bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aphid population in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) production
Authors: ŽANIĆ Katja , BAN Dean , ŠKALJAC Marisa , DUMIČIĆ Gvozden , GORETA BAN Smiljana , ŽNIDARČIČ Dragan
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of PE black mulch with bare soil and hay cover against winged aphid number. In order to create management strategy in watermelon, flight dynamics of aphid population was recorded. The field experiment was set up as a randomized block design in three replications at Pula in Mediterranean region of Croatia. Aphids were collected weekly using yellow water metal traps. There were six sampling dates starting from 19 May until mulch was covered by plant canopy. We found significant difference in aphid number among the sampling dates as a result of their population dynamics on watermelon. The catches of two assessments in the second half of May were more numerous than during assessments in June. The flight maximum was recorded on 26 May and the population density significantly decreased from 9 June. There was not much effect of mulch on aphid number. However, at the peak of aphid population hay cover attracted 13% (26 May) and 18% (2 June) more aphids compared to bare soil.
Compounds of essential oils as markers of hop resistance (Humulus lupulus) to powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis)
Authors: CERENAK Andreja , KRALJ Dragica , JAVORNIK Branka
Published: December 2023

Field assessments of resistance to powdery mildew of 103 hop cultivars, analyses of hop essential oil and correlation between the score for powdery mildew and the relative percentage of essential oil compounds were performed over three years. Seven susceptibility markers (peaks 29 (methyl-5-methyl-hexanoate), 30 (myrcene), 34 (iso-amyl-iso-butyrate), 38 (1-8-cineole), 56 (methyl-octanoate), 88 (methyl decanoate) and 122 (undetermined peak)) and seven resistance markers (peaks 112 (santalene), 114 (germacrene-D), 118 (alpha-selinene), 138 (cariophylene epoxide), 26, 135 and 158 (undetermined peaks)) were selected from peaks with a positive or negative correlation between powdery mildew scores and their presence in the essential oil of extremely susceptible or resistance cultivars. The number and value of resistance/susceptibility markers decreased with an increase in the level of cultivar susceptibility/resistance. Susceptible cultivars mainly appeared to contain North American germplasm, while more resistant cultivars belong to European hops. Analysis of the presence/absence of the selected markers showed that the absence of susceptibility markers, particularly 30, 34 and 38, can be of practical value in resistance hop breeding.
Distribution of Thysanoptera species and their host plants in Croatia
Authors: RASPUDIĆ Emilija , IVEZIĆ Marija , BRMEŽ Mirjana , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: December 2023

Sampling of thrips species and their host plants were carried out from 1993 to 1996 on 111 localities in Croatia. Samples of thrips were taken from 235 different plant species. 33 thrips species from suborder Terebrantia and 14 thrips species from suborder Tubulifera were found in research. The most abundant species were onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and flower thrips (Frankliniella intonsa), which were found on host plants from 30 and 29 botanical families, respectively. Six new species for Croatia was recorded: Aeolothrips melaleucus, Oxythrips bicolor, Stenothrips graminum, Thrips linarius, Liothrips vaneeckei, and Poecilothrips albopictus.
Can we change stereotypes and improve the quality of life?
Authors: JOŠT Marijan
Published: December 2023

There are a number of generally accepted stereotypes. People base unsustainable behavior on some of them, thereby endangering their own species and all life on Earth. The most dangerous stereotype is that of the present as 'the century of science'. Actually, despite knowledge which doubles each year, thanks to globalization our generation will be the first in the history of humankind to lose more knowledge than it has gained. Based on a stereotype, human arrogance is endangering our existence on Earth. Mankind's treatment of the soil, water and air are clear examples, and this is discussed in detail. If people were to carefully recognize some stereotypes and discard them, the quality of life would gradually improve, and our striving for sustainability would be more realistic.
Out of approximately 250 thousand species of flowering plants, around three thousand are used by man for food. However, by far the largest amount of food for human beings is today supplied by a mere 20 different species. The small numbers of food crops make the human race quite vulnerable to environmental changes. Today, the variety of goods in the supermarket is largely superficial: the 1,500 articles that may be on display represent variations of only a few basic ingredients.
About ten thousand years ago, when people began harvesting the first domesticated plants, the Earth's human population was roughly four million. Today, that many people are born every ten days. If this trend continues after the year 2000, we will have to grow as much food in the first two decades of the new century as was produced over the past ten thousand years.
In light of these facts, the possibilities of and prospects for sustainable agriculture as a principal source of food are discussed.
Selenium induced lower respiratory potential in Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Authors: MECHORA Špela , GERM Mateja
Published: December 2023

Effect of selenium (Se) was studied in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cv. Olna in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Se was added to plants as foliary spraying. Quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) and respiratory potential measured as ETS activity of mitochondria were measured two times in the growing season. Respiratory potential was higher in young plants compared to mature plants. Se induced the lowering of respiratory potential. Addition of Se had no effect on quantum yield of photosystem II.
Dynamics of polyphenolics formation in different plant parts and different growth phases of selected buckwheat cultivars
Authors: BYSTRICKÁ Judita , VOLLMANNOVÁ Alena , MARGITANOVÁ Eva , ČIČOVÁ Iveta
Published: December 2023

The changes of dynamics of total polyphenolics formation in various anatomical parts (stems, leaves, flowers and seeds) of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) during vegetation period were surveyed. Six cultivars were analysed: Pyra, Spacinska, Emka, Kasho, Jana C1 and Hrusowska. The content of total polyphenolics was evaluated in growth phase I. (formation of buds), in phase II. (at the beginning of flowering), in phase III. (full blossoming) and in phase IV. (full ripeness). The total polyphenolics content was assessed by using Folin-Ciocalteau assay spectrophotometrically on Shimadzu UV-1800. When evaluating all four anatomical parts of common buckwheat we can state that the flowers contained the highest concentration of total polyphenolics where the values were in range from 14.93 to 25.16 mg.g-1. In last phase (IV. phase) where stems, leaves, and seeds were evaluated, buckwheat leaves exerted the highest content of these compounds, and the values were in range from 68.74 to 90.27 mg.g-1. Maximal increase of total phenolics content was manifested in each variety in phase IV., i.e. at the end of the vegetation period. From the standpoint of the content of total polyphenolics in individual anatomical parts the cultivars Pyra, Hrusowska and Emka were the most suitable ones as functional foods.
Establishment of agricultural drought monitoring at different spatial scales in southeastern Europe
Authors: SUŠNIK Andreja , POGAČAR Tjaša , GREGORIČ Gregor , ROŠKAR Jožef , CEGLAR Andrej
Published: December 2023

To detect temporal and spatial variability of drought is one of the most challenging issues of drought monitoring in the specific country or region due to the fact that there is no standard definition of severity and duration of different types of drought. Crop water deficit (CWD) simulated by crop water balance model IRRFIB supplemented with some in-situ soil water measurements by Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) measurement technique are proposed as tools for local agricultural drought monitoring in this study. Moving to regional drought monitoring the main constraint represents data availability of different sources. Available global data sets are of assistance for preparing regional drought monitoring products. In the study two specific products designed for regional scale are described: preliminary maps of the SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index) and products generated by implementation of numerical weather prediction model. It seems to be a lot of potential in both products for a first overview of key meteorological parameters in the region. The development of drought in the year 2009 was under examination and also yearly results for different periods after 1971. Dry periods in the year 2009 heavily impacted cereals in Slovenia. Maize yield showed best agreement with crop water deficit (r = 0.65) and SPI on the time scale of six months for September (r = 0.61). SPI was not suitable for describing agricultural drought in the periods with higher evapotranspiration rate. For more agricultural oriented drought monitoring more indices should be included into the consideration.
Environmental impact evaluation of innovation in traditional food production lines. Part II: case studies
Authors: OSOJNIK ČRNIVEC Ilja Gasan , MARINŠEK-LOGAR Romana
Published: December 2023

Case studies of environmental impact assessment were performed for production steps of three traditional food production lines (dairy cow breeding, dry-cured ham, Brassica sp. growing) in order to examine the previously constructed methodological framework. The emission inventory was obtained on the basis of initial experimental data. The emissions were aggregated accordingly for the characterization to environmental impact categories. The contribution of studied process steps to several environmental impact categories was assessed (greenhouse gas emission, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, use of resources and use of agricultural land).
Simple reparameterization to improve convergence in linear mixed models
Authors: GORJANC Gregor , FLISAR Tina , MARTÍNEZ-ÁVILA Jose Carlos , GARCÍA-CORTÉS Luis Alberto
Published: December 2023

Slow convergence and mixing are one of the main problems of Markov chain Monte Carlo (McMC) algorithms applied to mixed models in animal breeding. Poor convergence is to a large extent caused by high posterior correlation between variance components and solutions for the levels of associated effects. A simple reparameterization of the conventional model for variance component estimation is presented which improves McMC sampling and provides the same posterior distributions as the conventional model. Reparameterization is based on the rescaling of hierarchical (random) effects in a model, which alleviates posterior correlation. The developed model is compared against the conventional model using several simulated data sets. Results show that presented reparameterization has better behaviour of associated sampling methods and is several times more efficient for the low values of heritability.
Mass propagation of Solanum surattense Bum. using direct adventitious shoot organogenesis from internode
Authors: RAHMAN Md. Mahabubur , AMIN Muhammad Nurul , ISLAM Md. Zohurul , SULTANA Rubaiyat Sharmin
Published: December 2023

An efficient and reproducible procedure was established for direct shoot regeneration of Solanum surattense Bum. using internodal explants. The shoot regeneration efficiency on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) was superior in compared to 6-furfurylaminopurine (Kn). The highest mean number of shoots per explant was recorded on MS medium containing 0.5 mgl-1 BAP. BAP alone was more effective for shoot regeneration than combination of BAP and -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The number of shoot per explant was highest in the 4th subculture and then it was remained stable up to 6th subculture. The shoot number drastically reduced from 7th subculture when explants were repeated subculturing up to 8th subculture. Hundred percent adventitious shoots were rooted successively on half strength MS medium fortified with 0.05 mgl-1 NAA. At about 90% of the in vitro-propagated plantlets survived when they were transferred to ex vitro conditions for acclimatization.
Total RNA extraction method and Prunus species influence the detection of Plum pox potyvirus by real-time RT-PCR
Authors: MAVRIČ PLEŠKO Irena , VIRŠČEK MARN Mojca , TOPLAK Nataša
Published: December 2023

Successful total RNA (totRNA) extraction is a prerequisite for a successful real-time PCR. In the present work we compared one manual and one automated totRNA extraction method for detection of Plum pox potyvirus (PPV) in leaves of different Prunus sp. using developed real-time RT-PCR assay. Advantages and disadvantages of compared methods are described in the view of sensitivity, reproducibility and in terms of laboratory use. The results suggest that the column based totRNA extraction method is more effective for apricot, plum and peach. In the case of damson the differences in real-time PCR results between both extraction methods were negligible. In case of negative results obtained with automated method, manual column based extraction method should be used additionally.
PCR identification of rpgip1 transgene in Pisum sativum L.
Authors: POLOK Kornelia , JACOBSEN Hans-Jörg
Published: December 2023

Recent efforts to increase Ascochyta blight resistance of pea have focused on the introduction of foreign genes by genetic engineering. The rpgip1 gene from Rubus idaeus was introduced by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation into Pisum sativum, cv. Baroness with the aim to increase pea resistance to fungal diseases. Notwithstanding this success, practical applications have to be preceded by the development of analytical methods for screening. Singleplex and multiplex PCR assays were employed to test primer efficiency in identifying the rpgip1 transgene in 11 pea genotypes. Five from ten primer combinations were effective in identifying transgene or insert sequences. PCR amplification using five other primer pairs revealed unspecific amplicons. According to in silico analyses, they arose from retrotransposons and pea genes including homologues of rpgip1. Two sets of primers were prepared with the aim of simultaneous amplification of different rpgip1 fragments. Fingerprints were sums of bands observed from individual pairs so the utility of multiplex assays was demonstrated. An additional advantage of multiplex PCR was clear differentiation between the transgene and endogenous pgip genes present in the donor species, R. idaeus. Sequencing of two PCR products confirms that no substantial rearrangements at the rpgip1 transgene arose during development of transgenic plants. However, a deletion occurred at 59 bp in the PGIP+VST line and a substitution at 392 bp in the PGIP line. The frequency of point mutations was not high (1.1 x 10-3) and comparable with the frequency expected for host genes based on the neutral theory of molecular evolution.
comparison of number of deaths in accidents with the agriculture and forestry tractors among European countries
Authors: BERNIK Rajko , JERONČIČ Robert
Published: December 2023

Agricultural and forestry tractors are very often involved in accidents with overturning because of their construction with a high centre of gravity. Such accidents are caused by various factors such as drivers, vehicles, driving conditions, or landscape/terrain. The data related to the number of deaths in accidents with agriculture and forestry tractors was collected from several European countries. The landscapes (or terrain) of the countries for tractor traffic was assessed by the coefficient of the topography and the economic development level of the countries was evaluated in terms of the GDP. The correlation analysis among the factors showed us that neither the relief of the country landscape nor the economic development level of the countries have a significant influence on the number of deaths in such accidents. The essential influence is in the legislation for the tractors and drivers. The comparison of three countries (Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia) showed the implementation of legislation in this area and time are needed for reducing the number of deaths by half.
Contrastive responses of spring and winter wheat cultivars to chilling and acclimation treatments
Authors: HAJIBOLAND Roghieh , HABIBI Ghader
Published: December 2023

Photosynthesis and antioxidant defense system were investigated under chilling stress without (Ch, 25-4 ºC) and with acclimation (AcCh, 14-4 ºC) in winter (Sabalan) and spring (Zagros) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II and CO2 assimilation rate decreased in AcCh ‘Zagros’ but not in ‘Sabalan’, and in contrast, an increase in non-photochemical quenching was observed in ‘Sabalan’ but not in ‘Zagros’. Reduction of leaf starch content was observed in both cultivars while total soluble carbohydrates increased only in ‘Sabalan’ under both Ch and AcCh treatments. Activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher in Ch plants and activity of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase was slightly higher in Ch and AcCh plants of both cultivars compared with control. Activity of peroxidase increased in Ch and AcCh plants of ‘Zagros’ while phenylalanine ammoialyase (PAL) activity increased in AcCh ‘Sabalan’. Increase in the leaf content of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) was more prominent in ‘Zagros’ than in ‘Sabalan’. According to our results, chilling tolerance in winter cultivar was associated with greater thermal dissipation, higher soluble carbohydrates content, greater PAL activity and lower H2O2 and MDA content. Furthermore, acclimated plants were not more protected against chilling injury compared with non-acclimated ones.
Cultivation, varietal structure and possibilities for cross-pollination of Brassica napus L. in Slovenia
Authors: PIPAN Barbara , ŠUŠTAR-VOZLIČ Jelka , MEGLIČ Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Oilseed rape, Brassica napus L., is one of the most important oil plants of the moderate climatic zone and a typical industrial plant. In the past, dynamics of oilseed rape production in Slovenia was reflected in flexible agricultural market situation because of introduction of new crops into rotation and due to financial supports from European Union. In 2010, it was cultivated on 5351ha, accounting for about 1.1% of the total production areas in Slovenia. It is mainly grown in the eastern part of Slovenia (Pomurje, Podravje) and in the Spodnje-Posavska region. From 1984 until 2010, 58 different genotypes of oilseed and fodder rape were grown in Slovenia, of which a total of 28 were registered in the National List of Varieties in each year. Average yield of oilseed rape was ranged between 1.8 and 2.9 t/ha. Under Slovenian fragmented property structure the cross-pollination between B. napus and volunteer or feral populations (within and outside the production area) can occur. In addition to that, the presence of some sexually compatible relatives which have a high affinity to cross-pollination with B. napus are found (B. rapa, B. oleracea, B. nigra, Hirchfeldia incana, Raphanus raphanistrum, Sinapis arvensis, Diplotaxis erucoides, D. tenuifolia, D. muralis, S. alba, R. sativus and Rapistrum rugosum). Uncontrolled gene flow between different forms of B. napus or sexually compatible wild relatives in the case of coexistence of different production systems has a direct impact on the varietal purity of seeds and on crop quality.
Massive occurrence of Podagrica fuscicornis (L.) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) on common marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.)
Authors: BOHINC Tanja , VIDRIH Matej , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: December 2023

In May 2011 we noticed high number of Podagrica fuscicornis adults on the leaves of common marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) grown on Laboratory Field of Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana. In Slovenia, this beetle was already recorded earlier but it did not caused any damage on common marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). Due to the feeding of beetles on leaves, 1 to 2 mm large holes appear. By expecting climate changes, already known bionomics of some related species and giving more emphasis on herb production in the future, Chrysomelid P. fuscicornis might represent medium sized biological factor in producing common marshmallow.
Impact of fungicides and other preparations for seed treatment and different cultivation techniques on seed contamination of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori et Paol.)
Authors: ŠANTAVEC Igor , KOCJAN AČKO Darja
Published: December 2023

Contamination of cereal crops and their products could be a result of inappropriate cultivation techniques as well as disregarding usual agro-technical measures like the seed treatment with fungicides. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of pre-sowing seed treatment on wheat seed infection and contamination of produced grains from the field trial at the Biotechnical faculty (BF) and contamination of crop samples from Slovene farms with conventional and organic type of production. In our laboratory we performed grain incubation on agar with various disinfectants before sowing the grain on the field. We found that seed treatment with fungicides Maxim 050 FS and Vitavax 200-FF had significantly improved the health status (2% infected grains) compared to untreated processed seed (25% infected grains). The effectiveness of both tested fungicides was significantly better (2% infected grains) compared to the Agrostemin and Fitolife preparations, which are allowed in organic farming (15% infected grains). Compared to the untreated seed, treating the seeds with both fungicides and the Agrostemin preparation reduced visible ear contamination with fusariosis during the time of dough maturity. With incubation of grain from our field experiment with different seed treatments, the positive effect of fungicides on the health status of grain yield was confirmed (27% infected grains), compared to sowing of seed that was not treated with disinfectants (34% infected grains). When compared to the control group a positive effect of wheat seed treatment with disinfectants used in organic farming was determined. Furthermore, seed treatment with fungicides had a greater influence on improving the health status of produced grain, compared to the above mentioned preparations allowed in organic farming (29% infected grains). The effect of seed treatment on the health status of the grain was the greatest when using the Vitavax 200-FF fungicide. The percentage of infected grains in laboratory incubation of produced wheat grain on agar, sampled from eight Slovenian farms, ranged from 1.5 to 19.5%. Contamination of sampled grain from organic production (7% infected grains) was comparable with infection of grain from the conventional farming (8.4% infected grains), where the infection ranged from 1.5% to 19.5%.
Common agricultural policy Health Check: the beginning of CAP’s re-nationalization?
Authors: LOVEC Marko , ERJAVEC Emil
Published: December 2023

The article analyses Common agricultural policy (CAP) Health Check (HC) negotiations process and outcome. It proposes realist, structural economic model, based on Moravcsik’s liberal intergovernmental theory, which has distinct conceptual and methodological characteristics from major theoretical models on recent CAP reforms. Instead of focusing on institutionally embedded European policy-making, it is proposed that national interest articulation process is relatively autonomous, that common decisions are determined through two level distributional bargaining games and that policy changes are essentially underpinned by global development of competitive forces. Research is focused on formal statements and positions expressed by actors involved in the process, on economic rationale of different mechanisms and on CAP’s economic effects on different interest groups. Analysis which heavily draws from specialized first and second hand resources supports the proposed model. It is concluded that state-structured decision making and economic forces development are driving CAP reforms towards greater national flexibility in targeting and financing.
Application of multivariate principal component analysis to morphological characterization of indigenous goats in Southern Nigeria
Authors: OKPEKU Moses , YAKUBU Abdulmojeed , PETERS Sunday Olusola , OZOJE Michael Ohiokhuaobo , IKEOBI Christian Obiora Ndubuisi , ADEBAMBO Olufunmilayo Ayoka , IMUMORIN Ikhide Godwin
Published: December 2023

Phenotypic variation present in a population arises due to genotypic and environmental effects, and the magnitude of phenotypic variability differs under different environmental conditions, therefore, the purpose of this study was to objectively describe the linear type traits of extensively managed mature indigenous goats of Southern Nigeria and to predict body weight from their orthogonal shape characters using principal component analysis. Body weight and four body measurements namely, height at withers, neck length, body length and heart girth were measured in 265 randomly selected West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats of both sexes. RS goats had significantly (P < 0.05) higher morphological traits compared to their WAD counterparts. Sexual dimorphism was observed in all the traits with higher values recorded for males. Phenotypic correlations among body weight and biometric traits were positive and highly significant (r = 0.76–0.91 versus 0.82–0.97 and 0.66–0.94 versus 0.83–0.91 for WAD and RS female and male goats, respectively). In the varimax rotated principal component factor analysis, two factors were extracted for each sex of the two breeds, although with varying degrees of factor loadings. The principal component based regression models, which are preferable for selecting animals for optimal balance, accounted for 89.00 and 96.00% as well as 81.00 and 91.00% of the variation in body weight of female and male WAD and RS goats, respectively. The information obtained could be useful in designing appropriate management, selection and breeding programmes for utilization of goat genetic resources.
effect of linseed oil supplementation on performance, fatty acid composition and oxidative status of rabbits
Authors: TREBUŠAK Tina , LEVART Alenka , VOLJČ Mojca , TOMAŽIN Urška , PIRMAN Tatjana
Published: December 2023

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of linseed oil supplementation on performance, fatty acid composition and oxidative status of rabbits. Twelve male SIKA rabbits were divided into two groups. The control group (n = 4) received commercial diet and the linseed group (n = 8) received commercial diet containing 9% of linseed oil, which was sprayed onto the pellet. Rabbits were slaughtered at 115 days of age, 52 days after the start of the experiment. Live weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded. The fatty acid composition of muscle, adipose tissue and liver was determined by the in situ transesterification method and gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection (GC-FID). In order to evaluate the oxidative status of rabbits, the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plasma, liver and muscle were measured. The results show that it is possible to enhance proportion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in rabbit’s muscle, adipose tissue and liver by adding linseed oil in the diet without detrimental effect on productive performance. Linseed oil addition improved fatty acid composition in all tissues by increased PUFA proportion and decreased proportion of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid. Linseed oil also reduced n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in all tissues. However, linseed oil addition led to significantly higher MDA concentrations in plasma, liver and muscle. Since PUFA are highly susceptible to oxidation, further research is needed to focus on protecting animal and their products from lipid oxidation by adding various natural antioxidants to the diet.
Setting up a gene expression study for tissue cells by method of quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: DUŠANIĆ Daliborka , BOLHA Luka , NARAT Mojca , OVEN Irena
Published: December 2023

Gene expression analysis by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) allows accurate and sensitive measurment of gene expression levels. However, a series of steps needs to be taken to ensure the relevance, accuracy, correct interpretation and repeatability of the RT-qPCR experiment. We describe here a simple experiment of determining relative gene expression for caspase 8 gene in chicken chondrocytes treated with an apoptosis inducing compound 5-fluorouracil. We use this example to point out some important guidelines in setting up a gene expression study in tissue cells, analyzing and interpreting the results and reporting on the findings.
Determination of free amino acid content in the Slovenian drycured ham »Kraški pršut« and product characterization
Authors: JANEŠ Lucija , VELIKONJA BOLTA Špela , ŠKRLEP Martin , ČANDEK-POTOKAR Marjeta , PREVOLNIK Maja
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical profile of dry-cured ham selected and processed in accordance with the Slovenian consortium rules for »Kraški pršut« and to investigate the differences between the Biceps femoris (BF) and the Semimembranosus (SM) muscle. The free amino acid content, moisture, salt, protein, total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, proteolysis index, intramuscular fat and dry matter were analysed in 135 samples of dry-cured hams including both muscles. A modified method for sample preparation was developed for determination of free amino acids in dry-cured ham. The method was validated for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision and uncertainty. According to the validation parameters the method is appropriate for the determination of free amino acid content in dry-cured ham. Higher content for several free amino acids and total free amino acids were determined in the BF muscle compared to the SM muscle.
Comparison of methods for relative quantification of gene ex- pression using real-time PCR
Authors: BOLHA Luka , DUŠANIĆ Daliborka , NARAT Mojca , OVEN Irena
Published: December 2023

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) has become a widely used tool for quantifying gene expression. Several methods for relative quantification have been developed, enabling rapid and reliable detection and quantification of specific nucleic acids. These methods, based on qPCR include: the standard curve method, the efficiency calibrated method and the 2−ΔΔCq method. Here we analyzed if these three methods generate comparable results. To evaluate their performance, we analyzed the expression of the nuclease gene MS53_0284 from Mycoplasma synoviae type strain WVU 1853 during in vitro infection of CEC-32 cells, using qPCR. As determined, all three methods generated comparable and reliable results when all necessary conditions were fulfiled. Also, the efficiency calibrated and the standard curve methods were more suitable for quantifying small differences in relative gene expression than the 2−ΔΔCq method.
Asymbiotic seed germination of Phalenopsis Blume orchids after hand pollination
Authors: LESAR Helena , ČERANIČ Nataša , KASTELEC Damijana , LUTHAR Zlata
Published: December 2023

Seven commercial hybrids of Phalaenopsis were included in an asymbiotic germination experiment. Plants differed in size and color of flowers and number of inflorescences and flowers. A total of 109 flowers were included of which 60 or 55% were cross-pollinated and reciprocally pollinated. Seed capsules developed on 46 (76.7%) fertilized flowers. Of these, 38 (82.6%) produced seeds as a result of 19 combinations of cross crossing and 19 combinations of reciprocal crossing. Seeds were surface sterilized using 1.6% dichloroisocyanuric acid and inoculated in Petri dishes on commercial media Sigma P1056, in two repeats. There were 23.7% contaminated Petri dishes with seeds after sterilization. The highest average percentage of protocorms (43.1%) developed in cross crossing of plants 3x7, which statistically significantly differed (p < 0.001) from all other combinations of cross crossing except cross crossing 2x6 (30.6%). Crossing 2x6, 1x6 (8.1%) and 1x5 (5.5%) overlap and there were no statistically significant differences between them. There were no statistically significant differences among all of the remaining crossings. There was an overlap of groups among combinations of cross crossing with small flowers x big flowers and reciprocal crossing of big flowers x small flowers. In successful crossing combinations, first plants with two leaves and one or two roots developed only 80 days after seed inoculation on media. Plant no. 4 with the smallest green-yellow flowers was not compatible with any test plants. Seed capsules without seeds developed when plant 4 was a female plant and flowers just fell off when plant 4 was a male plant.
Influence of NaCl treatments on growth and biochemical parameters of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: JANMOHAMMADI Mohsen , ABBASI Amin , SABAGHNIA Naser
Published: December 2023

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is widely cultivated throughout the world for use as a medicinal plant and oil consumption purposes; however its salt tolerance has not been clarified. To investigate the effect of salt stress on its growth and on activity of antioxidative enzymes in different organs, castor bean plants at the 4-leaf stage were subjected to 50, 100 and 200 mM NaCl admixed to Hoagland’s solution for 10 days under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that salt stress inhibited plant growth (root and shoot length, fresh root and shot weight) but root growth was more affected then shoot. Relative water content of leaves and the membrane stability of the leaves were decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. The activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) was sharply decreased by escalation of salt stress. However activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was enhanced under moderate salt stress (100 mM NaCl) in both root and shoot but then decreased with increased NaCl concentration. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased with the increase of the concentration of NaCl in shoots and root. However alternation in enzymatic antioxidant activity was noticed in shoot compared to root. Increased H2O2, total soluble protein, proline content and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in both plant’s organs was linearly and positively correlated with increasing NaCl concentration. The results of this study suggest that the salt sensitivity of Castor bean plant under salt stress conditions is probably due to a lack of efficient activity of CAT and GPX probably lead to imperfect H2O2 scavenging.
Genetic diversity and correlation estimates for grain yield and quality traits in Kosovo local maize (Zea mays L.) populations
Authors: ALIU Sali , RUSINOVCI Imer , FETAHU Shukri , SIMEONOVSKA Emilija
Published: December 2023

The aim of the presented investigation was to estimate the genetic diversity, and correlation analysis among yield and quality traits in twenty local maize populations. The experiment was based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. In the study we compared grain yield, and quality traits such as protein, oil and starch content in grain. The results showed that there were significant differences among populations. The overall mean grain yield was 79.33 g plant-1 with the highest grain yield in population GBK-7 (105.13 g plant-1). The protein and oil contents ranged between 11.02 to 13.02% and 2.56 to 5.57%, respectively. The starch content varied from 68.58 to 70.92%. The first two canonical discriminant functions were significant at p < 0.01. It is important to point out the great relevance of the first two discriminant functions justifying 95.80% of the variability among populations. There were also big differences regarding phenotypic correlations. The study suggests that the quality traits are phenotypically and genotypically highly variable and therefore very useful for breeding process.
Testing of 'Gisela 5' and 'Santa Lucia 64' cherry rootstocks in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: DRKENDA Pakeza , SPAHIĆ Amna , SPAHIĆ Ajla , BEGIĆ-AKAGIĆ Asima
Published: December 2023

Cherry cultivation has a long tradition in Bosnia and Herzegovina mainly due to favorable climatic conditions for cherry growing in this region. However, current cherry production is insufficient because of prevailing old cultivars and rootstocks. Modern intensive production of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) requires planting of high quality cultivars on dwarfing rootstocks planted in high density orchards. Cherry rootstock breeding programs worldwide require data on tolerance and performance of their rootstocks in different climatic conditions. Therefore, the influence of two cherry rootstocks ('Gisela 5 and 'Santa Lucia 64') on phenological events (blooming), growth and pomological properties of two cherry cultivars ('Stella' and 'Burlat') planted in modern orchard (managed according to standard commercial practice for integrated fruit production), near Sarajevo was evaluated. The trees grafted on 'Gisela 5' rootstocks were planted in 2004 and on 'Santa Lucia 64' in 2005. All tress were trained in a spindle system and the analyzed parameters were monitored in 2010. Rootstocks greatly influenced blooming time, growth and fruit characteristics of both investigated cultivars. The weaker rootstock was 'Gisela 5', which stimulated earlier blooming and caused statistically significant better fruit characteristics (fruit size, % flesh of fruit as well as total soluble solids content in fruit). The results of the analysis showed that both cherry cultivars reached better fruit quality on 'Gisela 5'. 'Stella' had better fruit quality than 'Burlat'. 'Santa Lucia 64' proved a better rootstock for 'Burlat' than for 'Stella'.
Determination of water balance components with high precision weighing lysimeter in Kleče
Authors: ZUPANC Vesna , NOLZ Reinhard , CEPUDER Peter , BRAČIČ – ŽELEZNIK Branka , PINTAR Marina
Published: December 2023

Components of the basic water balance equation and water balance calculation for July 2011 for weighing lysimeter on water supply pumping station in Kleče, Ljubljana the presented. Lysimeter and outflow mass measured with high precision weighing cells and precipitation as determined from changes in the mass of the lysimeter were used in calculation. Precipitation measurements in the same time resolution as the lysimeter mass measurements would be needed for correct calculation of actual evapotranspiration. In time of high plant water requirements only substantial precipitation events directly contribute to immediate groundwater recharge. The low water retention of the aquifer sediments shows susceptibility of the aquifer to ground water pollution.
E-readiness of Rural ICT Offices for Rice e-marketing in Rasht Township, Iran
Authors: ALAVION Seyed Jaber , ALLAHYARI Mohammad Sadegh
Published: December 2023

Applying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in different economic sectors, especially the agricultural sector is increasing in developing countries. Rural ICT offices in Iran have an important role in decreasing the digital divide by representing internet, post and bank services; however they are not yet active in agricultural services. The present study seeks to survey the electronic readiness of 68 rural ICT offices in the rural area of Rasht in Guilan province, in the northern part of Iran. A five-point Likert type scale questionnaire was prepared, to survey socio-cultural, legal, connection and back-up services indices. Results indicated that intention to adopt, and legal aspects, required development, but the socio-cultural index had a better situation in comparison with others, and receptivity to agricultural electronic commerce (e-commerce) showed a high percentage among respondents. So this points to the necessity of creating an integrated website for rural offices to represent agricultural services. Also, the level of education and age of managers did not show any significant influence on receptivity to e-commerce, but internet skills and farmers visiting the offices have been important factors in receptivity to e-commerce.
Genska banka ajde - vir slovenske genetske variabilnosti
Authors: LUTHAR Zlata
Published: December 2023

Osnovni razlogi za zbiranje domačih vzorcev ajde po Sloveniji so bili predvsem v opuščanju pridelovanja domačih populacij in nadomestitev s tujimi uvoženimi sortami in populacijami, katerih seme je bilo na razpolago v zadostni količini pridelovalcem. Drug razlog je bil v nevarnosti, da se domače populacije skrižajo s tujim uvoženim materialom ali z novimi slovenskimi sortami in kot tretji razlog zbran material je nudil veliko variabilnost in možnost izbire ter uporabe kot vir genov za žlahtniteljsko delo. Pogosto so tam, kjer so se oz. se z žlahtnjenjem še ukvarjajo, kot potreba nastajale zbirke posameznih rastlinskih vrst. To so bili glavni razlogi pred 30 in več leti za zbiranje in reševanje gen fonda. Glede na dosedanje opise, bi lahko v grobem razdelili zbrani material v 2 skupini. Vzorce s sivimi semeni, ki imajo drobna siva semena in bele cvetove, le pri nekaterih populacijah se pojavljajo posamične rastline z rahlo roza cvetovi. Prilagojene so nižinskim in gričevnatim talnim in podnebnim razmeram, legam brez pogostih zgodnjih jesenskih slan in megla. V drugi skupini so populacije z nekoliko debelejšimi, temnimi - rjavimi semeni, osnovna barva cvetov je svetlo do temno roza, lahko se pojavijo posamične rastline z rahlo rdečimi cvetovi. Primerne so za višinske, hribovite lege s 7 do 10 dni krajšo rastno dobo. Konec septembra so primerne za žetev, saj jim v ugodnih klimatskih razmerah do takrat že odpade listje. Pri sivih populacijah pa listje odpade šele po prvih jesenskih slanah. Vzorci iz genske banke v preteklosti niso služili samo kot izhodiščni material za žlahtniteljsko delo (slovenske sorte ajde), ampak se je proučevala vitalnost semen, vsebnost polifenolov (tanina) v posameznih delih semen, genetska variabilnost in identifikacija vzorcev na nivoju DNA ter regeneracijska sposobnost v in vitro razmerah. Značilnost te zbirke je, da se je več ne dopolnjuje z domačimi populacijami, ker jih pridelovalci ne pridelujejo in jih na terenu ni možno več nabrati oz. dobiti.
Influence of seed priming on emergence and growth of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seedlings grown under salt stress
Authors: AYMEN Elouaer Mohamed , CHERIF Hannachi
Published: December 2023

Salinity is one of the biggest limiting factors for agriculture in semi-arid areas of the world. For this reason, an experiment was conducted to study the effect of seed priming with NaCl and CaCl2 on growth and yield responses of Tunisian coriander cultivar exposed to five levels of salinity (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 g l-1). Seeds of coriander were primed with aerated solutions of 0.13 M NaCl and CaCl2 for 24 h. Results indicated that with increasing salinity, emergence traits (total emergence, mean emergence time), growth parameters (plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight) and mineral contents (K+ and Ca2+) decreased, but to a less degree in primed seeds. In all of the salinity levels, primed seeds possessed higher emergence and growth rate than control. However, further studies are needed to highlight the effect of seed priming on yield and oil content of coriander under salt stress.
Production of rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) on plug trays and on a floating system in relation to reduced nitrate content
Authors: JAKŠE Marijana , HACIN Janez , KACJAN MARŠIĆ Nina
Published: December 2023

The effect of the growth system on the yield and nitrate content of rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) was evaluated in two experiments. In the first experiment, different sizes of cells in plug trays and different fertilization treatments were tested. In the second, a floating system was used with different substrates and the nitrate content in rocket leaves was analysed. The size of the cells did not affect the yield of rocket significantly but the yield was notably higher (2.02 - 2.21 kg m-2) when plugs were fertigated once per week with 6:12:36 + ME + natural biostimulant in comparison with plugs fertigated only with a water soluble fertilizer (1.53 - 1.74 kg m-2). The best yield was obtained in vermiculite and perlite in 20 ml cells (2.13 and 1.89 kg m-2). The different substrates used in the floating system had no effect on the dry matter content, which was on average 13.7 % and was significantly lower than the dry matter content of leaves grown in peat (19.1 %). The nitrate content in leaves measured a day before and 10 days after the replacement of the nutrient solution with tap water, fell greatly from 4,288-6,764 mg NO3 kg-1 FW to 52-634 mg NO3 kg-1 FW.
Wheat straw decomposition, N-mineralization and microbial biomass after 5 years of conservation tillage in Gleysol field
Authors: TURK Andrej , MIHELIČ Rok
Published: December 2023

Long-term field experiment to follow various effects of conservation soil tillage is conducted at Biotechnical faculty in Ljubljana. The soil is Eutric Gleysol. Conventional treatment with plowing, 22 cm deep P, and conservation treatment by rotary harrow to a depth of 10 cm N, and subplots with compost amendment (-c) and without fertilization (-n) were observed. After 5 years nutrient contents and organic matter were higher in N than P. Compost addition had a positive effect on microbial biomass, but the tillage system did not affect it. However, nitrogen mineralization and decomposition of straw were higher in P as in N, and in the soil depth of 15 – 20 cm than in the 5 – 10 cm.
Contribution of agricultural policy measures to maintain grassland areas (the case of Radensko Polje Landscape Park)
Authors: ŽGAVEC Dubravka , ELER Klemen , UDOVČ Andrej , BATIČ Franc
Published: December 2023

Within this research paper, the enforcement of agricultural policy measures for farms that have their agricultural lands within the Radensko Polje Landscape Park (RPLP) were studied. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the additional payment for the extensive rearing of female bovine animals (ERB) and agri-environmental measures (AE measures) in terms of maintaining extensive agricultural systems or transitions from intensive systems to sustainable ones. This is especially desirable in the protected areas that also include landscape parks. The results of the survey of farmers of RPLP showed that both the ERB and AE measures are inefficient and fail to encourage farmers to implement more extensive farming. The main reasons for the poor enforcement of claims for ERB are intensive livestock production (milk production or bovine animals fattening), and the lack of information about the possibility of claim enforcement for ERB. Regarding AE measures, the main reasons for the failure are burdensome conditions and low financial compensation. Inventories of the composition of plant species on sample grasslands showed that the conditions of the habitats are still relatively good, because a relatively large number of species of high conservation value is present.