https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/8207 2026-11-09T20:08:38Z https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/23428 Title: BIOSTIMULANTS AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Authors: Boskovic, Ivana; Đukić, Dragutin; Stojanova, Monika; Mandić, Leka; Djurovic, Vesna Editors: DELEN, Veysel; GÜRBÜZ, Hüseyin; BUCAK, Feray Abstract: Modern agriculture faces the challenge of increasing productivity while preserving natural resources and reducing environmental impacts. Biostimulants have attracted increasing attention as environmentally friendly tools for improving crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, stress tolerance, and the sustainability of agricultural systems. The aim of this paper is to review the potential applications of biostimulants in modern agriculture, with particular emphasis on beneficial microorganisms and their role in stimulating plant growth, improving nutrient uptake, increasing tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, and supporting sustainable crop production. A review of the relevant scientific literature on biostimulants was conducted, with particular emphasis on microbial biostimulants, plant growth-promoting microorganisms, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as well as the major groups of non-microbial biostimulants. Data collected from relevant scientific sources were analyzed and synthesized to present the role of beneficial microorganisms in promoting plant growth and sustainable agricultural production. Particular attention was given to the mechanisms of action of biostimulants, including nutrient uptake, phytohormone regulation, stimulation of plant growth, and activation of plant defense mechanisms. Their potential to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses is particularly important, as adverse environmental conditions can significantly reduce crop productivity and are expected to become more frequent and intense under climate change. Further research should focus on advancing scientific knowledge of the mechanisms of action of biostimulants and improving their formulations based on findings from relevant scientific and experimental studies. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/23426 Title: Variation in susceptibility of selelected wheat genotypes to Rhisopertha dominica Authors: Pešić, Saša; Pešić, Zorica; Ćoćić, Danijela; Vukajlović, Filip; Marković, Dušan; Škorić, Milica; Mikić, Sanja; Brbaklić, Ljiljana; Tanasković, Snežana; Gvozdenac, Sonja Editors: Hamid El, Bilali Abstract: Lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) represents one of economically most important primary pests of durable commodities in storages. It primarily feeds and develops on products with high level of starch, such as wheat. Recently, it has become a pest of growing importance for wheat because losses often exceed economic thresholds. The aim of this study was to investigate susceptibility of 30 Serbian wheat genotypes to R. dominica. The collected genotypes include different modern and old commercial varieties and local populations (landraces). A no-choice test was conducted in glass bottles (100 mL) under conditions of artificial infestation. Susceptibility (further on interpreted as resistance) was assessed based on progeny production on each genotype after one, two, and three months of exposure, as well as grain consumption (g and %). Each jar contained 50 g of intact wheat grains from a specific genotype, with twelve replicates per genotype. Obtained results indicate that the most susceptible or the most suitable for R. dominica development were modern bread wheat cultivars. The results point out that some tested local populations (landraces), with very low or none loss of grains in biotest, as well as very low progeny production, can serve as valuable source of resistance for breading programs. Moreover, those genotypes could be recommended for cultivation in region where this pest is present in high abundance, or where pest’s resistance towards insecticides is detected. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/23425 Title: Soil health and environmental safety criteria for organic fertilizers Authors: Đukić, Dragutin; Stojanova, Marina; Mandić, Leka; Stojanova, Monika; Bošković, Ivana Editors: Kurćubić, Vladimir Abstract: his review highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of soil and organic fertilizer quality to prevent contamination by toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and radionuclides. Key indicators of soil health, including chemical, biological, and functional parameters, are discussed. Proper management ensures safe agricultural production, urban land use, and recreation areas. The study emphasizes evidence-based criteria for maintaining soil integrity, environmental safety, and sustainable land use in the face of modern ecological challenges, while supporting long-term soil fertility, ecosystem resilience, and compliance with environmental regulations. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/23424 Title: Nanoformulations of mushroom extract: potential for clean-label food additives Authors: Stojanova, Monika; Stojanova, Marina; Đukić, Dragutin; Mandić, Leka; Lalović, Blažo Editors: Lutovac, Mitar Abstract: The increasing consumer demand for clean-label food products has intensified the search for natural alternatives to synthetic food additives. Conventional additives, although effective, are often associated with negative consumer perception and potential health concerns, driving the food industry toward natural, sustainable, and multifunctional ingredients. Edible and medicinal mushrooms represent a promising source of bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and terpenoids, which exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties relevant to food applications. However, the practical use of mushroom extracts as food additives is limited by their low stability, poor solubility, and reduced bioavailability when applied in complex food matrices. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have emerged as an innovative approach to overcome these limitations. Nanoformulations such as nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, and polymer-based nanoparticles enable the encapsulation and protection of sensitive bioactive compounds, enhancing their stability, controlled release, and functional efficacy. Moreover, the use of food-grade and naturally derived encapsulating materials aligns well with clean-label requirements. This review provides a comprehensive overview of bioactive compounds derived from edible and medicinal mushrooms, current extraction strategies, and recent advances in nanotechnology-based formulations. Particular emphasis is placed on the potential application of mushroom nanoextracts as clean-label food additives with antioxidant and antimicrobial functions, as well as their role in extending shelf life and improving functional properties of food products. Safety considerations and regulatory challenges associated with the use of nanomaterials in foods are also discussed. Overall, mushroom-based nanoformulations represent a promising and sustainable strategy for the development of next-generation clean-label food additives, although further research is required to support their industrial application and regulatory approval. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z