🌿 In the newly published scientific paper “Prevalence and phylogeny of fig viruses in the South Croatian Adriatic Region”, authors Mate Čarija, Katarina Hančević, Tomislav Radić, Emanuel Gaši, and Mira Radunić presented a study focused on the prevalence and phylogeny of fig tree viruses (Ficus carica L.) in the southern Croatian Adriatic region.

🔬 Within the framework of the INOMED-2I project and the Croatian National Program for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 2021–2027 (01-181/2-17), 28 fig genotypes were analyzed using molecular methods (RT-PCR) to determine the presence of major viral pathogens and their genetic relationships with isolates from other Mediterranean regions. 📊 The results showed a high frequency of viral infections, with Fig Badnavirus 1 (FBV-1) detected in all samples, while other viruses (FMV, FLMaV-1, FFkaV, and FMMaV) were present at varying proportions. Most trees were infected with multiple viruses simultaneously.

🌱 Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between the detected isolates and viruses present in other Mediterranean regions, contributing to improved knowledge of phytopathogens important for Mediterranean fruit cultivation. The results provide a scientific basis for future monitoring and protection activities of agricultural crops in the region.

📎 More information about the paper is available here.

n the second year of project implementation, a liquid chromatograph equipped with a diode array detector (DAD) and a fluorescence detector was acquired, further enhancing the Institute’s analytical infrastructure 📊🔬

Members of the project team successfully completed professional training for operation of the system, which took place from 1 to 5 December 2025. The training was attended by Ana Boban, Natalija Bulaš, Maja Veršić Bratinčević, Marijana Popović, and Maja Jukić Špika 👩‍🔬👩‍🔬

The HPLC system equipped with DAD and fluorescence detection enables highly sensitive and selective analysis of a wide range of compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, pigments, vitamins, and other bioactive components 🌿🧪. Its application will significantly contribute to the implementation of planned research through precise identification and quantification of target compounds in plant and food samples.

The acquisition of this instrument represents an important step in strengthening the project’s experimental capacities and opens new opportunities for obtaining high-quality and comparable analytical data in the continuation of the research 📈.

🎉New paper published in Agriculture: 📃”Microclimate Condition Influence on the Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): A Case Study of the East Adriatic Coast” by Mira Radunić, Maja Jukić Špika, Jelena Gadze, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Juan Carlos Díaz Pérez & Dan MacLean.

This study aims to fill this gap by investigating how different microclimatic conditions affect the physical, chemical, and antioxidant properties of ‘Barski slatki’ pomegranates, the predominant local cultivar on the eastern Adriatic coast. Understanding these microclimatic interactions is essential not only for improving cultivation practices and postharvest handling, but also for advancing varietal selection and increasing the market potential of fruit destined for both fresh consumption and value-added processing.

👉Read it here: https://lnkd.in/dmsX6puf: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/21/2210

#pomegranate #meteorologicalfactors #climatechange #fruitsize #anthocyanin #phenolics #antioxidantactivity #superfruit #fruitquality #INOMED

The scientific paper “Unlocking the potential of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae from Maraština grapes for use as starter cultures in the winemaking process”, published in the journal Applied Food Research (Elsevier, Q1, IF: 6.2), was funded as part of the INOMED-2I project (09-207/1-23), which is supported by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU fund.

In this latest study, 117 indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were isolated and thoroughly analyzed from spontaneous fermentations of Maraština grape must obtained from three subregions of Dalmatia.

Why is this important?

In the world of winemaking, the concept of microbial terroir is gaining recognition – the idea that native microbiota, as well as soil and climate, contribute to a wine’s identity. These indigenous yeast strains therefore have great potential as starter cultures for wine fermentation.

💡 Key findings of the study:

• Strains from Central and Southern Dalmatia (CSD) showed high tolerance to sulfur dioxide and high sugar levels, as well as lower production of undesirable compounds such as H₂S and acetic acid.
• Strains from Northern Dalmatia (ND) were more resistant to higher alcohol concentrations, but showed lower aromatic potential.
• Eleven of the most promising isolates were selected for further testing – all successfully completed fermentation within 15 days.
• Compared to the commercial strain EC 1118, the indigenous strains showed a more complex aroma profile, mainly due to increased ester production (associated with fruity and floral notes).

This research confirms that indigenous yeast strains reflect the unique characteristics of their home region and their use can support the production of authentic and distinctive wines. Such an approach promotes sustainability, biodiversity and the preservation of regional wine identity.

🔗 More details available at the link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502225004500

#IndigenousYeasts #Terroir #SaccharomycesCerevisiae #INOMED2I #Science

The Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation is conducting a public procurement procedure for the purchase of a liquid chromatograph.

On July 3, 2025, the notice of public procurement on the above subject was published – LINK for access: https://eojn.hr/tender-ca/8609

The criteria for the qualitative selection of the economic operator, the criteria for the selection of the tender, general information on the procurement procedure and instructions for tenderers are available at the link EJON.hr.

The deadline for submitting bids is July 25, 2025 at 12:00:00.

As part of Science Festival 2025, the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation welcomed a group of young visitors on May 8, all eager to learn more about science and agriculture.

During their visit, the students had the opportunity to explore the Institute’s ongoing research and activities, including innovative projects such as INOMED-2I, PRIMA Safe-H2O-Farm, BeerBy-4-OliveFly, WINE AROMAS, WI.GRA.GENE, Tolvin and other exciting initiatives that bridge science and real-world application. 💧🌱

They also attended engaging presentations and learned a great deal about olive cultivation, grapevine research, olive oil, and wine production.

Special thanks to our passionate researchers who shared their knowledge and enthusiasm: 🔬🍇🫒🍷🌿 Mate Čarija, Ana Boban, Natalija Bulaš, Luka Čotić, and Katarina Lukšić.

ScienceFestival #InstituteForAdriaticCrops #ZdravstvenaSkolaSplit #ScienceForAll #Olives #Grapevine #OliveOil #Wine #Agriculture #OliveGrowing #Viticulture #Research

Maja Ozretić Zoković, MSc in Agricultural Engineering – is the newest member of our INOMED-2I team and has joined the research group “Testing and Development of New Technologies in the Production and Processing of Agricultural Products.”

Maja holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering and has been a research associate at the Institute for Adriatic Crops since 2012. Since 2015, she is the Quality Manager of the Enological Laboratory, and in 2022, she enrolled in a doctoral program where she is researching the impact of water stress on metabolites in grapevine and wild grapevine leaves.

📅 On March 20, 2025, the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation hosted students of Visual Communications Design from the Arts Academy in Split. 🎨👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

During their visit, the students were introduced to the Institute’s research activities in the fields of agriculture and food technology, with a particular focus on the various multidisciplinary approaches used in ongoing projects that combine science, innovation, and the tradition of Mediterranean agriculture – including our INOMED-2I project.

🫒 Team member Maja Jukić Špika placed a special emphasis on extra virgin olive oil through an interactive workshop. Students had the opportunity to learn how to recognize high-quality olive oil, understand the basic evaluation criteria, and discover more about the compounds that affect the nutritional value and stability of olive oil, such as phenolic compounds and tocopherols.

🔬 Through a combination of theory and practice, the students gained insight into the scientific methods used to investigate the characteristics and quality of olive oil.

We thank the students and their mentors for their visit and inspiring questions – we look forward to future meetings and collaborations! 🤝

#INOMED2I #OliveOil #ExtraVirgin #Science #Students #ArtsAcademySplit #SensoryAnalysis #Research #Workshop #OliveGrowing #PDOQuality

Our research team INOMED-2I participated in Noćnjak 2025 – the leading event dedicated to olive growing and olive oil production, held this year on the island of Rab and organized by the Cooperative Alliance of Dalmatia. 🫒

We presented the latest research findings, innovative approaches, and technologies in olive oil processing and analysis. Scientists from our project actively took part in the scientific-professional symposium, which our team member, Dr. Mirella Žanetić, moderated.

🫒 Mirella Žanetić gave a presentation titled:
“Chemical and Sensory Characterization of Olive Oils from the Island of Hvar”,
in which she presented a project conducted in collaboration with the Split-Dalmatia County (SDŽ):
📝 “Increasing the Competitiveness of Virgin Olive Oils from the Island of Hvar – Defining Quality Traits as a Basis for the Specification Needed to Obtain the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)”.

Over the course of a two-year study, oils from the most common Hvar olive varieties were analyzed. The results form the foundation for drafting a product specification and initiating the process of protecting the name “Hvar Olive Oil” with PDO status.

🫒 Maja Jukić Špika gave a presentation titled:
🔬 “Antioxidants in Virgin Olive Oil: The First Line of Defense Against Oxidation” – as part of the Safe-H2O-Farm project.

Together with colleagues Natalija Bulaš, Mirella Žanetić, and Elda Vitanović, she highlighted the key factors influencing olive oil stability. Oxygen, metal ions, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols all play important roles in the oxidation process – but who ultimately comes out on top? 🏆 The presentation revealed the answer, and science confirms it: phenolic compounds and tocopherols are the strongest allies in the fight against oxidation, helping preserve the quality and nutritional value of the oil. 🫒🔥

💡 Through the projects INOMED-2I, Safe-H2O-Farm, and research activities in collaboration with Split-Dalmatia County (SDŽ), our team continues to develop strategies to optimize the stability, quality, and functional properties of virgin olive oils, providing a strong scientific foundation for origin protection and strengthening the competitiveness of local production.

#INOMED2I #Noćnjak2025 #OliveOil #Research #Hvar #SDŽ #PDO #SafeH2OFarm #OliveGrowing #OilProduction #ScientificTeam

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 12:00 PM, we had the honor of participating in the workshop “How to Successfully Apply for Horizon Europe Projects?”, held in the Large Lecture Hall of the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation. 🏛️

Dr. sc. Maja Jukić Špika, the project leader of INOMED-2I, gave a presentation titled “Research Groups of the Institute for Adriatic Crops: A Fusion of Knowledge and Innovation”, in which she introduced the INOMED-2I project. 💡

The workshop was moderated by Dr. sc. Ina Ćorković from the Institute, and the main speakers were experts from RISE (Research and Innovation Services d.o.o.) – Dr. sc. Ivana Vuka, Bruna Paučić, and Gabrijela Radić, who delivered lectures and practical exercises on the topic: “From Idea to Project Proposal: Tips and Experiences for Applying to Horizon Europe Projects.” 📝🌱

We are thrilled to have participated in this valuable workshop, and learned from others. Together, we are building a stronger research and innovation community in the Mediterranean! 🌍✨

#INOMED2I #HorizonEurope #Research #Innovation #ProjectApplications