As part of the continuous professional and scientific development of the BeerBy-4-OliveFly (IP-2022-10-9643) project research team, assistant Luka Čotić (DOK-NPOO-2023-10-7422) and senior assistant Dr. Qaiser Javed attended an international professional seminar organized by Restek Corporation.

The professional seminar, titled “Basics. Principles of GC” took place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in collaboration with AnAs d.o.o. The lecture was delivered by distinguished international gas chromatography expert Mr. Jaap de Zeeuw (GC Specialist, Restek).

During the seminar, key fundamental topics in gas chromatography (GC) were covered:

• Fundamental Separation Principles in GC – Mechanisms of analyte interaction with stationary and mobile phases, as well as the effects of temperature and flow rate on chromatographic resolution.
• Optimization of Analysis Parameters – Key factors for achieving high reproducibility and sensitivity in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Good Laboratory Practices and Maintenance – Guidelines for proper sample preparation, column selection, and preventing common pitfalls in chromatographic workflows.

Upon successful completion of the seminar, assistant Luka Čotić and senior assistant Dr. Qaiser Javed were awarded official Certificates of Completion.

This continuous training and reinforcement of core gas chromatography principles further ensures high accuracy and reliability during analytical measurements conducted within the project research.

Congratulations to Luka and Qaiser on completing the training and earning their certificates!

Karmen Radovani, MSc, is employed as a Research Assistant on a temporary replacement appointment at the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation in the Department of Applied Sciences. She graduated in September 2023 from the Master’s program in Microbial Biotechnology in Agriculture at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb. After completing her studies, she worked as a laboratory technician and then as a substitute Professional Associate within the scientific research system. She has actively participated in research projects, including planning and establishing experimental trials, conducting greenhouse activities, and collecting and processing samples in the Soil and Plant Nutrition Laboratory. Her research interests include the physiological and biochemical responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stress factors, plant and soil analyses, and the application of modern approaches in agronomy and plant protection.

Welcome Karmen!

As part of the continuous professional and scientific development of the BeerBy-4-OliveFly (IP-2022-10-9643) project research team, assistant Luka Čotić (DOK-NPOO-2023-10-7422) attended an international professional webinar hosted by Restek Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of analytical and chromatography equipment.

The professional seminar, titled “Choosing a Different Carrier Gas in GC and Why are Liners Deactivated,” took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The session was delivered by renowned international gas chromatography expert Mr. Jaap de Zeeuw (GC Specialist, Restek).

During the webinar, key topics in gas chromatography (GC) were covered in depth:

• Selection and Optimization of Carrier Gases in GC – Benefits and challenges of transitioning from helium to alternative gases (hydrogen or nitrogen), along with their impact on analysis speed, resolution, and method sensitivity.
• Deactivation and Chemistry of GC Liners – How liner surface chemistry reduces the adsorption of active analytes and improves the reliability and repeatability of chromatographic results.
• Practical Guidance and Troubleshooting – Effective strategies for daily analytical work and troubleshooting on GC systems.

Following the successful completion of the seminar, assistant Luka Čotić was awarded an official Certificate of Completion.

The knowledge and practical insights gained directly contribute to further enhancing the quality and precision of the analytical methods and laboratory research conducted within the BeerBy-4-OliveFly project.

Congratulations to Luka on completing the training and earning his certificate!

We are proud to announce that on May 9, 2026. the Agroklub portal has published an extensive interview with our distinguished scientist and project leader, Dr. Elda Vitanović.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Vitanović reflects on her rich professional journey and career development, with a special emphasis on the current Croatian Science Foundation project she successfully leads: “Novel approach to olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae, Rossi) monitoring and/or control using volatile compounds produced by brewing by-product – BeerBy-4-OliveFly“ (IP-2022-10-9643).

Through the interview, you can learn more about the project’s objectives, its significance for the wider community, and the challenges she faces as the head of a research team.

A sustainable solution for the olive fruit fly: Dr. Elda Vitanović, on how science protects the harvest

On Monday, May 4, 2026, the second meeting of the HRZZ project IP-2022-10-9643, titled “Novel approach to olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae, Rossi) monitoring and/or control using volatile compounds produced by brewing by-product – BeerBy-4-OliveFly,” was held at the Institute for Adriatic Crops in Split. The meeting was attended by Dr. Frank Zalom from the University of California, Davis (USA), along with project associates from the Institute and the project leader dr. Elda Vitanović. The session commenced at 11:00 AM, chaired by the project leader, Dr. Vitanović, who updated the team members on the results achieved, objectives met, completed trainings, and dissemination activities, as well as future research and measurable outcomes. Dr. Vitanović placed particular emphasis on the activities, results, goals, and procurement realized during the first two years of investigation (December 30, 2023 – December 29, 2025). During the meeting, participants also discussed results from laboratory and field trials regarding the efficacy of two modified WBYs in attracting the olive fruit fly, as well as the selection of volatile compound blends for further study.

On the second working day, May 5, 2026, Dr. Frank Zalom, Dr. Qaiser Javed, assistant Luka Čotić, and the project leader held a meeting to discuss research results and the strategic plan for publishing high-impact scientific papers.

As part of this year’s Science Festival 2026, themed “Energy”, research team member of the BeerBy-4-OliveFly project, assistant Luka Čotić (DOK-NPOO-2023-10-7422), delivered an educational presentation on April 23, 2026, at the Institute premises entitled:

“Protein Baits: Energy for the Growth and Development of the Olive Fruit Fly”

The program took place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and was designed for students and teachers of visiting schools who toured the Institute’s laboratories and premises in small groups.

During the workshop and presentation, assistant Luka Čotić introduced the students in an engaging and accessible manner to the role of nutrition and proteins in the life cycle of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae), one of the most significant olive pests in the Mediterranean. Special emphasis was placed on research conducted within the Croatian Science Foundation project “Novel approach to olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae, Rossi) monitoring and/or control using volatile compounds produced by brewing by-product – BeerBy-4-OliveFly” (IP-2022-10-9643), where brewery by-products are identified and processed into environmentally friendly protein baits used for attracting and controlling this pest.

Students had the opportunity to see how scientific research is applied in practice and how sustainable approaches and the concept of the circular economy provide new energy and solutions for agricultural crop protection.

We thank all students and teachers for their visit, great interest, and enjoyable time together at the Science Festival!

The 28th International Convention of Olive Growers and Oil Millers, “Noćnjak 2026,” organized by the Cooperative Union of Dalmatia, was held in Dubrovnik from March 26 to 29, 2026. As part of the event’s Scientific-Professional Conference, research assistant Luka Čotić (DOK-NPOO-2023-10-7422) gave a presentation titled “Waste Brewer’s Yeast in a New Role: Potential Protein Baits for Monitoring and/or Controlling the Olive Fruit Fly,” authored by Luka Čotić, Frank Zalom, and Elda Vitanović. During the presentation, Luka presented the results from the first two years of research under the Croatian Science Foundation project HRZZ-IP-2022-10-9643: “Novel approach to olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae, Rossi) monitoring and/or control using volatile compounds produced by brewing by-product – BeerBy-4-OliveFly,” led by Dr. Elda Vitanović. In addition to Luka, Dr. Mira Radunić, a member of the project team, also attended Noćnjak.

Dr. Mira Radunić is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation in the Department of Plant Sciences. She graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Zagreb, specializing in Fruit Growing, Viticulture, and Enology. At the same faculty, she earned her Master’s degree in Biotechnical Sciences in 2003 with a thesis titled “The Influence of Training Systems on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.),” and defended her doctoral dissertation, “Reproductive Compatibility of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cultivars,” in 2010. Her academic career has been marked by continuous advancement: she was appointed Research Associate in 2010, Senior Research Associate in 2014, and Senior scientist in 2019 in the field of Biotechnical Sciences (Agriculture). She gained professional experience at the Fruit Center TKL as a nursery production manager, and since 2003, she has worked at the Institute for Adriatic Crops as an expert associate, research assistant, and researcher. From 2011 to 2013, she also served as Head of the Institute’s Center for Experimental Fields and Collections. As an author or co-author, she has published over 60 scientific and professional papers and has participated in numerous international and domestic conferences, workshops, and training sessions. She has actively participated in teaching at the Mediterranean Agriculture, University of Split. Dr. Radunić serves as a leader and member of research teams on various projects and conducts training programs in fruit growing, olive growing, and the sustainable use of pesticides. She is a member of the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) Project Monitoring Panel, the Commission for Plant Genetic Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Commission for the Recognition of Fruit and Vine Varieties. She also leads the “Mediterranean Fruit” working group within the National Program for Plant Genetic Resources and serves on the panel for the sensory evaluation of olive oils. Her primary scientific interest is Mediterranean fruit growing, with an emphasis on the evaluation and conservation of indigenous gene pools and biodiversity.

Mira, welcome!

Dr. Qaiser Javed is currently employed as a Senior Assistant at the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Department of Applied Science. He is involved in the Croatian Science Foundation project “Novel Approach to Olive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera oleae, Rossi) Monitoring and/or Control Using Volatile Compounds Produced by Brewing By-Products – BeerBy-4-OliveFly” (IP-2022-10-9643), where he contributes to research on sustainable pest management strategies. He obtained his PhD in 2017 in Agricultural Water and Soil Engineering from Jiangsu University, China. His doctoral research focused on saline irrigation management and plant physiological responses to salt stress and re-watering. Dr. Javed previously served as an Associate Professor at Jiangsu University, China, where he conducted advanced research on biological invasions in fragile ecosystems. His work emphasized predicting the spread of invasive plant species using an integrative approach combining plant functional traits, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial and enzymatic activities. Prior to this, he completed his postdoctoral research at the same institution, focusing on growth dynamics, physiological responses, and competitive interactions of invasive plant species under varying environmental conditions. He also served as a researcher at the University of Prešov, Slovakia, where he evaluated the biological activity and ecotoxicological effects of plant extracts and essential oils derived from invasive species using laboratory-based bioassays and model organisms. In 2024, he worked as a Senior Assistant at the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Poreč, Croatia, where his research centered on sustainable agriculture and waste valorization, particularly the composting of olive pomace for bio-based fertilizer production. His work integrated laboratory analyses and field experiments to assess compost maturity, soil health, and plant performance.

Dr. Javed has an extensive publication record, with over 80 research articles published in high-impact SCI-indexed journals. His research contributions span plant ecology, invasive species biology, soil pollution, composting technologies, and sustainable agriculture. He has authored and co-authored numerous research papers, review articles, and book chapters, and actively contributes as a peer reviewer for international scientific journals. His primary research interests include plant ecology, soil–plant interactions, invasive species management, environmental pollution, and sustainable soil management practices. In addition to his research activities, he actively participates in international conferences, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable agricultural and environmental practices.

Qaiser, welcome!

We are very proud to announce that on February 3, 2026, at the 68th Plant Protection Seminar in Opatija, project leader Dr. Elda Vitanović, was honored with the profession’s highest recognition – the Golden Plaque and Charter of the Croatian Plant Protection Society.

The award was presented by the President of the Society, Prof. dr. Jasminka Igrc Barčić, who highlighted Dr. Vitanović’s inexhaustible curiosity and perseverance in researching and solving complex problems within the field of plant protection.

Recognition of leadership and scientific excellence

This prestigious award is a testament to Dr. Vitanović’s years of dedicated work, which she today successfully integrates into leading current scientific projects. A prime example is the Croatian Science Foundation project: “Novel approach to olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae, Rossi) monitoring and/or control using volatile compounds produced by brewing by-product – BeerBy-4-OliveFly” (IP-2022-10-9643). As a project leader, Elda sets high standards for her research team through her expertise, dedication to the profession, and personal example.