This study evaluated the biochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of 3 newly introduced Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Sweet Valina, Sweet Stephany, and Sweet Gabriel) grown under the agroecological conditions of Herzegovina (Mostar and Trebinje). The analysis included total soluble solids, total acidity, sweetness index, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity in fruit skin and flesh. Significant differences were observed among cultivars, locations, and their interactions for most analyzed parameters. Fruits from Trebinje generally exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolic contents in the skin, soluble solids contents, and sweetness index values. Sweet Valina, particularly at the Trebinje location, showed the highest total soluble solids (20.5%) and sweetness index value (51.25), indicating superior fruit quality. Sweet Stephany was distinguished by elevated total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in the fruit skin. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two components explained nearly 80% of total variability, with sweetness index and antioxidant-related traits contributing most strongly to cultivar differentiation. The results demonstrate good adaptability of the tested cultivars to the conditions of Herzegovina, with Sweet Valina standing out as the most promising cultivar in terms of fruit quality and bioactive potential.

This study investigated the influence of cultivar and rootstock on the fruit cracking index and harvest date of sweet cherry under the agro-ecological conditions of Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Four Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Marysa, Sweet Gabriel, Sweet Valina, and Sweet Stephany) grafted onto two vegetative rootstocks (Gisela 5 and Gisela 6) were evaluated during the 2025 growing season. The results showed statistically significant differences among combinations cultivar/rootstock in both harvest date and fruit cracking index. The lowest cracking index was recorded for Sweet Stephany grafted onto Gisela 6, while the highest susceptibilitywas observed for Marysa grafted onto the same rootstock. Overall, cultivars grafted onto Gisela 6 exhibited higher cracking susceptibility compared to those grafted onto Gisela 5. A strong and highly significant negative correlation (r = −0.91**) was established between harvest date and fruit cracking index, indicating that earlier-ripening cultivars were more prone to cracking. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars and rootstocks in reducing the risk of fruit cracking. However, in order to provide more valuable information for the introduction of new sweet cherry cultivars and the establishment of sustainable orchards under similar agroecological conditions, it is necessary to extend the study over two or even three years, as only in this way can reliable and relevant data be obtained.

Contamination of agricultural soils can present a signifi cant risk to human health through oral ingestion, particle inhalation, and dermal contact. Th e aims of this research were to determinate the concentrations, distribution and human health risk of various heavy metals in soil samples from three agricultural areas of South Herzegovina. A total number of 32 soil samples were collected and analyzed for Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn). Th e Hazard Index (HI) was used to assess the human health risk of the study area. For the adult and children population, the HI value for dermal exposure to Cobalt (Co) was greater than one (HI>1), and non-cancerogenic eff ects are therefore considered as signifi cant for human health. Our fi ndings impose consideration of taking risk management measures in order to reduce risk for human health from Cobalt (Co).