Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food

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Phosphorus and iron content in apples in different sales channels
(University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 2025-10-01)
Petek, Marko
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Matilda Povodnik
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Tomislav Karažija
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Šatvar Vrbančić Mihaela
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Phosphorus and iron are essential elements that are necessary for various functions of plants, but also for humans. The apple, Malus × domestica Borkh., is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, also in Croatia. Since the mentioned elements influence the growth and development of the plant and also have certain health effects on humans, the presence of these elements in apples on the Zagreb market should be investigated. After collecting and sampling the apples, the phosphorus content was determined by spectrophotometry and the iron content by atomic absorption spectrometry. Apples from retail chains statistically have the highest average phosphorus content in dry matter (0.14 % P DW), while apples from organic products stores statistically have the highest phosphorus content in fresh weight (27.29 mg P/100 g fresh weight). As for iron, the statistically highest average content in both dry matter and fresh matter was found in apples from retail chains (15.99 mg Fe/kg DM and 0.261 mg Fe/100 g fresh weight). These results could be the consequences of conventional agriculture.
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Open circuit potentials in biofilms: Biotransformation kinetics governs the dynamics under anaerobic conditions
(Society of Chemists and Technologists of Macedonia, 2025-12-24)
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Hristovski, Kiril D.
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Burge, Scott R.
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Boscovic, Dragan
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This study proposes a generalized model describing the temporal changes in open-circuit poten-tials in microbial biofilm systems. Using an Nernstian equilibrium approach combined with a series of different kinetic models for each experimental stage, it examines nutrient oxidation by microbes under anaerobic conditions with a continuous supply. New functions are derived to fit the experimental data and to provide in-depth understanding of the complex bioelectrochemical transformations occurring during the oxidation of nutrients by a biofilm.
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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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FROM WASTE TO GROWTH: MUSHROOM RESIDUES IN HORTICULTURE
(Journal Agriculture and Forestry, 2025-12-15)
BOGEVSKA, Zvezda
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TODOROVA, Kristina
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MARKOSKI, Mile
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POPSIMONOVA, Gordana
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AGIC, Rukie
The rapid global expansion of mushroom cultivation has established it as an important agribusiness sector and a promising strategy for sustainable management of agricultural residues. Nevertheless, this growth has resulted in the annual accumulation of millions of tons of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), creating significant environmental and logistical challenges. On average, approximately five kilograms of SMS are generated for every kilogram of fresh mushrooms harvested. In North Macedonia, the mushroom industry similarly produces considerable quantities of SMS, which presents an opportunity for its reutilization as a growing substrate for horticultural crops. In this context, the present study investigated the physical and chemical properties of SMS derived from the fast-growing oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The results demonstrated that the substrate exhibits favorable physical characteristics, including low bulk density, homogeneous texture, and low electrical conductivity, making it suitable for incorporation into horticultural substrate mixes. Chemically, the substrate was found to be low in nitrogen and phosphorus but contained moderate to sufficient levels of potassium, while its exceptionally high organic matter content enhances its potential as a soil conditioner. Literature review indicates that mushroom residues are primarily employed as components of growing media in vegetable and ornamental crop production. Additionally, SMS can serve as a fertilizer, soil amendment, or mulch, providing multifunctional benefits in sustainable horticultural practices. Overall, oyster mushroom SMS represents a valuable resource for horticulture, combining desirable physical properties with nutrient supplementation potential and contributing to circular waste management strategies in the mushroom industry.
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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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Benefits and Support of Urban Horticulture, Its Relationship with the Environment, and Needs and Trends in Studies in Cities of Šibenik and Split (Croatia), Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Skopje (North Macedonia)
(MDPI AG, 2025-10-24)
Dorbić, Boris
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Kajtaz, Esved
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Bogevska, Zvezda
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Davitkovska, Margarita
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Mihanović, Damir
Urban horticulture as a segment of urban agriculture can take various forms: home gardens, allotment farming, community gardens, community-supported agriculture, vertical farming, etc. After the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia and neighboring countries, growing horticultural plants in urban and suburban areas became increasingly popular. The aim of the study was to investigate citizens’ attitudes towards the benefits and support of urban horticulture, its relationship to the environment, and needs and relevance in studies in the cities of Šibenik, Split, Mostar and Skopje. The research methods used for the purpose of this study were theoretical analysis method, survey and analytical descriptive and statistical method. The research was conducted online during the first half of 2024 on a sample of 506 respondents. The main goal of the paper was to examine the views of citizens on urban horticulture. With specific objectives, the views of citizens were examined on the benefits of urban horticulture, the relationship between urban horticulture and the environment, urban horticulture and plant protection, support for urban horticulture, and the needs and trends of urban horticulture. The results showed that citizens are mostly positive towards growing horticultural plants in urban and suburban areas without pollution. In urban horticulture, respondents prefer using ecological principles and products. Female respondents expressed more positive attitudes towards the fashionability and need for urban horticulture. Respondents from Skopje showed the most positive attitudes towards the benefits of urban horticulture and its relationship to the environment. Also, there is no statistically significant difference in attitudes towards urban horticulture with regard to the location of residence. The research contributes to the trend of development and promotion of urban horticulture with a special emphasis on the importance of environmental preservation. It also contributes to the development of an interdisciplinary method that connects natural and social sciences, and develops an empirical approach that can improve urban culture with the aim of preserving the environment.
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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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