This study examines the occurrence and distribution of root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp., in Serbia through an official survey conducted from 2021 to 2023. A total of 241 plant and soil samples were collected from 25 districts across two regions: Northern Serbia (Vojvodina Province) and Central Serbia. RKN infestations were detected in 23.7% of the samples. Among the 57 identified populations, 5 Meloidogyne species were recorded: M. incognita, M. hapla, M. luci, M. arenaria and M. javanica. Meloidogyne luci was reported in Serbia for the first time, marking a significant finding for nematology in the region. This study highlights the importance of implementing effective pest management strategies to mitigate the agricultural impact of RKN in Serbia.

We investigated whether sowing a mixture of wheat cultivars could reduce the occurrence of winged aphids in crops. Aphid presence was monitored using yellow water traps. Three wheat cultivars—Simonida, NS 40S, and NS Rani otkos—and their mixtures were used in the study. The results indicate that alate aphid captures in cultivar mixtures are often lower than in pure stands. However, this effect is not consistent across all mixtures, and the impact of individual varieties and their mixtures varies between the autumn and spring vegetation phases. In autumn, aphid species that overwinter on wheat and serve as potential virus vectors dominate, primarily Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion avenae, while in spring, polyphagous aphid species are more prevalent. During autumn, the least attractive cultivar for vector species was NS Rani otkos, which, in mixtures with the other two cultivars, also decreased its attractiveness. With lower vector abundance, the potential for viral infection is reduced. In spring, the number of alate aphids and vectors captured in mixtures was lower than in pure stands. The reduction in aphid presence in mixtures was particularly pronounced during weeks with the highest aphid abundance.