The effect of long-term storage and packaging on the quality of beetroot seeds was evaluated after nine years. Seeds stored in small retail packages (S1) showed a marked decrease in total germination (83% in 2015 to 47% in 2024) and germination energy (56% to 10%), while seeds stored in bulk (S2) retained higher viability (total germination 92% to 84%; germination energy 75% to 63%). Moisture content increased in both sample types, more significantly in S1 (9.0% to 14.0%) than in S2 (10.2% to 12.7%), contributing to an accelerated decline in seed quality in retail packages. Seed weight remained relatively stable in all samples. These results indicate that long-term bulk storage under controlled conditions is more effective in maintaining the vitality and quality of beetroot seeds.

BACKGROUND:Bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas spp. is considered an economically important disease affecting pepper. Considering that antibiotics-based treatments in disease control are forbidden in European countries, biological control has emerged as a promising approach. RESULTS:In this study, we demonstrated high biological efficacy of three indigenous pepper seed-associated Bacillus spp. - Bacillus velezensis (P64), Bacillus safensis (P114), and Bacillus halotolerans (P122) - in the control of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Two independent trials based on the pepper growth in pots and in the field resulted in similar performances in terms of disease spread reduction (as calculated by disease incidence and disease severity index) over time compared to the untreated controls. In both trials, treatments included initial preventive or curative applications of these biocontrol bacteria once the secondary apical lateral shoot became visible (BBCH 29), followed by additional application at the beginning of flowering (BBCH 52-55). Ratings conducted at 7-day intervals after the first treatment indicated very high biological efficacy, typically exceeding 80%. All three strains remained active throughout the assessment period, whereby their efficacy started to increase 21 days after the first treatment, reaching 99.59% after 49 days. Although bacterium B. velezensis is already known for its beneficial role in the control of plant bacterial diseases, this is among the first study demonstrating the bactericidal activity of B. safensis and B. halotolerans. CONCLUSION:The current research outlines a promising novel approach for X. euvesicatoria control in pepper based on the type of microbial agents as well as the timing of their application. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a commercial crop grown worldwide. Seed quality, including seed health, is an important prerequisite for obtaining a healthy and high-quality crop and ensuring high fruit yields. Changes in the quality of the seeds of autochthonous varieties of pepper seeds: Palanačko Čudo, Somborka, and Dora were monitored from 2023 to 2024. Total germination was highest in the first observed year (2023). The Palanačko Čudo genotype had a total germination of 91%, which was statistically significantly different from Somborka (75%) and Dora (73%), respectively, between which there was no difference. The highest percentage of phytopathogenic fungus presence was detected in Palačanko čudo. While Fusarium spp. was not detected in the last observed year. A significant difference was observed in the overall germination rate in 2024, which was extreme in terms of temperatures, especially in the summer months.

Characteristics of small grains, such as density of plants number per unit area and development in less favorable periods of the year, enable the application of sustainable agriculture principles and the production of healthy food. The trial was set up in the Šumadija District, in four locations, with conventional and intercropping system of winter cereals and peas. The intercropping system had an effect on spike length on some localities and for some species, while no effect on number of grains per spike. Results showed that the main sources of variation had significant effects on examined yield components.

Modern agriculture, which promotes the development of new varieties with a narrow genetic base and relies on controlled seed production, has caused a significant loss of farmland biodiversity. The “Women Netting for Seed Treasure Revival (NEST)” initiative aims to promote the sustainable cultivation of local old varieties through a participatory citizen science approach. Its key activities include inventorying traditional varieties grown on farms and training farmers in seed collecting, handling, and conservation. By fostering active collaboration among scientists, volunteers, and farmers, the initiative aims to strengthen the role of women in agriculture. Preserving their traditional knowledge—as crucial for mitigating farmland biodiversity loss and addressing climate change—opens new avenues for innovative scientific approaches. Through participatory citizen science, the project aims to bridge the gap between scientists and local communities, facilitating the conservation and exchange of traditional old varieties seeds, safeguarding farmland biodiversity, and ensuring food security

The goal of the research was to determine the variation in the yield of early potatoes in the conditions of western Serbia. During 2021 and 2022, the experiment was carried out at the site of KO Bogatić, the area of the village of Belotić (65 m above sea level, chernozem), 44˚ 49' N, 19˚ 32' E. The research was set up with three potato varieties: one early (Colomba) and two medium early (Esmee and Memphis). The analysis of productive traits showed very significant differences (r<0.01) and (r<0.05) under the influence of the variety (factor G). The influence of the year (factor E) and the interaction of factors (E × G) on the examined productive traits of early potatoes were absent. The mid-early varieties Esmee and Memphis showed a significantly lower yield of early potatoes, compared to the early variety Colomba. A significant positive correlation was found between the yield of new potatoes and the number of tubers per plant (r = 0.78447, p<0.05). We can conclude that the Colomba variety, due to its early maturity and genetic predisposition, formed and bulking the tubers the fastest, which directly influenced the achievement of the highest yield of early potatoes.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), as one of the most important vegetable species, requires continuous work on the selection of new varieties and hybrids, all with the aim of meeting the various nutritional needs of people. In recent years, the emphasis has increasingly been placed on high-quality and large fruits, with thick pericarp and high yield for industrial processing. For this reason, the goal of our research was to create a new variety of pepper with the required properties. By crossing selected parental lines, after a multi-year selection process, using the pedigree method, Slađina čarolija was created, with very large and attractive fruits, thick pericarp, pronounced red color. It is a medium-late variety, with determinate growth and a large habit. It forms from 5 to 10 fruits per plant (depending on the cultivation method), which are very large (from 150 g to over 300 g), flattened on both sides, with a thick pericarp (over 6 mm). When technologically ripe, the fruits are dark green, and when fully ripe, they are dark red. In full agricultural technology, yields of over 80 t ha -1 can be achieved in an open field. The variety is recognized by the Decision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia under No. 320-04-5183/2/2023-11 from June 12, 2025.

In order to examine the importance of hybrid vigor – heterosis in the production of cabbage seeds, three cabbage hybrids (Scc x N, B x N, Scc x B) were created in diallel. The vernalization pathway of flowering was used in the ame to activate the flowering gene during the winter. Five traits of seed yield components were monitored: number of siliques per plant, seed yield per plant (g plant -1), number of seeds per silique, seed yield per plant (g plant-1), seed germination energy (%). The Scc x N hybrid, according to the calculated heterozoic values, proved to be superior in all characteristics, especially for the weight of seeds per plant with a value of relative heterosis Hr=113.42%, the number of siliques per plant 91.61%, as well as the energy of germination, which has a value of Hr=21.93%. The influence of heterosis on the increase in germination energy of hybrids compared to parents has been shown to be important information in plant breeding. In the case of the Scc x N hybrid, heterosis contributed to the achievement of the prescribed seed quality according to the ISTA rules as a condition for seed commercialization.

Maize husk mass affects the dynamics of maize kernel moisture release as well as the yield and harvest timing of maize. The aim of this study was to observe the dynamics of moisture release in maize husks depending on the sowing density technology used. At the Zemun Polje location, a trail was established with three hybrids (H1-ZP 4708, H2-ZP4242, H3-ZP4790) in three densities (G1-40,816, G2-69,689, G3-89,286). During the vegetation period, 15 days after fertilization, four samples (V1-V4) were taken to determine the fresh and dry weight of the husk. The leaves were dried in an oven at 60°C for 12 hours. The effect of the genotype was reflected in the different mass of the maize husks and the dynamics of moisture loss. It was most pronounced in hybrid ZP 4242, which had the highest moisture loss between V1 and V4 samples at 9.86 %. It is also the hybrid with the highest fresh mass of leaves, 88.71 g. The dynamics of mass reduction, i.e. moisture loss, was linear in all hybrids, except for the exceptions by ZP 4242. The effects of sowing density and genotype on the moisture release of the maize husks and thus the maize kernel lead to an optimal harvest and a reduction in the risk of yield loss.

Organically produced food is gaining increased attention from consumers due to the belief that, besides being environmentally friendly, it also contains higher quantities of phytochemical components that play a protective role in human health. In this study, carrots grown organically by six different certified producers were analyzed. The antioxidant nutritional quality of fresh organic carrots, thermally processed juice at 70 °C and 90 °C, and dried slices (55 °C) was investigated. Variations in the concentration of vitamin C, β-carotenoids, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and total antioxidant activity (TAA) were observed depending on the producer and the method of thermal processing. The minimal losses of phytochemical components were observed during juice pasteurization at 70 °C, while the drying process resulted in the highest losses. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was identified among vitamin C, β-carotenoids, and TPC with TAA content.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), as one of the most important vegetable crops, requires continuous work on the selection of new varieties and hybrids with greater genetic potential for fertility, and the introduction of new cultivation technologies, all to satisfy human needs. In the first year of research, after crossing two parental components based on sterile lines, hybrid seeds of experimental hybrids were produced. A comparative experiment was set up in the greenhouse of the Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka in 2023 to create new pepper hybrids, which are characterized by fruits for different purposes. Of the seven experimental hybrid combinations, one is selected (LPK027 x HM6) for its potential morphological features (fruit weight and number of fruits per plant) as the main components of yield and high content of dry matter and was reported to the Commission for the Recognition of New Varieties in 2024 under the name Katja F1.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as a commercial species is cultivated worldwide. The quality of the seed, including seed health, is an important prerequisite for obtaining a healthy and highquality crop and ensuring high fruit yields. Seed testing of two pepper genotypes from two locations (Kula and Smederevska Palanka) was performed using standard methods for assessing seed quality and health, based on germination parameters, moisture and seed health for the seed produced in the season 2022. Germination energy was 75% and 85% for Strizanka and Zupska Rana, in Smederevska Palanka, respectively, while in Kula, germination energy was statistically significantly lower and ranged from 65% in Strizanka to 55% in Zupska Rana (p<0.05). Total germination for Strizanka and Zupska rana was 88% and 90% in Smederevska Palanka, while in Kula total germination reached 80% and 70%. The moisture content was 11.5% and 11% for Strizanka and Zupska Rana, respectively (p>0.05) in Smederevska Palanka. The moisture content was 12.5% and 9.5% for Strizanka and Zupska Rana in Kula, respectively. Seed health was tested on the basis of the presence of phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. The percentage of infection with Alternaria spp. was 1% for both Župska Rana and Strižanka in Smederevska Palanka (p>0.05), while in Kula amounted to 5% and 3%, respectively (p<0.05) and they were statistically significant (p<0.05). The infection with Fusarium spp. was 5.4% for Zupska Rana and 2.6% for Strižanka in Kula. The obtained data on seed quality parameters indicate a statistically significant difference between Smederevska Palanka and Kula. Future research will be related to soil analysis and total yield per plot at the locations of Smederevska Palanka and Kula.

Environmental problems such as global warming, pollution, and the decline of plant species biodiversity are leading to new social trends and discussions. A relatively new idea of global sustainable development aims to meet societal demands while protecting and enhancing natural resources. The main tools used in the implementation of natural resource protection measures are sustainable development indicators. One of these indicators is the damage caused by the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture. In Serbia, agriculture is an important sector of the economy with different levels of technological progress, from extensive to intensive. The degree of pollution and its impact on the environment varies according to agricultural production. The challenges faced by modern agricultural production in conditions of technological progress have led to the intensification of production, but have also caused concern about maintaining the natural balance of cultivated land and product quality. The application of innovative technologies for crop protection without the use of chemical agents is a step that should reduce the environmental damage caused. Among the most important natural metabolites and secondary products of aromatic plants used as biopesticides are essential oils. The biological activities of essential oils (EOs) in agriculture have antimicrobial and herbicidal effects. The various bioactive components of the oil determine its action. In nature, they play an important role in protecting plants from bacteria, fungi, viruses and insects. In most weeds, the oils penetrate the cytoplasmic membrane of the cell as typical lipophiles and cause its multilayers of polysaccharides, fatty acids and phospholipids to lose their structure and become permeable. Chlorosis, necrosis, and growth inhibition are symptoms of damage caused by the application of essential oils to plants. Although the physiological effects of the oil are not yet well studied, the importance of its use and other natural metabolites indicates its value for sustainable agriculture.

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.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of year and seed hybrids on the most significant indicators of the seed quality of cucumber. Testing the quality of seeds of three different hybrids of cucumber: Centauro F1, Edona F1 and Solatio F1 was carried out during a five-year period (2018 - 2022). Analysis of germination energy, seed germination, abnormal seedlings and dead seeds cucumber showed highly significant differences (r<0.01) under the influence of individual factors of the year (Y) and hybrid seed (H), as well as their interaction (Y × H). The seed germination of the examined hybrids by year slowly decreases and is the lowest at 94% in the fifth year (2022). The strongest positive correlation was established between germination energy and seed germination (r = 0.95635, p<0.001) and between abnormal seedlings and dead seeds (r = 0.92301, p<0.001). As expected, a negative and highly significant (p < 0.001) correlation was established between germination energy and: abnormal seedlings (r = -0.94535) and dead seeds (r = -0.93255). Likewise, a strongest negative (p < 0.001) correlation was found between seed germination and: abnormal seedlings (r = - 0.97497) and dead seeds (r = -0.98545). The obtained results indicate that the germination energy and seed germination of highly hybrid conventional cucumber seeds decreases significantly after the third year of aging, but only in the case of the Edona F1 hybrid.

The present study focused on detecting bacteria of the Xanthomonas spp. complex (X. euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, X. perforans and X. gardneri) and examining their influence on certain quality parameters of pepper seed collected from the territory of Smederevska Palanka (Serbia). The analysis included 27 non-commercial pepper seed genotypes (including chili and sweet pepper) collected in 2021. Several parameters of the quality of analyzed pepper seed (germination energy, total germination, moisture and seed health) were determined. The results showed that out of a total of 27 analyzed samples of pepper seed, the presence of X. euvesicatoria was detected in 13 of them. The presence of X. vesicatoria, X. gardneri and X. perforans was not confirmed. Germination energy of infected seed was 52-84%, and of bacteria-free seed 63-90%; total germination of infected seed was 66-91%, and of bacteria-free seed 80-95%. Seed moisture of infected seed samples was 6.1-12%, and of bacteria-free seed 6.2-8.1%. These parameters did not show significant statistical difference (p>0.05). The presence of seed-borne fungi Fusarium sp. accounted for up to 3% in 25 samples, while it was up to 6% in the remaining two; Alternaria sp. ranked from 1-4% in 25 samples, and up to 5% in only two samples. The results led to a conclusion that the bacterium X. euvesicatoria is the predominant pathogen of the Xanthomonas spp. complex, but it did not affect the quality parameters of the tested pepper seed.

Green beans are among the most essential legumes because of their nutritional value. However, the production of green beans in Serbia suffers major decline due to significantly reduced yields, as well as the sown areas. Diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi not only reduce yield and have the negative impact on total germination and seed quality of green beans, but also some phytopathogenic fungi can produce mycotoxins, adversely affecting human health. In this paper, the quality parameters of two green bean varieties (GB1 and GB2) were monitored for quality traits over a period of five years on the territory of Smederevska Palanka. The energy germination and total germination were the highest in the first observed year and amounted to 63% and 88% for GB1, respectively. For GB2 the energy germination and total germination (2018) were 71% and 75%, respectively. A significant decline in total germination was determined in 2020. and amounted to 75% for GB1 and 67% for GB2( p<0.05). The lowest energy germination and total germination were obtained in the last observed year (2022) in both genotypes and statistically increased infection with Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. The presence of Alternaria sp. was detected for GB1 and GB2 in the range of 2-3% (2018); Fusarium sp. was 3%. In the last observed year, the presence of other fungi was determined, apropos a higher percentage of diseased seeds with Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. (5-6%). Other phytopathogenic fungi were detected in both genotypes: Aspergillus sp. (1-3%), Penicillium sp. (1-4%), Rhizopus sp. (1-3%) and Rhizoctonia solani (2-3%). The moisture was 8.5-10.9 for both genotypes and did not differ statistically between varieties (p>0.05). The impact of phytopathogenic fungi on green beans was reflected in the reduction of total germination, and therefore in seed quality and yield. The priority of future research is the application of biotreatments that will contribute to seed protection and improve total germination, and thus the yield in the field.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as a commercial species includes a large number of different varieties and is one of the most popular vegetables around the world. Changes in the quality of the seeds of autochthonous varieties of pepper seeds: Palanačko Čudo, Župska Rana, and Kobra were monitored in three years (2019-2021). It was noticed that the slightest difference in germination was obtained with the cultivar Palnačko Čudo (p>0.05) in three years. The Župska Rana had the best germination in 2019 (95%) compared to Palnačko Čudo and Kobra (p<0.05). The germination energy of Župska Rana is significantly higher compared to other selected varieties, 89% (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in total germination in 2020. compared to 2019. (p<0.05) and amounted to 83%; accordingly, the germination energy decreased. No phytopathogenic fungi were detected in the Župska Rana sample. Total germination and energy decreased significantly compared to the previous two years (p<0.05). During the analysis of quality parameters in 2021, the slightest change in quality was observed in the variety Palanačko Čudo, including germination energy and moisture. A significant decrease in the germination of Župska Rana was noticed during the period 2019-2021. The lowest percentage of phytopathogenic fungi in the three years was detected in Župska Rana.

Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are the dominant cause of viral gastroenteritis in all age groups worldwide. In this study, we investigated the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on the reduction of HuNoV in different food models, on surfaces of fresh produce (green onion and cherry tomato), in low-fat milk, and simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The antiviral efficacy of PPE against HuNoV was evaluated by quantifying the number of residual virus genomes using a quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Pomegranate peel, considered as a waste product of industrial processing, is known for beneficial health effects and broad antimicrobial activity due to the high content of phenolic compounds and tannins. PPE showed significant antiviral properties against HuNoV both in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and simulated gastric fluid. The reduction of HuNoV by pomegranate juice was lower than with PPE, which could be attributed to the lower content of antimicrobial compounds. A pretreatment of cherry tomato and green onion surfaces with PPE significantly reduced the amount of HuNoV particles that adhered to those surfaces during subsequent virus suspension treatment. A detrimental effect of PPE on HuNoV structure was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Our results indicate that PPE is a natural antiviral agent effective against food-borne noroviruses.

Introduction: Gastrointestinal bleeding is indicated by the appearance of blood in the digestive system. Bleeding can be visible (manifest bleeding) or hidden (occult bleeding) which may originate from the upper or lower digestive tract. Clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal bleeding depend on the intensity and location of bleeding. Bleeding is manifested by hematemesis, melena and haematochezia As one of the most common emergencies, acute gastrointestinal bleeding requires early detection and access to the specific therapeutic methods. Objective: To show a nurse's role in the patients care with bleeding from the upper part of the digestive system, to explain in more detail the issues that occur by pointing to the symptoms and signs of those issues. The objective is also to show the results of statistical processing of data of patients who were treated in 2019 at the Department of Intensive Internal Care, General Hospital of Zadar with a diagnosis of bleeding from the upper part of the digestive system. Results: The analysis of available statistical data has shown that 87 patients with a diagnosis of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding were hospitalized at the Department of Intensive Internal Care, of which 63 were men and 24 were women. The middle age of patients was 70.02 years. The most common site of bleeding, with manifestation of 40%, is occupied by duodenal ulcer. It is followed by gastric ulcer (33%), oesophageal varices and gastritis (8%) and gastric varices with manifestation of only 1%. Hospitalization lasted 8.8 days with a mortality rate of 9.2%. Discussion: Nursing care seeks to recognize alarming symptoms and signs in a timely manner, and to prevent complications and the development of haemorrhagic shock. Conclusion: Male sex, older age, the presence of comorbidities and lifestyle are factors of risk for the development of the illness. Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding require early detection of the region which is responsible for bleeding, achieving hemodynamic stability, stopping the bleeding and preventing re-bleeding episodes.