The physical-geographical features of the mountainous area of Montenegro cause difficulties in farmers’ life and work. The organization of the agricultural production faces a number of problems that limit the overall development of rural areas. Some agricultural crops, such as raspberry, have found optimal growth conditions and produce appropriate yields associated with good fruit quality in such mountainous area. The Willamette variety dominates the production and has broadly expanded, as some new varieties, most notably, Tulameen, Fertȍdi Zamatos, and Glen Ample. The aim of this paper was to examine the biological and production characteristics of two raspberry varieties—one floricane (Tulameen) and one primocane (Polka)—grown in two localities. We confirmed the general rule that at lower altitudes, these varieties (570 m a.s.l, Bijelo Polje) are characterized by earlier vegetation, flowering, and fruit ripening in comparison to plants at higher altitude (1040 m a.s.l, Mojkovac). The Tulameen variety started flowering on 15 May in Bijelo Polje (the flowering phenophase lasted for 29 days, until 12 June) and on 25 May in Mojkovac (the flowering phenophase lasted for 27 days, until 20 June). That is a delay of 11 days in relation to different locations. The Polka variety started flowering on 25 June in Bijelo Polje (57 days, until 20 August) and on 1 July in Mojkovac (flowering for 67 days, until 5 September). That is a delay of 7 days. The Tulameen variety started maturation on 14 June in Bijelo Polje (maturation lasted for 27 days, until 10 July) and on 22 June in Mojkovac (26 days, until 17 July), with a delay of 9 days. The Polka variety started maturation on 23 July in Bijelo Polje (the maturation phenophase lasted for 55 days, until 15 September) and on 5 August in Mojkovac (52 days, until 25 September), with a delay of 14 days. The results showed that the Polka variety had significantly higher total phenol content than the Tulameen variety (4.43 and 4.03 mg, respectively). In terms of locality, the Mojkovac raspberries had higher total phenol content than the Bijelo Polje raspberries. Polka raspberries also had a higher content of total flavonoids than Tulameen, whereas differences between localities in regard to the content of total flavonoids in the fruit were not significant. The content of condensed tannins and gallotannins in the raspberry fruit was similar in relation to both varieties and localities. Finally, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in the Polka compared to the Tulameen variety, whereas the differences between localities were not statistically significant.

Organic farming preserve and upgrade the biodiversity of the soil and biodiversity of the entire ecosystem by protecting the environment, plants, and human health. This study analyses organic plant production worldwide and in Montenegro (2000-2020) and discusses the prospects and challenges in developing organic plant production. Geographically, Montenegro has a diverse climate, suitable for the production of more types of fields crops, vegetables and fruits throughout the year. The paper compares the area of organic farms, the number of farmers, and share of organic in the overall agricultural land in the world and Montenegro, Europe, and several European countries similar to Montenegro in terms of relief or area (Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Serbia, and Cyprus). Data were also analysed for a mountainous state, such as Switzerland, and a Mediterranean one, as Cyprus, as by its position and relief, Montenegro is at the same time a mountainous (northern) and a Mediterranean country (southern region). Shows are trends in plant production areas in Montenegro since it gained independence (2006) and comparison with the EU countries. Grassland production prevails in Montenegro with 85.89%, followed by fruit (12.26%) and cereals (1.62%). The total area under organic vegetable covered a small area compared to the production of fodder crops (3951.84 ha), fruit (563.98 ha), medicinal and aromatic plants (232.46 ha) and field crops (74.49 ha). Organic fruit production has the largest share in the northern part of Montenegro. Certified organic production brings benefits because health-safe products are a condition for preserving the environment and health.

Preferences in sweet cherry fruits among consumers in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina | Gorica Paunović, Đurađ Hajder, Aleksandra Korićanac, Boris Pašalić, Ivan Glišić, Tatjana Jovanović-Cvetković, Miljan Cvetković | Agricultural Journals

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics of wild blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) harvested from two locations at different altitudes (Glibovac – 1,200 m and Crepuljnik – 1,400 m) on Mt. Golija in southwestern Serbia. The physical parameters measured included fruit weight, height, and width. Chemical analyses encompassed soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity, and sugar composition. Phytochemical properties, such as total phenolic content, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS assay), were assessed. In addition, sensory evaluation was conducted by a panel of four trained assessors. The results indicated significant differences in all physical parameters, with larger fruit dimensions recorded at the higher altitude. Fruits from Glibovac had a higher soluble solids content, total sugars, and total phenolics, while anthocyanin content was slightly higher in fruits from Crepuljnik. No significant differences were observed in antioxidant capacity. Sensory analysis showed a significantly higher visual appeal and overall sensory score for berries from Crepuljnik, although other attributes such as taste, aroma, and texture did not differ notably between the two sites. These findings suggest that altitude and environmental conditions can significantly influence the quality and bioactive composition of wild blueberries, offering valuable insights for their use in the food and functional product industries.