The most common method of plum tree pruning is a traditional method, by using manual or pneumatic shears or loppers. The persistent labor shortage imposes the need to mechanize this work operation. Preliminary results of mechanical plum pruning during the dormant period are presented in the paper. The research was performed in the orchard of the company “Agrovoće” Laktaši (Bosnia and Herzegovina) on the varieties Stanley, Čačanska lepotica and Čačanska rodna. All varieties were grafted on seedlings Prunus cerasifera Ehr. and trained in spindle system with a planting distance of 4.0 × 1.8 m. Pruning was done by hedging both sides with a saw-bar, while the tops were trimmed by hand from the platform. The research analyzed the efficiency of the pruning, the quality of cuts made during mechanical pruning, as well as the reaction of pruned trees regarding the formation of new growths during vegetation. Combined pruning (mechanical and manual) was significantly more efficient than manual pruning. The quality of mechanical pruning was largely conditioned by the varietal specifics of the tree architecture. No anomalies were found in the healing of wounds made during mechanical pruning. Activation of new vegetative shoots was more uniform in relation to manual pruning with a tendency to form a fruit-bearing wall. Mechanical pruning must be combined with manual pruning, which is necessary in regulating the top parts of the canopy as well as growth in the in-row space.

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Thinning the buds of May flowers, as an pomotechnical measure, can significantly increase the average fruit size. The paper presents the results of thinning of buds of cultivars "Kordia" and "Dušice" on rootstocks "Gisela 5" and "Gisela 6" grown in the system of Vogel spindles. The examined cultivars reacted positively to the thinning of the buds by increasing the fruit weight, which was especially expressed in the cultivar 'Kordia'. Thinning of the buds had a positive effect on the presence of marketable fruits, although not to a significant extent.

This study explores the feasibility of an automated sensor system for precise plant protection product application in plum orchards, aiming to address issues related to inefficient spraying practices, environmental pollution, and reduced crop quality associated with traditional training systems. The research focuses on detecting tree canopy presence, evaluating electromagnetic valve actuation in different plum training systems, and optimizing plant protection product usage. Sensor-based spraying demonstrates its potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce product losses, and foster environmentally responsible agricultural practices, contributing to the broader field of precision agriculture. For the selected scene, the results show the possibility of a substantial savings of 71.37%, 47.17%, 58.59%, and 55.06% for the One-axis, Bi-axis, UFO, and Combine systems, respectively. Implementing this technology can potentially lead to significant improvements in plum orchard operations while minimizing the industry’s ecological impact on the environment.

Plum (Prunus domestica L.) is a nutritionally valuable fruit with significant commercial importance, yet consumer acceptance is often constrained by inconsistent fruit quality. This study investigated the effects of cultivar, training system, and harvest stage on the chemical composition of plum fruit, focusing on polyphenols, organic acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols. Three cultivars (Čačanska lepotica, Stanley, and Empress) were evaluated under different canopy architectures, including plum spindle as a control and novel 2-dimensional systems (Bi axe and upright fruiting offshoot), across multiple ripening stages. The results showed that genotype and canopy structure significantly influenced the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites. Notably, 2-dimensional systems enhanced the accumulation of bioactive compounds, an effect that was most pronounced in late-harvested fruit, underscoring the combined importance of canopy architecture and harvest timing for maximizing nutritional quality. Čačanska lepotica had the highest polyphenolic content, while Empress had elevated levels of organic acids and sugars in later stages of ripening. The interaction between training system and harvest timing proved critical in optimizing fruit biochemical profiles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study evaluating the influence of 2-dimensional canopy systems on the chemical composition of plum fruit. These findings provide practical guidance for orchard management, showing that the integration of cultivar selection with 2-dimensional training systems and optimized harvest timing can be strategically used to enhance both fruit taste and nutritional quality.

Sustainable development is a key approach for improving the economic and ecological balance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the circular economy plays a central role in this process. By focusing on optimizing the use of resources, reducing waste, and promoting recycling, the circular economy can significantly contribute to sustainable development. In 2019, the average consumption of natural resources per person was 11.5 tons, which is below the EU average. With a resource productivity of 0.9 and only 2.2% processed waste, there is considerable room for improvement. The UN Green Economy Initiative aims to revitalize the economy and reduce environmental challenges, supporting the transition to more sustainable practices. The importance of the implementation of the circular economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina is reflected in the strengthening of the local economy and the improvement of the efficiency of resource use, which is key to achieving sustainable development and preserving natural resources.