<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>Over the years, provision of extension and advisory services has been the main thrust of both the public and private extension services in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the lead farmer extension approach has been deployed for cost effectiveness, broader reach and sustainability. The utility value of this approach needs to be empirically established. This study therefore examined the extent to which the approach has achieved the intended objectives among randomly sampled maize farmers in Iseyin and Saki-West Local Government Areas (LGAs). Interview schedule and focus group discussion among farmer groups were used for the study. Lead farmer extension approach was cost and time effective vis-a-vis the number of farmers reached and the achieved outcome. Almost 70% of the lead farmers encountered late arrivals and impatience from group members during step-down training activities while all of them complained of insufficient funds for refreshment. About 65% of the farmers engaged in selective adoption of the training items owing to various reasons. There was also a significant difference between the knowledge level of the lead farmers and their respective group members while the group members’ assessment of their respective lead farmers’ performance was high. The study concluded that this extension approach was effective and could serve to complement the efforts of extension workers in the state.</abstract>

Lead Farmer Extension Approach and Sustainable Extension Service Delivery in Oyo State, Nigeria

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>The photoselective, light-dispersive shade nets can be used as an alternative to protect crops from adverse environmental conditions such as; excessive solar radiation, heat and drought stress, wind and hail, birds, flying pests, thus improving crop’s production, yield and quality. The physiological parameters discussed in the review include: vegetable growth parameters (leaf area, leaf chlorophyll), tissue structure, fruit ripening, physiological disorders, pest and disease incidence, fruit quality parameters (soluble solids content and titratable acidity), bioactive compounds (antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, carotenoid and flavonoid contents) and aroma volatile compounds at harvest. Also, it is evident in the reviewed literature that light quality influences the biosynthesis, accumulation and retention of vegetable phytochemicals, as well as the decay development during storage. These new strategies to modulate light quality should be conveyed to vegetable producing farmers, thus allowing them to preserve the freshness and post-harvest quality of vegetables for an extended period of time, and to meet the consumers demand for vegetables with high nutritional value all year round. Research on light manipulation in horticultural systems is necessary for a sustainable and market-oriented open field and greenhouse vegetable production in the future.</abstract>

Color Shade Nets Improve Vegetables Quality at Harvest and Maintain Quality During Storage

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>Biodiversity refers to genetic, species and ecosystems varieties within an area. Two main characteristics that should be investigated when considering biodiversity are richness and evenness. Richness is related to the number of different species in the analyzed area, while evenness corresponds to the homogeneity of the abundance of species. For quantifying these features, many indices have been defined, and this paper offers an overview of the most commonly used biodiversity indices, such as Shannon, Simpson, Margalef and Berger-Parker. The paper explains the process of calculating these indices on the case study example of four forest communities and discusses the results obtained. The Jaccard index analysis is used to discover a similarity between the analyzed forest communities. Results from this part of the research are visualized by creating appropriate dendrograms for making the interpretation easier. Calculating and analyzing these indices is useful not only for forest ecosystems, but for the other types of ecosystems as well, including agro-ecosystems. Biodiversity indices can be obtained in thespecialized software, for instance in EstimateS (Statistical Estimation of Species Richness and Shared Species from Samples), or by programming in the statistical package R, as it was done in this research.</abstract>

Measuring Biodiversity in Forest Communities – A Role of Biodiversity Indices

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>Niobium, osmium, scandium, tungsten and vanadium are transition metals naturally occuring in the environment, particularly in the Earth’s crust. Anthropogenic activities, primarily industrial technologies, have precipitated significant alternations in the concentration and distribution of these metals. Such a dramatic change resulted, by all means, in the bigger potential of the environmental exposure, which poses a threat not only to humans but to all biological systems. Certain elements naturally occur in the animal and human plasma and tissues, but their concentrations are sometimes too low to be detected using the existing modern technologies. In small amounts, such elements are not harmful and some of them have even been suggested to have a beneficial role in the human or animal physiology. However, exposure to excessive antropogenically elevated levels can exert serious negative effects on the environment, agriculture and health. The findings summarized in this paper provide a review of the current knowledge about the implications of the transition metals considered on the health, accentuating the insufficiency and need for more relevant data.</abstract>

Influence of Transition Metals on Animal and Human Health: A Review

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of two different types of microbial fertilizers, namely Micro-Vita I (containing several groups of Azotobacter, nitrifying microorganisms and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms) and Micro-Vita II (containing Azotobacter, nitrifying microorganisms, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and iron), on the yield and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris ssp. esculenta, cv Kestrel). Beetroots grown in the field without using microbial fertilizers served as the experimental control. The experiments were conducted in a field located in the village of Jurumleri, near Skopje, characterized by a well-drained and sandy soil, in 2013. The purpose of the study is to determine how different microbial fertilizers influence the production and quality of beetroot. The yields obtained were significantly higher in the beetroot grown using Micro-Vita II (69.43 t ha−1) and Micro-Vita I (58.13 t·ha−1) fertilizers, compared to the control yield (54.8 t/ha). The beetroot grown under the Micro-Vita I regime indicated significantly higher contents of vitamin C (6.86%), cellulose (13.79%) and protein (18.18%) compared to the control crops. Furthermore, the beetroot grown under the Micro-Vita II regime indicated significantly higher contents of vitamin C (14.71%), cellulose (27.59%), protein (44.62%), minerals (6.25%) and Fe (100%) compared to the control crops. According to the results obtained, the application of microbiological fertilizers is recommended for beetroot (cv. Kestrel), with regard to the beetroot quality and bioactive compounds, and can be used in organic farming.</abstract>

Yield and Quality of Beetroot (<italic>Beta vulgaris</italic> ssp. <italic>esculenta</italic> L.
) as a Result of Microbial Fertilizers

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>Sustainability of agricultural production in the world is in serious crisis. Interdependence of agricultural production and the environment is multiple and causality works both ways. On one hand, there are environmental changes which hamper food production, and on the other, the agricultural production, as it is, is severely damaging the environment. The very systems of agricultural production jeopardize future production. The goal of this paper is to explore causes of limitations of sustainable agricultural development in the world, where the authors emphasize the following: gas emissions with greenhouse effect, a disturbed cycle of nitrogen circulation and destruction of biodiversity.We explored the factors of interdependence of environment and agricultural production and possibilities of sustainable development with a methodological frame work of research, analyzing, comparing and synthesizing domestic and international literature. The authors propose a holistic approach to sustainable development, carefully suited to the regional and local circumstances.</abstract>

Jasmina Curić, Ph.D., Assistant, Department for Chemical - Technological sciences, State University of Novi Pazar,

Bahrija Kačar, Ph.D., Assistant, Department for Economic sciences, State University of Novi Pazar,

Selma Ikić, M.Sc., associate, Office for Local Economic Development, City Administration of Novi Pazar,

Interdependence of Agricultural Production and Environment and the Road to Sustainable Development

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
In the light of the current fertilizer crisis in Sri Lanka, there has been a notable increase in the demand for organic fertilizers. Consequently, Gliricidia sepium, a nitrogen-fixing tree, has emerged as a viable option serving as green manure and soil amendment in coconut plantations. However, determining the most appropriate stage for lopping Gliricidia to obtain its optimal nutrient compositions remains uncertain. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to identify the optimal lopping stage of G. sepium as soil amendment in coconut plantations. The experiment was conducted over three months in an established Gliricidia field, following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Plant samples were collected at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after initial cutting, corresponding to different growth stages. The samples were further analyzed to measure various growth parameters and nutrient contents across the lopping stages. The collected data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA at a 5% significance level on Minitab 17 software. The results revealed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in the mean values of growth metrics and nutrient contents across the lopping stages. As the plant matured, the leaf biomass percentage showed a descending trend while the stem biomass percentage had an ascending pattern. At 10 weeks, leaves displayed the highest nitrogen content (3.43%), thus representing the optimal stage for fulfilling the nitrogen requirements of adult coconut palms, with minimal leaf biomass. These findings have identified the optimal lopping stage of G. sepium to maximize its efficacy as green manure for coconut cultivation. It is recommended that future studies further explore potential positive impacts of utilizing G. sepium as an intercropped green manure, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the coconut sector.
</abstract>

Identification of the Optimal Lopping Stage of <italic>Gliricidia Sepium</italic> used as Manure for Coconut Plantations

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
In April 2021, the government of Sri Lanka abruptly banned chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals in a bid to safeguard the country’s agricultural industry, particularly its farmers and consumers, from various health and environmental concerns. Therefore, it is critical to assess the impact of prohibiting chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals on the smallholder tea production in the country. Additionally, understanding the smallholders’ awareness of agrochemicals and their attitudes toward transitioning to organic farming is essential, as these factors hold significant importance for various aspects of the economy. The Ratnapura district was selected as the research area, owing to its extensive tea cultivation across numerous Divisional Secretary (DS) divisions. For this study, a sample of 120 tea smallholders was randomly chosen from three DS divisions (Balangoda, Opanayaka, Imbulpe), representing the entire district, who supply green leaves to the ABC tea factory in Balangoda. Research data were collected through a field survey conducted between September and November 2022. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were employed for data analysis. Additionally, the costs incurred for chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals, the total cost of production, as well as tea production before and after the implementation of the fertilizer policy, were analyzed using paired t-tests. The results obtained indicate that the majority of tea smallholders possess a high level of education, with most owning tea lands ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 acre. Furthermore, a vast majority of them demonstrate understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of agrochemicals. Notably, the analysis reveals a significant increase in the cost of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals, as well as the total cost of production, following the implementation of the fertilizer policy. Conversely, tea production has shown a significant decrease. Moreover, farmers express willingness to transition gradually from conventional farming practices if suitable alternatives are available. However, they currently face a myriad of challenges due to the lack of effective alternatives for chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals. Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify and implement better alternatives to address their concerns.
</abstract>

Impact of the Sudden Ban on Chemical Fertilizers and Other Agrochemicals on Smallholder Tea Production in the Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
This paper presents the results of research on the dendroflora of the Natural Monument (NM) “Stari park” in Temerin, Serbia. The park’s natural values are intricately linked to the characteristics of its dendrofloristic elements, i.e. the large dimensions and age of its trees. To gain insight into changes in diversity, the flora recorded in 2004 and 2022 was compared. In 2022, a field study was conducted to provide a detailed dendroflora analysis, including taxonomic analysis, species origin analysis, assessment of the presence of autochthonous, allochthonous, and invasive species, as well as the biological spectrum. Although Celtis occidentalis L. remained the most represented species eighteen years later, its percentage decreased from 34% to 21%. This decline can be attributed to the emergence of new dominant species such as Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. (15%), Ulmus effusa Willd. (13%), and Acer platanoides L. (9%). These four species now collectively constitute 58% of the trees in the park.
</abstract>

Comparative Floristic Analysis (2004 and 2022) Of The Natural Monument “Stari Park” In Temerin, Serbia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
This study aims to investigate the potential for biodiesel production from oilseed crops in Serbia, using a novel assessment method. The method involves calculating the arable land area that can be utilized for raw material production for the biodiesel industry. The available land for the production of biodiesel feedstocks is determined by subtracting the land required to meet the food needs of the domestic population and livestock from the maximum oilseed production area, which is defined as 20% of the total arable land area in Serbia. The findings reveal that approximately 353,000 hectares of land are available for producing raw materials for biodiesel production without compromising the domestic food supply. This land can provide enough raw materials to produce up to 324,000 tonnes of biodiesel annually, equivalent to 15.2% of the total domestic diesel fuel consumption for transportation in 2021.
</abstract>

Biodiesel Production Potential from Oilseed Crops in Serbia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
The research analyzes the efficiency of investments in the agricultural sector of the Republic of Serbia. The data used in the research were sourced from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia and the Directorate for Agrarian Payments. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, there was an increase in the efficiency of agricultural investments. The results point to a significant increase in investments per hectare compared to the previously analyzed period (1996-2005). The data were processed using standard statistical instruments of descriptive statistics. Additionally, regression analysis was employed to show the impact of investments on the gross value added in this sector. It was established that over the period from 2012 to 2021, the effect of investments on the gross value added in agriculture was not statistically significant.
</abstract>

Efficiency Of Agricultural Investments In The Republic Of Serbia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
This study examined how fermentation and roasting alter the amino acid profile of infant food created from mixtures of sorghum and soybean. Sorghum and soybean were fermented, roasted and both fermented and roasted before milling into flours. Untreated sorghum and soybean flours were also produced to serve as the control. Except for the control samples, each blend had 5% malted sorghum flour added. Weaning foods were prepared with these blends, and their amino acid profiles were determined. The contents of essential amino acids, including histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine, ranged from 2.03 to 2.48 g/100g, 3.39 to 5.22 g/100g, 8.16 to 11.21 g/100g, 4.18 to 6.38 g/100g, 1.45 to 2.41 g/100g, 4.22 to 6.34 g/100g, 3.41 to 5.86 g/100g, 2.98 to 4.30 g/100g, and 4.01 to 6.33 g/100g, respectively. The contents of non-essential amino acids, including alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, and serine, varied between 3.31-6.13 g/100g, 4.93-7.32 g/100g, 10.23-14.33 g/100g, 1.38-2.35 g/100g, 13.64-16.84 g/100g, 3.99-6.35 g/100g, 3.59-5.34 g/100g, and 2.94-4.88 g/100g, respectively. The fermentation and roasting processes were found to significantly enhance the amino acid content of weaning foods with inconsistent effects. Therefore, optimizing these conditions is recommended for weaning blends to maximize health and nutritional benefits for infants and young children.
</abstract>

Influence of Fermentation and Roasting on the Amino Acid Profile of Infant Food Created from Mixtures of Sorghum and Soybean

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>The use of insects as “novel” and natural feed materials seems to be an attractive alternative protein source for poultry, pigs and fish since more than 80% of their chemical composition (dry weight basis) is crude protein and crude fat content. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine some chemical composition parameters of powdered mealworm larvae, as a potential animal feed as well as human novel food. It was found that the crude protein (55.83%) and crude fat (25.19%) content was predominant, as well as that the content of nitrogen-free extract was low. Coincided with the high protein content, the levels of the most important amino acids were found to be considerable, especially lysine (3.18%) and threonine (1.34%). Crude fibre content was 7.15%, while ash was 4.84%. The samples were found to be rich in most nutritive elements, especially phosphorus (1.06%) and potassium (1.12%) in terms of macroelements, and zinc (138.2 mg/kg) in terms of microelements. Based on our research and other experimental results, it can be concluded that meals from the insects originating from the order Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae (mealworms) may be successfully used as feed material in diets of livestock animals, especially poultry.</abstract>

Chemical Composition of Mealworm Larvae (<italic>Tenebrio molitor</italic>) Reared in Serbia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title>The modern apple production involves the use of large amounts of pesticides that can be found in processed products such as apple juice. Harmful effects of pesticide residues on humans, especially children, are well known, hence the content of pesticide residues in fruit, vegetables and their juices should be controlled. This study presents an application of a new, relatively simple and reliable analytical method for qualitative and quantitative determination of three organophosphorus and one organonitrogen pesticide residues in apple juices. The analysis utilizes reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) followed by UV diode array detection. Prior to HPLC analysis, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used for analytes concentration and sample clean-up. Specificity, selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and limit of quantification (LOQ) were examined to assess the validity of the developed method. The method had satisfactory values of multiple correlation coefficients for calibration curves (R2 ≥ 0.95
). The precision was evaluated for the retention times and peak areas, and the estimated values for relative standard deviations (RSD) were 0.05 % - 0.18 % and 0.09 % - 0.62 %, respectively, which indicated an excellent precision of the proposed method. Under the established conditions, the recovery of analytes was 93.80 % - 119.41 %, with relative standard deviations below 0.56 %. This method was successfully applied for determination of some organophosphorus and organonitrogen pesticide residues in apple juices which were taken from Macedonian markets. The achieved values for LOQs were low enough compared to the MRLs of the investigated pesticides in apple according to the Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Detectable residues of the examined pesticides were not found in the analyzed samples.</abstract>

Application of High Performance Liquid Chromatography to the Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Apple Juice

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Summary</title> This study tested the hypothesis that a third dimension of urban gardening, in the form of green terraces and balconies, is of immense importance to the public well-being, mitigating climate changes and contributing to a more pleasant life in highly urbanized zones. By means of a concise questionnaire, a total of 82 respondents of different age groups (20-70 years of age) were surveyed about their opinion on green terraces, balconies, and roofs, i.e. the plants and flowers they incorporate. The fieldwork and survey responses facilitated the design of ten different spaces in various conditions. The results obtained enabled the selection of plants which could be used in given conditions, depending on wind, insolation, shade, ground levels, precipitation, etc. A total of three different terraces (out of ten) and three different balconies (out of ten) were enrolled in the study. The research results indicate that ten minutes of gardening could reduce stress levels and restore the positive energy of residents. An increase in the overall plant diversity exerts positive aesthetic and ecological effects. Inner-city areas are often sparsely vegetated, devoid of plants, and densely built-up, thus terraces and balconies have the potential to be retrofitted with suitable greenery.</abstract>

Opportunities and Benefits of Green Balconies and Terraces in Urban Conditions

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
This study was conducted to compare and estimate the genetic variability among durum wheat lines in response to drought according to their grain yields and physiological traits. The use of fluorescence parameters as drought selection criteria for durum wheat was investigated in a population of 249 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two cultivars of durum wheat: ‘Svevo’ and ‘Kofa’. The durum wheat RILs considered were analyzed to determine the relationship between their grain yields and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters at the grain filling stage under drought stress (rainfed) and supplemental irrigation (irrigated) conditions during the 2004 and 2005 seasons at the ICARDA center. The results obtained show that the durum wheat line performance was influenced by drought stress, indicating significant differences between the grain yields and fluorescence parameters recorded under drought rainfed (RF) and irrigation (IR) conditions. Significant differences between the experimental groups of durum wheat RILs (P&lt;0.05) were only recorded under drought conditions, with the exception of leaf water potential (Lwp). Under such conditions, nearly all the parameters examined were significantly increased in the high-yielding group (with the exception of the Que parameter), thus revealing the genetic variability of the durum wheat lines considered in response to drought stress. The potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was found to be positively associated with the grain yield parameter. The mean values of Fv/Fm in both the high- and low-yielding groups significantly dropped under drought stress (0.71 and 0.68, respectively) compared to the Fv/Fm values recorded under irrigated conditions (0.80 and 0.81). Under drought conditions, slopes were highly significant (P&lt;0.001) nearly for all the fluorescence parameters examined (with the exception of CHLSPAD) compared to those recorded under irrigation conditions. It was concluded that chlorophyll content (SPAD), F0, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, Lwp, and Que could be used as additional indicators in screening wheat germplasm for drought tolerance.
</abstract>

Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Drought Tolerance in a Mapping Population of Durum Wheat

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Summary</title>
Chilli is a spicy crop which belongs to family Solanaceae. As a vegetable crop, it is considered as one of the major cultivated crops in the world seriously affected by the climatic changes, including elevation in temperature. Therefore, in this research various morpho-physiological characteristics of chilli were studied for heat tolerance under the influence of exogenous application of proline. This research was carried out in a growth room of the Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Four chilli genotypes were evaluated under the applied conditions. Seeds were grown in plastic pots. Heat stress (40/32 ºC day and night temperature) was applied 30 days after the emergence. Foliar spray of proline (0, 5 and 10 mM) was applied during heat stress, and after 7 days of stress the plants were harvested. The results revealed that the inhibition of chilli growth by heat stress was successfully mediated by proline application. Morphological attributes such as the number of leaves per plant, root and shoot length, plant fresh and dry weight were reduced in response to heat stress, and physiological attributes such as photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency and chlorophyll contents were also reduced in response to heat stress, except transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, which increased under heat stress and showed recovery by proline application. Exogenous application of proline promoted tolerance against heat stress in chilli genotypes and enhanced growth. All the observed traits exhibited recovery in response to proline stimulus, indicating the role of proline in mitigating the consequences of heat stress. Recovery also depends on genetic capability of various cultivars.
</abstract>

Role of Proline in Mitigating the Deleterious Effects of Heat Stress in Chillies

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Contemporary Agriculture

The Serbian Journal of Agricultural Sciences

 Contemporary Agriculture is the Official Journal of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad (Serbia). The journal has been published on the regular basis since 1953. During...

 Contemporary Agriculture is the Official Journal of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad (Serbia). The journal has been published on...

Contemporary Agriculture

The Serbian Journal of Agricultural Sciences

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