Abstract Abundance of large game in Serbia is currently below the habitat’s potential, mostly due to negative anthropogenic factors. For this reason, fenced hunting grounds, commonly established in forests, serve as important habitats for the management of wild ungulates. Fenced hunting grounds are usually run by profit-oriented state forest enterprises, where game management is based on economic carrying capacity, requiring higher population densities. Such practices directly affect forest management, due to more frequent tree damage caused by wild ungulates. In order to provide a sustainable solution which would be acceptable to both foresters and wildlife managers, it is necessary to accurately estimate the impact of game species on forest regeneration. In this study, we propose an innovative research design for the Republic of Serbia, which is based on the use of both traditional and novel methods. Research was conducted in the fenced hunting grounds “Plavna” and “Ristovača”, both managed by the State enterprise “Vojvodinašume” during the period from autumn 2023 to summer 2024. In each hunting ground, two sample plots of the same size (9 x 9 m) were established next to each other, one fenced and one non-fenced, and monitored with trap cameras. In “Plavna”, the sample plots were in a poplar regeneration area, where the main game species are Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.), while in “Ristovača”, the sample plots were located in an oak stand, where Fallow Deer (Dama dama L.) and Wild Boar are managed. Results indicate a significant difference between the number of seedlings and the extent of damage between fenced and non-fenced sample plots in both locations, as well as the presence of all three wild ungulate species recorded on trap cameras. However, game activities varied from browsing to passing by the sample plots. The obtained findings indicate the advantages of the applied methodology and provide useful information for estimating forest damage on large areas.

Abstract The aim of this research was to evaluate the phenotypic correlations between external egg quality traits in native duck and goose populations reared in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the native ducks considered, the average egg weight, shape index, shell weight, shell ratio, and shell thickness were 75.21 g, 70.84%, 6.47 g, 8.61%, and 0.34 mm, respectively. In the native geese considered, these traits averaged 163.31 g, 64.34%, 18.21 g, 11.20%, and 0.58 mm, respectively. The correlation analysis revealed that the egg weight was significantly and positively associated with the geometric mean diameter and shell weight in both species (p < 0.05), whereas its correlations with the shape index and sphericity were non-significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, the shape index was significantly and positively correlated with the sphericity (p < 0.05), while both traits exhibited non-significant and negative correlations with the shell weight, shell ratio, and shell thickness (p > 0.05). The shell thickness was significantly and positively correlated with the shell weight and shell ratio in both species (p < 0.05), but largely independent of geometric traits, except in the ducks, where a positive association with the geometric mean diameter was observed. The shell density showed no significant correlation with the egg weight in either species (p < 0.05), whereas the egg weight was significantly positively correlated with the shell weight per unit surface area in the ducks (p < 0.05). These results indicate that geometric traits primarily determine egg weight, while shell quality traits are partially independent of egg size. The findings provide valuable data on the external egg quality traits and their interrelationships in the native ducks and geese considered, offering useful insights for the selection and improvement of their productive traits, particularly within small-scale and extensive poultry systems.

Abstract The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture is poised to revolutionize the industry. By harnessing the power of AI and IoT, farmers can optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and promote sustainable farming practices. Recent years have witnessed a surge in the development of AI and IoT technologies tailored to agriculture, enabling farmers to monitor soil health, crop growth, and weather patterns in real time. The benefits of AI and IoT in agriculture are multifaceted. AI-powered systems can identify potential issues, such as pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, allowing for early intervention and minimizing crop losses. IoT technologies provide farmers with actionable insights, enabling them to make informed decisions on planting, irrigation, and harvesting. Furthermore, the integration of AI and IoT in agriculture has the potential to transform the sector, enabling farmers to respond to environmental challenges more effectively and promoting sustainable farming practices. This review provides an overview of existing IoT/AI technologies adopted for Smart Sustainable Agriculture (SSA). The paper explores the current state of AI and IoT applications in agriculture engineering, identifying prominent applications and providing an IoT/AI architecture for a Smart Sustainable Agriculture platform.

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the potential ecosystem services of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) in view of its traditional importance as a source of food and medicine. Fruits were sampled from a suburban population in the southwestern part of Belgrade at three time points: after ripening in late summer, in early winter, and in early spring. Using spectrophotometric methods and ethanol and distilled water as solvents, the contents of polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity were determined. To assess the influence of the harvesting period, the results were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD and LS Means tests, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and confidence interval models. The biochemical composition of the fruits was shown to depend on the time of harvest, as confirmed by the statistically significant differences between the sampling periods for all the parameters except anthocyanins. In all the sampling periods, the ethanolic extracts exhibited higher values of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to the aqueous extracts. Early spring and early winter were identified as the most suitable harvesting times, as the strongest antioxidant activity measured by the FRAP test was recorded in the third period, and by the DPPH and ABTS tests in the second period. This study makes a significant contribution by confirming that the harvest time does not affect the anthocyanin content, thus highlighting the commercial potential of Blackthorn fruits as natural colourants based on anthocyanins. The patterns of variability suggest optimal harvesting times for the efficient extraction of bioactive compounds and the use of Blackthorn fruits in the development of functional foods and pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the findings serve as a basis for developing strategies aligned with climate change predictions, as the results confirm a positive influence of low air temperatures preceding the second and third sampling on the bioactive components of the fruits.

Abstract The development of a simple and economical forage conservation method suitable for local dairy farmers is essential due to the seasonal availability of forages. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conserving forages in pelleted form and to assess the acceptability, palatability, and quality of pelleted forages. Hybrid Napier Grass (CO3), Panicum maximum (Guinea grass), Leucaena leucocephala (Ipil ipil) and Gliricidia sepium were harvested and sun-dried for 3 h (short-dried (Sd)), 4 h (medium-dried (Md)), and 5 h (long-dried (Ld)) to determine the optimal drying duration for pelleting. Pelletability, moisture content, bulk density, unit density, keeping quality, and nutrient composition of the pellets were analyzed. Supplemented pellets were prepared from each forage type by mixing 75% dried forage with either 25% rice polish (T1) or 75% dried forage with 12.5 % rice polish and 12.5% coconut poonac (T2). The pellets were evaluated for keeping quality, acceptability, and palatability in dairy cows. The biomass from short-dried (Sd) Leucaena, medium-dried (Md) Giricidia, long-dried (Ld) CO3, and Guinea grass showed the best pelleting properties, producing stable pellets with the highest bulk and unit densities and the longest shelf life. High-quality pellets were storable at room temperature for over two months without fungal or mold growth, off-odors, or discoloration. The T2 pellets exhibited higher acceptability and palatability than T1 across all the forage types. The palatability differed significantly between the treatments (T1 and T2) and among the forage varieties (P = 0.05). Forage pelleting proved to be a cost-effective conservation method for grasses and legumes, producing pellets with improved keeping quality, palatability, and acceptability for dairy cattle. Therefore, forage pelleting represents a sustainable, economical, and practical conservation strategy for small- to medium-scale dairy farmers.

Abstract Allelochemicals are plant-derived compounds capable of influencing the growth, development, and interactions with other plants and microorganisms within agroecosystems. They are a key mechanism of allelopathy, through which plants can suppress weed competition and reduce pathogen pressure, while simultaneously contributing to agricultural sustainability. This paper analyzes various groups of allelochemicals, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, glucosinolates, and alkaloids, and explores their application as biopesticides. Emphasis is placed on advantages of these natural phytotoxins in reducing the use of synthetic chemicals, thereby promoting ecological balance and soil health. Additionally, the paper examines the roles of allelochemicals in enhancing plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as their stimulatory effects on crop growth and development. Based on recent research, this study highlights the importance of allelochemicals in formulating sustainable strategies for plant protection and weed control, contributing to the development of modern and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Therefore, the application of allelochemicals may serve as a key element in transforming agriculture towards more sustainable and eco-friendly production systems.

Abstract In this study, the coat colour polymorphism in the golden jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) was studied on 29 specimens from 19 different localities in Türkiye. Geographically distinct coat colour variations were detected among these individuals. In addition, a jackal specimen with partially atypical morphology, which is a potential signal of jackal-wolf hybridisation, was observed in Kırklareli province in Turkish Thrace. Various biological samples of this specimen were analyzed genetically and morphologically to determine its ancestry. Our morphological evaluation, together with mitochondrial (mt) DNA nucleotide sequence BLAST results, indicated the golden jackal origin of this specimen. The coat colour polymorphism found in golden jackals in this study may indicate local adaptations specific to the locality or different phylogenetic lineages. Therefore, studies of the phylogenetic relationships of the Turkish golden jackal need to be conducted on a broad scale and incorporate mtDNA markers. Additionally, uniparental and biparental molecular markers should be used to investigate possible origins of individuals with atypical morphology, which potentially indicate genetic hybridisation of the Turkish golden jackal with other Canis species.

Abstract Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium and one of the most consumed vegetables globally. With the aim of supporting onion cultivation practices and breeding programs, this study examined the main classes of bioactive compounds, soluble sugars, antioxidant properties (measured via TAC, CUPRAC, DPPH• and ABTS•+ assays) and yield indicators of the widely grown onion cultivar Hamilton F1 (Bejo Zaden BV, Warmenhuizen, Netherlands) under the agroecological conditions of Vojvodina, Serbia. The onion was established by direct sowing in 4 × double-row strips, using a randomized block design with three replications. Extraction was performed with 80% methanol in order to prevent protein extraction and potential interferences with phenolics. The results revealed that total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and soluble sugars content (SSC) were 0.76 mg/g GAE, 0.29 mg/g QE, and 106.9 mg/g Glc, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in TAC and ABTS•+ assays, with values of 6.57 mg/g AAE and 3.67 µmol/g TE, respectively. The content of total hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives was below the detection limit. The dry matter content was 8.11%. Additionally, the total yield of the Hamilton F1 onion was 108.01 t/ha, with a first-class yield of 104.4 t/ha and a high proportion of marketable bulbs. The results indicate that the Hamilton F1 cultivar is characterized by a considerable content of the examined bioactive compounds that contribute to better agronomic traits, including improved performance under stress conditions, longer storage potential and greater disease tolerance. From consumers’ perspective, these compounds provide also health benefits. The findings emphasize the potential of Hamilton F1 as a reliable option for farmers and highlight the importance of breeding programs focused on developing onion cultivars with similar or improved functional properties, combining high yield potential with enhanced nutritional value.

Abstract The Montbéliarde (MO) breed is part of the Jurassic branch, originating from Bos frontosus and giving rise to the Pie Rouge group of breeds. This study aimed to evaluate the milk components and somatic cell count (SCC) in a selected herd of Montbéliarde cattle. The data for the evaluation of milk components and SCC in the Montbéliarde herds considered were provided by the B.S. SR database. A total of 1,015 dairy cows from the years 2019 to 2022 were included in the evaluation, which assessed the daily milk yield (DMY, kg), fat content (%), protein content (%), lactose content (%), and SCC (cells/ml). Basic statistical and variability characteristics were analyzed using the SAS software. The following average values for the daily milk traits and SCC in Montbéliarde cows were recorded: 27.09 kg DMY, 3.99% fat, 3.63% protein, 4.83% lactose, and 380.28 somatic cells/ml (SCC). In 2019, a total of 791 samples were analyzed, yielding an average of 26.24 kg DMY, 3.95% fat content, 3.67% protein content, 4.75% lactose content, and 366.86 cells/ml SCC. For the years 2020, 2021, and 2022, higher average values for the daily milk yield, milk components, and SCC were observed. The correlation between the SCC and milk components was low, negative, and statistically highly significant. The following correlation coefficients between the SCC and daily milk yield, fat percentage, protein percentage, and lactose percentage were recorded: r = -0.1060, r = 0.0439, r = 0.0654, and r = -0.3662, respectively. In the linear model for SCC evaluation, the lactation order had the highest effect (R² = 0.0379), whereas the sire effect was found lower (R² = 0.0232).

Abstract Cabbage farming in Sri Lanka relies heavily on synthetic insecticides, but their high costs reduce overall profitability. Additionally, synthetic insecticides pose considerable environmental risks. Therefore, it is important to explore alternative strategies for insect pest management. This study investigated African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)-based insect pest management strategies for controlling major leaf-eating caterpillar pests in cabbage under field conditions. A Randomized Complete Block Design with three blocks was used to compare five treatments: untreated cabbage sole crop as the control (T1), cabbage treated with synthetic insecticides containing Thiamethoxam 25% (w/w) and Emamectin Benzoate 5% (w/w) (T2), cabbage treated with marigold water extract (50 g fresh plant matter/1 L; T3), cabbage intercropped with marigold as an additive (T4) and cabbage intercropped with marigold in replacement (T5). In T4, marigold was intercropped with cabbage without reducing cabbage density, while in T5, some cabbage plants were replaced by marigold. Treatments T2, T4 and T5 significantly reduced (P<0.05) leaf-eating caterpillar abundance by 94%, 94% and 83%, respectively, compared to the control. Both intercropping methods (T4 and T5) were equally effective in suppressing caterpillar populations, while T3 showed no significant difference (P<0.05) from the control, indicating ineffectiveness of the treatment. Ladybird beetle (Coccinella spp.) abundance significantly increased (P<0.05) under T4 and T5 (by 100 % and 95 %, respectively), but declined sharply under T2 (-95 %), revealing the negative impact of T2 on non-target organisms. Cabbage plant diameter remained consistent across all treatments, confirming that marigold intercropping did not hinder cabbage growth. Economically, additive intercropping (T4) was the most favorable strategy, maintaining full cabbage plant density and eliminating pesticide costs. These results suggest that additive intercropping with African marigold is a promising agronomic strategy for managing leaf-eating caterpillar pests in cabbage production in Sri Lanka.