Genotype by environment interaction (GEI) is a complex problem that complicates the barley selection and breeding process. The knowledge of the relationship between cereal phenology and climatic data is important for understanding GEI and the physiological pathways responsible for the interaction effect. The grain yield of twenty winter barley genotypes in six environments was observed. Factors influencing the variability were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was applied to determine the most relevant environmental variables in certain stages of development that explained GEI effects. Biplot with environmental variables explained 43.7% of the GEI. The barley was generally the most sensitive to the environmental conditions (relative humidity, maximum temperature and its variation, sun hours, and precipitation) during the anthesis and filling stage (May) which caused GEI. Temperature variables did not show significance only in the vegetative phase. Different genotypes responded differently to environmental factors. Genotypes NS-525, NS-589, and J-103 were highlighted as widely adaptable, and Zaječar was a suitable and reliable location for yield testing. The GEI information presented in this paper can be useful in traditional plant breeding and future breeding programs through molecular research of crop developmental genes and examination of physiological processes in two-row barley.

In the Balkans, the production of globally cultivated green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) can be slow due to reduced quality and intensity of solar insolation. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of artificial illumination and the duration of light exposure on the growth and quality of two lettuce genotypes seedlings: Genesis and Jukebox. The research was conducted at the Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, Serbia. Lettuce seeds were sown in 9 styrofoam containers per genotype, filled with commercial substrate. In the phase of three leaves, plants were placed in plant growth chambers under multispectral white (W) LEDs and monochromatic blue (B) LEDs (three containers per LED and genotype), while three containers were kept in the greenhouse and served as control. The plants were cultured in plant growth chambers for 25 days under a 9h/15h and 10h/14h (light/dark) photoperiod, to simulate outdoor conditions. Morphological growth parameters (number of leaves and plant weight) were measured on the 11th and 25th days. Chlorophyll content was measured on the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th days. Plants grown under W and B LEDs had a significantly higher number of leaves, plant weight, and chlorophyll content than plants grown in a greenhouse. Using energy-efficient white and blue LED lights in lettuce seedling production during 18-25 days positively impacts seedling quality, and with this seedling production, the plants can achieve high yields and quality.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetable species both because of the areas in which it is grown and because of its diverse uses from fresh to various products in industrial processing. Due to the increasing demand for high-quality pepper fruits for industrial processing, we have set ourselves the goal of creating a new variety of peppers with a high yield and dry matter content. After a multi-year selection process, the Moravska lepotica was created using the pedigree method of selection with a high content of dry matter and color, very large and attractive fruits. It is recognized by the Decision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, No 320-04-3330/2/2021-11 dated 22.12.2022.

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.

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.

A series of greenhouse experiments were conducted in order to determine the biological nutritional value of the substrate mixtures based on newly designed zeolite soil enhancers made to replace an earlier registered commercial enhancer (ZeoPlant™). Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was used as a test species. Plant height, number of leaves, and fresh plant mass were measured. During the preliminary experiments, the optimal ratio of enriched zeolites in the peat-based substrate mixtures was verified (about 25% volumetric), as well as the usability of Pirotski peat for the preparation of substrate mixtures. Enriched zeolites (EZa, EZb, EZc, EZd) were mixed in optimal ratio with Pirotski peat and compared to a commercial zeolite-based substrate mixture that was used as a control treatment. The control treatment showed the best results. On the other side, the differences between other treatments were not significant, but they indicate that some of the examined soil enhancers have a great potential for application in vegetable seedling production.

In the process of cabbage breeding and seed production, one of the most important characteristics is the time of flowering. In order to investigate the influence of genotype, season and term of sowing on the flowering process, as well as the genetic control of this trait, an experiment was conducted with three genotypes of cabbage N, B and Scc of different geographical origin and different vegetation length, as well as three new F1 hybrids N x Scc , B x Scc and B x N obtained by hybridization between genotypes. The experiment was conducted during three temperature different seasons S1, S2 and S3 (average cold, cold and warm seasons), in three different sowing terms: August 15 (I), September 1 (II) and September 15 (III). During the winter period favorable for vernalization, two treatments with 300 ppm GA3 were performed. A statistically significant influence of all examined factors: genotype, year, sowing term and gibberellin GA3 treatment, on flowering time was determined. AMMI analysis determined the degree of adaptability of genotypes depending on the growing season, sowing terms and GA3 treatment for the trait time of flowering. The highest stability based on ASV values for flowering time was shown by hybrid BxN and its parental component genotypes B and N, while the hybrid Scc x B proved to be the most unstable in terms of flowering time. The pattern of relative expression of the most important flower repressor BoFLC2 gene showed a certain correlation with the flowering time of genotypes. The lowest quantitative expression of this gene was found in genotype B and it had the earliest flowering in all seasons, while genotype N had the highest relative expression of the BoFLC2 locus and the latest flowering.

Cauliflower is exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses, including increased salinity due to the intensive irrigation of crops. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are universal signal transduction modules that play important roles in regulating innate immune responses in plants. Based on involvement of tobacco MAP kinase kinase kinase (NPK1) in stress response, the effect of the expression of NPK1 transgene to NaCl salt stress tolerance in cauliflower KFRM4 lines was studied. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol, using EHA101(pSHX004) vector harbouring the NPK1 and phosphinothricin N-acetyltransferase (bar) genes, the cyclic somatic embryogenesis regeneration pathway, the application of acetosyringone (AS) during co-cultivation and a delayed phosphinothricine (PPT) selection procedure provided sufficient transformation efficiency of 7.33% without escapes. PCR analysis indicated the integration of both NPK1 and bar transgenes in regenerated cauliflower lines. Transgenic cauliflower lines, exposed to NaCl stress in vitro, showed higher growth rates, greater ability to retain chlorophyll and carotenoids, and increased osmotic regulation capacity compared with non-transformed control plants. The tolerance level of transformed lines correlated with the level of NPK1 gene expression estimated by RT-qPCR, and the L2 line with the highest NPK1 expression displayed the greatest tolerance to NaCl stress. None of the obtained cauliflower transformed lines grown in greenhouses showed any morphological or yield differences compared with non-transformed plants. Furthermore, the expression of the bar gene facilitated the tolerance of transformed lines to the total herbicide PPT, applied at concentrations 2–3 times higher than those routinely used for weed control in the crop field. The results underlined that constitutively expressing NPK1 can significantly contribute to enhanced salt stresstolerance in cauliflower, suggesting that this could be a promising basis for the creation of new stress tolerancecruciferous vegetable lines.

Monoculture and intensive use of mechanization and inorganic chemicals are leading to degradation and erosion of our soils and agro-ecosystems. At the same time, the production of animal feeds that are rich in protein is constantly decreasing in many European countries. Modest cultivation needs, favorable content of nutrients, and beneficial effect on the environment, make field pea and oat mixtures promising crops to tackle these issues. In three growing seasons and without irrigation or fertilisation, we have examined two basic field pea cultivars (Kosmaj, OS Adam) and one leafless cultivar (OS Letin) intercropped with oat (NS Jadar), with seeding rates, field pea: oat – 100:10%; 100:20%. Results have shown that basic type cultivars have better overall development and higher yields compared to leafless cultivar, whether grown as single crops or in the mixture. Basic cultivars (OS Adam, Kosmaj) achieved higher protein content, compared to cultivar Letin, 163.9 g kg-1 , 153.3 g kg-1 , 136 g kg-1 , respectively. Yields were higher in 100:20% mixtures, compared to 100:10% mixtures and single grown crops, and we conclude that intercropping these species is superior to cultivating them separately. Protein content wasn’t significantly different between two seeding rates, thus seed rates shouldn’t be lower than 100:20%.

The development of weeds and soil pathogens in greenhouse significantly reduces the yield of cultivated crops. Suppression of soil pathogens using conventional methods (chemicals) leads to contamination of both soil and water. An alternative method is a solarization - biological soil disinfection using high temperatures under the influence of solar energy. The influence of solarization on the development of weeds, as well as diseases in three vegetable species: tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, was examined in the greenhouses of the Institute for Vegetable Crops. The effect of solarization on the yield of these crops was also examined. The experiment was carried out in 2 greenhouses. Solarization was carried out in one greenhouse for 8 weeks. In the second greenhouse, the process of solarization was not carried out and it served as a control to evaluate the effects of solarization. The irrigation, as well as the basic and supplementary nutrition of the plants, was done in the same way in both greenhouses. The results showed significantly less weed development after solarization, symptoms of the disease were less frequent and milder in plants grown in a solarized greenhouse. The yield of all three species was significantly higher in the greenhouse where the solarization was carried out. The yield of peppers was 9.94% higher, tomatoes 4.37% and cucumbers 38.46% higher than the yields in control, greenhouses. The application of this method of soil disinfection in a greenhouse is significant for producers, breeders, and seed producers. The use of chemicals for soil disinfection and plant protection is decreasing, which is in line with the principles of organic production, which is becoming more and more prevalent in our areas.

One of the main tasks for every certified organic vegetable producer is to grow healthy and well-developed transplants. The aim of this study was to examine different substrates designed for the production of organic tomato transplants. On the basis of preliminary experiments, seven substrates consisting of different parts of natural peat, vermicompost, shrub and tree leaves compost and zeolites were compared with standard commercial substrates using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) transplants grown in pots. The data concerning plant height, number of leaves, fresh plant mass, appearance of flower buds were collected. The differences in the examined traits were not significant for the majority of substrates. The zeolite-based substrate with high peat and vermicompost content achieved the best results and its production for the market should be considered. Three zeolite-based substrates with high rates of vermicompost and compost should be used as a model for tomato transplants substrate preparation.

with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Slovene Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) have the honor to welcome all engaged in research, development, producers, teaching, extension and public services, suppliers of horticulture materials, cooperatives, private sector and stakeholders related to vegetable and potatoes production to attend the 7th South

An efficient plant propagation system through somatic embryogenesis by using immature zygotic embryos was established in Savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. sabauda L.). The effects of zygotic embryo age, presence of 1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (B5-D) in the culture medium, and the pH (5.0 and 5.8) of the B5 plant growth regulator (PGR)-free (B5-0) induction media were investigated. It appeared that the developmental stage of the immature zygotic embryos used as explants was the most important factor for somatic embryogenesis. Highest frequency of somatic embryogenesis (86.67%) was achieved directly on zygotic embryos at cotyledonary stage (1.8 mm long) of development that cultured on B5-0 medium. Optimal pH of the medium was 5.0. Mean number of primary somatic embryos per explant on B5-0 pH 5.0 medium was 7.2. The inclusion of 2,4-D into the induction medium significantly reduced both frequency of somatic embryogenesis (to 53.34 %) and mean number of embryos per explant (to 2.62) in cotyledonary zygotic embryos. After transferring to PGR-free Murashige and Skoog (MS-0) medium 69.69% of the primary somatic embryos of the Savoy cabbage produced secondary somatic embryos (SSEs) Effective recurrent somatic embryogenesis may be an appropriate practical solution for clonal propagation and genetic modifications of Savoy cabbage.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) seed is dormant, which means that the maximum germination is achieved after some time. The research was performed on one genotype (Domaci srednje dugi - DSD). The seed, studied for germination rate, originates from year 2007 and the germination variation was studied for period 2007 - 2011. Eggplant seed was dormant after yield in 2007, but the germination increased over the years. The trial was conducted at the standard germination test method, defined in the Regulation on quality of agricultural seeds, 1987. The lowest germination rate (41%) was in year of production (2007) of the II yield, while the maximum germination was found for the seed produced in the III yield, after two years of preserving. Although the seed after the period of dormancy had satisfactory - higher germination rate, trend of germination decrease was also present which is a normal due to seed aging. The conclusion is that the time of yield significantly determinate the dormancy of the eggplant seed and the time required for maximum germination and delayed aging of seed.

The seed of the head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in the continental climate is produced by bringing the plants into a certain stage of vegetative development, in meteorological conditions, in which the vernalization is possible. The vernalization is a physiological process of transformation of vegetative meristem tissue to reproductive, skipping in that way one phase of organogenesis - the head. This process takes place in conditions of prolonged exposure to low positive temperatures (winter and autumn in Serbia). Only certain number of plants during the cold period survives this transformation. The experiment was set up in four replications in three sowing dates: August 15th, September 1st and September 15th, with late genotype B at the Institute for Vegetable Crops in Smederevska Palanka. The nursery was planted on October 20th 2010 in vegetative space 70 x 50 cm or 28,500 plants ha(-1). The plants were treated two times with GA(3) in concentration 300 ppm, before and at the end of optimal temperatures for vernalization. The experiment proved the statistical significance of sowing terms to seed yield (P <= 0,05) as well as the impact of interaction of sowing and the treatments to percentage of flourishing plants at both levels of significance (P <= 0,01 and P <= 0,05). The percentage of flourished plants was between minimal 35% and maximal 80%. The seed yield varied significantly from 194 kg to 1224 kg ha(-1).

Fourteen genotypes of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.), that are a part of Institute for Vegetable Crops collection, were tested for their ability to regenerate shoots in vitro. Five of them are early, while nine are late genotypes. Lateral buds from plants grown in the open field were used as explants. In all genotypes, lateral buds showed the high percentage of shoot formation, ranged from 80% to 100%. They were incubated on Murashige and Skoog?s (MS) media supplemented with 1.0 and 2.0 mgl-1 of benzyladenine (BA) or 1.0 mgl-1 6-furfurylaminopurine (KIN) in combination with 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mgl-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The BA- supplemented media were optimal for both growth and multiplication of shoots. In both groups of genotypes, the highest index of multiplication (IM) was achieved on medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl-1 BA and 1.0 mgl-1 IBA, in R9 early genotype (IM 8.53) and K1 late genotype (IM 10.06). R5 early and in K29 and K75 late genotypes had no multiplication on medium with 1.0 mgl-1 KIN (IM 1.00). Also, in all genotypes the lowest index of multiplication was observed on media supplemented with KIN (without or in combination with IBA).

Full diallel cross without reciprocals has been performed in order to hybridize five divergent parental genotypes (KP-01, KP-03, S-15, CH-1 and HM-6) and obtain progeny of F-1 and F-2 hybrids. The aim of this study has been to research the divergence of parents of F-1 and F-2 hybrids by applying the cluster analysis based on morphological markers, calculating the values of (according to UPOV) genotypes of parents and F-1 hybrids, and quantitative traits, taking into account the effect of five traits (early ripening, number of fruits per plant, pericarp thickness, fruit weight and vitamin C content). Cluster analysis based on quantitative values gave more applicable results in pepper breeding comparing to cluster analysis based on morphological factors. The most important trait in F-1 and F-2 generation has been fruit weight.

Two tomato lines with normal maturation (NR-1 and NR-2) have been crossed with two mutant lines (NR-10 nor and NR-12 rin) with delayed maturation (shelf life). Determination of mutant genes has been done by ?2 test on 100 fruits from F2 generation. Fruits have been picked 65 days from antesis and kept for 60 days, when six evaluations have been done. Data have been collected every 10 days on parental lines and progeny F1 and F2 generation. Variance testing has been done on the basis of one- and two-factorial analysis and groups compared by contrasts. Fruits have been preserved in controlled conditions (in dark at 5?C). Tomato genotypes with nor or rin gene had desirable traits (delayed ripening, long shelf life and firm fruits) for modern selection, so they should be included in programmes aiming to create commercial F1 hybrids.

In order to estimate, at the molecular level, the divergence of parental lines that were used in diallel crossbreeding for production of superior offspring (F1 generation hybrids) at the Institute for Vegetable Crops, the molecular analysis using five RAPD markers for five pairs of parents has been performed. It gives an insight into their genetic polymorphism and the possibility of their further use in breeding programs. Information from this research has pioneered the application of molecular markers of onion in Serbia. Analyses were performed using the RAPD primers, which in previous studies established a high degree of polymorphism. In all five cases there was a corresponding amplification of DNA segments. From totally 50 bands analyzed, the length of fragments ranged from 500 to 3000 bp. Number of polymorphic band per example was 8 to 13. In our research at the level of the analyzed primers, a high degree of polymorphism between analyzed genotypes has been found. Based on UPGMA dendogram, analyzed genotypes were divided into two main clusters and two subclusters.

In order to determine the correlation of important agronomic characteristics and yield of medium late genotypes of head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.), both reciprocally and with the yield, a collection of Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, Serbia has been used. The research has been conducted, under field conditions, during 2009 and 2010. Twelve middle late cabbage genotypes have been included (Be; Lin 3; Gol; Rubin; P44; K. G.; Vod; K7; SM-4; Triumf; Katun; Scc) collected from different localities. Thirteen phenotype characteristics have been observed: plant weight, head weight, rosette weight, head circumference, head height, head width, number of rosette leaves, rosette height, rosette width, plant height, external core length, internal core length and vegetation period. Beside the phenotype characteristics, the yield has also been measured. The highest Pirson's correlation coefficients found between the agronomic traits were: yield and head weight (r=0.99); length of vegetation period and head width (r=0.93); head weight and head height (r=0.92); yield and head height (r=0.92); head width and head height (r=0.90). The results of correlation analysis show that 30% of estimated correlations were statistically significant. Head weight and head height, showed the highest correlation coefficients with the yield.