In this work, the influence of different concentrations of indole-butyric acid on the development of roots, one-year-old and two-year-old hardwood cuttings (Sambucus nigra L.) was investigated. Both types of cuttings were treated with three different concentrations of indole-butyl acid in liquid form (500 ppm, 800 ppm, and 1000 ppm), including the control variant of one-year-old and two-year-old hardwood cuttings (without the application of hormones). The parameters examined at the end of the experiment were: the percentage of rooting of the cuttings depending on the hormone treatment, the length of the adventitious roots depending on the hormone treatment, and the fresh mass of the roots, also depending on the hormone treatment. The use of indole-butyl acid in a concentration of 800 ppm proved to be the best because it had the greatest effect on increasing the value of all tested parameters of the cuttings. 

Varietal correct, healthy and quality planting material is the basis of successful fruit production. Mistakes that are made in the choice of planting material when planting are, unfortunately, very common, they are noticed late and cannot be corrected. During grafting, there is a change in the epibiot under the influence of the hypobiote, which is numerous and diverse.This paper presents the results of the influence of two apple cultivars (Idared and Jonagold) on the growth dynamics (through six measurements during the growing season), seedling height, rootstock and stem diameter. The direction of the significant difference is not the same in all measurements, sometimes the average is higher for the Idared variety and sometimes for the Jonagold variety. Based on that, we cannot conclude that the apple variety has a statistically significant effect on seedling height and steam diameter. But during the influence of the variety on the diameter of the steam, it can be concluded that the apple variety has a statistically significant effect on the diameter of the rootstock.When it comes to the impact of branching, the research results show that it is significant for all research parameters.

The study of the effect of various types of pruning on fruiting of Muscat Bleu grape variety in the conditions of Herzegovina lasted for three years. Three pruning variants (28, 32 and 40 buds/vine) were applied in four repetitions. The yield of grapes per vine and the number of clusters per vine was the highest in 2011 year (10.30 kg and 45.98). The yield of grapes per vine (7.59 kg) was the smallest in 2012, and the number of grapes per vine in 2013 (25.93). The total number of productive canes per vine was the highest in 2012 (26.62), and the lowest in 2013 year (total number of productive canes per vine 22.65, number of productive canes per vine 22.47). Pruning variant III had the highest levels of these parameters in all three experimental years, and variant I the lowest.

Talking about a cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) widespread means that it should be immediately emphasized how widespread it is in our country (Bosnia and Herzegovina), both in food and production. Based on that, there is an urgent need for quality and disease-resistant varieties/hybrids produced by technology which reduces the possibility of disease emergence. Greenhouse production of grafted cucumber in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years is experiencing significant expansion.Grafted plants of the cucumber hybrid ‘Charta’ were comparatively analyzed with the non-grafted, in order to record the main morphological and productive differences between them.The examined parameters were the number of lateral roots, number of roots hairs, root mass, leaf length and yields.The results of this study show that grafted cucumber in relation to non-grafted achieves a higher yield (161.64±20.82 kg/50m2), while morphological characteristics were mostly similar. Significant differences were observed only in the number of lateral roots (18.00±2.65).

Domestic animals are of great importance for humans, due to various animal products that are irreplaceable in food and clothing. Owing to the development of the digestive organs and the richness in the microflora of the rumen, some types of domestic animals (ruminants) are able to refine and transform various types of plant nutrients and food by-products into high-value animal products, such as meat, milk and wool. Sheep breeding in our country is significantly less important than cattle breeding, meaning that the sheep production is not satisfactory. Numerous factors have caused such situation, and it is clear that more serious work must be done on the development of sheep breeding, since Bosnia and Herzegovina has extremely favorable conditions for raising sheep. Successful sheep production depends mostly on good reproduction, and reproduction depends primarily on the normal and proper development of sexual organs. Numerous factors influence development of sexual organs, including genetic (species and breed of domestic animals) and paragenetic, the most important of which are handling and care, nutrition, breeding season, etc. The influence of the annual breeding season on the establishment of sexual activity in domestic animals is well-known, and this is especially pronounced in sheep. The aim of this work was to determine whether the season influences development of the sexual organs of sheep. The research was conducted on uteri of sacrificed animals taken at the slaughterhouse. The following were examined and measured: 30 uteri of prepubertal sheep (15 in the autumn-winter season and 15 in the spring-summer season) and 30 ewes (15 in the autumn-winter season and 15 in the spring-summer season). The following morphometric parameters were measured: the mass of the uterus with ligaments, the mass of the preserved uterus, the mass of the ovaries, the length of uterine horns, the length and width of the uterus, the length of the fallopian tubes.The obtained results indicate that the examined season influences the dynamics of the development of sexual organs in sheep. This is especially pronounced in ewe and hoggs.

One of the main agricultural activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the production of milk, both from beef and sheep. According to the available data, the number of sheep in the world has exceeded one billion (1.08 billion), and in B&H it is slightly higher than one million (1,021,000 heads). About 8.3 million tons of sheep's milk is produced in the world. The structure and function of the mammary gland is of crucial importance for milk production. The development of the mammary gland is influenced by several factors. One of the most important is the action of hormones. A crucial role for the development of the mammary gland is played by prolactin, which simultaneously affects the initiation and maintenance of lactation. Based on the set experiments, exogenous application of prolactin, its influence on the development of the udder in prepubertal females and the histological picture of the udder in untreated and treated udders were established. Treatment with prolactin was carried out by intramuscular injections in a dose of 5 IU, three times for 60 days (every 20 days). One group (36) was treated in the period of early spring (April-May), and the other (36) in the period of early autumn (September-October). Female lambs were on average 250 days old (8.5 months) at the time of treatment. Sixty days after the treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the complete udders with ligaments were taken, which were then measured. The following measurements were taken: mass of the complete udder, mass of the udder without skin and ligaments, length of the udder, width of the udder and diagonal length. The results obtained during both seasons showed that prolactin influenced the development of the mammary gland in sheep. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina's clear aspirations for accession to the European Union entail gradual alignment with measures and instruments of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy during the pre-accession period, aimed at preparing the country for integrationinto the complex institutional and legislative framework of the EU CAP. To monitor this process, an assessment of total support to producers in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been calculated using relative indicators: TTP (Total Transfers to Producers), NRP(Nominal Protection Rate), and NRA (Nominal Assistance Rate), which enable monitoring of agricultural policy and, based on that, an assessment of Bosnia and Herzegovina's standards alignment with EU CAP standards. The calculations have shown that the most significant changes are expected in the support structure, moving towards further reduction of direct support per output, strengthening area/headage payments, and harmonizing amounts per unit of measurement as the first step towards production-related payments currently in force in the EU. In addition to indicators, an assessment of income for Bosnian producers after accession to the EU has been calculated. By simulating Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the EU, answers have been obtained regarding the application of the EU CAP and possible implications of implementing a harmonized agricultural policy, which could be beneficial for decision- makers in future pre-accession and accession negotiations when opening agriculture chapters.

During the three-year study of the influence of pruning on the phenological development and yield of the Alphonse Lavalle variety in the Mostar area, three pruning variants (28, 30 and 40 buds / vines) were applied in four replications. The phenological development of the variety took place within the limits of the average and in accordance with the temperature conditions. The total number of developed shoots and the number of bearing shoots was the highest in 2013 (total 21.72, birth rate 21.25), and the lowest in 2012 (total 18.67, birth rate 18.56). The highest yield of grapes per vine was recorded in 2013 (17.73 kg), and the lowest in 2011 (9.01 kg). The number of bunches per vine was the highest in 2013 (33.94), and the lowest in 2011 (26.71). Pruning variant III had the largest number of total (21.79) and native (21.64) shoots, and variant I the smallest (total 18.46, native 18.17). The highest yield of grapes per vine was recorded in variant II (14.47 kg), and the lowest in variant I (12.05 kg), while the number of bunches per vine was uniform in variants II (31.37) and III (31, 51).

Poultry production in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the strongest and one of the most advanced branches of agriculture from a technological point of view. Evidence suggests that egg production achieves positive financial results as well as a positive trade balance. It is also evident that strong fluctuations sometimes occur, as a result of ever-present market changes but also natural conditions. During the observed period, 2013-2019 egg production in Bosnia and Herzegovina increases by 2.99%, and the average production is 0.7 billion eggs per year. It remains to see whether this promising sector can stimulate agricultural development. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the economic viability of egg production, as well as to determine major supply and demand trends in egg production/poultry production in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Primary data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with representatives of a poultry company in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while secondary data were collected through official statistical agencies, reports, etc. Major production-economic indicators were used for four years (2016-2019). Results showed positive financial results during all observed years, while best performances were evident during the 2018 year and lowest performances were evident during 2017 (66.22% lower compared to 2018). The financial result is mainly influenced by changes in output prices, while companies tend to produce their animal feed which significantly reduces production costs. Also, by-products, poultry fertilizer is highly appreciated by agricultural producers and company make a significant amount of money from it. It remains to see whether egg production can continue to achieve positive results, and is it going to be recognized by policymakers as well as agricultural producers as a more important agricultural branch in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina faces numerous challenges, including global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, regional issues like African swine fever, and increasingly severe impacts of climate change. On the other hand, BiH is clearly committed to EU integration, as reflected in current state and entity level strategic documents. Moreover, the country's efforts to accelerate the harmonization of its agricultural policy with the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have been further motivated by the granting of candidate status in 2022 and negotiation status in 2024 for full EU membership. This paper provides an overview of the development of agricultural policy in BiH from 2014 to 2023 at the state and entity levels (including the Brčko District of BiH) to assess the level of harmonization with the EU CAP using the unique APMC methodology for classifying and visualizing agricultural budget transfers. The analysis covers three groups of measures: (1) market measures and direct support to producers, (2) structural measures and rural development measures, and (3) general agricultural measures. Key macroeconomic indicators such as gross value added, employment levels, and trade balance were analyzed to obtain a comprehensive picture of the current state of the agricultural sector and its significance for the economy of BiH. An important contribution of the paper is comparing Bosnia and Herzegovina's agricultural policy with those of the Western Balkan countries. The main conclusion that can be drawn from this paper is that agriculture is an important sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy, with budgetary transfers to this sector showing a growing trend. However, the process of harmonization with the EU acquis is slow and requires greater decisiveness from policymakers, faster adoption of the legislative framework, and appropriate legal solutions, along with the necessary institutional strengthening to address the current challenges of the EU integration process.

By signing the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, the leaders of the countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), committed themselves to the implementation of five basic courses of action established by the action plan, which include: 1) decarbonization, 2) circular economy, 3) depollution, 4) sustainable agriculture and 5) protection of nature and biodiversity. This commitment means that the creation and implementation of policies should be strongly marked by an environmental approach, not only because of EU requirements but also because of the practical importance for overall sustainable development. Because of this, support measures in an increasing number of countries imply the application of measures such as making direct payments subject to the fulfillment of the so-called cross-compliance or special payments for agroecological practices, sustainable land management, etc. However, the measures included in the Green Agenda in BiH are applied very modestly, which will be presented in this paper for the period 2018-2021. Practically, measures to support organic production, soil fertility control, and the protection of genetic resources are the only ones on track with the Green Deal goals. It is expected that the new strategic documents in the field of agriculture will take into account the objectives of the CAP, and thus the Green Deal, and will bring the agriculture policy of BiH closer to the policy of the EU, for which BiH decided a long time ago.  

This work aimed to study the effect of pruning on the uvometric characteristics of the Merlot and Vranac wine varieties in the Trebinje region. The research was carried out in 2018, each variety had two variants of pruning, and each variant had three repetitions. The load levels of buds in this study were 11 (Variant I) and 9 (Variant II) buds per vine. The most important uvometric parameters of the tested varieties were measured. As an experimental factor, the variety, had a statistically significant influence on most of the investigated indicators, while pruning did not. The research carried out in Trebinje shows that both tested varieties can be successfully grown in the mentioned locality because the climatic conditions are suitable for their cultivation. 

For the purposes of the inventory, an analysis of 55 literature sources of useful plant species in the households of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina was performed. A total number of 748 plant species have been identified. According to the taxonomy, they are classified into 112 families and 418 genera. The most numerous families within which useful species are cited are: Compositae, Rosaceae, Lamiacae, Apiacae, Brasicaceae, Ranunculaceae and Poaceae. The useful species are mostly used in treatment and nutrition. Some of them are also used in the production of drugs, so they are described in pharmacopoeias such as: the Yugoslav Pharmacopoeia (2000) describing 88 species, the WHO's monographs on medicinal plants describing 62 species, the European Pharmacopoeia (8th edition) with 79 plants. Useful species with the most citations in the literature are: Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, Althaea officinalis, Juniperus communis and Sambucus nigra. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with a high diversity of useful plants and significant potential that can be used in the future. A large number of publications indicate that the population throughout history has used biodiversity and natural resources in a traditional and sustainable way. The results are the basis for future research on sustainable management, promotion of natural values, useful plants and and conservation of biodiversity in BiH.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of pruning on the yield and quality of grapes of three table grape varieties Black Magic, Muscat Bleu and Alphonse Lavallee in Herzegovina. The research lasted three years (2011-2013), each variety had three varieties of pruning, and each variety had four repetitions. The load levels of the studs in this research were 28 (Variant I), 32 (Variant II) and 40 (Variant III) buds per vine. The most important indicators of fertility and quality of grapes of the tested varieties were measured. Research carried out at the site of Vrapčić in the Mostar vineyard shows that all three investigated varieties can be successfully grown at the mentioned site, although the meteorological conditions in the years of the research were less favorable than the multi-year average. For all analyzed parameters, the greatest influence on their values was the variety, as an experimental factor, followed by the year of the research, and the least variant of pruning. Based on all the obtained results, it can be concluded that the Alphonse Lavallee variety gives the best results in the area of Herzegovina. 

Acidic ammonium oxalate extraction is used to estimate the amount of amorphous or poorly crystalline iron in soils and sediments. Iron is the one element from the “iron triad” which have similar chemical behaviour. Other two elements are nickel and cobalt. The aim of this study was to evaluate acid ammonium oxalate extraction of all elements from iron triad. The samples of natural clay were used in the investigation. Samples for total amounts of metals were prepared with microwave digestion with HNO3 and HF, and measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Ammonium oxalate extraction was done by earlier established procedure in acid medium and with absence of light. Measurements were conducted with atomic absorption spectroscopy with flame atomization (FAAS). For statistical evaluation, maximum, minimum, average, median and correlations were used. The investigated iron triad elements lie in the next sequence: Fe>Ni>Co. The poorly crystalline iron and ammonium oxalate extractable Ni showed higher correlation (r = 0.874) than ammonium oxalate extractable cobalt (r = 0.446), suggesting that iron and nickel are more similar regarding ammonium oxalate extractability.