Competition is a fundamental ecological interaction among plants, arising when species utilise the same limited resources such as light, water, nutrients, and space. Resource limitations reduce the growth and survival of less competitive species, altering ecosystem structure. In agroecosystems, weed–crop competition is a major challenge, reducing yield and quality. Weeds often exhibit greater adaptability and resource efficiency, enabling them to outcompete crops. Competition intensity is influenced by population density, morphology, phenology and survival strategies. Understanding plant competitive interactions is crucial for ecologists and agronomists to develop sustainable weed management and resource optimization strategies. Climate change further alters competitive dynamics, favoring resilient and plastic species. Mechanisms like allelopathy, aboveground and belowground competition and adaptive growth responses shape community structure. Strategies to reduce weed pressure include breeding competitive crops and integrating cultural practices such as optimal sowing density, narrow row spacing, and cover cropping. Future research should address plant responses to multiple simultaneous stressors, the ecological role of allelochemicals under varying conditions, and the genetic mechanisms of competitive adaptability. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions is essential for designing resilient, high-performing agroecosystems in changing environmental conditions.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the economicefficiency of the spirometrat 100 g/L SC in controllingthe white butterfly aphid (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) ingreenhouse tomato production within the framework ofIntegrated Pest Management (IPM). All applied insecticidetreatments led to a statistically significant reduction of thepest population in comparison to the untreated control,as well as an increase in the number of healthy fruits andcommercial yield. A dose of 0.45 l/ha did not provide asatisfactory level of control (<90%), while a dose of 0.75l/ha showed high efficiency, comparable to the standardpreparation Movento 100 SC. The systemic propertiesof spirotetramat allow to act on all developmental stagesof the pest, including individuals in the inner parts of theleaf, with good compatibility with beneficial organisms.Economic analysis, based on gross margin and otherindicators, confirms that the application of spirotetramat ingreenhouse tomato production is economically justified andcontributes to the sustainable control of T. vaporariorum.

The goal of writing the chapter is to analyze the distribution of agricultural mechanization, which is the most common in the Republic of Serbia (single-axle tractors, two-axle tractors, universal combine harvesters). The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the used mechanization by regions and areas in Serbia during 2012 and 2018, as well as by the number of holdings at its disposal. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used in the research, and the results were presented both tabularly and graphically (loading plot and biplot). The results of the PCA method showed that the situation has not changed in the observed years when it comes to the distribution of mechanization by regions. The PCA method was also applied to mechanization that were used at the level of 25 areas in Serbia only in 2012 because the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (SORS) does not have data for 2018. Based on the biplot presentation, the authors concluded the dominant representation of certain types of mechanization in certain regions and areas of Serbia.

Wheat and corn have a dominant part in cereal structure production in the Republic of Serbia. Considering the importance of these products, two studies were carried in the paper. First, one had the goal of analyzing the economic results of wheat and corn production in Serbia in the period from 2014–2024. Second, the other had the goal of analysing the intensity of the drought and its harmful impact on wheat and corn production in Serbia in the perid from 2014–2024. The research question that is analyzed in this paper refers to the analysis, whether direct payments were a sufficient incentive to achieve short-term economic sustainability in production of wheat and corn in Serbia in drought conditions during the period from 2014–2024. For the purpose of economic analysis, the method of analytical calculations is used on the basis of variable costs; that is, on the basis of the calculation of the contribution margin. The SPEI method is used in order to analyze the intensity of the drought. The authors conclude that the amount of the direct payments plays the key role in achieving a positive contribution margin; that is, in achieving the short-term economic sustainability in wheat and corn production in Serbia in drought condition. To achieve long-term economic sustainability in this production in Serbia, in changed climatic conditions, adaptive varieties and hybrids, education of farmers, adequate sources of financing, application of irrigation systems, and application of the concept of climate-smart agriculture are needed.

Smart agriculture, driven by the growing trend of digitization, serves as a crucial element in the green transition towards sustainable food systems. This paper investigates how the integration of contemporary digital technologies – including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), drones, satellite monitoring, and blockchain – facilitates the shift from conventional production models to practices that are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. By reviewing pertinent literature, the primary advantages of digitized agriculture are highlighted: enhanced resource efficiency, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, increased yields, and improved access to green finance and markets. The paper also underscores the implementation challenges faced in rural regions, such as elevated costs, digital illiteracy, insufficient infrastructure, and data security concerns. In conclusion, it is asserted that smart agriculture, as a product of digitization and the green transition, holds the promise to transform the agricultural sector’s role in sustainable development, contingent upon the backing of suitable policies, investments, and educational initiatives.