Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major source of plant proteins, but its use is restricted by anti-nutritional factors such as the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI). Eliminating KTI improves protein digestibility and reduces processing costs in food and feed production. This study aimed to use simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for KTI-free soybean genotypes developed at the Maize Research Institute ?Zemun Polje? (MRIZP). The new breeding line L003, derived from a cross between the standard line L584 and the KTI-free cultivar ?Laura,? was analyzed. Fifty-two F? seeds were screened with SSR markers Satt228 and Satt409, and the observed results were validated by detecting possible KTI protein by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In all L003 plants, homozygosity for the KTI-null genotype was observed by both SSR markers. Biochemical analysis showed the absence of the 21.5 kDa KTi protein band in L003, while the control genotype ?Lidija? with the dominant allele (TiTi) expressed KTI. Those results demonstrate a strong correlation between SSR marker profiles and the presence of KTI protein. Our results showed that both Satt228 and Satt409 are reliable tools for foreground selection in MAS, supporting the efficient development of KTI-free soybean cultivars. These results promote breeding strategies to develop nutritionally improved soybean varieties for food and feed industries without the necessity of thermal inactivating KTI.

In the face of increasing climate variability, understanding the dynamics of plant-to-plant interactions within crops is becoming increasingly important. This study aimed to examine plant responses to varying intensities of inter-plant competition, induced bz different planting densities, to enhance the accuracy of future yield prediction models. Six hybrids were grown at three planting densities (S1, S4, S7). Grain yield and yield components were estimated at four developmental points during grain filling (V1 to V4). These regression models and machine learning (ML) were applied to predict maize production under variable weather conditions. The factor year was the main source of variability, with less favourable conditions in the second year (G2) reducing yield by approximately 1–2%. Lower planting density (S1) improved individual plant development and yield components, while maximum density (S7) resulted in higher grain yield despite reduced individual performance. Hybrid H5 showed strong tolerance to high density, producing the highest yield under S7 conditions. Machine learning models accurately predicted key seed quality traits—moisture, oil, and protein—with performance metrics exceeding 80% accuracy. Specifically, R2 values reached 0.82 for moisture content and 0.77 for oil concentration, indicating strong predictive capability. These findings support careful selection of hybrids and optimal planting density strategies in future cropping systems to increase yield and maintain seed quality in different environments.

Driven by the growing demands for plant-based protein in Europe and attempts of soybean breeding programs to improve the productivity of created varieties, this study aimed to enhance genetic resource utilization efficiency by providing information relevant to well-focused breeding targets. A set of 90 accessions was subjected to a comprehensive assessment of genetic diversity in a soybean working collection using three marker types: morphological descriptors, agronomic traits, and SSRs. Genotype grouping patterns varied among the markers, displaying the best congruence with pedigree data and maturity for SSRs and agronomic traits, respectively. The clear origin-related grouping pattern was not observed for any of the marker types. For the diversity assessed by morphological descriptors, Homogeneity Analysis by Means of Alternating Least Squares (HOMALS) yielded the most efficient classification by identifying the traits with the highest discriminative power and separating the genotypes into homogeneous groups. According to genetic distances (GDs), the highest diversity was found for morphological descriptors (GD = 517), followed by SSRs (GD = 0.317) and agronomic traits (GD = 0.244). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a weak differentiation between geographic groups (ΦST = 0.061), emphasizing the highest differentiation for Canadian genotypes (ΦST = 0.148 **). A low correlation was found between molecular and morphological, i.e., agronomic trait-based matrices (0.061 *, i.e., –0.027, respectively). The overall assessed diversity highlighted the importance of introducing new sources of variation to promote long-term improvement in soybean breeding.

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

Sustainable agriculture supports environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and forage security to meet the growing demands of livestock production. Given the critical role of macro- and microelements in animal health, diversified and balanced feed production is essential and can be achieved through the sustainable integration of legumes and cereals. This research evaluated the impact of soybean–common millet intercropping and biofertilizer application on the elemental composition and yield performance of forage biomass. Three intercropping patterns were tested: S1M1—alternating rows, S2M2—alternating two-row strips, and S2M4—alternating two-row soybean with four-row millet strips, alongside monoculture controls. The biofertilizer Coveron (BF) was also assessed. The S2M2 combination provided the highest land equivalent ratios for both fresh and dry biomass (1.10 and 1.12, respectively), despite a reduction in millet yield. Considering the elements, the S2M2 combination notably enhanced the accumulation of Ca and B (by 13.2% and 13.0%, respectively, compared to S1) in the soybean vegetative part and Cr and Mn in the reproductive part (by 53.5% and 17.1%, respectively). In contrast, sole soybean showed the highest P levels in both vegetative (3.45 g kg−1) and reproductive parts (4.56 g kg−1). Regarding Al, its accumulation was reduced in intercropped millet. The S1M1 combination increased Mg and S concentrations in both parts of millet biomass (up to 17.3% and 18.4% in the vegetative part, compared to M1). While BF generally had a limited impact on forage biomass yield and elemental accumulation, it increased Mg, P, and S concentrations in soybean pods, as well as concentrations of B, Mn, and Mo in the panicle, simultaneously decreasing P, Cr, and Zn concentrations in the vegetative part of millet. Accordingly, soybean–common millet intercropping in the S2M2 configuration offers a sustainable solution for efficient land utilization and element-enriched forage production.

The launch of a successful quality-oriented breeding program requires both mining the residual diversity in grain quality parameters contained in the elite, high-yielding breeding material with good agronomic performance and introgression of new germplasm, such as local landraces, with a high level of targeted quality parameters per se. This study analyzed the combining abilities of 31 maize landraces and two divergent inbred lines–testers (ZPL217 and ZPL-255/75-5) regarding the yield and protein, starch, and lipid content, assessed by Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy as a fast, non-destructive, and cost-effective method. The general combining ability (GCA) defines the average behavior of genotype in hybrid combination, resulting from additive gene action, so positive GCA values of landraces AN13 and AN197 for protein, AN632 for lipids, and AN594 for starch content indicate that they can be valuable sources of the mentioned properties in quality-oriented maize breeding programs. The obtained correlation between starch content and protein and yield (−0.948 **; 0.587 **) pointed out that an increase in the protein content during breeding will be accompanied by a decrease in the starch content and yield. The specific combining ability (SCA) of the testers used, suggests their possible application in establishing and improving quality breeding programs’ initial material.

New pathways in grain breeding and the cultivation of nutritionally enriched crops are imposed by the world’s population expansion and trends in food and feed production, which encourage the use of functional foods with potential health benefits. A sustainable turnkey system that produces high-quality, nutritionally rich crops may be achieved by a new generation of genotypes of cereals and legumes, such as soybean and maize, that have optimal physical and chemical properties along with higher antioxidant levels due to the presence of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Generating the new research avenue called “nutribreeding” is part of the CREDIT Vibes project funded by the European Commission.

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.

In the previous period, research was carried out with a focus on the application of various types of microbiological preparations in order to influence their possible influence on the morphological, productive and qualitative properties of industrial plants. Research was conducted in the period from 2015 to 2023 both in the open field and in laboratory conditions. In the group of industrial plants, oil, protein, medicinal, aromatic and spice plants were investigated. This paper shows the influence of certain biopreparations on the treatment of organic soybean seeds before sowing and during cultivation. For that purpose, mixtures of microbiological strains (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus amiloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus megatherium, Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azotobacter chroococum) were used, with the addition of liquid fertilizers of plant origin enriched with K, Ca and Mg. The use of microbiological strains in the cultivation of organic soybeans has a significant effect on increasing the content of proteins and vegetable oils in soybeans, as well as on the values of morphological parameters and yield in the crop of organically produced soybeans. Microbiological preparations have the potential to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural systems. The use of selected microbiological cultures for treatment during the inoculation of soil and seeds in the cultivation of industrial plants is reflected in the improvement of the nutritional and functional properties of plants, which are an excellent source of valuable food ingredients.

Considering the great potential of black soybean seed coat as a source of bioactive compounds, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of anthocyanin-rich brine from the seed coat on functional properties of pickled baby corn, as well as its sensory properties. Given that the ears of sweet corn, popping corn and semi-flint corn were used for pickling in the pre-pollination phase, the effect of genotype and its growing stage on the chemical composition of Baby corn product was also taken into consideration. The brine of black soybean with a total anthocyanins content of 11,882.9 mg CGE/kg (cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent) and an antioxidant capacity of 399.5 mmol Trolox Eq/kg determined by QUENCHER method had a positive impact on the functional potential of baby corn products. The content of total anthocyanins in the obtained products ranged from 748.6 to 881.2 mg CGE/kg, the predominant anthocyanin was cyanidin-3-glucoside (184.6 to 247.5 μg/g), while their colour was red. Compared to the commercial sample, baby corn products pickled in the enriched solution had a 26% to 46% and 17% to 26% higher content of total free phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, respectively. Contrarily, the control sample had higher sugar and fibre content. As established, pickled popping corn had the best sensory properties.

Essential oils (EOs) are widely studied in agriculture. The study's objective was to examine the impact of EOs on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed dormancy. The four different varieties of alfalfa were used for the experiment (Zaječarka-83, Banatska-VS, K-28, Novosadska H-11). Two essential oils, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) were applied at four concentrations:1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, and 0.02%, along with water as a control. Germination, dormant seeds and dead seeds were evaluated in a laboratory setting according to ISTA rules. The type of EOs had no discernible influence on germinated seeds, dormancy, and dead seeds. Both EOs in concentrations of 1% and 0.5% inhibited seed germination. The maximum germination of 91.66% was achieved with the Novosadska H-11 variety using lavender oil at a concentration of 0.02%, with reduced dormancy. Varieties Zaječarka-83 and Banatska-VS had the highest level of dead and dormant seeds when lavender and peppermint EOs were applied at a concentration of 0.2%. This study showed that both EOs at a concentration of 0.02% had a stimulatory effect on seed germination, simultaneously reducing seed dormancy, emphasizing their potential use for seed quality improvement in organic farming.

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.

This work aimed to evaluate changes in phytic phosphorus content as the response of three maize hybrids (ZP 457, ZP 5601, and ZP 606) to different pesticide treatments for European Corn Borer (ECB) attacks and, as well as the correlation between damage caused by ECB attack and Pphy content. In the experimental field, maize ears were sampled and dried at a moisture content of 14% for the determination of changes in phytic phosphorus content in the grain. The content of phytic phosphorus was determined using UV / VIS spectrophotometry. Observed results showed the highest content of phytic phosphorus for untreated control for all tested hybrids, compared to pesticide treatments. The content of Pphy in the tested maize kernel samples ranged from 2.12 to 3.40 mg g-1. A significant positive correlation between attacks of larvae and Pphy content could indicate activation of its antioxidative function as a response to damage caused by ECB attack.

In these studies, the physical and physiological seed properties and seedling's vigour properties in five ZP maize hybrids (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, ZP4 and ZP5) were investigated. Hybrid seed was divided into small (SF) and large fractions (LF) The hybrid combination and seed size did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) affect seed germination. Width, thickness, length, seed weight, dead seeds, abnormal seedling, stem and root growth and fresh seedling weight were significantly influenced by hybrid and seed fraction LF produced higher stems by 1.18 cm, longer roots by 2.94 cm and higher seedling weight by 0.032 g (the hybrid average) as compared to SF. The influence of hybrids on stem growth differed by 1.9 cm on SF seed and 1.7 cm on LF seed. Significant and positive dependence (p ≥ 0.001) between seed germination was determined with the growth of stem, root and seedling weight, as well as with the 1000 seed weight (p ≥ 0.01) and with a thickness (TS) (p ≥ 0.05). Seed germination with abnormal seedlings achieved a negative (p ≥ 0.01) significant correlation.

Black soybean seed coat has a considerable content of anthocyanins which can provide a positive effect on the health of the consumers through food products enriched with the extracts of these valuable bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, the use of soybean seed coat, a by-product from soybean processing, additionally valorizes this raw material. The possibility of enrichment of sweet maize grains with anthocyanin extract was investigated. Several procedures with acetic acid were applied in the experiments of anthocyanins extraction from black soybean seed coat. During the marination process, the grains were stained, changing their standard yellow color to a crimson red. Since the brines with the addition of citric acid became cloudy (opalescent) after some time, lactic acid was used as an anthocyanin stabilizer in the continuation of the research. Depending on the extraction conditions, the spectrophotometrically determined content of total anthocyanins in the solution varied from 3541.90 to 5387.70 mg CGE/g d.m., and in the marinated maize grain between 179.89 and 286.05 mg CGE/g d.m. After seven days, the total anthocyanin content in the grain did not increase significantly, so this aging period was selected as optimal for marinating maize products.

Identification of stable sources for breeding for important agronomic traits is prerequisite for providing a continuous and long-term progress in breeding. In this study, thirty-one early-maturing genotypes from soybean collection of Maize Research Institute ?Zemun Polje? were evaluated across four environments (two years and two locations) according to randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of research was to examine the value of the interaction of genotype and environment for three important agronomic traits (seed yield, protein content and oil content) using anadditive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) statistical model, and to identify stable sources for breeding for listed traits. The results of the research indicated that all traits were strongly influenced by environmental factors, while the influence of genotype and particularly interaction of genotype and environment was of less importance. AMMI analysis enabled identification of genotypes with above average value and high stability for seed yield (three genotypes), protein content (three genotypes) and oil content (two genotypes), which could be utilized as potential stable sources of variability in future soybean breeding programs.

The F2 population was developed by crossing the adaptive yield variety of soybean with a variety without the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor in the mature grain. From the segregating F2 population 48 plants were taken. Their seeds were used to set up field experiment; part of the seed was saved for full-sib (FS) crosses. After yield testing, three lines marked as L6, L30 and L38 were chosen. Two FS cross combination, using saved seeds, were made (L30 x L38 and L6 x L30). Progenies of soybean full-sibs (FSF1:2) and each mother plant (F3:4) were grown, to make enough seed for testing in the field experiment. Data obtained in this experiment were processed to determine correlations of grain yield and other studied traits between mother's and proper full-sib progenies, using simple correlations and Spearman's rank correlations. A significant correlation into examinated traits between two types of progenies does not found, except for stem height and 1000 grain weight in the FS combination L30 x L38. The lack of correlation of plant characteristics between progenies of full-sibs and their mothers indicated the influence of lines used as fathers component. In both combinations of FS crosses, FSF1:2 progenies with better yield than the adapted parent (one without Kunitz trypsin inhibitor) were identified, which are considered promising for the further process of creating new varieties.

Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) is part of the anti-nutritional complex present in soybeans. Soybean grain without KTI can be used in the diet of non-ruminants without prior heat treatment. In order to obtain soybean lines with reduced content of anti-nutrients in the grain, in the first place without KTI, we crossed the adapted genotype of standard grain quality (variety Kador) with the genotype without KTI, less adapted to our growing conditions (variety Kunitz). A segregating generation was obtained from which the three most productive F3 lines, heterozygous for the presence of KTI, were selected for the new crossing cycle. Two combinations of full-sib (FS) crosses with different numbers of successfully crossed plants were realized. Determination of the presence of KTI in progeny developed from selected lines originating from Kunitz x Kador crosses and their combinations of FS crosses was performed using protein markers on a native polyacrylamide gel. Based on the electrophoregram, it was noticed that the bands corresponding to the KTI position are not of the same intensity. The analysis was done from a group sample, so it is possible that the sample contains grains with and without KTI. Ten progenies of maternal lines and five progenies of FS crosses without a band corresponding to the KTI position were identified on the electrophoregram. A total of four progenies with grain yield per plant at the level and better than the more productive parent can be considered promising for the further selection process.

The protein content is an important parameter of the technological quality of soybean grain. Therefore, the selection work is aimed at creating a genetic basis for obtaining varieties not only of high yield but also varieties of improved grain quality. In order to provide sustained progress in breeding, it is necessary to find a stable source for breeding for desired traits. The aim of this study was to examine the value of the genotype × environment (G× E) interaction for protein content in 14 Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje" short-season soybean accessions and to identify stable sources that can be used in breeding for protein content improvement. G×E interaction for grain protein content was analyzed using a linear-bilinear AMMI-1 model. The influence of genotype and environment on the total variation of protein content was approximately equal, while the smallest variation is attributed to genotype x environment interaction. A large number of genotypes with different protein content (Korana, PI 180 507, Kabott, Krajina, Canatto) showed a small contribution to the interaction in studied environments, the most important of which were genotypes with above-average protein content, as potential sources for future breeding programs.

Recent trends in healthy lifestyle and diet made functional foods rich in quality nutrients and bioactive compounds with potential health benefits highly sought after. Some cultivated plants, such as soya and chia can provide a viable source of nutraceuticals with high fibre, protein, and protective antioxidant potential. The whole-grain flours of black soya beans and black chia seeds were used in this study. Potential nutritive and health-benefitting properties of these flours were compared by assessing their chemical composition and antioxidant profile. The content of dietary fibres such as NDF, ADF, ADL and hemicellulose determined in black chia seed sample was higher than in black soya soya beans which had higher fibre content. The total protein content recorded in black soya beans was almost as twice as high (42.26±0.14%) as chia protein content (25.04±0.20%). Black soya beans had the highest content of water soluble proteins (29.00±0.13% d.m.) with NSI (nitrogen solubility index) acounting for as much as 70.96±0.31% of total proteins, while black chia seeds had the highest content of globulins (14.64±0.07% d.m.) and NSI 58.48±0.27% of total proteins. Both black soya bean and black chia contained a high amount of total phenolic compounds (830.66±5.46 and 1201.94±16.29 mg GAE/kg, respectively) and exhibited a considerable total antioxidant capacity, which makes them good contestants for functional food ingredients with potential health benefits.