University of Belgrade Faculty of Agriculture

EU Projects Collaborations:

Challenges for Research

Improvements in Agriculture

Programme and Abstracts

Belgrade, 2-4 June, 2014

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International Conference

EU Project Collaborations: Challenges for Research Improvements in Agriculture

2-4 June, 2014, Belgrade, Serbia Organization Committee

Zorica Jovanović (president), Zora Dajić Stevanović, Vera Raičević, Aleksa Obradović, Viktor Nedović, Dragana Božić, Jelena Jovičić Petrović, Jelena Miočinović, Saša Despotović, Marko Stanković, Bogdan Mladenović Scientific Committee

Radmila Stikić (president, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia) Predrag Puđa (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia) Branka Krstić (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia) Đurđina Ružić (Fruit Research Institute, Čačak,Serbia) Željka Dukić (Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia) Sven-Erik Jacobsen (University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark) Finn Plauborg (Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark) Nadia Bertin (INRA, Avignon, France) Tiziana Mascia (University of Bari, Bari, Italy) Jaap Janse (Dutch General Inspection Service, Emmeloord, The Netherlands) Tijana Blanuša (University of Reading, Royal Horticultural Society, Reading, UK) Marijana Todorčević (Nofima Marine, Ås, Norway) ______________________________________________________________________________________ Publisher Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade,

Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia Editor Radmila Stikić Technical editor Slavica Klarić Graphic design Ana Humljan Printed by Kaktus Print, Belgrade Number of copies 150

____________________________________________________________________________ CIP - Каталогизација у публикацији Народна библиотека Србије, Београд 631(048) INTERNATIONAL Conference EU Projects Collaborations: Challenges for Research Improvements in Agriculture (2014 ; Belgrade); Programme and Abstracts / [International Conference] EU Projects Collaborations: Challenges for Research Improvements in Agriculture, Belgrade, June 2-4, 2014; [editor Radmila Stikić]. - 1. izd. - Belgrade : Faculty of Agriculture, 2014, (Belgrade : Kaktus print). - 111 str.: ilustr. ; 25 cm Tiraž 150. - Registar. ISBN 978-86-7834-197-7 a) Пољопривреда - Апстракти COBISS.SR-ID 207535372

Conference is supported by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement no 316004.

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EU PROJECT COLLABORATIONS – CHALLENGE FOR RESEARCH IMPROVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE 2-4 June, 2014, Belgrade, Serbia

PROGRAMME

Monday, 2nd June 2014 8.30-9.30 The arrival of participants and registration 9.30-9.45 Conference opening Chairmans: Prof. Radmila Stikić, Prof. Predrag Puđa, Prof. Tiziana Mascia 9.45-10.15 Serbian participation in EU programmes

Željka Dukić, Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia

10.20-10.50 How to deal with Horizon 2020 Finn Plauborg, Aarhus University, Denmark

10.55-11.25 EUFIC and EU-funded research: learning from involvement Milka Sokolović, European Food Information Council, Belgium 11.30-12.00 Coffee break 12.00-12.30 Unresolved issues in Europe relating to food integrity

Elena Maestri, Nelson Marmiroli, University of Parma, Italy

12.35-13.05 Working with industry and SMEs: a horticulture perspective Paul Hadley, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, UK

13.10-14.10 Lunch Chairmans: Dr. Finn Plauborg, Dr. Kostas Chartzoulakis, Prof. Vera Raičević 14.10-14.40 FP7–SEE-ERA.NET-SEELEGUMES: achievements and challenges

Branko Ćupina, Faculty of Agriculture, Novi Sad, Serbia

14.45-15.15 Management experience of SEE-ERA.NET PLUS project "HRV & MNE ENDANGERED GRAPES (ERA-091)" Ivan Pejić, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia

15.20-15.50 Coffee break

15.50-16.20 Benefit of bilateral project between Serbia and France to improve the expertise in histological analysis of tomato pericarp exposed to different irrigation techniques Nadia Bertin1, Ilinka Pećinar2, Dragana Rančić2, Sofija Pekić Quarrie2, Slaviša Đorđević2, Radenko Radošević2, Catherine Cheniclet3, Radmila Stikić2, 1INRA, France; 2Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 3University of Bordeaux, France

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16.25-16.55 International collaborative research on legumes Vuk Đorđević, Aleksandar Mikić, Jegor Miladinović, Svetlana Balešević- Tubić, Dragana Miladinović, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad,Serbia

17.00-17.30 Development and networking initiatives: declarations vs forward looks

Peter Raspor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia

Tuesday, 3rd June 2014 Chairmans: Prof. Elena Maestri, Prof. Paul Hadley, Prof. Zora Dajić Stevanović 9.00-9.30 European research projects in the area of food: experience and

perspective Jovanka Lević, Nebojša Ilić, Institute of Food Technology, Novi Sad, Serbia

9.35-10.05 Parasitic zoonoses: a challenge to food safety, a challenge for research

Olgica Đurković-Đaković, Institute for Medical Research, Belgrade, Serbia

10.10-10.40 Building up cooperation to afford new challenges in plant protection: the Resistvir experience Donato Gallitelli, Tiziana Mascia, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro,

Italy

10.45 -11.15 Coffee break 11.15-11.45 International cooperation in the field of bacterial diseases of plants –

some examples from the Netherlands Jaap Janse, Dutch General Inspection Service, The Netherlands

11.50-12.20 Sustainable water management in agriculture under climate change Kostas Chartzoulakis, Institute for Olives and Subtropical Plants, Chania,

Greece

12.25 -12.55 Time for EU projects Sven-Erik Jacobsen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

13.00-14.00 Lunch Chairmans: Prof. Sven-Erik Jacobsen, Prof. Ivan Pejić, Prof. Sava Vrbničanin 14.00-14.30 FP7 funded research-from start to result: a food safety perspective of

FP7 projects Veg-i-Trade and Aquavalens and future Horizon 2020 initiative Andreja Rajković, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia

14.35-15.05 Improvement of common carp production in Serbia through EU founded cooperation Marijana Todorčević1, Stanko Škugor1, Božidar Rašković2, Milan Spasić2, Marko Stanković2, Mette Sørensen1, Kari Kolstad1, Arne Kittelsen1, Galina Jeney3, Zsigmond Jeney 3, Zorka Dulić1, Vesna Poleksić1, Zoran Marković1, 1Nofima, Norway; 2Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 3Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation, Szarvas, Hungary

15.10-15.20 Experiences in FEDD for HEALTH COST action

Đuro Vukmirović, Jovanka Lević, Dušica Čolović, Bojana Kokić, Radmilo Čolović, Institute of Food Technology, Novi Sad, Serbia

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15.25-15.35 Some experiences of the Fruit Research Institute associates during FP7 project participation Đurđina Ružić1, Tatjana Vujović1, Radosav Cerović2, Aleksandar Leposavić1,

Žaklina Karaklajić-Stajić1, Olga Mitrović1, 1Fruit Research Institute, Čačak, Serbia; 2Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, Serbia 15.40-16.10 Coffee break 16.10-16.20 Bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Slovak

Republic Bojana Kokić, Jovanka Lević, Ljiljana Kostadinović, Vojislav Banjac, Ana Varga, Institute of Food Technology, Novi Sad, Serbia

16.25-16.35 Texture analysis as a tool for determination of dairy products quality Jelena Miočinović1, Aleksandar Nedeljković1, Zorica Radulović1, Mira Radovanović1, Predrag Puđa1, Koen Dewwetnick2, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Gent University, Belgium

16.40-16.50 Contamination of plants by human pathogen bacteria: methods for

detection and identification Igor Kljujev1, Vera Raičević, Michael Schmid2, Michael Rothballer2, Anton

Hartmann2, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany

16.55-17.05 Trends and perspectives in the clonal selection of Oblačinska

sour cherry Dragan Nikolić, Milica Fotirić-Akšić, Vera Rakonjac, Dragan Milatović, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia

17.10-18.30 Poster session 20.30 Conference Gala Dinner Wednesday, 4th June 2014 Chairmans: Dr. Jaap Janse, Prof. Biljana Vucelić Radović, Prof. Branka Krstić 9.00-9.30 Vegetation databases and research in NW Balkans

Urban Šilc1, Milica Petrović2, Svetlana Aćić2, Zora Dajić Stevanović2, 1Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 2Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia

9.35-10.05 Strengthening support for innovation and fostering the technology transfer in the food sector – outputs from CAPINFOOD and TRAFOON projects Viktor Nedović1, Andras Sebők2, Susanne Braun3, Tanja Petrović1, Steva Lević1, Mirjana Pešić1, Mirjana Mihajlović1, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Campden BRI Hungary Ltd. Hungary; 3University of Hohenheim, Germany

10.10-10.40 Technology Brokerage Network (STBN) as an important tool for strengthening the connection between science institutions and enterprises Jelena Miočinović1, Igor Tomašević1, Miloš Pajić1, Vesna Mandić2, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Faculty of Engineering, Kragujevac, Serbia

10.45-11.15 Coffee break

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11.15-11.25 Advances in study of bioactivities of Agaricus brasiliensis polysaccharides Maja Kozarski1, Anita Klaus1, Jovana Vunduk1, Dragica Jakovljević2, Nina Todorović2, Vladimir Pavlović1, Miomir Nikšić1, Miroslav Vrvić2,3, Leo J.L.D van Griensven4, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, Serbia; 3Faculty of Chemistry, Belgrade, Serbia; 4Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands

11.30 -11.40 Monitoring weed resistance and crop tolerance in Serbia

Dragana Božić1, Sava Vrbničanin1, Danijela Pavlović2, Darko Stojićević1, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade, Serbia

11.45-11.55 Research of genetic variability of medicinal and aromatic plants

from Southeast European perspective Zlatko Šatović2, Zora Dajić Stevanović1, Ivan Šoštarić1, Svetlana Aćić1, Milica Petrović1, Marina Mačukanović-Jocić1, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia

12.00-12.10 The methodology for innovation management in university environment Vesna Mandić, Jelena Jevtović, Faculty of Engineering, Kragujevac, Serbia

12.15-12.25 Identification and characterization of Agrobacterium spp. isolated

from apricot and grapevine in Serbia Nemanja Kuzmanović1, Anđelka Prokić1, Milan Ivanović1, Nevena Blagojević1, Katarina Gašić2, Joanna Puławska3, Enrico Biondi4, Assunta Bertaccini4, Aleksa Obradović1, 1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade, Serbia; 3Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice, Poland; 4University of Bologna, Italy

12.30-13.00 General discussion and closing statement 13.00-14.00 Steering Committee Meeting

Plenary lectures

Plenary lectures

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SERBIAN PARTICIPATION IN EU PROGRAMMES

Dukić Željka, BIO NCP

Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: zeljka.dukic@mpn.gov.rs

The past few years have been marked as a period of intense activity and change in the Western Balkan countries (WBC) in the areas of education and research, as a result of the implementation of different EU and national programs. Governments of Serbia recognized its integration to the European Research Area as a national priority. As the reforms of the national research systems are the heart of the ERA, Serbia is taking steps towards more effective national research system. In that sense, negotiations on Chapter 25 of the EU Acquis Communautaire on Science and Research will start in September 2014. Serbian research system is governed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development which has overall responsibility for education and research including financing of national programs. The highest advisory body in scientific area is National Research Council. National Strategy on Research and accompanying documents are in line with the guidelines and priorities of the EU in this field. In order to improve national research system, it is planned to define Strategy on Research and Innovation (2015–2020) which will include Research Infrastructure Roadmap. Sets of Laws regulating Intellectual property area are in the procedure of adoption by the Government (some have been already adopted). The Ministry is the only funding body at the national level. It finances 3 national programs (Basic research, Technological development and Interdisciplinary programme) The most powerful instrument supporting transnational cooperation is Framework Program. Serbia is associated country in FP7 since the beginning. Researchers from Serbia have achieved significant results in calls for proposals which have been published since 2007. According to statistics from December 2013, Serbian researchers participate in 317 projects of the Seventh Framework Programme. Achieved success rate of 15.21% is lower than the EU average. According to statistics from E-CORDA the funds stipulated on the basis of the total number of successful applications in the FP7 are around € 53 million. Serbia is interested in taking part in Horizon 2020 and is in the process of negotiating the text of the International Agreement with the European Union. Serbian research community is present in various international programmes such as: COST, EUREKA, NATO-SPS, bilateral programmes, etc. At the moment, Serbia participates in over 168 COST actions of 9 Domain plus Trans Domain, which cover a variety of professional and scientific fields. Estimates based on the number of participants in the working groups of COST in individual project/actions, currently features more than 400 experienced and young researchers. Within the framework of the Eureka programme in 2013, the implementation of project activities in 16 Eureka projects is being continued, of which 14 were financed from the budget of the Republic of Serbia, on the basis of contractual obligations. So far Serbian researchers have participated in 77 Eureka projects involving 152 organizations. Our country has signed bilateral agreements for scientific cooperation with almost all WB countries and other EU countries. Serbian researchers are involved in 228 bilateral projects with 10 countries. Keywords: FP7, COST, EUREKA, bilateral cooperation

Plenary lectures

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HOW TO DEAL WITH HORIZON 2020

Plauborg Finn

Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark e-mail: Finn.Plauborg@agrsci.dk Horizon 2020 is at present the most important EC programme for research collaboration among European countries and it contains several instruments varying from market oriented SME funding programmes to support basic innovative research, funding of strategic research, innovation and development projects to cope with European challenges and economical support to enhance international education and young scientist exchange programmes. Most important, not only EC member countries, but also associated countries can apply. Serbia belongs here, and is in an even more favoured position as it is recognised as a Candidate Country heading for its EC membership in the coming years. When becoming a member even more opportunities for international research and development will show, such as participation in ERA-NET, JPI, LIFE and ETP. Several important European challenges, which relate to the agricultural sector, are addressed in the Horizon 2020, e.g. challenge 2: “Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime research and the bio-economy” and challenge 5: “Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials”. To achieve participation in EC funded research projects may be difficult, especially if it is new to and the first time for a given organisation. Hence, to a start it is imperative to establish contact to national contact points and as well search for information at Participant Portal http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/home.html Here it is possible to get fast access to the latest news on upcoming new work programmes and calls. Next, when contact to a possible new consortium is established and a new proposal is discussed, it is important to evaluate if the suggested coordinator is experienced and scientifically strong. Further, that the project partnership has had experience with former European projects (e.g. FP7, FP6), and partners show that they are fully committed to the project and will deliver. An indicator for a strong consortium is if partners have provided input to the European Commission for the work programmes or other strategic papers. Now, if the new project proposal is based on an excellent idea, central to the call text and the consortium is strong and competitive, then the formulation of the proposal normally runs quite smoothly, main objectives and work packages are easily identified, and deliverable and milestones included. However, to increase the chance of winning, especially a close study needs to be taken on the EC evaluation procedures as here important criteria, expected outcomes and impacts of projects are listed. Getting success and winning a proposal puts everyone in a short hectic period, the project negotiation phase, where adjustment of the project will take place and details related to the budgets need to be clarified. When done, the real excitements start – working together in an international scientific network and it may as well show to be an excellent long term investment as the collaboration may inspire and create new research ideas, and hence generate further opportunities for funding. Keywords: Horizon 2020, research collaboration, market oriented programmes

Plenary lectures

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EUFIC AND EU-FUNDED RESEARCH: LEARNING FROM INVOLVEMENT

Sokolović Milka

European Food Information Council, Brussels, Belgium

e-mail: milka.sokolovic@eufic.org European Food Information Council (EUFIC) is a not-for-profit organization that communicates science-based information on nutrition and health and food safety and quality to health and nutrition professionals, educators, and journalists in a way that promotes consumer understanding. Thus, EUFIC inherently plays a role in establishing dialogue between industry, academia and civil society on topics concerning food research. Since 2004, in addition to its own research activities regarding consumer insights, EUFIC has participated in eighteen EU funded projects in areas of nutrition and health, food safety and risk communication, and consumer insights (e.g. HELENA, EURRECA, FLABEL, EATWELL, FoodRisC, Food4Me and CLYMBOL). In those projects, EUFIC’s role is primarily to lead the communication and dissemination activities and to partner in research activities. In two projects, one of which still ongoing, EUFIC has also taken up the coordination role (FLABEL and CLYMBOL). Benefits of involvement in EU projects for an organisation like EUFIC include broadened networks and outreach, the possibility of testing new communication tools and instruments, and prospect for staff growth. As EUFIC continues to grow, demand for its expertise and collaboration in EU-funded projects increases in recognition of the added value provided by effective communication to the lay public. In the future, EUFIC hopes to be granted further opportunities to be involved in new and exciting projects funded under Horizon 2020. Keywords: EUFIC, EU-funded project, communication, dissemination, Horizon 2020

Plenary lectures

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UNRESOLVED ISSUES IN EUROPE RELATING TO FOOD INTEGRITY

Maestri Elena, Marmiroli Nelson

Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy

e-mail: elena.maestri@unipr.it

The European Union has funded research about food supply chains in the recent years, focusing on several different aspects. Since the Fifth Framework Programme (2000) the funding has addressed research projects on the issues of food traceability and the application of analytical methodologies. The concept of food traceability was introduced in the Article 18 of Regulation (EC) 178/2002, so called the General Food Law. “Traceability” means the ability to trace and follow a food, feed, food-producing animal or substance through all stages of production and distribution. With the progress of research, food integrity has become the new focus, as was illustrated in 2011 in the European Commission Conference "What's for Lunch?". The results of over 10 years of research demonstrate how many aspects of food safety and quality are covered by the concept of food integrity. This has brought to the Seventh Framework Programme, in which a 12 million Euro project called FOODINTEGRITY has been funded. The presentation will discuss the still unresolved issues in research for food integrity, as they are presented in the new Horizon2020 programme. Keywords: analytical techniques, food quality, food safety, food traceability

Plenary lectures

13

WORKING WITH INDUSTRY AND SMEs: A HORTICULTURE PERSPECTIVE

Hadley Paul

Centre for Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development,

University of Reading, UK

e-mail: p.hadley@reading.ac.uk Horticulture is characterised by the intensive nature of the production systems that are employed; modern approaches used both under field-based and protected crop production are becoming increasingly sophisticated. For industry to remain competitive, it must keep pace with scientific and technological change either by investing in its own research and development, or by collaborating with research scientists with specific expertise. Unless the company is large, it is unlikely to have the resources to invest in its own R&D, so collaboration with scientists in other institutions is a logical path to follow. Many companies consider that they do not need to invest in research. However, unless they have a particular niche which gives them an advantage, they need research input to remain innovative. Equally, many research scientists consider that working with industry has a lower priority than pure science research. However, particularly for those working in applied research areas such as horticulture, industry links can be vital to ensure that research is relevant and in touch with industry needs. Collaboration with industry can take many forms. One very common route is through wholly or part industry-funded PhD projects. In the case of fully funded PhD projects, the company may own all the intellectual property (IP) emerging from the research. However, where funds also come from government or university schemes, the academic institution may own the IP and an agreement is usually made at the outset on how the company will exploit the research findings. The research scientist may be asked to carry out research directly with the company on a customer/contractor basis. This may involve consultancy arrangements with the company or specific contracts in which the scientist agrees to carry out a particular research project. Such research does not necessarily need to be constrained by secrecy, or limitations on publication as the company itself may see advantage in being seen to be funding research as it reflects well on how they may be perceived in the market. Industry is often criticised as having a short-term view of research – which can be true, but in many cases industry takes a much longer strategic view of research. Research can also take the form of a partnership with a group of SMEs collaborating with one or more scientists at a number of institutions. This partnership may be fully funded by the collaborating companies but may also be partially funded through government schemes aimed to encourage industry to engage in research. In such cases, companies may contribute directly with cash or indirectly via in-kind contributions (e.g. through staff time, use of facilities, land etc.). This type of project can be small, large or even international where research is carried out on a European level. Industrial collaboration in research can have significant advantages in enabling scientists to carry out relevant research and can also inform and enhance basic research. Such research should be considered to be an opportunity, and an integral part of a research portfolio. Keywords: innovation, research, partnership, SMEs

Plenary lectures

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FP7–SEE-ERA.NET-SEELEGUMES: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALANGES

Ćupina Branko

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

e-mail: cupinab@polj.uns.ac.rs The very basis of the SEELEGUMES project lays in the fact that the wild and agricultural floras of the West Balkan Countries (WBC) and other South East Europe (SEE) regions are, on one hand, extremely abundant and divergent in legume species, while, on the other hand, they are seriously endangered and are on a way of complete disappearance. This forms the first part of the SEELEGUMES project, aiming at the preservation of the indigenous legume floras in WBC and SEE and their sustainable conservation, with a particular reference to the economically important species such as pea (Pisum sativum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), common beans (Phaseolus spp.), lupins (Lupinus spp.) and vetches (Vicia spp.). Another and equally significant dimension of the project, is its desire to maintain the traditional food, feed and non-food products of these legume crops, being a indispensible segment of the everyday life of WBC and SEE local rural communities and their genuine ways of life. The basic activities of the project are being carried out within two Working Packages (WP), WP1 Gathering SEE Legumes and WP2 Describing SEE Legumes. WP1 aims mostly at organising expeditions, collecting herbarium specimens and seed samples, various in situ research, gathering information from local farmer communities on cultivation practices and uses and building up appropriate databases. WP2 heavily relies upon the outcomes of WP1 and comprises the establishment of the joint passport database of the collected herbarium and seed material, conventional and molecular approaches in their characterisation and a detailed and multilevel evaluation of yield, quality and stress response in collected material, mostly in the form of a network of field trials in contrasting environments and with emphasis on assessing agronomic potential for forage, grain, biomass and green manure production, improved protein or oil content, decreased content of anti-nutritional factors and enhanced tolerance to low temperatures, drought, salinity, acidity, pests, diseases and parasitic plants. Keywords: annual legumes, agricultural flora, West Balkan Countries

Plenary lectures

15

MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE OF SEE-ERA.NET PLUS PROJECT "HRV & MNE ENDANGERED GRAPES (ERA-091)"

Pejić Ivan

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

e-mail: ipejic@agr.hr The viticulture has a very long (lasting) tradition and plays a significant role in agricultural sector of Croatia and Montenegro which are countries that base their development on strong tourism. The strategy of tourism improvement relies on authenticity and unique natural resources. Consequently, local autochthonous crops and their products might be an essential contributing factor. Among them, wine produced from local grape varieties has the highest recognition and potential. The region hosts numerous indigenous (autochthonous) varieties which will irreversibly disappear in the near future due to several reasons. Some local varieties are either almost forgotten (reliable determination not possible, so called “no name” material) or they are due to the lack of high performing virus-free propagation material out of scope of commercial nurseries and producers. To overcome this, it is necessary to ensure an effective cultivar preservation system linked to practical viticulture and nursery production. This is a very complex task, which requires interdisciplinary approach and expensive facilities. This can be very demanding for small developing countries passing transition such as Croatia or Montenegro. However, the importance of grapevine genetic resources for the national heritage of these countries and future breeding activities goes beyond national borders and hence, should be handled through international and interdisciplinary research. The aim of formed consortium was to gather and evaluate neglected indigenous grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes in order to prevent their disappearance and help their sustainability through establishment of true-to-type and virus-free stock material “ready to use” for national and international nurseries. In this paper the formation of consortium made by the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture (Croatia), BOKU – University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna (Austria), Hochschule Geisenheim University (Germany) and the University of Montenegro, Biotechnical Faculty (Montenegro) will be presented, as well as the management of the project entitled “Preservation and establishment of true-to-type and virus-free material of endangered grapevine cultivars in Croatia and Montenegro – acronym: HRV & MNE ENDANGERED GRAPES (ERA-091) 2010-2012". Main procedures of project application, contracting, management and research organization will be explained in details with the focus on organization of research, staff training, working meetings, financial issues and preparation of technical and financial reports. Special attention will be given to experience with unexpected problems and ways of their overcoming. Keywords: SEE-ERA.NET PLUS, grapevine, genetic resources, revitalization

Plenary lectures

16

BENEFIT OF BILATERAL PROJECT BETWEEN SERBIA AND FRANCE TO IMPROVE THE EXPERTISE IN HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF TOMATO

PERICARP EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT IRRIGATION TECHIQUES

Bertin Nadia1, Pećinar Ilinka2, Rančić Dragana2, Pekić Quarrie Sofija2, Đorđević Slaviša2, Radošević Radenko2, Cheniclet Catherine3, Stikić Radmila2

1INRA, Plantes et systèmes de culture horticoles, Avignon, France

2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 3Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, University of Bordeaux, Villenave d’Ornon, France e-mail: nadia.bertin@avignon.inra.fr Histological and cytological properties of tissues in fleshy fruits largely impact the overall quality traits, such as size and composition. Previous qualitative and quantitative studies of histological and cytological fruit properties have been mainly performed in separate approaches, as they request different techniques (McAtee et al., 2009). Approach which combines different methods to assess both quantitative and qualitative histological and cytological traits has been rarely performed on fleshy fruit. The bilateral project between Serbia and France (2012-2013, Pavle Savić) aimed to bring together several teams with complementary expertise and technical means for evaluating the effects of contrasted irrigation practises on tomato fruit, with the emphasis on its anatomical and cytological background. French partners from INRA (National Institute of Agronomic Research) in Bordeaux and Avignon, world recognized experts in the cytological and histological aspects of tomato fruit growth regulation, provided a technical platform of cytology and image analysis as well as the expertise and skills for the histological and cytological study. The French partners mainly focus on the interactions between genetic and environmental factors, the study of early development and the build-up of quality traits for tomato fruits. At the Faculty of Agriculture, research focuses on the effects of different irrigation treatments on cultivated plants, especially tomato. This collaboration allowed an original investigation of the effects of water deficit on the histological and cytological properties during tomato fruit development. During the project, Serbian young researchers spent more than 10 weeks in INRA France and had the chance to improve their skills and knowledge thanks to the expertise and experience of dr. Bertin in cytological analysis of tomato fruit pericarp, while detailed cytological analysis of cell size and shape was supervised by dr. Cheniclet. This project was useful for scientific teams of both sides. This collaboration resulted in a better understanding of the effects of different irrigation treatments on the processes of division and differentiation in fruit pericarp during ageing. It also permitted researchers to compare different quantitative and qualitative cytological techniques. The project resulted in joint publications and it will be followed by further scientific collaboration among partners. This bilateral project was beneficial especially to the Serbian PhD students, who broadened their international experience and developed their expertises especially in the field of cytological and image analysis. The scientific benefits of the project are reflected in the fact that obtained results will represent a significant part of a PhD thesis in progress and they will also be implementated in a national project. On a longer term basis, the joint research will benefit tomato growers and breeders and help them to adjust their practices and improve tomato yield under sustainable irrigation conditions. Keywords: histology, cytology, image analysis, water deficit, tomato growth, bilateral project

Plenary lectures

17

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH ON LEGUMES

Đorđević Vuk, Mikić Aleksandar, Miladinović Jegor, Balešević-Tubić Svetlana, Miladinović Dragana

Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia

e-mail: vuk.djordjevic@nsseme.com Legumes (Fabaceae Lindl., syn. Leguminosae Juss.) are one of the largest plant families in the world, comprising annuals and perennials, species of temperate and tropical regions, many of which are economically important. Intensive research on various aspects of legumes is reflected in a number of international collaborative projects. Legume research group in the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops is fragmented in several departments, and due to requirements of high-quality research in international projects, the first step was research integration on legume research and experience exchange in common-based topics. Several bilateral projects were the next step in connection with the international research community, and increasing the visibility of our research. Several EU projects are completed or still being implemented at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops. Grain Legume Technology Transfer Platform was one of the first international project where legume group was involved. SEE-ERA project “Sustainable preservation of indigenous South Eastern European legumes” and their traditional food and feed products, was realized in cooperation of 14 European research intuitions. The strategic goal of this project was an efficient, functional and sustainable network of the genetic resources of annual legume species in the countries of Southeastern Europe and to enable it to fit into the similar existing in the EU and other international networks. During this project, several accessions of legume wild relatives were collected and used in different breeding programs. The goal of EU funded project “Legume Futures” is to develop the use of legumes in cropping systems to improve the economic and environmental performance of European agriculture. Developing new cropping system designs that optimise the contribution of legumes within different farming systems was the main result of this cooperation. A running EU project ”Legumes for the Agriculture of Tomorrow” has 29 partners from eleven countries and the aim is to contribute to the increased sustainable reintroduction of grain legumes in European cropping systems. Also, important activities of legume research group in the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops is an active role in European legume research networking. International Legume Society is the organization bringing together relevant legumes researchers from different parts of the world. The goal of this society is scientific networking and influence on a decision maker to promote legume research. Detail information can be found in The Legume Manifesto (Field Veg. Crop Res. 48 (2011) 253-258). Keywords: legumes, cropping system, genetic recourses, networking

Plenary lectures

18

DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING INITIATIVES: DECLARATIONS VS FORWARD LOOKS

Raspor Peter

Institute for Food,

Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia

e-mail: peter.raspor@fvz.upr.si

Declaration is a strategic document which gained on its legitimacy in the last century in society and in profession. Although the document is not legally binding act, many experts coming from field of microbiology, food technology and nutrition opted for a public declaration or proclamation of important questions arising from the field of microbiology and food technology and nutrition. The result of this is the Declaration of Microbiology, which was for the first time presented to the public in 2003 at the first Congress of European Microbiologists, in Ljubljana and the Declaration on Food, Nutrition and Technology (EFTND), which was for the first time presented to the public in 2008 at the first European Congress on Food, Technology, and Nutrition, also in Ljubljana. Both declarations present their views and professional orientations for further action in non-binding way considering the impact on local, national and global level. Content of the declarations stems from basic human rights linked to the area of expertise and to the field of communication and knowledge transfer between experts and between scientific fields. In the last decade forward looks were performed in close collaboration with the EC services involved and the SCAR working group. We review and analyze foresight information relating to European agriculture in relation to 8 major driving forces.On the other hand, we also built scenarios on how the future may develop, based on a coherent and internally consistent set of assumptions about key driving forces and relationships in COST/ESF umbrella. In this respect SCAR scenario from 2007 and COST/ESF scenario from 2009 in comparison to current state of the art will be addressed. Keywords: declaration, food, microbiology, nutrition, technology, forward looks, scenarios

Plenary lectures

19

EUROPEAN RESEARCH PROJECTS IN THE AREA OF FOOD: EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE

Lević Jovanka, Ilić Nebojša

Institute of Food Technology, Novi Sad, Serbia

e-mail: jovanka.levic@fins.uns.ac.rs As one of the leading institutions in the area of food and feed technology in southeast Europe, our Institute has taken part in numerous European research projects funded by different programs of European Commission. Our participation in these programs started with FP7 Program, more precisely its Capacity program where we successfully submitted and earned a project named Feed to Food and which was coordinated by our researchers. Project’s consortium included several European institutions which gave their contribution to the project and enabled us to learn how to network and widen our cooperation with European researchers. Being capacity building project, it enabled us to acquire new equipment, to establish a modern research pilot facility and to employ several young researchers who enriched a human capacity of our Institute. Experience in this first European project inspired and encouraged us to apply for projects in other European programs in the area of food and feed technologies in order to meet other European scientists working on similar research topics. All these activities resulted in several new FP7 research projects with consortiums from eminent European research institutions. In these projects we also brought several SMEs, our industrial partners, which was beneficial for the projects and for all sides involved. Also, we were engaged in several networking type projects where we widened our research network and at the same time we have increased our visibility as research institute at European level. Our ambitions grew and we have prepared more proposals and obtained more projects in other European programs like IPA program for example. Participation in all these projects enabled us to meet and work with other European researchers, to widen our professional network, to increase our research capacity by acquiring a new equipment, to increase our research funding, to hire more researchers and in general to improve conditions for performing our research. Overall positive experience had some minor negative issues like too much paperwork in project management, too many rules and similar issues. It appears that new European research program Horizon 2020 will solve these issues and make it even easier for researchers to participate in this program. In conclusion, we can say from our experience that these European programs and projects are very beneficial for researchers, especially in the countries where research funding is at a lower rate. Keywords: food, research, European projects

Plenary lectures

20

PARASITIC ZOONOSES: A CHALLENGE TO FOOD SAFETY, A CHALLENGE FOR RESEARCH

Đurković-Đaković Olgica

Center for Parasitic Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research,

University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: olgicadj@imi.bg.ac.rs The challenges to food safety, major challenges in today’s world, are food-borne diseases. Caused by consuming food or drinking water contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, food-borne zoonoses (FBZ) are a significant and widespread global public health threat. Whereas the global burden of FBZ is unknown, a large proportion of the 1.8 million deaths from diarrhoeal disease in 2005 has been attributed to food and water. In the EU, over 320,000 human cases of FBZ are reported each year, of which over 2,500 are parasitic in origin; these figures are, however, gross underestimates, as parasitic food-borne outbreaks are often not recognized or not identified. Moreover, with an increased demand for animal origin proteins, parasitic FBZ are even gaining in significance, in parallel with the success in efforts to control the major bacterial food-borne zoonoses. The risk of contracting parasitic infection via food is presumed to be low in the developed world; still, most food-borne parasites have a world-wide distribution. Importantly, while ”old“ parasites such as Echinococcus or Taenia spp. are still present, with E. multilocularis on the rise even in Europe, the significance of others, such as Cryptosporidium spp., has been recognized in the recent decades, and of others, such as fish parasites including Opistorchis and Anisakis, is emerging. However, even infections once considered rather innocuous, such as toxoplasmosis, are emerging in significance, as its disease burden recently estimated at ∼620 DALYs per year (in the Netherlands), is similar to that of the major foodborne pathogen, Salmonella species (670 DALYs per year). In the Western Balkan region, the list is traditionally headed by trichinellosis as a permanently endemic disease, for which effective control efforts are in place, but this does not apply to other parasitic zoonoses. However, the risks of contamination with parasites are present from farm to fork and require prevention and control throughout the food chain. To protect consumers from FBZ, the EU has adopted an integrated farm-to-fork approach to food safety, which consists of risk assessment and management measures involving the global major stakeholders, including organizations such as the WHO, FAO, EFSA, ECDC, as well as industrial leaders. In addition, the EC is funding research efforts in this area, such as a recently ended COST action, CAPARA (FA), dedicated to goat parasites in general, triggered by the sharp increase in the goat industry, and a new TD one, CYSTINET, dedicated to Taenia spp. infections and the persisting disease entity of neurcysticercosis. The Western Balkans, including Serbia, have been and still are involved. Previously, the EC had funded a project to strengthen the capacity of a Centre for Parasitic Zoonoses in Serbia. The Centre (nominated as a local Centre of Excellence), is currently participating in another joint European research effort, funded by EFSA, to evaluate the risk for toxoplasmosis from major meat sources. So the groundwork has been laid. It is now time to promote this aspect of food safety in the region, best done through cooperation at all levels, including local, regional and international. Keywords: food safety, foodborne diseases, parasitic zoonoses

Plenary lectures

21

BUILDING UP COOPERATION TO AFFORD NEW CHALLENGES IN PLANT PROTECTION: THE RESISTVIR EXPERIENCE

Gallitelli Donato, Mascia Tiziana

Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo della Pianta e degli Alimenti,

Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy

e-mail; donato.gallitelli@uniba.it Plant pathogens and pests as a major threat to plant productivity can directly and indirectly diminish the quality and the nutritional value of crops and can affect the composition and dynamics of natural ecosystems. From an EU perspective, EU geographic, environmental and meteorological diversity, which leads to diversity in agricultural practices and crops, should be also taken into account. Additionally, legislative constraints on farming, in the form of lower insecticide thresholds implemented by the "pesticide package", demand modern EU agriculture to ensure sustainability and competitiveness while reducing pesticide inputs. Multiple strategies and solutions must therefore be used to optimize the simultaneous management of a range of pests and pathogens, many of which are emerging or re-emerging. Interestingly, most documented emerging diseases of humans, animals and plants, are viral diseases. The emergence of a new disease may result from the complex interaction of a variety of factors, which include genetic changes in the pathogen and/or hosts and vector and changes in the size, density and structure of host, vector and virus populations. The analysis of these factors requires the coordinated action of team of scientists with expertise in widely different fields and in new experimental tools made available by the new technologies. The experience of a multidisciplinary consortium involving 48 research organisations to carry out the Resistvir project (www.resistvir-db.org) are reported with a focus on the opportunities offered by Horizon 2020. Keywords: co-ordination of research, plant protection, emerging plant pathogenic viruses, emerging technologies

Plenary lectures

22

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF BACTERIAL DISEASES OF PLANTS – SOME EXAMPLES

FROM THE NETHERLANDS

Janse Jaap

Department Laboratory Methods and Diagnostics, Dutch General Inspection Service (NAK),

Emmeloord, The Netherlands

e-mail: jjanse@nak.nl In this presentation several examples of international cooperation in the field of phytobacteriology and phytopathology (diagnostics, epidemiology, control, harmonization and approximation to EU standards and legislation) over the past 15 years will be provided. The first project in the EU DIAGPRO Standard Measurement and Testing (SMT) concerned project SMT 4-CT98-2252, 1998-2002 where in a partnership of four laboratories (CSL, UK; SASA, Scotland; PPS, The Netherlands and IVIA Spain) diagnostic protocols for 15 organisms of importance to plant health were produced. For bacteria the protocol for the quarantine organism Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus was developed. After extensive ring testing the protocol was approved by EU Plant Health Standing Committee and was later also adopted by the EPPO Working party on Phytosanitary Regulations as standard in the series PM7. The second project presented is COST 873, ‘Bacterial diseases of stone fruits and nuts’, an EU funded project in framework of COST 2009-2012 (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) with main aims of 1) Stimulation of research on pathogenic bacteria and host resistance, link European labs (22 countries); 2) Train next generation of plant bacteriologists, breeders and phytosanitary specialists; Participation was in WG 1: Diagnostics, Pathogen biodiversity, Pathogen genetics. In the framework of this project a Workshop on Pseudomonas Pathogens of Stone Fruits and Nuts: Classical and Molecular Phytobacteriology, at and with the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Belgrade, Serbia was organised. A second training at the same place was provided in close cooperation with Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture, (see below) viz. ‘Theoretical and practical training in diagnostics of bacterial diseases of fruits, including quarantine pathogens of importance to the EU and Ukraine’ 31-10 to 4-11-2011. Moreover a Workshop on diagnosis of Xylella fastidiosa was organised at and with the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (MAIB), Italy from 18-22 October 2010. This devastating, insect transmitted, bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is an emerging pathogen in several parts of the world and a threat for Europe and the Mediterranean basin and it was decided on the organisation of a proactive first European Workshop on diagnosis of this pathogen. Now, almost four years later the pathogen was indeed detected and identity confirmed in Southern Italy from olive, Nerium oleander and almond and insect vectors. The third project presented is a bilateral project of the Netherlands and Ukraine -G2G short program 2010–2011 ‘Strengthening of the Plant Quarantine and Seed Quality Control in Ukraine’ about legislation and test method harmonisation in order to facilitate trade, of Dutch Inspection Services and The Ukrainian PPS and Academy of Sciences. The fourth project is an EU Twinning project in Serbia SR10-IB-AG-01 ‘Capacity building within the national referent laboratories directorate’ where a theoretical and practical diagnostic bacteriology training was proved, including molecular methods, at and with the Natl. Reference Laboratory and at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade. Keywords: international cooperation, bacterial diseases, plants

Plenary lectures

23

SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURE UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE

Chartzoulakis Kostas

NAGREF, Institute for Olives and Subtropical Plants,

Chania, Greece e-mail: kchartz@nagref-cha.gr

Water is considered as the most critical resource for sustainable development worldwide. It is essential not only for agriculture, industry and economic growth, but it is also the most important component of the environment, with a significant impact on health and nature conservation. The agriculture worldwide today accounts for on average more than 70% of water used. Irrigated areas will increase in coming years due to climate change, while fresh water supplies will be diverted from agriculture to meet the increasing demand of domestic use and industry. Furthermore, the efficiency of irrigation is very low, since less than 65% of the applied water is used by the crops. In order to overcome water shortage in agriculture, it is essential to increase the water use efficiency and to use marginal waters (reclaimed, saline, drainage) for irrigation. The sustainable use of water is a priority for agricultural arid areas. Imbalances between availability and demand, degradation of surface and groundwater quality, inter-sectorial competition and inter-regional conflicts often occur in these regions. So, under scarcity conditions and climate change, considerable effort has been devoted over time, through EU funded projects, to introduce policies aiming to increase water efficiency based on the assertion that more can be achieved with less water through better management. Better management usually refers to improvement of allocative and/or irrigation water efficiency. The former is closely related to adequate pricing, while the latter depends on the type of irrigation technology, environmental conditions and the scheduling of water application. Agricultural practices, such as soil management, irrigation and fertilizer application and disease and pest control are related with the sustainable water management in agriculture and protection of the environment. They not only provide the soil moisture and nutrients necessary for plant growth, but they also contribute to control erosion, soil and groundwater degradation. Socio-economic pressures and climate change impose restrictions to water allocated to agriculture. The adoption of sustainable water management in Mediterranean is not only a technological problem, but involves many other considerations relative to social behavior of rural communities, the economic constraints, or the legal and institutional framework that may favor the adoption of some measures and not others. Sustainable water management in agriculture, which has a multi-functional role in Southern Europe, can be achieved by adopting improvements in irrigation application, soil and plant practices, water pricing, reuse of treated wastewater, farmers’ participation in water management and capacity building. Keywords: irrigation, water efficiency, water reuse, innovation, capacity building

Plenary lectures

24

TIME FOR EU PROJECTS

Jacobsen Sven-Erik

Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark

e-mail: seja@plen.ku.dk The suggested sequence for a successful application of an EU project is first to have the right project idea, followed by lobbying, establishing a consortium and writing of the proposal. It sounds easy, and it may be, if sufficient time is available and sufficient funds to implement all stages in an optimal way. The appointment of a dedicated and skilled coordinator, who may be the person who initially got the idea, is crucial, and so is the subsequent funding of a workshop. In this workshop the partners selected for the consortium will meet and discuss details of the proposal. As an example the EU FP7 project entitled “Sustainable water use securing food production in dry areas of the Mediterranean region (SWUP-MED)” working on climate proof cropping systems in Morocco, Syria, Turkey and southern Europe, collaborating with UK, Denmark and Australia is here presented. The results are valid for other parts of the world, where Mediterranean climate is found, such as Western Australia, Western Chile, and in many dry areas of Africa, Asia and Middle East. The topic of climate proof cropping systems, that is a system which is able to mitigate the effects of climate change, has been addressed in several projects. Keywords: FP Projects, SWUP-MED

Plenary lectures

25

FP7 FUNDED RESEARCH-FROM START TO RESULT: A FOOD SAFETY PERSPECTIVE OF FP7 PROJECTS VEG-I-TRADE AND AQUAVALENS AND FUTURE HORIZON 2020 INITIATIVE

Rajković Andreja

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: arajkovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs There is probably no such a thing as cook book recipe for setting the strategy of thinking, planning and writing an EC funded research project. However, for the most of them, or least for those that were successful (considering also a post-project life time, too) there are some things in common. The majority will start from original and recognizable idea that is most often a result of a discussion of few close collaborators. The relevancy of such idea is confirmed through a dialog with colleague experts, often those ones used to work with in previous projects. Obvious need for an EU dimension and cross border cooperation, including non-EU countries, gives an outline of the required partners in the Consortium that is essentially based on the mandatory expertise cross-matched with call requirements. The risks of the project do not need to be at ERC level, but need to show perspectives beyond state-of-the-art. In Horizon2020 (H2020) project, an additional quantitative tool has been implemented to judge the impact, and that is TRL coming from OECD. In this work, some of the important experiences from FP7 Veg-i-Trade and FP7 Aquavalens will be presented, together with experiences from some submitted H2020 projects with no prejudice on their selection. The scientific excellence will be placed in the context of data protection, dissemination, exploitation and project impact on societal and economical needs. Keywords: Veg-i-Trade, Aquavalens, impact, data protection, dissemination, exploitation

Plenary lectures

26

IMPROVEMENT OF COMMON CARP PRODUCTION IN SERBIA THROUGH EU FOUNDED COOPERATION

Todorčević Marijana1, Škugor Stanko1, Rašković Božidar2, Spasić Milan2, Stanković

Marko2, Sørensen Mette1, Kolstad Kari1, Kittelsen Arne1, Jeney Galina3, Jeney Zsigmond3, Dulić Zorka2, Poleksić Vesna2, Marković Zoran2

1Nofima Marin AS, Ås, Norway 2University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia

3Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation, Szarvas, Hungary e-mail: marijana.todorcevic@nofima.no Aquaculture is the fastest growing food-producing sector. The common carp is the third most important farmed freshwater fish species in the world. However, over the last three decades, there has been a substantial increase in the production of salmon, trout, sea bream, and sea bass while common carp production has stagnated. Reinforcement of Sustainable Aquaculture – ROSA (FP7 REGPOT, No. 205135) was part of the European FP7 projects, and it was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade in order to improve common carp production in Serbia. Project partners were the Institute of Aquaculture Research – AKVAFORSK from Norway (now under the new name – NOFIMA MARIN) and the Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation – HAKI from Hungary. The overall objective of the three years project was to strengthen education programs with new knowledge in: 1) fish nutrition, 2) fish breeding and management, and 3) molecular methods used in biological research. The objectives were achieved through: 1) reinforcement of human and material resources, 2) reinforcement of knowledge in carp aquaculture, and 3) promotion activities. This involved 12 visits of Serbian staff and training of 11 young scientists within the partner institutions. The project also provided employment for 3 young graduates at the Faculty of Agriculture. New equipment was purchased both for the fish nutrition laboratory and for the experimental fish farm. This included a computer system for measuring temperature and dissolved oxygen, a computer feeding system for carp fry feeding, recirculation aquaculture system (RAS), in addition to equipment used for measuring important physiological parameters. On completion, the project resulted in the publication of 10 seminar papers, 5 undergraduate theses and 4 PhD theses. Serbian scientists participated in 18 conferences, published 47 peer reviewed papers and 2 books. Several laboratory protocols and one manual for carp producers were written. Besides the project web site, 2 workshops and 3 stakeholder meetings were organized, as well as one international conference and exhibition with participation of scientists and stakeholders from 22 countries. Furthermore, the Conference Centre for Fishery and Applied Hydrobiology, located at the Faculty’s experimental School Estate Radmilovac was opened. Knowledge gained from the ROSA project was essential to increase the production capacity and improve the profitability of the Serbian aquaculture sector. Keywords: common carp, nutrition, breeding, molecular methods, education

Plenary lectures

27

VEGETATION DATABASES AND RESEARCH IN NW BALKANS

Šilc Urban1, Petrović Milica2, Aćić Svetlana2, Dajić Stevanović Zora2

1Institute of Biology, ZRC SAZU, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: urban@zrc-sazu.si Vegetation science has a long tradition in Europe and also in the Balkan Peninsula. The first studies were conducted in the beginning of the last century and there is a large quantity of data about vegetation of the region. Development of eco-informatics and specialized computer software enabled creation of various databases where vegetation plots (relevés) as the result of vegetation sampling are stored. These datasets are rich source of information about vegetation of the Balkans and its changes in the last 100 years. Gathered data will allow answers to general ecological questions, macroecological research and connection to databases of other ecological data (plant traits, climatic data, ecological parameters, indicator values …). There is a process of aggregation of these databases in Europe within two major projects: Global Index of Vegetation Databases (GIVD) and European Vegetation Archive where also databases and institutions from the region are involved. Similar ideas have already been implemented between several institutions from ex-Yugoslavia (ZRC SAZU, University of Belgrade, University of Zagreb, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, University of Banja Luka …) and databases on joint software and species list are created. This has already enabled cooperation of scientists from those institutions and several papers were published: weed vegetation, mesic and dry grasslands, thermophilous and beech forests, invasive species. Successful cooperation will be useful in transnational classification of vegetation types and use of these results in habitat mapping and Natura 2000 implementation that are used in nature conservation efforts. Keywords: databases, vegetation, joint research projects, nature conservation

Plenary lectures

28

STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR INNOVATION AND FOSTERING THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN THE FOOD SECTOR – OUTPUTS FROM

CAPINFOOD AND TRAFOON PROJECTS

Nedović Viktor1, Sebők Andras2, Braun Susanne3, Petrović Tanja1, Lević Steva1, Pešić Mirjana1, Mihajlović Mirjana1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Campden BRI Hungary Ltd. Budapest, Hungary

3Life Science Center, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany e-mail: vnedovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs CAPINFOOD and TRAFOON projects are two European projects funded by the South-East Europe Transnational Cooperation (SEE) programme and FP7, respectively, that deal with different aspects of improving the environment for the innovation in the food sector, as well as technology and knowledge transfer directed to traditional food producers. Although the food industry represents an important sector in the economies of the SEE countries, the innovation in this sector is not at a satisfactory level mostly due to unfavorable environment and luck of society’s support. The main objectives of CAPINFOOD project are to strengthening the institutions to support the innovations in the food sector and to promote public awareness on benefits of innovations making the sectorial innovation easier through transnational cooperation. The specific objectives of CAPINFOOD project are: to develop national innovation strategies following a common framework for improving the competitiveness of food sector (particularly small and medium enterprises - SMEs), to help the economic growth of South-East Europe (SEE) and creation of jobs and to ensure sustainable development. Also, the objectives are to develop skills of SEE institutions in using effective tools to foster innovation, food chain management, trans disciplinary collaboration with ICT sector, knowledge transfer and practices of using industry panels (based on collective learning and shared costs) and to promote the use of ICT based tools for fostering innovation. The distribution of knowledge created by science has become more important especially for SMEs that could not afford the cost of research and development (R&D) for innovation of their production processes. This project provides practical tools for transferring knowledge generated by R&D. To support traditional SMEs, TRAFOON has set sail in November 2013 to establish a knowledge transfer network with a focus on food products made of grains, fish, fruits, vegetables and mushrooms to support traditional food producing SMEs. The idea is to create the base of already gained knowledge in the listed fields of food production from different national, regional, EU programmes and also the base of traditional food SMEs needs and then to match these two and help the SMEs in their further developments or problem solving. The TRAFOON network will interlink researchers, knowledge transfer agents, and SME associations in 14 European countries to foster sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector of traditional foods for the benefit of the regions of Europe and the European consumer. The project will also deliver the SRIA and communicate it with policy decision makers at all different levels. Keywords: food innovation strategies, collective support for SMEs, capacity building of innovation supporting institutions, traditional food network, SRIA

Plenary lectures

29

TECHNOLOGY BROKERAGE NETWORK (STBN) AS AN IMPORTANT TOOL FOR STRENGTHENING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SCIENCE

INSTITUTIONS AND ENTERPRISES

Miočinović Jelena1, Tomašević Igor1, Pajić Miloš1, Mandić Vesna2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia

e-mail: jmiocin@agrif.bg.ac.rs Technology Brokerage Network in Serbia (TBNS) is the group of faculties, institutes and centers for technology transfer, which is established in order to promote and develop cooperation between enterprises and science research institutions. The Technology Brokerage Network in Serbia is established with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, the Ministry of Economy and the EU IPA Integrated Innovation Support Programme (IISP). Eleven institutions involved in the Technology Brokerage Network cover different areas such as agriculture, technology, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, IT sector etc. Members of TBNS were trained through a set of different workshops (Technology Brokerage Services, Managing a project’s cycle, intellectual property protection etc.) The main objectives of the TBN in Serbia are to provide support and/or assistance to small and medium companies in the implementation of existing and new technologies and the commercialization of research results. Also, TBN has a role to connect SMEs with other business and innovation support organizations as well as governmental institutions, Intellectual property office etc. Through organizing various educational and informative events on technology transfer, TBN will show the successful examples of the use of knowledge and technology transfer, from developed countries, as tool for innovation support to SME. All of these will enable more innovative character and better positioning of domestic companies at the national and international market. Keywords: technology transfer, innovation, small and medium enterprise

Oral presentations

Oral presentations

33

EXPERIENCES IN FEED FOR HEALTH COST ACTION

Vukmirović Đuro, Lević Jovanka, Čolović Dušica, Kokić Bojana, Čolović Radmilo

Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

e-mail: djuro.vukmirovic@fins.uns.ac.rs FEED for HEALTH is the project funded trough European framework COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). It started on 1st December 2008 and lasted for 5 years. The aim was to create research network concerned with the role of animal nutrition in improving animal health and in designing functional foods for humans, and also to develop the concepts of feed safety, quality and functionality. Concepts in animal nutrition are changing in a way that animal feed must be considered not only in terms of nutritional properties but also in terms of ability to promote health. That implies the use of safe and quality feed, which depends on the quality of feed production in the feed plants. The expression for quality ability of the production plant is its working accuracy. Working accuracy includes three components, which have to be determined experimentally:

1. Additive concentration in the mixer after usual mixing time and in the final product, after conveying the mixture to the final station (e.g. silo for delivery), compared with the declared concentration of the additive.

2. Homogeneity of the mixture after usual mixing time and after conveying the mixture to the final station.

3. Cross contamination of the following batch by the considered additive (carry-over). In feed plants there are many operations which are critical points for mixture homogeneity, concentration displacements in the mixture (segregation) and carryover (weighing, dosing, mixing, transporting, storage, etc.). For this reason, systematic and continuous control at all stages of production in feed plant is necessary. The Institute of Food Technology has a long history in investigation and determination of working accuracy of feed production plants and one of the main activities of Institute project team was to emphasise the importance of working accuracy for the aims of this project. Determination of working accuracy in the feed plants provides information about critical points in the production process and enables implementation of corrective measures. Other project partners were very interested in the topic of working accuracy and found it to be complementary to their field of work, which opened the gate for joint projects. Up to now, as a result of FEED for HEALTH project, two projects were prepared:

Bilateral project with Italy: “New prospective for R&D in the feed sector (FEEDNEEDS)”.

COST action: “European network on the factors affecting the gastro-intestinal microbial balance and the impact on the health status of pigs (PiGutNet)”

During project implementation, Institute organized “15th International Feed Technology Symposium “FEED-TO-FOOD” / COST FEED for HEALTH joint Workshop” in Novi Sad, Serbia, in October 2012. This was very successful event, and many project members visited Novi Sad and also visited the Institute, where they were introduced to Institute human and equipment resources. Keywords: feed, working accuracy, COST

Oral presentations

34

SOME EXPERIENCES OF THE FRUIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE ASSOCIATES DURING FP7 PROJECT PARTICIPATION

Ružić Đurđina1, Vujović Tatjana1, Cerović Radosav2, Leposavić Aleksandar1, Karaklajić-Stajić Žaklina1, Mitrović Olga1

1Fruit Research Institute, Čačak, Serbia2

Innovation Center, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: tatjanal@ftn.kg.ac.rs

Owing to our participation in COST 863 Action ‘Euroberry Research: from Genomics to Sustainable Production, Quality and Health’ (2006-2010), as well as the previous collaboration and friendship with colleagues from Europe, we were able to become involved in FP7 project titled ‘The sustainable improvement of European berry production, quality and nutritional value in changing environment: Strawberries, Currants, Blackberries, Blueberries and Raspberries’ (EUBerry, 2011-2014). Namely, the Fruit Research Institute is participating in the project as a subcontractor to the Polish partner (Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice) working in the framework of WP2, SUB-TASK 2.1.1. ‘Evaluation of physiological properties, yield parameters, organoleptic quality and chemical analyses of the fruits and disease resistance of raspberry and blackberry genotypes propagated with the standard technique and in vitro’. The main objective of the project is to provide the necessary knowledge and tools to facilitate development of high quality, cost-competitive fresh berry fruits of high nutritional value optimal for human health. Within this project, the main objective of our research was to evaluate the potential of in vitro micropropagation in mass propagation of raspberry and blackberry, primarily aimed at obtaining healthy, genetically stable and true-to-type planting material and introducing material propagated in such manner into production. In order to achieve the project aims, the experimental orchard was established using two types of planting material: tissue culture plants and standard planting material. During the 3-year period (2011-2013), field experiments included monitoring of the following parameters: physiological properties including phenological investigation and monitoring of yield parameters; organoleptic quality including morphological properties of fruits, chemical parameters of fresh fruit quality, the sensory analysis of fresh fruits and determination of volatile compounds and bioactive compounds of fruits; and evaluation of winter hardiness, as well as observations of disease resistance/susceptibility. Assessment of plant genetic stability was performed by estimation of DNA ploidy level and relative nuclear DNA content using flow cytometric analysis, determination of chromosome number using light microscopy (chromosome counting) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of soluble isoperoxidases. Results obtained are very important due to the fact that this extensive research is the first of its kind conducted in our country. Besides this benefit, we procured some equipment with project funds viz. digital refractometer, tensiometer, drying oven, and we also managed to set up anti-hail nets in the experimental orchard. To date, some of the project results were presented at a national meeting and published as a full-length paper in a national journal. We have also prepared 4 papers to be published in international journals. One of the additional aims of the cooperation established and strengthened through this project is the possibility of involvement in new research team for application for projects funded by Horizon 2020 that will be discussed during the forthcoming Final Meeting in Poland.

Keywords: blackberry, raspberry, micropropagation, standard planting material

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BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Kokić Bojana, Lević Jovanka, Kostadinović Ljiljana, Banjac Vojislav, Varga Ana

Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

e-mail: bojana.kokic@fins.uns.ac.rs The Institute of Food Technology is one of the leading research institutes in the field of food and feed science and technology in Serbia and South Eastern Europe. One part of the institute is centre called “FEED-TO-FOOD” that is equipped with pilot plant for feed technology and laboratory. On the other hand, the Animal Production Research Centre in Nitra is research institute focused on the problems of animal nutrition and feeding, the utilization of nutrients by animals etc. Since the institute in Slovakia has farm animals that can be used in experimental purposes, it was highly useful to connect research of these two institutions. Bilateral project called “Laboratory methods for the assessment of feeds” started on 1st January 2012 and lasted for 2 years. It was funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. The aim of the project was to examine to which extent hydrothermal treatments influence changes in starch granules of corn and how that relates to rumen degradation of starch in cows. In ruminant nutrition, corn grain is typically processed prior to feeding because a whole grain has an intact pericarp that prevents bacterial attachment and subsequent digestion of the seed constituents. Processing is associated with improvements in efficiency of nutrient utilization by ruminal microorganisms and the total tract. Gelatinization is a process in which starch granules are ruptured by a combination of moisture, heat, pressure and mechanical sheer force. Many factors can influence the degree of gelatinization: amount of water during processing, achieved temperature and time of processing, etc. Therefore, we used 4 different hydrothermal treatments that affected starch availability by altering starch properties: pelleting, micronization, extrusion and steam flaking. Disruption of normal semi-crystalline structure of corn starch granules was examined using various analyses: water absorption index, water solubility index, degree of gelatinization, rheological properties, SEM, etc. At the partner institute in Nitra effective starch degradability in rumen was determined in situ using fistulated cows. A great impact on disintegration of starch granule had moisture content of conditioned material before processing and achieved temperature during processing, that are dependent on selected processing method. Based on obtained results, pelleting and steam flaking are mild processing methods, whereas micronization and extrusion are more severe methods that cause more starch to gelatinize and to increase its availability. Also, all processing methods increased ruminal effective starch degradability in comparison to unprocessed sample. This was due to alteration in starch structure that enhanced amylolytic digestion by microorganisms in rumen. Results obtained in this cooperation are part of one PhD thesis and national project III46012 financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia. Keywords: bilateral cooperation, hydrothermal processing, corn, starch

Oral presentations

36

TEXTURE ANALYSIS AS A TOOL FOR DETERMINATION OF DAIRY PRODUCTS QUALITY

Miočinović Jelena1, Nedeljković Aleksandar1, Radulović Zorica1,

Radovanović Mira1, Puđa Predrag1, Dewwetnick Koen2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

e-mail: jmiocin@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Sensory properties, including texture, are key factors which influence food buying and consuming. Today, it is known that objective analyses rather than subjective sensory techniques are keys to maintaining consistency and textural quality in manufactured foods. Texture analysis is the mechanical testing of food in order to measure their physical properties. These properties include hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, adhesiveness, spreadability, chewiness etc. Food texture depends on numerous factors, such as raw materials, ingredients, technological procedures etc. Hence, texture analysis could be a useful tool in both, new product development and as part of quality control in all production stages. The main goal of many texture studies is to devise one or more mechanical tests with the capacity to replace human sensory evaluation as a tool to evaluate a wide range of textural properties. These techniques are very precise and experimental errors are usually consequences of sample heterogeneity rather than of instrumental imprecision. The knowledge regarding this topic was obtained during Basileus Exchange Program funded by EU and 6-month research stay in Ghent University, Belgium. The results which were done on the kajmak samples, known traditional Serbian products, showed the significance of this kind of measurements and their importance for determination of different dairy products quality, as well as factors that influence them. In the meantime, our laboratory purchased equipment acceptable for this kind of measurement such as texture analysator (MicroStable System, UK). New knowledge and expertise in this area will be further developed through national project and 2 PhD theses in progress.

Keywords: dairy products, texture, kajmak, hardness

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37

CONTAMINATION OF PLANTS BY HUMAN PATHOGEN BACTERIA: METHODS FOR DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION

Kljujev Igor1, Raičević Vera1, Schmid Michael2, Rothballer Michael2

Hartmann Anton2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany

e-mail: ikljujev@agrif.bg.ac.rs Consumption of fresh vegetables is a healthy diet supply and it is recommended as prevention of illnesses. There is an increasing trend in consumption of fresh vegetables in the world, and their microbiological quality is very important for public human health. There have been an increasing number of outbreaks caused by human pathogen on fresh vegetables in the recent years. Contamination of vegetables and fruits is the result of the presence of human pathogen bacteria which can contaminate products in any part of production chain. The pathogen bacteria, like Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes could be found on the fresh vegetables. Salmonellosis is connected with tomato, sprouts, cantaloupe etc. E. coli and E. coli O157:H infections are linked with lettuce, sprouts, carrot etc. Contaminated irrigation water is a very effective vector of the transmission of human pathogen to plants. Contamination of fresh vegetables by human pathogen bacteria depends on bacterial ability to colonize plant. In the case of microbiological contamination of fresh vegetables, it is very difficult to carry out decontamination and it is impossible to remove all attached bacteria only by washing. Methods for detection and identification of pathogen bacteria in the irrigation water and on vegetables, transmission of pathogen bacteria from irrigation water to plants and studying/monitoring the ability of the human pathogen to colonize the surface and endophyte of root, stem and leaf of different vegetable species have been developed. The expertise built on collaborations between the Faculty of Agriculture, Department for Microbial Ecology and EU research groups in 3 EU FP6 projects (WATERWEB, SAFIR and CROPWAT) allowed the introduction of new methods for investigation of human pathogens in the environment. The new knowledge and expertise were used for both practical application and improvement of research of human pathogen in irrigation water and on vegetables at the Faculty of Agriculture. Transmission of pathogen bacteria from irrigation water to plants, as well as colonization of plants by human pathogen bacteria was investigated by: applying PCR method, using green fluorescent protein transformed bacteria, bacterial transformation and cloning, qPCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The two Salmonella strains were prepared to be tested for colonization of wheat and spinach. In the future, the inoculation dose which is responsible for colonization of plants by investigated Salmonella strains will be detected. New knoweldge and expertise were implemented in the research of national projects, PhD thesis and published papers. Keywords: microbial contamination, vegetables, human pathogenic bacteria, Salmonella, irrigation water

Oral presentations

38

TRENDS AND PERSPECTIVES IN THE CLONAL SELECTION OF ‘OBLAČINSKA’ SOUR CHERRY

Nikolić Dragan, Fotirić-Akšić Milica, Rakonjac Vera, Milatović Dragan

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: nikolicd@agrif.bg.ac.rs Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is in the third place among fruit trees in Serbia. Regarding average production of 87,391 t (2009-2011), Serbia ranks sixth in the world. ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry as autochthonous cultivar is dominant in production (more than 60% of the total number of trees). It is characterized by high genetic diversity as a result of vegetative propagation by suckers, when planting material is often mixed with seedlings. ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry is low vigorous and very productive. It has small fruits of good quality that are mainly used for freezing and processing in juice and it is relatively resistant to frost, drought and diseases. Since ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry is not a pure cultivar but mixture of clones (genotypes), the problems with its reproduction and exploitation occur. Due to these reasons, considering breeding methods, special attention should be devoted to the clonal selection and the production of genetic and healthy planting material. Work with clonal selection is performed continuously, so current germplasm collections of ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry include a large number of ex situ and in situ collected accessions. From this gene pool, based on phenotypic differences, about 70 accessions were separated for the core collection forming. The main areas of utilization of ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry collection are to identify the genotypes with a good potential for cultivation or for exploitation in breeding programs. Clones with high yield and the best fruit quality will be recommended for production. This will allow the realization of higher profit per unit area. The numerous positive traits of this cultivar should make it interesting for plantation in other countries with similar agro-ecological conditions. This research was included in the topic “Genetic resources and Breeding, Genetics and Genomics” in COST action FA1104: “Sustainable production of high-quality cherries for the European market”. In this action we implemented different types of studies with ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry cultivar such as genotyping studies in order to assess the genetic diversity and phenotyping studies particularly nutritional and health properties. This new knoweldge and expertise are implemented in the research of 2 national projects and several PhD theses (1 finished and 3 in progress). Keywords: sour cherry, clonal selection, collection, breeding, production

Oral presentations

39

ADVANCES IN STUDY OF BIOACTIVITIES OF Agaricus brasiliensis POLYSACCHARIDES

Kozarski Maja1, Klaus Anita1, Vunduk Jovana1, Jakovljević Dragica2, Todorović

Nina2, Pavlović Vladimir1, Nikšić Miomir1, Vrvić Miroslav M.2,3, van Griensven Leo J.L.D.4

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

3Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 4Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research,

Wageningen, The Netherlands e-mail: maja@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Polysaccharides from mushrooms have received considerable attention due to their biological activities, such as anti-tumor, antivirus, anti-oxidation, anti-complementary, anticoagulant, hypolipidemic, immunostimulant and immunological activities, which made them possible to be used in many fields including food, cosmetics, biomedicine, agriculture, environmental protection and wastewater management. Isolation and purification of polysaccharides commonly involve several steps, and different techniques are actually available in order to increase extraction yield and purity. Studies have demonstrated that the molecular structure and arrangement significantly influence the biological activity. The aim of the study was isolation and characterization of polysaccharide extracts from fruit bodies of the European strain of mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis and testing of different levels of purification on immunomodulating and antioxidative potential in vitro with the objective of the selection of the most effective nutraceutical of good quality and available production conditions. Polysaccharides were obtained by hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation (HWPE I) of fruiting bodies, and further purified by dialysis (HWPE II) and pronase incubation (PPE). These polysaccharides consisted mainly of (1→6)-β-D glucans as demonstrated by quantitative assays and NMR profiling. They showed a clear IFN-γ inducing activity in human PBMCs, which suggests that these polysaccharides have proinflammatory effects. Treatment by β-glucosidase caused the polysaccharides to be degraded into smaller fragments and at the same time increased their IFN-γ inducing activity in PBMCs fourfold. In vitro, PPE free of proteins and polyphenols showed a dose-dependent inhibition of the proliferation of the human leukemia Jurkat cell. At 100 μg/mL the cells’ viability was decreased by appr. 51% compared to the control. EPR spin trapping demonstrated a high antioxidative activity against •OH and •O2- radicals of HWPE I and PPE. Further, the results of the antioxidant assays indicated that antioxidant activity against •OH radicals in the Fenton system was achieved through scavenging or through chelating iron mechanisms. The good immunomodulating and antioxidative properties of A. brasiliensis polysaccharide extract obtained by hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation make it suited for everyday use as an inexpensive dietary supplement. Keywords: A. brasiliensis, mushrooms, polysaccharides, antioxidant activity, immunomodulation

Oral presentations

40

MONITORING WEED RESISTANCE AND CROP TOLERANCE IN SERBIA

Božić Dragana1, Vrbničanin Sava1, Pavlović Danijela2, Stojićević Darko1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: dbozic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Monitoring of weed resistance to different herbicides was done. Numerous weed species including Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus retroflexus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida, Chenopodium album, Datura stramonium Helianthus annuus (weedy form), Xanthium strumarium, Panicum crus-galli, Sorghum halepense, Solanum nigrum and Setaria viridis have been tested. Also, sunflower hybrid tolerance to herbicides ALS inhibitors was tested. Depending on the herbicide group, relevant methods including whole plant bioassay in the field and under controlled conditions, ALS enzyme activity in vitro and in vivo, bioassay in Petri dishes, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, transpiration intensity, shikimic acid content, light and transmission electron microscopy and PCR analysis have been used. The expertise built on bilateral project collaborations between the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia and two EU partners (Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia, as well as, University of Rostock, Germany) allowed to introduce new approaches in the study of weed resistance and crop tolerance to herbicides in Serbia. A high level of resistance was not confirmed for any population, but some populations (Ch. album, A. retroflexus and A. theophrasti, X. strumarium, S. halepense) showed decreased susceptibility to some herbicides (atrazine and nicosulfuron). We confirmed sunflower hybrid tolerant to imazamox and tribenuron-methyl. New knoweldge and improved methods were implemented in the research of national project (III46008: Development of integrated management of harmful organisms in plant production in overcoming resistance and improving food quality and safety), two finished PhD theses, one PhD thesis in progress, and several research papers published in national and internationl journals. Keywords: herbicide, monitoring, weed resistance

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41

RESEARCH OF GENETIC VARIABILITY OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS FROM

SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

Šatović Zlatko2, Dajić Stevanović Zora1, Šoštarić Ivan1, Aćić Svetlana1, Petrović Milica1, Mačukanović-Jocić Marina1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

e-mail: dajic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Southeast Europe is regarded as one of the centres of biodiversity. It is estimated that the number of vascular plant species is higher than 8000 out of which more than 1000 species are traditionally and/or officially used as MAP. In all countries of SEE, herbal sector is well developed and its sustainability depends on both size and structure of natural MAP populations. In order to preserve MAP biodiversity, and apply appropriate protection of endangered species, knowledge of species diversity and population variability is of the highest importance. Some of the tools of choice in population studies are various DNA sequencing techniques, which provide valuable data and information of population relationships and possibly population size and viability. The Department of Botany of the Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade collaborated with other research groups from the region through SEEDNet program that was financed by Government of Kingdom of Sweden. As the result of this collaboration several MAP species were investigated. Populations of Salvia officinalis from whole region were collected and genetically characterised. In collaboration with prof. Johannes Novak at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, populations of Origanum vulgare were collected and analysed due to participation within ECPGR MAP Working Group. Further investigation of MAP diversity will be focused on DNA fingerprinting techniques for better understanding of population variability of selected species and target groups of medicinal plants. Other aspect of research will be oriented towards investigation of composition and localisation of secondary metabolites in relation to genetic diversity. Both aspects will be realised through AREA projects that will allow our researchers the use of DNA techniques and RAMAN spectroscopy aiming at better understanding of Southeast European medicinal plants. Our research group collaborates with key institutions in SEE region (e.g. University of Zagreb, Croatia) and EU (Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, University of Reading, UK, etc.) interested in genetic studies of medicinal plants, and is well recognized by international organizations dealing with conservation of biodiversity (MAP expert group of IUCN, MAP expert group of FAO, Traffic, WWF, BfN). Keywords: DNA sequeencing, population genetics, RAMAN spectroscopy, MAP conservation

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42

THE METHODOLOGY FOR INNOVATION MANAGEMENT IN UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT

Mandić Vesna, Jevtović Jelena

Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia

e-mail: mandic@kg.ac.rs The paper deals with the different aspects of the innovation management process starting from definition of ten recommended innovation management techniques, across the intellectual property aspects, review of innovation cycle phases with financial aspects to the software innovation management support. The introduction presents the general idea about the innovation management as a process. Innovation management techniques are presented as the set of tools and mechanisms which support the innovation process, helping individuals and organizations/companies to deal with the market challenges in a systematic way. The Chapter Intellectual Property Aspects gives a preview of all types of intellectual property rights and the list of steps and procedures that need to be followed in order to protect those rights. Innovation Cycle with Financial Aspect describes in details the innovation cycle, with its five stages as well as short preview of innovation financing issues. In final chapter, the collaborative software software platform for innovation management is described in terms of the stage-gate innovation management techniques used and their benefits for end-users of such software platform. Description of Idea and Project Management workflows, along with the roles and responsibilities assigned within each of them provided, as well as a brief preview of the platform features in order to get this idea closer to its end-users. Keywords: innovation management, idea, IPR, collaborative platform

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43

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Agrobacterium spp. ISOLATED FROM APRICOT AND GRAPEVINE IN SERBIA

Kuzmanović Nemanja1, Prokić Anđelka1, Ivanović Milan1, Blagojević Nevena1,

Gašić Katarina2, Puławska Joanna3, Biondi Enrico4, Bertaccini Assunta4, Obradović Aleksa1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade, Serbia 3Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice, Poland

4Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

e-mail: kuzmanovic1306@gmail.com Crown gall caused by Agrobacterium spp. is a widespread bacterial disease that occurs on various agricultural crops and may cause significant economic losses. Although the disease and its causal agent are present on many cultivated plants in Serbia, Agrobacterium species have not been studied extensively for more than 30 years. We therefore investigated etiology of crown gall on particular plant hosts in Serbia and characterized the causal agent of the disease. This research was largely based on networking between our laboratory and major phytobacteriological laboratories throughout Europe within COST Actions 873 and FA0807. As a result of this collaboration, bacteria associated with crown gall symptoms on apricot trees were isolated and characterized. Based on PCR analysis, it is determined that six selected strains harbor Ti plasmids, classified as nopaline type. Tumorigenicity of the strains was confirmed in pathogenicity assay on several test plants. Using physiological and biochemical tests, multiplex PCR assay targeting 23S rRNA gene sequences and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, five strains were assigned as A. rhizogenes/biovar 2 and the remaining one as A. tumefaciens/biovar 1. Furthermore, the joint research program led to the first report of A. vitis as the causal agent of grapevine crown gall in Serbia. The strains isolated from tumor tissue of grapevine were determined as tumorigenic and identified as A. vitis by using classical bacteriological and molecular methods. Overall, these results provide a starting point for studying distribution, diversity and economic significance of Agrobacterium species/biovars in stone fruit and grapevine production in Serbia. This is a prerequisite for prevention of further disease spreading and successful protection. Moreover, the expertise gained during this collaboration was implemented in the research of one national project (III46008, Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia) and PhD thesis. Keywords: Agrobacterium, crown gall, tumor, apricot, grapevine

Posters

Posters

47

SURVIVAL OF SPRAY DRIED POTENTIAL PROBIOTIC Lactobacillus plantarum 564 IN CHOCOLATE

THROUGH HUMAN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Ahrne Siv1, Radulović Zorica2, Petrušić Milica2, Mirković Nemanja2, Paunović Dušanka2, Dimitrijević Suzana3

1Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Faculty of

Engineering LTH, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

3Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: petrusicm@agrif.bg.ac.rs Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have an important role in most of branches of food industry. LAB are most commonly used as starter cultures to obtain many kinds of fermented dairy products, meat products, and fermented vegetables. Considering the growing interest in application of probiotic strains in food production, it could be presumed that it is possible to isolate some lactic acid bacteria from traditional product, with potential probiotic ability, among the autochthonous strains. Milk and dairy fermented products are most commonly used functional food. However, the increase in the consumer vegetarianism and the allergy to dairy products establish a demand for new products. Cocoa and chocolate have been suggested as good media for the functional health ingredients, because they are rich sources of flavan-3-ols (flavanols) that have the ability to act as in vivo antioxidants. Application of spray dried potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 564 in the production of dark chocolate and in vivo examination of survival of potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 564 through human gastrointestinal tract was conducted by Research Fellowship of Federation of European Microbiology Societies (FEMS) as a result of collaboration between the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade and Faculty of Engineering LTH, University of Lund. This research showed that dark chocolate could be a very good delivery medium for probiotic bacteria. Results showed very high percentage of survived spray dried potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 564 through gastrointestinal tract. Also, viability of spray dried potential probiotic strain in chocolate was very high even after one year of storage. Experience and new knowledge are implemented in the national project III 46010 and one doctoral thesis which is in the final stage. Successful collaboration between the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade and Faculty of Engineering LTH, University of Lund will be continued through Linnaeus Palme project. Keywords: potential probiotic, Lactobacillus planatrum 564, dark chocolate, in vivo

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48

EFFECT OF VINEYARD FLOOR MANAGEMET ON SOIL AND PLANT WATER STATUS

Bešlić Zoran, Matijašević Saša, Todić Slavica

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: zbeslic@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Two variants of floor management were applied: v1 - completely bare soil maintained by mechanical cultivation, and v2 - partially covered soil, using a special mixture of grasses for perennial plantations between rows with a regular mowing regime. Investigations were carried out during 2011 and 2012, on cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon in central Serbian vinegrowing region. The position of vineyard is 44o25'47'' North, longitude is 20o 02'43'' East and altitude is 163 m. An average annual air temperature was 10,8 oC, mean vegetation temperature 16,6 oC and total annual amount of precipitation 600-700 mm. Soil moisture was monitored by profile probe along a soil profile up to 1 m (10-20-40-60-100 cm). The results of experiment clearly indicate that soil partially covered with grasses had consistently lower water content during growing season. In the second half of August 2012, water content in depth of 40 cm was closer to the lowest point of optimal water content (25 vol %). Climatic conditions and soil moisture directly affect plant water status and its variations were measured as stem water potential (Ψstem). Despite the extremely hot summer months during both vegetation periods, particularly 2012, critically low levels of water potential have not been obtained. The values of stem water potential (from -0,6 to -0,8 MPa) obtained before and after veraison, had a positive effect on dry matter accumulation in berries and increased the content of phenolic compounds in the skin. Keywords: floor management, soil water content, stem water potential

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49

ENGAGING WITH SMEs – EXPERIENCES FROM THE UK HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH

Blanuša Tijana1,2, Ordidge Matthew1, Hadley Paul1

1Royal Horticultural Society, Woking, UK

2School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK

e-mail: tijanablanusa@rhs.org.uk Home production of vegetables as well as soft fruit in the UK has grown steadily over the last decade and is now on average above 50% (e.g. in 2012, 62% and 66% for raspberries and strawberries respectively were home-grown, 93% for cabbages, 46% for mushrooms; Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – DEFRA – Statistics, 2013). Fruit and vegetables were collectively valued at almost £1.8 billion in 2012, while the ornamental sector was valued around £1 billion (DEFRA, 2013). The increases in home, UK, horticultural production is due in part to effective translation of the new research findings into the production practice. We are presenting our experiences of industrial collaborations within various strands of the UK horticultural sector, supporting our research. From smaller collaborations (e.g. short research projects employing technicians) with individual industrial partners, via PhD projects funded by industry funding bodies (such as Horticultural Development Council, HDC, Doctoral Training Scheme) to large ongoing industrially-funded postdoctoral-level positions. We will discuss the common denominators of the industrially-funded projects which we run (e.g. need for financial benefits for the industrial partners, ’service’ element to the projects) as well as the academic challenges they present to the researchers (e.g. the need to meet very practical industrial needs, with academic rigour and the need for novelty in research) and what routes we have used to try and meet those challenges. Keywords: horticulture, financial benefit, future funding, industry, green infrastructure

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50

APPLICATION OF ENCAPSULATED AUTOCHTHONOUS POTENTIAL PROBIOTIC BACTERIA IN FOOD PRODUCTION

Bogovič Matijašić Bojana1, Radulović Zorica2, Petrušić Milica2, Mirković Nemanja2,

Petrović Tanja2, Miočinović Jelena2 , Nedović Viktor2

1Biotechical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: zradulovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs

There is growing scientific evidence that the maintenance of healthy gut microbiota may provide protection against gastrointestinal disorders. A major development in functional foods pertains to foods containing probiotics, while enhancing health-promoting microbial flora in the intestine. Probiotics are live microbial food supplements, mainly lactic acid bacteria which benefit the health of consumers by maintaining or improving their intestinal microbial balance. Selection of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria as potential probiotics, isolated from traditional cheeses in Serbia, is closely related to very important issues of biodiversity preservation, production of high value food supplements containing probiotic bacteria and development of new advanced technologies to improve food quality. Encapsulation of probiotic cells provides a physical barrier against the external environment. Entrapment of probiotic bacteria in a biodegradable polymer matrix has many advantages, including higher stability, easier handling and storage of the cultures, lower mortality loss in the applications leading to direct economic benefits and target delivery of active compounds. The scientific cooperation through Bilateral project between Biotechnical Faculty of University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the Faculty of Agriculture of University of Belgrade, Serbia, was complemented by the research on autochthonous potential probiotic bacteria and different encapsulation methods (spray drying and extrusion). These results and experience were used for practical application of spray dried potential probiotic bacteria in functional food production (cheeses, chocolate and fermented sausages). A high rate of encapsulated probiotic survival in food and gastrointestinal conditions was achieved, which was a basic requirement for probiotic food production. New knowledge and expertise were implemented in the research of national projects (No. 46010, 46009) and four PhD theses (2 finished and 2 in progress). Keywords: autochthonous lactic acid bacteria, probiotic bacteria

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51

Iris yellow spot virus – A NEW ONION PATHOGEN IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Bulajić Aleksandra1, Stanković Ivana1, Vučurović Ana1, Trkulja Vojislav2,

Mihić Salapura Jelena2, Kovačić Dragana2, Krstić Branka1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Agricultural Institute of Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

e-mail: branka.krstic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Viruses belonging to the genera Tospovirus (Bunyaviridae) represent a serious obstacle in onion production all over the world. Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is considered an emerging virus (previously on EPPO Alert quarantine list), established in several European countries and its distribution in the EU region has increased during the last decade. Since the development of diagnostic tests is a constant effort for plant quarantine and emerging viruses, we have built expertise in the detection, identification and characterization of IYSV, acknowledged by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia. Current expertise has been implemented in new research opportunities for the study of IYSV presence and distribution at the regional level, through a bilateral project between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina supported by grant 19/6-020/961-92/11 of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Srpska. Collaboration and joint research with Agricultural Institute, Banja Luka, provided new insight into the occurrence and distribution of IYSV in onion crops in the Republic of Srpska and determination of the genetic relationship of obtained IYSV isolates with those from Serbia and other parts of the world. Results from an intensive survey which was conducted during 2012 and 2013 revealed virus presence in serologically tested samples collected at four localities. For further analysis, samples of naturally infected onion plants originating from different localities were selected and successfully mechanically transmitted to test plants Petunia x hybrida confirming the infectious nature of the disease. Molecular detection was performed by amplification of a fragment of 896 bp in all tested samples, using the specific primers IYSV56U/IYSV917L that amplify the nucleocapsid (N) gene. The RT-PCR product derived from isolate 373-12 was sequenced (KF733020) and compared with the IYSV sequences available in GenBank. Sequence analysis of the complete N gene, revealed the highest nucleotide identity of 99.6% (99.6% amino acid identity) with IYSV onion isolate originating from Texas. Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of selected isolates into six molecular groups correlating with their geographic origin. Onion IYSV isolates from the Republic of Srpska grouped in cluster 5 together with isolates from Georgia and Peru. Apart from the first report and characterization of IYSV in the Republic of Srpska, published in international and national peer reviewed journals and presented on one international and one national conference, this collaboration provided know-how dissemination through training and guidance of young researchers from Agricultural Institute-Banja Luka. In this way, the bilateral project between Agricultural Faculty, Belgrade and Agricultural Institute, Banja Luka is an essential contribution which will strengthen the scientific developments and increase the regional scientific potential. Keywords: Iris yellow spot virus, presence, distribution, onion, Republic of Srpska

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52

USE OF INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY FOR DETECTION OF DROUGHT STRESS AND AS A TOOL FOR IRRIGATION SCHEDULING

Costa Miguel1, Marjanović Milena2, Chaves Manuela1, Stikić Radmila2,

Jovanović Zorica2, Prokić Ljiljana2

1LEM – Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: milena.pauk@agrif.bg.ac.rs Leaf temperature can be a good indicator of leaf stomatal conductance and thus of plant physiological condition. Infrared (IR) imaging (also known as IR thermography or imaging IR radiometry), is a specialized branch of IR thermometry. This imaging technique permits to measure IR radiation emitted by objects at ambient temperature over a large amount of points and processing those measurements to form a thermal map of the target surface, including leaf surface. Thermal imaging can be used not only as a tool to monitor plant/crop physiological condition, but also as a means to phenotype of new genotypes of relevant crops and as supportive approach of breeding programs for drought resistance. Dehydration avoidance is the major drought resistance mechanism and plant temperature is a most relevant parameter to screen in non-destructive (“in vivo”) condition different genotypes in non-destructive (“in vivo”) conditions. The aim of presented results was to test the use of thermal imaging as a non-destructive and fast method to monitor plant water stress on the basis of leaf temperature, as well as to optimize irrigation management in different plant species, namely potatoes and tomatoes. Characterization of genotypes in terms of their response to water stress was another aim. Presented experimental results confirmed that IR imaging could be successfully applied as a tool for both irrigation scheduling and testing reactions of potato and tomato plants to drought. To validate the information provided by thermal imaging, the leaf gas exchange methodology is also used in the presented experiments. The IR imaging was successfully applied in crop stress physiology at the Faculty of Agriculture. This expertise was gained due to collaborative research project between Serbia and Portugal. Keywords: IR imaging, drought, potato, tomato

Posters

53

TRICHODERMA AS BIOCONTROL AGENT – BENEFITS AND RISKS

Danilović Gordana1,3, Körmöczi Péter2, Kredics László2, Panković Dejana1,3, Jovanović Ljubinko3

1Faculty of Environmental Protection, Educons University,

Sremska Kamenica, Serbia 2Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary

3Faculty of Ecological Agriculture, Educons University, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia

e-mail: gordana.racic@educons.edu.rs Soil-borne pathogens are one of the main causes of important losses in agriculture, among them fungi are the most aggressive. Intensive agriculture is highly dependent on the use of chemical pesticides to control plant pathogens. These methods are time-consuming and uneconomical, pollute the atmosphere, and are environmentally harmful, as the chemicals build up in the soil. However, integration of biocontrol agents with reduced doses of chemical agents has the potential to control plant pathogens with minimal impact on the environment. This strategy of control is eco-friendly and compatible with different models of agriculture: organic, biological and integrated pest/pathogen management (IPM) programs. One of the main keys to sustainable pest control in the soil is establishing and maintaining the microbial community structure in a disease suppressive state. Furthermore, before biocontrol can become important component of plant desease management it must be effective, reliable, consistent, easy to apply and use, environment friendly and economical. To meet these criteria, superior strains of biocontrol agents together with delivery systems that enhance biocontrol activity must be developed. The fungal genus Trichoderma includes soil-borne cosmopolitan species and it comprises a great number of fungal strains that act as biological control agents, of which T. virens, T. viride and, above all, T. harzianum are best known. In our study, we investigated biodiversity of the genus Trichoderma in the soils of Serbia. Altogether, 39 Trichoderma isolates were identified from the examined samples based on their ITS sequences with the aid of the programs TrichOKEY 2.0 and TrichoBLAST available online at the home page of the International Subcommission on Trichoderma and Hypocrea Taxonomy (www.isth.info). Besides the clinically relevant opportunistic pathogens T.longibrachiatum and T. citrinoviride and the mycotoxin producing species T. brevicompactum, species known as promising biocontrol agents (T. harzianum, T. virens, T. atroviride and T. gamsii) could also be detected in the examined samples. Possible misidentification of closely related species based on their morphological characteristics and risks of their application are discussed. Molecular phylogenetic analysis for Trichoderma identification is therefore of great importance, especially for determination of strains which could be used in biocontrol. T. atroviride strain isolated from the rhizosphere of cabbage showed in vitro antagonistic activity of 100% against tested confronted pathogens and it might be promising for the development of fungal-based products that are able to suppress plant pathogenic fungi. Keywords: Trichoderma, biocontrol, ITS

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54

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF BEERS ENRICHED WITH HERB AND MUSHROOM EXTRACTS

Despotović Saša, Veljović Mile, Nešić Kristina, Velojović Sonja,

Nedović Viktor, Leskošek-Čukalović Ida

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: sdespot@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Since ancient times, many different types of beer and beer-based beverages have been developed in various countries worldwide. Such diversity is caused by a wide variety of raw materials and technologies which are used in their production. In recent years, the market of food products with improved healthy function has strongly increased. Numerous research works support the hypothesis that moderate drinking of beer significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular and some other diseases. The beneficial effects of beer on the human body can be explained by a high content of antioxidants, vitamins and other accessible components sourcing from hop, barley and malt. The objective of this study was to investigate the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of novel beer types and consumer acceptance of obtained beers against standard Pilsner beer. The influence of the obtained beers on heart rhythm was investigated as well. Experimental beers enriched with herb and mushroom extracts were produced in laboratory stainless steel fermenters. For the purpose of this study beers were enriched with extracts of M. officinalis, T. vulgaris, J. communis and G. lucidum. The results obtained suggest that all examined beers had a higher amount of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant activity compared with control beer. Pharmacological testing indicates that enriched beers do not significantly affect the blood pressure and heart frequency. These results are encouraging for further research and indicate the possibility of obtaining a wide range of special beers with increased functionality and with distinctive herb sensory profile. This study was supported by EU Commission (FP7 REGPOT project AREA, No 316004) and the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (III46001). Keywords: beer, antioxidant activity, herb

Posters

55

CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIOCIN PRODUCED BY NATURAL ISOLATE

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BM50

Diep Bao Dzung1, Mirković Nemanja2, Radulović Zorica2, Uzelac Gordana3, Kojić Milan3

1Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Science NMBU, Aas, Norway

2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 3Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering,

University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: nemanjamirkovic@hotmail.com Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used as starter cultures for preparation of a wide variety of fermented (dairy, meat and vegetable) products. LAB produces a number of antimicrobial substances that might be of importance for food and feed fermentation and preservation. Some LAB strains produce ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides, named bacteriocins. Many bacteriocins showed not only inhibitory activity within the same species as a producer, but also against other species or genera different from the bacteriocin producer, including food-borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium tyrobutyricum. Bacteriocins produced by LAB are of special interest for many reasons and one of the most important is that they are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for human consumption since they are found or used in food and feed fermented products. Because of their potential use in food preservation, LAB bacteriocins have been widely studied in recent years. Characterization of bacteriocins produced by natural isolate Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BM50 was conducted by Research Fellowship of Federation of European Microbiology Societies (FEMS) as a result of collaboration between the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade; Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade and Norwegian University of Life Science, NMBU, Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BM50 is producer of antimicrobial compound with a narrow spectrum of inhibition. Results showed that clear zones of inhibition around the wells except nearby crystal of proteases suggest a proteinaceous nature of inhibitory compound e.g. bacteriocin. PCR analyses were undertaken using specific primers for genes of the most common lactococcal bacteriocins. Positive amplification was obtained only when specific primers for the genes encoding bacteriocins lactococcin G were used. Amplified fragment was sequenced and confirmed that strain BM50 produced lactococcin G. New knoweldge and expertise are implemented in the national project III46010 and one doctoral thesis which is in the final stage. Keywords: lactic acid bacteria, bacteriocin lactococcin G, PCR

Posters

56

IMPROVEMENT OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CARP LARVAE IN INDOOR FACILITIES

Dulić Zorka, Marković Zoran, Rašković Božidar, Stanković Marko, Spasić Milan,

Vukojević Dalibor, Poleksić Vesna

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: zorkad@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Production of carp larvae is a demanding phase in semi-intensive fish farming, especially in providing high survivorship and good health of fish. The usual practice among fish farmers in Serbia is to introduce fish larvae into earthen ponds shortly after hatching. This rearing methodology provides low cost maintenance and is overall economically feasible, but results in up to 90% of fish mortality. The reasons for high fish loss are various; from predators and diseases to low nutritional inputs for fish larvae and unstable pond environment. In modern aquaculture, fish larvae are reared under controlled conditions, in indoor tanks and are fed with specially produced live-food and/or wild zooplankton that meets their nutritional requirements. This way the produced fish fry are usually more resistant to diseases, have less deformities and the survivor rate significantly increases. The upgrading of material resources and expertise gained through the project “Reinforcement of Sustainable Aquaculture” (ROSA) allowed the establishment of a modern carp larvae rearing system in controlled environment. Indoor facilities comprise fifty tanks for breeding of families, system for Artemia production, OxiGard computer system for constant monitoring of temperature and dissolved oxygen in tanks and computer feeding robot system for automatic distribution of artificial feed for carp larvae. All these facilities are prerequisites for high rate of larval hatching, good development and growth of larvae and successful transition from the egg yolk phase to the first exogenous feed in the form of live food organisms and later on to artificial feeds. Due to an immature alimentary tract, carp larvae are especially sensitive to first feeding. The introduction of live feed, primarily Artemia (brine shrimp) produced indoors and wild zooplankton obtained from outdoor ponds provides them with a high quality diet and increases the acceptance of artificial feed. Through the ROSA project we have achieved promising results in carp larviculture by overcoming some of the most critical points in larvae production such as high mortality, larval deformities and transition to formulated diets. Keywords: carp larvae production, semi-intensive fish farming, project ROSA

Posters

57

RASPBERRY WINE FERMENTATION BY DIFFERENT BIOCATALYSTS: IMMOBILIZED AND SUSPENDED YEAST CELLS

Đorđević Radovan1, Nikićević Ninoslav1, Lević Steva1, Kalušević Ana1,

Gibson Brian2, Čadež Neža3, Nedović Viktor1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland

3Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

e-mail: radovan.djordjevic@gmail.com In the past few decades there has been increased interest in using of immobilized yeast cells in fermentation due to attractive technical and economic advantages compared to the conventional free cells system. The purpose of using such technique is to improve fermentation efficiency, alcohol productivity and overall product aroma, taste and quality. This study was performed in order to explore the differences in fermentative behavior of different yeast strains and differences in composition and sensory properties between samples of raspberry wine fermented with immobilized and suspended yeast cells. Fermentations were carried out at the same conditions by immobilized and suspended Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lachancea thermotolerans yeasts strains isolated from raspberry juice and with two commercial yeast strains (S. cerevisiae bayanus EC 1118 and S. cerevisiae cerevisiae RC 212). At certain intervals during the whole process of fermentation, sampling was performed. One part of samples taken was subjected to GCxGC TOF-MS analysis of aroma compounds and the second part was used for HPLC analysis and monitoring of sugar utilization and ethanol production. All samples fermented with immobilized yeast cells had shorter lag phase and faster utilization of sugars and ethanol production than those fermented with suspended cells. Better ratio of alcohol/esters was observed in all samples fermented with immobilized yeast cells in comparison with samples fermented with suspended yeast cells. However, a higher amount of ethanol was detected in samples fermented with suspended than with immobilized cells. In samples fermented with yeast cells, immobilized and suspended, isolated from raspberry juice, significantly higher amounts of volatile acids were detected than in samples fermented with commercial yeast strains. Samples of raspberry wines obtained by fermentation with immobilized yeast cells prove to be superior in quality to those fermented with suspended yeast cells. Keywords: immobilization, yeast, fermentation, raspberry wine

Posters

58

EVALUATION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES TO THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE REPUBLIC OF

SERBIA: ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS PERFORMANCE ON A RANDOMLY SELECTED SAMPLE

Đuričin Sonja

Institute of Economic Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: sonja.djuricin@ien.bg.ac.rs

The data obtained in this paper represents one of the results of bilateral research project „Agricultural, Natural Resources and Economic Growth: Implications for Rural Development Policy in Serbia and Portugal” between the Institute of Economic Sciences (IES) from Belgrade and the Group for Monetary and Financial Studies (GEMF) from Coimbra, Portugal. The project was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Serbian Ministry of Science and lasted from July 2011 to December 2012. In this paper, the significance and contribution of agriculture in the overall economic development of the Republic of Serbia has been assessed through its share in the gross domestic product (GDP), exports and employment. The research results indicate that inefficient, unprofitable and insolvent operation of agricultural enterprises threatens the development of the agricultural sector and reduces its contribution to economic growth and development. By implementing the reform of the agricultural sector, better conditions would be created for survival, growth and development of agricultural enterprises which are, according to the results of the research, in a very bad position. If the Serbian agriculture with poor efficiency of business operation accounts for on average 8.68% of total GDP, 22% of total employment and together with food industry for 19.26% of total exports, than it is clear that minimal efforts and investments would lead to the sector's much higher contribution to the overall economic growth of the country. Keywords: agricultural production, agricultural enterprises, financial performance of enterprises, economic growth

Posters

59

INFLUENCE OF SHADING NET ON POLYPHENOL PROFILE IN DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF BLACK CURRANT BERRIES

Đurović Dejan1, Đorđević Boban1, Šavikin Katarina2, Veberič Robert3

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Institute for Medicinal Plants Research “Dr Josif Pančić”, Belgrade, Serbia 3Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

e-mail: dejan.djurovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Changes of environmental factors, created under the influence of various shading nets, could significantly affect some pomological and organoleptic characteristics of plants grown in such conditions as well asbiosynthesis of phenolic compounds. Plants in such environment are exposed to different growing conditions in comparison with plants growing without nets, particularly with regard to the intensity of sunlight. The effect of light on plant development is complex, involving the combined effects of several photoreceptor systems. Due to the great commercial, nutritional and medicinal values of black currants and also the lack of the data about the effects of shading nets in currant cultivation, the aim of our study was to determine the influence of changed environmental conditions caused by the use of green shading nets on the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds of different black currant varieties. This research was included in the topic “Investigation of biological active compounds as a source of antioxidative activity in the fruits of apple and black currant” in Serbia – Slovenia science and technologal cooperation. The expertise was built on collaborations between the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Institute for Medicinal Plants Research “Dr Josif Pančić” and the University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty. Five black currant cultivars Ben Sarek, Ben Nevis, Ben Lomond, Ometa and Čačanska crna were cultivated either in the shade of green polyethylene nets or were exposed to direct sunlight. All berries in the control treatment (without shading nets) contained higher amounts of total phenolics. Similar but less expressed trend was noticed regarding anthocyanins content. Growing in shade generally led to a lower content of flavonoid, phenolic acid and anthocyanin compounds. The new knowledge and expertise were used for both practical application and improvement of crop stress physiology research at the Faculty of Agriculture. Keywords: black currant, shading nets, polyphenol profile

Posters

60

MICROSPOROGENESIS AND MEIOTIC ABNORMALITIES IN DIFFERENT OBLAČINSKA SOUR CHERRY (Prunus cerasus L.) CLONES

Fotirić-Akšić Milica1, Cerović Radosav2, Ercişli Sezai3

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Innovation Centre of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy,

University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 3Department of Horticulture, Agricultural Faculty, Ataturk University,

Erzurum, Turkey email: fotiric@agrif.bg.ac.rs Studies in the field of fruit tree reproduction are an important basis for the breeding programs, genetic and biotechnological research. The two most important characteristics of sexuality are genetic variability, through sexual fusion of gametes, chromosome segregation, allele recombination and gene migration, so successful mutations can spread within and between populations. The Oblačinska sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is an autochthonous and heterogeneous sour cherry, which is the most planted sour cherry cultivar in Serbian commercial orchards. Overall viewpoint of the Oblačinska sour cherry is that this cultivar is self-pollinated, and thus can be grown in mono-cultivar orchards. However, since it is a mixture of different clones, not all behave in the same way. Owing to its hybrid origin (sour cherry is segmental alotetraploid of Prunus avium x Prunus fruticosus), it is characterized by irregular meiosis. After five years of diverse accession investigation, we selected four genotypes according to their fruit set and yields that were used as a material in this study. Genotypes II/2 and III/9 were distinguished by high fruit set and high yields; while genotypes XI/3 and XIII/1 showed low values of fruit set and yield. Twigs bearing flower buds were collected from Oblačinska sour cherry trees at the Radmilovac Experimental Station, which belongs to the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Belgrade, for two consecutive years. In this study, all Oblačinska sour cherry clones displayed varying degrees of chromosomal abnormalities present in all the phases of division. The abnormalities became evident from late pachytene where the bivalents are quite well separated from each other and can often be fully traced. Actually, more than half of pollen mother cells (PMC) showed abnormal conjugation of chromosomes in metaphase I. The lowest number of PMCs with laggards was noticed in clone III/9 (41.01%) and the highest in clone XIII/1 (57.75%). In the second division, the univalent and multivalent association was observed at metaphase-II, the lagging and stickiness in anaphase-II, and the phenomenon persisted up to the microspore stage. Completely unusual behavior of PMCs in all clones, but in different percentages, in the form of cytomixis phenomena was determined only in the second year of our study. Cytomixis or chromatin migration between meiocytes through citoplasmatic channels or direct adhesion is very well established phenomenon that is generally associated with herbaceous and monocotyledonous plants, and far less with woody plants. This phenomenon affects the formation of PMC with an abnormal number of chromosomes or abnormal microspores, pollen sterility, chromosome lagging, and the formation of syncites, but also modifies the reproductive system of the species. In our study, cytomixis is equally frequent in all stages of meiosis. Syncites that were created in this study at all stages of meiosis were most often built of 2-3 PMCs and showed a common cytoplasm, while nuclear fusion was occasionally observed. Most likely there was just an exchange of cytoplasmic genetic material, and rare complete genome fusion. Keywords: microsporogenesis, meiosis, cytomixis, chromosomes, sour

Posters

61

APPLICATION OF GIS TECHNOLOGY IN HYDROLOGY AND AGRICULTURE

Gregorić Enike, Matović Gordana

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: enikag@agrif.bg.ac.rs Modern agriculture increasingly relies on the latest information technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information System) coupled with GPS (Global Positioning System), which considerably enhances crop and soil monitoring, spatial planning and mapping of farmland (including plots, access roads, irrigation/drainage canals, locations of pumping stations and pollution sources, etc.). The data collected applying this technology can be used to maximize the utilization of natural resources, optimize agrotechnical measures and improve crop selection, all of which help increase yields and profits and contribute to environmental protection. An additional advantage is the ability to assess and optimize the use of water resources in agriculture, faced with increasing irrigation water shortages as a result of climate change. In Serbia, the application of GIS and GPS technologies is still not widespread. The collaboration between the University of Belgrade/Faculty of Agriculture and Newcastle University (UK), within the scope of the international project WATERWEB, has helped advance the use of GIS tools at the former institution. ESRI ArcView licenses were purchased through the project, allowing for new knowledge to be used in practical applications and research conducted as part of doctoral studies and two national projects. In one of the national projects, GIS technology was applied to quantify and analyze data on the hydrological status and level of pollution of irrigation canals in southeastern Srem, and assess the potential for their future use for irrigation. GIS enabled spatial and temporal integration of all relevant information (characteristics and locations of canals and meteorological, climate, hydrological, chemical and microbiological data). The integrated results and maps can be easily updated, which is especially important for current and future users of the canals. The outcomes of the project “GIS database and maps of southeastern Srem” can be used by agricultural organizations and individual farmers who own irrigation systems but use them scantily or not at all. A brochure was produced to promote GIS, especially its application in hydrology and agriculture. Three years ago, the newly acquired knowledge and expertise resulted in the addition of a new master’s course “GIS Application in Irrigation and Drainage” at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture. Keywords: GIS, hydrology

Posters

62

FLOWERING AND FLOWER MORPHOLOGY IN DIFFERENT OBLAČINSKA SOUR CHERRY (Prunus cerasus L.) CLONES

Guffa Basem1,2, Alrgei Hassan1,2, Fotirić-Akšić Milica2,

Nikolić Dragan2, Rakonjac Vera2

1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Sciences,

University of Azzawiya, Al Ojailat, Libya 2 Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

email: fotiric@agrif.bg.ac.rs It is known that blooming is the most important process in plant development. The yield and fruit quality depend on blooming course conditions, especially on the pollination and fertilization of flowers. Flower morphology that enables the correct process of pollination is one of the most important factors in fruit setting. Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is an allotetraploid species, originating from a natural hybridization between sweet cherry (P. avium L.) and ground cherry (P. fruticosa Pall.). Oblačinska sour cherry, an autochthonous cultivar, is the most widely growncultivar in Serbian commercial orchards. Due to its long cultivation in different agro-ecological conditions and different propagation types (both by suckers and by seeds), it is a mixture of different clones. The enhancement and utilization of native cultivars require a detailed knowledge regarding the morphological characterization of germplasm accessions. Because of that, the aim of this study was to examine flower morphology and observe process of flowering in different Oblačinska sour cherry clones. The experiment was carried out at the Radmilovac Experimental Station, which belongs to the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Belgrade. Clone V/P showed the earliest flowering, followed by clones II/2 and II/10 and the latest clones were I/1 and VIII/1.The difference in flowering time was almost 4-5 days which favors genotypes with late bloom that can avoid late spring frost. Open flower diameter ranged from 22.3 mm (I/1) to 27.8 mm (V/P). Generally, clone V/P showed the highest values for almost all flower traits (sepals and petals length and width, number of stamens and peduncle length) examined in this study. Also, petal length/width ratio was the highest (2.74), which implies very elongated petals, almost lanceolate. But on the contrary, in this particular clone, sepal length/width ratio shows the lowest values (1.05) indicating almost round sepals. The longest stamens and pistil were recorded in clone IV/1 (11.13 and 10.20 mm respectively). Obtained results revealed an obvious variation regarding flowering and flower morphology and further selection will consider clones that flower as late as possible and have large flowers. Keywords: Oblacinska sour cherry, clone, flower, bloom, breeding

Posters

63

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF INNOVATIVE DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS FOR DETECTION OF Erwinia amylovora

IN PLANT MATERIAL

Ivanović Milan1, Kuzmanović Nemanja1, Gašić Katarina2, Prokić Anđelka1, Obradović Aleksa1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Department of Plant Pathology, Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: milanivanovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Gram negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight, a devastating disease of pear and apple, and several other species of the Rosaceae family. This pathogen moves from one geographic area to another via contaminated plants, and in the last 20 years has rapidly spread over many countries. Therefore, standardized diagnostic schemes are required for accurate and rapid detection for the presence of E. amylovora in plant material. In the frame of EUPHRESCO ErwinDect project and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) a Ring test was organized in 2010 with the participation of fourteen laboratories from ten countries and four continents. Spiked and blind samples with different levels of E. amylovora contamination were analyzed by conventional, serological and molecular techniques. In addition to enrichment and isolation techniques, four conventional PCR and one real-time PCR protocol with three extraction methods, one ELISA-based and two serological kits were evaluated. For each method, the analytical sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated. Selective CCT medium was the most suitable for E. amylovora isolation from plant material. Real-time PCR has proven to be the most sensitive method for detection of E. amylovora in plant material. It was 10 times more sensitive than Nested PCR and 100 times more sensitive compared to two other conventional PCR procedures. Also, extraction procedures were efficient in removing inhibitors, enabling detection of E. amylovora in low concentrations in plant material. DASI-ELISA following enrichment step also showed high sensitivity, unlike two tested commercial serological kits. New diagnostic protocol offers specific and sensitive detection of E. amylovora in plant material with or without visible fire blight symptoms, recommending a combination of different methods for maximum accuracy. New skills and expertise from this collaboration were applied to research of one national project (III46008) and one PhD thesis, as well as in several publications.

Keywords: detection, Erwinia amylovora, plant material, diagnostics

Posters

64

XYLEM ANATOMY AND STEM HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY IN WHEAT

Jansen Steven1, Bouche Pauline1, Morris Hugh1, Rančić Dragana2,

Pećinar Ilinka2, Pekić Quarrie Sofija2

1Institute for Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: rancicd@agrif.bg.ac.rs

The function of xylem tissue is to transport water, soluble nutrients, hormones, and other small molecules from the roots to the above-ground parts of the plant. Since water flow in the xylem is driven by transpiration, it is controlled by the opening and closing of stomata in response to environment conditions. Therefore, water transport is tightly connected with the photosynthetic productivity of a plant, its growth, and the grain yield in crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum). Hence, hydraulic properties of the xylem tissue could provide useful information about the adaptability of a plant to environmental conditions such as water deficit. It is known that drought decreases hydraulic conductivity of the xylem tissue due to induction of embolism or reduction in xylem vessel diameter. The aim of the bilateral project entitled “Xylem analysis in crop plants under drought” (No 451-03-03159/2012-09/6) from the project cycle 2013-2014, financed by the Republic of Serbia and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), was to stimulate collaboration between Ulm University and Belgrade University and to develop complementary approaches for assessing the effects of drought on xylem development in crop plants. Previous research performed at the Laboratory for Functional Crop Anatomy at the Faculty of Agriculture was focused on xylem functionality by applying xylem tracers and indirect estimation of xylem hydraulic conductance. The laboratory of Prof. Steven Jansen in Ulm is well equipped with instruments for direct measurements of hydraulic conductivity and embolism, with a main focus on non-economic, temperate and tropical plants. This project enabled the German partners to broaden their measurements on the effects of drought stress on xylem properties to crop plants, while the practical benefits for the Serbian partners were the introduction to novel methods for directly measuring hydraulic conductivity. Young Serbian researchers learned in Ulm the construction and use of a Sperry apparatus, as well as a technique for estimating vessel length by silicone injection. PhD students from Germany learned how to use the eosin method for determining the amount of functional xylem. The gained expertise allowed successful research. From a scientific point of view, we could confirm the hypothesis that various xylem anatomical parameters were significantly correlated with yield parameters. Moreover, these anatomical features can be used as selection criteria for identifying the most productive genotypes under climate change conditions. The gained expertise was also successfully applied for the investigation in the national research project (TR 31005). Keywords: drought, Triticum, xylem, joint research

Posters

65

SIGNIFICANCE OF MICROBIAL QUALITY OF WATER THAT CAN BE POTENTIALLY USED FOR CROP IRRIGATION

Jovičić Petrović Jelena, Kljujev Igor, Lalević Blažo, Radić Danka,

Spasojević Ivana, Raičević Vera

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: jelenap@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Utilization of poor quality water in agriculture presents potential health risk, especially through the irrigation of fruits and vegetables that are consumed fresh. There are no standards for micriobial quality of irrigation water in Serbia. Examination of the presence od total and faecal coliform bacteria in the irrigation water on Radmilovac, experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, started within EU FP6 project WATER WEB. The occurrence of microbial contamination indicators was followed in the stream and two wells in Radmilovac. Through the WATER WEB project, analysis of microbial quality of irrigation water at the Faculty’s experimental field was performed for the first time. During the WATER WEB project, cooperation with Lancaster University has been estabilished. Trainings in the Lancaster University enabled the acquisition of expertise for monitoring the microbial quality of irrigation water. Importance of the project is reflected in two graduate theses and preliminary research for one doctoral dissertation arising from the study. Results obtained within the Project indicated the significant risk of micriobiological contamination of patogenic microorganisms. Presence of coliform and faceal coliform bacteria was higher than allowed according to the „Guidelines for Water Reuse’’ (U.S. E.P.A.). In addition to the presence of significant number of coliform bacteria, several pathogenic species were identified in irrigation water: Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Aeromonas hydrophila and Enterobacter spp. Results indicate the importance of standard implementation in microbial quality of irrigation water in legislation of Serbia and contribute to the assesment of the microbiological contamination risks and prevention measures in food chain. Keywords: irrigation water, coliform bacteria, microbiological contamination, food chain

Posters

66

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIPROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITIES OF WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOM Grifola frondosa

Klaus Anita1, Kozarski Maja1, Vunduk Jovana1, Žižak Željko2, Nikšić Miomir1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail aklaus@agrif.bg.ac.rs Grifola frondosa has long been known and respected as a medically important fungus. The fruit body as well as liquid-cultured mycelium of this mushroom contain anti-tumor polysaccharides which have been identified as many types of glucans (e.g., β-1,6 and β-1,3). Polysaccharides obtained from G. frondosa have also demonstrated biological activities like anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperliposis, as well as antiviral and antibacterial potential. The aims of this study were a) to determine the antibacterial ability of partially purified polysaccharides (FP) and hot alkali extracted polysaccharides (FNa) obtained from G. frondosa against selected foodborne Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria by microdilution and macrodilution assays; b) to determine their cytotoxic effect on malignant human breast cancer MDA-MB-453, cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa and myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. Antiproliferative activity of investigated compounds was assessed, measuring cell survival in standard, 72 h, by MTT test. In general, Gram-positive bacterial strains were more susceptible to the tested extracts than Gram-negative. FNa possessed higher activity than FP (MIC - 0.0195 - 2.5 mg/ml and 0.039 - 5.0 mg/ml, respectively). The highest antibacterial potential of FNa and FP was achieved against B. cereus (MIC - 0.0195 and 0.039 mg/ml; MBC - 0.039 and 0.078 mg/ml). Also, bactericidal potential of FNa and FP was observed after 9 h and 24 h of exposure, respectively. Extracts derived from G. frondosa displayed moderate cytotoxic activity and a dose dependent antiproliferative action towards all investigated tumor cell lines. The most cytotoxic effect showed FP extract (IC50=2.45 mg/ml for HeLa cells). These results indicate that FP and FNa possess promising potential to inhibit some Gram-positive bacteria, especially B. cereus, which can be very useful in case of antibiotic-resistant strains. Some compounds of extracts from G. frondosa could be promising agents for the treatment of human tumors and are candidates for further analyses on experimental animals, in vivo. Keywords: Grifola frondosa, antibacterial, antiproliferative, polysaccharides

Posters

67

CONTAMINATION AND COLONIZATION OF VEGETABLES BY PATHOGENIC BACTERIA FROM IRRIGATION WATER

Kljujev Igor1, Jovičić Petrović Jelena1, Karličić Vera1,

Kiković Dragan2, Raičević Vera1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia

e-mail: ikljujev@agrif.bg.ac.rs Clean water has become one of the main limiting factors in agricultural food production in Europe, especially for countries around the Mediterranean, which are now facing more severe and frequent seasonal water shortages. Irrigation with poor-quality water is one way that fruit and vegetables can become contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. The risk of disease transmission from pathogenic microorganisms present in irrigation water is influenced by the level of contamination, the persistence of pathogens in water, in soil, and on crops; and the route of exposure. The preliminary results obtained within EU FP6 project WATER WEB, dedicated further research that was continued within CROPWAT and SAFIR projects. Performed research has enabled insight into effects of the low microbial quality of irrigation water on contamination of fruits and vegetables. In addition to fruits and vegetables that are consumed fresh, microbial quality of potato was tested. Potato is grown on large areas and its processing into different products carries the risk of cross contamination. During the each of the three years of research, coliform bacteria were detected in potato and maximal contamination level was 4.20 x 104 CFU/g. The presence of Escherichia coli 2 and E. vulneris on potato tubers was detected. An important outcome of the projects is cooperation that has been estabilished with German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz. During the colaboration within the projects, new methods for the detection of microbial quality idicators were implemented (fluorescent in situ hibridization, FISH, and confocal microscopy). Results confirmed that plants irrigated with microbiologically contaminated water were colonized by pathogenic bacteria. Obtained results enabled further colaboration which resulted in the publication: Food safety management, a practical guide for food industry, 2014., ELSEVIER. Project set the base for research which was continued during one national project financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Serbia. FISH and confocal microscopy will be implemented for the study of colonization of plant growth promoting bacteria. Keywords: potato, FISH, pathogenic bacteria, irrigation water, colonization

Posters

68

DEFICIT IRRIGATION METHOD AND GRAPEVINE REDUCING WATER USE

Marković Nebojša, Pržić Zoran, Stikić Radmila

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: marne@agrif.bg.ac.rs Drought is one of the most common environmental stresses that may limit agricultural production worldwide and therefore, irrigation is necessary for achievement of high and good quality yield. Many studies have demonstrated that regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is irrigation strategy that tends to decrease agricultural use of water. RDI is a method that irrigates the entire root zone with an amount of water less than the potential evapotranspiration during whole or specific periods of the grapevine cycle. RDI can also reduce yield and for optimal application of RDI, plant and soil water status must be monitored in order to maintain plant water regime within the certain degree of water stress that could not limit yield. This is the major difficulty when RDI is applied in the field conditions. However, if RDI is managed carefully, the negative impact on yield could be avoided, WUE increased and farmer’s profit maintained or even increased. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is a water-saving irrigation method that is now undergoing extensive trials worldwide but is novel for Serbia and other countries of South East European region. In order to assess the possible application of RDI method in climate conditions of South East European region, the experiments were carried out in vineyard (variety Riesling) and RDI plants received ca. 60% of the water that was applied to fully irrigated (FI) plants. Thus, the significant amount of water for irrigation was saved. Data concerning yield and the soluble solids in the berries did not show significant differences between RDI and FI plants, while the titrable acidity and antioxidant activity in the berries and IWUE were significantly increased under RDI. Economic analyses were also done to assess the effect of RDI on profit of grape production. Keywords: RDI, grapevine, yield, IWUE, profit

Posters

69

IMPACT OF THE “ROSA” PROJECT ON IMPROVEMENT OF MATERIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE AREA OF AQUACULTURE AT THE

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

Marković Zoran, Rašković Božidar, Dulić Zorka, Stanković Marko, Spasić Milan, Vukojević Dalibor, Relić Renata, Poleksić Vesna

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: zoranmm@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Project “Reinforcement of Sustainable Aquaculture” (Acronym: ROSA) was realized from February 1, 2008 to January 31, 2011, under the EU call – Coordination and support actions - FP7 REGPOT-2007-3. Project coordinating institution was the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Partner institutions were the Institute Nofima, Norway and the Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation, HAKI, Hungary. The main concept of the Project was the reinforcement of the S&T capacities in aquaculture in the Western Balkans (WB). This was achieved through: support to improvement of carp breeding technology and reduction of environmental pollution of fish ponds. This concept was reached by upgrading both human and material resources for research in sustainable fish production. The objectives of ROSA were: 1) support for research towards improvement of production results in breeding of carp, the species mostly cultured in Serbia, WB countries, and several countries of the EU; 2) transfer of the results obtained from laboratory and field research experiments to carp farms in Serbia and WB; 3) reinforcement and improvement of the existing collaboration with EU and WB partners through existing international and national research and other projects; 4) reinforcement of human and material capacities, increase of mobility and establishment of network. The ROSA project was implemented through 5 workpackages: WP 1 - Project management and coordination, WP 2 - Human resource reinforcement, WP 3 - Reinforcement of material resources, WP 4 - Reinforcement of knowledge in aquaculture, and WP 5 - Promotion and Dissemination. By realizing the ROSA project, an important upgrading of material resources has been carried out contributing to the research work in the field of aquaculture at the Faculty of Agriculture, primarily selective breeding and nutrition. In addition, a new laboratory for monitoring water quality for fishery and applied hydrobiology was established. During the realization of ROSA and Biotechnology projects, founded by the Serbian Ministry for Science and Education, both human and material resources in the area of aquaculture at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade were reinforced substantially: four young scientists, PhD students have completed and defended their PhD theses, 3 of them (Renata Relić, Božidar Rašković and Marko Stanković) were promoted/appointed to Assistant professors at the faculty, and Miloš Ćirić was employed at the Institute for Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy. The number of the papers published in peer reviewed international scientific journals of the participants of the ROSA project has increased from 4 publications to 9 in the three-year period, and 11 in the next 3 year period (after the end of the project). Finally, members of the aquaculture team have been successful in applying for two European projects: one is “Advancing research in agricultural and food sciences at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, AREA” (FP7 – REGPOT-2012-2013-1) and the other is a TEMPUS project “Building capacity of Serbian Agricultural Education to link with Society, CaSA” (544072-TEMPUS-1-2013-1-RS-TEMPUS-SMHES) coordinated by Prof. Vesna Poleksić, member of the research team for fishery and applied hydrobiology. Keywords: Project ROSA, improvement of capacities, aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture

Posters

70

TESTING OF THE SALTMED MODEL IN SERBIA

Matović Gordana1, Ragab Ragab2, Blyth Ken2, Gregorić Enike1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, CEH, Wallingford, UK

e-mail: gmatovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Contemporary approaches to comprehensive plant production management and dealing with drought issues and uncertainties inherent in crop choices and the selection of irrigation treatments require the use of computer models. A large number of crop models are well-known worldwide; they can be very useful tools for simulating the effectiveness of different agrotechnical measures from a plant productivity perspective. In Serbia, only a small number of researchers conduct computer-model-aided assessments of agricultural production, while the use of crop models in day-to-day agriculture is negligible. Owing to the collaboration between the University of Belgrade/Faculty of Agriculture (UBFA) and EU research groups in two EU FP6 projects (SAFIR and CROPWAT), agricultural circles in Serbia have been familiarized with one of the universal models – SALTMED, which was designed to address all irrigation methods and systems, all stratigraphic soil types, and a large number of herbaceous and ligneous plants. UBFA researchers visited the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Wallingford, UK and worked directly with the author and model developers to calibrate and validate the SALTMED model using experimental data from Serbia. The experimental data reflected the outcomes under the SAFIR project; the data were collected from a test field in Surčin (2006-2008), where potatoes were grown applying different irrigation treatments. The SALTMED model was calibrated and then validated for the following parameters: estimated increase in tuber dry mass, estimated increase in total dry biomass, and estimated dry mass of final tuber yield. Statistical analysis demonstrated a good match of all simulated and measured parameters, for each irrigation treatment. The best match was achieved for the rate of increase in tuber dry mass, given that calibration focused on that parameter. The success of this calibration and validation effort has enabled the use of the calibrated SALTMED model for assessing potato dry mass yields and optimizing irrigation treatments under the agro-ecological conditions prevalent in the Belgrade region. The results of SALTMED model calibration and validation constitute a significant portion of the doctoral thesis of one of the researchers involved in the EU projects SAFIR and CROPWAT. Keywords: SALTMED, potato, calibration, validation, tuber dry mass, total dry biomass, dry mass of final tuber yield

Posters

71

USE OF FLUORESCENSCE MICROSCOPY IN STUDYING OF SEXUAL INCOMPATIBILITY IN Rosaceae FRUIT TREE SPECIES

Milatović Dragan1, Nikolić Dragan1, Fotirić-Akšić Milica1,

Radović Aleksandar1, Krška Boris2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Horticulture, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czech Republic

e-mail: mdragan@agrif.bg.ac.rs Self-incompatibility is an evolutionary strategy in flowering plants to prevent self-fertilisation and to promote out-crossing. Fruit tree species of the Rosaceae family exhibit gametophytic incompatibility system, which is controlled by a single, polymorphic locus with multiple alleles (S-alleles). Self-incompatibility alleles stop the pollen tube growth if the same allele is present in the pollen grain and in the pistil. Self-(in)compatibility is traditionally determined by monitoring fruit set after controlled pollination under field conditions. The disadvantage of this method is that fruit set varies from year-to-year, depending on weather conditions. The other method used is the observation of pollen tube growth in the style by fluorescence microscopy. After staining with the fluorochrome aniline blue, examination under the fluorescence microscope clearly showed pollen tube growth in the style and ovary. Fluorescence microscopy provides a relatively rapid and reliable method to determine self-incompatibility in fruit tree species. In self-compatible cultivars, in the majority of pistils, the pollen tubes reached the ovary, and often the ovule as well. In contrast, in self-incompatible cultivars, pollen tubes stopped their growth in the style, with plugs formed at their tips due to the deposition of callose (β-1,3-glucan). In the laboratory for microscopy at the Faculty of Agriculture we commonly used fluorescence microscopy in studying of incompatibility in different Rosaceae fruit tree species: apricots, plums, cherries and quinces. Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars of the European eco-geographical group are traditionally considered self-compatible. However, we found many self-incompatible cultivars, especially those originating from new North American and West European breeding programmes. In the last few years, we have done testing of self-compatibility of 120 apricot cultivars. Of studied cultivars, a half of them(60 cultivars) were self-incompatible. We also studied cross-incompatibility in 8 apricot cultivars using the method of fluorescence microscopy. Three inter-incompatibility groups of cultivars were found, of which two had not been described previously. Self-compatibility in 39 European plum (Prunus domestica L.) cultivars was examined by observing pollen tube growth in the style. Of the studied cultivars, 24 cultivars were found to be self-compatible, while 15 cultivars were found to be self-incompatible. Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus L.), particularly ‘Oblačinska’ cultivar, are considered to be self-compatible. However, when examining four ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry clones by fluorescence microscopy, it has been shown that pollen tube growth efficiency was much better in open pollination comparing to self-pollination. In both types of pollination, typical signs of incompatibility were observed in the style. Additionally, the specific growth of pollen tubes (mostly multiple loops) was noticed in the ovary tissues. In eight varieties of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), the dynamics of pollen tube growth in the pistil were studied in variants of self-pollination and open pollination. Among studied cultivars, two proved to be self-compatible (‘Vranjska’ and ‘Leskovačka’), while other cultivars were self-incompatible. In self-compatible combinations, the penetration of pollen tubes in the ovary was noticed two days after pollination. The largest number of pistils with penetration of pollen tubes in the nucelus was observed six days after pollination. Keywords: self-incompatibility, fluorescence microscopy, pollen tube growth, fruit tree crops

Posters

72

QUINOA – A NEW HIGH QUALITY FOOD COMPONENT

Milovanović Mirjana1, Demin Mirjana1, Vucelić-Radović Biljana1, Banjac Nebojša1, Stikić Radmila1, Jovanović Zorica1, Jacobsen Sven-Erik2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark

e-mail: mmmilova@agrif.bg.ac.rs Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudocereal plant native to the Andean regions of South America. Nowadays, quinoa has been recognized for its nutritional benefits all over the world. Recently, attention has been given to quinoa for people with celiac disease (intolerance to gluten), as an alternative to the cereals – wheat, rye and barley, which all contain gluten. Quinoa was successfully grown in typical agro-climatic conditions of Serbia. Amino acid and mineral composition revealed the potential of quinoa seeds as a valuable ingredient in the preparation of highly nutritious food products. In our experiment, the protein quality and content of quinoa seeds were higher than in wheat or other cereals. Quinoa contains relatively high quantities of vitamins (thiamin, vitamin C). Quinoa is a crop of many potential uses. The seeds can be boiled like rice and used as a hot breakfast cereals, or used to thicken soups or as a porridge. The seeds can be popped like popcorn or ground and used as flour. Quinoa flour can be mixed with maize or wheat flour into bread, noodles, pasta and sweet biscuits. The undertaken study on the new form of quinoa presentation such as bread supplemented with quinoa seeds could enable the development of a range of new baking products with enhanced nutritive value. In all investigated cases, products were of excellent quality, with good physical, sensorial and nutritional qualities. The expertise built on collaborations between the Faculty of Agriculture and EU research groups in 2 EU FP6 projects (WATERWEB and CROPWAT) allowed the introduction of quinoa as a novel crop in agricultural and food technological research in Serbia. The new knowledge and expertise were implemented in the research of 2 national projects. Keywords: quinoa, nutrition quality, seed supplemented breads

Posters

73

POTENTIAL USAGE OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY FOR STUDYING DIFFERENT DAIRY PRODUCTS

Nedeljković Aleksandar1, Rösch Petra2, Popp Jürgen2,3, Miočinović Jelena1,

Radovanović Mira1, Puđa Predrag1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics,

Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany 3Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany

e-mail: a.nedeljković@agrif.bg.ac.rs

Raman spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopic technique based on inelastic light scattering, provides qualitative and quantitative information about many different types of samples and has therefore been applied in various research fields. In food science area, Raman spectroscopy may be used as a tool for quality control (compositional identification or for the detection of adulterants), as well as for basic research. Compared to IR absorption spectroscopy, this technique is usually more suitable for the study of biological systems in situ such as food, due to the weak Raman scattering properties of water. However, problems arise from fluorescence, and in the case of milk and dairy products it occurs with 532-nm lasers. This drawback can be overcome by using lasers of a higher wavelength, at the expense of lower peak intensities. With various “concentrated” milk systems (milk powders, cheese, kajmak etc.) acquired spectra intensities are relatively higher compared to liquid milk. Therefore, in order to analyse milk, a longer acquisition time is required. The obtained spectra show a set of bands that are attributed to milk fats, milk proteins and lactose. Raman spectroscopy is still a quite unexploited technique in the field of food analysis, therefore this technique gives a lot of opportunities for future research. At the Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Raman spectroscope was purchased within the AREA project and the initial knowledge was built during the three-month training at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany. The Raman spectroscopic potential for studying different foods, including dairy products, will be further investigated at the Faculty of Agriculture through different projects and future PhD theses. Keywords: Raman spectroscopy, milk, dairy products, cheese, kajmak

Posters

74

MICROENCAPSULATION OF ACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND BIOCATALYSTS –

APPLICATION IN FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Nedović Viktor1, Lević Steva1, Kalušević Ana1, Petrović Tanja1, Đorđević Radovan1, Savić Milena1, Đorđević Verica2, Matijašević Danka1,

Stajić Slaviša1, Leskošek-Čukalović Ida1, Bugarski Branko2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: vnedovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Microencapsulation is a technique for creating of layer(s) around active compounds and biocatalysts in order to provide additional protection. The main goal of microencapsulation is to prevent negative influences of external factors such as extreme temperature, oxygen, toxic chemicals or mechanical influence on active compound. The protective layers are made of natural or synthetic materials and could be created in different shapes and dimensions using various microencapsulation techniques. The microencapsulation techniques are based on application of physical or chemical processes for creation of protective layers around active compounds. Some techniques such as spray drying, electrostatic extrusion, emulsification or complex coacervation are widely used for encapsulation in food technology, pharmacy and agriculture. The members of IMMOBIOG group through cooperation with other national and international institutions introduced the numerous encapsulation procedures and active compounds in different food products and processes. These activities have been realized as parts of several national and international projects. The encapsulation of biocatalysts includes yeast and probiotic bacteria encapsulation using electrostatic extrusion and spray drying for application in fermentation processes (beer and fruit wine produced with encapsulated yeasts) or in some food products with active ingredients (encapsulated probiotic bacteria for dairy products). Also, the applications of microencapsulation realized by our group include encapsulation of vegetable oil as ingredient in fermented meat products; encapsulation of flavour for additional thermal protection; encapsulation of bioactive compounds from black soybean coat and different herb extracts; encapsulation of natural sorbents for adsorption of heavy metals from water, etc. The gained knowledge and expertise of IMMOBIOG group members were implemented in the realization of 2 national projects, several international projects and several PhD theses (2 finished and 3 in progress).

Keywords: microencapsulation, active compounds, biocatalyst, technique

Posters

75

INTRODUCTION OF FRUIT TREES AND GRAPEVINE AUTOCHTHONOUS CULTIVARS IN

THE NATIONAL GENE BANK OF SERBIA

Nikolić Dragan1, Fotirić-Akšić Milica1, Rakonjac Vera1, Ognjanov Vladislav2, Lukić Milan3, Todić Slavica1, Korać Nada2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

3Fruit Research Institute, Čačak, Serbia

e-mail: nikolicd@agrif.bg.ac.rs Old autochthonous cultivars and richness of natural populations of fruit species in the Balkans have never been the subject of comprehensive research. Today, the question of their preservation is particularly interesting because during the development of plant production and agricultural modernization, many local populations have disappeared or been reduced to a small number of biotypes. Introduction of high-quality cultivars also completely stopped growing local biotypes. Many varieties with characteristics of the huge genetic and breeding values are gone forever and will disappear without any possibility of their return. However, in the less urban and less agricultural and developed areas this wealth is much better preserved. Taking all this into account within SEEDNet project "South East European Development Network on Plant Genetic Resources" supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Department of Genetic Resources and GMO, the Swedish International Development Cooperation and the Nordic Gene Bank, three research institutions from Serbia (Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad and Fruit Research Institute in Čačak) were involved in the work on collecting the genetic resources of fruit trees and grapevine. The work was carried out within the framework of national activities on sustainable conservation and utilization of genetic resources of the genus Malus sp., Prunus domestica, Pyrus sp., Prunus persica and Vitis vinifera. The inventory of genetic resources, in collaboration with colleagues from other countries made the descriptor with special attention devoted to defining the mandate cultivars. A database was also made where the software bases were international descriptors that include passport data and characterization of the most important properties in numerical form so the data could be exchanged. Thirty autochthonous cultivars of apple, ten plum genotypes, thirty autochthonous cultivars of pear, twenty vineyard peach genotypes and twenty autochthonous grapevine cultivars were regenerated. All of the accessions are vegetatively propagated in fifteen plants and exchanged between three national participants in the project. Keywords: genetic resources, gene bank, cultivars, fruit trees, grapevine

Posters

76

APPLICATION OF SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY IN THE EXAMINATION OF POLLEN MORPHOLOGY OF

FRUIT TREES AND GRAPEVINE

Nikolić Dragan1, Milatović Dragan1, Fotirić-Akšić Milica1, Rakonjac Vera1, Ranković-Vasić Zorica1, Malidžan Slavojka2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro e-mail: nikolicd@agrif.bg.ac.rs Examination of pollen morphology has a great importance for taxonomy of close related species and determination of phylogenetic relatedness among them. In addition to distinguishing the species, pollen morphology can determine particular cultivars within a species. The importance of pollen morphology in clarifying the classification of many plants has been recognized from taxonomists and paleobotanists. Electron microscopy (transmission and scanning) has provided a powerful technique for studying pollen morphology. Since pollen has its own unique set of characteristics such as size, exine structure, number and size of pores on the exine, these features can be taken into account to distinguish species and cultivars. Pollen exine pattern for the different plant species is so genetically stable that it can be used for species identification in fossil and in recent pollen. Pollen morphological studies have also been used to determine interspecific and intraspecific relationships between tree fruit species. At the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, using scanning electron microscopy, the morphological characteristics of pollen in a number of cultivars of apple, quince, sweet cherry, sour cherry, apricot, walnut, almond, citrus and grapevine were studied. Polarity, symmetry, aperturate, shape and size of pollen, as well as characteristics of exine were determined for the tested cultivars. Small quantities of pollen grains, after dehydration on a silica gel drier, were mounted by fine brush on aluminium stubs covered with double-sided transparent tape. The pollen samples were coated with a gold layer of 0.02 μm thick in a sputter coater BAL-TEC SCD 005. Thirty pollen grains (three samples) from each cultivar at different magnification with a JEOL JSM-6390LV SEM were observed and photographed. The results showed that the cultivars within the given species did not differ in terms of descriptive characteristics of pollen. However, in terms of metric properties of the tested cultivars significant differences for individual properties were shown. This new knoweldge and expertise are incorporated in the research of 2 national projects and several PhD theses (2 finished and 4 in progress). Keywords: pollen, SEM, morphology, exine pattern, cultivars

Posters

77

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF GRAPEVINE IN SERBIA AS A NEW SOURCE FOR THE SELECTION PROCESS

Nikolić Dragan, Ranković-Vasić Zorica, Atanacković Zoran

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: nikolicd@agrif.bg.ac.rs Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important horticultural crops cultivated in the world. Most of the grape production (72%) is aimed at wine making. Table grapes for fresh consumption (27%) and raisin (1%) also represent an important part of yield in some countries. The diversity of cultivated grapevine today has been drastically reduced owing to a deep transformation of viticulture, accelerated by the invasion of grapevine pests and diseases, from North America to Europe, as well as the globalization trends of wine markets. The grapevine gene pool is particularly threatened in the marginal areas of its distribution range. During the past 30 years, a number of genetic resources conservation activities have been conducted in the grapevine cultivating countries. The research activities aim at evaluating the collections as sources of variation to be introduced in commercial viticulture as well as identifying sources of genes useful for grapevine breeding. Serbia has a long tradition of grapevine growing for wine production, and as well as for fresh consumption. The modern concept of grapevine selection is based on the identification and use of genotypes, improved yield and quality of grapes, as well as resistance to disease and pests. The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade has been working for a long time on the creation of new grapevine cultivars. By applying different ways of crossing, 23 grapevine cultivars have been created to this date. Out of these, 15 cultivars are intended for fresh consumption, while 8 cultivars are for wine production. Currently, there are a large number of hybrids from different crossing combinations in the recognition phase for new cultivars. Intensive breeding work is also carried out using the methods of clonal selection. The old autochthonous grapevine cultivars proved to be suitable cultivars for clonal selection. So far, the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade recognized eight clones of Prokupac cultivar, a large number of clones of this and other cultivars are in the testing phase. The research of teachers and associates from the Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, which is related to the identification and characterization of genetic resources and new genotypes of grapevine from Serbia is included in the COST action FA1003 "East-West Collaboration for Grapevine Diversity Exploration and Mobilization of Adaptive Traits for Breeding". In addition, methods and techniques for phenotyping of some basic features such as anthocyanins, tannins, aromatic compounds, sugar content and acidity are also successfully used. Expertise and equipment obtained through international projects (in particular through FP7 Project AREA No. 316004) enable successful research in all these directions. Keywords: grapevine, diversity, selection, cultivar, wine

Posters

78

BUILDING CAPACITIES FOR BIOINFORMATICS BASED RESEARCH IN AGRICULTURAL DOMAIN IN SERBIA

Pajić Vesna, Radovanović Dragica, Dudić Dragana, Kozoderović Jelena

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: svesna@agrif.bg.ac.rs Bioinformatics is a multidisciplinary science rapidly developing in the past years, especially after and due to development of high throughput sequencing techniques. In the past, the term bioinformatics was used for any kind of information and computer science applications in life sciences, but today this term refers to methods and techniques used for sequencing and analyzing genomes. Depending of an object of study, there is a variety of bioinformatics sub-fields called omics, such as genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, epigenomics etc. The applications of these technologies are numerous, in very different sciences, from medicine to agriculture. Application of bioinformatics in agricultural domain and moving agricultural researches towards bioinformatics are common today. Depending on the development level, different countries support bioinformatics researches and integrate them into agriculture in different ways. Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics gathers over 600 bioinformaticians in all areas of bioinformatics, with a group from Agroscope, the Swiss Federal government agriculture, food and environmental research organization. Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation EMBRAPA is very active in the field of bioinformatics. There are examples of good bioinformatics practice in our neighboring countries, such as Bulgaria and their AgroBio Institute and Joint Genomic Center. Although well developed in the rest of the world, usage and applications of bioinformatics techniques are not so common in Serbia. One of the main reasons is probably the lack of institutions that will systematically work on development of bioinformatics. As a consequence, researchers are not properly educated in the field. Bioinformaticians should have a strong and solid knowledge in computer science as well as in biology. Instead, the few people that do some research in bioinformatics in Serbia are self-taught, having a background in only one of the fields mentioned. Raising the level of agricultural research by using bioinformatics can be done in Serbia with more collaboration between experts from different fields through specialized labs and researches. The Center for Data Mining and Bioinformatics is one example how this collaboration could be achieved. It has activities in two directions: one towards mathematicians and training them how to apply methods and tools in life sciences, and other towards agricultural scientists, providing them help and support related to using bioinformatics in their research. Keywords: bioinformatics, biological data, agricultural research

Posters

79

HU-SRB IPA-PHANETRI PROJECT – EXAMPLE OF GOOD CROSS BORDER COOPERATION

Panković Dejana1,3, Danilović Gordana1,3, Vagvolgy Csaba2, Kredics László2,

Pucarević Mira1, Jovanović Ljubinko3

1Faculty of Environmental Protection, Educons University,

Sremska Kamenica, Serbia 2Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary

3Faculty of Ecological Agriculture, Educons University, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia e-mail: dejanapankovic@educons.edu.rs Development of an in-field, ecologically safe, continuously detoxifying technology for producing bio-vegetables (PHANETRI) is the name of the HU-SRB IPA cross border project (2011-2013) between Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary and Educons University from Sremska Kamenica, Serbia. The aim of the project was to develop new and efficient technology that could be used to convert land previously used in common agricultural practice and prepare it for organic management practice. Firstly, the removal of dangerous xenobiotics has to be taken into consideration. Secondly, the problem which farmers running low-input agricultural production increasingly face is the problem of soil-borne pests. The key of pest control is establishing and maintaining the microbial community structure in a disease suppressive state. Challenging these problems, the main output of the project, fungal-based product and technology, able for quick transformation of the problematic groups of xenobiotics to less toxic or nontoxic compounds in organic farmland soils, able to suppress plant pathogenic fungi in the rhizosphere and trigger the plant systemic acquired resistance system, was optimized. The fungal product was planned to consist of two components: Trichoderma strain with mycoparasitic capabilities and Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain able to degrade a wide spectrum of pollutants. In the first phase of the project a special fungal strain collection containing distinct Phanerochaete and Trichoderma strains isolated from soil samples was established. The best peroxidase and laccase producers Phanerochaete strains were identified in this collection with molecular methods. Their xenobiotic-degrading capabilities were determined in vitro. The antagonism spectra of the best Trichoderma strains against phytopathogenic fungi were also explored in vitro. In the second phase of the project, the efficiency of antifungal formulation based on best Phanerochaete and Trichoderma strains was tested in pots under semi-controlled conditions and in the field. The interaction with tomato and lettuce plants was investigated. The capability of fungal product for herbicide degradation was confirmed. Negative effects on plant growth and vitality were not observed. In order to define exact application technology of fungal product, further investigation on the fungal inoculum concentration, mode of application and effects on non-target soil microorganisms is necessary. The project significantly contributed to the development of research capacities in both institutions. Acquiring new researh equipment and consumables provided high quality research. As the result of knowledge exchange during several group meetings two doctoral theses dealing with beneficial soil microorganisms have been initiated. At several workshops held in the course of project duration larger target groups, such as students and researchers from partner institutions from other national projects, were reached. Several joint publications were published or are under preparation. Keywords: soil microorganisms, organic agriculture, biocontrol, bioremediation

Posters

80

INNOVATION IN DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Pantić Olivera

Institute of Economic Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: olivera.pantic@ien.bg.ac.rs As one of the most important factors of adequate economic development and high rates of economic growth in transition countries, emphasize entrepreneurs small and medium enterprises. The support of the public sector and good macroeconomic environment are often deciding factors for progress in their business and implementation of some activities, especially innovative ones. For the Republic of Serbia, which has been in the transition process for many years, the agriculture sector is one of the strategic activities in economic development. The strategic importance is reflected in the amount of participation in the creation of GDP, due to favorable climate and natural resources. Development of agricultural sector and increasing competitiveness of agricultural products require support of public institutions through the provision of funds for investment in research and development. The aim of this study is a comparative analysis of the changes in the number of small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs in agriculture, depending on the allocation of public sector funding for research and development activities in this area. We collected the data on the types of innovation in small and medium enterprises engaged in agriculture. Their number will be monitored and analyzed over a period of several years. This paper seeks to establish the importance of innovation in agriculture, which creates better product competitiveness and new chances and opportunities for companies. The number of entrepreneurs will prefer to start up their own business because of adequate state support and increased costs for development and implementation of innovations. Reducing the risk of operations and increase of readiness for new business ventures will have implications on the level of GDP. With the growth of entrepreneurial activity in agriculture, a number of other manufacturing and services which could have effects on the rate of economic growth, new export opportunities and reducing unemployment in Serbia can be initiated. Keywords: innovations, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurship, agriculture

Posters

81

BRYOPHYTE DIVERSITY IN AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS OF VOJVODINA (SERBIA)

Pantović Jovana, Nikolić Nada, Sabovljević Aneta, Sabovljević Marko

Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden, Faculty of Biology,

University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: marko@bio.bg.ac.rs

Bryophytes form a part of any terrestrial, brackish and freshwater ecosystems. They have numerous strategies, life forms and ecological features. Thus, they can also inhabit agro-ecosystems. Here, we present the insights into bryophyte diversity of the agro-ecosystems in Vojvodina (Serbia). Various fields in and around the Fruška Gora Mts were studied during crop vegetation as well as in early spring and late autumn in 2010 and 2011. Use of extensive chemical treatment diminishes the recorded bryophytes as well as intensive land use. However, the edges of the fields as well as less used land are harbouring significant bryophyte diversity. In total, 36 species were recorded. They are grouped in distinctive assemblages, which have common bryophyte ecological preferential i.e. ecologically similar habitats harbour ingbryophytes of similar life forms, strategies and biological features. Thus, in dry habitats pottiaceous and bryoid species adapted to harsh environment are the most common (namely Barbula unguiculata and Bryum species var.). In the wet less disturbed habitats, we can find pleurocarps (e.g. Eurhynchium hians), incontrast to short time wet and disturbed where some funaroid mosses can be found (Funaria, Physcomitrella or Enthostodon). All the species support a high disturbance effect. Some other rare and interesting species can be found in specific microsites, like Aloina species, Didymodon cordatus or Microbryum curvicolle. Bryophytes suffer from rapid environmental changes more severely compared to tracheophytes, having in mind their dependence on specific microhabitats. However, due to the long distance dispersal and propagule production they can rather quickly appear in adequate microsites. Bryophyte diversity in agro-ecosystems gives an insight into the proper use of agro-technical and chemical measures, provides idea on the sustainable land use, can be an indicator for the various pollutants and deserves higher attention in agro-ecosystem managements. Keywords: mosses, flora, agriculture

Posters

82

APPLICATION OF 2D ELECTROPHORESIS IN ANALYSIS OF SOY PROTEINS

Pavlićević Milica, Stanojević Slađana, Vucelić-Radović Biljana

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: mpavlicevic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Two-dimensional polyaclylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) employing isoelectrofocusing in one dimension and SDS-electrophoresis in the second one is a research method that allows detection of even small differences in protein composition. Coupled with method such as mass spectrometry and with usage of specific software, it can enable analysis of changes in structure and/or concentration of particular protein between samples obtained from different variety of the same plant species or the same variety grown under different conditions. Concentration and conformation of protein present in sample would influence technological and functional properties of such sample to a large extent. Therefore, establishing the influence of particular protein on behavior of seeds during processing can be of great assistance for plant growers for selecting variety with desired properties. Participation in EU FP6 project CROPWAT allowed the introduction of 2D-PAGE electrophoresis as a research tool at the Faculty of Agriculture. The introduction of 2D-PAGE electrophoresis has opened a new field of investigation for food biochemistry group. 2D-PAGE electrophoresis pattern of soybean seed proteins confirmed correlation between the difference in protein composition and the difference in technological functional parameters such as protein solubility, emulsion and gelling properties. This research could be implemented in food industry to select a variety that would have optimal properties for particular type of food ingredient or particular food product (e.g. protein concentrate, protein isolate, soy milk, tofu, etc). The results of such experiments are used in one national project and a PhD thesis in progress. Keywords: 2D-PAGE electrophoresis, soybean proteins, technological functional properties

Posters

83

APPLICATION OF EPIC MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF MAIZE YIELD IN DIFFERENT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Počuča Vesna1, Đurović Nevenka1, Gregorić Enike1,

Đulaković Vladan2, Todorović Mladen3

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Higher Technical School for Applied Sciences, Požarevac, Serbia

3Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Bari, Italy e-mail: vpocuca@agrif.bg.ac.rs Models in agriculture could have practical application in prediction of yield in particular climate conditions even when using different methods in cultivating certain crop, so that economically justified technique to be used in its cultivation could be defined. Practice so far shows that world well-known and validated models such as: EPIC, CROPSYST, CERES-Wheat, CERES-Maize, WOFOST and similar ones have not been applied at all or have been quite rarely used in our country. By participating in EU Project POLLEN, Serbian researchers started conducting researches related to application of mathematical models in agriculture. They used EPIC model for its comprehensiveness while research goal was a comparative analysis of efficiency in agricultural production depending on different agrotechnical measures in different parts of Europe. Researches in Serbia proceeded on three locations with uniform climatic characteristics in the region of southeast Srem. Calibration and partial validation of EPIC model for maize were performed. Research results related to observing soil moisture were applied in validating hydrology sub-model of EPIC model. Accuracy of hydrology sub-model of EPIC model shown in many researches in different climatic conditions has been confirmed in climatic conditions of Serbia, too. Drought problem and growing lack of water influence its rational use. By applying EPIC model through the simulation of different scenarios we can predict an amount of water in soil under the impact of climatic changes for a long period. EPIC model for assessing yields of different maize hybrids based of data on agro-ecological and soil conditions and planned production technology was used in the second stage of research in Serbia. The importance of application of mathematical models is also shown in obtaining reliable results fast which could significantly shorten research time when assessing genetic potential of maize hybrids. EPIC model could be used for prediction of the production of all field crops in the wide agricultural region on the basis of insight into agro-ecological and soil conditions and anticipated agrotechnical measures. Also, future producers can decide on the best technology for the production of maize as well as other farm crops on the basis of analysis of weather and soil conditions. Two master’s theses and two doctoral dissertations are the outcome of cooperation between the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (MAIB) and the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Belgrade. Keywords: EPIC model, maize, calibration, yield

Posters

84

FROM AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION TOWARDS IMPROVEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Poleksić Vesna1, Topisirović Goran1, Pekić Quarrie Sofija2, Petrić Dušan3,

Tanasković Snežana4, Salasan Cosmin5, Šćepanović Danijela6, Quarrie Steve7

1University of Belgrade, Serbia, 2State University of Novi Pazar, Serbia, 3University of Novi Sad, Serbia, 4University of Kragujevac, Serbia,

5Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania 6Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia

7Balkan Security Network, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: poleksic@agrif.bg.ac.rs

The University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture is currently coordinating two EU funded projects: an FP7 – AREA (Advancing research in agricultural and food sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade) and a TEMPUS project –CaSA (Building capacity of Serbian Agricultural Education to link with Society). Both are oriented towards reinforcement of Serbian agriculture. This is a presentation of the CaSA project and the role it plays in linking research and innovation with knowledge improvement in agriculture. CaSA is a national project. It belongs to the TEMPUS sub-program Structural measures and the Action Higher education and society. These two benchmarks point out the main objectives of the project: to improve quality and availability of vocational agricultural education; to strengthen competences of educators; to create a National Repository for Agricultural Education (NaRA). There are 13 partners contributing to the project: 10 Serbian and 3 EU partner institutions: 5 Agricultural faculties from: Universities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, State University of Novi Pazar, and private University EDUCONS; Association of Agricultural Middle Secondary Schools in the area of agriculture, food processing and food production; Institute for Science Application in Agriculture responsible for in-service training of agricultural advisors; 2 NGO training organization (Education Forum and Balkan Security Network); and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. EU partners are: Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania; University of Maribor, Slovenia and University of Foggia, Italy. All project activities are grouped into 11 work packages: Creation of the Repository, Assuring infrastructural support for NaRA functioning /Development of resources, Improvement of competences of university teachers, Modernization of teaching contents, Improvement of competences of Agricultural Middle Secondary School teachers, Improvement of competences of experts in extension services, Pilot implementation of vocational courses, Quality assurance control of project activities, Dissemination of project results, Exploitation of project results, and Project Management. The project lasts for 3 years and aims to build the capacity of main holders of Serbian agricultural education: university teachers, teachers in agricultural middle secondary schools and agricultural advisors working in extension services. The CaSA project’s main achievement will be the creation of NaRA, available as an electronic platform that should enable the sustainability of the project and connection of stakeholders involved in all levels of agricultural education and training in Serbia. This repository will include: information necessary for teaching traditional courses as well as online courses for professional development of Agricultural Middle Secondary Schools and experts in extension services; databases of results obtained by research; selected and recorded classes of interactive teaching; selected parts of courses realized and/or developed within the project, prepared in the form of online video tutorials and posted together with additional teaching contents; and other relevant contents added to the repository based on authorized decisions of the NaRA Advisory Board. All project participants have agreed and signed the Constituent agreement on project implementation and NaRA management. Keywords: EU TEMPUS project, agricultural in-service training, innovation, NaRA

Posters

85

EVALUATION AND MODIFICATION OF DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina,

CAUSAL AGENT OF BACTERIAL BLIGHT OF HAZELNUT

Prokić Anđelka1, Kuzmanović Nemanja1, Ivanović Milan1, Blagojević Nevena1, Gašić Katarina2, Obradović Aleksa1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Department of Plant Pathology, Institute for Plant Protection and Environment,

Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: andjelka03@gmail.com

Bacterial blight of hazelnut, caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina (Xac) is widely distributed and economically important disease of hazelnut worldwide. Characteristic disease symptoms include water-soaked leaf and fruit spots and lesions, shoot and bud necrosis and dieback that affect vitality of the plants, resulting in defoliation, premature fruit drop and in severe cases complete plant death. Despite the importance and the bacterium quarantine status in Europe, a limited number of studies were reported on this pathogen, which makes disease diagnosis and control difficult. Participation and research collaboration within project COST Action 873 allowed us to improve knowledge on isolation, detection and identification of bacterial diseases of stone fruits and nuts. Within the framework of this project, a number of currently available detection methods for Xanthomonas pathogens of hazelnut were reviewed and evaluated including the classical, biochemical, serological approach and molecular DNA-based methods. Field surveys have shown that the pathogen occurs in orchards over the country, representing a risk for actively growing commercial production of this crop. Modified isolation testing procedures resulted in the isolation and purification of putative colonies resembling Xanthomonas spp. Morphological, physiological and biochemical tests, as well as serological and PCR analyses allowed efficient pathogen detection and identification at species level. Pathogenicity testing procedures confirmed pathogenic nature of the strains and host specificity. Molecular characterization using DNA fingerprinting techniques (rep-PCR and PFGE) indicated significant genetic diversity and heterogeneity of the strains originating from Serbia. The expertise gained during this research provided practical experience in use of classical and molecular methods for the pathogen detection and diagnosis. Modified procedures for simple and efficient isolation from simptomatic plant material, and pathogenicity testing that enable reproduction of symptoms similar to natural infection were determined. In this way, improvement and standardization of diagnostic procedures necessary for managing the disease and yield loss prevention are accomplished. Knowledge and experience gained through active participation in COST873 Action were implemented in the research of one national project (III 46008) and PhD thesis. Keywords: Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina, bacterial blight, diagnostic procedures, detection, identification

Posters

86

Ca2+, pH AND ABSCISIC ACID: INTERACTION AND EFFECTS ON STOMATA

Prokić Ljiljana1, Vučinić Željko2, Jovanović Zorica1,

Stikić Radmila1, McAinsh R. Martin3

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Institute for Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

3Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK e-mail: ljprokic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Stomata are pores formed by a pair of specialized cells, the guard cells, on the aerial part of plants. They control rates of photosynthesis and transpiration by plants and, therefore, are of prime importance in any consideration of factors controlling plant growth and production. Stomatal guard cells respond to a wide range of stimuli through alterations in turgor resulting in a change in stomatal aperture. It is well known that the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) causes stomatal closure and that an increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ is an important part of the signalling pathway by which guard cells respond to ABA. Recent results also pointed to the importance of pH in the response of stomata to drought. Since all three variables (Ca2+, pH and ABA) may interact, the main focus of presented research was to investigate the interaction between external Ca2+, ABA and unchanged/changed pH on stomata at Arabidopsis thaliana plants. These interactions have been assessed by monitoring the rate of stomatal closure during shorter and longer time intervals. Our results suggested that pretreatment with acidic medium had a reducing effect on stomatal sensitivity to ABA, or down-regulate mutual interaction between calcium and ABA. Stomatal pre-exposure to pH5 may induce an action of extracellular calcium that mimic ABA effect in both acidic (unchanged pH5) and alkalised mediums (change of pH5 to pH7). Effects of calcium and ABA in the alkaline (pH7) and in acidified (pH7 to pH5) mediums were up-regulated and confirmed by their interactions. It can be assumed that the pretreatment at pH7 modified (increased) stomatal sensitivity to calcium and ABA, especially at acidified solution.These experimental results suggest the possibility that drought pretreatment (priming) may alter plant reactions to stress by modifying the interaction between pH, ABA, and calcium. The presented experiments were performed at the Lancaster University and are the result of collaborative Joint Project (granted by Royal Society, UK). The gained expertise and knowledge of stomatal physiology were applied for the plant stress physiology research (national project TR 31005 and III 43010). Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana, ABA, Ca2+, pH

Posters

87

RHEOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT SIGNIFICANCE FOR IMPROVEMENT OF TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF FERMENTED DAIRY PRODUCTS:

POSSIBILITY OF APPLYING IN „SPASOJEVIĆ DAIRY PLANT“

Puđa Predrag1, Miočinović Jelena1, Nedeljković Aleksandar1, Radovanović Mira1, Spasojević Radomir 2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Dairy Plant „Spasojević“, Bajina Bašta, Serbia

e-mail: jmiocin@agrif.bg.ac.rs Rheology is the study of flow and deformation of materials under applied force. The rheology of yoghurt and other fermented products describes the physical and textural properties of the product. These properties are very important and have a major impact on consumer perceptions of products. The dairy product properties are markedly influenced by milk composition, which varies significantly during the season, processing parameters (temperatures, mixing etc.) and the ingredient addition. Understanding the physical properties of yoghurt and other fermented dairy products is important in all steps during production (quality control, design and evaluation of processing equipment etc.). Rheological properties of dairy products that exhibit a more liquid (viscous) behavior are usually measured by dynamic testing which involves an oscillatory applied strain or stress, which is a non-invasive technique. In the strain controlled version of experiment, the sample is subjected to a sinusoidal low amplitude strain oscillation. The rheological properties of the yoghurt are monitored using low amplitude strain oscillation by measuring: (i) gel firmness as the elastic shear modulus (G’) as a function of strain, and (ii) viscosity as a function of shear stress and shear rate. The stress/shear rate can be used to obtain an objective measurement of product thickness and susceptibility to shear. The measurements of rheological properties of food, including dairy products, are still not common in our country. Hence, the purchase of Rheometer (Malvern, UK) in AREA project enables the development and application of this modern technique in studying of different dairy product properties. Initial experiments include measurements of rheological properties of different fermented products in the dairy plant „Spasojević“, Bajina Bašta. This study has provided valuable information on how yoghurt may be optimised in terms of its composition and process parameters, in order to produce a product with optimal texture from day to day production. Application of rheological measurements in investigation of different food, especially dairy products, will be a significant part of future Master`s and PhD theses at the Department of Food Technology. Keywords: rheology, yoghurt, strain, stress, storage modulus, viscous modulus

Posters

88

THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND Cd ON DIFFERENT CULTIVARS OF SOYBEAN

Putnik-Delić Marina1, Teklić Tihana2, Špoljarević Marija2, Lisjak Miroslav2, Živanov Milorad3, Štolfa Ivna2, Mirosavljević Milan3, Maksimović Ivana1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia 3Institute for Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia

e-mail: ivanam@polj.uns.ac.rs

Improvement of the mechanisms of crop adaptations to abiotic stress, without concomitant losses in yield and quality, are very important for agricultural production. Therefore, our research focused on studies of the influence of temperature on soybean photosynthetic efficiency at flowering stage and the effect of excessive Cd on growth and free proline concentration in soybean cultivars. The photosynthetic parameters of photosystem II (Fo, Fm, Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo) were analyzed in order to establish the influence of temperature treatments (10C, 20C i 30C) on the susceptibility of photosystem in leaves of two soybean cultivars (Tena and Zora) at flowering stage, in controlled conditions. The temperature of 30C caused more pronounced stress in tested genotypes as compared with 10C. Foliage mass per plant was significantly lower in both genotypes at 30C, as well as the efficiency of photosystem (Fv/Fm). According to its tolerance to temperature stress in flowering stage, cultivar Tena seems to be more stable than Zora. The accumulation of Cd in different plant organs, tissues and cell compartments depends on its availability to plants and on mechanisms that plants develop to avoid Cd involvement in physiological and biochemical processes. Accumulation of Cd in cultivated plants is important because of food quality (Cd concentration must not exceed the limit set by the regulations). Four genotypes of soybean (NS-Maximus, NS-Optimus, Tena and Korana) were grown in the presence of 0.5, 5 and 50µM CdCl2 untill the formation of the first trefoil. In cultivar NS-Optimus, root, stem and leaf mass declined the most due to the presence of Cd, whereas the untreated plants of this cultivar had the highest biomass production. The concentration of free proline in leaves significantly increased in all four cultivars in the presence of Cd. The degree of increase depended on the applied Cd concentration. The least differences in concentration of proline in the presence of Cd were recorded in cultivar Korana. This work is the result of a bilateral project between Serbia and Croatia (Faculties of Agriculture in Osijek and Novi Sad), which provided a good networking and cooperation between people in the same or similar scientific fields as well as a good basis for further joint participation in major international projects from this region. Keywords: Glicine max (L.), stress physiology, photosynthetic efficiency, temperature stress, Cd

Posters

89

POTENTIAL FOR THE APPLICATION OF EXTRACTS OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS IN THE BEVERAGES PRODUCTION

Rajić Jasmina1, Petrović Tanja1, Đorđević Sofija2, Paunović Dragana1,

Kokolj Maja1, Nedović Viktor1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Institute of Medicinal Plants Research “Dr Josif Pančić”, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: jasmina@agrif.bg.ac.rs Aromatic and medicinal herbs play a significant role in the production of beverages and have been used for many centuries. The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of using extracts of medicinal and aromatic plants for the alcoholic (spirits and beers) and non-alcoholic beverages production, from the aspect of total polyphenol content. Extracts were prepared by using 50% aqueous-alcoholic solution as a solvent. In this study the following herbs have been investigated: Olivae folium, Betulae folium, Calendulae flos, Myrtilli fructus, Juniperi fructus, Menthae piperitae folium, Tiliae flos, Hyperici herba and Anise fructus. Total polyphenols were determined using the Follin-Ciocalteu reagent. The results showed that the highest content of polyphenols has been performed in Hyperici herba with 22754.10 ± 81.97 mg GAE/l of extract. In addition, a high content of polyphenols have been observed in Tiliae flos, Myrtilli fructus and Olivae folium, while Anisi fructus demonstrated the lowest content of total polyphenols (974.26 ± 4.92 mg GAE/l of extract). This research was carried out for screening and selection of herbs for potential use in beverage production, in order to obtain the beverages with high polyphenols content while organoleptic and sensory evaluation will be the next step in the further research. Keywords: aromatic and medicinal herbs, beverages, total polyphenol content

Posters

90

XYLEM ANATOMY OF TOMATO FRUIT PEDICELS USING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Rančić Dragana1, Pećinar Ilinka1, Pekić Quarrie Sofija1,

Stikić Radmila1, Jansen Steven2

1Institute for Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: rancicd@agrif.bg.ac.rs The yield of most crop plants is mainly determined by the fruit size, which is the result of morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes, but also environmental and genetic factors. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate fruit growth and development is an important research topic. Since the growth of fleshy fruits is strongly associated with water supply and accumulation, studying the vascular transport tissue in fruit pedicels plays an important role in fruit growth and development. In addition, the vascular tissue is required for the transport of chemical signals from the roots to the shoot. Detailed anatomical observations of different developmental stages of tomato fruit pedicels were conducted using light and electron microscopy. For this purpose, the Faculty of Agriculture started an international collaboration in 2008 with Steven Jansen (Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK), which was part of the EU project CROPWAT. The advantages and shortcomings of the various microscope techniques applied were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy allowed us to analyze dry samples without any complicated sample preparation or the need to prepare thin sections. Transmission electron microscopy, however, was more time-consuming, but it is possible to observe details of ultrathin sections at high magnification. The microcasting tehnique, which involves the preparation of silicon cast that infiltrates into xylem cells and polymerizes. After chemical dissolution of the actual cell walls of the xylem tissue, the silicon casts can be observed with light or scanning electron microscopy. This method enables visualization of the inner vessel walls, vessel connections, can be used to determine vessel length distributions. Individual tracheids and vessel elements can be studied with the maceration technique using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The materials used were wild type tomato plants and ABA-deficient mutants, which were of special interest for investigating the role of ABA on yield. The methods applied in this project have been integrated into the Faculty of Agriculture, and were applied in the National Project (TR 31005) and a bilateral project between Serbia and DAAD (No 451-03-03159/2012-09/6). Keywords: xylem, maceration, microcasting, electron microscopy

Posters

91

Alternaria alternata CAUSING FLOWER NECROSIS OF Calendula officinalis

Stanković Ivana1, Ristić Danijela1, Vučurović Ana1, Berenji Janoš2,

Miličević Tihomir3, Krstić Branka1, Bulajić Aleksandra1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia 3Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture,

University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

e-mail: aleksandrabulajic@yahoo.com Diseases of ornamentals as well as medicinal plants are an important field of investigation all over the world. Apart from the quarantine pathogens, regulated pathogens are very important and are usually being spread within neighboring countries. We have developed expertise in detection and molecular identification of different regulated fungi and fungi-like organisms acknowledged by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia which was implemented in joint research in the frame of a bilateral project between Serbia and Croatia supported by grant 69-00-160/2009-02/08 of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia and Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia. The main goal was to identify the most important fungal pathogens causing diseases of pot or English marigold, Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae), an ornamental species, grown in gardens or as a potted plant all over Europe. Potted calendula plants produced in a greenhouse in Krtinjska (City of Belgrade District) in Serbia exhibited flower necrosis and decay with an incidence estimated at 80%. From diseased plants, as well as from 10 samples of commercial calendula seed, a total of 20 monosporial isolates of Alternaria sp. were selected and identified based on morphological features. Their pathogenicity was confirmed by spore suspension injection of healthy calendula seedlings and by inoculation on non-wounded detached leaves. Further molecular detection and identification of Alternaria isolates were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with species specific primer pair AAF2/AAR3 for the detection of A. alternata which amplified a 340 bp fragment of all isolates. The ITS region of rDNA of two representative isolates was amplified and sequenced (GenBank Acc. No. HQ625053 and HQ625054) and exhibited 99.8–100% nucleotide identity with A. alternata isolates (EU781951, GU566303, GU797144, GU797138, FJ904919) in GenBank database. So far, Alternaria sp. has been reported as a pathogen of C. officinalis in Bulgaria, Moldavia and North America, and this investigation reveals that A. alternata represents a threat to calendula production in Serbia as well. Besides first data on regulated plant pathogens of calendula, which is very important for calendula production, this project provided building up experience and expertise for three research teams in both countries. Keywords: regulated pathogens, Alternaria, Calendula officinalis, identification

Posters

92

Plasmopara obducens CAUSING DOWNY MILDEW OF Impatiens walleriana IN SERBIA

Stanković Ivana1, Ristić Danijela1, Vučurović Ana1, Miličević Tihomir2,

Krstić Branka1, Bulajić Aleksandra1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

e-mail: ivana.stankovic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Plant pathogens, especially pathogenic for ornamentals, attract attention all around the world since intensive international trade enables an efficient introduction into new production areas. We have developed expertise in detection and molecular identification of different quarantine fungi and fungi-like organisms acknowledged by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia which was implemented in a joint research in the frame of a bilateral project between Serbia and Croatia supported by grant 69-00-160/2009-02/08 of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia and Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia. The main goal of research was detection and characterization of impatiens downy mildew causal agent which has until recently been classified as a quarantine organism in the EPPO region. Because of its decorative properties, impatiens (Impatiens spp.) is frequently grown in public parks and gardens, while impatiens production in Serbia is rising intensively. Potted I. walleriana with symptoms of stunting and mild yellowing on the upper surface of the leaves was sampled in a greenhouse in the locality of Mionica in Serbia. Disease incidence was high, wilting and collapse of affected plants were very rapid, resulting in losses of more than 90%. Microscopic examinations revealed that white downy growth developing on leaf surfaces consisted of hyaline sporangiophores with monopodial branching and numerous, ovoid and hyaline sporangia. Pathogenicity was confirmed by spraying young I. walleriana plants with a sporangial suspension. Molecular identification included amplification of the 5′-end of the nuclear DNA coding for the LSU rDNA by PCR using primers NL1/NL4 followed by sequencing of one representative isolate in both directions (Acc. No. HQ246451). A neighbor-joining tree obtained on a 649-bp fragment of Plasmopara spp. isolates available in GenBank database revealed that Serbian isolate 28-10 was clustered with other P. obducens isolates. So far, the presence of P. obducens was recorded in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, the United Kingdom and recently in Norway. It is a serious threat to impatiens production in Serbia as well, especially regarding certain unqualified epidemiological aspects. The realization of this project contributed to strengthening scientific consortium between two countries providing building research capacity in both research teams. Keywords: Impatiens, Plasmopara obducens, identification, characterization

Posters

93

DEFICIT IRRIGATION METHODS: PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF STRESS PHYSIOLOGY KNOWLEDGE

Stikić Radmila1, Jovanović Zorica1, Prokić Ljiljana1, Marjanović Milena1,

Đorđević Slaviša1, Savić Slađana2

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Biofarming, Megatrend University, Bačka Topola, Serbia

e-mail: rstikic@agrif.bg.ac.rs Under current and predicted climate conditions of drought and scarce water supply, the challenge for agricultural production worldwide is to increase irrigation water use efficiency (WUE-ratio between yield and amount of water used for irrigation) and sustain or even increase crop yield. Improving irrigation management is most likely the best promising strategy for increasing the water use efficiency. Currently two deficit irrigation methods are in the use: regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root zone drying (PRD). Both methods are based on the understanding of the physiological responses of plants to water supply and water deficit. The expertise built on collaborations between the Faculty of Agriculture and EU research groups in 3 EU FP6 projects (WATERWEB, SAFIR and CROPWAT) allowed the introduction of RDI and PRD as novel irrigation methods in Serbia. This new knowledge and expertise were used for both practical application and improvement of crop stress physiology research at the Faculty of Agriculture. RDI and PRD field trials with potato and tomato confirmed that application of both methods could increase WUE, save water for irrigation without significant reduction of yield quantity and quality. Research in controlled conditions (effects on numerous physiological and biochemical processes) contributed to the optimal application of RDI and PRD methods for irrigation of potato and tomato. These results also confirmed that PRD and RDI methods are based on chemical and hydraulic signalling mechanisms in drought stress tomato and potato plants. New knoweldge and expertise were implemented in the research of 2 national projects and several PhD theses (6 finished and 2 in progress). Keywords: deficit irrigation methods, stress physiology, tomato, potato

Posters

94

MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE REDUCTION OF DROUGHT IN AGRICULTURE

Stričević Ružica, Ćosić Marija, Đurović Nevenka

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: c.marija@agrif.bg.ac.rs

The increase of the world’s population and global climate change require continual research and innovation that ensure the production of healthy and safe food under conditions of limited natural resources such as land and water. In the agro-climatic conditions of Serbia, especially agricultural areas, rainfall is often insufficient or has unfavorable distribution for high yields and intensive agricultural production. Achieving high and stable yields is practically impossible without irrigation. Knowing that water is a limited resource, research is aimed at finding a different systems and measures to conserve water. The importance of good management of water and land resources has been recognized both internationally and nationally, and is evident in a number of scientific projects. Our research was conducted within three national (TR 22008, TR 22005 and TR 37005) and two international projects (WATERWEB and CROPWAT) that are closely related to the COST action of EuroAgriwat (ES 1106). The research results follow the direction of water saving and reduction of the drought impacts. One of the possibilities of reducing the negative impacts of drought and water saving in agriculture is the use of kaolin. The use of kaolin leads to the shadowing of the plants (parts above the ground and the fruit), which leads to reduction in water consumption. Kaolin increases the water use efficiency and also improves fruit quality by enhancement of the first class fruits. Plants treated had significant reduction in sunburns. It should also be noted that kaolin is a natural product that is used in organic production, and the fruit treated with it can be immediately consumed. In addition to kaolin application, the ability to reduce the effects of drought can be achieved by the application of the non-destructive Image method that uses infrared cameras to determine vegetation cover temperature, by which it is decided about the time of irrigation.

Keywords: irrigation, kaolin, drought, image method

Posters

95

GENOTYPIC VARIATION IN WATER-SOLUBLE CARBOHYDRATE ACCUMULATION IN WHEAT STEM

Šešlija Aleksandra1, Stanojević Slađana1, Kandić Vesna2, Dodig Dejan2,

Quarrie Steve3, Vucelić-Radović Biljana1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, Belgrade, Serbia,

3Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: aleks.seslija@yahoo.com

During vegetative and early reproductive growth of small grain cereals, including wheat, assimilated carbon is accumulated temporarily in the stem and leaf sheath as carbohydrate reserve. These reserves could improve yield stability by providing an alternative source when photosynthetic capacity is limited such as during the later phases of grain filling or during periods of abiotic stress. Fructan and sucrose are the main reserve carbohydrates in vegetative parts of wheat and are often designated as water-soluble carbohydrates to distinguish them from the structural carbohydrates present in cell walls. With the aim to investigate spatial capacity of water-soluble carbohydrate storage in different parts of the stem we assessed 20 wheat genotypes grown during three consecutive seasons in field experiments. In the early generative phase (9-10 days after anthesis) stems of 3 plants per genotype were sampled. The extraction and analysis of water-soluble carbohydrate was performed and the results were expressed as fructose equivalents on dry matter basis. Wheat genotypes of higher total water-soluble carbohydrate accumulating capacity in the stem were identified. Also, variation in spatial accumulating capacity of the stem was registered. This finding could be important for further investigation in selection of genotypes exhibiting greater ability for accumulation of carbohydrates in stem with the aim to increase yield in stress conditions. The new field of research and new expertise were the result of the collaboration with EU research groups in preparing two project proposals (acronyms SMARTWHEAT and DROUGHTWHEAT) for EU FP7 calls. Although both proposals passed trashold they were not chosen for financing. The new knoweldge and expertise that was gained during preparation of these proposals were implemented in the research of one national project and one PhD thesis that is in progress.

Keywords: wheat, stem, water-soluble carbohydrates

Posters

96

EVALUATION OF BIODIVERSITY, SUSTAINABLE USE AND TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF DRY GRASSLANDS OF THE

BALKANS: EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES

Šilc Urban1,3, Dajić Stevanović Zora2, Aćić Svetlana2, Šoštarić Ivan2, Mačukanović-Jocić Marina2, Petrović Milica2

1Institute of Biology, ZRC SAZU, Ljubljana, Slovenia

2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 3BC Naklo, Naklo, Slovenia

e-mail: acic@agrif.bg.ac.rs According to EU Habitat Directive, natural and semi-natural grasslands were appointed as ecosystems of high priority due to outstanding biodiversity. In addition, they have been recognized as high value farmland areas (HNVF) whose sustainable use is in function of biodiversity conservation. Natural and semi-natural grasslands are the key resource in livestock production, but they are generally insufficiently utilized especially in hilly-mountainous rural regions which are characterized by high depopulation, poverty and extensive, traditional agriculture. Flora and vegetation of dry grasslands of the western Balkans were researched in the past intensively, but so far modern statistical and mathematical models have not been applied in their analysis. Comprehensive processing of phytosociological data aiming at valorization of grasslands biodiversity and quality could be a basis for their sustainable use and management. Collaboration between the Institute of Biology of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade resulted in the bilateral project entitled as “Multivariate analysis of biodiversity and quality of natural grasslands of western Balkans as a basis for its sustainable use” (No. 12-13-035). Biological institute of Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts is very successful in application of modern analytical methods in analysis of various types of the vegetation, which is ground for various further analyses of biodiversity, ecology and quality of studied phytocoenoses. Nevertheless, Department of Botany of the Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade has experience and knowledge in field mapping and recording of natural and semi-natural grasslands performing standard phytosociological methods, as well as skills in evaluation of a grassland quality through identification of harmful and weed species, the functional groups and application of pastoral values of individual grassland species. Bilateral project between two institutions has enabled the creation of a comprehensive database of grasslands of Serbia (GIVD No. EU-RS-002), as well as ecological and classification analyses of a relevant quantitative and qualitative biodiversity indicators (e.g. alpha biodiversity of flora and vegetation), (endemic, relic, internationally important and species of IUCN categories). Research on Balkan dry grasslands so far has resulted in publishing of 4 papers in international journals and 8 abstracts at 3 international conferences, participation in 1 national project, 1 EU Environment Project (Establishment of a European Red List of Habitats, 2013/0025), participation in EU Expert Dry Grassland Group (EDGG; www.edgg.org) and Initiative of EU Vegetation Archive, as well as completing of one and starting of two PhD theses. Keywords: biodiversity, dry grasslands, joint research

Posters

97

NEGLECTED GROUP OF PLANTS IN RELATION TO ENDANGERED AND FRAGILE HABITATS OF SEE: THE HALOPHYTES STORY

Šilc Urban1, Petrović Milica2, Aćić Svetlana2, Šoštarić Ivan2,

Mačukanović-Jocić Marina2, Dajić Stevanović Zora2

1Institute of Biology, ZRC SAZU, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: mpretrovic.azs@gmail.com Saline sites have been recognized as internationally important habitats. In Serbia, such habitats occupy about 250,000 ha of soils of different salinity levels Most of saline habitats are not managed in a proper way, despite a certain potential for sustainable utilization (fodder production, grazing, medicinal, aromatic, ornamental plants, etc.). Conservation measures of these ecosystems are usually not sufficiently implemented, causing vegetation succession and related biodiversity loss. Research of flora and vegetation in relation to soil type and salinity level could provide the basis for biodiversity assessment for sustainable use of saline habitas. Project “Sustainable use and management of halophytic grasslands as key element for biodiversity conservation” was supported by Rufford Small Grants Foundation. Project activities contributed to understanding the importance of halophytic grassland conservation, as well as their rare, endemic and endangered plants. On the other hand, survey on main soil features in relation to certain floristic composition and vegetation types allowed setting up of the general soil “bioindication”, i.e. using flora as a tool for determination of soil salinity level. Further research of halophytic vegetation continued in collaboration with the Biological Institute of Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts in joint Rufford small grant project “Conservation of halophytic vegetation in coastal lagoons in Albania”. The most important outcomes of the project are linked to biodiversity assessment of flora and vegetation of selected lagoons in Albania. Participation of BIODIV research group in COST action FA 0901 allowed presentation of our results, experiences and ideas in the field of halophytic flora and vegetation, and gaining knowledge on the most relevant methodology and approaches from leading scientific centers in Europe. As a result of successful cooperation in international projects on research of halophytic vegetation, important skills in application of statistical and mathematical models in analysis of different types of halophytic flora and vegetation were acquired, 4 abstracts at international conferences were issued, 1 paper was published in international journal and 3 were submitted (under review). In addition, regional data base on halophytic vegetation was compiled, and national halophytic data base was registered (GIVD: EU-RS-001) allowing us further research and regional collaboration on ecology, biodiversity, taxonomy, phytogeography and phytosociology of halophytes. New bilateral project with Biological Institute of Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts relating to common systematical research on saline habitats in region of Southeast Europe has been recently submitted and it is now under evaluation. Keywords: halophytic flora, vegetation, joint research projects, data base, bio-indication

Posters

98

ADVANCING PROTOZOA IDENTIRFICATION METHODS IN SERBIAN WATER ECOSYSTEMS

Teodorović Smilja1, Jovičić Petrović Jelena2, Vujović Bojana2, Rudić Željka3, Raičević Vera2

1Forensics Department, Academy for Criminalistic and Police Studies,

Belgrade, Serbia 2Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

3Institute for the Development of Water Resources „Jaroslav Černi“, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: smiljateodorovic@gmail.com

Global climate change and water shortage emphasize the necessity for surface water protection and water reuse in agriculture. Our previous work within the SAFIR project focused on bacterial pathogen detection in surface, ground and irrigation waters in Serbia. Specifically, indicators of fecal contamination (e.g. total coliform, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli) were investigated, in addition to which detection and quantification of other pathogens, such as Salmonella, Shigella, Enterobacter, Aeromonas and Pseudomonas were performed. Yet, detection and identification of eukaryotic waterborne pathogens, parasitic protozoa, have not been properly addressed so far in Serbian water ecosystems. This is particularly true with respect to utilization of molecular biology and bioinformatics tools. With great interest in expanding our reserach in this direction, we are taking advantage of one of our researcher's experiences gained through participation in National Institutes of Health and Georgetown Universityfunded projects in the United States. Knowledge of molecular parasitology and bioinformatics techniques (e.g. DNA isolation, PCR, sequencing, sequence searches, multiple sequene alignments, phylogenetic analyses, etc.) enables identification and characterization of aquatic protozoans, such as Entamoeba hystolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia. It additionally allows for further insight into their genetic diversity and interactions with other microorganisms in Serbian water ecosystems of interest. The new scientific avenues pursued are also beneficial to the research within the TR30180 grant awarded by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technologial Development. In addition to bacterial indicators of contamination in food industry treated wastewater and recipients at the Palic lake, molecular identification and genetic characterization of protozoa will be included.

Keywords: protozoa, molecular methods, indicators, aquatic ecosystems

Posters

99

IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON DIVERSITY AND WEED COMPOSITION IN THE NORTH-WESTERN BALKANS

Vrbničanin Sava1, Božić Dragana1, Sarić-Krsmanović Marija2,

Saulić Markola1, Šilc Urban3

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Institute of Pesticides and Environmental Protection, Belgrade, Serbia

3Institute of Biology, ZRC SAZU, Ljubljana, Slovenia e-mail: sava@agrif.bg.ac.rs Surveys of weed flora and vegetation of the western Balkan Peninsula (1939-2006) were used to study changes in diversity and species composition. Data from the sample plots were stored in TURBOVEG format. A large data set of arable weed flora and vegetation was compiled and analyzed with direct (CCA- Canonical Correspondence Analysis) and indirect ordination (DCA – Detrended Correspondence Analysis), regression and beta (² ) diversity analysis. Five environmental variables (altitude, season, year, crop, phytogeographical region) were used to determine broad-scale changes in diversity and weed species composition. The expertise built on collaborations between the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia and the Institute of Biology, Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ljubljana, Slovenia, allowed the introduction of new approaches in study of weed flora and vegetation in Serbia and the North-Western Balkans. According to this study, we conclude that the importance of spatial factors (phytogeography) and type of crop among environmental factors for diversity and species composition in the NW Balkan. Comparing rank of importance of environmental variables on species composition shows a decrease of influence of crop type. Phytosociological data sets are valuable for detecting temporal trends, although inclusion of explanatory variables linked to management would help answer some specific agricultural questions. New knoweldge and accepted methods (multivariate anlasys in study of weed vegetation) were implemented in the research of national project (III 46008: Development of integrated management of harmful organisms in plant production in overcome resistance and improve food quality and safety), several research papers published in national and internationl journals and one PhD thesis. Keywords: diversity, weed composition, environmental impact, NW Balkans

Posters

100

ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY – A DESCRIPTOR OF CROP AND FOOD PRODUCTS QUALITY

Vucelić-Radović Biljana1, Savić Slađana2, Marjanović Milena1, Đorđević Slaviša1,

Milovanović Mirjana1, Stanojević Slađana1, Pavlićević Milica1, Stevanović Snežana1, Marinković Jelena3, Stikić Radmila1

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

2Faculty of Biofarming, Megatrend University, Bačka Topola, Serbia 3Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia

e-mail: bvucelic@agrif.bg.ac.rs The association between a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer is supported by considerable epidemiological evidence. The assessment of food antioxidant capacity conjugated the issues related to shelf life and sensorial quality to those of health and nutrition. A variety of chemical compounds comprise antioxidant capacity of biological fluids and tissues. The possibility that antioxidant functional groups in different plants or food items, are able to exert an antioxidant action was examined using in vitro procedures based on two colored radicals: 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH). These procedures complemented the existing ones based on lipid oxidative stability. A method for estimation of a major dietary antioxidant in tomatoes – lycopene was also introduced. The new expertise that was gained through 3 EU FP6 projects (WATERWEB, SAFIR and CROPWAT) allowed the introduction of estimation of antioxidant capacity in crops and food materials in different research programs at the Faculty of Agriculture. Investigations of different water saving irrigation methods, in field trials and in controlled conditions, with potato, tomato and grapewine used estimation of antioxidant capacity as a yield quality descriptor. Research focused on the impact of drought on biochemical characteristics of symbiotic community between soybean and different Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains showed higher antioxidant activity in stressed nodules and indicated higher nitrogen fixation. The applicability of the dehydrofreezing process for preserving raspberry fruits through the analysis of quality protection, especially antioxidant activity of berries, was assessed. New knoweldge and expertise were implemented in the research of 3 national projects and several PhD theses (3 finished and 2 in progress). Keywords: antioxidant capacity, lycopene, tomato, potato, grapewine, raspberry, soybean, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, nitrogen fixation

Posters

101

FARMING THE BRYOPHYTES: MASS PRODUCTION FOR THE YIELD OF PHARMACEUTICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS

Vujičić Milorad, Sabovljević Marko, Sabovljević Aneta

Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden, Faculty of Biology,

University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: marko@bio.bg.ac.rs Bryophytes (i.e. mosses, liverworts, hornworts and some other smaller groups) are the second largest group of terrestrial plants. Due to mainly small size and biomass they remained less used traditionally as medicinal plants. However, they have a huge potential in pharmacy. Their chemical constituents are insufficiently known, and among them, especially liverworts are interesting because of the production of cellular oil bodies which produce a number of mono-, di-, sesqui-terpenoids, aromatic compounds like bibenzyl, bis-bibenzyls and acetogenins. Macrocyclic bisbibenzyls, a large family of phenolic compounds belonging to stilbenoids is a class of characteristic components from liverworts. Up to now, more than 60 macrocyclic and acyclic bis-bibenzyls have been isolated from many liverworts and their stereo-structures were resolved. Recently, an increasing attention is being paid to them because of their wide range of biological activities including cytotoxicity, antibacterial, muscle relaxant, cardiovascular, anti-HIV, antitumor, and antifungal activity and inhibitory effect against some DNA polymerase types. The main problem in analyzing bryophytes compounds is obtaining a huge biomass of clean cultures/plant material. Monoculturing like crops is not possible due to their dependence on microhabitat conditions usually provided by tracheophytes and numerous interactions with other organisms which can change the plant material in various extent. Biofarming in axenical conditions is one of the solution. Here, we present the results on axenical farming of thallous liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, with the aim of producing macrocyclic bis-bibenzyls, namely marchantin and derivatives which were shown to posses the highly effective biological activity in stopping cancer cell proliferation. The marchantin type of compounds (marchantin A, C, E, and G, and dehydro-marchantin A) was analysed in native and axenically farmed plants. The adjustment of axenical growth conditions significantly increased yield of marchantin A. The biotechnological procedure for establishment and optimization of axenically grown Marchantia polymorpha with the aim of mass production of high yielding plant material for extraction of pharmaceutically active compound marchantin A will be presented. Keywords: liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha, macrocyclic bisbibenzyls, production, culture

Posters

102

THE TINDER PHOENIX: SEED OF DESTRUCTION AS A SHIELD AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS

Vunduk Jovana, Klaus Anita, Kozarski Maja, Nikšić Miomir

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

e-mail: vunduk.jovana@hotmail.com Inside every tree squats latent danger: mycelium of rotting fungi. Fomes fomentarius is one of these secret destroyers, also known as tinder fungus. Infection occurs through the bark of the tree and “the seed” could remain dormant for indefinite period of time. While fungi grow a variety of secondary metabolites accumulates, and some of them, like phenolic compounds, although non-nutrients, are very important as oxidative stress protectors. These compounds protect cells from damages that are induced by the free radicals. Another important application of phenolic compounds is in food industry, as natural additives with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aim of this this study was to investigate the phenolic potential of Fomes fomentarius. For that purpose the methanol extract was prepared. The obtained extract was subjected to several adopted colorimetric methods with the aim of determining the level of total phenol compounds, flavonoids, β-carotene, lycopene and ascorbic acid. The content of total phenol compounds was 24.6±0.8%, flavonoids 11.43±0.4%, β-carotene 3.60±0.9 mg/g, lycopene 2.00±0.2 mg/g and ascorbic acid 7.79±.02 mg/g. Compared to the terrestrial mushroom species, like Amanita crocea, Boletus regius and Russula aurea, the amount of total phenol compounds is about 100- to800-fold higher. Similar is with lycopene: its amount in F. fomentarius is 400- to 800-fold higher. This pattern is strongly connected with the fungi life style, especially with the specific enzymatic complex that is necessary for wood decomposing. A powerful destroyer becomes a rich source of medicinally and industrially important compounds. Keywords: Fomes fomentarius, oxidative stress protectors, phenolic compounds

Posters

103

THE USE OF POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED WATER FOR IRRIGATION

Žarković Branka1, Radovanović Vesna1, Čakmak Dragan2,

Životić Ljubomir 1, Kloppmann Wolfram3

1Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 2Institute of Soil Science, Belgrade, Serbia

3BRGM, Orlean, France

e-mail: brana@agrif.bg.ac.rs Clean freshwater is becoming a limited resource and its use for crop irrigation is in competition with the demand for household consumption as well as with the need to protect the quality of aquatic ecosystems. Current worldwide problem together with water scarcity is also contamination of water resources. Regional factors affect the significance of these problems, as the amount of water used for irrigation depends on factors such as climate, soil types and crops that should be irrigated. In Serbia, similarly to other South East European countries, water scarcity and water quality become major problems. Low quality of water is especially apparent in the vicinity of power stations and industrial facilities. The use of low quality water for irrigation may introduce hazardous heavy metals into the soil, plants and food chain. In addition, there is also the possibility of transfer of these metals into environmental, especially shallow groundwater systems through leaching. Heavy metals are very harmful because of their non-biodegradable nature, long biological half-lives and their potential to accumulate in living organisms faster than they are metabolized or excreted. Although it is essential to study the effects of contaminating water on agricultural lands and crop production, there are not enough studies of these problems in Serbia. Expertise gained by FP6 project SAFIR allowed researchers from the Faculty of Agriculture to address these problems. In the present work, some of the results of the study of the effects of chemical contaminants from thermal power plant “Obrenovac” on environment (soil and water) and plants will be shown. Keywords: irrigation water, heavy metals, soil, plants

Authors index

105

Authors index

A Aćić Svetlana 27, 41, 96, 97 Ahrne Siv 47 Alrgei Hassan 62 Atanacković Zoran 77 B Balešević-Tubić Svetlana 17 Banjac Nebojša 72 Banjac Vojislav 35 Berenji Janoš 91 Bertaccini Assunta 43 Bertin Nadia 16 Bešlić Zoran 48 Biondi Enrico 43 Blagojević Nevena 43, 85 Blanuša Tijana 49 Blyth Ken 70 Bogovič Matijašić Bojana 50 Bouche Pauline 64 Božić Dragana 40, 99 Braun Susanne 28 Bugarski Branko 74 Bulajić Aleksandra 51, 91, 92

C Cerović Radosav 34, 60 Chartzoulakis Kostas 23 Chaves Manuela 52 Cheniclet Catherine 16 Costa Miguel 52 Č Čadež Neža 57 Čakmak Dragan 103 Čolović Dušica 33 Čolović Radmilo 33 Ć Ćosić Marija 94 Ćupina Branko 14 D Dajić Stevanović Zora 27, 41, 96, 97 Danilović Gordana 53, 79

Authors index

106

Demin Mirjana 72 Despotović Saša 54 Dewwetnick Koen 36 Diep Bao Dzung 55 Dimitrijević Suzana 47 Dodig Dejan 95 Dudić Dragana 78 Dukić Željka 9 Dulić Zorka 26, 56, 69 Đ Đorđević Boban 59 Đorđević Radovan 57, 74 Đorđević Slaviša 16, 93, 100 Đorđević Sofija 89 Đorđević Verica 74 Đorđević Vuk 17 Đulaković Vladan 83 Đuričin Sonja 58

Đurković-Đaković Olgica 20 Đurović Dejan 59 Đurović Nevenka 83, 94 E Ercişli Sezai 60

F Fotirić-Akšić Milica 38, 60, 62, 71, 75, 76 G Gallitelli Donato 21 Gašić Katarina 43, 63, 85 Gibson Brian 57 Gregorić Enike 61, 70, 83 Guffa Basem 62

H Hadley Paul 13, 49 Hartmann Anton 37 I Ilić Nebojša 19 Ivanović Milan 43, 63, 85

Authors index

107

J Jacobsen Sven-Erik 24, 72 Jakovljević Dragica 39 Janse Jaap 22 Jansen Steven 64, 90 Jeney Galina 26 Jeney Zsigmond 26 Jevtović Jelena 42 Jovanović Ljubinko 53, 79 Jovanović Zorica 52, 72, 86, 93 Jovičić Petrović Jelena 65, 67, 98 K Kalušević Ana 57, 74 Kandić Vesna 95 Karaklajić-Stajić Žaklina 34 Karličić Vera 67 Kiković Dragan 67 Kittelsen Arne 26 Klaus Anita 39, 66, 102 Kloppmann Wolfram 103 Kljujev Igor 37, 65, 67 Kojić Milan 55 Kokić Bojana 33, 35 Kokolj Maja 89

Kolstad Kari 26 Korać Nada 75 Körmöczi Péter 53 Kostadinović Ljiljana 35 Kovačić Dragana 51 Kozarski Maja 39, 66, 102 Kozoderović Jelena 78

Kredics László 53, 79 Krstić Branka 51, 91, 92 Krška Boris 71 Kuzmanović Nemanja 43, 63, 85 L Lalević Blažo 65 Leposavić Aleksandar 34 Leskošek-Čukalović Ida 54, 74 Lević Jovanka 19, 33, 35 Lević Steva 28, 57, 74 Lisjak Miroslav 88 Lukić Milan 75

Authors index

108

M Mačukanović-Jocić Marina 41, 96, 97 Maestri Elena 12 Maksimović Ivana 88

Malidžan Slavojka 76 Mandić Vesna 29, 42 Marinković Jelena 100 Marjanović Milena 52, 93, 100 Marković Nebojša 68

Marković Zoran 26, 56, 69 Marmiroli Nelson 12 Mascia Tiziana 21 Matijašević Danka 74 Matijašević Saša 48 Matović Gordana 61, 70 McAinsh R. Martin 86 Mihajlović Mirjana 28 Mihić Salapura Jelena 51 Mikić Aleksandar 17 Miladinović Dragana 17 Miladinović Jegor 17 Milatović Dragan 38, 71, 76 Miličević Tihomir 91, 92 Milovanović Mirjana 72, 100 Miočinović Jelena 29, 36, 50, 73, 87 Mirković Nemanja 47, 50, 55 Mirosavljević Milan 88 Mitrović Olga 34 Morris Hugh 64 N Nedeljković Aleksandar 36, 73, 87 Nedović Viktor 28, 50, 54, 57, 74, 89 Nešić Kristina 54 Nikićević Ninoslav 57 Nikolić Dragan 38, 62, 71, 75, 76, 77 Nikolić Nada 81 Nikšić Miomir 39, 66, 102 O Obradović Aleksa 43, 63, 85 Ognjanov Vladislav 75 Ordidge Matthew 49 P Pajić Miloš 29 Pajić Vesna 78

Authors index

109

Panković Dejana 53, 79 Pantić Olivera 80 Pantović Jovana 81 Paunović Dragana 89 Paunović Dušanka 47 Pavlićević Milica 82, 100 Pavlović Danijela 40 Pavlović Vladimir 39 Pećinar Ilinka 16, 64, 90 Pejić Ivan 15 Pekić Quarrie Sofija 16, 64, 84, 90 Pešić Mirjana 28 Petrić Dušan 84 Petrović Milica 27, 41, 96, 97 Petrović Tanja 28, 50, 74, 89 Petrušić Milica 47, 50 Plauborg Finn 10 Počuča Vesna 83 Poleksić Vesna 26, 56, 69, 84 Popp Jürgen 73 Prokić Anđelka 43, 63, 85 Prokić Ljiljana 52, 86, 93 Pržić Zoran 68 Pucarević Mira 79

Puđa Predrag 36, 73, 87 Puławska Joanna 43 Putnik-Delić Marina 88 Q Quarrie Steve 84, 95

R Radić Danka 65 Radošević Radenko 16 Radovanović Dragica 78 Radovanović Mira 36, 73, 87 Radovanović Vesna 103 Radović Aleksandar 71 Radulović Zorica 36, 47, 50, 55 Ragab Ragab 70 Raičević Vera 37, 65, 67, 98 Rajić Jasmina 89 Rajković Andreja 25 Rakonjac Vera 38, 62, 75, 76

Rančić Dragana 16, 64, 90 Ranković-Vasić Zorica 76, 77 Raspor Peter 18 Rašković Božidar 26, 56, 69

Authors index

110

Relić Renata 69 Ristić Danijela 91, 92 Rösch Petra 73 Rothballer Michael 37 Rudić Željka 98 Ružić Đurđina 34 S Sabovljević Aneta 81, 101 Sabovljević Marko 81, 101 Salasan Cosmin 84 Sarić-Krsmanović Marija 99 Saulić Markola 99 Savić Milena 74 Savić Slađana 93, 100 Schmid Michael 37 Sebők Andras 28 Sokolović Milka 11 Sørensen Mette 26 Spasić Milan 26, 56, 69 Spasojević Ivana 65 Spasojević Radomir 87 Stajić Slaviša 74 Stanković Ivana 51, 91, 92 Stanković Marko 26, 56, 69 Stanojević Slađana 82, 95, 100 Stevanović Snežana 100 Stikić Radmila 16, 52, 68, 72, 86, 90, 93, 100 Stojićević Darko 40 Stričević Ružica 94 Š Šatović Zlatko 41 Šavikin Katarina 59 Šćepanović Danijela 84 Šešlija Aleksandra 95 Šilc Urban 27, 96, 97, 99 Škugor Stanko 26 Šoštarić Ivan 41, 96, 97 Špoljarević Marija 88 Štolfa Ivna 88 T Tanasković Snežana 84 Teklić Tihana 88 Teodorović Smilja 98 Todić Slavica 48, 75

Authors index

111

Todorčević Marijana 26 Todorović Mladen 83 Todorović Nina 39 Tomašević Igor 29 Topisirović Goran 84 Trkulja Vojislav 51 U Uzelac Gordana 55 V Vagvolgy Csaba 79 van Griensven Leo J.L.D. 39 Varga Ana 35 Veberič Robert 59 Velojović Sonja 54 Veljović Mile 54 Vrbničanin Sava 40, 99 Vrvić Miroslav M. 39 Vucelić-Radović Biljana 72, 82, 95, 100 Vučinić Željko 86 Vučurović Ana 51, 91, 92 Vujičić Milorad 101 Vujović Bojana 98 Vujović Tatjana 34 Vukmirović Đuro 33 Vukojević Dalibor 56, 69 Vunduk Jovana 39, 66, 102 Ž Žarković Branka 103 Živanov Milorad 88 Životić Ljubomir 103 Žižak Željko 66