On the possibility of f₀ observation in low energy pp collisions

Within the meson-exchange model we calculate $f_0$-meson production cross section in $\piN$ and $NN$ reactions and investigate the possibility for $f_0$ observation via the $K\bar{K}$ decay mode in $pp$ collisions. Our studies indicate that an extraction of the $f_0$ signal is unlikely due to the large background from other reaction channels.