Igor Balalic

Influence of biostimulators on germination parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling

The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of biostimulators, with or without the use of fungicides, on seed quality parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. Testing was conducted at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad on cytoplasmic male sterile sunflower line HA-26-PR. The experiment included six treatments: Slavol S (25%), Slavol S (25%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Bioplant Flora (2%), Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a. m. metalaxyl-M) and control. Results of the research showed that treating the seed with biostimulators prior to sowing has a significant influence on seed germination parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without the use of fungicide, gave a positive effect, while their combination led to a negative effect. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without combination with fungicide, may increase germination energy by 5%, germinability by 6%, but may also reduce the time of seed germination. Likewise, their use has a positive effect on early growth of sunflower seedling. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31025: Razvoj novih sorti i poboljsanja novih tehnologija proizvodnje uljanih biljnih vrsta za razlicite namene]

Interpretation of genotype × environment interaction in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

The aim of this field study was to evaluate genotype × year interaction for spike length, 1000 seed weight, seed number per g and hectoliter mass in perennial ryegrass, using eight divergent genotypes across two growing seasons. Interaction was evaluated using AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) model. All traits schowed additive (genotype, year) and non additive (genotype × year interaction) variation. On the basis od AMMI1 biplot genotype G4 showed most stability for all examined traits, so it can be recommended for sowing in different environmental conditions. Also, the genotype G4 could be used in the creation of new local varieties of perennial ryegrass.

Agronomic and production characteristics of sunflower hybrids: NS Oskar and NS Fantazija

The results of seed and oil yield obtained from the trials and production plots, single out sunflower hybrids NS Oskar and NS Fantazija as very promising and potentially leading in Serbia. They were created by breeding process at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. Hybrids are medium early ie. late maturity sunflower hybrids, have high yielding potential and high oil content. They are adjusted to different agro ecological conditions because they have wide adaptability to the different conditions of production. They also possess a high degree of tolerance and resistance to major parasites in the region, such as downy mildew, Phomopsis, white rot, broomrape etc. Hybrid seed is of excellent quality and germination. This paper presents the results of seed yield in trials from Department for variety testing of Ministry of Agriculture and environmental protection of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the results achieved in small-plot trials of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops and results from farm producers.

Interpretation of hybrid by sowing date interaction for 1000 seed weight in sunflower

This paper investigates the effect of hybrid by sowing date interaction on the 1000 seeds weight in sunflower. The experiment included three sunflower hybrids (Miro, Rimi, and Pobednik) and eight sowing dates. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications over three years (2005, 2006 and 2007). For the analysis of hybrid by sowing date interaction linear-bilinear AMMI model (main effects and multiple interaction) was performed. Three-way analysis of variance showed highly significant (P < 0.01) contribution of year (46.2%), hybrid (27.4%) and sowing date (8.4%) on 1000 seed weight. All second and third order interactions were also highly significant. From the hybrid by sowing date interaction highly significant first interaction component (IPC1) was separated which explained 82.3% of the total variance. Based on the graphic presentation the similarity in interaction of hybrids Miro and Rimi was pointed out. With the highest mean value for 1000 seed weight, hybrid Pobednik was different from previous two hybrids, in both main effect and interaction. In the earlier sowing dates (R1, R2) the highest values were achieved, while from sowing date R3 the 1000 seed weight remarkable decreased. Correlations between climatic variables and IPC1 were found which provides agronomic importance in interpretation of the interaction.

Tolerance of several Novi Sad sunflower hybrids to phomopsis stem canker under natural infection.

Sunflower diseases have a major impact on sunflower yield and quality of seed. When conditions during vegetation are favorable, the intensity of damage can be very high. Therefore, surveys of economically important diseases are necessary. A survey of incidences and severity of phomopsis stem canker was performed on 9 locations during 2007 and 2008. A total of 8 hybrids per location was examined. Lodging of plants as a symptom of stem canker disease was not detected. The mean disease incidence was less than 5%, depending on hybrid, location and year. Generally, higher deasease incidence was recorded in the first year of survey than in the second. The hybrids Velja, NS-H-111 and Baca demonstrated an elevated level of resistance. Despite significant differences in disease severity that was found among the hybrids tested, all of them were highly resistant to phomopsis stem canker.