Comparison of methods for Cation exchange capacity determination in soils of east Croatia

Veličina kationsko izmjenjivačkog kapaciteta tla, odnosno zasićenost tla kationima predstavlja važno svojstvo za ishranu bilja. Veličina sorpcije nekog tla može se odrediti brojnim metodama koje se međusobno razlikuju kao i rezultati dobiveni tim metodama. Zbog toga je cilj rada bio provesti pet različitih ekstrakcijskih metoda kao što je Mehlich 3 (pH 2,5), zatim metode sa: amonijevim laktatom (pH 3,75), amonijevim acetat-etilendiamin-tetraacetatom (pH 4,65), amonijevim acetatom (pH 7) i barijevim kloridom (pH 8,2). Za usporedbu je prikupljeno i analizirano 200 uzoraka tala istočne Hrvatske (do 30 cm dubine) koji su podijeljeni u dvije grupe prema sadržaju karbonata. Analize su obuhvaćale osnovna kemijska i fizikalna svojstva tla kao što su: humus, pH, karbonati, tekstura. Veličina KIK-a određena AA metodom kretala se od 4,46 cmol(+)kg-1 do 25,14 cmol(+)kg-1, a BaCl2 metodom između 4,12 cmol(+)kg-1 i 31,88 cmol(+)kg-1. Metodama AA i BaCl2 dobivena je najmanja prosječna vrijednost KIK-a u odnosu na metode: Mehlich 3, AA EDTA i AL. Na temelju rezultata AA metode može se zaključiti da kalcij zauzima 66,53 % KIK-a, magnezij 13,43 %, kalij 1,75 %, natrij 0,61 %, a kiseli kationi 40,66 %. Statistički značajne korelacije utvrđene su između AA i Mehlich 3 metode (r=0,86), AA i AA EDTA (r=0,80), AA i AL (0,75) u uzorcima sa sadržajem karbonata ispod 3,5 %. Također u istim uzorcima utvrđena je statištički značajna korelacija između BaCl2 i AA metode (0,59), Mehlich 3 (r=0,78), BaCl2 i AA EDTA metode (r=0,74) i BaCl2 i AL metode (0,64). Modeli predviđanja KIK-a kreirani su za AA i BaCl2 metode, a na temelju osnovnih svojstava tala (pH, humusa, praha i gline). Dobivena pouzdanost kreiranih modela upućuje na to da mogu dati nove podatke na temelju sadržaja samo humusa ili gline.Cation exchange capacity of the soil or soil cation saturation is a valuable characteristic for plant nutrition. Value of soil absorption could be determine by a large number of methods which differs as well as their results. The aim of this research was to compare five different extraction methods: Mehlich 3 (pH 2,5), ammonium lactate-acetic acid (3,75), ammonium acetat-etilendiamin-tetraacetat (pH 4,65), ammonium acetate (pH 7), barium chloride (pH 8,2). For this purpose two hundered samples (depth 30 cm) were collected in the east part of Croatia and divided in two groups by the carbonate content. On selected soil samples basic soil analises methods have been done such as: organic matter, pH reaction of soil, soil carbonate concentration and texture. CEC levels determined by AA method were between 4,46 cmol(+)kg-1 and 25,14 cmol(+)kg-1 , by BaCl2 method between 4,12 cmol(+)kg-1 and 31,88 cmol(+)kg-1. The average level of the CEC determined by these two methods were the lowest in comparison with Mehlich 3, AA EDTA and AL methods. Based on the results of AA method it can be concluded that Calcium participate with 66,53%, Magnesium with 13,43%, Potasium with 1,75%, Sodium with 0,61% and acid cations with 40,66% in overall CEC. Statisticaly signifficant correlations have been determined between AA and Melich 3 methods (r=0,86), AA and AA EDTA (r=0,80), AA and AL (r=0,75) in samples with carbonate content less than 3,5%. In these samples statisticaly signifficant correlation was also determined between BaCl2 and AA method (0,59), BaCl2 and Mehlich 3 (r=0,78), BaCl2 and AA EDTA (r=0,74) and BaCl2 and AL method (0,64). Predicting models for CEC were created for AA and BaCl2 methods on grounds of basic soil properties (pH, organic matter, silt, clay). Their advantage is creating new data on basis of clay or organic matter content

HOW WELL SLAVONIAN FARMERS ARE ACQUAINTED WITH THE MELIORATIVE SYSTEMS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE YIELD STABILITY

Meliorativne mjere navodnjavanja i odvodnje suvišne vode spadaju u važnu strategiju razvoja održive poljoprivredne proizvodnje u regijama s nepovoljnim klimatskim uvjetima. Cilj ovoga rada bio je utvrditi koliko su slavonski poljoprivrednici educirani i upoznati s unaprjeđenjem poljoprivredne proizvodnje putem ulaganja u meliorativne sustave. Stoga je anketa o educiranosti slavonskih poljoprivrednika te njihovoj spremnosti na unaprjeđenje poljoprivredne proizvodnje, odnosno ulaganje u meliorativne sustave i stabilnost prinosa provedena u periodu od 17.10.2016. do 20.01.2017. godine u pet slavonskih županija (Brodsko-posavskoj, Osječko-baranjskoj, Vukovarsko-srijemskoj, Sisačko-moslavačkoj i Požeško-slavonskoj). Uzorak je činilo 30 ispitanika iz svake od pet slavonskih županija (ukupno 150) zaposlenih u poljoprivredi i drugim djelatnostima vezanim za poljoprivredu. Ispitanicima su postavljena dvadeset četiri pitanja koja su se odnosila na glavnu djelatnost njihova rada, stupanj obrazo-vanja, veličinu obrađivanih površina, održavanje meliorativnog sustava, način navodnjavanja i temeljna znanja o povećanju prinosa primjenom meliorativnih sustava. Istraživanjem je utvrđeno da najveći broj ispitanika obrađuje površine veličine 1-3 ha na kojima postoji problem suvišne vode i čije sustave odvodnje održavaju uglavnom vlasnici. Rezultati pokazuju da se u istraživanim županijama javlja problem nedostatka vode, a dominantni način navodnjavanja je prirodnim putem oborinskim vodama. Anketa ukazuje na svijest poljoprivrednih proizvođača da ulaganjem u meliorativne sustave odvodnje i navodnjavanja očekuju redovite prinose ali i povećanje prinosa.Meliorative measures as irrigation and drainage are part of an important strategy for development of sustainable agricultural production in the regions with adverse climatic conditions. The aim of this paper was to determine how well Slavonian farmers are educated and acquainted with the improvement of agricultural production by investing in meliorative systems. This questioner survey on the education of Slavonian farmers and their willingness to improve agricultural production, investing in meliorative systems and yield stability, was carried out in the period from 17. October 2016. to 20. January 2017. in five Slavonian counties (Brod-Posavina, Osijek-Baranja, Vukovar-Srijem, Sisak-Moslavina and Požega-Slavonia). The sample consisted of 30 respondents from each of the five Slavonian counties (a total of 150 respondents) employed in agriculture and other activities related to agriculture. Respondents were asked twenty-four questions related to the main activity of their work, the level of education, the size of cultivated areas, the maintenance of the darinage system, the irrigation method, and basic knowledge about increasing the yield by applying meliorative systems. The survey found that most of the respondents cultivated areas of 1-3 ha with the problem of excess water and drainage systems which mostly maintained by the land owners. The results show that in the studied counties there is a problem of lack of water, and the dominant way of irrigation is by precipitation. The survey indicates the awareness of agricultural producers that they can expect constant and regular yields and even increase of yields by investing in meliorative systems

TRANSPLANT QUALITY OF LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa) AND SAVORY (Satureja hortensis)

Osnovni preduvjet uspješnog uzgoja neke vrste ovisi o klijavosti sjemena, agroekološkim uvjetima tijekom proizvodnje te genotipu istraživane sorte. Prvi cilj istraživanja je bio utvrditi utjecaj sorte na klijavost i kvalitetu presadnica tri sorte zelene salate (Lactuca sativa) Majska kraljica, Atrakcija i Brazilijanka istog proizvođača, uzgojenih u plasteniku Veleučilišta u Slavonskom Brodu. Pokus je postavljen u četiri ponavljanja sa 100 posijanih sjemenki u kontejnere sa 104 sjetvena mjesta napunjenih supstratom za uzgoj presadnica salate, a za navodnjavanje je korištena vodovodna voda. Utvrđen je značajan (p≤0,01) utjecaj sorte salate na sva mjerena svojstva (klijavost, duljinu nadzemnog dijela presadnica, duljinu korijena presadnica, ukupnu duljinu presadnica te masu presadnica). Također je utvrđena korelacijska povezanost između mase i duljine presadnica salate Majska kraljica. Drugi cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi razliku u klijavosti i kvaliteti presadnica čubra (Satureja hortensis) između sjemena dvaju proizvođača. Presadnice su uzgojene u plasteniku Veleučilišta u Slavonskom Brodu. Pokus je postavljen po shemi četiri ponavljanja x 50 sjemenki. Kontejneri sa 104 sjetvenih mjesta napunjeni su supstratom za uzgoj presadnica. Navodnjavanje je obavljano prema potrebi sa vodovodnom vodom. Nije utvrđena značajna (p≤0,01) razlika između sjemena dvaju proizvođača za sva mjerena svojstva.The basic prerequisite for successful species breeding depends on seed germination, environmental conditions during production and genotype studied varieties. The first objective of the research was to determine the influence of varieties on seed germination and transplant quality of three lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa) The May Queen, Attraction and Brazilian, grown in a greenhouse of College in Slavonski Brod. The experiment was set in four repetitions with 100 seeds planted in containers with 104 pots filled with substrate for transplant production and irrigated with tap water. A highly significant (p≤0.01) impact of the variety of salads was established on all measured characteristics (germination, the length of the above-ground parts of transplant, transplant root length, total length of transplants and transplants mass). Correlation relationship between the weight and length of transplants of lettuce The May Queen was also established. The second objective of this study was to determine the difference in germination and transplants quality of the savory (Satureja hortensis) seeds of two manufacturers. Transplants were grown in a greenhouse of College in Slavonski Brod. The experiment was set up in four repetitions x 50 seeds. Containers with 104 pots filled with a growing medium transplants. Tap water used for irrigation when was necessary. No significant (p≤0.01) difference was established between the two seed producers in all measured characteristics (germination, the length of the above-ground parts of transplants, transplants root length, total length of the transplants, and the mass of transplants

UTJECAJ SUPSTRATA RAZLIČITOGA PODRIJETLA NA NUTRITIVNU VRIJEDNOST ŠAMPINJONA (Agaricus bisporus Imbach)

The metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn are the essential elements that have an important role in the human immune system. The aim of this research was to determine the concentration of nutritive values of macroelements (N, P, and K) and microelements (Fe and Zn) in a mushroom substrate and in a champignon mushroom fruiting body. A trial was conducted in the mushroom production company Romanjek LLC in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. It was conducted in four vegetation cycles on two different substrates, the one originating from Eastern Europe and the other originating from Northern Europe. At the end of the trial, the basic chemical properties of substrates and mushrooms were recorded. A comparison of investigated substrate measurements demonstrates that the highest content of elements N, P, and K was determined in the substrate 2 originating from Northern Europe, while the concentration of microelements Fe and Zn was higher in substrate 1, originating, from Eastern Europe. There was a statistically significant difference in a macroelement content in the mushrooms grown on the substrates of different origin, as well as in the transfer of Zn and Fe from a substrate to mushrooms. There was a higher accumulation of the transferred Zn in comparison to Fe in the mushrooms regardless of the origin of the substrate.Šampinjoni su jedna od ekonomski najznačajnijih jestivih vrsta gljiva, iznimno dobre nutritivne vrijednosti, koja ima važnu ulogu u zdravoj prehrani. Metali Fe, Cu, Zn i Mn su esencijalni elementi koji imaju važnu ulogu u jačanju ljudskoga imuniteta. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je utvrditi koncentracije makroelemenata (N, P i K) i mikroelemenata (Fe i Zn) u supstratima i plodnim tijelima gljiva. Pokus je postavljen u proizvodnji gljiva Romanjek d. o. o. (Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska) i provodio se tijekom četiri vegetacijska ciklusa na dva supstrata različitoga geografskog podrijetla. Jedan supstrat (supstrat 1) proizveden je u istočnoj Europi, a drugi (supstrat 2) u sjevernoj Europi. Na kraju pokusa analizirana su osnovna kemijska svojstva supstrata i uzoraka istraživanih gljiva. Usporedbom rezultata istraživanih supstrata ustanovljen je veći sadržaj N, P i K u supstratu 2 podrijetlom sa sjevera Europe, ali je koncentracija mikroelemenata Fe i Zn bila veća u supstratu 1, podrijetlom s istoka Europe. Statistički značajna razlika ustanovljena je u sadržaju makroelemenata u gljivama uzgojenim na supstratima različitoga podrijetla, kao i u transferu Zn i Fe iz supstrata u gljive. Osim toga, uspoređujući akumulaciju transferiranoga Zn i Fe, ustanovljena je veća akumulacija Zn u gljivama bez obzira na podrijetlo supstrata

THE DIFFERENCE IN THE MUSHROOMS YIELD (Agaricus bisporus Imbach) GROWN USING TWO DIFFERENT CACing METHODS

Cilj pokusa bio je ustanoviti postoji li razlika u prinosu šampinjona, ako se u proizvodnji koriste dvije CACing metode. U pokusu su korištene metoda sa „spawnom“ i metoda s proraslim kompostom. Rezultati pokusa pokazali su da nije bilo statistički značajne razlike između navedenih metoda. Stoga se može zaključiti da su obadvije metode dobre. Problem bi se mogao javiti kod umiješanja proraslog komposta u pokrivku zbog moguće zaraze patogenima, dok s druge strane „spawn“ materijal je skuplja opcija. Stoga bi možda ipak bolja bila opcija umiješanja „spawna“ s obzirom na sigurnost po pitanju patogena.The aim of the experiment was to determine the mushrooms yield difference using two CACing methods. In the experiment“spawn” and overgrowing compost methods were used. The test results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between these methods. It can be concluded that both methods are good. The problem could occur in blending overgrowing compost because of possible contamination with pathogens, while on the other hand "spawn" material is a more expensive option. Therefore, it might still be a better option blending "spawn" to protect from pathogens

Prirodna raznolikost i simbiozna učinkovitost autohtonih sojeva rizobija koji noduliraju stočni grašak

The main aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity within the natural populations of field pea rhizobia on different field sites in Northwestern Croatia and to evaluate their symbiotic efficiency. Identification of related bacterial strains was carried out using RAPD and rep-PCR methods and on the basis of differences in the nodulation nodD gene region by PCR-RFLP method. Indigenous strains have been shown to differ significantly from each other as well as from the reference strains Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae used in these study. Based on the nodulation genes, it was found that most isolates have the same or very similar nodulation nodD region except the isolates K22 and K23. A greenhouse studie was performed for evaluation of symbiotic efficiency of strains. The highest nodule dry weight was determined by inoculation with strains K23, K22, K17 and K20, indicating their high infectivity and nodulation ability. Significantly higher green mass and dry matter yield in abouveground plant parts were determined by inoculation with two indigenous strains K26 and K16 that showed potentially high symbiotic efficiency compared to other tested strains.Glavni cilj istraživanja je utvrditi genetsku raznolikost unutar prirodne populacije rizobija koji noduliraju stočni grašak na području sjeverozapadne Hrvatske te procijeniti njihovu simbioznu učinkovitost. Identifikacija srodnih bakterijskih sojeva provedena je primjenom RAPD i rep-PCR metode te na osnovi razlika u nodulacijskoj nodD genskoj regiji putem PCR-RFLP metode. Dokazano je da se autohtoni sojevi međusobno značajno razlikuju kao i od referentnih sojeva Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae korištenih u ovim istraživanjima. Na osnovu nodulacijskih gena primjenom PCR-RFLP metode utvrđeno je da većina izolata ima istu ili vrlo sličnu nodulacijsku nodD regiju osim izolata K22 i K23. Vegetacijski pokus u stakleniku postavljen je u svrhu procjene simbiozne učinkovitosti sojeva. Najveća masa suhe tvari kvržica utvrđena je primjenom izolata K23, K22, K17 i K20 što ukazuje na njihovu visoku infektivnost i nodulacijsku sposobnost. Signifikantno veći prinos zelene mase i suhe tvari nadzemnog dijela biljke, ostvaren je uz bakterizaciju s dva autohtona soja K26 i K16 koji su pokazali potencijalno visoku simbioznu učinkovitost u usporedbi s ostalim istraživanim sojevima

Određivanje vigora sjemena kukuruza (Zea Mays L.) laboratorijskim metodama

Maize seed is during germination and cropping in the open under the influence of different agroecological factors, so high yields will be achieved mainly by sowing quality high vigor seeds. The aim of this research was to determine maize seed vigor by laboratory methods (mass of 1000 seeds, germination energy (GE), standard germination (SG), electrical conductivity (EC) and cold test (CT)) and at the same time examine the influence of genotype of three maize hybrides. The experiment was set up in four repetitions with 50 seeds for each method. A significant difference (P≤0.01) was found between the masses of 1000 seeds of the analyzed hybrids (314g, 307g, 252g). The energy of germination (66%, 63%, 61%), standard germination (94%, 95%, 91%) and cold test (87%, 97%, 83%) did not differ significantly. The determined values of electrical conductivity (7,96 μScm-1g-1, 7,16 μScm-1g-1, 5,23 μScm-1g-1) were significantly (P≤0.01) influenced by hybrids. The analyzed seed was of satisfactory quality or vigor, and the influence of genotype was determined in seeds tested by electrical conductivity method.Sjeme kukuruza je tijekom klijanja i nicanja na otvorenom pod utjecajem različitih agroekoloških faktora pa se visoki prinosi mogu postići prije svega sjetvom kvalitetnog sjemena visokog vigora. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je odrediti vigor sjemena kukuruza laboratorijskim metodama (masa 1000 sjemenki, energija klijanja, standardna klijavost, električni konduktivitet i cold test) te ujedno ispitati utjecaj genotipa tri hibrida kukuruza. Pokus je postavljen u četiri repeticije s 50 sjemenki za svaku metodu. Utvrđena je značajna (P≤0,01) razlika između masa 1000 sjemenki analiziranih hibrida (314g, 307g, 252g). Energija klijanja (66%, 63%,61%), standardna klijavost (94%, 95%, 91%) i cold test (87%, 97%, 83%) nisu se značajno (P≤0,01) razlikovali. Utvrđene vrijednosti električnog konduktiviteta (7,96 μScm-1g-1, 7,16 μScm-1g-1, 5,23 μScm-1g-1) bile su pod značajnim (P≤0,01) utjecajem hibrida. Analizirano sjeme imalo je zadovoljavajuću kvalitetu odnosno vigor, a utjecaj genotipa utvrđen je kod sjemena testiranog metodom električnog konduktiviteta

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF SOYBEAN SEED AT DIFFERENT IMBIBITION TEMPERATURES

Krupna i srednja frakcija sjemena tri kultivara soje (Zora, Lucija i Korana) su testirani uobičajenim metodama analize kvalitete sjemena (masa 1000 zrna, sadržaj vlage, energija klijanja - EK, standardni test klijavosti - SK) te “cold” testom (CT). Zatim je proveden test konduktiviteta sjemena (EC) “bulk” metodom na tri konstantne temperature imbibicije (10, 20 i 30oC, 24 h), uz određivanje % usvojene vode sjemenom tijekom imbibicije. Ispitivani kultivari soje se nisu značajno razlikovali po EK, SK i CT. Srednja frakcija je imala vrlo značajno veću EK i SK u odnosu na krupnu frakciju. Prema postojećoj kategorizaciji EC sjemena za krupnozrne leguminoze i CT, obje frakcije sjemena pokazuju visok vigor. EC sjemena soje je varirao od 18,0 μScm-1g-1 do 29,5 μScm-1g-1, s vrlo značajno većim vrijednostima na 30oC. Najveći EC, uz najmanji CT, utvrđen je kod sjemena kultivara Korana. Frakcija sjemena nije značajno utjecala na EC. Značajna negativna korelacija između EC i CT kod sjemena srednje frakcije indicira da je EC na 20oC pogodan za brzu analizu vigora sjemena soje, ukoliko u uzorku prevladava srednja frakcija. Količina usvojene vode sjemenom nakon imbibicije u EC je iznosila od 114,5 do 130,4% u odnosu na početnu masu sjemena. Uz značajan utjecaj kultivara, frakcije i njihove interakcije, najveći intenzitet usvajanja vode utvrđen je pri najvišoj temperaturi imbibicije i kod srednje frakcije sjemena. Dobiveni rezultati upućuju na daljnja istraživanja procesa imbibicije sjemena u laboratorijskim i poljskim uvjetima, sa svrhom boljeg poznavanja genetskog potencijala soje za otpornost na imbibicijsko oštećenje i uspješno nicanje u nepovoljnim uvjetima.Large and medium-sized seed of three soybean cultivars (Zora, Lucija and Korana) were evaluated using commonly applied seed quality analytical methods (1000 grain mass, moisture content, rate of germination - EK, standard germination test - SK) as well as cold test (CT). Afterwards, seed electrical conductivity test (EC) - „bulk“ method - was performed at three constant temperatures (10, 20 and 30oC, 24 h), with subsequent determination of seed water uptake during imbibition, as the % of the initial seed sample weight. The tested soybean cultivars did not show significant differences regarding EK, SK and CT. Medium-sized seed showed very significantly higher EK and SK in comparison with large seed. According to the current EC evaluation scale for large-seeded legumes and CT values, both seed categories expressed high vigour. EC test varied between 18.0 – 29.5 μScm-1g-1, and significantly higher values were seen at 30oC during imbibition. The highest EC and the lowest CT values were obtained with the seed of cultivar Korana. Seed size had no effect on EC test value. The established significant negative correlation between EC and CT in medium-sized seed implies that EC test performed at 20oC could be suitable tool for fast soybean seed vigour analyses, if medium-sized seed dominated in seed sample. Seed water content after imbibition in EC test varied between 114.5 - 130.4% regarding seed initial weight. Considering significant influence of cultivar, seed size category and their interaction, the highest water uptake rate was observed at the highest imbibition temperature applied, as well as in medium-sized seed. These results suggest further investigation of seed imbibitional processes in both laboratory and field conditions, with aim of better comprehension of soybean genetic potential in imbibitional damage resistance and successful emergence in adverse conditions

SOIL MOISTURE REGIME ON LUVISOL IN THE EAST CROATIA

Cilj je istraživanja bio utvrditi manjak vode u tlu tijekom vegetacijskoga razdoblja kukuruza i pšenice na osnovi poljskih mjerenja i proračuna bilance oborinske vode u tlu do dubine 60 cm. Manjak vode u tlu u prvoj godini istraživanja (2003.) bio je izražen tijekom cijele vegetacije kukuruza (Zelčin 336,1 mm, Donji Miholjac 325,7 mm), a najveći je manjak evidentiran u srpnju i kolovozu, što se negativno odrazilo na prosječni prinos od 5,52 t ha-1. Druga godina istraživanja (2004.) bila je znatno povoljnija te je manjak vode u tlu tijekom vegetacije pšenice zabilježen samo u svibnju na oba lokaliteta (Zelčin 40,5 mm, Donji Miholjac 32,6 mm), što nije bitnije utjecalo na prinos zrna pšenice (5,08 t ha-1). Izrazito niske vrijednosti trenutačne fiziološki aktivne vlage tla (FAv) zabilježene su tijekom ljeta 2003. godine, a najniže vrijednosti (Zelčin 8% FAv-a, Donji Miholjac 7% FAv-a) izmjerene su u trećoj dekadi rujna, dok su više vrijednosti utvrđene 2004. godine, uz minimume 38% FAv-a u Zelčinu i 33% 8% FAv-a u Donjem Miholjcu. Statistički značajno više vrijednosti trenutačne vlage tla (P<1%) utvrđene su u dubljim slojevima tla na oba lokaliteta. Utvrđene su i statistički vrlo značajne korelacije (r=0,93**, r=0,91**) između mjerenja i proračunatih vrijednosti FAv-a na oba lokaliteta.The aim of the research was to determine water deficit in the soil (to 60 cm depth) on the basis of field measurements as well as calculation of soil water balance during the vegetation season of maize and winter wheat. In the first year of research (2003) water deficit was emphasized during the whole vegetation season of maize (Zelčin 336 mm; Donji Miholjac 326 mm); but the most marked water shortage was evident in the July and August; having negative effect on maize grain yield (5.52 t ha-1). The second year of research (2004) was more favourable; and water deficit which on the both sites occurred only in the May (Zelčin 40;5 mm; Donji Miholjac 32;6 mm); did not affect wheat grain yield (5.07 t ha-1). Particularly low values of available water content (AWC) were observed during the summer of 2003; and the lowest values (8% for Zelčin; and 7% for Donji Miholjac) were recorded in the third decade of September. In the 2004 much higher values of AWC were achieved (40.5% for Zelčin; and 32.6% for Donji Miholjac). In the deeper soil layers significantly higher (P<1%) values of soil moisture were determined. The correlations between measured and calculated values of AWC were also very significant on both sites (r =0.93**; r =0.91**)

Morphological, Pomological, and Nutritional Value of Wild and Cultivated Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Genotypes in Slavonia, Croatia

In this study, the morphological, pomological, and nutritional values of wild and cultivated rosehip fruits grown in the Slavonia region of eastern Croatia were studied. The results revealed significant differences in several morphological and pomological characteristics among the rosehip genotypes in terms of fruit weight, flesh weight, seed weight, and fruit flesh ratio, with no significant differences in fruit width, fruit length, fruit shape index, seed number per fruit, or seed length. The evaluated rosehip fruit genotypes differed significantly from each other in terms of hectoliter weight (kg), fruit bulk (cm3), and bulk density (kg/m3). For water–soluble extracts, ash, and pH, no statistical difference was found between naturally grown genotypes, but there was a significant difference between naturally grown and cultivated genotypes. Twenty-three major and trace elements were analyzed. The most abundant elements were K, Ca, Mg, and P in both cultivated and naturally grown fruits. The highest concentrations of microelements were Fe, Al, Mn, and Sr. The conventionally cultivated genotype L1 had the highest concentration of Fe and Na as essential elements for humans but also had the highest concentrations of Al, Sr, Ti, V, Cr, Pb, Co, Li, and As of all the genotypes studied. The naturally grown genotype L4 had the highest concentrations of S, Zn, Rb, and Cd and the lowest concentrations of Mg, K, and Ca among all studied genotypes. The data showed that the analyzed genotypes from eastern Croatia had good nutritional quality and variability, making them suitable as genetic resources and possibly leading to the detection of rosehip genotypes as potential sources of beneficial ingredients for human health