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Letnik 103

Ljubljana, 2014

Številka 2

 

Effects of seed size and aging on field performance of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) under different irrigation treatments

Kazem GHASSEMI-GOLEZANI, Afsaneh CHADORDOOZ-JEDDI, Saeid ZEHTAB-SALMASI

Abstract

A sub-sample of lentil (Lens culinarisKimia’) seeds was kept as bulk (S1) and another sample was separated to large (S2) and small (S3) seeds. A sub-sample of each size was kept as control or high vigor seed lot (A1) and the two other sub-samples were artificially aged for 2 and 4 days (A2 and A3, respectively). Field performance of these seeds was evaluated during 2011 and 2012. Yield components and grain yield of lentil decreased with decreasing water availability. The highest yield components (except 1000 grain weight) and grain yield per unit area were obtained by plants from large seeds. The superiority of plants from large seeds in grain yield was more evident under limited irrigations than under well watering. Seed aging resulted in poor stand establishment and consequently low grain yield per unit area. Plants from aged large seeds showed the lowest reduction in grain yield per unit area, compared with those from aged small and bulk seeds. It seems that cultivation of large seeds somehow can reduce the deleterious effects of drought stress and seed aging on grain yield per unit area of lentil.

 Key words: grain yield, lentil, seed aging, seed size, drought stress

IZVLEČEK

 VPLIV VELIKOSTI IN STARANJA SEMENA NAVADNE LEČE (Lens culinaris Medik.) NA NJENO USPEVANJE V POLJSKEM POSKUSU PRI RAZLIČNIH REŽIMIH NAMAKANJA

Semena navadne leče (Lens culinarisKimia’) so bila pred setvijo razdeljena na večji podvzorec (S1) in manjšega, ki je bil razdeljen na velika (S2) in mala (S3) semena. Podvzorec semen vseh velikost je bil vzet kot kontrola, oziroma kot vitalna semena (A1), ostala dva podvzorca semen sta bila umetno starana 2 in 4 dni (A2 in A3, vzorca). Uspevanje semen je bilo v poljskem poskusu ovrednoteno v sezonah 2011 in 2012. Komponente pridelka in pridelka zrnja leče so upadale z zmanjševanjem dostopnosti vode. Največje vrednosti komponent pridelka (razen mase 1000 zrn) in pridelka zrnja na enoto površine so bile dosežene z rastlinami iz velikih semen. Superiornost rastlin iz velikih semen v pridelku zrnja je bila še bolj očitna v razmereh omejenega namakanja v primerjavi z dobro zalitimi rastlinami. Staranje semen je povzročilo slabšo vzpostavitev sestoja posevka in posledično manjši pridelek zrnja na enoto površine. Rastline iz velikih semen so imele manjše zmanjšanje pridelka na enoto površine v primerjavi s tistimi iz staranih manjših semen in semen enotnega vzorca. Izgleda, da setev velikih semen pri navadni leči nekako zmanjša škodljive učinke sušnega stresa in staranja semen na pridelku zrnja na enoto površine.

 Ključne besede: pridelek zrnja, navadna leča, staranje semen, velikost semen, sušni stres

 

Effect of Se application on photosynthesis, osmolytes and water relations in two durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) genotypes under drought stress

Roghieh HAJIBOLAND, Noushin SADEGHZADEH and Behzad SADEGHZADEH

Abstract

 Effect of Se (as Na2SeO4 at final concentration of 10 µg l-1) was studied in two durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) genotypes in perlite under drought conditions. Se treatment increased slightly biomass of both genotypes under drought but not under control conditions. Photosynthetic rate was depressed by drought while increased by Se treatments in both genotypes up to 2.3 fold. However, transpirational water loss was also enhanced in Se-treated plants under both well-watered and drought conditions. Se application resulted in higher concentrations of soluble proteins and free α-amino acids under drought conditions, but not proline. Our results indicated that Se application improves some physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, accumulation of osmolyes and water use efficiency but did not change significantly plants biomass or water relation parameters.

 Key words: organic osmolytes, photosynthetic rate, proline, water use efficiency, water relations

IZVLEČEK

  UČINEK UPORABE Se NA FOTOSINTEZO, VSEBNOST OSMOTIKOV IN VODNI REŽIM PRI DVEH GENOTIPIH TRDE PŠENICE (Triticum durum L.) V RAZMERAH SUŠNEGA STRESA

Preučevani so bili učinki Se, dodanega kot Na2SeO4 v koncentraciji 10 µg l-1 na dveh genotipih trde pšenice (Triticum durum L.) gojene v perlitu v razmerah sušnega stresa. Tretiranje s Se je neznatno povečalo biomaso obeh genotipov v razmerah sušnega stresa, a ne pri kontroli. Fotosinteza je upadla s sušo, a se je po tretiranju s Se pri obeh genotipih povečala za 2.3 krat. Transpiracijska izguba vode je bila pospešena pri rastlinah tretiranih s Se v razmerah sušnega stresa kot pri dobro zalitih rastlinah. Uporaba Se se je odrazila v večji koncentraciji topnih beljakovin in prostih α-amino kislin v razmerah suše, vendar ne v koncentraciji prolina. Naši rezultati kažejo, da uporaba Se izboljša nekatere fiziološke parameter kot so fotosinteza, akumulacija osmotikov in učinkovitost izrabe vode, vendar ne spremeni značilno biomase rastlin in parametrov vodnega režima rastline.

Ključne besede: organski osmotiki, fotosinteza, prolin, učinkovitost izrabe vode, vodni režim

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Simulation of rice yield under different irrigation and nitrogen application managements by CropSyst model

Narjes ZARE, Mohammadreza KHALEDIAN, Nader PIRMORADIAN, Mojtaba REZAEI

Abstract

 The aim of this study was the calibration and validation of CropSyst model for rice in the city of Rasht. The necessary data were extracted from a field experiment which was carried out during 2005-2007 in a split-plot design. The main plots were irrigation regimes including continuous flooding irrigation and 5-day irrigation intervals. The subplots consisted of four nitrogen levels: zero N application, 45, 60 and 75 kg N ha-1. Normalized Root Mean Squared Error (nRMSE) and Residual Mass Coefficient (Crm) in calibration years were 9.3% and 0.06, respectively. In validation year, nRMSE and Crm were 9.7% and 0.11, respectively. According to other indices to assess irrigation regimes and fertilizer levels, the most suitable treatments regarding environmental aspect were 5-day irrigation regime and 45 kg N ha-1.

 Key words: crop model, irrigation, fertilization, rice

IZVLEČEK

SIMULACIJA PRIDELKA RIŽA S CROPSYST MODELOM PRI RAZLIČNIH REŽIMIH NAMAKANJA IN GNOJENJA

 Namen te raziskave sta bili kalibracija in validacija CropSyst modela za pridelovanje riža v Rashtu (Iran). Podatki za obdelavo izvirajo iz poljskega split-plot poskusa, ki je potekal v letih 2005-2007. Glavne ploskve so bile namakane, vključno z neprekinjenim poplavnim namakanjem v petdnevnih intervalih. Podploskve so imele štiri režime gnojenja z dušikom in sicer: 0 N –brez dušika, 45, 60 in 75 kg N ha-1. Normalizirana vrednost korena povprečnih kvadriranih napak (Normalized Root Mean Squared Error;nRMSE) in koeficient mase ostankov (Coefficient of Residual Mass; Crm) sta v kalibracijskih letih sta znašala 9.3 % in 0.06 %. V validacijskem letu sta omenjena parametra znašala (nRMSE in Crm) 9.7 % in 0.11 %. Glede na druge kazalnike ocenjevanja namakanja in gnojenja je bil tudi okoljsko najprimernejši tretma petdnevno namakanje in gnojenje s 45 kg N ha-1.

 Ključne besede: pridelovalni model, namakanje, gnojenje, riž

 

Analysis of energy and greenhouse gas balance as indexes for environmental assessment of wheat and maize farming: a case study

Móslem SAMI, Mohammad Javad SHIEKHDAVOODI and Morteza ALMASSI

Abstract

 In this study, the net balance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and energy of wheat and maize production systems in two farms in Khuzestan province of Iran was assessed. The results showed that totally wheat farming is more efficient than maize farming in terms of energy and CO2-eq indexes. The total energy requirement for maize and wheat farming was 92560.24 MJ ha-1 and 39624.15 MJ ha-1, which caused the emission of 20191.47 and 7541.04 kg CO2-equivalent per hectare in maize and wheat farms respectively. Electricity, fertilizers and fuel were the most important pollutants of environment in terms of energy and gas emission in both farms. Theses inputs consumed 55.52, 22.62 and 6.44 % of total energy of maize and 47.32, 21.19 and 9.01 % of total energy of wheat farm and were responsible for the 88.60, 8.79 and 2.03 % of CO2-equivalent in maize and 86.54, 9.54 and 3.24 % of CO2-equivalent in wheat farms respectively. The results of this study also showed that the enhancement of 60.74 and 27.02 % in energy ratio and 46.06 and 27.87 % in CO2-eq index in maize and wheat farming can be expected using simple improving scenarios.

Key words: energy indexes, GHG emission, maize, wheat

IZVLEČEK

 ANALIZA ENERGETSKE BILANCE IN BILANCE TOPLOGREDNIH PLINOV KOT OCENA OKOLJSKIH KAZALNIKOV PRIDELAVE PŠENICE IN KORUZE NA PRIMERU DVEH KMETIJ

 V raziskavi sta bili ocenjeni letna energetska bilanca in bilanca toplogrednih plinov pri pridelavi pšenice in koruze na dveh kmetijah, v provinci Khuzestan, Iran. Rezultati so pokazali, da je pridelovanje pšenice učinkovitejše kot pridelovanje koruze glede na energetsko bilanco in bilanco CO2. Celokupna poraba energije je za pridelavo koruze in pšenice znašala 92560,24 MJ ha-1 in 39624,15 MJ ha-1, kar je povzročilo emisijo 20191,47 in 7541,04 kg CO2 ha-1 pri koruzi, oziroma pšenici. Elektrika, gnojila in goriva so bili najvažnejši povzročitelji onesnaževanja okolja in emisije toplogrednih plinov na obeh kmetijah. Ti vložki so porabili 55,52; 22,62 MJ ha-1, kar je 6,44 % celokupne energije koruze in 47,32; 21,19 MJ ha-1, kar je 9,01 % celokupne energije energije pšenice. Pridelavi sta bili odgovorni za emisiji 88,60; 8,79 kg CO2 ha-1, kar znaša 2,03 % ekvivalenta CO2 pri koruzi in 86,54; 9,54 kg CO2 ha-1 in 3,24 % ekvivalenta CO2 pri pšenici. Rezultati te študije so tudi pokazali izboljšanje ob uporabi izboljšanega scenarija na 60,74 and 27,02 % v energetski bilanci in 46,06 in 27,87 % v bilanci CO2 pri koruzi in pšenici.

 Ključne besede: energetski indeksi, GHG emisije, koruza, pšenica

Impact of fertilization on water resources in karst, example of research field site Sinji Vrh

Barbara ČENČUR CURK

Abstract

 A research field site (RFS) was established at Sinji Vrh in the western part of Slovenia in order to study flow and solute (particularly pollutant) transport in fractured and karstified rocks, with a focus on the unsaturated zone. RFS consists of surface set-up and a research tunnel, 15 m below the surface. Agrometeorological station was installed on the RFS. A special construction (1.5 m long segments) for collecting water seeping from the ceiling of the research tunnel was developed. At the research field site Sinji Vrh fertilizer application experiments were performed for estimation of impact of fertilization on water resources. Results of the fertiliser application experiments have shown that a thin autochtonous soil cover on karstic rock is insufficient to retain nitrate and prevent pollution of groundwater.

 Key words: karstic rock, nitrate pollution, agricultural pollution, unsaturated zone, water resources

IZVLEČEK

VPLIV GNOJENJA NA VODNE VIRE NA KRASU, RAZISKOVALNI POLIGON SINJI VRH

 Terenski eksperimentalni poligon na Sinjem vrhu v zahodni Sloveniji je bilo urejeno za raziskave toka vode in prenosa snovi (predvsem onesnažil) v kraško - razpoklinskih kamninah, s poudarkom na nezasičeni coni. Terenski eksperimentalni poligon sestavljata površinski in podzemni del – predor 15 m pod površjem. Nad raziskovalnim rovom je bila nameščena agrometeorološka postaja. V raziskovalnem predoru je bilo nameščeno posebno ogrodje v 1.5 m dolgih segmentih za vzorčenje prenikle vode. Na terenskem eksperimentalnem poligonu je bil izveden poskus z mineralnimi gnojili z namenom ocenit vpliv gnojenja na vodne vire. Rezultati so pokazali, da je tanek sloj avtohotnih tal na površini kraške kamnine nezadostna zaščita pred onesnaževanjem podzemnih voda z nitrati.

 Ključne besede: kraška kamnina, onesnaževanje z nitrati, onesnaževanje v kmetijstvu, nezasičena cona, vodni                                 viri

  

Determination of an optimal priming duration and concentration protocol for pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.)

 Hassen ALOUI, Maher SOUGUIR and Chérif HANNACHI

Abstract

 Seed priming is a simple pre-germination method to improve seed performance and to attenuate the effects of stress exposure. The objective of this study was to determinate an optimal priming protocol for three pepper cultivars (Capsicum annuum L.): ‘Beldi’, ‘Baklouti’ and ‘Anaheim Chili’. Seeds were primed with three solutions of NaCl, KCl and CaCl2 (0, 10, 20 and 50 mM) for three different durations (12, 24 and 36h). Control seeds were soaked in distilled water for the same durations. After that, all seeds were kept to germinate in laboratory under normal light and controlled temperature. Results indicated that priming depends on concentration, duration and cultivar. The best combinations that we obtained were: KCl priming (10 mM, 36h) for ‘Beldi’ cultivar, CaCl2 priming (10 mM, 36h) for ‘Baklouti’ cultivar and finally NaCl priming (50 mM, 24h) for ‘Anaheim Chili’ cultivar. Generally, priming had an effect on total germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index and the coefficient of velocity compared to control seeds. The beneficial effect of seed priming could be used for improving salt tolerance on germination and early seedling growth for pepper cultivar.

 Key words: priming protocol, mean germination time, germination index, coefficient of velocity, ‘Beldi’,                       ‘Baklouti’, ‘Anaheim Chili’

IZVLEČEK

DOLOČITEV OPTIMALNEGA ČASA PREDOBDELAVE SEMEN IN KONCENTRACIJSKI PROTOKOL ZA IZBOLJŠANJE KALITVE SEMEN PAPRIKE (Capsicum annuum L.)

Predobdelava semen pred kalitvijo je preprosta metoda za izboljšanje kalitve semen in zmanjšanje učinkov izpostavljenosti stresu. Predmet raziskave je bil izdelava optimalnega protokola predobdelave semen za tri sorte paprike (Capsicum annuum L.): ‘Beldi’, ‘Baklouti’ and ‘Anaheim Chili’. Semena so bila pred kalitvijo obdelana z raztopinami NaCl, KCl in CaCl2 (0, 10, 20 in 50 mM) v treh različnih trajanjih (12, 24 in 36h). Kontrolna semena so bila za enak čas namočena v destilirano vodo. Po predobdelavi je bil z vsemi semeni narejen kalitveni test v laboratoriju pri sobni svetlobi in nadzorovani temperaturi. Rezultati so pokazali, da je učinek predobdelave odvisen od koncentracije in vrste raztopin, trajanja predobdelave in sorte. Najboljša kalitev je bila dosežena pri predobdelavi s KCl (10 mM, 36h) za sorto ‘Beldi’, s CaCl2 (10 mM, 36h) za sorto‘Baklouti’ in z NaCl (50 mM, 24h) za sorto ‘Anaheim Chili’. V splošnem je imela predobdelva v primerjavi s kontrolo učinek na odstotek kalitve, povprečen čas kalitve, kalitveni indeks in koeficient hitrosti kalitve. Blagodejni učinek predobdelave semen bi lahko uporabljali za izboljšanje tolerance kalitve na slanost in hitrejšo zgodnjo rast sadik različnih sort paprike.

 Ključne besede: protokol predobdelave, povprečni čas kalitve, kalitveni indeks, koeficient hitrosti kalitve,                               Capsicum annuum ‘Beldi’, ‘Baklouti’, ‘Anaheim Chili’

 

 

Different species of basil need different ammonium to nitrate ratio in hydroponics' system

M. SAADATIAN, Gh. PEYVAST, J.A. OLFATI, P. RAMEZANI-KHARAZI

Abstract

Basil is a very important medicinal plant and culinary spice, and is marketed fresh, dried or frozen. In crop nutrition, nitrogen is essential for plant growth and as a macro-element, is part of the proteins’ structure and participates in the metabolic processes involved in the synthesis and energy transfer. It has been shown that a balance between ammonium and nitrate favors plant growth and that the degree of benefit varies among crops. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth of two varieties of basil in function of four nutrient solutions containing different NH4+/NO3- ratios. Results showed that different variety response differently to nutrient solution. Although the highest yield in both varieties (sweet and purple) was obtained when fed by nutrient solution without ammonium but their response on quality indices were different due to nitrate ammonium ratio in nutrient solutions. The highest total phenol content of sweet and purple basil was 92 and 100 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight respectively, while the highest antioxidant capacity was obtained in purple variety grown in nutrient solution 2 (NH4+:1/NO3:4) and the lowest value were related to sweet variety with the same nutrient solution. Moderate content of total nitrogen can be suitable for sweet variety while for purple variety nutrient solution with low amount of ammonium can be more suitable.

 Key words: NFT, antioxidant, phenol, vitamin C, chlorophyll, yield

IZVLEČEK

RAZLIČNI BIOTIPI BAZILIKE POTREBUJEJO V RAZMERAH HIDROPONSKEGA GOJENJA RAZLIČNA RAZMERJA NITRATA IN AMONIJA

 Bazilika je zelo pomembna zdravilna rastlina in začimba, ki se prodaja sveža, suha ali zmrznjena. V prehrani rastlin je dušik esencialni makroelement, potreben za rast, sintezo beljakovin, druge presnovne procese in pretvorbo energije. Znano je, da ravnovesje med amonijsko in nitratno obliko dušika izboljšuje rast in, da se njuno ugodno razmerje spreminja glede na posamezne rastline. V raziskavi smo ovrednotili rast dveh biotipov širokolistne bazilike (zeleno- in vijoličnolistno) v štirih hranilnih raztopinah, ki so vsebovale različna razmerja NH4+/NO3-. Rezultati so pokazali različen odziv obeh biotipov na razmerja hranil v raztopinah. Čeprav je bil pridelek obeh (zelene in vijolične) največji v hranilni raztopini z amonijsko obliko dušika, so kvalitetni kazalci variirali glede na razmerja nitrata in amonija. Največja vsebnost celokupnih fenolov v zeleni in vijolični baziliki je bila 92 in 100 mg ekvivalenta galne kisline na gram suhe mase, vendar je bila največja antioksidativna sposobnost dosežena pri vijolični baziliki, ki je rastla v hranilni raztopini 2 (NH4+:1/NO3:4) in najmanjša vrednost pri zeleni baziliki, ki je uspevala v isti hranilni raztopini. Zmerna vsebnost celokupnega dušika je primerna za gojenje zelene širokolistne bazilike, medtem ko je za gojenje vijolične primernejša hranilna raztopina z manjšo vsebnostjo amonija.

 Ključne besede: NFT hranilna raztopina, antioksidanti, fenoli, vitamin C, klorofil, pridelek

Dependence of the conservation status of acid grasslands at the Pohorje and Kozjak on socioeconomic parameters

Karmen KETIŠ, Klemen ELER, Andrej UDOVČ, Franc BATIČ

Abstract

 Grassland habitats were studied on twenty farms on the area of the Radlje ob Dravi administration unit, in the transect from Kozjak to Pohorje at different altitudes. The aim of the study was to investigate how environmental and  socio-economic parameters influence the diversity of plant species and, consequently, the conservation of grassland on acid soils, which are rare in Slovenia and are therefore more protected. The socioeconomic structure of farms was studied on the basis of an inquiry carried out on farms. Part-time farms prevail; the average age of farmers is 56.5 years, and 30% of farmers has no education or just elementary school. The relationship among the environmental, socio-economic parameters and floristic structures of grasslands was studied using canonic-correspondence analysis. The impact of 16 parameters was analysed, of which six were determined not to be statistically significant. The occurrence of chosen plant species was analysed in relation to environmental and socioeconomic parameters. The efficiency of agro-environmental subsidies in relation to plant species diversity was evaluated. It was determined that the education and age of farmers influence the intensity of farming and consequently have an impact on the diversity of plants species and the conservation status of grasslands.

 Key words: grasslands, habitats, biotic diversity, plant species, socio-economic structure of farms, Kozjak,                         Pohorje, Slovenia 

IZVLEČEK

ODVISNOST OHRANJENOSTI KISLIH TRAVIŠČ NA POHORJU IN KOZJAKU OD SOCIOEKONOMSKIH PARAMETROV

 V nalogi proučujemo traviščne habitate na območju Upravne enote Radlje ob Dravi, na dvajsetih kmetijah, na območju Pohorja in Kozjaka in na različnih nadmorskih višinah. Namen naloge je bil proučiti ali socioekonomski dejavniki vplivajo na diverziteto rastlinskih vrst in posledično s tem na ohranjenost travišč, predvsem travišč na kisli podlagi, ki so redkejša in zato še posebej varovana. Na podlagi izvedbe anket na teh kmetijah smo proučili socioekonomsko strukturo kmetij. Prevladujejo mešane kmetije, povprečna starost gospodarjev je 56,5 let in kar 30 odstotkov gospodarjev je brez izobrazbe ali imajo končano osnovno šolo. Z metodo kanonične korespondenčne analize (CCA) smo poskušali ugotoviti, kateri ekološko- socioekonomski dejavniki so najbolj povezani z vrstno sestavo travišč. Določili smo šestnajst spremenljivk, pri čemer je bilo osem statistično neznačilnih. Proučili smo povezanost ekološko-socioekonomskih dejavnikov s pojavljanjem rastlinskih vrst. V raziskavi smo ovrednotili učinkovitost kmetijsko okoljskih plačil na raznolikost rastlinskih vrst. Ugotovili smo, da socioekonomska dejavnika izobrazba in starost gospodarjev kmetijskih gospodarstev vplivata na intenzivnost kmetovanja in posledično s tem na raznolikost rastlinskih vrst in ohranjenost travišč.

 Ključne besede: ravišča, habitati, biotska raznovrstnost, rastlinske vrste, socio-ekonomska struktura kmetij, Kozjak, Pohorje

 

The impact of wheat production on the occurrence of mycotoxins DON (deoxynivalenol) and ZEA (zearalenone) on wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.)

Lena TAJNŠEK, Marjan SIMČIČ, Anton TAJNŠEK

Abstract

 The current study has been conceived to draw attention to the factors that should be avoided in the production of cereal grains (such as high doses of nitrogen) by analysing differences in cereal grain contamination with mycotoxins DON (deoxynivalenol) and ZEA (zearalenone), depending on methods of wheat production. We studied the occurrence of DON and ZEA at very different production intensities in the ‘Reska’ and ‘Savinja’ wheat cultivars which were grown in a long-term field experiment (designed in 1992) at Jable near Ljubljana in the years 2006 and 2008. The cultivars ‘Reska’ and ‘Savinja’ have been considered in crop rotation of wheat-maize-oats in 5 methods of production with variants ranging organic up to intensely conventional. The results obtained have shown that adequately chosen agri-technical measures significantly reduced the risk of contamination of wheat flour by the mycotoxins DON and ZEA. Too abundant N (nitrogen) fertilization of either inorganic or organic origin is to be avoided. The extensive wheat growing reduces considerably the risk of DON and ZEA occurrence in comparison to the intensive one. Cultivar plays an important role in this process. The comparison of both cultivars has shown that the cultivar ‘Savinja’ was more resistant to the contamination with DON and ZEA than the cultivar ‘Reska’.

 Key words: mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, wheat, nitrogen fertilization, food safety, production                        method

IZVLEČEK

 VPLIV OKOLJSKIH DEJAVNIKOV NA POJAVNOST MIKOTOKSINOV DON (DEOKSINIVALENOL) IN ZEA (ZEARALENON) NA ZRNJU PŠENICE (Triticum aestivum L.)

V raziskavi smo analizirali razlike v kontaminiranosti žitnih zrn z mikotoksinoma DON (deoksinivalenol) in ZEA (zearalenon) v odvisnosti od načina pridelovanja, da bi opozorili na okoljske dejavnike, kot na primer visoke odmerke dušika, ki bi se jim morali v pridelavi pšenice izogibati. Pojavljanje mikotoksinov DON in ZEA smo proučevali v letih 2006 in 2008 pri različnih postopkih pridelovanja pšeničnih kultivarjev Reska in Savinja v okviru trajnega poljskega poskusa, zasnovanega leta 1992 v Jablah pri Ljubljani. Kultivarja Reska in Savinja sta bila posejana v kolobarju pšenica-koruza-oves v 5-ih postopkih pridelovanja, ki vključujejo variante, od ekološko prijaznih do intenzivnih konvencionalnih. Rezultati so pokazali, da lahko z ustreznimi agrotehničnimi ukrepi pomembno zmanjšamo tveganje za pojav kontaminacije pšenične moke z mikotoksinoma DON in ZEA. Pri ekstenzivni pridelavi pšenice je tveganje za pojav DON in ZEA občutno manjše kot pri intenzivni. Pomembno vlogo ima tudi kultivar: primerjava kultivarjev je pokazala, da je Savinja bolj odporna na kontaminacijo z DON in ZEA kot Reska.

 Ključne beside: mikotoksini, deoksinivalenol, zearalenon, pšenica, varnost hrane, gnojenje z dušikom, metode                               pridelovanja

 

Adverse effects and intoxications related to medicinal/harmful plants

Mateja VONČINA, Dea BARIČEVIČ, Miran BRVAR

Abstract

 Many wild plants around us have beneficial effects on our body and can be used as food. People are more and more interested in the medicinal plants. Many of them began gathering and preparing plants for the relief of symptoms of diseases or as a food dietary. Due to the lack of knowledge of plants, mistaking plants that contain toxins for medical plants may happen and cause adverse effects or even poisoning. The Poison Control Centre in Ljubljana keeps records of patients who have been admitted to the department because of adverse effects from the ingestion of certain plants. We analysed 64 cases, which were registered by the Poison Control Centre between January 2000 and December 2013. The aim of the present study was to determine which plants cause the most intoxications in Slovenia.

 Key wordsmedicinal plants, intoxication, misidentification, abuse, suicidal attempt

IZVLEČEK

ŠKODLJIVI UČINKI IN ZASTRUPITVE Z ZDRAVILNIMI/STRUPENIMI RASTLINAMI

Mnogo rastlin, ki nas obdaja, ima blagodejen vpliv na naše zdravje in so lahko dodatek k prehrani. Ljudje se vse bolj zanimajo za zdravilne rastline. Ljudje so začeli sami nabirati divje rastoče rastline in jih pripravljati za lajšanje bolezenskih simptomov ali kot dodatke k hrani. Zaradi nepoznavanja rastlin pa se lahko dogajajo zamenjave zdravilnih rastlin z rastlinami, ki vsebujejo strupene snovi in lahko povzročajo neželene učinke ali celo zastrupitve. Center za zastrupitve v Ljubljani beleži paciente, ki so bili sprejeti na njihov oddelek zaradi neželenih učinkov, ki so jih utrpeli po zaužitju nekaterih rastlin. Preverili smo 64 primerov, ki so bili zapisani na Centru za zastrupitve v časovnem obdobju od januarja 2000 do decembra 2013. Cilj raziskave je bil prikazati, katere rastline predstavljajo največji problem v Sloveniji.

 Ključne besede: zdravilne rastline, zastrupitev, napačna identifikacija, zloraba, samomorilnost

 

The content of minerals in Slovenian organic and conventional produced fruits, herbs and vegetables

Manca KNAP, Marijan NEČEMER, Peter KUMP, Klemen POTOČNIK, Rajko VIDRIH

Abstract

 The present study aims to compare mineral composition of fruits, herbs and vegetables grown conventionally and according to organic practice. Fruits, herbs and vegetables have been identified as leading dietary source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These compounds are very variable in the composition and in the concentration among cultivars and species. Determination of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) sulphur (S) and chlorine (Cl) was performed with Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). We found that among organic crops basil, parsley, pears, peppers, rockets and celery had higher calcium contents in comparison to conventional ones. Organically produced broccoli, eggplant, parsley, rocket and celery had higher potassium contents as well as pepper, rockets, celery, beetroots and tomatoes had higher phosphorus contents. Likewise, higher sulphur content was found in organically produced parsley, rocket, celery and raspberries. Results of this study demonstrated that in general there are no rules in the content of minerals between different farming systems.

 Key words:  mineral content, EDXRF, organic farming, conventional farming, fruits, herbs, vegetables

Izvleček

RAZLIKE V VSEBNOSTI MINERALOV MED SLOVENSKIM EKOLOŠKO IN KONVENCIONALNO PRIDELANIM SADJEM, ZELIŠČI IN ZELENJAVO

 Namen opravljene študije je narediti primerjavo vsebnosti mineralov ekoloških in konvencionalnih pridelkov glede na način kmetovanja. Sadje, zelišča in zelenjava so poznani kot glavni vir prehranskih antioksidantov, vitaminov in mineralov. Te spojine se razlikujejo glede na sestavo in koncentracijo znotraj posameznih vrst. Energijsko disperzijska rentgenska fluorescentna spektrometrija (EDXRF) je bila uporabljena za določevanje vsebnosti kalcija (Ca), kalija (K), fosforja (P), žvepla (S) in klora (Cl). Ugotovili smo, da so imeli med ekološkimi pridelki večje vsebnosti kalcija bazilika, peteršilj, hruška, paprika, rukola in zelena. Večje vsebnosti kalija so bile v ekološkem brokoliju, melancanu, peteršilju, rukoli in zeleni, v primerjavi s konvencionalnimi pridelki. Večje vsebnosti fosforja so bile v ekološki papriki, rukoli, zeleni, rdeči pesi in paradižniku. Glede na konvencionalne pridelke je bila večja vsebnost žvepla izmerjena v peteršilju, rukoli, zeleni in malinah. Rezultati so pokazali, da se vsebnost mineralov v pridelkih ne razlikuje glede na različen načinov kmetovanja.

Ključne besede:  vsebnost mineralov, EDXRF, ekološko kmetijstvo, konvencionalno kmetijstvo, sadje, zelišča, zelenjava

 

Antioxidant activity in selected Slovenian organic and conventional crops

Manca KNAP, Nives OGRINC, Klemen POTOČNIK, Rajko VIDRIH

 

Abstract

 The demand for organically produced food is increasing. There is widespread belief that organic food is substantially healthier and safer than conventional food. According to literature organic food is free of phytopharmaceutical residues, contain less nitrates and more antioxidants. The aim of the present study was to verify if there are any differences in the antioxidant activity between selected Slovenian organic and conventional crops. Method of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl) was used to determine the antioxidant activity of 16 samples from organic and conventional farms. The same varieties of crops were analysed. DPPH method was employed to measure the antioxidant activity of polar antioxidants (AAp) and antioxidant activity of fraction in ethyl acetate soluble antioxidants (EA AA). Descriptive statistics and variance analysis were used to describe differences between farming systems. Estimated differences between interactions for the same crop and different farming practice were mostly not statistically significant except for the AAp for basil and beetroot. Higher statistically significant values were estimated for conventional crops. For the EA AA in broccoli, cucumber, rocket and cherry statistically significant higher values were estimated for organic production.

 Key words: antioxidant activity, organic farming, conventional farming, fruits, herbs, vegetables

IZVLEČEK

ANTIOKSIDATIVNA UČINKOVITOST V PRIDELKIH IZ SLOVENSKE EKOLOŠKE IN KONVENCIONALNE PRIDELAVE

Povpraševanje po ekološko pridelanih živilih se povečuje. Ekološki proizvodi veljajo za bolj zdrave v primerjavi s konvencionalnimi. Po navajanju drugih virov ne vsebujejo fitofarmacevtskih sredstev imajo manjšo vsebnost nitratov in vsebujejo več antioksidantov. Namen študije je bil preveriti ali obstajajo razlike v antioksidativni učinkovitosti med slovenskimi pridelki pridelanimi na ekološki in konvencionalni način. Za določevanje antioksidativne učinkovitosti smo uporabili metodo DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-pikrilhidrazil). Analiza je bila opravljena na 16 vrstah iste sorte pridelkov iz ekološke in konvencionalne pridelave. Izmerili smo polarno antioksidativno učinkovitost (AAp) in antioksidativno učinkovitost v etil-acetatu topnih antioksidantov (EA AA). Izračunali smo osnovne statistične parameter po vrstah pridelkov in načinu kmetovanja in z analizo variance ocenili razlike med načinoma kmetovanja za posamezne pridelke. Ocenjene razlike med interakcijami pridelka in načina kmetovanja večinoma niso statistično značilne. Izjema za AAp sta bazilika in rdeča pesa, kjer so bile večje vrednosti za konvencionalne pridelke. Za vrednost EA AA so bile statistično značilno večje vrednosti ocenjene za ekološki brokoli, kumaro, rukolo in češnjo.

 Ključne besede: antioksidativna učinkovitost, ekološko kmetijstvo, konvencionalno kmetijstvo, sadje, zelišča, zelenjava

 

Does paternal sterility impact on progeny germination and survivorship, case study in strawberries

Houshang NOSRATI

Abstract

 Studies on the parental role on progeny performance have mostly focused on the maternal parent, while less attention was given to the paternal parent. This study investigated the impact of paternal pollen sterility (ranging from 3.1 – to 77.2%) on F1 seed germination and progeny survivorship in Fragaria (strawberry, Rosaceae) using controlled crosses. In crosses within F. vesca ssp. vesca the paternal pollen sterility was not correlated with F1 seed germination (N = 14, p > 0.074) and progeny survivorship (N = 14, p > 0. 0.710). Paternal sterility in crosses between F. vesca ssp. vesca and F. vesca ssp. monophylla did not affect on F1 seed germination (N = 7, p > 0.295) and progeny survivorship (N = 6, p > 0.812). Similarly, no correlation was found between father pollen sterility and F1 seed germination (N = 6, p > 0.924) and progeny survivorship (N = 6, p > 0.215) in crosses between F. vesca ssp. americana and F. vesca ssp. vesca. Furthermore, crossing different maternal plants by pollen of the same paternal plant in all three cross types produced progeny with variable levels of F1 seed germination and survivorship. These results indicate the crucial role of maternal plant on progeny performance and support the general idea of the importance of maternal rather than paternal parent on progeny performance.

 Key words: maternal impact, paternal impact, progeny performance, reproductive fitness, parental impact, Fragaria, strawberry

IZVLEČEK

ALI MOŠKA STERILNOST VPLIVA NA KALITEV IN PREŽIVETJE POTOMCEV? PRIMER RAZISKAVE NA JAGODNJAKIH (Fragaria)

Raziskave vloge staršev na uspevanje potomcev so pri rastlinah pogosto osredotočene na ženskega straša, manj pozornosti je posvečeno vlogi moškega starša. Ta raziskava je preučevala vpliv moške sterilnosti peloda (v razponu od 3,1 do 77,2 %) na kalitev in preživetje F1 potomcev jagodnjaka (Fragaria, Rosaceae) po kontroliranih križanjih. Po križanju gozdnega jagodnjaka (F. vesca L. ssp. vesca) moška sterilnost peloda ni korelirala s kalitvijo F1 semen (N = 14, p > 0.074) in preživetjem potomcev (N = 14, p > 0. 0.710). Enako moška sterilnost po križanjih med taksonoma F. vesca ssp. vesca in F. vesca ssp. monophylla ni imela vpliva na kalitev F1 semen (N = 7, p > 0.295) in preživetje potomcev (N = 6, p > 0.812). Podobno ni bila ugotovljena korelacija med moško pelodno sterilnostjo in kalitvijo F1 semen (N = 6, p > 0.924) ter preživetjem potomcev (N = 6, p > 0.215) po križanjih med taksonomoma F. vesca ssp. americana in F. vesca ssp. vesca. Še več, po križanjih različnih materinskih rastlin s pelodom iste očetovske rastline je imelo po vseh treh vrstah križanj potomstvo spremenljivo kalivost F1 semen in spremenljivo preživetje. Ti rezultati kažejo na odločilno vlogo materinskega starša na uspevanje potomcev in podpirajo splošno idejo o ključni, večji vlogi materinske rastline primerjalno z očetovsko.

 Ključne besede: materinski vpliv, očetovski vpliv, uspevanje potomcev, reproduktivni potencial, starševski vpliv, Fragaria, jagodnjak

 

Impact of different culture media on hairy roots growth of Valeriana officinalis L.

 Ali PAKDIN PARIZI, Mohammad FARSI, Ghorban-Ali NEMATZADEH, Amin MIRSHAMSI

Abstract

 Transformed hairy root cultures of Valeriana officinalis were established by infection with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC 15834. To determine the effect of different media on the growth of V. officinalis hairy roots, MS, B5 media (1.0X and 0.5X strength), N6 medium and a modified MS medium without phytohormones were used. In addition, different NH4+ to NO3- ratios in MS medium were studied. The effects of these treatments were evaluated after 21 days of culture in relation to hairy root growth. B5 and ½ B5 media were the best basal media for hairy root growth. MS medium supplemented with a 20:20 ratio (mM) of NH4+ to NO3- displayed highest growth rates and biomass yield in hairy root cultures. The present study demonstrated that the composition of culture medium and the ratio of different nitrogen sources have significant impact on the growth of V. officinalis hairy roots.

Key words: Valeriana officinalis, hairy root, medium composition

IZVLEČEK

VPLIV RAZLIČNIH GOJITVENIH GOJIŠČ NA RAST TRANSFORMIRANIH KORENIN ZDRAVILNE ŠPAJKE (Valeriana officinalis L.)

 Transformirana kultura korenin zdravilne špajke je bila vzpostavljena z bakterijsko okužbo Agrobacterium rhizogenes, sev ATCC 15834. Preučevana so bila različna gojišča MS, B5 (1,0X in 0,5X koncentracija), N6 in modificiran MS brez fitohormonov. Dodatno so bila v MS gojišču preučevana različna razmerja med NH4+ in NO3-. Učinki teh tretmajev na rast transformiranih korenin so bili ovrednoteni po 21 dneh. B5 in ½ B5 sta bili najboljši osnovni gojišči za rast transformiranih korenin. MS gojišče dopolnjeno z dušikovimi spojinami v razmerju 20:20 (mM) NH4+: NO3- je vplivalo na največjo rast in biomaso korenin. Raziskava je pokazala, da imata sestava rastnega gojišča in različna razmerja dušikovih spojin značilen vpliv na rast transformiranih korenin zdravilne špajke.

 Ključne besede: Valeriana officinalis, transformirane korenine, sestava rastnega gojišča

 

The effect of gamma radiation on seed germination of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

 Ludvik ROZMAN

ABSTRACT

 The aim of the study was to determine the effect of gamma radiation on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seed germination and changes of seed viability associated with aging. The seed samples of the variety 'Astor' were irradiated at the Jožef Štefan Institute, in the Reactor Centre at Podgorica near Ljubljana, in 2006. The samples were irradiated with three different doses: 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 kGy. After the irradiation, the seeds were stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C. The percentage of seed germination was tested each year after irradiation until 2014, except in the second and the third year. The experiments were based on the Latin square design with 4 replications of each treatment, and were conducted in a greenhouse under controlled temperature at 20 °C. In all years, the samples irradiated with the highest dose (0.4 kGy) exhibited a significantly lower percentage of germination. The germination rate of the samples irradiated with 0.2 and 0.4 kGy decreased significantly with aging, when compared to the control and the samples irradiated with 0.1 kGy. In all years of testing, the percentage of germination of seeds irradiated with 0.1 kGy did not differ from the control, and in the fifth year after irradiation, it was even significantly higher than the control.

 Key words:  gamma radiation, Hordeum vulgare L., seed germination, induced mutations

IZVLEČEK

 VPLIV OBSEVANJA Z GAMA ŽARKI NA KALIVOST JEČMENA (Hordeum vulgare L.)

 Cilj raziskave je bil ugotoviti vpliv obsevanja zrnja ječmena z gama žarki na kalivost ter na spremembo kalivosti s staranjem zrnja po obsevanju. Vzorci zrnja ječmena sorte 'Astor' so bili obsevani na Inštitutu Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana v Reaktorskem centru Podgorica v letu 2006. Vzorci so bili obsevani s tremi različnimi dozami: 0,1, 0,2 in 0,4 kGy ter po obsevanju hranjeni v hladilni omari pri temperaturi 4 °C. Po obsevanju smo vsako leto, razen v 2. in 3. letu, do l. 2014, v rastlinjaku preizkušali kalivost obsevanih vzorcev. Poskus je bil postavljen po metodiki latinskega kvadrata v 4 ponovitvah, poleg treh različnih doz obsevanja še kontrola z neobsevanim zrnjem. Vzorec z največjo dozo obsevanja (0,4 kGy) je v vseh letih preizkušanja kalivosti imel statistično značilno najmanjšo kalivost. Pri dozi obsevanja 0,2 in 0,4 kGy se je kalivost s staranjem zrnja statistično značilno zmanjšala glede na kontrolo in dozo sevanja 0,1 kGy. Seme obsevano z dozo 0,1 kGy je v vseh letih preizkušanja imelo enako kalivost kot kontrola, v 5. letu po obsevanju pa celo značilno večjo kalivost kot kontrola.

 Ključne besede: gamma žarki, Hordeum vulgare L., kalivost zrnja, inducirane mutacije

 

Comparative study of diagnostic methods used for monitoring of common grape vine (Vitis vinifera L.) crown gall (Agrobacterium vitis Ophel & Kerr) in Slovenia

 Janja LAMOVŠEK, Igor ZIDARIČ, Irena MAVRIČ PLEŠKO, Gregor UREK, Stanislav TRDAN

 

ABSTRACT

 Agrobacterium vitis causes common grape vine (Vitis vinifera L.) crown gall disease that destroyed a lot of Slovenian vineyards more than a decade ago. Eighty isolates of Agrobacterium spp. collected during monitoring in 2006 were identified as A. vitis and A. tumefacies by pehA and multiplex PCR method. Tumor-inducing capacity of these strains was assessed on test plants and with PCR methods for detection of the Ti plasmid responsible for tumor induction. With VCF3/VCR3 primer pair six false negatives and no false positives were detected. The high genetic diversity of pathogenic Agrobacterium spp. strains affects the performance of molecular methods, thus biological test should be performed where results from molecular methods are doubtful.

 Key words:  Agrobacterium vitis, common grape vine, host plants, pehA, multiplex PCR, VCF3/VCR3

  

IZVLEČEK

 PRIMERJAVA DIAGNOSTIČNIH METOD SPREMLJANJA POJAVA RAKA (Agrobacterium vitis Ophel & Kerr) ŽLAHTNE VINSKE TRTE (Vitis vinifera L.) V SLOVENIJI

 Bakterija Agrobacterium vitis je povzročitelj raka žlahtne vinske trte (Vitis vinifera L). Ta bolezen je uničila mnogo slovenskih vinogradov pred več kot desetimi leti. V sklopu spremljanja pojava bolezni smo leta 2006 izolirali 80 izolatov, ki smo jih s PCR metodama pehA in multipleks določili kot vrsti A. vitis in A. tumefaciens. Sposobnost sevov, da izzovejo nastanek tumorjev, smo ocenjevali na gostiteljskih rastlinah. Z molekularnimi metodami pa smo določali prisotnost plazmida Ti, povzročitelja nastanka tumorjev. Z metodo PCR smo ugotovili šest lažno negativnih patogenih sevov in nobenega lažno pozitivnega. Velika genetska raznolikost patogenih sevov Agrobacterium spp. vpliva na zanesljivost določanja z molekularnimi metodami, zato se v primeru dvomljivih rezultatov priporoča dodatna izvedba bioloških testov na rastlinah.

 Ključne besede: Agrobacterium vitis, vinska trta, gostiteljske rastline, pehA, multipleks PCR, VCF3/VCR3

 

Zatiranje plodove vinske mušice (Drosophila suzukii [Matsumura], Diptera, Drosophilidae) s poudarkom na okoljsko sprejemljivih načinih

 Tanja BOHINC, Stanislav TRDAN

izvleček

 Plodova vinska mušica (Drosophila suzukii) spada med gospodarsko pomembne škodljive žuželke, ki povzročajo škodo na gojenih in divjih sadnih vrstah. Škodljivec, ki je uvrščen na seznam A2 EPPO, se v Sloveniji pojavlja od leta 2010 in se postopoma širi. Od prve najdbe, leta 2008 v Španiji in Italiji, jo danes najdemo že v večini sredozemskih držav. V pričujočem preglednem članku so predstavljeni najpomembnejši načini varstva sadnih rastlin pred plodovo vinsko mušico. V nekaterih delih sveta škodljivca učinkovito zatirajo s sintetičnimi insekticidi, ki pa so pri nas problematični zaradi karenčne dobe, saj se mušica pojavlja na zorečih in predvsem na zrelih plodovih tik pred obiranjem. Tako je v svetu vse več raziskav usmerjenih v preizkušanje alternativnih (okoljsko sprejemljivih) načinov zatiranja škodljivca. Biotično zatiranje plodove vinske mušice je v Aziji zaenkrat bolj uspešno kot v Evropi, zato velja na Stari celini raziskavam razširjenosti in učinkovitosti domorodnih naravnih sovražnikov škodljivca v prihodnje nameniti več pozornosti. Med njimi predlagamo raziskave učinkovitosti plenilske stenice Orius majusculus in entomopatogenih ogorčic, v trenutni vsakdanji praksi pa priporočamo še uporabo vab z atraktanti za masovno lovljenje odraslih osebkov, rastlinsko higieno v nasadih, prekrivanje rastlin z gosto mrežo in podobno.

 Ključne besede: plodova vinska mušica, Drosophila suzukii, kemično zatiranje, semiokemikalije, biotično varstvo rastlin

ABSTRACT

CONTROL OF SPOTTED WING DROSOPHILA (Drosophila suzukii [Matsumura], Diptera, Drosophilidae) WITH THE EMPHASIS ON ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE METHOD

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is an economically important insect pest, which causes damage on cultivated and wild-growing fruit plants. The pest, which is placed in A2 EPPO list, occurred in Slovenia since 2010 and it is spreading progressively. Since its first record in Spain and Italy (2008), it is now present in the majority of Mediterranean countries. In the review paper the most important control methods against the spotted wing drosophila are presented. In some parts of the world the pest is efficiently controlled with synthetic insecticides, however their use is questionable owing to waiting period, since the insect occurs on fruits in the time of ripening and before harvesting. Thus, more and more researches are focused in the studies of alternative (environmentally sound) control methods of this pest. So far, biological control of spotted wing drosophila is more effective in Asia than in Europe. In the upcoming years it is therefore important to investigate the distribution and efficiency of indigenous biological control agents in the Old continent. Among them we suggest to investigate how effective are the predatory bug Orius majusculus and entomopathogenic nematodes against this pest. For everyday practice, we recommend the use of traps filled with attractants for the massive trapping of adults, plant hygiene in plantations, covering the plants with dense net etc.

 Key words: spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, chemical control, semiochemicals, biological control

 

Ruralna sociologija v spoznavanju in spodbujanju razvoja kmetijstva in podeželja v Sloveniji

 Ana BARBIČ

 

IZVLEČEK

Prispevek v prvem delu prikaže začetke in razvoj ruralno-sociološkega raziskovanja v Sloveniji ter vključevanje ruralne sociologije v pedagoški proces na univerzah v Sloveniji. V drugem delu je predstavljen model pristopa k celovitem razvoju podeželskih skupnosti ter na osnovi slovenskih in mednarodnih izkušenj izpostavljenih nekaj predlogov za spodbuditev razvoja (slovenskega) kmetijstva in podeželja. V sklepu pa je poudarjena potreba po interdisciplinarnosti, predvsem pa po večjem upoštevanje družbenih ved v razvojnem načrtovanju.

Ključne besede: ruralna sociologija, poučevanje ruralne sociologije, kmečko gospodarstvo, kmečka družina, kmečke ženske, podeželske skupnosti, prenos znanja v kmetijsko pridelavo, vzdržen razvoj, interdisciplinarnost

 

 

ABSTRACT

RURAL SOCIOLOGY IN STUDYING AND ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AREAS IN SLOVENIA

 The article in the first part describes beginnings and development of rural sociological research and teaching rural sociology at the universities in Slovenia. In the second part, a working model of integrated approach towards rural development is presented, and, on the basis of Slovenian as well as international experiences some suggestions for promoting the development of (Slovenian) agriculture and rural communities are specified. In the conclusion, the need for the interdisciplinary approach, especially greater consideration of social sciences in developmental planning is pointed out.

 Key words: rural sociology, teaching rural sociology, agricultural holdings, farm family, farm women, rural communities, transfer of knowledge into agricultural practice, sustainable development, interdisciplinary approach