Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Belgrade)

INFLUENCE OF PHOSPHORUS CONTENT OF SEEDS ON THE PLANT GROWTH OF 11 VARIETIES OF DURUM WHEAT (TRITICUM DURUM DESF.)

Lakhdar Mazouz , Salim LEBBAL — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:10:43 +0200

The phosphorus has an important role in the plant growth. Furthermore, the use of alternative methods, such as the cultivation of appropriate cultivars to satisfy the plant nutrient requirements and to reduce the negative effect of chemical fertilisers, is highly recommended. Thus, the aim of the present study was to screen the influence of the seed phosphorus content on the plant growth of 11 durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) varieties from numerous origins. Different morphological traits and their relation with the phosphorus quantities were investigated. These traits include root and aerial length, number of leaves, number of herbaceous tillers and number of ears. The obtained results revealed significant differences in the studied morphological characters among the examined wheat varieties. In addition, a positive correlation was recorded between the phosphorus levels in seeds and some morphological characters, particularly the aerial length, the number of leaves and tillers and the root length. It is concluded that higher phosphorus content in seeds has helped some varieties to achieve a good start. This suggests the necessity to consider this property when choosing durum wheat varieties for regions where P is scarce at sowing. It also fits into a broader global vision of sustainability by lowering the need for phosphate fertilisers.

RESPONSE OF POLLEN GERMINATION AND POLLEN TUBE GROWTH OF SOUR CHERRY GENOTYPES TO TEMPERATURE

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:30:47 +0200

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of genotype, environmental factors across three consecutive years (2022–2024), and incubation temperature (17°C and 20°C) on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube length in sour cherry, as well as to monitor flowering phenology during the same period. Six cherry genotypes were used: two cultivars created in the Republic of Serbia (“Sofija” and “Šumadinka”), one introduced cultivar (“Érdi Bötermö”), one autochthonous cultivar (“Feketićka”) and two promising genotypes (“GV-6” and “GV-10”). The flowering phenophase was recorded as the beginning, full and end of flowering. To determine germination and pollen tube length, pollen was collected and sown in Petri dishes on an agarose-sucrose nutrient medium and incubated at the two temperatures for 24 h. The obtained results demonstrated that flowering time varied between years in terms of date and duration. In vitro pollen germination ranged from 3.16% to 53.75%, while pollen tube length ranged from 225.6 μm to 960.2 μm. Significant differences were recorded between most sour cherry genotypes for both pollen germination and tube length. Differences between years were also significant, while incubation temperatures did not significantly affect the evaluated traits. The significant influence of many interactions, as established by analysis of variance, indicates that the response of genotypes to environmental conditions was different, which could be explained by differences in their stability. Knowledge of pollen germination and pollen tube growth plays a crucial role in understanding the value of a cultivar as a pollinator, both for commercial cultivation and breeding.

CHALLENGES TO EFFICIENT WATER USE IN AGRICULTURE IN AZERBAIJAN

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:32:12 +0200

Sustainable food production increasingly depends on water resources and their rational and efficient use. Due to global climate change and desertification, freshwater shortages will become even more acute. Azerbaijan is a country extremely vulnerable to water shortages due to limited internal water resources, high dependence on transboundary rivers, growing climate risks, and the inefficiency of existing water infrastructure. Water scarcity is a key obstacle to agricultural development in the country, and existing irrigation systems are characterised by significant water losses and low efficiency. Given the above, the aim of our study is to identify problems of inefficient water use in agriculture and propose solutions. To assess the level of rational water use in agriculture, we examined indicators such as water withdrawal and consumption, water use for irrigation and agriculture, water losses due to economic activities, the impact of changes in average annual temperature on crop water needs, and the distribution of water resources by region. The results showed that significant water losses pose a serious problem for the agricultural sector and require immediate solutions.

THE N:K RATIO IN CHERNOZEM AND CROPS UNDER DIFFERENT FERTILISATION PRACTICES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:36:32 +0200

Despite nutrient stoichiometry is widely applied to assess plant nutrition, agronomists in Ukraine traditionally use absolute test values. To address this gap, the temporal variability of the N:K ratio in soil and plant tissues was considered in a long-term field experiment (1971–2017) investigating the effects of different potassium fertilisation systems on crop rotation productivity in the northeastern Ukraine (Kharkiv region). The study compared the aftereffect of a high potassium background (1800 kg ha⁻¹) and the systematic application of mineral fertilisers (NPK) at single and double rates within the crop rotation. Available K in Chernozem was positively correlated with annual precipitation, influencing the stoichiometric balance in plant tissues. Under dry conditions, the N:K ratio narrowed significantly, particularly with potassium-only fertilisation. In contrast, balanced NPK application maintained an N:K ratio comparable to that observed under optimal moisture conditions. The relationship between available K and water highlights the need to use stoichiometric relationships, including the N:K ratio, for balanced plant nutrition in the context of climate change. Overall, potassium fertilisation enhanced crop rotation productivity and contributed to a more stable nutrient ratio balance.

FORECAST OF THE EXPORT OF FRESH STRAWBERRIES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA USING THE ARIMA MODEL

Vladimir D. Zdravković, Svjetlana D. Janković Šoja, Dejana J. Vučković — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:37:10 +0200

Regarding the export of fruit intended for fresh consumption, fresh strawberries are among the leading export products of the Republic of Serbia. The main export market for fresh strawberries is the Russian Federation, where an average of 8,447 tonnes of strawberries were exported in the period from 2016 to 2021, which is about 89% of the total export. In the past five years, the export of strawberries from the Republic of Serbia has halved, as a result of the loss of the dominant Russian Federation market. If this trend continues, the Republic of Serbia will lose $10.3 million a year in foreign trade, while the drop in exports will increase supply on the domestic market, leading to a drop in prices and negatively affecting the profitability of this production. The aim of this paper is to find a model that best describes future trends in the export of this fruit using the ARIMA model. The long-term monitoring of exports by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia enables the prediction of this parameter in the coming years. The analysis established that, for the period from 2001 to 2022, the ARIMA (3, 1, 6) model is adequate for forecasting future trends in the export of this fruit. Forecasts suggest that exports of fresh strawberries from the Republic of Serbia will continue to decline in the coming years.

Use of YouTube for Diffusion of Innovative Agricultural Technologies: A Digital Self-Help Approach to the Farmers

Mohummed Shofi Ullah Mazumder, Fatema Wadud, Sushama Barua — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:37:40 +0200

The diffusion of innovative agricultural technologies is essential for improving productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods in developing countries, where conventional extension services often face financial and institutional constraints. This study investigates the role of YouTube as a digital self-help platform for farmers in rural Bangladesh, emphasising its effectiveness in disseminating agricultural information and the factors influencing its adoption. A cross-sectional survey of 276 farmers was conducted in Rangunia Upazila (sub-district) under the Chattogram district. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using regression analysis. After considering Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) value, multivariate logistic regression was conducted. The results show that YouTube adoption is significantly associated with education, effective farm size, and agricultural extension contact. Farmers using YouTube reported higher agricultural knowledge, greater incomes, and more diversified farming practices than non-users. Additionally, YouTube was widely used for weather forecasts, disaster preparedness, peer learning, post-harvest management, and market engagement, underscoring its multifunctional role. Overall, platforms such as YouTube, when supported by improved ICT access, affordable digital resources, and targeted training, can significantly enhance agricultural knowledge and technology adoption among Bangladeshi farmers, thereby promoting sustainable rural development.