Even though peonies are highly valued as ornamental, medicinal, and edible species and are also considered to be long-lived and relatively disease and pest resistant, they are becoming rare or endangered in their natural habitats. This could be primarily associated with climate change and unsustainable wild collecting practices. So far, in situ conservation efforts have received little attention. In addition, very little is known about the cultivation of herbaceous peonies, particularly their propagation from seeds. What is known is that their seeds possess double dormancy, often accompanied by a low germination rate, which, together, make the cultivation of herbaceous peonies more difficult. Based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this paper summarizes, analyzes, and discusses all available studies on the seed traits of herbaceous peonies associated with the effect of seed harvest time on dormancy and seed germination, with a strong focus on dormancy breaking procedures. Improving our understanding of dormancy release modalities (impacts of temperature, moisture, light, hormones, various pre-treatments, etc.) will aid the establishment and management of in situ and ex situ collections of valuable species of herbaceous peonies and enable further studies for their successful propagation, breeding, and cultivation.

Weeds are one of the main problems in cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs); they negatively affect yield (herba and essential oil), and the overall quantity and quality of biomass, flowers, roots, seeds, and secondary metabolites. This review evaluates mulching as a sustainable, non-chemical method for weed management in the cultivation of MAPs and examines how effectively organic, synthetic, and living mulches reduce weeds and increase yields. Regarding different mulch materials such as straw, sawdust, bark, needles, compost, polyethylene, and biodegradable films, the basic processes of mulch activity, including light interception, physical suppression, and microclimate adjustment, are examined. The review further analyzes the impact of mulching on soil parameters (moisture, temperature, pH, chlorophyll content) and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The findings consistently indicate that mulching substantially reduces weed biomass, improves crop performance, and supports organic farming practices. However, there are still issues with cost, material availability, and possible soil changes, and the efficacy is affected by variables including cultivated plant species, mulch type, and application thickness. The review highlights the importance of further research to optimize the selection of mulch and MAPs and their application across various agroecological conditions, and indicates that mulching is a potential, environmentally friendly technique for weed control in MAP cultivations.

Allium ursinum L. (Alliaceae) is a perennial geophyte known for its medicinal properties. This study examines the yield, morphological characteristics, and bioactive component composition of A. ursinum across forty-three different habitats in Serbia, focusing on the relationship between these factors and habitat conditions. Data on habitat locations and soil conditions were gathered from previous studies, while climate parameters were estimated using meteorological data from the Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia. Cluster analysis identified five habitat clusters, with the first and third clusters representing 88% of the sampled habitats. Fresh leaf yield H1:39.46–H15:564.83 g m⁻² was correlated with morphological parameters grouped into two clusters. A positive correlation was found between habitat conditions, particularly soil type and altitude. Spectrophotometric quantification of phenolics (1.47–2.49 mg FAE g⁻¹) and flavonoids (0.27–0.82 mg QE g⁻¹) identified five clusters, with soil type being the key factor influencing bioactive component concentration. A. ursinum displayed significant adaptability, thriving in higher altitudes and fertile soils, which enhanced yield and morphological traits, though inversely related to bioactive components. These findings support sustainable cultivation and conservation practices for A. ursinum.

Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial plant species widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, particularly valued for its sedative properties. This study investigates the impact of synthetic mulch film and planting density as two experimental factors on agronomic performance, raw material quality, and economic efficiency in lemon balm production. The experiment was conducted at three locations in Serbia (L1: Bačko Novo Selo, L2: Bavanište, L3: Vilandrica) from 2022 to 2024, using two planting densities on synthetic mulch film (F1: 8.3 plants m⁻²; F2: 11.4 plants m⁻²) and a control treatment without mulch (C). The synthetic mulch film used was a synthetic black polypropylene film (Agritela Black, 90 g/m²), uniformly applied in strips across the cultivation area, covering approximately 78% of the soil surface. The results showed consistent increases in morphological parameters and yield across the years. Plant height in F1 and F2 treatments ranged from 65 to 75 cm, while in the control it reached up to 50 cm (2022–2024). Fresh biomass yield varied from 13.4 g per plant (C) to 378.08 g per plant (F2), and dry biomass yield from 60.3 g (C) to 125.4 g (F2). The highest essential oil content was observed in F2 (1.2% in 2022), while the control remained at 0.8%. The F2 treatment achieved complete weed suppression throughout the experiment without the use of herbicides, demonstrating both agronomic and ecological advantages. Economic evaluation revealed that F2 generated the highest cumulative profit (€142,164.5) compared to the control (€65,555.3). Despite higher initial investment, F2 had the most favorable cost–benefit ratio in the long term. This study highlights the crucial influence of mulching and planting density on optimizing lemon balm production across diverse climatic and soil conditions, while also underscoring the importance of sustainable, non-chemical weed management strategies in lemon balm cultivation.

This study aimed to ascertain the differences in the nutritional composition of maize grains by analysing their lipid, protein, fatty acid, triacylglycerol, and sugar content before and after undergoing an accelerated aging (AA) test. Additionally, phytochemicals (total pigments, phenolics and flavonoids), as well as antioxidant potential of maize grains were evaluated through ABTS^•+ scavenging capacity and ferric reducing power (FRP) assays. Maize was cultivated in Serbia during the 2017 season, employing two growing systems (conventional and organic). Although minimal differences were observed in protein and lipid content, the grains proved to be an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and triacylglycerols with ECN44 fraction being predominant. The total soluble sugar content was low, while starch content was significantly higher. HPLC analysis confirmed a considerably higher prevalence of non-reducing disaccharides compared to reducing disaccharides. Maize grains emerged as a substantial source of chlorophyll a (0.53-4.38 µg/g DW), phenolics (1498.9-1931.3 mg FAE/kg DW), and flavonoids (85.7-381.9 mg QE/kg DW). All tested extracts exhibited satisfactory abilities to neutralize free ABTS^•+. The FRP assay revealed a significantly higher ability to reduce Fe³⁺-ions in conventionally produced grains. According to the Blunt-Altman test, all analysed parameters showed considerable similarity, except for chlorophylls a and b. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that grains exposed to the AA test were mainly separated based on chlorophyll a, C20:0, C18:1n-9, MUFA, carotenoids, lipids content. Conversely, conventional untreated grains were primarily distinguished by their pentose, hexose and chlorophyll b content, while in the case of organic samples, disaccharides (both reducing and non-reducing) and soluble sugars were the main differentiating factors. The present preliminary study can serve as foundational research for future investigations aimed at comprehending alterations in nutrients and phytochemicals induced by accelerated aging tests. However, it should be supplemented and expanded upon by subsequent studies in the future.

Regardless of the plant species, organic cultivation is carried out according to legally prescribed principles, i.e. according to IFOAM standards. The products produced in this way are of high quality, without residues of pesticides and other chemicals. Soya is a plant of great economic importance, one of the most important field crops. It is used to produce important products for human and domestic animal nutrition as well as for industrial processing. The paper uses data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia for an analysis of the state of organic soya production in the Republic of Serbia. Soybean production based on organic principles has been successfully practised for many years, and the area under cultivation has increased fivefold in the last ten years. The largest production of organic soybeans takes place in Vojvodina (477.04 ha), where the agro-ecological conditions are the most favorable. However, on the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia, organic soybean production is still small, considering the exceptional ecological conditions and market needs.