Status and Perspectives of Organic Maize Production in Serbia

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae family) is the most domesticated plant species in the world. At the global level, the growing trend of expanding the area under organic plant production is evident. The use of genetically modified hybrids is prohibited in organic production. One of main prerequisites for the successful organic maize production is the use of hybrids that are well adapted to local conditions and tolerant of most abiotic and biotic stress factors. Among the most widely grown are NS 3014, NS 4015, NS 5043, NS 540, NS 6010, NS 6030, NS 640 and NS 7020, which belong to different FAO maturity groups and are well adapted to the agro-ecological conditions of the country. In Serbia, organic crop production takes place on an area of 25035.11 ha, while cereal production is in second place w