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The performance of the QuEChERS extraction followed by the LC-MS/MS analytical method was evaluated in terms of Alternaria mycotoxins recovery from the wheat. The alternariol (AOH), tentoxin (TEN) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) were analyzed using the ESI+ (electrospray positive ionization) by multiple reactions monitoring mode (MRM). In order to determine the recovery, the blank wheat samples were spiked at two spiking levels (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg) in six replicates. The obtained average recoveries and precisions (expressed as the RSDr, %) were as follows: 107.6% (RSDr of 6.84%) for alternariol, 108.0% (RSDr of 6.78%) for tentoxin and 110.1% (RSDr of 6.50%) for alternariol monomethyl ether. The results of this study were in accordance with the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on ochratoxin A synthesis by fungi. Commercially available tea tree essential oil was perched from Infinity Feed Company from Novi Sad, Serbia. Qualitative analyses of tea tree essential oil were performed by GC-MS. The toxigenic activity of the essential oil (7.5; 15.0 and 30.0 μg/ml) was evaluated by inhibiting the production of ochratoxin A by Aspergillus niger. The quantification of the toxin was performed by HPLC. The production of ochratoxin A was dependent on the incubation temperature, 20 and 30°C in the presence of the essential oil. Obtained values from 20°C showed a reduction in ochratoxin A synthesis that ranged from 53.87 to 96.22%, and from 18.36 to 72.85% at 30°C, for the A. niger, respectively. Based on the obtained results from this research, it was concluded that tea tree essential oil as a natural products could serve as potential biocontrol agent against ochratoxin A contamination in feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increased use of pesticides leads to permanent pollution of soil, and there is a need for continuous monitoring of these agrochemicals in soil. Objective: Three methods for the simultaneous determination of 12 pesticides belonging to eight chemical groups in soil samples were tested and compared based on analytical parameters. Methods: The quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS); traditional solid-liquid extraction (SLE); and Soxhlet extraction were used for soil sample preparation, while detection and quantification of pesticides were performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: The tested methods featured good sensitivity, and with the exception for carbofuran (Soxhlet method, LOD = 29 µg/kg), for the rest of the pesticides, the studied LODs were less than 12 µg/kg. Except for simazine and carbofuran, LODs obtained by Soxhlet extraction were lower than values obtained by other two methods, whereas QuEChERS gave lower LODs than the traditional SLE method for all compounds except atrazine and acetochlor. The recoveries obtained applying QuEChERS, traditional SLE, and Soxhlet methods for multiple analyses of soil samples fortified at 10, 75, and 200 µg/kg of each pesticide were in the ranges 54-103, 40-91, and 12-92%, respectively. Except for chlorothalonil, the highest recoveries were obtained by the QuEChERS method. Soxhlet was better than traditional SLE method for chlorothalonil, heptachlor, and aldrin; organophosphorus pesticides (fenitrothion and diazinon) and trifluralin, gave similar recoveries for both methods. All three methods were proven to be repeatable, with RSDs lower than 19%. Conclusions: Although all tested methods showed as satisfactory regarding most analytical parameters, QuEChERS method showed much better results in terms of confidence, indicating that traditional SLE and Soxhlet extraction still need improvements for determination of multiclass pesticides in soil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of citrinin is challenging because it needs to be detected in low concentrations in complex sample matrices. Before citrinin quantification, the data acquisition of LC-MS/MS must be performed, which includes the determination of ion monitoring reaction (SRM), finding fragmentation energies (Frag.) and collision cell energies (CE) for which the response of citrinin will be the highest for the given conditions. The best response of citrinin is obtained for Frag. of 66 V and CE of 17 and 29 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator that affects the physiology of morphogenesis, reproduction and embryogenesis of insects. The molecule of pyriproxyfen bears little resemblance to endogenous insect juvenile hormone (JH), but it affects JH and ecdysteroid titers in a variety of arthropods. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array (HPLC-DAD) method is a widely used method for the analyses of pyriproxyfen. Although the methods have been remarkably improved, tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) systems with significant advantages have gradually replaced HPLC-DAD in many analyses. The aim of this study, was the evaluation of the two methods for linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) selectivity and repeatability for the determination of pyriproxyfen in water solutions. Using HPLC-DAD the obtained LOD was 0.01 µg/ml with the LOQ of 0.03 µg/ml. The linearity was over 0.99 for the concentrations from 0.1 to 1.0 µg/ml with the repeatability RSD less than 11.7%. The LC-MS/MS method showed high reproducibility, as evident from the RSD values for intra-day and inter-day variability being 1.0-6.8% and 2.0-7.7%. The LC-MS/MS method exhibits linearity (R2>0.99) for the concentrations from 1.0 to 100.0 ng/ml with the repeatability RSD less than 12.7%. The obtained LOD and LOQ was 0.1 ng/ml and 1.0 ng/ml, respectively. The HPLC-DAD performed well in terms of various validation parameters, but showed a very high LOD and LOQ (considering low concentration level of pyriproxyfen used in mosquito treatment) compared to LC-MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple multiresidue method was evaluated for the determination of pesticide residues in cherries using GC-MS/MS for the analysis. A modified QuEChERS method was evaluated in the coloured matrix, such as cherries. This extraction method involves sample extraction with acetonitrile for 3 min on vortex mixer and permits the salt-out liquid-liquid partitioning step using magnesium sulfate anhydrous, sodium chloride, trisodium citrate dihydrate and sodium citrate dibasic sesquihydrate. After shaking and centrifugation, the cleanup was done by adding 5 ml of extract to anhydrous MgSO4, PSA, and carbo activatus. After a repeated centrifugation the 2 ml of extract was evaporated to dryness, and reconstituted in 2 ml of acetone. The optimized analytical conditions were evaluated in terms of recoveries, reproducibility, limits of detection, and matrix effects for 17 pesticides. Some significant matrix effects observed for most of the tested pesticides were eliminated using matrix-matched calibration. The linearity was studied in the range of 0.05-1.0 μg/ml with the R² higher than 0.99. The recovery data were obtained by spiking blank samples at three concentration levels (0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg) yealding recoveries in the range of 77.5-102.4%. The precision values were lower than 11.14% for the intraday precision. The LOQs were established as 10 μg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable and easy method has been developed for the determination of aflatoxins B1 and G2 in maize samples. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with FLD (HPLC-FLD) with photochemical derivatization was used. Mycotoxins were extracted from maize using a QuEChERS-based extraction procedure. The optimized analytical conditions were evaluated in terms of recoveries, reproducibility, LOD, LOQ and linearity for aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin G1 in maize. Extraction, chromatographic and detection conditions were optimized in order to increase sample sensitivity. The linearity was analyzed in the range of 0.4-20 μg/kg and the correlation coefficients (R2 ) were higher than 0.99 for af latoxins B1 and G1. Blank samples were spiked at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 μg/kg, and the average recovery for aflatoxin G1 was 96.96±1.72% and for aflatoxin B1 it was 86.80±1.24%. RSDs were lower than 25% for both mycotoxins. LOD for both aflatoxins was 0.5 μg/kg and LOQ was 1.0 μg/kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are highly toxic compounds produced by molds that commonly occur in cereal grains. These toxins can have adverse effects on human and animal health. Mycotoxin decontamination procedures can be divided into three different groups: chemical, biological and physical. Procedures from the first two groups are often regarded as unacceptable for lowering the mycotoxin level. A laboratory brush was developed for the purpose of physical cleaning of corn kernel. Three samples of commercially available corn kernels were subjected to the brushing procedure in order for the experimental study to be conducted. The mass of 100g of corn kernels was placed on motionless screen of the brush. A rotating part of the experimental device, the polypropylene bristle brush was set to higher speed (higher than 800 rpm). During the corn brushing, dust and broken kernels were brushed out through the motionless screen. Corn samples were taken before and after the brushing procedure and they were analyzed for aflatoxin concentration by HPLC-UV RED. By comparing the control and brushed samples, it can be noticed that removal of fines caused the reduction in the level of mycotoxins in all three brushed samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple HPLC determination method of maleic hydrazide residues in onions was introduced. The homogenized onion samples were extracted with methanol. The crude extract was purified on SPE SampliQ SCX column. The maleic hydrazide was analyzed by HPLC with UV detection of 313 nm. The HPLC separation was performed on SynChropak Q column with 0.25 M phosphate buffer as the mobile phase. The recoveries of maleic hydrazide from the spiked onions with 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0 and 10.0 g ml-1, ranged from 89-103%. The detection limit of maleic hydrazide was 0.4 g ml-1, and the quantification limit was 1.25 g ml-1. The finearity coefficient was 0.9998. Such an optimized method was applied to the determination of residue content of maleic hydrazide in onions, treated with Royal MH-30 in the amount of 8.0 and 12.0 1 ha-1. The samples were analysed after 8, 16 and 25 days from the moment of spraying. The obtained values of maleic hydrazide residues were below the maximum tolerable amount in the Republic of Serbia (10 mg kg-1), as well as the amount regulated by the EU (15 mg kg-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeybees and humans are endangered by pesticides in daily agricultural production. The aim of this research was to investigate pesticide residues in different honey types and to assess the risk to public health. A total of 88 honey samples originating from pine, multifloral, sunflower, acacia, linden, and canola were collected and analysed by a QuEChERS method. The hazard quotient (HQ) was used to evaluate the risk of detected pesticide residues. Analysis of pine honey did not detect any residue of investigated pesticides. The most frequently detected pesticides in the honey samples were chlorpyrifos ranging between 15.1 µg/kg (linden honey) to 22.3 µg/kg (multifloral honey), clothianidin ranging between 12.0 µg/kg (acacia honey) to 22.0 µg/kg (canola honey), dimethoate ranging between 8.9 µg/kg (multifloral honey) to 18.9 µg/kg (canola honey), and thiamethoxam ranging between 4.2 µg/kg (linden honey) to 15.6 µg/kg (canola honey), respectively. The lowest estimated daily intake (EDI) of 128 × 10-3 μg/kg of body weight per day was found in acacia honey, and the highest EDI of 265 × 10-3 μg/kg of body weight per day was found in canola honey. Similar values of EDI were determined for multifloral, sunflower, and linden honey (186 × 10-3, 187 × 10-3, and 183 × 10-3), respectively. The HQ value for pine honey was 0 indicating that this honey is the safest for consumption, however, the other types of honey investigated in this study posed no risk to humans after potential consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A large number of dog owners are informed about ticks and tick-borne diseases that could be dangerous for their pets. However, they are not familiar with tick biology, seasonal activity, and the possibility that some pathogens could be transmitted from dogs to humans. The aims of this study were to determine tick species and their seasonal occurrence on pet dogs and to compare the accuracy of three indices frequently used to calculate tick female physiological age in terms of feeding process duration. As a result of a one-year study, four tick species were identified and their seasonal patterns showed a continuous occurrence on dogs through the whole year, even during the winter months. The most accurate index was the physiological age index, the only tested index which included body mass as a variable measure. Seasonal activity of ticks depends on numerous factors: abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic. Tick species diversity and abundance in specific geographical range varied in recent years, due to global climate changes and increase of human and animal migrations. These topics demand the One Health approach, where the integrated efforts of scientists, veterinarians, and physicians are essential in order to prevent and manage tick-borne pathogens and diseases. In order to reproduce and complete life cycles, ticks have to feed on different hosts, thus participating as vectors and reservoirs in the maintenance and circulation of different pathogens. Since dogs can serve as suitable hosts for numerous tick species, the aims of this study were to determine tick species and their seasonal occurrence on pet dogs and to compare the accuracy of three indices frequently used to calculate engorged female physiological age. Ticks were collected from dogs brought to veterinary clinics. Three indices were analyzed: scutal index, alloscutal/scutal index ratio, and physiological age index. Four tick species were identified: Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus group, and the last was the most abundant. The highest number of collected ticks was in April, but two species were continuously active throughout the year. The statistical analyses distinguished the physiological age index as more precise because of lower variability. Dog owners usually ignore regular dog anti-tick treatments throughout the year, as they are not aware that ticks could be active during the winter months. Tick surveillance is unquestionably important in order to monitor and prevent the distribution of these vectors and also the diseases they transmit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable and easy method has been used for the multiple mycotoxins determination of AFs, DON, ZEA and FBs in maize samples. Liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used. Mycotoxins have been extracted from maize using a QuEChERS-based extraction procedure. All validation parameters were in accordance with Reg. (EC) No 401/2006. The analyses of eight maize seed samples showed the AFs, DON, ZEA and FBs contamination with the values below the state limit standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described is a method for simultaneous determination of five herbicides (metribuzin, acetochlor, clomazone, oxyfluorfen and dimethenamid) belonging to different pesticide groups in soil samples. Developed headspace solid phase microextraction method (HS-SPME) in combination with liquid- -solid sample preparation was optimized and applied for the analysis of agricultural samples. Optimization of microextraction conditions, such as temperature, extraction time and sodium chloride content was performed using 100 μm polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) fiber. The extraction efficiencies of methanol, methanol:acetone and methanol:acetone:hexane in 1:1 and 2:2:1 volume ratios, respectively, and the optimal number of extraction steps during the sample preparation, were tested as well. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for detection and quantification, obtaining relative standard deviation (RSD) below 13%, and recovery values higher than 83% for multiple analyses of soil samples fortified at 30 μg kg-1 of each herbicide. Limits of detection (LOD) were less than 1.2 μg kg-1 for all the studied herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contents of soluble free phenolics (SP), PVPP-bound tannins (PVPP-P), flavonoids (TF) and proanthocyanidins (PA), as well as the DPPH- -radical scavenging capability, of the whole grain of 17 different Triticum spp. accessions were analyzed. The contents of SP ranged from 976 to 2927 μg CE g-1, of PVPP-P from 335 to 1412 μg CE g-1 and of TF from 0.16 to 1.12 μg RE g-1 of dry whole grain. The presence of PA in the whole grains was not established. The values for DPPH-radical scavenging activity were rather moderate, under 40% of neutralized radicals. A positive correlation between DPPH-activity and analyzed phenolics was recorded in twelve of the seventeen genotypes (r from 0.73 to 0.99). trans-Cinnamic acid was the major compound among acids and quercetin among flavonoids found in the wheat varieties. The data obtained should enable the selection of the accessions rich in biologically active compounds that could further be processed into functional food with possible health benefits associated with higher antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cereal grains, which represent the cultivated grasses fruits, supply almost half of the total caloric requirements for humans and provide more nourishment compared with any other class of the food. Out of many cereals used for food, maize, rice, and wheat are the most important food resources for humans, representing 94% of the total cereals consumption. According to the data of the Republic Institute of Statistics for the year 2018, the harvested areas of corn amount to 906,753 hectares. The production of about 7 million tons was achieved with an average yield of 7.7 t/ha according to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia. Serbia is still among the ten largest exporters of wheat and corn in the world for the period of 2014/15–2017/18. More precisely, it ranks seventh in the export of corn. Utilization of maize products for food animal nutrition (1000 t) is 491,48, and for industrial processing (1000 t) 278,862 expressed as the total consumption (1000 t) is 769,910. Therefore, a total of 103 samples of maize products were analyzed for the presence of toxins, i.e., tropane alkaloids (TAs). The samples were collected from the retail stores in the Republic of Serbia in 2021 and analyzed for the presence of atropine and scopolamine (33 corn grits, 39 polenta, and 31 semolina samples). Therefore, the Recommendation 2015/976/EU on the monitoring of TAs in food was adopted by the EU Commission to obtain more occurrence data on TAs in food. The monitoring extent, however, is restricted because reliable analytical methods and appropriate sensitivity are limited. There was a limit of 1 g/kg for each atropine and scopolamine in cereals containing millet, sorghum, buckwheat, or their derivatives. All the samples were analyzed by the LC-MS/MS. The LOQ was set at 1.0 μg/kg. Out of the total 103 tested samples, 32 samples (31.1%) were contaminated with atropine and scopolamine in concentrations above the LOQ. The highest concentrations of the studied TAs were observed in a semolina sample-atropine: 58.80 μg/kg, scopolamine: 10.20 μg/kg. The obtained results indicate that the TAs concentrations are above the LOQ which can be considered potential human and animal health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Babies and small children are especially sensitive population to the exposure to environmental contaminants. Their small mass and developing systems, including brain development may show adverse health effects from even low levels of contamination on a chronic or single dose case. In this paper one extraction method and two chromatographic techniques for the determination of pesticide residues in baby food were evaluated. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry technique combined with electrospray ionization (ESI), (LC–MS/MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry detection (GC–MSD) technique were applied in the detection of 50 pesticides in baby food. So-called QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method was used as a sample preparation procedure. The recoveries were investigated at three levels (5, 10 and 50 μg/kg) and the results obtained showed compliance with the contemporary EU requirements with a few exceptions. LOQs for most of the tested pesticides were below the EU MRLs (10 μg/kg), except deltamethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, phosalone and beta-cyfluthrin (LOQs were 10 μg/kg). Both techniques were applied in the analysis of 50 samples of baby food manufactured in Serbia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research aimed to determine the prevalence rate of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw cow milk samples in Albania and Serbia. A total of 100 raw milk samples, 50 from Albania and 50 from Serbia, have been collected from randomly selected cattle farms. Twelve samples (12 %) were positive for S. aureus, five of those originating from Albania (41.66 %) and seven from Serbia (58.33 %). Resistance of isolated S. aureus strains to ampicillin in milk samples from Albania (36.7 %) and Serbia (34.1 %) was the most common. Some of S. aureus strains from milk samples from Albania were resistant to tetracycline (16.9 %), while isolates from milk samples from Serbia were more resistant towards oxacillin (18 %). The recorded resistance towards erythromycin (13.2 %; 13.1 %), and sulfatrim (7.6 %; 6.9 %) was similar between both milk samples, respectively. The obtained results have shown higher resistance of S. aureus strains towards cephalothin in milk samples from Serbia (3.9 %) compared to milk samples from Albania (1.6 %), respectively. All isolates tested for antibiotic sensitivity were susceptible to methicillin, vancomycin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. The obtained results regarding the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics indicated that isolates were resistant to tetracycline, oxacillin, erythromycin, and ampicillin, respectively. Results of our investigation have shown that the found antibiotics residues are related to the usage of erythromycin (72.6 % and 73.9 %), followed by ampicillin (70.4 % and 71.2 %) while residues of ciprofloxacin in the analysed milk samples was not registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar (L.) is one of most important defoliating pests of deciduous trees. Due to increased environmental demands, the use of plant-based preparations is gaining in importance as a control option for this pest in forestry, agriculture and horticulture. The aim of this study was to evaluate antifeeding and insecticidal activity of 0.5, 1 and 2% extracts of Ailanthus altissima bark and leaves, and Morus alba leaves, against L. dispar larvae under laboratory conditions. Antioxidant capacity of plant extracts was determined, as well as the content of phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric and HPLC-DAD methods. Antifeeding and insecticidal effects were tested in a "no-choice" test. The highest content of all bioactive phenolic compounds was in A. altissima bark and M. alba leaf extracts. The lowest leaf consumption after 24 and 48 h was in A. altissima bark (5.03, 9.30%, respectively) and M. alba leaf (1.44, 3.22%, respectively) extracts. A. altissima bark and M. alba leaf extracts expressed strong antifeeding activity. After 24 h, all extracts expressed slight insecticidal effect (2.25-17.50% of mortality). The mortality increased after 48 h in treatments with A. altissima bark extract, at all applied concentrations (40.0-57.50%) and M. alba leaves at 1 and 2% concentrations (30.0-62.50%). Our results indicate that extracts of A. altissima bark and M. alba leaves may act as effective low-cost natural protectants able to control the presence of gypsy moth in ecosystems. Extracts of A. altissima bark and M. alba leaves expressed strong antifeeding activity and significant insecticidal effect on gypsy moth larvae, at all applied concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in tropane alkaloids (TA) as food contaminants is increasing. A sensitive and selective LC-MS/MS method was applied for the analysis of corn puff samples from the Serbian market. Only atropine was quantified in 22% of the samples. In case of scopolamine, although not quantified, it was detected in 22% of the samples. Whether the acute reference dose (ARfD) could be exceeded was checked on a case-by-case basis for the individual products under assessment. Due to their low body weight and relatively high snack consumption, preschool children were at the highest risk of TA exposure. Assuming that the average consumption is 50 g of corn puffs per day, the sample with the highest concentration of TAs (2.05 µg/kg, 1.58 µg/kg of atropine) could contribute with 32.0% to the ARfD, of which 24.7% owing to atropine. If the same amount of corn puffs is consumed by older age classes, corresponding exposure contributions to the ARfD would progressively decline, down to 8.4% for adult population. The study revealed no health risk from TAs exposure through the consumption of the corn puffs in Serbian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of milk plays a key role in its wide consumption but also of its involvement in a large series of derived products, such as yogurt, cheese, butter, and ice cream. An effective LC-MS/MS method has been validated for the determination of 81 different pesticide residues in milk samples. The analyses comprised 44 milk samples collected during 2019. From all inspected pesticides, only metalaxyl (present in 11.36 % samples), bifenthrin and metolachlor (9.09 %), dimethoate (4.55 %), prochloraz and thiacloprid were detected in 2.27 % of analysed sam-ples. The detections of trifloxystrobin and bifenthrin were above the maximum residue levels (MRLs). The Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1135 standardizes the MRLs for dimethoate and omethoate in certain products, but a MRL for dimethoate residues in milk has not been estab-lished jet. All the other pesticide detections were below the MRLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of adsorption and desorption of pesticides by soils are important for understanding and predicting their fate and transmission in the environment. Considering the agricultural and environmental relevance of clomazone, its sorption-desorption behaviour was studied in two widespread Serbian agricultural soil types named Regosol and Chernozem. Both phenomena are well-described by the Freundlich equation, which shows that clomazone is generally sorbed more to organic matter than to the mineral soil fractions. Chernozem, a soil containing more of both organic matter and clay, was found to bind more, and desorb less herbicide, than Regosol. Higher desorption hysteresis obtained for Chernozem could be attributed to its larger number of high- -energy sorption sites, compared to Regosol. In both soils, the hysteresis effect increases with the rise of initial clomazone concentration in the soil-water system, while the percentage of desorbed amount during successive desorption cycles decreases. The presented adsorption-desorption study shows that soil composition plays an important role in clomazone behaviour and fate in the environment, and a significantly reduced probability of contamination of both the deeper soil layers and groundwater may be expected when this herbicide is found in humus-rich soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of adsorption and desorption of pesticides by soils are important for understanding and predicting their fate and transport in the environment. Considering the agricultural and environmental relevance of clomazone, its sorption-desorption behaviour was studied in two widespread Serbian agricultural soil types named Regosol and Chernozem. Both phenomena are well-described by the Freundlich equation, which shows that clomazone is generally sorbed more to organic matter than to the mineral soil fractions. Chernozem, a soil containing more of both organic matter and clay, was found to bind more, and desorb less herbicide, than Regosol. Higher desorption hysteresis obtained for Chernozem could be attributed to its larger number of high-energy sorption sites, compared to Regosol. In both soils, the hysteresis effect increases with an increase in initial clomazone concentration in the soil-water system, while the percentage of desorbed amount during successive desorption cycles decreases. The presented adsorption-desorption study shows that soil composition plays an important role in clomazone behaviour and fate in the environment, and a significantly reduced probability of contamination of both the deeper soil layers and groundwater may be expected when this herbicide is found in humus-rich soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk and dairy products are the oldest and most widely consumed nutritious foods worldwide. They are highlighted as a source of high-quality proteins and the most important sources of bioactive peptides. Milk proteins have high nutritive value and remarkable medicinal properties. They are known as potential health-promoting ingredients of functional foods, and the dairy industry has already commercialized many milk proteins and peptide-based products which can be consumed as part of a regular daily diet. Besides, cheese is highly susceptible to contamination by pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, which results in a decrease in its shelf life and cause serious risks to the consumers' health. Nowadays, the food industry is continuously becoming more specialized towards meeting consumer needs and demands. Consumers demand safe products, which are also preferably free of synthetic additives. Therefrom to the need to search for natural additives has emerged. Botanicals and their extracts came to an interest as a natural alternative for cheese preservation and quality enhancer. Some substances have demonstrated good effects against most pathogens of cheese such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. Nevertheless, it is not quite clear do the botanical addition affect cheese quality characteristics. This review aims to present the effect of added botanicals such as medicinal plants, herbs, spices and essential oils to cheeses in the function of protection against pathogens and spoilage microorganisms, as well as for their influence on the cheese quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of adsorption and desorption of pesticides by soils are important for understanding and predicting their fate and transport in the environment. Considering the agricultural and environmental relevance of clomazone, its sorption-desorption behaviour was studied in two widespread Serbian agricultural soil types named Regosol and Chernozem. Both phenomena are well-described by the Freundlich equation, which shows that clomazone is generally sorbed more to organic matter than to the mineral soil fractions. Chernozem, a soil containing more of both organic matter and clay, was found to bind more, and desorb less herbicide, than Regosol. Higher desorption hysteresis obtained for Chernozem could be attributed to its larger number of high-energy sorption sites, compared to Regosol. In both soils, the hysteresis effect increases with an increase in initial clomazone concentration in the soil-water system, while the percentage of desorbed amount during successive desorption cycles decreases. The presented adsorption-desorption study shows that soil composition plays an important role in clomazone behaviour and fate in the environment, and a significantly reduced probability of contamination of both the deeper soil layers and groundwater may be expected when this herbicide is found in humus-rich soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken in order to investigate the biological activity of chemically characterized Carum carvi essential oil (EO) and its effect on oxidative stress parameters in stored product pests. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry depicted carvone (68.22 ± 0.62%) and limonene (21.80 ± 0.54%) as the major compounds of said EO. Different concentrations of EO were tested for fumigant activity and showed prominent results following a timeresponse relationship in both tested species. The changes in the antioxidative defense system, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, as well as the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in time-dependent response. The results demonstrated that C. carvi could have a significant role in the future, as an environmentally friendly alternative for the management of stored product pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study had two major objectives: 1) to investigate the influence of a seven-month storage period on maize contamination with aflatoxins (AFs) and 2) to examine the distribution of total count of fungi (TCF), A. flavus and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the stored maize kernels. In the first part of this survey, 700 maize samples were collected in the period from October 2012 to April 2013. Presence of AFs was detected in 72% of maize, before entering the silos. The survey results indicated that the percentage of contaminated maize samples as well as the distribution of determined AFs concentrations changed during the storage period of seven months. By the prolongation of storage period, the percentage of non-contaminated maize samples decreased from 28% to 16%, while the percentage of contaminated samples in the concentration range 20-50 μg/kg increased from 18% to 25%. In the second part of this study, 32 maize samples from four different silos were analysed. The results showed that TCF, A. flavus and AFB1 were unevenly distributed. According to Duncan's multiple range test, in each silo, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were noted for all tested parameters. Furthermore, within each silo, statistically significant correlation (r=0.76 at p<0.05) between the number of A. flavus colonies and AFB1 concentrations were observed. According to the obtained results and taking into account the trends in climatic changes in Serbia, further improvement in maize management system concerning AFs is warranted. The findings of this study could be of great importance to increase the knowledge related to the AFs management strategies in Serbia as well as in neighboring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High economic impact of the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), the lack of natural acaricides and the resistance of present chemicals have all led to the need to find new ways to control these ectoparasites. One promising alternative method of control focuses on employing repellent effects of selected essential oils against poultry red mite. This experiment was conducted in order to investigate the repellent effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) on poultry red mites. The best results were observed for lavender essential oil (96% mortality after 72 h) and thyme (82% mortality after 72 h) at a dose of 0.15 mg/cm2. In addition, thyme and lavender essential oils showed significant (p < 0.05) persistent toxic effects 15 and 30 days post application to filter papers. Thyme was the most effective (100% mortality at 72 h), followed by lavender (78% mortality after 72 h). Results have showed that the thyme and lavender essential oils exhibited promising results when tested in vitro for toxic and repellent effects against poultry red mite. Based on the obtained results we suggest that future experiments should focus on in vivo experiments using these oils in laying hens farm conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to investigate deoxynivalenol (DON) occurrence in maize samples originating from two harvest seasons in Serbia. The key differences between harvest seasons were weather conditions, specifically the humidity. The samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with DAD detection, after clean-up on SPE columns. In samples from 2014, DON was found in 82 (100.0%) samples with the average content of 2.517 mg/kg (ranged from 0.368 to 11.343 mg/kg). Two samples exceeded maximum level permitted by EU regulations. However, analyzing larger number of samples (163) from 2015 harvest season, DON was present in 51 (31.3%) samples in significantly lower concentrations (average of 0.662 mg/kg, ranged from 0.106 to 2.628 mg/kg). None of the samples from 2015 exceeded maximum level permitted by EU regulations. The data on DON presence in Serbian maize were in relation to the different weather conditions that prevailed during the two harvest seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of allelochemicals as weed control agents is becoming widely investigated. However, the impact of these bioherbicides on cultivated plants is less known. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the aqueous extract of Clinopodium menthifolium on black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) antioxidant properties to explore the potential of this species in weed control and on pepper (Capsicum annuum) antioxidant properties so as to assess its possible side effects when applied as bioherbicide in organic production. Taking into account that plant extracts should be an alternative source for insect control, additional aim was also to evaluate contact effect of C. menthifolium aqueous extract against the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum). Analysis by HPLC confirmed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid and 2-hidroxy-cinnamic acid as major components in the C. menthifolium aqueous extract. Both tested concentrations of C. menthifolium aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in black nightshade leaves and roots. It was observed that the aqueous extract with a concentration of 0.1% showed a toxic effect with 50% mortality of greenhouse whitefly adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aldrin, endrin and dieldrin are highly toxic and persistent cyclodienetype organochlorine pesticides. Although these compounds have been banned over the last few decades in many countries, they can still be found in the environment, especially in the agricultural soil. In order to determine the residue levels of cyclodiene-type organochlorine pesticides in soils of Vojvodina Province, and to obtain detailed information on their spatial distribution, 1370 soil samples under different land uses were collected from Vojvodina Province and analyzed for the presence of aldrin, dieldrin and endrin. The residues of those pesticides were detected in the soils of Vojvodina in measurable concentrations and dieldrin was the most dominant compound in the soil. However, the concentrations of analysed cyclodiene-type organochlorine pesticides in the most soil samples from Vojvodina province were lower than Dutch target values for soil quality. Soil organic matter and clay content were found to be positively associated with aldrin content while clay content was found to be negatively associated with endrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new electrochemical method for determination of imidacloprid using chronopotentiometry on thin film mercury and glassy carbon electrode was presented. The most important experimental parameters of chronopotentiometry were examined and optimized with respect to imidacloprid analytical signal. Imidacloprid provided well-defined reduction peak in Britton-Robinson buffer on thin film mercury electrode at −1.0 V (versus Ag/AgCl (KCl, 3.5 mol/L)) and on glassy carbon electrode at −1.2 V (versus Ag/AgCl (KCl, 3.5 mol/L)). The reduction time was linearly proportional to concentrations from 0.8 to 30.0 mg/L on thin film mercury electrode and from 7.0 to 70.0 mg/L on glassy carbon electrode. The detection limits were 0.17 mg/L and 0.93 mg/L for thin film mercury and glassy carbon electrode, respectively. The estimation of method precision as a function of repeatability and reproducibility showed relative standard deviations values lower than 3.73%. Recovery values from 97.3 to 98.1% confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method, while the constancy of the transition time with deliberated small changes in the experimental parameters indicated a very good robustness. A minor influence of possible interfering compounds proved good selectivity of the method. Developed method was applied for imidacloprid determination in commercial pesticide formulations and river water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roe deer are important hosts for ticks, providing them constant and reliable source of food, as well as the mode for habitat distribution. The aim of this study was to determine the species diversity of ixodid ticks parasitizing on the roe deer and the level of co-infestation. Eight tick species sampled from the 72 carcasses of roe deer were identified: I. ricinus, D. marginatus, D. reticulatus, H. punctata, H. concinna, H. sulcata, R. sanguineus and R. bursa. The most abundant were the females of I. ricinus and the highest prevalence was obtained for I. ricinus and D. marginatus. The single-species infestation was not detected. The co-infestation of all identified tick species was found on 15 carcasses and equally high percentage was obtained for co-infestation of six tick species. Roe deer as the habitat generalist and polyphagous herbivore are exposed to a greater tick species diversity present at the same habitats. The roe deer coinfestation with ixodid ticks in Vojvodina region could be explained by both sets of factors that promote multiparasitism: the spatial distribution of the hosts and the host life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides and other pesticides has negative effects on the environment and on human and animal health. Therefore, scientists are turning towards natural pesticides, such as active components of plant extracts. The effect of two concentrations (0.1 and 0.2%) of a Satureja montana L. aqueous extract on the lipid peroxidation process, as well as on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), pyrogallol peroxidase (PPX) and catalase (CAT) in the leaves and roots of pepper and black nightshade seedlings were examined 24, 72 and 120 h after treatment. The results showed that the higher concentration of S. montana aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in black nightshade roots. Furthermore, significant increases of pyrogallol and guaiacol peroxidase were detected in black nightshade leaves treated with 0.2% of the S. montana aqueous extract. The second aim was to evaluate effectiveness of the aqueous extract as a contact toxicant against whitefly. It was observed that the 0.2% aqueous extract exhibited a toxic effect with 68.33% mortality after 96 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides and other pesticides has negative effects on the environment and on human and animal health. Therefore, scientists are turning towards natural pesticides, such as active components of plant extracts. The effect of two concentrations (0.1 and 0.2 %) of a Satureja montana L. aqueous extract on the lipid peroxidation process, as well as on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), pyrogallol peroxidase (PPX) and catalase (CAT) in the leaves and roots of pepper and black nightshade seedlings were examined 24, 72 and 120 h after treatment. The results showed that the higher concentration of S. montana aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in black nightshade roots. Furthermore, significant increases of pyrogallol and guaiacol peroxidase were detected in black nightshade leaves treated with 0.2 % of the S. montana aqueous extract. The second aim was to evaluate effectiveness of the aqueous extract as a contact toxicant against whitefly. It was observed that the 0.2% aqueous extract exhibited a toxic effect with 68.33 % mortality after 96 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins (AFs), one of the most toxic and the strongest natural carcinogens can be found in a variety of food commodities, including cereals. For that purpose, the aim of this study was to investigate occurrence of AFs (AFB1, AFG1, AFB2 and AFG2) in 130 cereal samples. AFs content was determined by direct competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Samples with AFs content higher than 1 µg/kg were analyzed again with confirmatory High Performance Liquid Chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Analyses showed that none of the analyzed wheat (30), barley (20), oats (20) and rye (20) samples was contaminated with AFs. On the other hand, among 40 analyzed maize samples 24 of them (60%) were contaminated in the following way: 6 (25%) samples had AFs concentration between 1 and 10 µg/kg, 14 (58%) samples between 10 and 50 µg/kg and 4 (17%) between 50 and 70.3 µg/kg. The most predominant aflatoxin was AFB1 which was detected in all contaminated maize samples. AFG1, AFB2 and AFG2 were found in 12, 5 and 1 sample, respectively. This study represents the first investigation of the occurrence of AFs in five different cereals from Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution with heavy metals is one of the major current problems, because their uncontrolled release has already led to accumulation in water and sediment. Some heavy metals are essential for plant development like Cu while others like Cd are not. However, both can cause phyto-toxic effects when present at high levels in the environment. Maximal allowable amounts (MAC) according to valid Directives are: in surface and underground waters of II and III class 5 µg/l Cu, 0.45-0.6 µg/l Cd and in irrigation water 100 µg/l Cu, 10 µg/l Cd. However, the content of Cu and Cd in watercourses often exceeds the abovementioned limits. Therefore, its detection in water is significant for water risk assessment, and the roll of plants as bioindicators is gaining in importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of barley (Horedum vulgare L.) and white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) to different levels of Cu and Cd in water, as potential bioindicators of water pollution with these heavy metals. A standard filter paper method (ISTA Regulations book, 2011) was used. The toxic effects of Cu (0.025-100 µg/l) and Cd (0.01- 200µg/l) were assessed on physiological (germination) and morphological (root and shoot length and fresh and dry weights) traits of test species. The results were processed with Duncan's multiple range test. Plant responses to metals were species and concentration dependant. Cu and Cd did not affect germination of barley seeds, regardless on concentration. However, Cu inhibited seedlings root growth and fresh weight at 0.025 µg/l, dry weight, shoot growth and fresh shoot weight at 2 µg/l. Cd inhibited only root and shoot growth of barley seedlings at 100 µg/l. Germination of white mustard seeds was significantly reduced in treatments with 5 µg/l Cu and 1 µg/l Cd. Root growth was inhibited at 2, 50 and 100 µg/l Cu, while the presence of 1 µg/l Cu in water significantly reduced fresh root weight. Cd at 200 µg/l inhibited root length of white mustard seedlings, while shoot length was stimulated at >10 µg/l Cd. Results indicate at barley and white mustard sensitivity towards Cu, when present in water in amounts lower than MACs. However, Cd in amounts lower than MACs had no effect on most of the observed traits of tested plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]