Circular model of conservation and use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture

Ključne aktivnosti u okviru genetičkih resursa (GR) su konzervacija i korišćenje. Statička konzervacija široke genetičke varijabilnosti se najčešće odvija u bankama gena (ex situ), najčešće semena, kojom upravljaju kuratori banki gena, a korišćenje je u nadležnosti oplemenjivača. Dodatno, postojeći diverzitet se čuva i održava in situ - u izvornim ekosistemima. Ovo predstavlja klasičan linearni model kozervacije i korišćenja biljnih GR. Linerni model je uspešno korišćen za unapređenje poljoprivrednih vrsta kao što su pšenica, paradajz, grašak i dr. Trougaoni model je modifikovani linearni model koji se zasniva na korišćenju široke varijabilnosti dostupne u bankama gena za kreiranje novih varijeteta kroz višestepeni proces unapređenja, čime se minimizira gubitak diverziteta. Cirkularni model konzervacije i korišćenja GR uzima u obzir evolucione procese i potencijal genetičkog materijala, povezujući in situ i ex situ pristupe. Krajnji cilj je formiranje sistema u kojem su farmeri glavni činioci, a granice između GR, varijeteta i konzervacije nisu strogo razdvojene.Key activities within genetic resources (GR) are conservation and utilization. Static conservation of wide genetic variability is commonly performed in gene banks (ex situ), usually seeds, managed by seed bank curators, while the use of genetic resources is in the domain of breeders. In addition, existing diversity is preserved and maintained in situ – in the original ecosystems. This framework represents a classical linear model of conservation and utilization of plant GRs. The circular model takes into account evolutionary processes and the evolutionary potential of genetic material, integrating in situ and ex situ approaches. The ultimate goal is to create a simple system in which farmers are the main actors, without strict boundaries between GR, varieties, and conservation

Content of β-Carotene in Kernel of Hybrid Corn with Specific Properties

Zrno kukuruza je značajan izvor β-karotena, koji predstavlja provitamin A, neophodan za dobar vid, jačanje imunološkog sistema i održavanje zdrave kože kod ljudi. Selekcija kukuruza u poslednjim godinama fokusirana je na stvaranje hibrida specifičnih svojstava sa poboljšanim nutritivnim sastavom, uključujući karotenoide. Karotenoidi daju zrnu karakterističnu žutu boju; kod kukuruza šećerca ona je intenzivnija i povezuje se sa slatkoćom, dok kod kokičara doprinosi vizuelnom utisku gotovih kokica. Jednogodišnji ogled (2013/2014) postavljen je na oglednom imanju Instituta za kukuruz „Zemun Polje“ po RCBD metodu u četiri ponavljanja. Cilj istraživanja bio je da se utvrdi sadržaj β-karotena u zrnu hibrida kukuruza šećerca (ZP 421su) i kokičara (ZP 611k), gajenih nakon pokrovnih useva zasejanih u jesen (30.10.2013). Setva hibrida kukuruza obavljena je narednog proleća (12.05.2014) pri gustini od 65.000 biljaka po hektaru. Tretmani su uključivali šest pokrovnih useva: običnu grahoricu, ozimi krmni grašak, ozimi ovas, ozimi krmni kelj i dve smeše (grahorica + ovas i grašak + ovas), kao i dve kontrole (malč – slama i bez biljnog pokrivača). Nakon zaoravanja nadzemne biomase primenjeno je mikrobiološko đubrivo. Rezultati su pokazali da su svi faktori imali statistički značajan uticaj (p<0,01) na sadržaj β-karotena u zrnu kod oba hibrida. Kod kukuruza šećerca najbolji rezultati postignuti su sa leguminoznim pokrovnim usevima (grahorica 2,48 μg/g i ozimi grašak 2,12 μg/g), kao i kod smeše grahorica+ovas (2,03 μg/g) uz primenu mikrobiološkog đubriva. Kod kukuruza kokičara najveći sadržaj β-karotena izmeren je u tretmanima sa malčom od slame bez đubriva (2,28 μg/g) i sa ozimim krmnim keljom uz primenu đubriva (2,06 μg/g). Zaključeno je da održivi sistemi gajenja uz primenu pokrovnih useva i mikrobioloških đubriva mogu doprineti povećanju nutritivnog kvaliteta zrna, posebno u pogledu sadržaja β-karotena.Corn kernel is a significant source of β-carotene, which is a provitamin A essential for good vision, immune system support, and healthy skin. Recent maize breeding has focused on developing hybrids with specific nutritional improvements, including higher carotenoid content. Carotenoids provide the yellow coloration of kernels; in sweet corn, this is more intense and associated with sweetness, while in popcorn, it enhances visual quality and consumer appeal. A one-year field experiment (2013/2014) was conducted at the Maize Research Institute “Zemun Polje” following the RCBD design with four replications. The aim was to determine the β-carotene content in kernels of sweet corn (ZP 421su) and popcorn (ZP 611k) hybrids grown after cover crops sown in autumn (October 30, 2013). Sowing of corn hybrids was done in spring (May 12, 2014) at a density of 65,000 plants per hectare. Cover crop treatments included six species: common vetch, winter forage pea, winter oats, winter forage kale, and two mixtures (vetch + oats and pea + oats), plus two control variants (mulch – straw and no cover crop). Microbial fertilizer was applied after plowing the above-ground biomass. Analysis of variance showed that all factors had a statistically significant effect (p<0.01) on β-carotene content in both hybrids. For sweet corn, treatments with legumes (common vetch 2.48 μg/g and winter forage pea 2.12 μg/g) and the mixture vetch+oats (2.03 μg/g) with microbial fertilizer showed the highest levels. For popcorn, the highest β-carotene contents were found in the mulch (straw) treatment without fertilizer (2.28 μg/g) and in winter forage kale with fertilizer (2.06 μg/g). The results indicate that sustainable cultivation systems using cover crops and microbial fertilizers can positively influence the nutritional quality of maize, especially concerning β-carotene content

Application of Biostimulants in Vegetable Production

Biostimulatori predstavljaju sve značajniji alat u održivoj poljoprivredi, naročito u povrtarskoj proizvodnji, gde je cilj postizanje visokih prinosa i kvaliteta uz minimalnu upotrebu sintetičkih đubriva i pesticida. Oni su najčešće prirodnog porekla, biorazgradivi i apsolutno kompatibilni sa principima organske poljoprivrede, što ih čini ekološki prihvatljivim i bezbednim za upotrebu. Biostimulatori deluju na poboljšanje dostupnosti hranljivih materija u zemljištu i olakšavaju njihovo usvajanje, čime podržavaju rast, vitalnost i opšte zdravlje biljaka. Mehanizam delovanja biostimulatora ogleda se kroz povećanje zapremine rizosfere, aktiviranje transporta hranljivih materija u ćelijskim membranama korena i poboljšanje aktivnosti enzima za usvajanje azota u listovima i korenu. Ovi efekti doprinose većem unosu hranljivih materija i poboljšanju asimilacije, što utiče na povećanje ukupnog prinosa i kvaliteta plodova. Redovna upotreba biostimulatora rezultira krupnijim plodovima, intenzivnijom bojom i većim sadržajem fitonutrijenata, što je posebno važno u savremenoj proizvodnji. Od 2022. godine Agronomski fakultet u Čačku sprovodi seriju ogleda primene biostimulatora na različitim povrtarskim vrstama (crni i beli luk, grašak, paradajz i rotkvice, kao i rasad paprike i paradajza). Cilj ovih istraživanja bio je utvrđivanje efikasnosti različitih organskih biostimulatora koji se razlikuju po sastavu – amino kiseline, fulvo i huminske kiseline, ekstrakti morskih algi i gljivice iz kvasca. U ogledima su korišćeni komercijalni preparati Fulvimaks 80, Trainer, ProAlgin i Kvasac. Svi biostimulatori pokazali su pozitivne efekte na rast i razvoj biljaka u odnosu na kontrolu, pri čemu se intenzitet efekta razlikovao zavisno od vrste biljke. Kod crnog luka najveću efikasnost pokazao je biostimulator na bazi kvasca, dok su kod belog luka najbolji rezultati postignuti primenom kvasca i huminsko-fulvo kiselina. Kod graška se ponovo istakao kvasac, dok su kod rotkvice najznačajniji efekti zabeleženi primenom huminskih kiselina i ekstrakta morskih algi. Rezultati pokazuju da primena biostimulatora u povrtarstvu može značajno doprineti poboljšanju morfoloških i agronomskih osobina biljaka, ali je izbor optimalnog biostimulatora zavisan od vrste biljke i njenog fiziološkog odgovora. Ovakva saznanja omogućavaju ciljanu primenu biostimulatora u održivoj proizvodnji povrća, sa akcentom na povećanje prinosa i kvaliteta proizvoda.Biostimulants are becoming an increasingly important tool in sustainable agriculture, especially in vegetable production, where the aim is to achieve high yields and quality with minimal use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. They are generally of natural origin, biodegradable, and fully compatible with the principles of organic farming, making them environmentally friendly and safe to use. Biostimulants improve nutrient availability in the soil and facilitate uptake, supporting plant growth, vitality, and overall health. Their mode of action includes increasing the rhizosphere volume, activating nutrient transport in root cell membranes, and enhancing the activity of enzymes responsible for nitrogen uptake in leaves and roots. These effects lead to increased nutrient absorption and improved assimilation, resulting in higher overall yield and fruit quality. Regular use of biostimulants produces larger fruits, more intense coloration, and higher phytonutrient content, which is particularly important in modern production. Since 2022, the Faculty of Agronomy has conducted a series of trials on the application of biostimulants to various vegetable species, including onion, garlic, pea, tomato, radish, and seedlings of pepper and tomato. The aim of these studies was to determine the effectiveness of different organic biostimulants with varying compositions, including amino acids, fulvic and humic acids, seaweed extracts, and yeast-derived fungi. The products selected for the trials were commercially available under the names Fulvimax 80, Trainer, ProAlgin, and Yeast. The trials showed that all biostimulants, compared to untreated controls, had positive effects on plant growth and development, although the intensity and type of effect varied depending on the plant species. For onion, the yeast-based biostimulant showed the highest efficiency, while for garlic, significant results were achieved with both yeast- and humic/fulvic acid-based biostimulants. In peas, yeast again produced outstanding results, whereas for radish, the most pronounced effects were observed with humic acids and seaweed extracts. These results indicate that the application of biostimulants in vegetable production can significantly improve the morphological and agronomic traits of plants. However, the choice of the optimal biostimulant depends on the specific plant species and its physiological response. These findings enable the selective and targeted use of biostimulants in sustainable vegetable production, emphasizing yield increase and product quality improvement

Effect of Maize Landraces and Testers on the Number of Leaves above the Ear in Test Cross Hybrids

to identify superior combinations for this trait. The experiment involved crossing 31 maize landraces with three testers (L217, L73B013, and L255/75-5), representing different heterotic groups (Iowa Dent, BSSS and Lancaster). The general mean for the number of leaves above the ear was 6.18 leaves. The analysis of variance revealed that all sources of variation, including the environment, tester, landrace, and their interactions, were highly significant (p≤0.01), except for the triple interaction (p=0.964). The coefficient of variation was 6.00%, indicating low within-group variability. Maize landrace AN1569, across all testers, exhibited the highest number of leaves (6.72), suggesting its superior general combining ability for this trait. Other landraces, such as AN877, AN288, and AN197, also showed high values, predominantly belonging to dent maize types from late maturity groups. In contrast, the maize landrace AN1890, in test cross hybrids, produced the lowest number of leaves above the ear (5.76). Tester L73B013 contributed to hybrids with the highest number of leaves above the ear (6.31), compared to L217 and L255/75-5, which were statistically similar to each other. A positive correlation (r=0.782) was observed between the number of leaves above the ear in landraces per se and their general combining ability, emphasizing the additive genetic effects in the inheritance of this trait. These results emphasize the importance of specific landraces and testers in breeding programs aimed at improving the number of leaves above the ear, with potential implications for yield and adaptability

The Effect of Mulching on the Quality of Early Potatoes

Istraživanje je sprovedeno kako bi se utvrdio uticaj nastiranja na kvalitet mladog krompira. Ogled je postavljen u tri vegetacione sezone na jednom lokalitetu po split-plot sistemu u pet ponavljanja. Uticaj nastiranja ispitivan je na dve sorte – Riviera i Cleopatra. Sadnja je obavljena mašinski, jedna krtola po kućici, na međuredni razmak od 65 cm, i razmak u redu od 30 cm. Analizirane su sledeće osobine: sadržaj suve materije (%), sadržaj skroba (%), ukupan sadržaj šećera (%), sadržaj proteina (%) i sadržaj lipida (%). Ananliza varijanse urađena je po split plot sistemu, a poređenje srednjih vrednosti urađeno je primenom LSD testa. Visoko značajan efekat primenjenog tretmana (nastiranja) ustanovljen je za sadržaj suve materije, sadržaj skroba i ukupan sadržaj šećera, dok primenjen tretman nije imao značajan uticaj na sadržaj proteina i lipida u krtoli. Sadržaj suve materije u krtoli, kao i sadržaj skroba i ukupnih šećera visoko značajno je povećan usled primene nastiranja, kod obe proučavane sorte. Poređenjem tretmana po sortama visoko značajna razlika između srednjih vrednosti sadržaja skroba i ukupnih šećera ustanovljena je samo za sortu Riviera, dok kod sadržaja suve materije u krtoli nije ustanovljena značajnost. Pri primeni nastiranja zabeležen je viši sadržaj proteina, odnosno niži sadržaj lipida u krtoli, ali nije zabeležena značajnost razlike srednjih vrednosti. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata može se zaključiti da nastiranje ima pozitivan efekat na kvalitet krompira što pruža mogućnost za širu primenu ove specifične agrotehničke mere u proizvodnji mladog krompira.This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of mulching on the quality of early potatoes. The experiment was carried out over three consecutive growing seasons at a single location, using a split-plot design with five replications. The effect of mulching was examined on two cultivars, Riviera and Cleopatra. Planting was performed mechanically, with one tuber per hill, at an inter-row spacing of 65 cm and an intra-row spacing of 30 cm. The following quality traits were analysed: dry matter content (%), starch content (%), total sugar content (%), protein content (%), and lipid content (%). Analysis of variance was performed according to the split-plot design, and mean comparisons were conducted using the LSD test. Mulching had a highly significant effect on dry matter, starch, and total sugar contents, whereas no significant effect was observed for protein and lipid contents. The application of mulching significantly increased dry matter, starch, and total sugars in both cultivars. A highly significant difference in starch and total sugar contents between treatments was observed only for the cultivar Riviera, while no significant difference was detected for dry matter content. Under mulching, higher protein content and lower lipid content were recorded, although without statistical significance. The findings indicate that mulching exerts a positive effect on potato quality, supporting its broader application as a specific agrotechnical practice in early potato production

Physical indicators of the grains quality of small grains grown in the conversion system

Među osnovnim fizičkim pokazateljima kvaliteta zrna strnih žita, izdvajaju se masa 1000 zrna i hektolitarska masa. Masa 1000 zrna ukazuje na krupnoću i popunjenost zrna, što zavisi od genetičkih osobina sorte, uslova proizvodnje i tehnologije gajenja, dok je hektolitarska masa pokazatelj ispunjenosti endosperma, što je u direktnoj korelaciji sa kvalitetom zrna i njegovom pogodnošću za preradu. Ovi parametri pružaju važne informacije o kvalitetu i tržišnoj vrednosti zrna i obavezan su element u kontroli kvaliteta žitarica. Masa 1000 zrna i hektolitarska masa jesu stabilne sortne osobine, ali se njihova vrednost u velikoj meri oblikuje kroz uslove spoljašnje sredine i tehnologiju gajenja. Optimalne doze i raspored primene đubriva, naročito azota, obezbeđuju bolju ishranjenost biljke, produženo nalivanje zrna, čime se postiže veća masa 1000 zrna i povoljna hektolitarska masa. U konceptu održive poljoprivrede, pak, upotreba mineralnih đubriva je jedna od kritičnih tačaka i mera koja, u cilju zadovoljenja kriterijuma savremene, ekološki i ekonomski održive, poljoprivrede zahteva značajne izmene i optimizaciju. Cilj ovog rada je bio da utvrdi vrednosti mase 1000 zrna i hektolitarske mase strnih žita gajenih u sistemu konverzije, koji podrazumeva upotrebu organskog đubriva kako bi se identifikovale vrste i sorte koje su, sa aspekta ovih pokazatelja, prilagođene održivim praksama u poljoprivredi i koje mogu da budu preporuka za praktičnu proizvodnju i selekciju i oplemenjivanje, istovremeno. Istraživanje je sprovedeno na imanju Poljoprivredne škole u Svilajncu, tokom 2018/2019. godine i uključivalo je: pšenicu (Evropa 90, Etida i Milijana), ovas (NS Jadar), ječam (Atlas) i speltu (Nirvana). Ogled je bio postavljen u tri ponavljanja, uz dve varijante đubrenja: kontrolnu i varijantu sa stajnjakom. Setva je obavljena 5. novembra 2018, a uzorci biljaka su uzimani u fazi pune zrelosti i to po 10 biljaka po ponavljanju, za svaku varijantu đubrenja. Merenja su obavljena po standardnim procedurama. Rezultati su statistički obrađeni, dvofaktorijlnom analizom varijanse, utvrđivanjem koeficijenta varijacije (Cv) i LSD za nivoe značajnosti 0,05 i 0,01. Prosečne vrednosti mase 1000 zrna su se, u kontrolnoj varijanti, kretale od 34,56 gk (ovas NS Jadar) do 45,61 g (ječam Atlas), a u varijanti sa đubrenjem od 34,34 g (ovas NS Jadar) do 47,81 (pšenica Evropa 90). LSD test je ukazao na postojanje statistički visoko značajnih razlika mase 1000 zrna unutar obe varijante, s tim što je u slučaju ove osobine zabeleženo i statistički značajno odstupanje između ispitivanih sorti pšenice. Primena stajnjaka je izazvala statistički značajno povećanje vrednosti ovog pokazatelja među ispitivanim genotipovima, osim u slučaju ovsa NS Jadar, kod koga je zabeležen blagi pad vrednosti mase 1000 zrna u đubrenoj u odnosu na kontrolnu varijantu. Upotreba stajnjaka je, u slučaju hektolitarske mase, izazvala povećanje vrednosti, kod svih ispitivanih genotipova, u odnosu na kontrolnu varijantu. Prosečne vrednosti ovog pokazatelja su se, u kontrolnoj varijanti, kretale od 48,42 g (ovas NS Jadar) do 82,96 g (pšenica Milijana). Isti genotipovi su i u đubrenoj varijanti imali najmanju (49,30 g) odnosnu najveću vrednost (83,83 g) hektolitarske mase. Vrednosti mase 1000 zrna u ovom istraživanju su na nivou ili iznad prosečnih vrednosti ovog parametra za strna žita u konvencionalnoj proizvodnji, što znači da upotreba samo stajnjaka ili čak i isključivanje đubriva nisu ograničili ekspresiju ove osobine. Isti trend je zabeležen i u slučaju hektolitarske mase, što sve vodi ka zaključku da se ispitivani genotipovi strnih žita mogu uspešno gajiti u sistemu konverzije odnosno organskom sistemu i postizati zadovoljavajuće rezultate pokazatelja kvaliteta zrna. To ih čini preporučljivim za održivu poljoprivrednu praksu i selekciono oplemenjivačke programe na strnim žitima, za uslove organske poizvodnje.Mass of 1000 grains and hectoliter mass are the important physical indicators of grains quality of small grains. Mass of 1000 grains indicate size and filling of grains, which is influenced by cultivars traits, growing conditions and applied technology. Hectoliter mass points to grain endosperm filling, which is correlated with grain quality and its suitable for processing, directly. These indicators give an important information about grain quality and its market value, being a mandatory element in small grains quality control. Mass of 1000 grains and hectoliter mass are stable cultivars traits, but its values are, in large extend, under environmental conditions and growing technologies. Optimal fertilizers doses and dynamic of application, especially nitrogen, offer better nutritional plants regime and long-lasting grain filling, leading to higher mass of 1000 grains and hectoliter mass, too. In sustainable agriculture concept, however, mineral fertilizers application is on of key points and procedure have to been mainly modified and optimized intending to meet requests of economically and ecologically sustainable agriculture. The aim of investigation was to estimate values of mass of 1000 grains and hectoliter mass of small grains, grown in conversion system, that means organic fertilizers use only. Further, it can be possible to identify species and cultivars adaptable to sustainable agricultural practices and to recommend for production and selection and breeding, at the same time. Investigation was carried out at the property of Agricultural School Svilajnac, during 2018/2019. season and included: wheat (Evropa 90, Etida and Milijana), oat (NS Jadar), barley (Atlas) and spelt (Nirvana). The trial was set up in three replications, with two fertilization variants: control (fertilizers free) and manure one. Sowing was done on November 5th in 2018, while plants samples were taken in full maturity phase, as follow: 10 plants per replication, for each fertilization variants. Measures were done under standard procedures. Obtained results were processed by two factorial analyses of variance, estimating coefficient of variation (Cv) and LSD, for level of signification 0,05 and 0,01. Average values of mass of 1000 grains ranged from 34,56g (oat NS Jadar) to 45,61 g (barley Atlas) in control variant, but from 34,34g (oat NS Jadar) to 47,81 (wheat Evropa 90) in manure one. LSD test pointed out statistically high significant differences of these indicators among both of variants and, particularly, among studied wheat cultivars. Manure application caused statistically significant increase of mass of 1000 grains of studied cultivars, except oat, which showed slight decrease in relation to control variant. Manure application caused increase of hectoliter mass in all of studied cultivars, in relation to control variant. Average values of this indicator varied from 48,42 g (oat NS Jadar) to 82,96 g (wheat Milijana) in control variant. The same cultivars had the least (49,30 g) i. e. the highest (83,83 g) values of hectoliter mass in manure variant, too. Mass of 1000 grains values, in this investigation, are at the level or above the average values for small grains, otherwise in conventional production. It means manure application only or even exclusion of any fertilizers did not limit expression of this quality indicator. The same trend was observed for hectoliter mass, too, which all leads to the conclusion that studied small grains genotypes could be grown in conversion system as well as organic one and obtained satisfactory results of grains quality indicators. According to that, they can be recommended to sustainable agricultural practices and in small grains selection and breeding programs for organic agriculture

Review of the application of biological measures using the parasitic wasp (Encarsia formosa) as a parasitoid of the white butterfly louse (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)

The chapter discusses the role of the parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa as a biological control agent against the white butterfly louse (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) in protected cultivation systems. It provides an overview of plant protection strategies, emphasizing ecological and sustainable measures. The authors review the biology, behavior, and application methods of E. formosa, highlighting its efficiency and potential as part of integral plant protection. Numerous studies are cited to support the effectiveness of this method and its compatibility with ecological farming practices

Contribution of cover crops to sustainable sweet corn production (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt.)

In sustainable systems, the production of sweet corn, which is exclusively used for human consumption, has a major role. The application of cover crops in the technology of growing sweet corn represents a sustainable agricultural practice that can have a positive impact on the quality of the kernel. The aim of the research was to examine the influence of cover crops with the application of microbiological fertilizer (F) on the yield and kernel quality of maize hybrids with specific characteristics. The experiment was set up according to a split-plot design on the property of the Maize Research Institute „Zemun Polje“, in Zemun Polje. During one growing season, cover crops were grown (T2 - winter oats, T3 - common vetch, T4 - fodder kale, T5 - fodder peas). After their mowing and plowing, half of the elementary plot (17.5 m2) was treated with F and sweet corn (hybrid ZP 424su) was sown at the beginning of May (65.000 plants per ha). Ears were harvested 22-25 days after fertilization. Statistical processing of the data was done by ANOVA and tested with the Tuckey test in the program IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26.0. Cover crops and interaction with F showed a statistically significant effect on kernel yield and total sugars. The highest average kernel yield was achieved in the treatment with fodder kale (5.31tha-1) and shelling percentage of 58.33%. Compared to the control, the highest content of total sugars in the kernel was measured in the treatment with common vetch and winter oats with the application of F and ranged from 5.36-5.38%. The highest content of the dominant sugar sucrose in the kernel was recorded in the treatment in which sweet corn was grown after fodder peas (1.13%). The results show that cover crops can be an important tool for producing healthier and better quality food.Uvodno predavanje po pozivu dr Biljana Ševi

Chemical and morphological parameters of sweet corns influenced by production method

This field experiment was conducted to see the influence of production methods (open field/green house) on some morphological and chemical characteristics of super sweet (SH2) corn hybrid. The study was established at a local farm in Bogojevce (Municipality of Leskovac, South Serbia). The highest values of morphological characteristics (total plant hight and first cob hight) were achived when Sweet Nugget F1 was grown at open field. The production method did not have statistically significant impact on the average velues of the observed morphological parameters. The highest amount of total sugar and invert sugar in maize kernel was achived when grown in open field with the values of 11.04% and 7.24% respectively. When grown under greenhouse conditions, the total sugar amount was 8.04%, whereby the amount of invert sugar was 4.29%. A positive and very strong correlation between total sugars and invert sugars was observed

The impact of integrated and organic systems on tomato yield in protected environments

The chapter examines the effects of integrated and organic farming systems on tomato yield in protected environments. It emphasises sustainable agriculture practices and their influence on nutritional and economic value. The study uses a two-factorial design comparing two tomato hybrids under both systems. Results show significant variability between systems and hybrids, with organic production yielding slightly higher outputs. The research underscores the role of ecological methods in increasing health safety and sustainable food production