Evaluating maize genotypes under different conditions is important for identifying which genotypes combine stability with high yield potential. The aim of this study was to assess stability and the effect of the genotype–environment interaction (GEI) on the grain yield traits of four maize genotypes grown in field trials; one control trial without nitrogen, and three applying different levels of nitrogen (0, 70, 140, and 210 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). Across two growing seasons, both the phenotypic variability and GEI for yield traits over four maize genotypes (P0725, P9889, P9757 and P9074) grown in four different fertilization treatments were studied. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models were used to estimate the GEI. The results revealed that genotype and environmental effects, such as the GEI effect, significantly influenced yield, as well as revealing that maize genotypes responded differently to different conditions and fertilization measures. An analysis of the GEI using the IPCA (interaction principal components) analysis method showed the statistical significance of the first source of variation, IPCA1. As the main component, IPCA1 explained 74.6% of GEI variation in maize yield. Genotype G3, with a mean grain yield of 10.6 t ha⁻¹, was found to be the most stable and adaptable to all environments in both seasons, while genotype G1 was found to be unstable, following its specific adaptation to the environments.

The aim of this research was to study the impact of application technique and rate of liquid starter fertilizer applied with a novel device on the production of corn. Starter fertilizer was applied in the root system range of freshly germinated plants in the ‘belt’ and ‘point’ forms at different quantities (35, 50, 70, and 100 L ha⁻¹), which led to intensive plant growth in the initial stages of development. This adapted system was used for sowing and for application of the liquid starter fertilizer at the same time. The field trial was set up at two sites (two different land types), in the conditions of the natural water regime of the soil during the three vegetation seasons in the period 2016–2018. For this purpose, a prototype of the electronic device EUKU-01 was designed. The starter fertilizer was applied at 5 cm laterally from the row where the sowing was performed and 5 cm below the depth at which the corn seeds were sown. Data were statistically analyzed by two-factor analysis of variance, where the influence of mineral fertilizer treatment and the influence of liquid starter fertilizer treatment were observed as factors. The results showed that the optimal choice of the technique of liquid starter fertilizer application can result in fertilizer savings by 30% without reducing yield.

The use of different types of drones in almost all sectors of the global economy is growing rapidly, but the use of drones in agriculture has suddenly increased. According to some data from the literature, the market for different types of drones in agriculture alone is expected to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2019 to USD 5.5 billion in 2024. A particularly interesting phenomenon is the significant increase in the use of drones (especially various nano-types) in the world and the possibility of some of them being used in agriculture in the Republic of Serbia. The world of drone technology has taken a huge leap forward with the introduction of nano drones. For example, some modern nano drone solutions have dimensions of less than 2 x 2 cm. Nano drones are ultra-small remote-controlled aircraft that can perform a variety of tasks. They are equipped with advanced sensors and functions such as obstacle avoidance and high-speed maneuverability. Some models are even capable of taking aerial photographs, staying in the air for long periods of time and flying autonomously. Nano drones are now more affordable than ever before. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the model and features. Nowadays, nano drones are affordable for everyday users in various fields. This paper introduces nano drone technology (e.g. the type of nano drones and equipment) as a new application for greenhouses: There are some stages that greenhouse growers can consider for the use of nano drones; Safe inspection of the structural components of greenhouses; Pollination processes (e.g. the role of RobotBee); Application of shading composite glasshouses; Crop monitoring/inventory of greenhouses.

Modern agriculture increasingly relies on advanced technologies such as remote sensing and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems to monitor crop conditions and optimize pesticide application. This study aimed to compare the effects of pesticide application using UAV system DJI Agras T30 with those of a conventional field sprayer Kubota XTS326 and Kubota M135GX tractor in wheat production. The research was conducted in Grmovci-Zemun (44°50'47"N, 20°11'07"E), Republic of Serbia, where the impact of pesticides on plant health was assessed using three vegetation indices: NDVI, SAVI, and EVI. Data were collected at three time points: before application, and 15 and 30 days after pesticide application (DAPA), using the DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral UAV. The results showed that before pesticide application, all treatments exhibited high NDVI values (0.90-0.92). At 15 DAPA, the differences among treatments were minimal, whereas at 30 DAPA, the UAV system recorded the highest values for all indices (NDVI = 0.709; SAVI = 0.228; EVI = 0.209), compared with the field sprayer (NDVI = 0.686; SAVI = 0.217; EVI = 0.205) and the control (NDVI = 0.625; SAVI = 0.209; EVI = 0.188). These findings confirm that the UAV system ensured longer preservation of green biomass and a more favorable vegetative response compared with both the field sprayer and the control. The results indicate that UAV systems represent a valuable alternative in precision agriculture, providing more efficient pesticide application while reducing resource consumption.

The development of modern technologies in agriculture, particularly the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UA Vs), has enabled significant advancements in pesticide application, resulting in greater efficiency and precision in crop protection. This study aims to analyze the effects of various UA V flight parameters, specifically flight altitude, on droplet size and distribution uniformity. Field trials were conducted on the municipality of Zemun-Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Latitude: North 44° 49' 22.2" and Longitude: East 20° 13' 19,2", with an altitude of 73 m. Different flight heights (1.5 m and 2.5 m) were tested at a constant flight speed of 3 m/s. The results indicated that smaller droplets, generated at higher flight altitudes, contributed to more uniform droplet distribution, while larger droplets at lower flight altitudes ensured better coverage. The most favorable outcomes were observed at a flight altitude of 2,5 m, where droplet distribution was both more uniform and of higher quality.

This study examines the role and cost structure of manual labor in raspberry production on selected Serbian farms during the 2024 season. A sample of 174 holdings cultivating 101.12 hectares of Willamette raspberries yielded 1,061,907 kilograms, generating revenues of €2.27 million. Average farm size was 0.58 hectares, with yields of 10,501 kg/ha and revenues of €22,403/ha. Labor input totaled 320.4 workdays per hectare, with associated costs of €13,238.5/ha or €1.263/kg. Harvesting was the most labor-intensive operation, accounting for 66.6% of total labor input, while orchard maintenance and auxiliary tasks represented 33.4%. External labor costs averaged €0.703/kg, and family labor costs €0.56/kg. Productivity indicators showed that each workday produced 32.78 kg of raspberries and €69.92 in revenue, with every €1 invested in labor generating €1.69 in revenue. The findings underscore the critical importance of labor efficiency in sustaining profitability within labor-intensive fruit production systems.