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A panel of seven maize inbred lines belonging to Zemun Polje commercial pool were genotypized using SNPs bead chip. 21 hybrids, developed according to the half dialel mating design, were tested in the field together with inbred lines per se. The goal of the study was to determine the genetic distance among seven maize inbred lines and to establish whether there was a significant correlation between the genetic distance among parental inbreds and grain yield, specific combining abilities (SCA) and high-parent (HP) heterosis for the grain yield. The inbred lines ZPL2 and ZPL4 with the genetic distance of 0.487 were the most genetically distant parents, while inbred lines ZPL1 and ZPL2 with the genetic distance of 0.191 were the closest ones. Three subclusters of inbred lines were distinguished in the dendrogram. Inbred lines ZPL5, ZPL6, ZPL3 and ZPL7 were grouped into the first subcluster, while inbred lines ZPL1 and ZPL2, i.e. the inbred line ZPL4 were grouped in the second, i.e. the third subcluster, respectively. The values of the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between the genetic distance among inbred lines based on the SNP markers, and grain yield, specific combining abilities (SCA) and high- parent (HP) heterosis were positive and statistically significant. The highest correlation coefficient was exhibited between the grain yield and high-parent (HP) heterosis (0.93), and then between the genetic distance and the grain yield (0.92) as well as between the genetic distance and high-parent (HP) heterosis (0.91). Panel od sedam inbred linija kukuruza koje pripadaju komercijalnom pulu Instituta za kukuruz u Zemun Polju je analiziran pomoću SNP čipa. Hibridi dobijeni po metodu nepotpunog dialela su ispitivani u polju zajedno sa inbred linijama per se. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se utvrdi genetička distanca između inbred linija kukuruza i da se ispita da li postoji značajna korelacija između genetičke distance roditeljskih linija, posebnih kombinacionih sposobnosti (PKS) i heterozisa u odnosu na boljeg roditelja (HPH) za osobinu prinos zrna. Genetički najudaljenije linije su bile ZPL2 i ZPL4 sa genetičkom distancom 0.487, dok su najbliže bile inbred linije ZPL1 i ZPL2 sa genetičkom distancom 0.191, kao i inbred linije ZPL5 i ZPL6 sa genetičkom distancom 0.196. Dendrogram je podelio inbred linije u tri različita subklastera. Prvom subklasteru pripadaju inbred linije ZPL5, ZPL6, ZPL3 i ZPL7, drugom inbred linije ZPL1 i ZPL2 i trećem inbred linija ZPL4. Vrednosti Sperman-ovog koeficijenta korelacije ranga između genetičke distance zasnovane na SNP markerima, prinosa zrna, posebnih kombinacionih sposobnosti (PKS) i heterozisa u odnosu na boljeg roditelja (HPH) su bile pozitivne i statistički značajne. Najviši koeficijent korelacije je bio između prinosa zrna i HPH (0,93), zatim između genetičke distance i prinosa (0.92) i između genetičke distance i HPH (0.91).

Wang R., J. Zhang, F. Luo, N Liu, S. Prodanovic, Y. Yan (2021). Cloning and molecular characterization of two novel LMW-m type glutenin genes from Triticum spelta L.- Genetika, Vol 53, No.1,141 -155. Spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L., 2n=6x=42, AABBDD), as a hexaploid wheat species, is important sources of food and feed in Europe. It also serves as an important genetic resource for improvement of wheat quality and resistance. In this study, two novel m-type low molecularmolecularmolecular molecular glutenin subunit (LMW -GS) genes, named as TsLMW-m1and TsLMW-m2were cloned by allelic specific polymerase chain reaction (AS -PCR) from German spelt wheat cultivars Rochbergers fruher Dinke and Schwabenkorn, respectively. The complete open reading frames (ORFs) of both genes contained contained contained contained contained contained 873 bp encoding 290 amino acid residues, and had typical LMW-GS structural features. Two same deletions with 24 bp at the position of 707-730 bp were present in both genes, while TsLMW-m1had two nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations at the positions of 434 bp (C-A transversion) and 857 bp (G-A transition). Phylogenic analysis revealed that both LMW-m genes were closely related to those from wheat A genome, suggesting that both subunits are encoded by the Glu-A3 locus. Secondary structure prediction showed that TsLMW-m1and TsLMW-m2subunits had more α-helices than other wheat LMW-GS including superior quality subunit EU369717, which would benefit to form superior gluten structures and dough properties. The authenticity and expression activity of TsLMW-m1 and TsLMW-m2 genes were verified by prokaryotic expression in E. coli. Our results indicated that two newly cloned TsLMW-m genes could have potential values for wheat quality improvement.

Considering the already observed trends of increasing air temperatures, changes in precipitation regimes, and extension of the growing season, as well as predictions that climate conditions in Serbia will deteriorate and the risks to farming will increase, the objective of this research is to assess the vulnerability of agriculture in Serbia to climate change, based on farmers' perceptions. A team of experts in all areas of agriculture and soil and water management compiled a questionnaire for a semi-open online survey. The snowball sampling approach was followed, relying on personal contacts and social media. In total, 141 farmers responded to the questionnaire. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics. The differences by region, activity and topography were tested by ANOVA and Student's t-test. The feedback was used to assess the damages sustained by farmers due to climate change and reduced revenues in their respective areas of agricultural activity. Certain positive effects of climate change were also identified. A need for training in climate change impact mitigation is noted. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The surveyed farmers believe that the most important effects of climate change were periods of extreme high temperature, droughts, late spring frost, and hail. Climate change seems to be reducing yields, facilitating the appearance of new diseases and pests, and causing a lower tolerance to existing diseases and pests. Farmers expressed considerable interest in climate change impact adaptation and mitigation training. U skladu sa već osmotrenim trendovima povećanja temperature vazduha, izmenjenog režima padavina i produžetka vegetacione sezone, kao i sa predviđanjima da će se klimatski uslovi u Srbiji izrazito pogoršavati, a rizici u poljoprivrednoj proizvodnji povećavati, cilj ovog rada je da se proceni ranjivost poljoprivredne proizvodnje u Srbiji pod uticajem klimatskih promena na osnovu percepcije poljoprivrednika. Tim eksperata iz svih oblasti poljoprivrede i upravljanja vodama i zemljištem, sastavio je pitanja za onlajn anketu, poluotvorenog tipa. Prikupljanje podataka je vršeno putem interneta, uglavnom se oslanjajući na društvene mreže. Na upitnik je odgovorio ukupno 141 ispitanik. Analiza podataka je vršena putem deskriptivne statistike, a primenjena je analiza glavnih komponenti (PCA) sa Varimax rotacijom. Uočena su dva faktora: (i) uticaj klimatskih promena na rizike u poljoprivredi, i (ii) šteta izazvana klimatskim promenama. Analiza varijanse (ANOVA) i Studentov t test korišćeni su za ispitivanje uzoraka nezavisnih od razlike, dok je povezanost dve promenljive testirana Pirsonovim koeficijentom. Na osnovu dobijenih podataka, analizirane su štete koje poljoprivrednici trpe usled klimatskih promena i smanjenje prihoda u odnosu na uobičajene prihode, a shodno proizvodnji kojom se poljoprivrednici bave. Takođe su identifikovani pozitivni uticaji klimatskih promena. Sagledana je potreba za obukom u oblasti ublažavanja uticaja klimatskih promena. Po mišljenju poljoprivrednika, najznačajniji uticaji klimatskih promena su pojave ekstremno visoke temperature, suša i pojava kasnih prolećnih mrazeva i grada. Klimatske promene su se najviše odrazile na pad prinosa, pojavu novih bolesti i štetočina i na smanjenje tolerantnosti useva na postojeće štetočine i bolesti. Poljoprivrednici su pokazali veliku zainteresovanost za obuku o merama adaptacije i ublažavanja uticaja klimatskih promena u poljoprivredi.

Expansins are a group of plant cell wall loosening proteins that play important roles in plant growth and development. In this study, we performed the first study on the molecular characterization, transcriptional expression and functional properties of two wheat expansin genes TaEXPA2 and TaEXPB1. The results indicated that TaEXPA2 and TaEXPB1 genes had typical structural features of plant expansin gene family. As a member of ?-expansins, TaEXPA2 is closely related to rice OsEXPA17 while the ?- expansin member TaEXPB1 has closely phylogenetic relationships with rice OsEXPAB4. The genetic transformation to Arabidopsis showed that both TaEXPA2 and TaEXPB1 were located in cell wall and highly expressed in roots, leaves and seeds. Overexpression of TaEXPA2 and TaEXPB1 genes showed similar functions, causing rapid root elongation, early bolting, and increases in leaves number, rosette diameter and stems length. These results demonstrated that wheat expansin genes TaEXPA1 and TaEXPB2 can enhance plant growth and development.

The knowledge about the magnitude and nature of variability that is present in a breeding population is an important prerequisite for designing efficient breeding programme in order to improve the yield potential of genotypes. The objective of this research was to evaluate heritability and genetic advance of important quantitative traits in new crosses of sunflower as well as to evaluate ratio of dominant and recessive genes in parental genotypes. The plant material selected for this research consisted of 6 sunflower genotypes, which according to literary data possess important characteristics for the production of sunflower. According to presented results there is significant variability of evaluated quantitative traits. Phenotypic variance was higher than genotypic demonstrating strong environment effect in expression of traits. The broad sense heritability was found very high for plant height (83.25%), high for 1000 seed weight (69.33%), moderate for seed yield/plant (46.53%) and head diameter (56.89%), while low for oil content (29.35%). Genetic advance expressed as a percentage of the mean ranged between 2.23% and 19.96%. Placement of array points displayed that the highest frequency of dominant genes for seed yield/plant, 1000 seed weight and head diameter was found in parental genotype Rodnik. Position of expected line of regression pointed over dominance in inheritance for seed yield/plant, oil content and head diameter, while for 1000 seed weight and plant height additive gene action played role in inheritance suggesting that selection in early generations for these traits will be effective. By testing the coefficients of regression interallelic interaction was not determined. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR-31025: Development of new varieties and improvement of technologies for the production of oil plant species for different purposes]

Significant amounts of crop diversity, especially in out-crossing species like maize (Zea mays L.) is, are often distributed both between and within related groups of accessions. Thus, a detailed characterization and classification of gene bank accessions should be performed prior to use of the best of them for introgression programs to enlarge the genetic base of the elite germplasm pool. Based on performances per se, 40 landraces were chosen out of the wide pool of Western Balkan landraces, previously clustered into 11 homogenous groups. The objective of this study was to evaluate the heterotic pattern of landraces in testcrossing with three divergent elite testers L217, L73B013 and L255/75-5. According to the results of a two-year trial conducted at four locations, landraces 1267, 1346, 197, 1569, 1509 and 2036 expressed the best general combining abilities (GCA) for grain yield. Landraces 1960, 642, 2006, 1945, 1346, 1569, 1450, 1534, 1509 and 1665 performed well in crosses to L217, while landraces 1960, 773, 1798, 1665, 632, 877 and 1569 gave the best results in crosses to inbred tester L73B013. In crosses to inbred tester L255/75-5, the highest heterotic effects were expressed by landraces 467, 773, 1346, 1534, 2249 and 288. Particular attention is to be paid to landraces 1346, 1569 and 1509, having simultaneously high GCA and specific combining abilities (SCA). A certain number of landraces expressed heterosis with two inbred testers, indicating existence of a new unrelated heterotic pattern within the local germplasm pool evaluated. Didelės dalies augalų, ypač kryžmadulkių, pavyzdžiui, paprastojo kukurūzo (Zea mays L.), giminingų genotipų grupėse ir tų grupių viduje pastebima didelė įvairovė. Siekiant praplėsti genetinę bazę, prieš panaudojant selekcinę medžiagą veislių kūrimo programoms, būtina atlikti išsamų Genų banko genotipų įvertinimą ir klasifikaciją. Tyrimui buvo pasirinkta 40 vietinių veislių iš didelio Vakarų Balkanų fondo, kurios buvo sugrupuotos į 11 homogeniškų grupių. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti heterozinį vietinių veislių efektyvumą, jas kryžminant su trimis skirtingais elitiniais testeriais L217, L73B013 ir L255/75-5. Pagal dvejų metų tyrimų, atliktų keturiose vietovėse, rezultatus, vietinės veislės 1267, 1346, 197, 1569, 1509 ir 2036 parodė geriausią bendrą kombinacinę gebą jas vertinant pagal grūdų derlių. Vietinės veislės 1960, 642, 2006, 1945, 1346, 1569, 1450, 1534, 1509 ir 1665 pademonstravo gerus rezultatus kryžminant su testeriu L217, o vietinės veislės 1960, 773, 1798, 1665, 632, 877 ir 1569 parodė geriausius rezultatus jas kryžminant su inbrediniu testeriu L73B013. Kryžminant su inbrediniu testeriu L255/75-5 pasireiškė didžiausias heterozinis vietinių veislių 467, 773, 1346, 1534, 2249 ir 288 efektyvumas. Didžiausią dėmesį reikėtų skirti vietinių populiacijų veislėms 1346, 1569 ir 1509, pasižyminčioms ir didele bendra, ir specifine kombinacine geba. Kai kurios vietinės veislės parodė heterozę su dviem testeriais, o tai rodo naują, nesusijusį, negiminingą tirtos vietinės genetinės medžiagos vidinį heterozinį modelį.

Plant genetic resources are a link between agriculture, environment and trade, so their conservation requires cooperation from different sectors. The existing diversity in genetic resources is the foundation in breeding for new challenges or new markets in the future. The number of crop genetic resources in Serbia is obscure because there is no national inventory. It is thought that there are about 15,000 seed accessions and 3500 accessions of fruit trees and grape in collections of different national institutes and stakeholders. In the National Plant Gene Bank, there are more than 4000 accessions of nearly 250 plant species. Crops kept in ex situ collections are used in breeding programs and interspecific crosses, for selection and introduction of desired traits through pre-breeding programs. Serbia as a state participates in all national and international efforts for preservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. Additionally, Serbia has also established a set of national regulations related to plant genetic resources and their use in breeding. Since Serbia is one of Europe’s most important crop producers, especially in maize (11% of EU-27 production), soya (35%), sunflowers (6%) and sugar beet (2.5%), this paper discusses certain issues and achievements in the use of plant genetic resources in cereal and oil crops improvement in Serbia, as well as national and international regulations affecting their exploitation.

Gliadins, as the major components of wheat storage proteins, determine the extensibility properties of dough and have important effects on flour processing quality. Wheat related species carries potential storage protein gene resources for quality improvement. In this study, we isolated and characterized the first complete ?-gliadin gene Omega-AS from Aegilops speltoides L. (2n = 2x = 14, SS) by allelic-specific PCR and investigated its phylogenetic relationships among Triticum and Aegilopsspecies. Molecular structure showed that Omega-AS gene consisted of 1122 bp encoding 373 amino acid residues with deduced molecular mass 41379.21 Da. Omega-AS gene was exceptionally rich in prolines and glutamines with fewer methionine and no cysteine. Sequence characterization and epitope analysis showed that three epitopes QQPIPVQPQQ, TQPQQPTPIQ and IQPQQPFPQQ were absent in Omega-AS gene encoded protein, indicating its potential value for wheat quality improvement with less toxic, or no toxic peptides. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Omega-AS was closely related to gliadin genes of wheat and related species and its divergence from bread wheat was more recently (less than 1.243 MYA). Heterologous expression showed that Omega-AS gene could successfully express with a high level in E. coli under the control of T7promoter. The transcription expression pattern of Omega-AS gene during grain development detected by qRT-PCR revealed that the highest expression level occurred at 17 days post an thesis.

Evaluation of genetic material involved in breeding proces is of great importance in order to choose the most valuable genotypes with ability to efficiently combine desirable genes in progeny. The objective of this study was to utilize diallel method in order to estimate mode of inheritance, heterosis effect, combining abilities and components of genetic variance for important properties in sunflower and to identify those genotypes that can make progress in sunflower breeding. Present research had been carried out during 2012 and 2013 growing seasons. Evaluation included 6 sunflower genotypes and their 15 combinations which were crossed according to incomplete diallel. For seed yield/plant dominance of better parent (d+) was expressed as a mode of inheritance, while regarding thousand seed weight the most common modes of inheritance were dominance (d+) and partial dominance of better parent (pd+). The most common mode of inheritance regarding oil content was superdominance (sd+). Empirical estimates of combining abilities of genotypes involved in breeding process is main startegy in evaluation of breeding value. Regarding seed yield/plant significant and positive heterosis effect (28.9%) was calculated in combination Harkovski x Rodnik (P3xP5), while the highest heterosis effect for oil content (12.8%) was determined in combination Harkovski x Amaian (P3xP6). Combining ability analysis indicated that both genetic components, additive and non-additive, were important in expression of investigated traits. Components of genetic variance indicated prevalence of dominant component (H) compared to additive (D) and higher concentration of dominant genes (u) compared to recessive (v), in all investigated traits. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR-31025]

Sugar beet cultivars have different responses in various environments, such as different locations, years, mineral nutrition treatments or the combination of these factors, due to genotype × environment interaction. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) is one of the most commonly used multivariate methods for analysis and visualization of genotype × environment interaction data. The main goals of the present study were to (i) investigate the application of AMMI method in the analysis of genotype × fertilizer interaction in sugar beet, (ii) to assess genotype × fertilizer interaction, and (iii) to identify sugar beet cultivars with the most stable response and high yield performance across different mineral nutrition treatments. The trial with eight sugar beet cultivars was conducted in two successive growing seasons at Rimski šančevi, Serbia. The different levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilizers (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and their combinations represented specific environments for testing genotype × fertilizer interaction. Results from the analysis of variance indicated that the fertilizer treatment, cultivars, and their interaction significantly affected root yield variation in both seasons. Results from our study suggest that AMMI model with two and three first IPCA axes were recommended in 2014 and 2015, respectively. According to AMMI 1 and AMMI 2 biplot, E14 and E15 were high yielding and among the most stable treatments in both years. Among high yielding genotypes in 2014, G4 and G8 stand out as the most stable, while in the following year G3 had the lowest interaction score. AMMI analysis enabled identification of specific associations between cultivars and different mineral nutrition treatments, which was important for adjustment of fertilizer management for each cultivar in order to achieve high root yield with decreased and more rational fertilizer doses. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31015]

Small grain cereals in lower latitude areas usually mature under terminal drought conditions that affect their agronomic performance. An experiment was conducted to compare agronomic traits, grain yield, and protein content under control and terminal drought conditions of 15 two-row and 10 six-row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes. The experiment was set up at two locations for two growing seasons (2011, 2012) and two treatments. One treatment was terminal drought (D) simulated by the mechanical removal of all leaf blades 7 d after the heading of each genotype, and a control (C) treatment in which plants were left intact. On average, defoliation caused a greater reduction in grain yield and protein content of the six-row genotypes (37.6% and 12.3%, respectively) than the two-row genotypes (28.8% and 7.1%, respectively). On the other hand, test weight of six-row genotypes showed better tolerance to terminal drought. According to the multivariate function analysis, the genotypes of both types of barley with a high test weight, a longer uppermost internode, and a longer grain filling period had high protein content under terminal drought stress. In contrast to six-row genotypes, it is possible to breed two-row genotypes that not only have high grain yield but also high protein content under both optimal and drought stress conditions. © 2019, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to observe direct and joint effects of three factors (genotypes, ecological environmental conditions and the applied crop density) on the level of defoliation intensity and yield. Three inbred lines (G) of maize (G1–L217RfC, G2–L335/99 and G3–L76B004) were used in the study. The trials were performed in two years (Y) (Y1 = 2016 and Y2 = 2017) and in two locations (L) (L1 and L2) under four ecological conditions of the year–location interaction (E1–E4) and in two densities (D1 and D2) (50,000 and 65,000 plants ha−1). Prior to tasselling, the following five treatments of detasseling and defoliation (T) were applied: T1—control, no leaf removal only detasseling, T2–T5—removal of tassels and top leaves (from one to four top leaves). The defoliation treatments had the most pronounced effect on the yield reduction in G1 (T1–Tn+1… T5), p &lt, 0.05. The ecological conditions on yield variability were expressed under poor weather conditions (E3 and E4), while lower densities were less favorable for the application of defoliation treatments. The result of joint effects of factors was the lowest grain yield (896 kg/ha) in G3 in the variant E3D1 for T2 and the highest grain yield (11,389 kg/ha) in G3 in the variant E2D2 for T1. The smallest effect of the defoliation treatment was on the kernel row number (KRN).

The risks in agriculture due to climate change are highly specific because they largely depend on the agricultural system, latitude, topography, disposition, and other local conditions. As such, it is difficult to decide which mitigation and adaptation measures are the most suitable in a given country and which should be prioritized in planning and implementation. The objective of the paper is to present farmer and expert rankings of potential adaptation measures in Serbia’s agriculture, to compare the two perspectives, and to propose priority measures. Twenty-four measures are identified as most appropriate for adaptation to climate change in Serbia. Farmers (141) provided feedback on priority measures by responding to an online questionnaire, while experts evaluated the measures through a two-stage multicriteria decision-making analysis (MCDA). Applying AHP, ten experts first assessed seven criteria identified as most relevant, including: level of responsibility, category, implementation timeframe, multifunctionality, technical skills, cost-benefit ratio, and the mitigation effectiveness of the measure. In the second stage, the measures were evaluated against the criteria and ranked by TOPSIS. The outcomes of the study indicate that the MCDA ranking was slightly different from that resulting from farmers’ feedback. There is direct agreement on two of the first five priority measures (use of multi-purpose river reservoirs for water supply and agricultural technologies), and six of the first 10 measures – the most closely ranked are irrigation and antihail netting. However, there is a considerable difference in the case of measures that farmers and stakeholders do not recognize as significant because they either do not see a direct benefit for them (e.g. restoration of wetlands or vegetation and afforestation to prevent flooding or erosion), or they cannot implement the measures due to topography (e.g. use of drainage ditches for irrigation). The applied methodology shows that planning of adaptation measures requires consultation of experts in different fields and appreciation of numerous criteria, in order for decisions to be sustainable and applicable in practice.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important forage legume of temperate regions dominantly used as a source of animal food. The present research aimed at assessment of genetic diversity based on morphological markers, through the analyses of five morphological markers in a collection of 46 red clover genotypes. These morphological markers were screened according to the UPOV descriptor (2001) in the trial laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The traits analyzed and investigated were: time of flowering, growth habit, density of hairs, leaf color and intensity of white marks. The average value of Shannon's diversity index for five morphological markers amounted 0.711. Homogeneity analysis (HOMALS) of the same five descriptors accounted for 71.2% of the total variation of the standardized data, with the first and second axis explaining 38.4% and 32.8% of the morphological variability, respectively. Based on this analyses all red clover genotypes were grouped into seven homogeneous groups in two-dimensional space, thus providing visualization of genotypes diversity based on their morphological traits. UPGMA cluster analysis of the same morphological markers allowed the description of four groups with genetic distances represented by the simple matching coefficient of similarity ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. Observed results achieved by these two analyses were compared and although both of analyses were successful in grouping and discrimination of red clover genotypes with some similarities and differences, priority in future breeding programs was given to the HOMALS. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31024: Increasing market significance of forage crops by breeding and optimizing seed production technology]

Wheat related diploid species Ae. longissima (2n=2x=14, SlSl) has extensive storage protein variations that may provide useful gene resources for wheat quality improvement. In this work, five novel 1Sl-encoded x-type high molecular glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) were identified and designated as 1Slx-123, 1Slx-129, 1Slx1-136, 1Slx2-136 and 1Slx2.2, respectively. Their complete open reading frames (ORFs) were cloned and sequenced by AS-PCR, which contained 2874 bp (956 aa) for 1Slx-123, 2946 bp (979 aa) for 1Slx-129, 2901 bp (965 aa) for 1Slx1-136, 2982bp (991 aa) for 1Slx2-136 and 2928 bp (974 aa) for 1Slx2.2. Molecular characterization demonstrated that five unusual subunits had greater repetitive domains resulted from a larger fragment insertion (74-113 aa). Particularly, 1Slx-129 had an extra cysteine residue at the position 109 due to a TAT → TGT dot mutation, which may improve the formation of superior gluten macropolymer. Our results suggest that these unusual HMW-GS could be served as potential superior gene resources for improving wheat gluten quality. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HMW-GS genes from Glu-1Sx genomes had close evolutionary relationships with those of Glu-1Dx genome while sequences from Ae. speltoides aligned with those of B genome. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR-31069]

Gluten macropolymers (GMPs), formed by seed storage proteins glutenins and gliadins through intermolecular disulfide bond, confer dough viscoelasticity andwheat processing quality. Glutenins consist of highand low molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS, LMW-GS)encoded by Glu-1 and Glu-3 loci, respectively. The allelic variations at both loci have important effects on GMP content and breadmaking quality. In this study, GMP extraction and size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) separation were optimized, and then applied to investigate the effects of Glu-1 and Glu-3 allelic variations on GMP content using different wheat genotypes, chromosome substitution lines and near-isogenic lines (NILs). The results showed that the optimized GMP extraction and SE-HPLC protocol could obtain a reproducible separation and reliable quantitation of GMP content with small samples. The allelic variations at Glu-1 and Glu-3 were closely related to GMP content. Particularly, Glu-D1 dencoded 1Dx5+1Dy10 subunits, Glu-A3a and Glu-B3 hencoded an abundant LMW-B subunit respectively had positive effects on GMP content and bread making quality. The introgress of HMW-GS and LMW-GS into bread wheat from related genomes could significantly increase GMP content, indicating that wheat related species has potential gene resources for breadmaking quality improvement. Our results demonstrated that SE-HPLC could serve as an effective tool for rapid separation and quantitation of GMPs and had potential application for gluten quality screening in the early generations during wheat quality improvement program.

Melon is the most diverse species of the genus Cucumis, which is characterized by a rich diversity of shape, color and size of the fruit. This study has been conducted in order to select melon genotypes that will be used as starting material in melon breeding programs. Determination of general combining ability (GCA) is important for facilitating the selection of parents from which it is possible to get good commercial hybrids. Four monoecious genotypes (Sesame, ED-3, ED-4, Pobeditel) and 5 andromonoecious genotypes (Chinese muskmelon, Anannas, Fiata, Honey dew, A2-3lb) have been crossed (partial diallel design without reciprocal crosses) and used in the experiment. Andromonoecious lines were used only as pollen donors. The experiment was conducted during two vegetative seasons (2010 and 2011) in the experimental plots of the Institute for Vegetable Crops in Smederevska Palanka, Serbia (latitude 44°21’24.79’’N, longitude 20°56’55.70’’E, altitude 103 m). Fourteen melon characteristics were analyzed of which five related to flowering and sex expression, seven fruit, and two seed characteristics. According to the results, best general combiner for all five characteristics of sex expression was monoecious cultivar Sesame. In addition, great general combiner was A2-3lb, line that is characterized with extra small sized fruits. The best general combiner for the most observed fruit characteristics was cultivar Pobeditel, while the poorest combiner was genotype ED-3. If the aim of melon breeding will be to create hybrids with large fruit length, width, and weight - cultivar Pobeditel should be used. In this study, this cultivar has the largest, positive value of GCA, which is significant at the 0.01 level. The opposite, if the aim will be to create smaller melon hybrids with small fruit length, width and weight than genotype ED-3 should be used, which had the lowest value of GCA for this characteristics. Best general combiner for seeds weight and number of seeds is also cultivar Pobeditel.

Improving the production of different cultivated plant species is of great importance for both human and animals, as well as for industrial processing. In the light of global climate changing and searching for renewable sources of energy, this task becomes even more important. Scientists from different areas of research, are actively involved in solving this complex task. Climate changes represent a big challenge not only for agricultural practices, but also for the process of shaping agricultural strategies. Recent studies indicate that climate changes can not be stopped. Constantly growing problems brought by global climate changes could be, to a larger extent, overcome by breeding programs, along with application of adequate agrotechnical measures. Thus, development of new varieties and hybrids with improved performances in response to more frequent and unfavorable environmental conditions, is of prime importance in breeding centers. Unapređenje proizvodnje gajenih biljnih vrsta je od izuzetne važnosti, kako za ishranu ljudi i životinja, tako i za industrijsku preradu. U pogledu globalnih klimatskih promena i pronalaženja obnovljivih izvora energije, ovaj zadatak postaje još važniji. Naučnici iz različitih oblasti, aktivno su uključeni u rešavanje ovako kompleksnog zadatka. Klima koja se menja, predstavlja jako veliki izazov za poljoprivrednu praksu, ali i za proces oblikovanja poljoprivrednih strategija. Novija istraživanja ukazuju da se klimatske promene ne mogu zaustaviti. Kroz oplemenjivanje biljaka, uz adekvatnu agrotehniku, mogao bi se dati deo rešenja ili deo strategije delovanja u rešavanju narastajućih problema u poljoprivredi, koje donose globalne klimatske promene. Posebno su za ovo zainteresovani oplemenjivački centri koji imaju zadatak da stvore nove sorte i bolje hibride, koji će svojom genetikom moći uspešnije da se suprotstave sve većim izazovima.

Considering the worldwide importance of sunflower oil, objective of this study was to evaluate gene effects and combining abilities of six sunflower open pollinated varieties. Varieties were crossed according to incomplete diallel method and produced fifteen F1 progenies. Comparing the mean values of F1 progenies to parents mean in most cases superdominance was expressed as a mode of inheritance. Nonetheless, dominance of better parent and partial dominance of better parent were also recorded as a mode of inheritance. GCA/SCA ratio indicated greater importance of non-additive genetic component in oil content expression. The genetic variance analysis showed that dominant component was more important and dominant genes prevailed compared to recessive genes for oil content in sunflower.

Seven traits related to flowering and sex expression in melon were studied and their reaction to application of two growth regulators (ethrel and gibberellic acid) was observed. Four monoecious genotypes (Sesame, ED-3, ED-4, Pobeditel) and four andromonoecious genotypes (Chinese muskmelon, Anannas, Fiata, A2-3lb) had been used for experiments. According to the results, ethrel had higher effects on the investigated traits than gibberellic acid. Ethrel increased the number of perfect flowers per plant for 7.18 (31.42%), reduced the number of male flowers per plant for 21.47 (17.98%), affected earlier appearance of the first pistillate/perfect flower for 3.68 days, and delayed the appearance of the first staminate flower for 16.07 days. Changes in the last two traits caused an extension of the period from the emergence of the first pistillate/perfect to the first staminate flower from 0.1 to 21.57 days, which represents the strongest effect of ethrel. Gibberellic acid had generally opposite effects on the studied traits. Foram selecionadas sete características relacionadas ao florescimento e expressão do sexo no melão e, em seguida, observada a reação de dois reguladores de crescimento (Ethrel e ácido giberélico). Quatro genótipos de flores monóicas (Gergelim, ED-3, ED-4, Pobeditel) e quatro genótipos andromonóicos (Melão chinês, Anannas, Fiata, A2-3lb) foram ensaiados durante dois anos. Ethrel teve um efeito mais forte do que o ácido giberélico, aumentando o número de flores femininas/hermafrofitas por planta para 7,18 (40,61%) e reduzindo o número de flores masculinas para 21,47 (17,98%). Ethrel adiantou o aparecimento da primeira flor feminina/hermafrofita em 3,68 dias, e atrasou o aparecimento da primeira flor masculina em 16.07 dias. Como consequência, percebe-se que Ethrel prolonga o período entre o aparecimento da primeira flor fêmea/hermafrodita até a primeira flor masculina de 0,1 dia para 21,57 dias, sendo este o efeito mais forte (99,49%).

Response of 16 oilseed rape genotypes to B (boron) toxicity was analyzed by comparing the results of two experiments conducted in a glasshouse. In Experiment 1 plants were grown in standard nutrient solutions with 10 µMB (control) and 1000 µM B. Relative root and shoot growth varied from 20-120% and 31-117%, respectively. Variation in B concentration in shoots was also wide (206.5-441.7 µg B g-1 DW) as well as total B uptake by plant (62.3-281.2 µg B g1). Four selected genotypes were grown in Experiment 2 in pots filled with high B soil (8 kg ha-1 B; B8). Shoot growth was not affected by B8 treatment, while root and shoot B concentration was significantly increased compared to control. Genotypes Panther and Pronto which performed low relative root and shoot growth and high B accumulation in plants in Experiment 1, had good growth in B8 treatment. In Experiment 2 genotype NS-L-7 had significantly lower B concentration in shots under treatment B8, but also very high B accumulation in Experiment 1. In addition, cluster analyses classified genotypes in three groups according to traits contrasting in their significance for analyzing response to B toxicity. The first group included four varieties based on their shared characteristics that have small value for the relative growth of roots and shoots and large values of B concentration in shoot. In the second largest group were connected ten genotypes that are heterogeneous in traits and do not stand out on any characteristic. Genotypes NS-L-7 and Navajo were separated in the third group because they had big relative growth of root and shoot, but also a high concentration of B in the shoot, and high total B uptake. Results showed that none of tested genotypes could not be recommended for breeding process to tolerance for B toxicity. Izvod Odgovor 16 genotipova uljane repice na toksičnost B (bora) analizirana je poređenjem rezultata dva ogleda izvedenim u stakleniku. U Ogledu 1, biljke su gajene u hranljivim rastvorima sa dva tretmana B: 10 µM B (kontrola) i 1000 µM B (toksična koncentracija). Vrednosti za relativni porast korena i nadzemnog dela varirale su od 20-120% i 31-117%, po redu. Koncentracija B je takođe značajno varirala (206.5-441.7 µg B g-1 SM) kao i ukupno usvojena količina B po biljci. Na osnovu rezultata dobijenih u Ogledu 1 odabrana su četiri genotipa koja su u Ogledu 2 gajena u posudama sa zemljištem kome je dodat B preračunato za poljske uslove u količini od 8 kg ha-1 (B8) uz kontrolu..Toksične količine B nisu negativno uticale na porast biljaka, dok je koncentracija B u korenu i nadzemnoj masi značajno povećana u poređenju sa kontrolom. Iako su u Ogledu 1 zabeležene velike razlike u porastu biljaka i koncentraciji B u suvoj masi, rezultati dobijeni u Ogledu 2, nisu pokazali da je kod bilo kog genotipa prisutna tipična reakcija na osnovu koje bi bili svrstani u grupu osetljivih ili tolerantnih na tiksičnost B. Genotipovi Panther i Pronto kod kojih je u Ogledu 1 zabeležen mali relativni porast korena i nadzemnog dela, kao i velika koncentracija B u biljci, imali su dobar porast u tretmanu sa 8 kg ha-1. U Ogledu 2, kod genotipa NS-L-7 zabeležena je značajno niža koncnetracija B u nadzemnom delu biljaka, ali i velika akumulacija B u Ogledu 1. Kluster analizom genotipovi su podeljeni u tri grupe na osnovu relativnog porasta korena i nadzemnog dela, koncentracije B u njima i ukupnom usvajanju B po biljci, ali tako da ne ukazuju na eventualno postojanje otpornosti na toksičnost B. Istraživanje je pokazalo da ni jedan od 16 testiranih genotipova ne može da bude preporučen za proces oplemenjivanja za otpornost na toksičnost B.

Three wheat glutenin near isogenic lines (NILs) CB037A, CB037B and CB037C were used to investigate their quality properties and the transcriptional expression profiles of PDI gene family during grain development. Our purpose is to understand the relationships between the dynamic expression of different PDI genes and glutenin allelic compositions related to gluten quality. The results showed that glutenin allelic variations had no significant effects on main agronomic traits and yield performance, but resulted in clear gluten quality changes. CB037B with 5+10 subunits had higher glutenin macropolymer (GMP) content and better breadmaking quality than CB037A with 2+12 while the lack of Glu-B3h encoding one abundant B-subunit in CB037C significantly reduced GMP content, dough strength and breadmaking quality. The dynamic expression patterns of eight protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) genes during grain development detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed the close correlations between higher expression levels of PDI3-1, PDI5-1 and PDI8-1 and the presence of 5+10 subunits. Meanwhile, Glu-B3h silence resulted in significant decrease of expression levels of five PDI genes (PDI3-1, PDI5-1, PDI6-1, PDI7-2 and PDI8-1), suggesting the vital roles of certain PDI genes in glutenin and GMP synthesis and gluten quality formation.

Association analysis is a relatively novel approach in quantitative traits studies that allows high resolution mapping and time efficient and direct application on breeding material. Since the markers, which are close to the quantitative trait loci stable across environments and genetic BACKGROUND: s, may be valuable for marker assisted selection, we chose microsatellite markers previously linked to traits of interest in various mapping studies. A set of 36 microsatellite markers positioned near important maize (Zea mays L.) agronomic loci was used to evaluate genetic diversity and determine population structure. To verify the associations between the markers and traits, a panel of diverse maize inbred lines was genotyped with microsatellites and phenotyped for flowering time, yield and yield components. A relatively high level of polymorphism detected in number of alleles per locus (8.2), average polymorphic information content value (0.64), and average gene diversity (0.684) lines showed the analyzed panel of maize inbred contained significant genetic diversity and was suitable for association mapping. The population structure estimated by model-based clustering method grouped maize inbred lines into three clusters. The association analysis using the general linear and mixed linear models determined significant correlations between several agronomic traits and three microsatellites on chromosomes 3, 5, and 8, namely umc1025, bnlg1237, and bnlg162 consistent across the environments, explaining from 4.7% to 18.2% of total phenotypic variations. The results suggest that the chromosome regions containing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with multiple yield-related traits consistently across environments are potentially important targets for selection.

This study analyses the mode of inheritance of spike length in F3, F4 and F5 wheat hybrids obtained by pedigree, bulk and modified pedigree method of selection. Wheat hybrids were produced after crossing five varieties by M x N method. Three varieties were used as a female parent (Briscard, Carifen 12 and Rescler) and two as a male component (Francuska and PKB-Prelivka). Descendents in F2 generation were produced from 6 F1 hybrids (3 x 2). Selection after F2 generation were undertaken from 1996 to 1999, while in 2000 the field experiments with complete breeding material were set up at the Institute 'PKB INI Agroekonomik' in Padinska Skela near Belgrade. Spike length was measured in progeny generations, from F3 to F5. It was observed that progenies had higher values for spike length than better parent (BP, with longer spikes) in 5 out of 6 analyzed hybrids: Briscard x PKB-Prelivka, Carifen 12 x Francuska, Carifen 12 x PKB-Prelivka, Rescler x Francuska, and Rescler x PKB-Prelivka. From the above mentioned hybrid combinations, only Rescler x Francuska descendents in F5 generation obtained by pedigree and bulk selection inherited the spike length from the parent with lower value. High significant interaction was observed for spike length between genotype and generation of progenies in each of the applied selection methods. U radu je analiziran način nasleđivanja dužine klasa kod hibrida pšenice F3, F4 i F5 generacija dobijenih primenom pedigre, bulk i modifikovanog pedigre metoda selekcije. Hibridi pšenice dobijeni su ukrštanjem pet sorti, po M x N šemi ukrštanja. Sorte Briscard, Carifen 12 i Rescler korišćene su kao majke, a sorte Francuska i PKB-Prelivka kao očevi. Od šest F1 hibrida (3 x 2) proizvedena su potomstva F2 generacije. Selekcija iz F2 generacije trajala je od 1996. do 1999, a u 2000. godini postavljeni su poljski ogledi sa celokupnim selekcionim materijalom u Institutu 'PKB INI Agroekonomik' u Padinskoj Skeli pored Beograda. Praćena je osobina dužina klasa u generacijama potomstva, od F3 do F5 generacije. Uočeno je da potomstva imaju veću dužinu klasa nego bolji roditelj (BP, sa dužim klasom) kod 5 od 6 hibridnih kombinacija: Briscard x PKB-Prelivka, Carifen 12 x Francuska, Carifen 12 x PKB-Prelivka, Rescler x Francuska, Rescler x PKB-Prelivka. Kod navedenih hibridnih kombinacija, jedino generacijsko odstupanje u nasleđivanju bilo je u F5 generaciji kod hibrida Rescler x Francuska, gde su potomci ispoljili dužinu klasa slabijeg roditelja i pri pedigre i pri bulk metodu selekcije. Po vrednostima dužine klasa postojala je znatna interakcija između genotipova i generacija potomstva pri svakom od primenjenih metoda selekcije.

The content of dietary fibres (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, NDF, ADF), tryptophan and proteins, as well as their quality index were determined in whole grains of bread and durum wheat, rye, hull-less barley and hull-less oat, each represented with four genotypes. In addition, content of β-glucans in hull-less barley were determined. In average, hull-less barley and oat had the lowest content of hemicellulose (22.54 and 13.11% d.m., respectively), cellulose (1.36 and 1.41% d.m., respectively), lignin (0.98 and 0.49% d.m., respectively), as well as NDF (24.84 and 15.16% d.m., respectively) and ADF (2.30 and 2.04% d.m., respectively). In average, the highest content of hemicellulose was in durum wheat (33.47% d.m.), followed by rye (29.63% d.m.), and bread wheat (23.24% d.m.). Among tested hull-less barley genotypes the the content of β-glucans ranged from 4.1% d.m. (IWHBON 97-18) to 5.6% d.m. (Apolon). The highest content of proteins (on average 15.65% d.m.) and tryptophan (on average 0.206% d.m.) was in hull-less oat. Hull-less barley had the highest protein quality index (1.48%) followed by bread and durum wheat and hull-less oat (IQ 1.35, 1.34 and 1.31%, respectively), and rye (IQ 0.93%). The results indicate that there is genetic diversity in content of dietary fibres and proteins among tested genotypes and that it should be possible to selectively breed for lines with high nutrition capacities, as well as, to improved diet requirements. U zrnu genotipova hlebne i durum pšenice, raži, golozrnog ječma i golozrnog ovsa određen je sadžaj dijetalnih vlakana (celuloze, hemiceluloze, lignina, NDF-a, ADF- a), triptofana i proteina, kao i njihov indeks kvaliteta. Pored toga određen je i sadržaj β-glukana u zrnu četiri reprezentativna genotipa golozrnog ječma. U proseku, golozrni ječam i ovas imali su najniži sadržaj hemiceluloze (22.54 i 13.11% s.m.), celuloze (1.36 i 1.41% s.m.), lignina (0.98 i 0.49% s.m.), kao i NDF (24.84 i 15.16% s.m.) i ADF (2.30 i 2.04% s.m.). Najviši sadržaj hemiceluloze bio je u zrnu durum šenice (u proseku 33.47% s.m.), sledi raž (u proseku 29.63% s.m.) i hlebna pšenica (u proseku 23.24% s.m.). U zrnu ispitivanih genotipovima golozrnog ječma sadržaj β-glukana se kretao od 4.1% d.m. (IWHBON 97-18) do 5.6% d.m. (Apolon). Najviši sadržaj proteina (u proseku 15.65% d.m.) i triptofana (u proseku 0.206% d.m.) bio je u zrnu golozrnog ovsa. Najviši indeks kvaliteta proteina bio je u zrnu golozrnog ječma (u proseku 1.48%), sledi hlebna i durum pšenica i golozrni ovas (1.35, 1.34 i 1.31%), a zatim raž (0.93%). Rezultati ukazuju na genetičku divergentnost u sadržaju dijetalnih vlakana i proteina između ispitivanih genotipova i mogućnost odabira genotipova za selekcione linija visokog nutritivnog kapaciteta, kao za i poboljšane zahteva ishrane.

For much of the past century, mutagenesis has gained popularity in plant genetics research as a means of inducing novel genetic variation. Induced mutations have been applied for the past 40 years to produce mutant cultivars in sunflower by changing plant characteristics that significantly increase plant yield and quality. The present study is focused on generating baseline data to elucidate the role of genotypic differences in the response of sunflower to induced mutagenesis with the aim of expanding the applicability of the use of induced mutant stocks in the genetic improvement of the crop and in its functional genomics. The strategy adopted was to estimate the optimal treatment conditions (doses of mutagens) through relating the extent of damage in seedling progeny to the exposure levels of the initiating propagates to mutagens. Seeds of fifteen elite sunflower genotypes of commonly used as breeding stocks and grown on commercial scales were treated with a range of mutagens: gamma rays (γ rays); fast neutrons and with ethyl-methane-sulphonate (EMS) at different treatment doses. The three mutagenic agents affected seedling height, reducing it with increasing dosage. Based on the mutagen damage on seedling height, the 50% and 30% damage indices (D50 and D30, respectively) were estimated for the 15 sunflower genotypes for the three mutagens. The D50 (D30) values for the sunflower lines ranged from 120 to 325 Gy (5 to 207 Gy) for gamma irradiation; 9 to 21 Gy (0.1 to 10 Gy) for fast neutrons and 0.69 to 1.55% (0.01 to 0.68%) concentration of EMS.

The organisation of germplasm into genetically divergent groups is of extreme importance for the development of hybrid varieties in which the identification and exploitation of heterosis is very important for the final result of breeding. It can also be beneficial for breeding of self-pollination varieties, clones and synthetics. The discovery of heterotic groups in standard grain quality maize significantly improved the process of testing. The improvement in sweet maize was relatively modest in comparison to standard grain quality maize due to a relatively narrow genetic base of sweet maize, then poorly defined heterotic relations, scarce sources of germplasm that satisfy commercial standards, poor seed vigour, low quality of root and stalk, as well as, a short period of time for the estimation of yield and quality. The efficiency of hybrid breeding programmes would be significantly higher if heterosis could be predicted prior to the evaluation in the field. The application of the multivariate analysis method to data of phenotypic characterization according to the UPOV Descriptor was an attempt to establish whether such a procedure can be beneficial for the determination of related groups and whether the phenotypic distance, obtained on the basis of a visual estimation of a plant group, can be an indicator of heterosis. Obtained results indicate that clustering is highly analogous to the pedigree. Since sweet maize breeders have at their disposal less significant genetic variability and search for the development and defining of heterotic groups, as such a procedure can be useful in both, the process of the hybrids development and the process of new inbreed development and genetic variability increasing. Certainly, further systematic studies aimed at this direction are necessary to reliably ascertain that the phenotypic distance is a justifiable indicator of heterosis. Organizacija germ-plazme u genetički divergentne grupe je od izuzetne važnosti prilikom stvaranja hibridnih sorti, gde je identifikacija i iskorišćavanje fenomena heterozisa veoma važno za krajnji ishod oplemenjivanja. Ali takođe može biti od pomoći u oplemenjivanju slobodno oprašujućih sorti, klonova i sintetika. Otkriće heterotičnih grupa kod standardnog kukuruza je znatno unapredilo proces testiranja. Kod kukuruza šećerca, elativno uska genetička osnova, malobrojni izvori germ-plazme koji zadovoljavaju komercijalne standarde, slaba životna sposobnost semena, loš kvalitet korena i stabla kao i kratak period za ocenu prinosa i kvaliteta su razlozi relativno skromnog unapređenja prinosa u poređenju sa standardnim kukuruzom. Efikasnost hibridnih oplemenjivačkih programa bi se znatno moga povećati ako bi bilo moguće predvideti heterizis pre evaluacije u polju. Primenjujući multivarijacione metode statistike na podatke fenotipske karakterizacije po UPOV deskriptoru pokušano je da se istraži da li ovakva procedura može biti od pomoći prilikom određivanja grupa po srodnosti i da li fenotipska distanca, dobijena na osnovu vizuelne ocene grupe biljaka, može biti indikator heterozisa. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da postoji grupisanje koje je u visokoj saglasnosti sa pedigreom. Kako oplemenjivači kukuruza šećerca imaju na raspolaganju manju genetičku varijabilnost i u potrazi su za razvojem i definisanjem heterotičnih grupa, ovakva procedura može biti od koristi kako u procesu stvaranja hibrida tako i u procesu stvaranje novih linija i povećanja genetičke varijabilnosti. Svakako da su sistematska istraživanja u ovom pravcu potrebna da bi se moglo sa pouzdanošću tvrditi da je fenotipska distanca pouzdan indikator heterizisa.

Well-adapted local lines might be used as donors to improve existing commercial hybrids. The objective of this study was to identify the best burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) line among a group of four lines (SA 130, Bols 334, Barlej T and TN 90) from germplasm collection, for improving an elite single hybrid Bols 335 x TN 86. Values of three quantitative traits (number of leaves, total leaf area and leaf yield) were measured in two-year field experiments. Evaluation of donor lines as sources of new favorable alleles not present in the elite hybrid parent lines was conducted. According to Dudley (1984, 1987) the most significant class for improving quantitative traits is locus class G. Donor line TN 90 had positive values of the parameter μG for number of leaves and for total leaf area. Studied donor lines could not be use directly as the source of new alleles for the improvement of leaf yield in elite hybrid. The improvement of leaf yield in tobacco hybrid Bols 335 x TN 86 would be conducted indirectly via back crossing (TN 86 x TN 90) x TN 86. Significance of GxE interaction for studied traits indicates the same breeding method would be effective in broad range of environmental conditions. Na bazi srednjih vrednosti u dvogodišnjim ogledima, ispitivane su četiri linije (SA 130, Bols 334, Berlej 5, TN 90) iz kolekcije germplazme, kao potencijalni donori poželjnih alela za poboljšanje osobina (broj listova, površina listova i prinos lišca) elitnog prostog hibrida Bols 335 x TN 86. Analizom po metodu Dudley (1984,1987) konstatovano je da naveden linije mogu poslužiti kao potencijalni donori. Najznačajnija klasa za unapređenje kvantitativnih osobina je bila lokusna klasa G. Linija donor TN 90 ima pozitivne vrednosti parametra μG za broj listova i ukupnu površinu listova. Proučavane linije-donori, ne mogu biti korišćene direktno kao izvor novih alela za unapređenje prinosa lišća elitnog hibrida. Unapređenje prinosa kod hibrida Bols 335 x TN 86 je moguće indirektno, preko povratnog ukrštanja (TN 86 x TN 90) x TN 86. Značajnost interakcije GxE za proučavane osobine ukazuje da isti oplemenjivački metod može biti primenjen u širokom rangu ekoloških uslova.

In order to research the variability of average dry matter content in onion bulbs, the trial has been set up on the experimental plot in the Centre for Vegetable Crops in Smederevska Palanka during 2000. and 2001. The trial has been performed by applying the method of random block design with five replicas. Ten cultivars of different geographical origin have been used. Examined characteristics were determined by applying the variance analysis of two-factorial trial - model 2. Hadzivukovic, 1991. The components of phenotype variance, genotype and phenotype coefficient of variance and heritability in broader sense have been calculated according to SINGH and CHAUDHARY (1976). The significant variability has been found for dry matter content in bulbs during both years of research. The researched trait had a greater genotype variance than out door conditions factor variance and the coefficient of phenotype variation greater than genetic variance coefficient. High percentage of genetic variability in total phenotype variability has been confirmed by high heritability. . U cilju ispitivanja varijabilnosti prosečnog sadržaja suve materije u lukovicama crnog luka, postavljen je ogled na oglednom polju Centra za povrtarstvo u Smederevskoj Palanci u toku 2000. i 2001. godine. Ogled je izveden po slučajnom blok sistemu u pet ponavljanja. Za istraživački materijal korišćeno je deset sorata, različitog geografskog porekla. Utvrđene vrednosti ispitivanih svojstava su obrađene analizom varijanse dvofaktorijalnog ogleda-model 2. (Hadživuković, 1991). Komponente fenotipske varijanse, genotipski i fenotipski koeficijent varijacije i heritabilnost u širem smislu izračunate su prema Singh i Chaudhary (1976). Značajna varijabilnost je dobijena za prosečni sadržaj suve materije u lukovicama tokom obe godine istraživanja. Ispitivana osobina imala je varijansu genotipa veću od varijanse faktora spoljašnje sredine i koeficijent fenotipske varijacije veći od koeficijenta genetičke varijacije. Veći udeo genetičke u ukupnoj fenotipskoj varijabilnosti potvrđuje visoka heritabilnost. .

Stability of productive traits (fruit yield, essential oil content) of varieties of cultivated medicinal plants belonging to the species of the family Apiaceae was studied(anise, coriander, dill, parsley and fennel). The trial was carried out in five locations in 2001. The estimate of stability parameters was done after the method of Eberhart and Russell (1966). As expected significant differences for the fruit yield and the essential oil content were determined among studied genotypes. Significant F-test differences were obtained for locations, while the genotype x environment interaction, as a source of variability for the identification of the growing region, had significant values of the F-test. This was a starting point for the analysis of stability parameters of these traits. The most stable genotype is the one whose value of S(2)di tends towards 0. Bearing this in mind, the most, i.e. the least stable yield was recorded in coriander; i.e. parsley, respectively. A somewhat different situation arises from the values of S(2)di in relation to the essential oil content. According to the value of this parameter; the most, i.e. the least stable essential oil content was found in fennel., i.e. parsley, respectively.

Plus-hybrid effect refere to a combined effect of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and xenia in maize (Zea mays L.) It could be used in commercial production by growing a mixture of 80% CMS hybrid and 20% of another fertile hybrid. The aim of this research was to examine individual and combined CMS and xenia effects on two hybrids widely grown in Serbia. Sterile and fertile versions of ZP 1 and ZP 2 hybrids (three-way; Iodent x Lancaster dents) were used as females, while ZP 1, ZP 2, ZP 3, ZP 4, and ZP 5 (three-way or single cross; Iodent (BSSS) x Lancaster dents) were used as pollinators. All of them belong to medium maturity group. The trial was set up at one location in Serbia (Zemun Polje) in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Molecular analysis of the five genotypes was done using simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Plus-hybrid effect on grain yield ranged from -6.2% to 6.2%; on thousand kernel weight from -1.7% to 5.2%; on number of kernels per area from -1.0% to 8.0%. The poor response could be due to a use of three-way instead of single cross hybrids in S type of sterility. Modified Rogers’ distance between hybrids was in the range 0.211 to 0.378 and was not relevant for the effect, which depended mostly on the sterile hybrid genotype and the fertile hybrid pollinator ability. This approach should be more suitable for female hybrids with slightly poorer performance, already being produced on a sterile base.

Choice of an appropriate donor of alleles for use in reselection programs of existing inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) is crucial to the success of such programs. Well-adapted local inbred lines might be used as donors to improve a target genotype. The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate Serbian maize inbred lines as donors of favorable alleles for improvement of a single cross hybrid and (ii) estimate Dudley's relationship values to determine which inbred parent should be improved. Evaluation of four donor lines as sources of new favorable alleles for the yield of grain yield not present in the elite hybrid parent line was conducted, (Dudley, 1987a; 1987b). Each of the potential donors had significant values of the parameter mu G, so they can be used as the sources of new alleles in the improvement of elite hybrid A654 x Fu4 yield. The greatest number of favorable new alleles for the improvement of grain yield of hybrid A654 x Fu4 was recorded in inbred line ZPLB368. The improvement of yield in hybrid A654 x Fu4 would be conducted by improving inbred parent Fu4, since all donor lines showed higher genetic parentage with this parent than with A654. The best way for developing initial population is self-fertilization of F-1 generation (P-w x Fu4), which would allow greatest probability for obtaining new lines (improved Fu4).

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is the only species in the genus Onobrychis. Sainfoin is a Eurasian perennial herb that has purple flowers, curved pods and is naturalized in Europe, Asia and North America grasslands on calcareous soil. Sainfoin has been grown in parts of Europe and Asia for hundreds of years. Understanding the relationships among sainfoin ecogeographic, and chemical characteristics may provide insights for better utilizing exotic germplasm. Ten sainfoin populations, were sampled and determined in Serbia and B&H. Some chemical properties, such as crude protein, ash, fat, crude fibre, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, K/(Ca+Mg) ratio, and sulfur. Serbia is an important gene origin center for most legume species. Considering the high values of their traits, some Serbian sainfoin populations could serve as a valuable breeding material. In comparison with populations from other parts of the world, Serbian populations are superior in chemical properties and nutritional quality values.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the following parameters of silage maize ear length: variability of inbred lines and their diallel hybrids, superior-parent heterosis and general and special combining abilities. According to obtained results of the two-year study, it can be concluded that variability of this trait is significantly affected by a genotype and a genotype x year interaction. As expected, hybrids had greater average values of ear length than inbreeds due to the depression of this trait that occurs in inbreeds during inbreeding. The highest average value of heterosis for ear length was detected in the hybrid ZPLB 402 x ZPLB 406 (62.3% and 48.8% in 1997 and 1998, respectively). The estimation of combining abilities was done on the basis of diallel hybrids after the method established by Griffing, 1956a (method II, mathematical model I). The analysis of variance of combining ability for ear length indicated highly significant positive values of GCA and SCA for the observed trait in both years of investigation. Ear length inheritance was more affected by non-additive genes (dominance and epistasis) as indicated by the GCA to SCA ratio that was smaller than unity. The inbreeds ZPLB 401 and ZPLB 406 had high GCA effects, while the hybrid combinations ZPLB 401 x ZPLB 403. ZPLB 401 x ZPLB 402, ZPLB 401 x ZPLB 406 and ZPLB 403 x ZPLB 406 had high SCA effects in both investigation years. These hybrid combinations include both parents with high GCA effects or one parent with low GCA effects. Furthermore, there are combinations ZPLB 403 x ZPLB 405 and ZPLB 404 x ZPLB 405 with significant SCA effects that include parents with low GCA effects. This is probably a result of the additive type (additive x additive) of interaction between parents. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se za dužinu klipa silaznog kukuruza procene: varijabilnost šest inbred linija i njihovih dialelnih hibrida, heterozis u odnosu na boljeg roditelja i opšte i posebne kombinacione sposobnosti u dialelnom ukrštanju po metodi Griffing-a, 1956, (metod II, matematički model I). Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata dvogodišnjeg istraživanja može se zaključiti da na varijabilnost ove osobine značajno utiču genotip, i interakcija genotipa i godine. Hibridi su u odnosu na linije ispoljili veće prosečne vrednosti za dužinu klipa što je i očekivano obzirom da pri inbridingu dolazi do depresije ovih osobina kod linija. Najviša prosečna vrednost heterozisa za dužinu klipa je utvrđena za hibrid ZPLB402 x ZPLB406 (62,3% (1997) i 48,8% (1998)). Analiza varijanse kombinacionih sposobnosti za dužinu klipa je pokazala da postoje visoko značajne pozitivne vrednosti OKS i PKS za ovu ispitivanu osobinu u obe godine ispitivanja. Za nasleđivanje dužine klipa utvrđen je veći značaj neaditivnih gena (dominacije i epistaze) što pokazuje odnos OKS/PKS koji je bio manji od jedinice. Najbolji opšti kombinatori su u obe godine ispitivanja bile linije ZPLB401 i ZPLB406, a hibridne kombinacije ZPLB401 x ZPLB403, ZPLB401 x ZPLB402. ZPLB401 x ZPLB406 i ZPLB403 x ZPLB406 su sa značajnim efektima PKS u obe godine ispitivanja. One uključuju oba roditelja sa dobrim OKS ili jednog roditelja sa dobrim OKS i drugog sa lošijim OKS. Takođe imamo i hibridne kombinacije ZPLB403 x ZPLB405 i ZPLB404 x ZPLB405 koje su u obe godine ispitivanja imale značajne efekte PKS, a uključuju roditelje sa lošim OKS vrednostima. Ovo je verovatno posledica delovanja aditivnog tipa (aditivni x aditivni) interakcije među roditeljima.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the following parameters of maize grain yield: variability of inbred lines and their diallel hybrids superior-parent heterosis and general and special combining abilities. According to obtained results of the two-year study, it can be concluded that variability of this trait is significantly affected by a genotype, year and their interaction. As expected, hybrids had higher average grain yields than inbreds due to the depression of this trait that occurs in inbreds during inbreeding. The highest average value of heterosis for gain yield was detected in the hybrid ZPLB405 x ZPLB406 (123.0% and 178.1% in 1997 and 1998, respectively). The estimation of combining abilities was done on the basis of diallel hybrids after the method established by Griffing, 1956 (method II, mathematical model I). The analysis of variance of combining ability for grain yield indicated highly significant values of GCA and SCA for the observed trait in both study years. Grain yield inheritance was more affected by non-additive genes (dominance and epistasis) as indicated by the GCA to SCA ratio that was smaller than unity. The inbreds ZPLB401 and ZPLB406 had high GCA effects, while the hybrid combinations ZPLB40Î x ZPLB402, ZPLB401 x ZPLB403, ZPLB401 x ZPLB405, ZPLB402 x ZPLB406, ZPLB403 x ZPLB406, ZPLB404 x ZPLB406, ZPLB405 x ZPLB406 had high SCA effects in both study years. These hybrid combinations include one parent with high GCA effects and other with low GCA effects. Furthermore, there are combinations ZPLB402 x ZPLB405, ZPLB403 x ZPLB405 and ZPLB404 x ZPLB405 with significant SCA effects that include parents with low GCA effects. This is probably the result of the additive type (additive x additive) of interaction between parents. U radu za prinos zrna kukuruza izvršena je procena varijabilnosti inbred linija i njihovih diaielnih hibrida, heterozis u odnosu na boljeg roditelja i opšte i posebne kombinacione sposobnosti. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata dvogodišnjeg istraživanja može se zaključiti da na varijabilnost ove osobine značajno utiču genotip, godina i njihova interakcija. Hibridi su u odnosu na linije ispoljili veće prosečne vrednosti za prinos zrna što je i očekivano obzirom da pri inbridingu dolazi do depresije ove osobine kod linija. Najveći prinos zrna su imali hibridi ZPLB401 x ZPLB406 (1997) i ZPLB404 x ZPLB406 (1998). Za većinu hibridnih kombinacija utvrđene su visoke vrednosti heterozisa (-31.7 do 178.1 %), dok je hibrid ZPLB402 x ZPLB403 pokazao negativnu vrednost heterozisa za prinos zrna (-11.0 do -31.7%). Najviša prosečna vrednost heterozisa za prinos zrna je utvrđena za hibrid ZPLB405 x ZPLB406 (123.0% (1997) i 178.1% (1998). Procena kombinacionih sposobnosti je izvršena na bazi dialelnih hibrida po metodi Griffing-a, 1956, (metod II matematički model I). Analiza varijanse kombinacionih sposobnosti za prinos zrna je pokazala da postoje visoko značajne vrednosti OKS i PKS za ovu ispitivanu osobinu u obe godine. Za nasledjivanje prinosa zrna utvrđen je veći značaj neaditivnih gena (dominacije i epistaze) što pokazuje odnos OKS/PKS koji je bio manji od jedinice. Najbolji opšti kombinatori su bile linije ZPLB401 i ZPLB406, a hibridne kombinacije ZPLB401 x ZPLB402, ZPLB401 x ZPLB403, ZPLB401 x ZPLB405, ZPLB402 x ZPLB406, ZPLB403 x ZPLB406, ZPLB404 x ZPLB406, ZPLB405 x ZPLB406 su sa značajnim efektima PKS u obe godine ispitivanja. Sve hibridne kombinacije sa dobrim PKS uključuju oba roditelja sa dobrim ili jednog roditelja sa dobrim OKS i drugog sa lošijim OKS ili oba sa lošim OKS sposobnostima. Takođe, imamo i hibridne kombinacije ZPLB402 x ZPLB405, ZPLB403 x ZPLB405 i ZPLB404 x ZPLB405 koje su u obe godine ispitivanja imale značajne efekte PKS, a uključuju roditelje sa lošim OKS vrednostima. Ovo je verovatno posledica delovanja aditivnog tipa (aditivni x aditivni) interakcije među roditeljima.

Chromosomal mutations in barley (Hordeum vulgare, 2n=2x=14, HH) chromosome 7H added to the common wheat (Triticum aestivum, 2n=6x=42, AABBDD) cultivar Chinese Spring were induced genetically by the gametocidal activity of certain alien chromosomes derived from wild species of the genus Aegilops. The rearranged barley chromosomes were characterized by C-banding, FISH and GISH. Twenty two deletion or translocation chromosomes in a hemizygous condition were selected for deletion mapping of 17 AFLP and 28 STS markers that are specific to 7H. Of the 22 breakpoints in chromosome 7H, seven involved the short arm (7HS), 12 the long arm (7HL) and three were in the centromeric region. The seven 7HS breakpoints separated all four 7HS-specific AFLP markers and split the 21 STS markers into six groups. One breakpoint occurred between two STS markers formerly occupying the same position in the genetic map. All seven 7HS breakpoints were separated from each other by either the AFLP or STS markers. The 12 breakpoints in 7HL divided the 13 7HL-specific AFLP markers into seven groups, and the seven STS markers into three groups. On the other hand, the 12 breakpoints in 7HL were divided into six groups by the AFLP markers and into two groups by the STS markers. This deletion-based map was in accordance with previously published genetic and physical maps using the same STS markers. The breakpoints, AFLP markers and STS markers were arrayed in a consistent order.

Genetic control of low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) of nullisomictetrasomic (NT) and ditelocentric (DT) lines of Chinese Spring, and substitution lines of Cheyenne-Wichiita were investigated using acid-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE) analysis. The results showed that genes coding for about 20 LMW-GS could be localized on the short arms (Glu-3 loci) of homologous group 1 chromosomes. On the basis of linkages between Gli-1 loci and Glu-3 loci, several LMW-GS were showed to be coded by different Glu-3 loci by the analysis of F3 generation of Sana x Francuska hybrid. Of 8 LMW glutenin subunits analyzed, 2, 3 and 3 LMW-GS were controlled by Glu-A3, Glu-B3 and Glu-D3 locus, respectively. A-PAGE was capable of rapid, high-resolution separation of glutenin subunits. This system, thus, may become a more efficient alternative to routine SDS-PAGE for investigating composition and genetic control of wheat glutenin subunits.

Gliadin proteins extracted from fifteen Chinese and Yugoslav winter wheat cultivars were fractionated using a new separation technique – Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE). Different CZE conditions were defined to optimize resolution and reproducibility of gliadin separations. Excellent resolution and high reproducibility of gliadin CZE patterns were obtained by using 47 cm length, 50 μm i.d. capillaries at 15 kV and 30° C in sodium borate buffer system with acetonitrile (ACN) and sodium dodecyl sulfate. By using these CZE conditions, gliadin proteins from each cultivar were easily separated into more than 35 components. This resolution is generally superior to that of one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis and RH-HPLC. Analysis of reproducibility of gliadin CZE patterns from Chinese cultivar ‘Lumai 6’ showed that the average relative standard deviation (RSD) for peak migration times and heights was 0.21% and 4.06%, respectively. Gliadin electrophoregrams of all cultivars studied showed clear qualitative and quantitative differences, including presence or absence of some major peak, migration times and heights of peaks. Specifically, some closely related cultivars that were not differentiable by A-PAGE, were readily differentiated by CZE. In addition, winter wheat cultivars from China and Yugoslavia showed greater differences in gliadin compositions revealed by CZE.

The present paper deals with 1BL.1RS translocation and its influence on some technological parameters of winter wheat quality. Fourteen cultivars created in Yugoslavia which possess this translocation were compared to the same number of commercial cultivars without translocation. Cultivars with 1BL.1RS had higher values of loaf volume, crumb value, content of protein and content of maltose in the flour. Genotypes without the mentioned translocation appeared to have had an advantage over the content of wet gluten and sedimentation value (Zeleny). Path- coefficient analysis for genotypes without the mentioned translocation, demonstrated that the highest direct positive effect on loaf volume had sedimentation value (by Zeleny). In cultivars with 1BL. 1RS none of the studied direct effects were significant. This group of cultivars had a positive and stronger dependence of loaf volume from the content of wet gluten, which was the opposite of the group of cultivars without 1BL. 1RS, which points out the changes in relations between indirect and direct parameters of technological quality. The content of gluten and its changed nature, appear as first limiting factor in determination of technological quality of bread in cultivars with 1BL. 1RS, which points out that in future breeding for high technological quality special attention must be paid to this parameter.

Geneticists have been trying to explain adaptability and stability of a genotype in terms of a desirable combination of alleles expressed via epistasis. Stability determined in one set of data is very often stability of a genotype to a prevalent stress factor in a moment of carrying out the experiment. However, grain stability of a certain genotype can be a result of different factors, such as tolerance to drought, or to some important diseases and pests. Yield and yield stability of 15 maize hybrids were observed in 24 environments. The level of the interaction effect of studied maize hybrids was identified by the AMMI analysis, while a number of bands positively related to yield and stability of studied maize hybrids were identified by a genetic characterization by RAPD markers. Bands positively related to yields were present to a greater extent in parents originating from the BSSS population, while bands positively related to stability were more present in parents originating from the Lancaster population. Gentičari pokušavaju da objasne adaptabilnost i stabilnost genotipa u smislu poželjne kombinacije alela ispoljenih kroz epistazu. Međutim, stabinost definisana u jednom setu podataka je vrlo često zapravo stabilnost genotipa na dominantni stresni faktor u momentu izvođenja ogleda. Stoga, stabilnost rodnosti određenog genotipa može biti rezultat različitih faktora kao što su tolerantnost na sušu ili neku značajnu bolest ili štetočinu. U ovom radu ispitivan je nivo i stabilnost prinosa 15 hibrida kukuruza u 24 poljne sredine. Nivo interakcijskog efekta definisan je AMMI analizom. Genetička karakterizacija je urađena RAPD markerima. Trake pozitivno vezane za visok nivo prinosa su najčešće bile prisutne u roditeljima koji vode poreklo iz BSSS populacije dok su trake pozitivno vezane za stabilnost bile u značajnom procentu prisutne kod roditelja Lancaster populacije.

Purpose of this study was to estimate heritability, in broad and narrow sense, for sunflower plant height and head diameter in order to evaluate success of selection of these traits. Fifteen sunflower populations were evaluated. Heritability values, in broad and narrow sense, were estimated in order to find out the proportion of genetic and additive factors in phenotypic expression of these traits. Study showed that the broad sense heritability for plant height ranged from 6.73% to 72.53%, while in the narrow sense it ranged from 4.76% to 95.44%. The broad and narrow sense heritability, for head diameter, varied from 0.15% to 52.58% and from 26.27% to 94.61%. Differences in heritability estimates are attributable to different genetic BACKGROUND: of studied populations. Svrha ovog rada je bila da se proceni heritabilnost, u širem i užem smislu, za visinu biljke i prečnik glave kod suncokreta sa ciljem da se oceni uspeh selekcije ovih svojstava. Ispitivano je petnaest populacija suncokreta. Vrednosti heritabilnosti, u širem i užem smislu, su procenjene sa ciljem da se sazna udeo genetičkih i aditivnih faktora u fenotipskoj ekspresiji ovih svojstava. Studija je pokazala da se heritabilnost visine biljke, u širem smislu kretala od 6,73% do 72,53%, dok se u užem smislu kretala od 4,76% do 95,44%. Heritabilnost prečnika glave, u širem i užem smislu, varirala je od 0,15% do 52,58% i od 26,27% do 94,61%. Razlike u procenama heritabilnosti se mogu pripisati različitoj genetičkoj pozadini ispitivanih populacija.

In this work, 9 novel LMW-GS genes (6 LMW-m and 3 LMW-i type) from 4 diploid and 1 tetraploid Aegilops species were amplified and cloned by allelic-specific PCR. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences showed that 7 and 2 LMW-GS had 9 and 7 cysteines, respectively. Four LMW-m type subunits genes had an extra cysteine at the C-terminal III, which could form intermolecular disulphide bonds to extend the chains, and therefore would facilitate to form larger gluten polymers. This suggested that these genes are expected to be used as candidate genes for wheat quality improvement. The correlation between specific N-terminal sequences and a decapeptide deletion in the C-terminal II in LMW-GS encoded by D genome was found. Particularly, if LMW-GS possessed a METRCIPG-N-terminal beginning sequences and a decapeptide (LGQCSFQQPQ) deletion in the C-terminal II, they could be encoded by D genome.

The objective of the study was to provide new genetic variability in important agronomic traits that can be exploited for improvement of sunflower production. Seeds of eight sunflower inbred lines from gene collection of Institute of Field and Vegetables, Novi Sad were irradiated with gamma rays (γ) and fast neutrons (Nf) and treated in ethyle-methane-sulphonate (EMS) solution. The manifestation of mutations was mostly expressed in M2 and M3 generation. Seven mutants were developed; one early flowering, two short stature and one high, two with higher oil content and one branching. The stable progenies were evaluated in micro-plot tests in M6 generation for seed yield and other traits in comparison with respective original line. Further studies should be focused on testing new mutant lines in hybrid combinations, as well as the determination of inheritance of mutant traits.

In Serbia, basil has been grown traditionally as a decorative, medicinal, seasoning and ritual herb, and there is a variety of different populations of basil. Basil is considered to have been brought to Serbia in the 12th century by monks returning from their pilgrimages. Essential oils isolated from herb of ten basil populations traditionally grown on the territory of the Republic of Serbia have been analyzed. The selected populations have been designated under codes from T-1 to T-10 and deposited in the Plant Genes Bank of Serbia and at the Institute for Crop Sciences of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade. Essential oils of all tested basil populations were light yellow and had a specific aromatic scent. The composition of essential oil in the dry herb of the tested populations ranged from 0.87 to 1.84%. The results of gas chromatographic analysis of essential oils in tested basil populations pointed to their complex chemical composition and to the fact that they belong to the most appreciated European chemotype. In total, 33 components have been identified in the essential oils. The most common fraction of components in all tested oils was terpenoides. The predominant component in all essential oils is monoterpen linalol, ranging from 51.52 to 74.73%. Phenylpropranoid methylchavicol ranged from 2.49 to 18.97%. Essential oils of populations T-6, T-7, T-8 and T-10 were characterized by elevated 1.8-cineol (4.44, 3.70, 4.01 and 3.43%, respectively). Populations T-3 and T-4 in essential oil contained higher percent of geraniol (4.27 and 3.31%, respectively). In all ten essential oils sesquiterpen fraction consisted of greater number of components, with germacrene having special significance as it was found in high percentage in all populations. The highest content of germacrene was registered in population T-9 (4.30%), T-10 (4.18%), while in others it ranged from 2.17 to 3.69%. Basil populations traditionally grown in Serbia have exceptional quality. They represent an excellent raw material for the production of basil essential oils, for the needs of pharmaceutical, food and chemical industry. Analizirano je etarsko ulje izolovano iz herbe deset populacija bosiljka koje se tradicionalno gaje na teritoriji Republike Srbije. Sadržaj etarskog ulja u suvoj herbi ispitivanih populacija se kretao od 0,87 do 1,84%. Rezultati gasnohromatografske analize etarskih ulja ispitivanih populacija bosiljka ukazuju na njihov složen hemijski sastav i da pripadaju najcenjenijem evropskom hemotipu. Dominantna komponenta kod svih deset etarskih ulja je monoterpen linalol i kreće se u rasponu od 51,52 do 74,73%. Fenilpropranoid metil kavikol se kreće od 2,49 do 18,97%. Etarsko ulje populacija T6, T-7, T-8 i T-10 karakteriše se povišenim 1,8 cineolom (4,44, 3,70, 4,01 i 3,43%, redom). Populacije T-3 i T-4 u etarskom ulju sadrže veći procenat geraniola (4,27 i 3,31%, redom), Najveći sadržaj germakrena D registrovan je kod populacije T-9 (4,30%) i T-10 (4,18%), dok se kod ostalih kretao od 2,17 do 3,69%.

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of genotype and year on the dry matter yield, grain yield and nutritive value in six maize genotypes (ZP 434, NS 444, ZP 684, NS 6010, ZP 735 and Dunav). Studied genotypes belong to different maturity groups FAO 400 (ZP 434, NS 444 ultra), FAO 600 (ZP 684, NS 6010) and FAO 700 (ZP 735, Dunav). The field experiments were carried out in dry land farming in the region of Southwest Vojvodina province (Serbia), during the years 2006 and 2007. Genotype had significant effect on the Dry Matter Yield (DMY), Grain Yield (GY), Grain Starch Content (GSC), Grain Protein Content (GPC), Starch Yield (SY) and Protein Yield (PY). The genotype NS 6010 among the 6 genotypes had the highest DMY (24.0 ton ha(-1)), GY (12695 kg ha(-1)), SY (8951.8 kg ha(-1)) and PY (1225.9 kg hawe(-1)). Genotype NS 444 ultra statistically had the lowest DMY (17.8 ton ha(-1)), GPC (9.29%) and PY (925.0 kg ha(-1)). Also, the year have a significant effect on the all studied traits. Two years differed significantly in distribution of precipitation. In 2006, averages for genotypes, DMY, GY, GSC, GPC, SY and PY were significantly higher then in 2007 because of higher amount and distribution of precipitation, especially during the summer months of June to August. The GPC decreased with increasing GSC and GY.

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the effect of four pH levels of germination media (4, 5, 6 and 7) on seed germination energy (GE), germination (G), percentage of dead or infected seeds (DIS), percentage of hard seed (HS), normal (NS) and abnormal seedlings (AS), root length (RL), shoot length (ShL), seedling length (SeL), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of seedling, and seedling vigor index (SVI) in two red clover genotypes (cv. K-17 and cv. Kolubara). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory conditions of the Institute for Animal Husbandry in Belgrade in January 2011. The pH levels of germination media had significant effect on the NS (P (lt) 0.01), AS (P (lt) 0.01), RL (P (lt) 0.05), ShL (P (lt) 0.01), SeL (P (lt) 0.01), FW (P (lt) 0.01) and SVI (P (lt) 0.05). The lowest GE, G, NS, ShL, SeL, FW and SVI were found at pH 4. Also, the highest DIS, HS and AS were found at pH 4. The genotype had significant effect on HS (P (lt) 0.01), RL (P (lt) 0.01), ShL (P (lt) 0.01), SeL (P (lt) 0.01), FW (P (lt) 0.01) and SVI (P (lt) 0.01). Genotype and pH levels of germination media did not affect on GE, G, DIS and DW significantly. Cilj istraživanja bio je da se odredi uticaj različitih nivoa pH vrednosti (4, 5, 6 i 7) na energiju klijanja (EK), klijavost (K), neklijala i bolesna semena (NB), tvrda semena (TS), normalne klijance (NK), abnormalne klijance (AK), dužinu korena (DK), dužinu hipokotila (DH), ukupnu dužinu klijanca (UDK), svežu masu klijanaca (SvMK), suvu masu klijanaca (SuMK) i vigor indeks klijanaca (VIK) kod dva genotipa crvene deteline (cv. K-17 i cv. Kolubara). Ogledi su izvedeni u laboratorijskim uslovima u Institutu za stočarstvo u Beogradu, u januaru 2011. godine. pH vrednost imala je značajan uticaj na NK (P (lt) 0.01), NB (P (lt) 0.01), DK (P (lt) 0.05), DH (P (lt) 0.01), UDK (P (lt) 0.01), SvMK (P (lt) 0.01) i VIK (P (lt) 0.05). Najmanje vrednosti za EK, K, NK, DH, UDK, SvMK i VIK zabeležene su na pH 4. Takođe, najveća učestalost NB, TS i AK registrovana je na pH 4. Genotipovi su se značajno razlikovali za sledeće osobine: TS (P (lt) 0.01), DK (P (lt) 0.01), DH (P (lt) 0.01), UDK (P (lt) 0.01), SvMK (P (lt) 0.01) i VIK (P (lt) 0.01). Utvrđeno je da genotipovi i pH nemaju značajan uticaj na EK, K, NB i SuMK.