The Silkroad partnership: Case of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia

Abstract

Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia has an 80-year long tradition in plant breeding and seed production. The Institute’s basic activities include scientific research, extension services, and production of the basic categories of its own seed. It is a well-developed chain from the basic science, through breeding and seed production, to seed market and farmers. With over 100 researchers, the Institute is one of the largest institutions of its kind in southeast Europe. Its fundamental and applied research are primarily focused on the development of the high-yielding field and vegetable crop cultivars, including forage and industrial crops, medicinal plants and spice herbs tolerant to major diseases and resistant to unfavourable biotic and non-biotic factors. The Institute has a well-developed international scientific cooperation, and it participates in various international and bilateral projects. In addition to research, the Institute develops its commercial sector and thereby functions both as a research institute and a seed company. The Institute has created a new seed brand 'NS seme', which has already become a synonym for high quality and high yield. Over 1000 cultivars of field and vegetable crops have been developed at the Institute so far. Of that number, almost 500 have been registered and commercially grown abroad. The institute's cultivars compete for their place at seed markets of 26 countries, from Argentina, through EU countries, Ukraine and Russia, to China and India.