Laboratory for Biological Research and Pesticides

Laboratory Activities

represents an organizational unit of the Department of Phytomedicine and Environmental Protection at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, which performs a wide range of expert, analytical, and biological testing in the fields of plant protection and plant protection products.

Within its accredited activities, the Department of Physico-Chemical Testing and the Department of Phytopathology perform testing in accordance with the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Testing of the biological efficacy of plant protection products is carried out in accordance with Good Experimental Practice (GEP) guidelines.

Department of Physico-Chemical Testing

The Department of Physico-Chemical Testing analyzes various physico-chemical properties of plant protection product formulations, as well as determining active substance content using modern analytical methods and techniques.

Testing is conducted for the purposes of quality control of plant protection products, their registration procedures, and within the framework of controlling samples submitted through border phytosanitary inspection. In addition, the Laboratory provides expert testing services to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other users in the field of plant protection products.

Modern analytical equipment, the expertise of employees, and the application of validated methods enable the acquisition of reliable and high-quality test results, in accordance with the requirements of applicable standards and relevant regulations.

Department of Biological Research in Phytopathology

The Department of Biological Research in Phytopathology performs testing of the health status of plants, plant parts, and plant products, including seeds and planting material.

A particularly significant area of work is the testing of quarantine samples, aimed at the detection and identification of quarantine-significant and other plant pathogens. These tests play an important role in preserving plant health status and preventing the introduction and spread of harmful organisms of importance to plant production.

Modern phytopathological, microbiological, serological, and molecular methods are applied in testing, as well as methods for testing seed health status. The combination of classical and modern molecular methods enables reliable and timely detection and identification of plant pathogens.

Testing of Biological Efficacy of Plant Protection Products

In addition to the aforementioned accredited activities, the Laboratory also conducts testing on the biological efficacy of plant protection products, in accordance with the principles and requirements of good experimental practice, for the purposes of development and registration of plant protection products.

Testing is carried out within several departments for biological research in phytopharmacy, phytopathology, entomology and acarology, and herbology. Areas where efficacy tests are performed include agricultural crops (fruit growing, viticulture, vegetable growing, field crops), non-agricultural areas (forestry, horticulture, ruderal areas), seed treatment, enclosed spaces (greenhouses, plastic tunnels, warehouses), and laboratory tests and analyses.

Educational and Scientific Research Role

In addition to providing testing services, the Laboratory plays a significant role in the implementation of educational and scientific research work at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad.

The Laboratory enables students to acquire practical knowledge and experience in the application of modern laboratory equipment and analytical, microbiological, and molecular methods. At the same time, it provides significant support for the preparation of diploma and master theses, doctoral dissertations, and the implementation of national and international scientific research projects.

By connecting professional, teaching, and scientific research work, the Laboratory contributes to the development of modern knowledge and competencies in the fields of plant protection, plant protection products, food safety, and environmental protection.

Quality and Accreditation

The Laboratory for Biological Research and Pesticides meets the conditions regarding facilities, equipment, operating procedures, and the number, professional qualifications, and competence of staff.
The Laboratory pays special attention to ensuring and continually improving the quality of its services, the professional development of employees, and the continuous development and improvement of testing methods and procedures.

The competence and reliability of the Laboratory’s work are further confirmed by regular and successful participation in inter-laboratory comparisons at the national level, as well as international proficiency testing.

The Laboratory for Biological Research and Pesticides is accredited according to the requirements of the SRPS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, under accreditation number 01-317.

Accreditation was first granted by the Accreditation Body of Serbia on July 12, 2010, and represents official confirmation of the Laboratory’s competence to perform testing covered by the valid Scope of Accreditation.

Through the application of a quality management system and a professional and responsible approach to every test, the Laboratory ensures a high level of result reliability and trust among its service users.

Scope of Testing

The equipment of the Laboratory of the Department of Phytomedicine and Environmental Protection enables:

Physical and chemical testing of plant protection products;
Testing of the health status of plants, plant parts, products, seeds, and planting material;
Testing of the biological efficacy of plant protection products (herbicides, growth regulators, arboricides and desiccants, zoocides, fungicides, and bactericides).