Rakija is a strong alcoholic beverage, deeply rooted in Macedonian cultural heritage, where quality varies significantly between industrial, small-scale, and traditional home producers. This study evaluated sensory and chemical differences among three types of producers using 30 samples of rakija from grapes (10 per group). The chemical analysis included gas chromatography (GC) for volatile compounds and analytical methods for alcohol content, specific gravity, and extract. The sensory analysis was performed by a trained panel (6 assessors) following OIV 100-point scoring scale. Spearman's rank correlation was used for statistical data analysis. Sensory results revealed greater variability in odour and taste (CV 14-29%). Isobutanol showed a significant negative correlation with quality (ρ = -0.43 to -0.46, p < 0.017), while extreme variability in esters (CV >100%, ethyl acetate up to 5,654 mg/L) and furfural (CV 383%) was detected. In contrast, the extract content positively influenced the balance (ρ = 0.43-0.50, p < 0.017) in all of the samples. Between the producer's groups, the traditional samples had more unpleasant aromas due to improper distillation and fermentation, as confirmed by the chemical analysis results where ethyl acetate reached up to 5,654 mg/L. Routine sensory-chemical correlations can aid quality assessment, linking traditional heritage with modern distillation methods in Macedonian rakija production.
This study analyses agricultural producers' perceptions of climate-related hazards and their impacts on agricultural production across regions of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main objective is to identify dominant climatic stressors, examine regional differences in perceived impact intensity and damage experienced, and assess the role of selected farm characteristics in shaping these perceptions. Primary data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of agricultural producers operating under diverse agro-climatic and socio-economic conditions. Respondents assessed the intensity of major climate-related hazards and the damage experienced during the previous five years using ordinal scales. The analysis combined descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and a Weighted Impact Index to enable a comparative regional assessment. The results indicated that drought and high temperatures were perceived as the most severe and damaging climate-related hazards across all regions, with particularly pronounced impacts reported in northern and North-western areas. Other hazards, including floods, hail, storms, frost, and snow, were generally perceived as having weaker and more localized effects, despite statistically significant regional differences. Although the awareness of climate change among agricultural producers was high, the adoption of adaptation and risk management measures remained limited. Perceptions of climate-related risks were primarily influenced by regional climatic conditions and economic exposure, with commercial farms reporting higher perceived impacts and damage. The findings highlighted substantial regional disparities in perceived climate risks and emphasized the importance of region-specific adaptation strategies in agricultural policy and practice.
The morphology and ultrastructure of the pollen exine were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in 14 hazelnut genotypes (Corylus avellana L.). Pollen measurements were performed in a dry stage at magnifications ranging from 500 × to 15,000 ×, during which the following parameters were analyzed: pollen grain height and width (µm), estimated pollen grain volume (µm³), type and ultrastructure of the exine, and the frequency of microexcrescences per 10 µm². Pollen samples were collected for analysis at two locations in the Banja Luka region (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the following cultivars were analyzed: Multiflorum, Tankoljuskasti, Tonda Gentile Romana, Merveille de Bollwiller, Avellino, Ludolph Zellernuss, Apolda, Hall's Giant, Romai I, Romai II, Istarski okrugli, Imperial de Trebizonde, Gustav Zellernuss, Jean's. The research results have indicated that the pollen grains were of the triporate type, subspheroidal in shape, with dimensions ranging from 19.91 µm in Imperial de Trebizonde to 32.29 µm in Tonda Gentile Romana. The lowest pollen volume was determined for the Tankoljuskasti cultivar (5417.40 µm3), and the highest for the Tonda Gentile Romana cultivar (12645.70 µm3). Measurements of exine ultrastructure have indicated the presence of certain differences among the observed cultivars. The available literature states that the pollen exine in cultivated hazelnut cultivars is uniform and characterized by a verrucate-type exine. In this study, differences were identified at the level of microexcrescences in the Gustav Zellernuss and Tonda Gentile Romana cultivars, in which clustering of microexcrescences positioned on shallow reticula was observed. The question of genotypic specificities of hazelnut exine ultrastructure remains open in this study, and future research should focus on the characteristics of interspecies hybrids resulting from the crossing of different species within the genus Corylus (Corylus avellana L., Corylus pontica Koch., and Corylus maxima Mill.).
This paper investigates the impact of farm size, production type, and incentives allocated on the productivity and profitability of agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Srpska. Using a sample of approximately one hundred enterprises from financial reports and agricultural databases between 2020 and 2024, the study employed variance analysis (ANOVA) and regression analysis to examine variations in the total factor productivity (TFP), the partial factor productivity (PFP), and profitability metrics. Results have indicated that neither the farm size nor the production type significantly affected productivity, with larger enterprises having generally shown higher profitability per hectare. Future research should explore specific factors influencing productivity, such as management practices and access to technology. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of agricultural dynamics in the Republic of Srpska, emphasizing the need for comprehensive databases and tailored policies that address the diverse needs of agricultural enterprises to enhance economic viability and growth.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a vegetatively propagated crop of high nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance, nonetheless its conventional conservation in the field is limited by pathogen accumulation and genetic instability. This study aimed to establish the first in vitro garlic collection in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to evaluate two methods of culture initiation: the stem disc method and the clove method. Seven accessions collected from different regions of the Republic of Srpska were introduced into in vitro culture under controlled conditions. Both methods enabled culture initiation, but significant differences were observed in contamination rates and regeneration success. The stem disc method showed superior results, with a lower contamination rate (18%) and higher regeneration efficiency compared to the clove method, where over 50% of explants were contaminated. All non-contaminated explants from both methods demonstrated the capacity to regenerate shoots and roots, indicating their potential for long-term conservation. The findings suggest that the stem disc method, in combination with refined sterilization protocols and careful selection of plant material, represents a more reliable approach for establishing in vitro garlic collections. This study provides the first insights into in vitro conservation of garlic in Bosnia and Herzegovina and contributes to global efforts in safeguarding plant genetic resources and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of bunches and berries, as well as the physicochemical properties of must, in five interspecific grapevine hybrids grown in the Banja Luka area: Bronner, Morava, and Muscaris (white cultivars), and Cabernet Cortis and Prior (red cultivars). Morphological characterization was performed according to the Prostoserdov method. Must quality assessments have included measurements of the total soluble solids (°Brix), the total titratable acidity (g/L), and pH using standard OIV (2024) procedures. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined according to Mazza et al. (1999). Cabernet Cortis and Muscaris exhibited the highest bunch mass and soluble solids content. The highest average berry mass was recorded in Morava (20.89 g), whereas Cabernet Cortis had the lowest values (15.33 g). The total titratable acidity and must pH were generally within acceptable oenological limits, except in Prior, which showed a slightly elevated pH. Phenolic evaluation across winemaking stages (must → wine after first racking → young wine) followed the expected trends for both red and white cultivars. The highest TPC was recorded in young Cabernet Cortis wine (1490.20 mg GAE/L), while Muscaris exhibited the lowest value (156.3 mg GAE/L). Overall, all cultivars under study have demonstrated satisfactory grape quality based on their morphological and physicochemical attributes.
Ostrinia nubilalis Hüb. and Helicoverpa armigera Hüb. represent one of the most important maize pests in Serbia and Europe. Due to the pronounced polyphagy and the increasing number of generations per year, their control has been challenging. In addition to integrated pest management, insecticides application is usually inevitable. During 2023, efficacy experiments of the chlorantraniliprole insecticide (200 g/l a.s., SC) were conducted in order to control O. nubilalis and H. armigera in the DKC4098 and Pioneer 9911 maize varieties at two localities in Vojvodina according to EPPO methods. The insecticide was applied in a rate of 0.15 l/ha when the maize was in the BBCH 65-67. Foliar treatment was performed during moth flight, egg-laying of the second generation, when larvae are present and active. Three evaluations were performed. The first evaluation was conducted immediately before the treatment when the number of eggs and larvae was determined (25 plants per repetition). In the second evaluation 15 days after the treatment, the number of damaged plants and cobs was determined. The third evaluation, slightly before harvest, determined the number of stem-broken plants above/below the cob and the number of damaged cobs (20 plants per repetition). The results obtained were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and LSD tests, and the efficacy was calculated according to Abbott. Immediately before the treatment, the average number of O. nubilalis egg litters ranged from 4.25 to 8.5 per repetition, while the H. armigera eggs were not found in any of the localities. The borer larvae of O. nubilalis before the treatment amounted to 1.25-3.25, and 1.0-1.75.0 for H. armigera. After 15 days, the efficacy of chlorantraniliprole was 80-85.3%. This insecticide significantly reduced the number of broken plants and damaged cobs compared to the control, based on the assessment right before the harvest. The efficacy ranged from 82% to 95.4%, indicating significant sensitivity of the pest populations to chlorantraniliprole.
The study analyses equine responses to novelty, focusing on how the size of a horse group affects interactions with unfamiliar objects and the degree of curiosity exhibited by the horses. The novel object test (NOT) was used as a method employing three different objects (with / without food). The aim is to demonstrate a link between the object-directed curiosity and group size. Being herd animals by nature, horses derive a sense of security from their social structure, but the development of cognitive abilities in each individual can vary depending on the herd size and environmental factors that foster curiosity. In smaller groups, horses tend to integrate more equally, which allows them to confront new challenges more swiftly and cohesively. Conversely, larger groups may lead to increased individualism. Smaller groups facilitate a more collaborative environment, particularly in scenarios involving intensive human-horse interactions through training, which provides both stimulation and a secure foundation for work. In larger groups, curiosity stimulation is enhanced through positive reinforcement during interactions. The smaller group approached the objects more quickly, the object without a reward (food) was the least interesting, and the approach time varied between the first and second testing. These findings are expected to enhance equine welfare within horse breeding practices. Notably, considerable individual variation has been observed in the horses' responses, indicating a need for further research to deepen our understanding of both equine interactions and their interactions with humans.
The consequences of improper tillage and soil management are reflected through the decrease in soil health and reduction in crop yield. The objective of this study was to provide information about appropriate tillage practices and soil amendments that can not only improve the soil quality but also lead to optimal okra production in a sustainable way. A two-year study was conducted in the wet season of 2021 and 2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ejigbo Campus, Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Three options for land preparation were involved, including the following treatments: i. slashing with the aid of cutlass, II. spraying manually with glyphosate, and III. conventional tillage. Three different types of nutrient management packages were applied. The moisture content in the soil was determined gravimetrically and soil penetration was measured by pushing a stainless-steel cone-tipped penetrometer (12.8-mm diameter, 30◦ cone) into the soil at a steady rate. The soil strength means of 1.65 and 1.98 MPa were recorded for an amended plot (AM) and non-amended (NA) treatment plots respectively, resulting in 16.7% decrease in soil strength when compared with NA experimental plots. Also, the mean soil strength in the first cropping season for the twelve treatments in 2021 (1.59 MPa) was significantly greater than that in the second cropping season of 2022 (1.30 MPa). This resulted in 18.2% reduction in average soil strength in the second cropping season between 0 to 30 cm soil depths. TRP (1.45 tons/ha) on one of the AM plots had the highest yield and was significantly greater than SPO (0.15 tons/ha) and SLO (0.13 tons/ha) on the NA plots by 867 and 1015% respectively at the 0.05 probability level. In comparison to a non-amended soil environment, soil amendment frequently results in healthier physical properties of soil that support a more favourable soil environment for plant growth.
The Lipizzan horse breed comprises 62 mare family lines. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), especially the D-loop region, plays a vital role in tracing maternal lineage and studying the origin of these family lines. The primary aim of this study is to construct phylogenetic trees using the Neighbour-Joining and Median-Joining methods, thereby analysing the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among these mare family lines. This study included 13 horses from Serbia that belong to different mare family lines including Thais (Rebecca-Thais) (n=2), Drava-Dubovina (Djebrin) (n=2), Wera (Theodorosta) (n=4), Batosta (Africa) (n=3), and Zora (n=2). The D-loop region was sequenced, and the sequences were subjected to bioinformatics analyses. Multiple alignments of all obtained sequences and those downloaded from the GenBank were performed with the reference mtDNA sequence downloaded from the GenBank using the MEGA 11 software, and phylogenetic trees were constructed using the PopART 1.7 and iTOL v6 online tools for visualization. Results of this study indicate that the Zora family line, though not officially recognized as a Lipizzan mare family line by the LIF (Lipizzan International Federation), forms a cluster with classical Lipizzan mare lines, including Monteaura, Betalka, Wera, and Allegra. The Neighbour-Joining tree provided a hierarchical representation of genetic distances, while the Median-Joining network revealed multiple evolutionary pathways, illustrating intraspecific genetic variability.
This work aims to present the research results obtained on the nutritional values of the ricotta cheese by-products in the production of the Trappist cheese. The production of albumin cheese is possible thanks to the specific properties of whey proteins which are not sensitive to the action of acid or rennet enzymes, so they remain unchanged during the coagulation of milk, and after separating the curd, they almost completely turn into whey. This paper presents the nutritional benefits of ricotta made from the whey remaining after the production of the Trappist cheese. The content of the total dry matter in ricotta was 27.9% and fat amounted to 15.00%. The milk fat content in the dry matter was 55.17%, the protein content obtained by the tests was 8%, and the ash content of 0.62% was obtained. The energy value of whey was 181 kcal or 752 kJ.
The antioxidant potential of wheatgrass juice derived from the ancient Brkulja wheat variety was investigated to assess its functional and nutraceutical value. As a heritage landrace, the Brkulja wheat showed genetic resilience and great antioxidant and nutritional values making it a promising source of bioactive compounds. Wheatgrass was harvested at the early jointing stage, and the extracted juice was analysed for total phenolic content, flavonoid concentration, and antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Results demonstrated that the Brkulja wheatgrass juice possesses strong antioxidant capacity with an IC 50 value of 0.75 mg/mL. The DPPH inhibition percentages ranged from 88.83% at the highest concentration to 23.75% at the lowest concentration, showing direct relationship between juice concentration and inhibition percentage. The total phenolic content ranged from 25.8 to 42.5 mg GAE/g, while flavonoid concentration ranged from 9.7 to 18.3 mg QE/g, both showing strong positive correlations with DPPH inhibition (r > 0.9). These findings support the use of the Brkulja wheatgrass juice as a natural antioxidant source and emphasize the importance of preserving ancient wheat varieties for health-promoting applications.
Milk coagulation is a crucial process in cheese making, as it directly affects the texture and quality of cheese. This study aimed to determine the influence of breed on milk rennet coagulation properties. The present research included 138 individual milk samples from 3 breeds. The research has shown that there are no statistically significant differences in milk coagulation properties among the breeds. However, the results indicate that the coagulum firmness of the Brown Swiss breed is better than that of the Holstein Friesian and Simmental breeds. Still, to confirm these differences more samples must be analyzed.
This review aims to provide an overview of agricultural extension roles in climate change adaptation and mitigation. It deals with farmers' access to extension services, roles of extension services, climate change-related training needs of extension personnel, the influence of extension contact on adopting climate change adaptation strategies, and constraints experienced by agricultural extension from existing empirical studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used to retrieve and analyse 78 studies. The majority (89.6%) of the studies have shown that farmers do not have access to climate change-related extension services. Extension services focused more on the transfer of information (98.2%), provision of technical advice (48.3%), and support of indigenous adaptation and mitigation strategies (32.6%). The main training needs of extension personnel were skills in the utilization of information and communication technologies (76.5%) and assessment and utilization of climate change-related farming technologies (45.7%). Extension contacts had a positive influence on climate change adaptation (95.7%), while the extension faced the challenges of poor funding (86.8%), inadequate manpower (76.4%), and lack of capacity (67.7%). The study concluded that agricultural extension plays an active role in climate change adaptation and mitigation and recommended more funding and capacity development should be provided for extension personnel. More studies are needed to identify the extent of the positive outcome of extension contact on climate change management among farmers.
Plant protection today is based on the principles of integrated plant protection. For many years, scientific research in the field of plant protection has been oriented towards the study of scientific foundations that are absolutely necessary for the successful implementation of integrated protection of plants against various harmful organisms. Using the examples of good practice and the results of scientific research, it has been shown in this paper how certain principles of integrated plant protection can be successfully incorporated into the integrated protection of strawberries against weeds. In the area of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the village of Popovo Polje, a research was conducted for three years (2021, 2022, 2023) on several variations of strawberry production: plots with the soil covered with synthetic material, i.e. with black plastic film, plots where the soil was covered with organic material, in this case with straw, plots on which weed control was to be carried out with herbicides, and plots on which no soil covering or weed control was to be carried out. The research was conducted in greenhouses. The aim of the experiment was to determine whether there was a significant difference in the final strawberry yield, effect of weed control methods, or effect of weed control treatments, as well as to determine the interaction observed over the years. To calculate these, the yields achieved per strawberry plant shown in grams were used. The collection of fruits from different test plots and the formation of representative samples using the methods of inferential statistical processing led to results that represent a key indicator of the success of weed control and, ultimately, the success of the agricultural process.
Garlic is an important crop for domestic consumption in Slovenia, used fresh or cooked in traditional and modern cuisine. However, there is little data available on the yield performance of commercial garlic varieties grown under different climatic conditions, which could help farmers to select the best-performing variety for cultivation. Field trials were conducted at three locations (Jablje, Ivanci, Šempeter) in Slovenia during two consecutive growing seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22) to evaluate the response of different garlic varieties. Ten commercial garlic varieties were used as experimental material: Ptujski jesenski, Garcua, Sabagold, Garpek, Gardacho, Germidour, Messidrome, Arno, Messidor, and Ptujski spomladanski. The same cultivation method and fertilisation regimes were applied in three replicates at each trial site. At Jablje, an unheated tunnel was used, while the trials at the other two sites were conducted under open field conditions. Marketable and non-marketable yields were determined five days after harvest. The total yield varied considerably from 3.13 t/ha for the Ptujski jesenski variety to 20.49 t/ha for Sabagold. The non-marketable yield was significantly higher (up to 40%) for the Slovenian varieties Ptujski jesenski and Ptujski spomladanski, due to their susceptibility to virus diseases and the lack of quality seed material. The best-performing marketable yields were recorded for the Sabagold, Messidrome, and Gardacho varieties with an average of over 11.5 t/ha. Among the different locations, the sub-Mediterranean climate proved to be less favourable for the production of market garlic, especially for late varieties. Results of statistical analysis have shown that the year, location, and variety all had a significant effect on marketable yield. Each factor contributes independently to yield variation, with year having the strongest effect, followed by location and variety. The data clearly show that the choice of garlic variety is the key to achieving high marketable yields.
The study was conducted to examine the phenotypic characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and to study their variability. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block system with 53 rice genotypes in three replications, with a plot size of 3 m2 during the 2022 vegetative year. From each genotype, 10 plants were randomly selected, and 9 phenotypic traits were examined for each of them. The influence of genotypes is highly significant for all analysed traits: plant height, stem height, panicle length, panicle weight, the number of filled grains in a panicle, the number of unfilled grains in a panicle, the weight of filled grains, the weight of unfiled grains, and the number of primary branches per panicle. The obtained results were statistically analysed by ANOVA and were tested with the LSD test, with a probability of 0.001. GN-104 showed the highest value for the panicle length (20.25 cm), the highest total number of grains (131), as well as the highest number of filled grains (106.7). GN-119 had maximum values for the panicle weight (3.79 g) and the number of filled grains (3.43), along with GN-102 (3.49). GN-152 had above average values for all positive traits but belongs to tall genotypes. GN-153 had the lowest weight per panicle (1.29 g), the lowest number of filled grains per panicle (40.47), and the lowest weight of filled grains (1.10 g), while GN-103 had the lowest number of unfilled grains per panicle. Also, the obtained results have shown that there is phenotypic variation among genotypes for these traits. This wide phenotypic variation can be used in rice breeding programs, i.e., crossing genotypes with desired traits.
Rice is a staple food in Cameroon, but its production remains relatively low to meet up local quantitative and qualitative needs. This work evaluated the current situation in regards with the physical and physiological quality of rice produced in the Mbam rice hub. Preand post-harvest practices were assessed by using a structured questionnaire as part of a survey during which rice samples were collected from rice actors. Physical and physiological parameters including the germination rate, moisture content, varietal purity, immature grains, fissured, whole, and broken grains percentages were assessed on rice samples in the laboratory using specific rice quality evaluation instruments and methods. A total of 80 rice samples including rice seed, paddy, and different types of milled rice were randomly collected during the survey from rice actors in four localities. The survey revealed nine rice varieties (Nerica 8, Nerica L56, Touh-Mba, Tox3145, Madam, Nerica 3, Mbankou, Sophie, and Bakala) cultivated in the hub and three major sources of rice seed, namely previously harvested paddy (69.2%), gift (23.1%), and both sources (7.7%). The analysis of physical and physiological attributes of rice seed used revealed a significant P < 0.05 decline in the varietal purity among farmers of Badounga (81.94%) and Nyokon (77.39%) compared to Nkolbisson (97.56%). A similar trend was observed for paddy, though with high proportions (75 to 80%) of fissured grains. Broken grains in milled rice were very high, 50.02 to 62.11%, but impurities were low in all rice samples ˂0.5%. A significant correlation (r = -0.93, P < 0.0001) was observed between the varietal purity of paddy and the level of broken grains. Overall, the physical quality of rice produced in the Mbam hub was poor and research innovations should be effectively used for improvement.
Beekeeping plays a significant role in animal husbandry, providing valuable products such as honey, beeswax, royal jelly, pollen, propolis, bee swarms, queens, and pollination services, essential for the survival of terrestrial ecosystems. The European honeybee (Apis mellifera) is classified into various subspecies, with the Carniolan bee (Apis mellifera carnica) being native to the Republic of Srpska. This research aimed to investigate the potential hybridization between native Carniolan bees and other subspecies, mainly the Greek (Apis mellifera cecropia) and Anatolian (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) bees, using geometric morphometry. Samples of adult bees were collected from 17 registered breeding centres across the Republic of Srpska and analyzed using the IdentiFly software, which relies on geometric morphometry for classification. The results have indicated some hybridization with the A. m. cecropia and A. m. anatolica, particularly in breeding centres located in warmer regions, such as Trebinje. However, no significant influence from the A. m. ligustica was observed. The northward spread of Greek and Anatolian bees, influencing the Carniolan bee population, is primarily due to the import of queens from these regions, with climate change acting as a significant contributing factor. The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and selective breeding to preserve the native Carniolan bee and adapt it to the challenges posed by illegal Queen import and climate change. Future research should focus on detailed analyses of bee populations and the impact of climate change on the distribution of honeybee breeds.
Given the crucial role of the agricultural sector in the economic development of the Republic of Srpska, trade in agri-food products is of considerable importance, particularly with CEFTA countries. This paper investigates the impact of the multilateral trade agreement CEFTA on agri-food trade flows. Using statistical data from 2013 to 2021 and applying descriptive analysis methods, the paper aimed to assess exports, imports, and total trade in agri-food products. The findings reveal that CEFTA implementation positively affected agri-food product exports and overall trade volume between the Republic of Srpska and the CEFTA countries. Specifically, the results have indicated a consistent trade deficit in the total trade volume of the agri-food sector, highlighting the necessity for and significance of policy measures aimed at enhancing competitiveness and reducing the trade gap.
