The effect of Osmocote, zeolite, and biofertilizers on early growth of Mentha × piperita ‘Cinderella’ seedlings
Mentha × piperita is a widely cultivated perennial, medicinal, culinary, and aromatic plant valued for its essential oil and used in cosmetic, pharmacy, and aromatherapy. Considering that zeolite and biofertilizers can positively influence plant growth, their use has been increasing recently in plant production. For that reason, this study examined the single and combined effects of zeolite, Slavol, and Osmocote on early growth of the peppermint cultivar ‘Cinderella’. The obtained results showed that zeolite, Osmocote, or Slavol applied individually did not affect plant growth, as their results did not differ from the control. However, the combined Osmocote and zeolite treatment improved seedling growth, producing the greatest shoot length and highest leaf number, compared to other treatments. The best results were achieved with the substrate containing Osmocote, zeolite, and Slavol, which yielded the longest roots and highest shoot dry weight.
Copyright (c) 2026 Acta Agriculturae Serbica
Morphological and physicochemical characterisation of mizuna microgreens grown on cellulose-based substrates
Peat is one of the most commonly used substrates for microgreens production, but new trends are leading to its replacement with more sustainable substrates or mixtures in various proportions. This study aimed to investigate the replacement of peat substrate with a new cellulose-based substrate, named ARBOCEL®, in mizuna microgreens production, as well as different formulations of peat and ARBOCEL® substrates. For growing mizuna microgreens, the following substrate formulations were used: 100% peat substrate (P); substrate containing 50% ARBOCEL® and 50% peat (50A:50P); substrate containing 70% ARBOCEL® and 30% peat (70A:30P); 100% ARBOCEL® (A). The results showed that microgreens grown on ARBOCEL® (A) had slightly different morphological properties compared to those grown on peat or on the mixture of ARBOCEL® and peat. Moreover, microgreens grown on substrates containing different proportions of peat and ARBOCEL® (50A:50P and 70A:30P) exhibited improved morphological characteristics compared with those grown exclusively on ARBOCEL® (A), including greater weight of microgreens, leaf length and width, and root height. Microgreens grown exclusively on ARBOCEL® and those grown on ARBOCEL®–peat mixture substrates showed lower moisture content than those grown entirely on peat, which is understandable due to the physicochemical properties of cellulose. Visual ratings were also higher in these samples than those grown entirely on ARBOCEL®. In conclusion, the use of ARBOCEL®, either alone or combined with peat, is a viable option for sustainable microgreen production and contributes to addressing ecological concerns. However, future studies are necessary to evaluate the phytochemical profile of mizuna microgreens grown on ARBOCEL®.
Strain-specific and cultivation-dependent bioactivity of Schizophyllum commune ethanol extracts in promoting seedling performance
This study aimed to assess the strain-specific and cultivation-dependent bioactivity of Schizophyllum commune ethanol extracts in promoting seed germination and early seedling performance of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). The work contributes to the search for sustainable, biologically based plant growth promoters. Two dikaryotic strains of S. commune originating from Serbia and Italy were cultivated under submerged conditions for 7–28 days. Ethanol extracts were prepared from fungal biomass and culture filtrates at concentrations of 10 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. Seeds of P. sativum cv. Dunav were bioprimed for 6 h and tested under controlled laboratory conditions following ISTA procedures. Germination parameters, shoot and root growth, elongation rates, biomass accumulation, and seedling vigor index were determined. All extracts significantly enhanced pea seedling performance relative to the control (p ≤ 0.001). The strongest effects were observed for the SRB strain, particularly filtrate and biomass extracts from 14- and 21-day cultures. Treatments 21F1 and 21F5 increased shoot elongation rate up to 7.6 mm day⁻¹ and seedling vigor index to 705, compared with 3.3 mm day⁻¹ and 412.5, respectively, in the control. The ITA strain showed delayed but notable stimulatory effects after longer cultivation (21–28 days). The results confirm that the biostimulant potential of S. commune depends on strain origin and cultivation period, identifying mid-cultivation SRB extracts as the most effective biopriming agents for enhancing legume seedling vigor.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of the edible macrofungus Fistulina hepatica: Inhibition of bacterial growth and COX enzymes
Edible macrofungi are valuable sources of nutraceutical and pharmacologically active metabolites. This study evaluated four extracts of Fistulina hepatica, a polysaccharide-rich fraction (PSH) and extracts prepared with 70% ethanol (70% EtOH), 80% methanol (80% MeOH), and chloroform (CHCl3), for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibition using a colorimetric in vitro assay, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated by microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The CHCl3 extract showed the strongest bioactivity, inhibiting COX-1 by 37.5% and COX-2 by 70.8%, comparable to celecoxib (66%). It also displayed antimicrobial effects, with MICs of 0.0125 mg/mL against B. cereus and P. aeruginosa and 0.03125 mg/mL against S. aureus, while no MBC values were detected. Other extracts exhibited weak or no activity. These findings highlight F. hepatica as a promising dual-function natural source of COX-2–selective and antimicrobial agents for potential nutraceutical applications.
Selenium enrichment alters Trichoderma spp. antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi
Trichoderma harzianum DEMf 1V and Тrichoderma citrinoviride DEMf: TR3 are confirmed biocontrol agents used in this study to estimate the effects of selenium enrichment on their antifungal activity. Se-enriched cultures were prepared by growing on potato-dextrose broth supplemented with 2.5 and 5 mg Se/L added in the form of Na2SeO3. The antifungal activity of Se-enriched and control cultures was estimated by their ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes, which were detected using API ZYM, cellulase and protease tests. The antagonistic potential and impact of volatile compounds were observed in interactions with Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium graminearum. In Se-enriched T. harzianum DEMf 1V, the production of esterase, lipase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase was inhibited, while in Se-enriched Т. citrinoviride DEMf: TR3, only lipase production was interrupted. All cultures maintained the ability to produce cellulase and protease. Cultures of T. harzianum DEMf 1V grown with and without Se enrichment exhibited a high inhibition rate against B. cinerea (68–74%) and F. oxysporum (62–70%). The antagonistic activity of Se-enriched T. harzianum DEMf 1V against F. graminearum (65–66%) was higher compared to the control (60%). Se-enriched Т. citrinoviride DEMf: TR3 expressed lower inhibition against B. cinerea and F. graminearum compared to the control. Volatile compounds caused a low level of inhibition, indicating that they are among the antifungal mechanisms employed by the isolates, but not the dominant one. Further research should be directed towards the precise determination of metabolic changes induced by Se enrichment and the implications thereof for Trichoderma's antagonistic activities.
The presence of Phaeozems formed on loose parent materials in Serbia
Phaeozems in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) are thick, eutric soils which have a mollic horizon and lack secondary carbonates. The term ʼPhaeozemsʼ is not used in the National Soil Classification System (NSCS) in Serbia at any systematic level, but soils with these characteristics exist. The aim of this work was to compare the results of the national and international classifications of 18 soil profiles investigated at the toeslopes of Mountain Vukan, East-Central Serbia. The soils are mainly thick, formed on alluvial deposits, with a moderately high humus content, well-developed humus-accumulative horizons, and high base saturation. The WRB classification identified 16 profiles of Phaeozems; however, according to the NSCS, ten soil profiles correspond to Chernozems and eight to Eutric Cambisols. Five Cambic Chernic Phaeozems of the WRB correspond to Leached Chernozems and four to Eutric Cambisols. Three Cambic Phaeozems correspond to Leached Chernozems and two to Eutric Cambisols. In Serbia, Leached and Brownized varieties of Chernozems might be the closest to Phaeozems if they fulfill mollic and intermediate horizons criteria. In this work, we indicated that many Serbian soils may belong to Phaeozems, such as Calcareous and Gleyic varieties of Chernozems, Non-calcareous and Calcareous Humofluvisols, etc. Soil investigation in the WRB requires detailed soil description and quantitative verification. The attempts to correlate the two systems in Serbia were not very accurate because of the missing data on soils. The importance of Phaeozems is outstanding because they are highly-fertile soils prone to degradation, which probably cover more than 300,000 ha or ~6% of agricultural land in Serbia.
The implication of GIS mapping in agriculture and land monitoring for environmental policy development
This study proposes an interdisciplinary, data-driven approach to understanding historical and future trends in plant biodiversity in Italian rewilded mountain areas. We produced spatially explicit assessments of vegetation change between 1990 and 2020 in three mountain protected areas spanning the Italian Peninsula: 1) Eastern Alps (Lagorai mountain range); 2) Northern Apennines (Foreste Casentinesi Monte Falterona e Campigna NP), and 3) Central Apennines (Velino Massif). The methodology included generalized dissimilarity modeling (GDMs) to model the dissimilarity of plant assemblages as a function of their geographical distances, ecological dissimilarities, and differences in land cover derived by remote sensing. After calibrating the GDMs with historical and newly collected vegetation plot data, the maps of predicted species composition at different times were created, and their comparison allowed highlighting areas where change in land cover induced the largest changes in species composition and quantifying the consequences for regional plant diversity.
Influence of lactation period and ketosis on blood ammonia in cows
Ammonia is a central component in ruminant nitrogen metabolism and serves as a sensitive indicator of the dynamic balance between nitrogen intake, rumen microbial activity, and hepatic detoxification efficiency. Once produced in the rumen, ammonia is absorbed into the bloodstream and must be rapidly cleared by the liver via the urea cycle. As such, blood ammonia concentration reflects both the rate of ammonia production and the liver’s detoxification capacity, making it a valuable marker for evaluating protein metabolism and liver function. This study aimed to assess how different lactation stages and the presence of ketosis/hepatic lipidosis affect blood ammonia levels in dairy cows. A total of 50 Holstein-Friesian cows were examined, with 10 animals assigned to each experimental group. Ammonia levels (μmol/L) in blood plasma varied significantly depending on lactation stage and metabolic condition. In early lactation, the mean concentration was 67.64±6.52, which significantly decreased at peak lactation (34.11±7.5), followed by mid-lactation (29.93±7.9), and reached its lowest in the dry period (21.61±6.1). Cows diagnosed with ketosis exhibited significantly higher ammonia levels (96.52 ± 8.2). A significant positive correlation was found between ammonia and BHB (r = 0.54) as well as with the index of hepatocyte steatosis index (nonesterified fatty acid: cholesterol, NEFA:CHOL ratio) (r = 0.81), and significant negative correlations with the liver functionality index (r = –0.82), urea (r = –0.47), total protein (r = –0.38), and albumin (r = –0.36). These findings support the use of ammonia concentration as a reliable biomarker for metabolic and liver function assessment in dairy cows.
Influence of organic biostimulants on morphological and biochemical traits of radish
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different organic biostimulants on the morphological traits and quality parameters of radish under controlled growing conditions. The experiment was conducted with three replications and five treatments: Levoamin, Algafert, yeast, humic acids, and a control. The results showed that the application of biostimulants significantly affected all analysed morphological traits compared to the control. The highest values for plant height, total plant mass, and root dimensions were recorded in treatments with Levoamin and yeast. The application of biostimulants increased vitamin C content, total phenolic compounds, total antioxidant capacity, and total chlorophyll content. The most pronounced effect occurred with the yeast treatment, which recorded the highest values of total phenols and antioxidant capacity. The results indicate that applying organic biostimulants, particularly yeast, can significantly improve the growth and nutritional quality of radish.
Studies of milk freezing point as a measure of standardization
Trials were carried out on ITG farms and on purchasing area of the individual sector under conditions of Pomoravlje. Milk samples were directly taken from stables and from entire milk collected in dairy from the two ITG farms as well as that purchased from the cooperatives. Freezing point of the whole natural milk sampled directly from the Simmental and Domestic Spotted cows ‘udder was tested, followed by that of the milk collected from ITG farms and that of the cooperatives. In addition, the total milk of the Simmental and Domestic Spotted cows was supplemented with 5, 10, 15 and 20% water in order to determine milk freezing points with these dilutions. The results indicated the freezing point of the Simmental cows total milk to amount to 0.5422 °C and that with domestic spotted ones to - 0.5419 °C. Water added to the milk of Simmental and Domestic cows brought about a higher freezing point which approximated zero point per each per cent of water added on an average by -0.0060 °C in Simmental and by -0.0055 °C in domestic spotted cows. In the milk collected from the individual sector, milk freezing point averaged -0.5195 °C, which was even higher, i.e. very much close to the zero point compared to the total and sum milk from the farms. Testing the differences between the mean values of freezing points of the total milk taken from the Simmental and domestic spotted cows directly from udder in the stable, and from those of the total milk from ITG farms and cooperatives, taken on the dairy loading platform,e nabled us to conclude that the milk from the farms had a standard quality, whereas 5% water was added to the total one purchased from cooperatives.
Influence of sowing density on yield and quality of soybean under ecological and conventional production systems
Research was conducted during 2008 under ecological and conventional systems of soybean production. The observed factors included three different seeding densities (400.000, 500.000 and 600.000 plants per ha) and three soybean varieties of different maturity groups (‘Galina’, ‘Sava’ and ‘Mima’). The obtained data were processed by analysis of variance method of two factorial split-plot test (variety and seeding density). Yield and protein content were higher under conventional production than under the ecological system, while the oil content was 1.66% lower. Yield significantly depended on variety in both production systems. The effect of sowing density was non-significant in the conventional system and highly significant in the ecological system. Differences between the average values of the protein content of soybean grain were not statistically significant in terms of variety and sowing density in both production technologies. Under conventional production conditions, the variety Mima had a significantly higher oil content of grain as compared to the variety Galina. The ecological production differences were not statistically significant. Sowing density had no impact on the oil content of soybean grain in both production technologies tested. A very significant negative correlation between protein and oil content was established in both ecological and conventional production systems (-0.86** and -0.91**, respectively).
Differentiation between commercial wine samples using fluorescence spectroscopy and multivariate analysis
Steady state fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with Multivariate Curve Resolution – Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) for spectral analysis was used to differentiate between commercial samples of wines available on the market. Wine trade marks from two Serbian producers that contain only one wine type were chosen, since such an approach is a starting step for further analyses of more complex samples containing different wine types. We also studied changes in the emission spectra of these samples over a period of seven days after opening the wine bottle. The emission spectra were recorded in the wavelength range 275 - 500 nm, after excitation in the 255 - 300 nm range. The spectra of the wine samples obtained from the same producer are very similar, i.e. they contain the same components at similar ratios. The changes in spectral components at 315 nm and 430 nm were the basis for differentiation between the wine samples obtained from the two producers, as well as for estimation of wine stability over time after the bottle opening. The results indicate that this may be a useful approach to fingerprinting wines from various producers, as well as to screening the stability of wine.
Modeling a software platform for beehive placement optimization
In this paper, we discuss the multi-depot vehicle routing problem with regard to mobile beekeeping. Considering that beekeepers usually do not have their own land plots rarely rely on external transporters and often rely on external land plots, we present a fully functional platform to pair beekeepers, transporters, and land plot owners. Two algorithms for calculating optimal mobile beekeeping routes are developed in order to increase honey yield and minimize transport costs. We show that the first algorithm, based on the mathematical model, creates optimal routes in order to transport and distribute beehives by a distributor, while minimizing transport costs. In addition, we consider an option for the case when beekeepers themselves want to handle the transport and use a single external land plot. We show that, for this case, the application of the second algorithm creates a “good enough” solution. This iterative algorithm routes beekeepers to the closest land plot that can handle their beehives. Furthermore, we present a fully functional web platform that applies these algorithms, enabling beekeepers, transporters and land owners to register and use the platform in Serbia.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) grown under the conditions of the life cycle of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in order to achieve a stable seed yield
The expression of genes that induce the transformation of meristems into the reproductive stage in oilseed rape is realized in conditions of low positive temperatures for a certain period of time. Such a flowering process is called the vernalization pathway. A four-factor field trial with 6 genotypes of head cabbage was set up at the Institute of Vegetable Crops in Smederevska Palanka, of which three parental genotypes were divergent by geographical origin: Scc, B and N, and three more F1 hybrids were selected by diallel crossing: Scc x B, Scc x N and B x N. In order to achieve a different vegetative stage, seedlings were sown at three sowing dates: August 15th, September 1st and September 15th. Transplanting was done on October 20th. The results of sowing head cabbage within the sowing period for oilseed rape were the induction of the flower mechanism, the absence of the head formation phenophase, and the realization of a stable seed yield. The experiment was performed in vivo in the control version and in the treatment with gibberellic acid – GA3. The influence of all four factors: season, genotype, sowing date and GA3 treatment showed statistical significance for the yield components as well as for the yield itself and seed quality. The three seasons in which the experiment was evaluated differed in temperature during overwintering: 2010/2011 was moderately cold, 2011/2012 was extremely cold, while 2012/2013 was warm. In the cold season, the seed yield was low, and reduced to the biological maintenance of the species, while the highest seed yield was achieved in the third – warm (2012/2013) season in the first sowing period. The experiment also confirmed the existence of an identical flower mechanism in the species Brassica napus L. and Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.
Combining abilities for grain weight per plant in two-rowed barley hybrids
10 F1 and F2 hybrids were obtained through diallel crossing of five divergent two-rowed barley cultivars (Vada, Djerdap, NS-293, Jagodinac and Sladoran) for examination of the mode of inheritance and combining abilities for grain weight per barley plant. The inheritance mode was evaluated using the test of the significance of mean values of generations with respect to the parental average. The analysis of variance of combining abilities was made following the method 2, mathematical model I, for the incomplete diallel. Different modes of inheritance of grain weight per plant in the F1 and F2 generations were determined, being intermediary partial dominance, dominance or superdominance. Highly significant differences for the general (GCA) and special (SCA) combining abilities in the F1 and F2 generations showed that the grain weight per plant in these investigations was dependent on genes with additive and non-additive or dominant effects. The GCA variance was higher in both the F1 and F2 generation than the SCA variance. Positive GCA values were also determined with the Vada and Djerdap cultivars, the cultivar Jagodinac in the F1 and F2 generations being the best general combiner for grain weight per plant.
The impact of the training system on the yield potential of the “Čačanska Rana” cultivar in the second and the third years after planting
The “Čačanska Rana” is a table plum cultivar, with early ripening season and with a vigorous to very vigorous tree, when grafted onto Prunus cerasifera, Ehrh. It is a known fact that more radical wintertime pruning in initial years will contribute to the vigour effect and postpone fruit-yielding when conventional training systems such as the ‘improved pyramid’ or the ‘vase’ are used. The paper presents the results on the presence of various types of fruit-bearing branches in the second and the third years after planting, with the ‘Čačanska Rana’ cultivar grafted on the wild plum (Prunus cerasifera, Ehrh.) and cultivated in two different training systems: 1. ‘the spindle bush’, with 1250 trees per hectare, and without the wintertime pruning in the initial years after planting, and with the application of adequate operations during the summertime pruning, and 2. ‘the vase’, with 400 trees per hectare, with the wintertime pruning as the only operation used in establishing the training system used. The results were that with the ‘spindle bush’ training system, the initial yield potential was achieved as early as in the second year after planting (there were 0.40 mixed and 0.80 short flowering, fruit-bearing branches per tree). However, the variation coefficient was rather high (Cv = 50.83%), meaning that the yield potential significantly varied between the trees. With the cultivar grown in the ‘vase’ training system and without summertime pruning in the first growing season, no yield potential whatsoever was recorded in the second year after planting. During the third year after planting, the ‘Čačanska Rana’ trained to the “spindle bush” system showed a significant yield potential. It had 0.95 mixed-type, 22.25 short flowering fruitbearing branches, and 3.85 May blossoms per tree. The variation coefficient was significantly reduced, when compared to the second year, amounting to 12.28%. The same cultivar with the “vase”-trained tree and with standard wintertime pruning used, recorded the following initial yield potential in the third year after planting: 1.90 mixed and 1.35 short flowering fruit-bearing branches per tree (Cv = 19.80%).
The extrusion of corn as a precondition of nutritive value improvement
The mercantile corn was extruded in a "Metal-Matik" (Beočin), model M1000 extruder at 90 °C and 100 °C, respectively. The jet diameter was 8mm. Corn was milled on hammer mill with Ø 3mm sieve and moistened up to 14,27% moisture in conditioner before extrusion. The physico-chemical characteristics of extruded corn were investigated comparing with nontreated corn and it was concluded that extrusion improved to the nutritive value of extrudate.
Histological analysis of fish gills as an indicator of water pollution in the Tamiš River
Water pollution and effects of waterborne pollutants on aquatic organisms and humans have become a great concern over the last few decades. Since fish gills are in direct contact with the environment and are very sensitive to changes in water quality, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of waterborne pollutants from the Tamiš River on gill histology. The sample included a total of 78 individuals of the following fish species: wels catfish (Silurus glanis), pike (Esox lucius), roach (Rutilus rutilus), chub (Squalius cephalus), freshwater bream (Abramis brama), Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and pike-perch (Sander lucioperca). Histological observations showed moderate to intense histological alterations of the gill tissue. Progressive histological alterations were the most abundant in most of the species analyzed. The most common progressive alterations were hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the gill epithelium. Epithelial lifting was the most common regressive alteration and was observed in virtually all fish species. Circulatory disturbances were slightly pronounced. Results show that the histological alterations in the gill tissue were most likely caused by increased concentrations of certain pollutants. Furthermore, these results are an additional reason to proceed with detailed monitoring of the Tamiš River and the wildlife therein.
Field evaluation of nine soybean varieties
Nine soybean varieties different maturity groups were assessed under field conditions The experiment was conducted. during 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 at the Rimski Šancevi Experiment Field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. We examined parameters: number of nodules per plant, dry matter mass of plants, nitrogen content and yield. The number of nodules formed was considerably higher in 1995. Dry matter mass and nitrogen content of plant were higher in 1994 and 1995 than in other years of investigation, but the highest grain yield was recorded in 1997. On average of four years variety Vojvodanka gave the highest yield which was in positive correlation with other examinated parameters.
Toxic effects of aluminum on wheat decay in its early growth and development
The contents of Al in the plants and mobile Al in the soil were analysed as the possible reasons for wheat depression and its eventual decay in the spring. The analysis showed that both dried plants and soil sampled from their roots had markedly higher levels of Al and mobile Al, respectively.
Is there a new peasant agriculture project? An analysis based on Brazilian and French examples
H. Mendras has taught us that the peasant category was meant to disappear when the peasant societies would disappear. He has well demonstrated this tendency in the European case. However, new evolutions in the social movements updating the peasant identities in Europe, Latin America and Africa have brought this question to the present debate. The paper intends to present a comparative view of the new family agriculture in the Northeast of Brazil and France, considering the resistance, roots and peasant values. The Brazilian Northeast family farming is characterised by the permanence of an irregular and partial relation to diversified markets, as well as, also, by the modernisation or the resurgence of peasant redistribution relations and reciprocity practises. In France, the peasant trade unions´claims is more linked to value the products quality and local identity, although the peasant society does not endure any more. Thus, the integration to segmented markets more and more qualified or still subsidised, questions the future extension and generalisation of the European peasant model. On the contrary, the Brazilian Northeast has kept peasant communities which are capable of develop regional and local collective projects. Besides the economic integration of the competitive family farming to the markets, there is an alternative for territorial and social integration through pluriactivity and multifunctionality of the agriculture. The challenge is to mobilise and negotiate public policies guided by the modern peasant agriculture, considering the collective attributes and human values, instead of social assistance to poor rural families.
Response of bluberry to soil (SL) or soil foliar integrated (SFI) multicompound fertilizers application
An experiment was carried out in 2001and 2002 with blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L) cv. Bluecrop on commercial field. One year before the trial was started, plants have been already grown on sandy soil mixed with sawdsut compost in the rows. Three fertilizers treatment were applied, each in three replications. The size of mentioned single replication plot was 240 sq.m. As a source of nutrients the multicompound fertilizers NITROPHOSKA perfect 15-5-20+micro and BASFOLIAR 12-4-6 were used. During the vegetation period the soil along the plant rows was sampled simultaneously with the index plant parts. EC as well as pH were measured in the soil samples and macroelements concentration were determined in both i.e. soil and plant samples. The influence of applied fertilizers on the yield of berries was evaluated as well. The fertilizers used differenciated the plant available nutrients content in the upper soil layer and modified their concentration in an index plant leaves. Nitrogen phosphorus, potassium as applied on SFI way influenced the plants growth and their yielding.
Benthic algal community structure and water quality of the Zapadna Morava River basin near Cacak
Rivers provide their living world with a multitude of microhabitats, the mutual characteristic of which is a directed water flow. Other characteristics (water chemistry, size of the basin area, amount of water, flow rate, erosion, temperature and light regimes) are directly affected by the regions the rivers flow through. The samples for algological investigations were collected and processed using standard methods (Kann after Schwoerbel 1970, Husted 1969 after Krammer Lange-Bertalot 1986, Vollenweider 1971). Determination of the water quality of the Zapadna Morava, Kamenica and the Cemernica rivers, based on algae as bioindicators, was made using methods after Pantle-Buck (1955), Zelinka, Marvan, Kubicek (1959) and after Zelinka, Marvan (1963). Over the study period, at all the sites investigated, the presence of 145 taxa from 6 divisions was determined, the divisions being: Cyanophyta, Pyrrophyta, Xanthophyta, Bacillariophyta, Euglenophyta and Chlorophyta. The water quality was much affected by general hydrologic conditions and it ranged from oligosaprobic (the Kamenica) to α-mesosaprobic (the Čemernica) zone.
Improved bovine manure treatment methods
On a dairy farm where 2000 milk cows were maintained, crude solid manure deriving from the mixture of excrements and wheat straw, in the ratio of 1 kg straw : 9 l excrements, was subjected to aerobic and anaerobic fermentation. During the experiment, changes of temperature, volume, water contents, organic matter contents, pH values, total macroelement contents and their low soluble forms were measured. Crude solid manure was converted by aerobic care into compost within 7 weeks; its volume was decreased by 2.3 times, macroelement contents were decreased by 4 times as compared to unit volume of compost obtained by anaerobic care. Therefore, considerably higher economic effectiveness of compost production and application to cultivated areas was achieved.
Soil fertility is of the most importance in organizing successful plant production and gaining high yield. Protection and preservation of soil fertility are of a high relevance in contemporary agriculture, since inadequate production technology and particularly the application of high doses of fertilizers very often leads to degradation processes and soil damage. The most common mistake is the overdose of nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, in order to research the changes of basic agro-chemical traits of soil, the increased doses of nitrogen in carrot growing have been researched. The experimental part of the research was performed on sandy loam cambisol, with the following applications of nitrogen: 0, 60, 120 and 180 kgN/ha through KAN fertilizer. After carrot harvesting, the content of humus, phosphorus and potassium decreased, while the content of nitrate nitrogen was directly dependant of growing nitrogen doses. The lowest average content of NO3-N was determined in control (24.7 mg/kg), and the highest by applying 180 kgN/ha (47.0 mg/kg).
Significant resources of sustainable agriculture and organic food production system in Serbia
This paper presents the conditions and possibilities significant resources of sustainable agriculture and the organic food production system in Serbia. The concept of organic agriculture was considered in the function of the organic food production. The principal characteristics of adjustment of cropping practices and procedures of establishing and realisation of the organic food production are pointed out. Furthermore, biological control in the realisation of the organic agricultural production is indicated. Fundamental procedures of biological control in organic agriculture are related to providing quality of soil, water resources and feed. Moreover, the alternative forms of crop protection products are indicated. Specificities of alternative programmes are studied with the aim to produce organic food. The necessity to adjust the education of producers and experts to perform the organic food production is also indicated.
Basic parameters of the quality of fresh meat of different types of freshwater fish
The goal of this current study is to compare the chemical composition of fresh meat of different types of freshwater fish used in the diet of consumers. Comparison of basic chemical parameters of meat quality of cultivated and fish species from open waters was made. Most of the chemical composition parameters are very little differs from the values for the same parameters for most of the investigated fish species, which are available in the literature data. The results of this, as well as a number of other studies, confirm that fish from open waters have a generally higher content of water and lower fat content, while fish from breeding is characterized by lower water content and higher fat content. The highest protein content was found in fresh meat of the tiny carp (20.92%), and the lowest value (17.01%) determined for the protein content in meat of the bleak. The highest fat content was found in the flesh of the tiny carp (11.53%), which is a consequence of genetic characteristics and intensive feeding in fishery conditions. The lowest fat content was determined in the sample of fresh meat of the bleak, amounting to 3.64%. The highest value of the ash content is determined in the schneider meat, which is 1.96%, the lowest in the meat of the tiny carp (0.82%). Fish from open waters have higher ash content as a result of life in ecosystems that contain larger amounts of limestone and other minerals.
Evaluation of the quantity of flower buds, flowers, fruits and weight of harvest, their quantitative relations and variability on 24 genotypes of apricots in a 6-year period
Almost all analysed genotypes were able to form a number of flower buds sufficient for a potential regular harvest. When the conditions for the formation of flower buds on apricots were very good, the variability of the quantity of flower buds was very low. The correlation between the ranking of genotypes according to their percentage of flower buds which perished because of frost was proved to be significant only in the years with average damages due to frost. When damages due to frost were very important the differences between genotypes disappear. Genotypes with highly frost resistant flower buds were Vynoslivyj and Lemeda (LE-962). The lowest variability of quantity of flowers was observed in the years with a very rich flowering (in 1999 for example). Among all evaluated characters, the highest variability was obtained when studying the harvest weight in kilos per tree. The highest average harvest for the all evaluated period was observed on the species Vynoslivyj (20.39 kg per tree). When the weather conditions were good (in 1995, 1996 and 1999) highly significant coefficients of correlation were found out between the quantity of flower buds, the quantity of flowers, the quantity of fruits and the harvest weight per tree (r=0.53++ to r=0.99++).
quantity of flower buds, of flowers and of fruits
The feed sugar minimum as a precondition of good quality silage
Minimal amount of sugar sufficient to create so much lactic acid as it could permanently maintain pH value of 4.2 to 3.9 we are calling »sugar minimum«. The aim of this work was to investigate sugar minimum of feeds that are used or could be used for ensilage at different combinations of feeds. Fourteen samples have been used for determination of sugar minimum. On the basis of the results obtained it may be found that the lowest sugar minimum have those feeds which are most often used in practice for silage making, because they have sufficient dry matter, high amount of sugar, and low buffering capacity. Barley in the phase of graining having dry matter content of 29.57% had the sugar minimum of 1.42%. Samples of grain and whole plant of maize as that of field pea with dry matter of 45.32%, 2.86% and 3.69% which enables quality ensilage. Samples of sugar beet tops because of low dry matter content of 7.98% had the sugar minimum of 4.75%. In other feeds (alfalfa, Jerusalem artichoke and red clover( due to high buffering capacity the sugar minimum was from 5.53% to even 10.21%.
Pomological traits of some once-bearing figs in the area of Trebinje
The paper presents the results of studying bearing state in the four once-bearing fig cultivars: Tenice, Termenjača, Zimnica and Šaragulja in the region of Herzegovina (Trebinje) in the period from 2001-2002. Study results indicated that the cultivars varied in fruit mass, dry matter content, yield and ripening time. The fruit mass was the lowest in Zimnica (27,81 g), and the highest in Termenjača (53,33 g). The total dry matter was the lowest Zimnica (19,00%), and the highest in Tenice (23,11%). The cultivars were found to considerably vary in cropping per tree, i.e. per unit area, with the lowest yield detected in the cultivar Zimnice (51,10 kg/tree), and the highest one in Termenjača (63,20 kg/tree). The differences in yield can be explained as an interaction between the cultivar genotype and agro-pomotechnical measures applied. The earliest fruit ripening related to Tenice (05.08.), and the latest to Zimnice (15.08.).