Diversity of vegetable crops in Serbia and Montenegro

Abstract

Ecological and environmental diversity in Serbia and Montenegro, and various orographic and climate characteristics make this area an extraordinary floristic resource (Stevanovic et al., 1995), with great diversity of plant species, and among them vegetables. For some vegetable species this area is primary (Brassicae, lettuce, carrot, leek, beet) and for some secondary (garlic) centre of domestication. About 30 vegetable species are being grown in large areas, intensively in monoculture, which is a rather small number (only 20%). The potential for growing and consumption is 150 species (Grlic, 1980). Most of them are wild, uncultivated plants, which contain much more minerals and vitamins than cultivated plants (Fritz, 1989). Therefore, the potential of diversification of vegetable crops in Serbia and Montenegro is high. Possible sources for diversification are wild, uncultivated vegetable crops with their high nutritive value, minimally, or non consumed at all; forgotten vegetable species, more popular for nutrition in past; exotic vegetable species gown in other geographic areas; new-created cultivars of well-known vegetable species improved by breeding or genetic engineering (now the most common way); growing or use of new vegetable species.