Genotype by environment interaction (GEI) is a complex problem that complicates the barley selection and breeding process. The knowledge of the relationship between cereal phenology and climatic data is important for understanding GEI and the physiological pathways responsible for the interaction effect. The grain yield of twenty winter barley genotypes in six environments was observed. Factors influencing the variability were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was applied to determine the most relevant environmental variables in certain stages of development that explained GEI effects. Biplot with environmental variables explained 43.7% of the GEI. The barley was generally the most sensitive to the environmental conditions (relative humidity, maximum temperature and its variation, sun hours, and precipitation) during the anthesis and filling stage (May) which caused GEI. Temperature variables did not show significance only in the vegetative phase. Different genotypes responded differently to environmental factors. Genotypes NS-525, NS-589, and J-103 were highlighted as widely adaptable, and Zaječar was a suitable and reliable location for yield testing. The GEI information presented in this paper can be useful in traditional plant breeding and future breeding programs through molecular research of crop developmental genes and examination of physiological processes in two-row barley.

The identification of wheat genotypes with balanced grain yield, stability, and antioxidant response to abiotic stress is crucial for creating adaptable varieties in changing climates. The research was conducted as a multi-environment trial (MET) across six environments (three localities over two seasons), and included 15 wheat genotypes (bread wheat lines, standard varieties and two spelt wheat lines). This study integrates AMMI and GGE biplot analyses with antioxidant profiling across growth stages to identify genotypes combining yield stability and stress tolerance. Lines KG-4/1, KG-11/1 and the variety Pobeda were identified as high-yielding and stable genotypes, with KG-11/1 ranked as an “ideal genotype” and KG-4/1 achieving the highest grain yield on MET level (6.48 t ha^–1). Specific adaptation of genotypes KG-40/1 and Renesansa indicates their potential for targeted breeding in particular environments. Antioxidant parameters (TPC and DPPH• scavenging activity) at early growth stages were positively correlated with grain yield, indicating that they can serve as suitable biochemical markers for selecting stress-tolerant, high-yielding wheat genotypes. This comprehensive approach, which includes the analysis of grain yield stability/adaptability and antioxidant parameters, is adequate for the evaluation of promising lines that may be suitable genetic resources in climate-resilient wheat breeding programs.

Maize production is increasingly challenged by climate variability, making the optimization of genotype choice and sowing density essential for stable yields. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of sowing density (SD I, SD II, SD III), genotype (ZP 434, NS 4023, ZP 555, NS 5051, ZP 666, NS 6030), and climatic conditions on maize grain yield and its main components (number of grain rows per cob, thousand kernel weight, number of plants at harvest) over four consecutive years (2014-2017). The AMMI model was used to quantify the contribution of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G×E) to yield variability. Results showed that the highest yields were recorded in 2016 under favorable climatic conditions, with hybrids ZP 555 (15.07 t ha^-1) and NS 5051 (14.68 t ha^-1), while the lowest yields occurred in 2015 due to drought and high summer temperatures, particularly at higher sowing density (SD I), with NS 5051 yielding only 5.73 t ha^-1. The environment accounted for 83.56% of yield variability, whereas the G×E interaction explained 12.26%. Hybrids ZP 555 and NS 5051 exhibited the greatest yield stability. Lower sowing density (SD III) proved advantageous under dry conditions, whereas higher density (SD I) was optimal in favorable years. Grain yield was strongly correlated with the number of grain rows (r = 0.75**) and thousand kernel weight (r = 0.73**). These findings provide valuable insights into hybrid performance under variable climates and offer practical recommendations for optimizing hybrid selection and sowing density to improve maize adaptation to climate change.

Bread wheat is one of the most represented field crops whose level and stability of yield is very important for the food security in Republic Serbia. In the paper was investigated stability of yield expression of 15 winter bread wheat genotypes in different agroecological conditions of Serbia, using the Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model and GGE-biplot method of analysis. Aim of investigation was to determine which of applied analysis is superior in identification of the most desirable genotypes for cultivation in given environments. Analysis of variance showed that genotype and genotype-environment (G×E) interaction represent highly significant sources of variability in expression of grain yield. AMMI and GGE analyses were point out similar results and an indisputable conclusion is that multienvironment trials, besides routine usage of analysis of variance, must be analized with one of this two models, which combine analysis of variance and PCA analysis. AMMI analysis is simpler for interpretation and closer to the concept of view of the agronomical trial, while GGE analysis is more complex and gives more precise interpretation of "which-won-where", i .e. for defining of narrowly adapted genotypes in given environments. Thus, G11 as the genotype with highest average yield is narrow adapted to the environment Sombor and can be recommended, as well as in the environment 2 (Kruševac), while genotypes with modest requests (G2) rather can be recommended for cultivation in the environment 1 (Kragujevac), which is characterized by less fertile soil and a smaller amount and uneven distribution of precipitation.

In the Balkans, the production of globally cultivated green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) can be slow due to reduced quality and intensity of solar insolation. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of artificial illumination and the duration of light exposure on the growth and quality of two lettuce genotypes seedlings: Genesis and Jukebox. The research was conducted at the Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, Serbia. Lettuce seeds were sown in 9 styrofoam containers per genotype, filled with commercial substrate. In the phase of three leaves, plants were placed in plant growth chambers under multispectral white (W) LEDs and monochromatic blue (B) LEDs (three containers per LED and genotype), while three containers were kept in the greenhouse and served as control. The plants were cultured in plant growth chambers for 25 days under a 9h/15h and 10h/14h (light/dark) photoperiod, to simulate outdoor conditions. Morphological growth parameters (number of leaves and plant weight) were measured on the 11th and 25th days. Chlorophyll content was measured on the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th days. Plants grown under W and B LEDs had a significantly higher number of leaves, plant weight, and chlorophyll content than plants grown in a greenhouse. Using energy-efficient white and blue LED lights in lettuce seedling production during 18-25 days positively impacts seedling quality, and with this seedling production, the plants can achieve high yields and quality.

Breeding programs for developing new genotypes emphasize earliness, fruit quality, yield potential, resistance to economically significant diseases, tolerance to abiotic stress, and plant morphology. Hybrids offer numerous advantages over varieties, including higher yields, fruit uniformity, resistance to plant pathogens, and the manifestation of heterosis. These are the primary reasons for initiating research on hybrid combinations of hot peppers. This study aimed to develop a hybrid hot pepper capable of meeting market demands. Seven experimental pepper hybrids were created by crossing the ms line HM5 (nuclear male sterility) as the female parent with seven pure lines (LHP 1-7) as the male parents, producing seeds of hybrid combinations. In 2023, a randomized block design experiment with three replications of 40 plants each was conducted in a greenhouse at the Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka. Harvesting was performed at the technological maturity stage. The most important morphological fruit traits and dry matter content (DMC) were analyzed on 10 fruits (kapya type) from each hybrid combination. The results revealed that hybrid combinations had a statistically significant impact on parameters such as fruit weight, length, width, pericarp thickness and DMC. The hybrid HM5xLHP6 showed the highest fruit weight (119.70 g), HM5xLHP4 exhibited the longest fruit (18.26 cm), while HM5xLHP1 and HM5xLHP3 demonstrated the largest fruit width (6.02 cm) and pericarp thickness (5.2 mm) respectively. High DMC values were recorded for HM5xLHP7 and HM5xLHP5 (10.5% and 9.40%). The number of fruits per plant (11.40-16.80) and the number of chambers (2) were consistent across hybrids, with no statistically significant differences observed. By comparing market-available varieties with hybrids, which are still limited in number, the results of this study highlight the superiority of hybrids for cultivation in greenhouse. Hybrids demonstrated justified economic effects for both fresh consumption and industrial processing.