpose of this study was to define the perspective of cultivating sunflower hybrids in the northeast of Kazakhstan. The trial included 10 hybrids that originated from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia (NS-sunflower hybrids). The study was conducted in the field and laboratory. Testing was carried out by PGTH technique (a preliminary testing of hybrids) ARRIOBC (All-Russian Research Institute of Oil-Bearing Crops) in quadruple frequency and as a production testing on big squares in single frequency. Phenological assessment, plant measurements, definition of oil content, 1000-seed weight and its nature were carried out by the standard methods. The experiments established the length of the vegetative period, growth indicators, yield, oil content and oil yield per hectare, 1000-seed weight and nature of the studied hybrids in three agro-climatic zones in the northeast of Kazakhstan. Two perspective locations for hybrid cultivation were allocated in Pavlodar and east Kazakhstan regions. Further research on developing seed farming technology of the perspective hybrids in Pavlodar region of Kazakhstanis planned.

The most important criteria for introducing new confectionary hybrids into the production is high protein yield. Path coefficient analysis was used to obtain information on direct and indirect effects of studied traits (seed oil content, kernel oil content, seed yield, kernel protein content, mass of 1000 seeds, kernel ratio and hull ratio) on protein yield. The research was conducted during three vegetation seasons, on 22 experimental confectionary sunflower hybrids created in the breeding program at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops. Strong and very strong correlations were found among the largest number of examined traits. A weak negative interdependence was determined between kernel oil content, kernel protein content, mass of 1000 seeds, hull ratio, and protein yield using the analysis of simple correlation coefficients. Positive but weak correlation was determined between protein yield and seed oil content, and kernel ratio. Very strong positive correlation was determined between protein yield and seed yield (0.468**). The seed oil content had a very strong direct negative effect on protein yield (DE=-0.734**). The mass of 1000 seeds had a weak negative direct effect on protein yield. Kernel protein content and kernel oil content demonstrated a weak direct positive effect on protein yield. Path coefficient analysis of protein yield showed a very strong positive direct effect of kernel ratio (DE=1.340**), seed yield (DE=0.657**) and hull ratio (DE=0.992*). These findings confirm the effect of seed yield, kernel ratio, and hull ratio on protein yield, and their importance as the selection criteria in confectionary sunflower breeding. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 31025: Development of new varieties and production technology improvement of oil crops for different purposes]

Sunflower pollination has been a subject of research for more than 40 years at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, Serbia. Since the first experiments in 1970s, the importance of climatic conditions was acknowledged and analyzed as a key factor for the performance of plants and pollinators. Climatic conditions, disease and pest problems changed significantly during this period, but sunflower production technology and breeding also advanced making seed production more stable. Nonetheless, the quality of agronomic practices still varies which also reflects on the plant and pollinator performance. Sunflower breeding led to improved germplasm which still maintains high degree of variability for nectar content and pollinator attractivity. Pollinators are essential in crosses involving cytoplasmic male sterile lines, but are also beneficial in hybrid sunflower seed production. Pollinator attractivity is thus an important trait for both breeders and producers and worth to be considered as a quality trait in sunflower breeding programs.

Parasitic plant broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is a major problem in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production. Yield losses can be up to 100% when susceptible genotypes are grown. Eight known races of broomrape in sunflower have been identified and designated by letters from A to H. Five races have been identified (A, B, C, D and E) in the past, while more virulent races have recently appeared in the countries around the Black Sea and Spain. The race E has been predominant in Serbia for many years, although in some places a new race has appeared. Broomrape can be confined using chemical control, but growing resistant genotypes appears to be the most efficient and reliable way of control. The sources of resistance have mainly been found in the wild species of the genus Helianthus. Sunflower resistance to broomrape is controlled by Or genes. The system of resistance control depends on the race of broomrape and sources of resistance material. Over the last five decades, significant results have been achieved in sunflower breeding for the resistance to broomrape. Five dominant genes (Or1-Or5), which provide resistance to five races of broomrape (A-E), have been identified, establishing a set of five differential lines. The set was later supplemented with lines resistant to race F. Intensive work has been done at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops (IFVC) on: (1) finding the source of resistance towards races which overcome races E and F, in the wild species and cultivated sunflower, (2) determining the gene effects and mode of inheritance of this trait; as well as (3) research on the molecular level, focused on finding markers closely linked to Or genes. Genotypes were tested in naturally infested fields in Serbia, where race E is fully dominant; Spain, where race F is predominant; and in Romania and Turkey, where very virulent races (over race F) of broomrape are present. The results have indicated that several genotypes were selected as potentially resistant or highly tolerant to virulent races of broomrape present in these locations. Intensive research on the molecular level was focused on the development of specific DNA markers, in order to facilitate and accelerate the introduction of resistance into cultivated sunflower. By comparing the molecular profile of resistant and susceptible genotype, a polymorphism was observed on LG3 of the SSR map. The identification of closely related molecular markers will facilitate the introgression of the gene into different sunflower lines. Another way to control broomrape is the cultivation of sunflower hybrids tolerant to imidazolinone herbicides. This measure solves the problem of broomrape regardless of its racial composition. Parazitska cvetnica, volovod (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) predstavlja veliki problem u proizvodnji suncokreta (Helianthus annuus L.). Kod osetljivih genotipova može da izazove gubitke prinosa i do 100%. Do sada je poznato osam rasa volovoda koje parazitiraju na suncokretu, označenih slovima od A do H. U prošlosti je identifikovano 5 rasa (A, B, C, D i E), dok su se pre dvadesetak godina pojavile virulentnije rase u zemljama oko Crnog mora i na području Španije. U Srbiji je dugi niz godina dominantna rasa E, mada su na pojedinim mestima prisutne i nove rase volovoda. Najčešća mera borbe protiv volovoda je hemijsko suzbijanje, mada gajenje otpornih genotipova suncokreta pokazalo se ekonomski i ekološki najbolji način prevazilaženje problema sa volovodom. Izvori otpornosti pronađeni su uglavnom u divljim vrstama roda Helianthus. Otpornost suncokreta prema volovodu je kontrolisana Or genima. Sistem otpornosti zavisi od rase volovoda i različitih izvora otpornosti. U proteklih pet decenija postignuti su značajni rezultati u oplemenjivanju suncokreta na otpornost prema volovodu. Identifikovano je pet dominantnih gena (Or1-Or5) koji kontrolišu otpornost prema pet rasa volovoda (A-E) i uspostavljen je set od pet diferencijalnih linija. Set je kasnije dopunjen sa linijama otpornim na rasu F. U Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, Novi Sad intenziviran je rad na: pronalaženju izvora otpornosti prema rasama koje prevazilaze E i F, u divljim vrstama i u gajenom suncokretu, ispitivanju efekta gena i načina nasleđivanja ovog svojstva, kao i na istraživanjima na molekularnom nivou fokusirana na pronalaženje markera blisko vezanih za Or gene. Genotipovi su testirani u prirodno zaraženim lokalitetima: Srbiji gde je E rasa dominantna, Španiji gde je rasa F predominantna, i u Rumuniji i Turskoj gde su prisutne vrlo virulentne rase volovoda (preko rase F). Na osnovu rezultata odabrani su genotipovi otporni na rase F i one koje prevazilaze rasu F u svim ispitivanim lokalitetima. Rezultati ispitivanja načina nasleđivanja otpornosti na volovod rase veće od F ukazuju na to da je ova osobina kontrolisana jednim recesivnim genom za ispitivane otporne genotipove. Usko povezani molekularni markeri mogu olakšati i ubrzati proces uvođenja gena otpornosti u selekcioni materijal. Mapiranjem novog gena otpornosti, u otpornim genotipovima je utvrđeno da je lociran na LG3 genetske mape suncokreta. Identifikacija blisko vezanih molekularnih markera koji će omogućiti marker asistiranu selekciju je u toku. Još jedna mera borbe protiv volovoda je gajenje hibrida suncokreta tolerantnih na herbicide iz grupe imidazolinona (a.s. Imazamoks). Ovom merom rešava se problem volovoda bez obzira na rasni sastav ove parazitske cvetnice.

The most important criterion for introducing new confectionary sunflower hybrids into production is high protein yield. In the breeding process it is important to identify traits which could be used as selection criteria for increased kernel protein content. Increase of kernel protein content results in increased protein yield. This research was conducted during three vegetation seasons on 22 NS high-protein two-line confectionary sunflower hybrids produced within the breeding program at IFVCNS, Novi Sad, Serbia. Strong and very strong correlations were found among the largest number of examined traits. Based on the analysis of simple correlation coefficients, strong negative correlation was determined between kernel protein content and kernel ratio (-0.516*). A weak negative interdependence was determined between head diameter, seed protein content, and kernel protein content. Positive but weak correlation was determined between kernel protein content and thickness of seed, length of seed, width of seed, and 1000 seed weight. Path coefficient analysis for kernel protein content at phenotypic level showed that the thickness of seed had a strong positive direct effect on kernel protein content (DE=382*). Kernel ratio and width of seed had a very strong direct negative effect on kernel protein content (DE=-0.990**; DE=0.600**). A weak direct positive effect of head diameter, seed protein content and length of seed was established, whereas 1000 seed weight had a weak direct negative effect on kernel protein content. Path coefficient analysis indicates showed that the thickness of seed has high great influence on kernel protein content, and an important selection criterion for breeding for high protein yield. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 31025: Development of new varieties and production technology improvement of oil crops for different purposes]

The results of seed and oil yield obtained from the trials and production plots, single out sunflower hybrids NS Oskar and NS Fantazija as very promising and potentially leading in Serbia. They were created by breeding process at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. Hybrids are medium early ie. late maturity sunflower hybrids, have high yielding potential and high oil content. They are adjusted to different agro ecological conditions because they have wide adaptability to the different conditions of production. They also possess a high degree of tolerance and resistance to major parasites in the region, such as downy mildew, Phomopsis, white rot, broomrape etc. Hybrid seed is of excellent quality and germination. This paper presents the results of seed yield in trials from Department for variety testing of Ministry of Agriculture and environmental protection of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the results achieved in small-plot trials of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops and results from farm producers. Rezultati prinosa semena i ulja dobijenih iz ogleda i sa proizvodnih parcela izdvojili su hibride suncokreta NS Oskar i NS Fantazija kao vrlo perspektivne i potencijalno vodeće u Srbiji. Hibridi su stvoreni procesom selekcije u Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, Novi Sad. Hibridi priradaju grupi srednje kasnih tj. srednje ranih hibrida suncokreta, pokazuju visok potencijal rodnosti i imaju visok sadržaj ulja u semenu. Prilagođeni su gajenju u različitim agroekološkim uslovima jer imaju široku adaptabilnost na različite uslove proizvodnje. Imaju i visok stepen otpornosti i tolerantnosti prema najznačajnijim parazitima suncokreta u regionu, kao što su Phomopsis, bela trulež, rđa, vodovod i dr. Seme hibrida je odličnog kvaliteta i klijavosti. U radu su prikazani rezultati prinosa semena komisijskih ogleda Odeljenja za priznavanje sorti Ministarstva poljoprivrede i zaštite životne sredine Republike Srbije, kao i rezultati ostvareni u mikro ogledima Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo i poljoprivrednim gazdinstvima u Srbiji.

The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of biostmulators on seed quality parameters - germination energy and germination, depending on the genotype and age of sunflower seeds. Testing has been conducted at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops on four cytoplasmic male sterile lines: OCMS-98 (L1), HA-NS-26 (L2), PH-BC2-74 (L3) and VL-A-8 (L4). Seed was produced in the period from 2010 to 2012. Two seed variants were tested - treated with metalaxyl-m and non-treated. Prior to sowing, seed was treated with fertilizes Slavol S, Bioplant Flora, and their combination. Selecting the right biostimulator for a particular genotype may lead to increased germination energy and germination, which has the positive effect on the number of plants per unit area, and hence the yield.

The Zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) is native to tropical forests of Brazil and is a popular decorative pot plant in Serbia. Charcoal rot-like symptoms were first observed on a zebra plant in August 2010 in Novi Sad (Vojvodina Province, Serbia). The diseased plant showed symptoms of stem and root rot, loss of stem turgor, and premature death. In the cross section of the stem, mycelia with black microsclerotia were observed from the base of the plant up to 50% of the plant stem. To isolate the causal agent, 10 cuttings of the infected stem tissue were surface disinfected with 2% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 min, rinsed three times in sterile distilled water, air dried on sterilized filter paper, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and water agar (WA) amended with streptomycin sulfate. After 7 days of incubation at 30°C in the dark, colonies with Macrophomina phaseolina morphology (gray aerial mycelia with black pigmentation in agar caused by homogenous black microsclerotia formation) were observed from all cuttings. The colonies had average growth rates of 33 mm/day on PDA and 8 mm/day on WA and produced microsclerotia with average diameters of 119.6 µm (PDA) and 49.0 µm (WA), which is in accordance with Watanabe (2010) and earlier findings in Serbia (Acimovic 1998). A representative isolate was purified by a hyphal tip transfer technique for further analyses (Leslie and Summerell 2006). The pathogenicity was determined according to Koch’s postulate. Plants were longitudinally cut at the stem base, artificially inoculated with a 5 mm² plug of PDA with developed microsclerotia or without fungus for the control, sealed with Parafilm, and placed in a growth chamber at 30°C with a 12 h/12 h light/dark regime. Plants were regularly watered every third day with 200 ml of water per pot, and the humidity level was artificially raised by humidity trays around the plants. The first charcoal rot symptoms occurred 6 days after inoculation as brown spots on the leaves and stems around the incision site, along with loss of turgor. On day 9, symptoms advanced with gray mycelia present, and browning stems and complete loss of turgor were observed. The fungus was reisolated as previously described. No symptoms were observed on the control plants. To confirm the identification, DNA from the 7-day-old M. phaseolina isolate used for inoculation was extracted using the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide protocol (Permingeat et al. 1998). Polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed in 25-µl reaction volume according to the protocol of Nagl et al. (2011). DNA of the M. phaseolina isolate originating from the zebra plant was compared with 15 M. phaseolina isolates originating from sunflower, soybean, common bean, and flax from different sites in Serbia by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses based on 154 polymorphic bands obtained with 14 (10-mer) OPA primers (Operon Technologies, Alameda, CA): OPA-02 to OPA-05, OPA-07 to OPA-13, and OPA-18 to OPA-20. So far, OPA primers and the RAPD technique have proved useful for distinguishing M. phaseolina isolates from species common in mixed infections with M. phaseolina (Jana et al. 2003). Genetic similarity between the isolate from the zebra plant with other M. phaseolina isolates was confirmed through cluster analyses using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean and the Jaccard similarity coefficient. The tested isolate showed 80% genetic similarity with some sunflower-originating isolates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of M. phaseolina causing charcoal rot on zebra plant in the world.

Sunflower mega-environment analysis was conducted for the grain yield data of 20 hybrids and 19 test locations during 2006, and 20 hybrids and 16 test locations during 2007. Combined data included 15 hybrids and 9 test locations common for both years and it was analyzed as balanced experiment. The analysis of variance components showed that hybrid by location interaction explained 2.74, 5.8, and 3.72 times more variation than hybrid, for grain yield, for 2006, 2007, combined data, respectively, and indicated potential mega-environment existence. Our results showed the existence of two mega-environments in Serbia sunflower growing region: (1) Kula Vitovnica, Aleksa Šantić, Sombor and (2) Rimski Šančevi, Kikinda. It has been concluded that if we want promising sunflower hybrids to be optimally used, they should be cropped differently for the two determined mega-environments. Analiza mega-sredina suncokreta sprovedena je prema podacima prinosa zrna 20 hibrida i 19 test lokaliteta tokom 2006. i 20 hibrida i 16 test lokaliteta tokom 2007. Kombinovani podaci obuhvatili su 15 hibrida i 9 test lokaliteta, zajedničkih za obe godine istraživanja, pri čemu je analizirano kao izbalansirani eksperiment. Analiza komponenti varijanse pokazala je da interakcija hibrid puta lokalitet objašnjava 2,74, 5,8 i 3,72 puta više varijacija nego hibrid na prinos zrna za 2006. i 2007. u kombinovanim podacima, tim redom, i ukazuje na potencijalno postojanje mega-sredina. Naši rezultati su pokazali postojanje dve mega-sredine u reonima gajenja suncokreta u Srbiji: (1) Kula Vitovnica, Aleksa Šantić, Sombor i (2) Rimski Šančevi, Kikinda. Zaključeno je da ako želimo da perspektivni hibridi suncokreta budu optimalno iskorišćeni, moraju biti drugačije obrađeni za dve utvrđene mega-sredine.

Seed aging and deterioration affect seed vigor and viability. The characteristics of the chemical composition of oil crops seed are related to specific processes occurring in the seed during storage. This study was performed to examine the changes in seed vigor of different sunflower and soybean genotypes under controlled and conventional (uncontrolled) conditions of natural aging for six and twelve months. Obtained results show that the degree of seed damage and the ability of seed to resist the negative effects of aging were influenced by duration and type of storage, as well as seed characteristics of the tested genotypes. The most valuable vigor test for both sunflower and soybean was cold test.

Broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) presents a serious problem in sunflower production in a number of countries, it reduces sunflower seed yield and negatively affects other sunflower traits in sunflower production. Continued work on creating new sunflower hybrids resistant to broomrape requires testing of breeding materials in both field conditions and controlled conditions of a greenhouse. The best solution is to do the testing simultaneously in order to verify the congruence of the evaluation of the broomrape resistance achieved by these two methods. The screening of chosen new 15 sunflower hybrids for broomrape resistance was done in 2009 and 2010 in infected field on two locations in Vojvodina Province and in 2010 in greenhouse. Both field and the greenhouse tests rated the hybrids exclusively on the basis of presence or absence of the parasite. The infection of hybrids with broomrape has shown that out of 15 hybrids tested, 9 hybrids were resistant. These hybrids were fully resistant in both years in field conditions and controlled greenhouse conditions during one year. Fully resistant hybrids in field conditions and in greenhouse conditions NS-H-6385 and NS-H-6396 had significantly higher seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield in relation to standard.

The aim of this study was to evaluate NS sunflower hybrids on the basis of the results of seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield obtained in a network of small-plot trials in Serbia in 2011. The trial included 9 hybrids and 14 locations. Seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield were significantly different in small-plot trials in the investigated regions of Serbia. The highest average seed yield was produced by Sremac (3.67 t ha-1), Velja (3.62 t ha-1), Duško (3.56 t ha-1) and Novosađanin (3.55 t ha-1). On the location Rimski šančevi the seed yield (4.48 t ha-1) was significantly highest. Average oil content for hybrids grown in 14 locations was 47.25%. Hybrids Baća (50.26%), NS-H-111 (48.91%), Bačvanin (48.70%) and Novosađanin (47.83%) showed the highest average seed oil content. The highest average oil yield was produced by Baća (1.71 t ha-1), Novosađanin (1.70), Velja (1.67 t ha-1), Sremac (1.63 t ha-1) and NS-H-111 (1.63 t ha-1). Locations with the highest oil yield were Rimski šančevi (2.03 t ha-1) and Sombor (1.96 t ha-1). In the four-year trials in Vojvodina, the average seed yield of 9 hybrids was 3.35 t ha-1. Seed yield over general mean was reached by three hybrids (Duško, Sremac and Velja). The highest seed yield was reached by hybrid Duško (3.56 t ha-1). AMMI1 biplot showed that most stable and with high seed and oil yield were the hybrids Duško, Sremac and Baća, and for oil content Baća, Bačvanin and NS-H-111. Cilj rada bio je da se ocene NS hibridi suncokreta na osnovu rezultata koje su ostvarili za prinos semena, sadržaja ulja u semenu i prinosa ulja u mreži mikro-ogleda u Srbiji tokom 2011. godine. Ispitivano je 9 hibrida na 14 lokaliteta. Prinos semena, sadržaj ulja u semenu i prinos ulja su se značajno razlikovali u mreži mikro-ogleda u ispitivanim regionima Srbije. Najveći prosečan prinos semena ostvarili su hibridi Sremac (3,67 t ha-1), Velja (3,62 t ha-1), Duško (3,56 t ha-1) i Novosađanin (3,55 t ha-1). Na lokalitetu Rimski šančevi postignut je značajno najveći prinos semena (4,48 t ha-1). Prosečan sadržaj ulja za 9 hibrida, gajenih na 14 lokaliteta iznosio je 47,25%. Najveći prosečan sadržaj ulja u semenu ostvarili su hibridi Baća (50,26%), NS-H-111 (48,91%), Bačvanin (48,70%) i Novosađanin (47,83%). Prosečan prinos ulja u Srbiji iznosio je 1,63 t ha-1. Najveći prosečan prinos ulja imali su hibridi Baća (1,71 t ha-1), Novosađanin (1,70 t ha-1), Velja (1,67 t ha-1), Sremac (1,63 t ha-1) i NS-H-111 (1,63 t ha-1). Lokaliteti sa najvećim prinosom ulja su bili Rimski šančevi (2,03 t ha-1) i Sombor (1,96 t ha-1). Na osnovu rezultata četvorogodišnjih ispitivanja u regionu Vojvodine, opšti prosek prinosa 9 hibrida iznosio je 3,35 t ha-1. Prinos semena iznad opšteg proseka postigli su hibridi Duško, Sremac i Velja, pri čemu je hibrid Duško imao najveći prinos (3,56 t ha-1). Kao najstabilniji hibridi za prinos semena i prinos ulja na ispitivanim lokalitetima, na osnovu AMMI1 biplota, pokazali su se Duško, Sremac i Baća, a za sadržaj ulja Baća, Bačvanin i NS-H-111.

For much of the past century, mutagenesis has gained popularity in plant genetics research as a means of inducing novel genetic variation. Induced mutations have been applied for the past 40 years to produce mutant cultivars in sunflower by changing plant characteristics that significantly increase plant yield and quality. The present study is focused on generating baseline data to elucidate the role of genotypic differences in the response of sunflower to induced mutagenesis with the aim of expanding the applicability of the use of induced mutant stocks in the genetic improvement of the crop and in its functional genomics. The strategy adopted was to estimate the optimal treatment conditions (doses of mutagens) through relating the extent of damage in seedling progeny to the exposure levels of the initiating propagates to mutagens. Seeds of fifteen elite sunflower genotypes of commonly used as breeding stocks and grown on commercial scales were treated with a range of mutagens: gamma rays (γ rays); fast neutrons and with ethyl-methane-sulphonate (EMS) at different treatment doses. The three mutagenic agents affected seedling height, reducing it with increasing dosage. Based on the mutagen damage on seedling height, the 50% and 30% damage indices (D50 and D30, respectively) were estimated for the 15 sunflower genotypes for the three mutagens. The D50 (D30) values for the sunflower lines ranged from 120 to 325 Gy (5 to 207 Gy) for gamma irradiation; 9 to 21 Gy (0.1 to 10 Gy) for fast neutrons and 0.69 to 1.55% (0.01 to 0.68%) concentration of EMS.

The two most important criteria for introducing new confectionary hybrids into production are high seed and protein yield. That is why it is important to find the traits that are measurable, and that at the same time show a strong correlation with seed and protein yield, so that they can be used as a criteria for confectionary hybrid breeding. Results achieved during 2008 at the locations Rimski Šančevi (Region of Vojvodina) and Kula (Central Serbia) show that the new confectionary hybrids are expressing higher seed yields in comparison to standards (Vranac and Cepko) though with a lower seed oil content. A very strong positive correlation was determined between seed yield and seed protein content, kernel content and mass of 1000 seeds. A very strong positive correlation was determined between seed protein content, seed yield and mass of 1000 seeds, with protein yield. This indicates that seed yield, seed protein content and mass of 1000 seeds have a high influence on protein yield. The degree of interdependence between different traits is a sign of direction which is supposed to facilitate better planning of sunflower breeding program. Dva najznačajnija kriterijuma za uvođenje novih konzumnih hibrida u proizvodnju su visok prinos semena i proteina. Zato je važno pronaći osobine koje su merljive, a istovremeno ispoljavaju jaku korelaciju sa prinosom semena i proteina tako da se mogu koristiti kao kriterijumi za oplemenjivanje konzumnih hibrida. Postignuti rezultati u toku 2008. godine na lokalitetima Rimski Šančevi (region Vojvodina) i Kula (uža Srbija) pokazuju da novi hibridi konzumnog tipa postižu veće prinose semena u poređenju sa standardima (Vranac i Cepko) uz smanjenje sadržaja ulja. Utvrđena je veoma jaka pozitivna korelacija između prinosa semena i sadržaja proteina u semenu, sadržaja jezgra, mase 1000 semena. Pozitivna veoma jaka korelacija konstatovana je između sadržaja proteina u semenu, prinosa semena i mase 1000 semena sa prinosom proteina. To pokazuje da prinos semena, sadržaj proteina u semenu i masa 1000 semena imaju visok uticaj na prinos proteina. Stepen međuzavisnosti između različitih osobina je putokaz koji treba da omogući bolje planiranje programa za oplemenjivanje suncokreta.

Seventy sunflower (Helianthus annuus L) inbred lines were screened for tolerance to white rot on stalk. Plants were inoculated at the budding stage with 4-day old Sclerotinia mycelium grown on PDA medium. Mycelium was placed on the leaf top and covered with tin foil, and the leaf was put into transparent nylon bag in order to maintain high humidity. Spot length on leaf was measured and plant tolerance was determined at the full flowering stage. Obtained results were analyzed by analysis of variance. Tested lines showed significant variability in response to disease. Eleven lines had lesion length less than 50% compared to susceptible control, so they could be considered tolerant and potentially interesting for breeding program. Sedamdeset inbred linija suncokreta (Helianthus annuus L) je testirano na tolerantnost prema prouzrokovaču bele truleži stabla. Biljke su inokulisane u fazi butonizacije sa 4 dana starom kolonijom gljive gajenom na PDA podlozi. Delovi podloge sa micelijom su stavljeni na vrh lista, prekriveni aluminijumskom folijom i potom providnom najlonskom kesom da bi se obezbedio visok nivo vlažnosti. Merena je dužina pega i nivo tolerantnosti u fazi punog cvetanja suncokreta. Testirane linije su pokazale značajnu varijabilnost u reakciji prema patogenu, a 11 linija čija je prosečna relativna dužina pega iznosila ispod 50% u odnosu na osetljivu kontrolu su označene kao tolerantne i potencijalno interesantne za uključivanje u proces oplemenjivanja.

Sunflower breeding is directed towards the increase of the genetic potential for yield, stability of the yield, health care, and the quality of nutrition along with the increase of the production economy. In accordance with the Serbian market demands there have been efforts in breeding highly productive hybrids for special uses of the confectionary type at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. In this program, special attention has been given to the increase of the protein content and quality while decreasing the seed oil content, to the increase of 1000 seed weight and the decrease of the hull ratio. New NS confectionary hybrids NS-H-6316, NS-H-6318 and NS-H-6320 are adequate for nutrition, dehulling and core production. They belong to the group of mid-early hybrids while their genetic potential for seed yield is above 4.5 t ha-1 and seed oil content is less than 40%. Protein content in the core is 23-27%, mass of 1000 seeds is above 95 g, and the hull ratio is low. With the creation of the new palette of NS sunflower hybrids for various production purposes and conditions, we have gained higher quality material for the needs of the oil, food and baking industry. Rad na oplemenjivanju konzumnog suncokreta usmeren je na povećanje genetskog potencijala za prinos, stabilnosti prinosa, zdravstvene bezbednosti i nutritivnog kvaliteta uz povećanje ekonomičnosti proizvodnje. U skladu sa zahtevima srpskog tržišta u Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo se radi na oplemenjivanju visoko produktivnih hibrida za posebne namene konzumnog tipa. U ovom programu posebna pažnja je posvećena povećanju sadržaja i kvaliteta proteina uz smanjenje sadržaja ulja u semenu, povećanju mase 1000 semena i smanjenju udela ljuske. Novi NS-konzumni hibridi NS-H-6316, NS-H-6318 i NS-H-6320 pogodni su za ishranu, ljuštenje i proizvodnju jezgra a pripadaju grupi srednje ranih hibrida. Genetski potencijal za prinos semena im je preko 4,5 t ha-1 a sadržaj ulja u semenu je manji od 40%. Sadržaj proteina u jezgru je 23-27%, masa 1000 semena iznad 95 g, dok je udeo ljuske nizak. Stvaranjem nove palete konzumnih NS hibrida suncokreta za različite namene i uslove proizvodnje dobija se kvalitetnija sirovina za potrebe uljarske, prehrambene i pekarske industrije.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorim is a facultative parasite that can cause diseases on more than 400 plant species. Sclerotinia wilt presence was observed in Vojvodina during the period 2007-2009 at seven sites (Bečej, Kikinda, Kula, Pančevo, Sombor, Vršac and Zrenjanin). Assessment was done on 8 hybrids (Baća, Bačvanin, Branko, Duško, NS-H-111, Sremac, Šumadinac and Velja). Disease intensity was calculated according to McKinney's formula. AMMI analysis was used in order to estimate stability of hybrid tolerance to Sclerotinia wilt in different environments. Average Sclerotinia wilt occurrence on sunflower was the lowest in 2007 and the highest in 2009. Sclerotinia wilt was not observed in Zrenjanin and Vršac in 2007, nor in Pančevo in 2008. The lowest average Sclerotinia wilt occurrence during 3-year period was in Sombor and Pančevo. Hybrids Duško, NS-H-111, Sremac and Velja can be recommended for future growing on sites where Sclerotinia wilt of sunflower occurs. Fakultativni parazit Sclerotinia sclerotiorum izaziva bolesti na više od 400 biljnih vrsta. Pojava bele truleži korena suncokreta na teritoriji Vojvodine je praćena tokom trogodišnjeg perioda (2007-2009) u sedam lokaliteta (Bečej, Kikinda, Kula, Pančevo, Sombor, Vršac i Zrenjanin), a u svakom lokalitetu je bilo ocenjeno osam hibrida (Baća, Bačvanin, Branko, Duško, NS-H-111, Sremac, Šumadinac i Velja). Stepen osetljivosti biljaka je izračunat po McKinney formuli. AMMI analizom je vršena procena stabilnosti hibrida na tolerantnost prema beloj truleži korena u različitim lokalitetima. Prosečna zastupljenost ovog oboljenja u 2007. godini je bila najniža, a u 2009. godini najviša. Bela trulež korena suncokreta u 2007. godini nije registrovana u Zrenjaninu i Vršcu, a u 2008. godini u Vršcu i Pančevu. Najniža prosečna pojava ove bolesti u trogodišnjem periodu je bila u Somboru i Pančevu. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata hibridi Duško, NS-H-111, Sremac i Velja se mogu preporučiti za gajenje u lokalitetima na kojima se javlja bela trulež korena suncokreta.

The experiment was carried out at Rimski Šančevi during 2009 in order to investigate the effect of chemical desiccation on 1000-seed weight in three sunflower lines, and to determine the optimal moment for performing desiccation. Desiccation was carried out with herbicide Reglone forte (2 l/ha) repeatedly each 7 days, starting from the end of flowering to harvest maturity. All three lines showed highly significant differences in weight of 1000 seeds, and a highly significant effect of a moment of desiccation on 1000-seed weight. The lowest weight was determined when the treatment was performed 7 days after flowering and the highest when the treatment was performed 28 days after flowering with seed moisture content of 22.23%. The results show that this is the optimal time for chemical desiccation. There was no significant difference in 1000-seed weight between the treatment 28 days after flowering and the following treatments, suggesting that seed filling had been finished. Ogled je postavljen 2009. na Rimskim Šančevima sa ciljem da se ispita uticaj hemijske desikacije na masu 1000 semena kod tri linije suncokreta, kao i da se utvrdi optimalni momenat za njeno izvođenje. Desikacija je vršena preparatom Reglone forte sa dozom 2 l/ha. Tretiranje je vršeno svakih 7 dana, počev od završetka cvetanja do postizanja žetvene zrelosti. Kod sve tri linije utvrđena je visoko značajna razlika u masi 1000 semena, kao i visoko značajan uticaj momenta desikacije na masu 1000 semena. Najniža masa utvrđena je kod tretmana 7 dana posle cvetanja, a najviša kod tretmana 28 dana posle cvetanja, pri vlažnosti semena od 22,23%. Može se zaključiti da je sa aspekta mase 1000 semena, upravo to optimalno vreme za izvođenje hemijske desikacije. Između tretiranja 28 dana posle cvetanja i kasnijih tretmana nije bilo značajne razlike u masi 1000 semena, što govori da je završeno nakupljanje rezervnih materija u semenu.

The objective of this study was the evaluation of NS sunflower hybrids on the basis of the results of seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield obtained in a network of small-plot trials in Vojvodina and central Serbia in 2010, as well as recommendations for the sowing season 2011. Seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield were significantly different in small-plot trials in the investigated regions. In Vojvodina, the highest average seed yield was produced by Duško (3.08 t ha-1), Sremac (2.98 t ha-1), Orfej (2.97 t ha-1) Velja (2.93 t ha-1) and NS-H-111 (2.92 t ha-1). In the region of central Serbia, the highest seed yield was achieved by the hybrids NS-H-111 (2.97 t ha-1) and Duško (2.87 t ha-1). Hybrid Baća showed the highest average seed oil content both in the region of Vojvodina (48.54%) and central Serbia (48.80%). The highest average oil yield (over 1.30 t ha-1) was produced by Duško, Bačvanin and NS-H-111 in the Vojvodina region, and in central Serbia oil yield (over 1.30 t ha-1) by NS-H-111, Oskar and Novosađanin. In the three-year trials in Vojvodina four hybrids (Duško, Sremac, Velja and NS-H-111) showed seed yield over general mean. The highest seed yield was reached by hybrid Duško (3.54 t ha-1). Cilj istraživanja je bio da se ocene NS hibridi suncokreta na osnovu rezultata koje su ostvarili za prinos semena, sadržaj ulja u semenu i prinos ulja u mreži mikro-ogleda u Vojvodini i centralnoj Srbiji tokom 2010. godine kao i da se da preporuka sortimenta za 2011. U mikro-ogledima je ispitivano 13 hibrida na 10 lokaliteta u Vojvodini i 3 u centralnoj Srbiji. Prinos semena, sadržaj ulja u semenu i prinos ulja su se značajno razlikovali u mreži mikro-ogleda u ispitivanim regionima. U Vojvodini, najveći prosečan prinos semena ostvarili su hibridi Duško (3,08 t ha-1), Sremac (2,98 t ha-1) Orfej (2,97 t ha-1), Velja (2,93 t ha-1) i NS-H-111 (2,92 t ha-1). U regionu centralne Srbije najviši prosečan prinos semena su postigli NS-H-111 (2,94 t ha-1) i Duško (2,87 t ha-1). Najveći prosečan sadržaj ulja u semenu ostvario je hibrid Baća, kako u regionu Vojvodine (48,54%) tako i u regionu centralne Srbije (48,80%). Najveći prosečan prinos ulja (preko 1,30 t ha-1) u regionu Vojvodine postigli su Duško, Bačvanin i NS-H-111, a u centralnoj Srbiji najveći prosečan prinos ulja (preko 1,30 t ha-1) ostvarili su hibridi NS-H-111, Oskar i Novosađanin. Na osnovu rezultata trogodišnjih ispitivanja u Vojvodini, četiri hibrida (Duško, Sremac, Velja i NS-H-111) su dali prinos semena iznad opšteg proseka. Najveći prosečan prinos semena za tri godine postigao je hibrid Duško (3,54 t ha-1).

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of hybrids and planting dates as well as their interaction on oil yield in sunflower for three-year experiment (2005, 2006, 2007). Three sunflower hybrids (Miro, Rimi and Pobednik) and eight planting dates were included in the experiment. AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) analysis is one of the mainly used multiplicative models, which evaluates main effects and also interaction. The interaction was detected by using AMMI1 biplot. Oil yield was predominantly influenced by the year of growing (58.9%), then by planting date (12.9%) and by hybrid (10.7%). All interactions were significant as well. AMMI ANOVA showed high significance of both IPC1 and IPC2. The contribution of IPC1 was 77.5%. Hybrids Miro and Pobednik showed no significant differences in the mean values, which were higher than average. However, the hybrid Miro showed the highest stability for oil yield. Hybrid Rimi, with the lowest mean value, was the most unstable for the examined character. Oil yield was higher in earlier than in later planting dates. Graphical presentation of AMMI1 in the form of biplot could facilitate the choice of stable hybrids and planting dates for desired characters in sunflower. Cilj rada je bio da se ispita efekat hibrida, roka setve i njihove interakcije na prinos ulja suncokreta u trogodišnjim ispitivanjima (2005, 2006, 2007). U eksperiment su bila uključena tri hibrida (Miro, Rimi, Pobednik) i osam rokova setve. AMMI (metod glavnih efekata i višestruke interakcije) je jedan od najznačajnijih i najviše korišćenih multivarijacionih modela, koji osim glavnih efekata (hibrid, rok setve) otkriva i interakciju. Interakcija je prikazana pomoću AMMI1 biplota, za čiju izradu je korišćen excel (macro). Prinos ulja bio je u najvećoj meri uslovljen godinom ispitivanja (58,9%), zatim rokom setve (12,9%) i hibridom (10,7%), a i sve interakcije su pokazale visoku značajnost. AMMI ANOVA pokazala je visoku značajnost obe glavne komponente (IPC1 i IPC2). Najveći deo varijacije pripao je IPC1 (77,5%). Hibridi Pobednik i Miro nisu se značajno razlikovali u srednjim vrednostima, koje su bile iznad opšteg proseka. Međutim, Miro je pokazao visoku stabilnost za prinos ulja. Hibrid Rimi, sa značajno najnižom srednjim vrednošću, bio je i najnestabilniji za ovu osobinu. Prinos ulja bio je veći u ranijim u odnosu na kasnije rokove setve. Grafički prikaz AMMI1 biplota može pomoći u izboru stabilnih hibrida i rokova setve za željene osobine.

SUMMARY Hybrid sunflower seed, regularly protected with chemicals, is used for sowing in the second or the third year if not used in the first year after production. In that case, it is stored in warehouses, and the length of storage period may significantly affect the quality of seeds. An experiment was conducted in Laboratory for Seed Testing of Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, in order to examine the effect of storage period on germination of treated sunflower seeds of three commercial hybrids of the Novi Sad Institute. The seed was treated with fungicides - metalaxyl and fludioxonil, as well as with insecticides - thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, while untreated seeds served as control. The sowing was repeated throughout the year, at three-month intervals. The obtained results indicated that, on average, the hybrid Sremac had the highest (94.61%), and the hybrid Sumadinac the lowest seed germination (90.29%). After one year of storage, seed germination declined significantly. All three hybrids treated with fungicides and the control had a significantly higher germination than hybrids treated with insecticides. This regularity was not evident right after the treatment - it became noticeable during the storage.

The aim of this study was to determine the variability of oil and protein content in winter rapeseed cultivars affected by seeding date. Four cultivars (Banaćanka, Slavica, Express, Valeska) were sown at six seeding dates (SD1-21 August, SD2-31 August, SD3-10 September, SD4-21 September, SD5-1 October, SD6-9 October) across two cropping seasons. The trial was arranged as Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the effect of year, cultivar and seeding date were highly significant for oil and protein content. Increased oil content in the second year (2010/2011) was related to weather conditions which were favorable for rapeseed. However, protein content was significantly higher in the first year (2009/2010). Oil content ranged between 41.19% (Valeska) and 42.69% (Express). Significantly lowest oil content across seeding dates was found in SD6 (40.67%), and highest in SD4 (41.86%) and SD1 (41.61%). Valeska showed significantly highest mean protein content (21.54%). Protein content was highest in SD6 (20.18%). Oil content decreased with delayed seeding. Highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.730) existed between oil and protein content. Seeding date had significant influence on oil and protein content in rapeseed. Cultivar Express and SD4 can be pointed out, based on the achieved oil content, and cultivar Valeska for high protein content. Study results may be helpful in recommending optimal rapeseed seeding date in the region.

The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of biostimulators, with or without the use of fungicides, on seed quality parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. Testing was conducted at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad on cytoplasmic male sterile sunflower line HA-26-PR. The experiment included six treatments: Slavol S (25%), Slavol S (25%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Bioplant Flora (2%), Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a. m. metalaxyl-M) and control. Results of the research showed that treating the seed with biostimulators prior to sowing has a significant influence on seed germination parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without the use of fungicide, gave a positive effect, while their combination led to a negative effect. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without combination with fungicide, may increase germination energy by 5%, germinability by 6%, but may also reduce the time of seed germination. Likewise, their use has a positive effect on early growth of sunflower seedling. Cilj rada bio je da se ispita uticaj biostimulatora, sa ili bez upotrebe fungicida, na parametre kvaliteta semena i rani porast klijanca suncokreta. Testiranje je sprovedeno u Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo u Novom Sadu na citoplazmatski muško sterilnoj liniji suncokreta HA-26-PR. U ogled je bilo uključeno šest tretmana: Slavol S (25%), Slavol S (25%) + fungicid (a.m. metalaksil-m), Bioplant Flora (2%), Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicid (a.m. metalaksil-m), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicid (a. m. metalaksil-m) i kontrola. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da tretiranje semena biostimulatorima pre setve ima značajan uticaj na parametre klijanja semena i rani porast klijanca suncokreta. Pojedinačna primena preparata, sa ili bez upotrebe fungicida, dala je pozitivan efekat, dok je njihova kombinacija dovela do negativnog dejstva. Pojedinačnom primenom preparata, sa ili bez kombinacije sa fungicidom, može se povećati energija klijanja za 5%, klijavost za 6%, ali i skratiti vreme klijanja semena. Takođe, njihovom upotrebom ostvaruje se pozitivan efekat i na rani porast klijanca suncokreta.

In breeding process it is important to know the extent of association between the traits that affect the yield. Objective of this study was to determine genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficients in 50 sunflower hybrid combinations in order to identify research priorities in sunflower breeding. Relationships between seed yield and five bio-morphological traits in sunflower (oil content, protein content, 1,000-seed weight, head diameter and plant height) were studied. Head diameter had the highest correlation coefficient with seed yield, at phenotypic and genotypic level. Path analysis revealed that all evaluated traits had positive influence on seed yield at both, genotypic and phenotypic, levels. The highest direct effect on seed yield was found for head diameter, while protein content had the lowest direct effect on seed yield. Study has shown that the greatest improvement in sunflower seed yield can be achieved through selection on head diameter.

Effect of harvest date on seed viability has been examined in 3 different sunflower genotypes. Harvesting started 7 days after fertilization. It was done 10 times, at 3-4-day intervals. Seed moisture was determined before each harvest. Trials were conducted in India and Serbia. Seed viability was determined 3 months after the harvest. Genotype ranking regarding seed viability, was not the same in the two locations; higher average seed germination was registered in Serbia. There were no significant increases in seed viability once the average seed moisture at the time of harvest reached 41% (India) and 48% (Serbia). Differences existed between the locations in minimum and maximum daily temperatures. Regression analysis showed that highest seed germination rates were reached when seed moisture content at harvest went below 32%, in most cases when seed moisture reached 22-23%.

Development of new, more aggressive isolates of Phomopsis helianthi in Serbia and Montenegro has been investigated. Two isolates of Phomopsis helianthi, Yu 4 and Yu 12, had been found on the stem of NS-H-45, a highly tolerant sunflower hybrid. The isolate Yu 4 was isolated in the northern part of the Vojvodina Province, a region where Phomopsis typically occurs. The isolate Yu 12 comes from the southern part of the Vojvodina Province, a region along the Danube River, which suffered an intensive outbreak of Phomopsis in 1997. A preliminary study of the isolates showed that these two isolates were significantly different for radial growth in Petri dish. A test was thus made with recombinant inbred lines in the F₉ generation developed from the cross of LR- 4-17 (inbred line with high tolerance to Phomopsis) and HA-89 (susceptible inbred line). Experiments were conducted in the greenhouse, inoculating plant leaf tips with the mycelium of the fungus. The test showed that there were no significant differences between the two isolates, Yu 4 and Yu 12. It was concluded that the intensive attack recorded in 1997 along the Danube River occurred due to exceptionally favorable environmental conditions for the development of the disease.

Seed priming is technique for controlled seed hydratation which allows activation of pre-germinative metabolic processes. It has been successfully used for improving germination parameters in different crops. The study was conducted in 2012, at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia, in order to assess the effect of seed priming on four germination parameters (germination, germination index, mean germination time and time to 50% germination) of sunflower in in vitro drought conditions. Drought conditions (-0.8 MPa) were simulated using PEG 6000. Seed priming was conducted with soaking seed in water and different KNO3 solutions (0.1, 0.5 and 1%) for 12 h. Seed priming treatment with 0.1% KNO3 showed the best results and improved germination parameters : germination index, mean germination time and time to 50% germination of untreated seed (control). Seed priming showed no improvement in germination percentage in comparison to the control. Control had high germination (98%) and there was no possibility for its significant improvement with seed priming. This study showed that seed priming could improve some germination parameters of sunflower seed in in vitro drought conditions. Seed priming could be used as a simple method for overcoming problems related to a poor germination and seedling establishment in soil drought conditions. Main advantages of seed priming method are its simplicity and no requirements for expensive equipment and chemicals.

The development of sunflower hybrids with high genetic potential for seed and oil yields requires information on the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for plant height and head diameter in the F1 generation. Used in this study were thirteen new divergent cms inbred lines (A), three Rf restorers utilized as testers, and their F1 hybrids. The inbred A-lines, Rf-testers and F1 hybrids differed significantly in the mean values for plant height and head diameter. The mode of inheritance for plant height was superdominance of the better parent and for head diameter it was dominance and superdominance of the better parent. Highly significant positive values of GCA for both traits were found in cms inbred line NS-G-7 and restorer line RHA-N-49. Based on the GCA values chosen were lines with the best GCA for plant height (NS-G-9, NS-G-7) originating from PRA-RUN and head diameter (NS-G-13, NS-G-12) originating from DES. The greatest highly significant positive SCA value was found in NS-G-1xRHA-N-49 for plant height and in NS-G-8xRUS-RF-OL-168 for head diameter. Non-additive genetic variance played the main role in the inheritance of both traits as confirmed by the GCA/SCA ratios in the F1 generation, which were invariably smaller than unit. The female A lines had the highest contribution to the expression of head diameter and plant height. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31025]