THE ACHIEVED LEVEL AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF GRAIN CROPS BREEDING PROGRAM AT THE AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, BANJA LUKA

This scientific paper presents long-term results of breeding program that resulted in registration of several grain crops varieties and in creating more promising lines of cereals that are in the process of recognition. Under the conditions of present abiotic stress it is extremely difficult to create variety of any plant species that possesses all desirable agronomic and technological characteristics and this particularly affects the quality parameters which are influenced by production conditions. The highest negative effects of abiotic stresses are manifested in the agricultural, respectively food production. The predicted climate change scenario will be reflected in significant deviations of average climatic factors from perennial values, and a significant reduction of rainfalls, their poor distribution, increased temperatures in spring and autumn, risk of drought and land degradation. These facts emphasize the necessity to create more tolerant varieties of grain crops, as well as introduction of corrective factors associated to variety, technology and production conditions with good communication between science and profession.