Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food

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    Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Response to Self-Regulating Low Energy Clay-Based Irrigation (S.L.E.C.I.) System
    (MDPI AG, 2025-11-19)
    Malchev, Svetoslav
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    Germanova, Daniela
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    Kornov, Georgi
    In early initial tests, the Self-regulating Low-Energy Clay-based Irrigation (S.L.E.C.I.) has provided convincing results. During the DIVAGRI project, S.L.E.C.I. irrigation was plotted against reference drip irrigation and rain-fed control in order to compare soil moisture dynamics across different soil depths (30 cm, 60 cm, and 90 cm), irrigation water use, cherry fruit quality traits and yield, and irrigation water productivity (IWP). The data, collected between 2021 and 2023 at the Fruit Growing Institute–Plovdiv test site, reveals that S.L.E.C.I. system demonstrates a clear robustness from short-term climate fluctuations, maintaining root-zone moisture with greater consistency across depths. This contrasts with higher climate dependency observed in the reference variants. The average water productivity of S.L.E.C.I. irrigation is more than 12 times higher compared with the average IWP for drip irrigation. Probably, the superior ratio stems from two factors: first, S.L.E.C.I. delivered only the water that root tension demanded, and second, there is almost no loss of water to evaporation or deep percolation. Statistical analysis confirms that S.L.E.C.I. reduces variability within the crop, delivering significant improvements in both productivity and uniformity, essential traits for high-value commercial fruit production. Despite facing challenges, S.L.E.C.I. remains a promising sustainable irrigation technology, supporting efficient resource utilization while reducing environmental impact.
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    Economic Factors Influencing the Development of the Meat Market in the Republic of North Macedonia
    (Faculty of Economics, University of Veliko Tarnovo “St. Cyril and Methodius”, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, 2025)
    Martin Gjorgjiev Aleksandra Silovska Nikolova
    Man has been consuming meat since ancient times, and with the increase in the world population, the demand for beef is increasing daily. The meat market in the Republic of North Macedonia is an integral part of the food industry, whose dynamics and economic impacts have direct and indirect significance for developing the domestic meat production and trade. To analyze the financial aspects of the meat market in the Republic of North Macedonia, we surveyed prices and attitudes towards domestic and imported meat by conducting a study that was distributed electronically. A total of 400 respondents participated in the research. Price is a key factor in purchasing, and meat imports affect the cost of the domestic market. It is necessary to work on strategies for developing and protecting domestic meat production. The analysis also indicates the importance of harmonizing policies that will support the development of this sector and reduce dependence on imports
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    PRODUCTION OF MUTTONIN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA COMPARED WITHTHE OTHER FORMER YUGOSLAV COUNTRIES
    (Institute of Knowledge Management), 2025)
    Aleksandra Silovska Nikolova
    Sheep farming holds a significant position in livestock production, particularly thriving in hilly and mountainous areas. Compared to other domestic animals, sheep have a notable advantage in converting food into meat.Unlike non-ruminants, sheep meet most of their nutritional needs through grazing. Proper nutrition is a crucial factor influencing meat production in sheep. Lamb meat production primarily targets European markets, generating substantial revenue for the country.This paper aims to analyze mutton production from 2012 to 2022 in Republic ofNorth Macedonia compared to other former Yugoslav countries, including Republic of Serbia, Republic ofMontenegro,Federation ofBosnia and Herzegovina,Republic ofCroatia, and Republic ofSlovenia. Data for this research was sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) website. During this period, Republic of Serbia emerged as the largest mutton producer among these countries, averaging 28,862.09 tons, while Republic ofMontenegro was the smallest producer with 1,115.48 tons. The average mutton production in other former Yugoslav countries during this time was as follows: Republic ofCroatia produced 5,284.09 tons, Republic ofNorth Macedonia produced 3,936.45tons, Federation ofBosnia and Herzegovina produced 1,399.34 tons, and Republic ofSlovenia produced 1,374.82 tons.To enhance mutton production, it is recommended that Agriculture and Rural Development propose long-term measures such as improving farming conditions, introducing food safety standards, enhancing animal welfare standards, and building and promoting a lamb meat brand.
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    INFLUENCE OF STARTER CULTURES AND SWISS CHARD POWDER ON THE TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF SMOKED PORK LOIN
    (Institute of Knowledge & Management, 2025)
    Aleksandra Silovska Nikolova
    The aim of the study was to examine the effect of Swiss chard powder and starter cultures on the textural properties of smoked pork loin. The production was organized into five experimental groups: Group I - cooking salt and dextrose (negative control); Group II - nitrite salt and dextrose (positive control); Group III - nitrite salt, starter culture BactoFerm Rosa, and dextrose; Group IV - cooking salt, Swiss chard powder (producer 1), and starter culture BactoFerm Rosa; and Group V - cooking salt, Swiss chard powder (producer 2), and starter culture BactoFerm Rosa. Textural parameters (hardness, springiness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and gumminess) were instrumentally measured after completion of the production process, at mid-storage (30 days), and at the end of the shelf life (60 days). The obtained results for the five groups of smoked pork loin revealed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) both immediately after thermal processing and during storage. The highest hardness and gumminess values were recorded in Group I, while the remaining groups showed significantly lower values. According to the results, the addition of starter cultures had a significant effect on the textural properties -contributing to increased springiness, reduced hardness and gumminess, and altered adhesiveness - which resulted in an improved structure and desirable sensory characteristics of the final product
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    Ethnobotanical study on the use of Sideritis scardica Griseb. in North Macedonia
    (Faculty of Agronomy Čačak, 2025)
    Josimovska, Teodora
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    About 350 wild medicinal species that exist in the territory of North Macedonia are used in traditional medicine. Apart from medicinal purposes, medicinal plants are also used for culinary and recreational purposes. Among the medicinal plant species, the endemic species Sideritis scardica Griseb., whose presence has been recorded in the Balkans, has a special place. History, tradition and oral transmission of medicinal recipes speak for the daily use of this plant since ancient times. Wanting to preserve the traditional knowledge of S. scardica Griseb. from oblivion, the purpose of this research is to document its use in everyday life, especially its traditional use. As part of this research, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the period from June to September 2024 in North Macedonia. One hundred respondents were included in the research, and the obtained results showed that the respondents are well acquainted with this plant. The folk name Mountain tea is the most commonly used in our country. This plant is mostly used in the form of tea for recreational purposes (80%), while only 20% for medicinal reasons. Percentage-wise, Mountain tea is mostly used for the treatment of colds, followed by urinary, digestive and respiratory problems. In our country, people prefer buying the plant to collecting it in nature. This research provides data on the traditional use of S. scardica Griseb. in North Macedonia, and hence suggests that, in order to avoid the loss of traditional knowledge, greater efforts are needed to preserve and record the knowledge of use, not only for this plant but also for other medicinal plants.
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    Bacillus spp. strain-induced modulation of stomatal density in parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) and associated soil microbiological responses
    (Faculty of Agronomy Čačak, 2025)
    Atanasova-Pancevska, Natalija
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    Todevska, Daniela
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    Kostandinovska, Sofija
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    Kovacevik, Biljana
    Reducing chemical pesticide use and adopting biological alternatives are key priorities in sustainable horticulture. This study compared the effects of chemical and biological treatments on stomatal density in parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) and evaluated associated soil microbiological changes. Field trials near Skopje included a control (untreated) plot and three treatments: (T1) foliar application of Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG (40 g/kg metalaxyl-M + 640 g/kg mancozeb), (T2) Bacillus velezensis strain B-98, and (T3) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain B-62. Stomatal density was determined microscopically on both leaf surfaces, and soil microbial communities were quantified before and after the growing season. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) in lower epidermal stomatal density between the control and all treatments, with T3 exhibiting the highest value (1552 stomata/mm²). Biological treatments also increased beneficial soil microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing and cellulolytic bacteria. The results highlight B. amyloliquefaciens strain B-62 as a promising biopreparation for enhancing physiological traits and soil health in sustainable parsnip production.
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    Ethnobotanical survey of wild vegetables used for food and medicinal purposes
    (Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, 2025)
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    Josimovska, Teodora
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    Popović, Vera
    The present study deals with ethnobotanical survey of wild vegetables used as food and medicines in North Macedonia. For obtaining information about traditional uses of wild vegetables in North Macedonia 84 respondents were interviewed using structural designed questionnaires, from March to June 2023. 78.6 % of respondents practiced picking wild vegetables, while 94 % of respondents consumed wild vegetables. Obtained results showed that the fourteen plant species from eleven botanical families were recorded as wild vegetables. Most of the mentioned wild vegetables belong to the Polygonaceae family. The botanical family, scientific name, folk name, used plant parts, culinary and medicinal use as well as the relative frequency of citation index (RFC) of wild vegetables are shown for each of the plant species. In this research, Urtica dioica L. is the species with the highest relative frequency of citation index (0.25). Also, it was found that among the edible parts, leaves are dominant (59 %). Ethnobоtanical studies are key to finding ways to use natural plant resources, and therefore such research should be continued in the future.
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    Exploring Lyophilised Suillus granulatus Extracts as Natural Additives for Industrially Produced Functional Dehydrated Soups
    (Flavour and Fragrance Journal, Wiley, 2025-07)
    Monika Stojanova
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    Milena Pantic
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    Anita Klaus
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    Dunja Miletic
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    Dragana Mihajlovic
    This study focused on creating lyophilised extracts from Suillus granulatus to assess its antimicrobial properties and explore its potential as a natural substitute for monosodium glutamate in dehydrated soups. The water extract demonstrated stronger antimicrobial activity against L. ivanovii than chloramphenicol. The MBC and MFC values for the water extract were significantly lower (p < 0.05) against L. ivanovii (5.0 mg mL−1), E. faecalis (10 mg mL−1), S. enteritidis (20.0 mg mL−1) and C. neoformans (2.5 mg mL−1) compared to the ethanol extract. Both extracts were more effective against Gram-negative bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a rough structure in the water extract and a granular structure in the ethanol extract. FT-IR analysis of the mushroom extracts reveals that the carbohydrate subregion is primarily influenced by glucan vibrations, as glucans represent the dominant polysaccharides in mushrooms. The characteristic absorption bands at 1160 cm−1 (appearing as a shoulder), 1078, 1048 and 908 cm−1 correspond to β-D-glucan, while the bands observed at 1148, 1027 and 937 cm−1 indicate the presence of α-D-glucan. The lyophilised water extract exhibited better activity against E. faecalis than the ethanol extract. These findings support the creation of healthier, safer products, encouraging long-term health benefits through daily consumption. This study points to a promising future for the development of functional, high-quality and safe food products by replacing synthetic additives, such as MSG, with natural, antimicrobial-rich mushroom extracts. Ultimately, Suillus granulatus could play a pivotal role in advancing the industrial production of functional foods. Further studies, including in vivo testing, will be conducted.
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    PRODUCTION OF CHICKEN MEAT IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA COMPARED WITH THE OTHER FORMER YUGOSLAV COUNTRIES
    (Institute of Knowledge & Management, 2024)
    Silovska Nikolova Aleksandra
    ;
    Gjorgjiev Martin
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    PRODUCTION OF PORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA AND THE OTHER FORMER YUGOSLAV COUNTRIES
    (Institute of Knowledge & Management, 2024)
    Silovska Nikolova Aleksandra