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Cannabis is the most frequently consumed illegal substance worldwide. More recently, an increasing number of legal cannabis products low in psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but high in non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD) are being more widely consumed. While the detection and quantification of THC and its metabolites in urine matrices is an important forensic-toxicological task, additional detection of CBD is also important, for example, when examining the plausibility of consumer statements. This report describes the SPE method validation for the quantitative determination of cannabinoids and their metabolites in urine. The obtained limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.01 ng mL-1 for all investigated analytes, while the average recoveries as well as linearity for 11-OH-THC, CBD, CBN, and THC met the AOAC requirement, except the THC-COOH.

Honey has become a focal point of concern due to the potential presence of pesticide residues originating from agricultural practices. This study undertakes a comprehensive toxicological assessment of pesticide residues in conventional and organic honey, as well as a risk assessment employing estimated daily intakes (EDIs) in the evaluation of the potential risks of these agrochemicals to public health. A total of 200 honey samples originating from conventional and organic producers were collected and analyzed by a Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe method (QuEChERS). Analysis of organic honey didn’t detect any residue of investigated pesticides. The most detected pesticides in conventional honey samples were boscalid (0.01 μg/kg), and coumaphos ranging between 0.012 μg/kg to 0.016 μg/kg, respectively. Detected pesticides such as acetamiprid, pyraclostrobin, thiacloprid, and azoxystrobin were under the reporting level (RL). Results obtained by EDI indicated that all investigated honey samples are safe for human consumption. In conclusion, this research contributes to the understanding of the toxicological implications of pesticide residues in both conventional and organic honey consumption. By delineating the potential health hazards associated with each type, this study aims to provide consumers, regulators, and beekeeping industries with valuable insights to make informed decisions that safeguard human health while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

This paper delves into a thorough risk assessment of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, and its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), within the aquatic ecosystems of the Danube-Tisa-Danube (DTD) network, which represents large land drained system between Serbia, Hungary, and Romania. The primary objective is to employ a Toxicity and Exposure Ratio (TER) framework, encompassing both acute and chronic considerations, to comprehensively evaluate the potential risks these agrochemicals pose to aquatic organisms in the intricate hydro system of the DTD. The study integrates field data, laboratory experiments, and mathematical modeling to quantify glyphosate and AMPA exposure levels in the DTD channels. Furthermore, it explores the toxicological impacts of these substances on a diverse range of aquatic organisms, such as fish, invertebrates, and amphibians, considering acute effects arising from short-term exposure and chronic effects resulting from prolonged interactions. This research aims to provide a holistic understanding of the risk landscape associated with glyphosate and AMPA in the DTD hydro system by employing the TER approach. The findings contribute valuable insights into the potential ecological implications of herbicide usage in this critical water network, aiding regulatory decision-making and facilitating the development of targeted mitigation strategies to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The symbiotic relationship between bees and the environment underscores the potential of apiculture as a sustainable practice. Bees, as pollinators, play a crucial role in ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation. Their pollination services are essential for the reproduction of numerous plant species, including many crops that constitute the backbone of agricultural economies. Beekeeping can diversify income sources, reducing dependence on single crops and enhancing household resilience to economic shocks. The aim of this paper is to explore the multifaceted role of apiculture as a tool for sustainable rural development. In conclusion, apiculture holds immense promise as a tool for sustainable rural development, offering a pathway towards economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. By harnessing the synergies between bees, biodiversity, and community development, beekeeping has the potential to transform rural landscapes and livelihoods. However, realizing this potential requires concerted efforts to address the challenges and barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of beekeeping practices. Through collaborative action and integrated approaches, it can unlock the transformative power of apiculture and build resilient, vibrant, and sustainable rural communities for generations to come.

This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of mycotoxin adsorbents Mycostop Premium® and Mycostop Duplo® on piglets' productive performance and serum enzyme activities. A total of 100 weaned piglets (28 days old) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups (20 piglets in each group) for a duration of 42 days. The dietary treatments included: control group C with no mycotoxin adsorbent; group E1 supplemented with Mycostop Premium® adsorbent in amount of 1kg/t of feed; group E2 supplemented with Mycostop Premium® adsorbent in amount of 2.5kg/t of feed; group E3 supplemented with Mycostop Duplo® adsorbent in amount of 1kg/t of feed; and group E4 supplemented with Mycostop Duplo® adsorbent in amount of 2.5kg/t of feed. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The results revealed significant improvements in productive performance parameters, including average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), in piglets fed diets containing mycotoxin adsorbents. Serum enzyme activities were also assessed to gauge the impact of mycotoxin adsorbents on piglets' health. The activities of liver enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and gut health-related enzymes (amylase and lipase) were evaluated. Piglets consuming diets supplemented with mycotoxin adsorbents exhibited a reduction in the activities of liver enzymes, indicating lower hepatic stress, and an enhancement in the activity of gut health-related enzymes, reflecting improved nutrient digestion and absorption. In conclusion, the inclusion of mycotoxin adsorbents in piglet diets resulted in significant improvements in productive performance and serum enzyme activities.

The term pesticide refers to all chemical compounds predominantly used in agriculture for the control of the pathogens, weeds and pests. In order to intensify the agricultural production the use of pesticides has increased over the years in many developing countries. Since the monitoring of the presence of pesticides is rarely conducted and fairly difficult, the potential hazardous effects towards the human health, the biodiversity and the environment are hard to anticipate. The aim of the study is to provide a preliminary assessment of the situation by looking for the presence of pesticides in the water and sediment of the lake used for the irrigation. SPE and LC-MS/MS were used to purify and analyze the samples for the presence of 150 pesticides. The nicosulfuron was detected in the unusually high concentrations in water (97.80 µg/L) and the sediment (224 µg/kg).

The massive use of glyphosate as a herbicide compound has led to the ubiquity of AMPA in the environment, especially in water. So, the present work aimed to establish the validation parameters of the LC-MS/MS method for glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA, determination in water. During the extraction process the derivatization of glyphosate as an extreme polar pesticide, was done using FMOC. The validation results show that the method met the criteria given in SANTE/11312/2021 for all the investigated validation parameters as well as estimated measurement uncertainty.

Microplastics (MPs) can effect terrestrial ecosystems (approximately 20% of the pollution rate), but it also strongly effect aquatic ecosystems, with an estimate of 80% of the marine pollution. In the present time, we are facing the fact that more and more agricultural land has been contaminated with MPs. Underground transport of MPs in the soil occurs through bioturbation with the help of plant roots and soil fauna, as well as plowing, soil cultivation, crop harvesting, water infiltration, etc. Literature data stated that the concentration of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems is multiple times higher than in the ocean, and due to this fact, the United Nations Environment Programme appealed for more research studies on the assumed effects.

The presence of microplastic particles in agroecosystems has profound implications for soil quality, crop yield, and soil biota. Earthworms are widely recognized as valuable soil bioindicators due to their abundance, fast reproduction, and easy manipulation. The aim of this study was to observe Eisenia fetida avoidance behavior and changes in biomass and mortality rate in soil samples spiked with polyethylene microplastic particles. Three types of soil sampled from the agricultural fields (“Banat 1”, “Banat 2”, and “Bačka”) were tested, as well as three microplastic concentrations (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%). The calculated avoidance percentages ranged from 18.67% for “Banat 1” and 23.70% for “Banat 2” to 27.40% in the case of “Bačka” soil samples. Generally, E. fetida specimens avoided the sections with plastic in all bioassays: 38.42% of the earthworms were in the chamber section that contained microplastics, as opposed to 61.58% in the control section. The changes in the earthworms’ post-test biomasses were directly proportional to the number of surviving earthworms, with the highest loss in “Bačka” soil samples with 0.3% MPs (−53.05%). The highest mortality rate (46%) was noted in “Bačka” soil samples spiked with the highest concentration of microplastic particles.

Following the implementation of the European regulation limiting the presence of tropane alkaloids in certain foods, a survey was conducted in Serbia on 103 maize products (grits, polenta and semolina) to determine atropine and scopolamine content using liquid chromatography with tandem-mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS). The probability of exceeding the Acute Reference Dose (ARfD; 0.016 μg/kg bw/day) of the sum of atropine and scopolamine by consuming these products was tested. Overall, across age categories - children, younger and older adolescents, and adults, the group ARfD was exceeded by 21.4%, 17.5%, 11.7% and 11.7% of the samples, with maximum exposure reaching as much as 19-, 13-, 9- and 9-fold the group ARfD, respectively. Nevertheless, polenta could be the most favorable dietary option (17.9% of positive samples, 7.7% resulting in excessive exposure in children, reaching a maximum of 1.4-fold the group ARfD). According to the reported findings, adverse health effects of tropane alkaloids cannot be ruled out. The Margin of Exposure, founded on a clinically significant acute effects dose established by FAO/WHO, ranged from 1194 to 2381 (mean) and from 28 to 56 (95th percentile) across age categories. These estimates should certainly draw the attention of food authorities and nutritionist, particularly in the case of highly sensitive populations with contraindications and high consumers of corn products, such as coeliac patients.

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.

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 samples. 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 established jet. All the other pesticide detections were below the MRLs.

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.

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.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of biofilm on antibiotic resistance of the bacterial isolates present in fish meat and to assess the risk of antibiotic residues for public health. Common carp, silver carp and grass carp fishes were purchased from retail stores for an in vitro biofilm investigation and a drug-resistant pattern determination. In all samples, up to 104 CFU/g of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Shewanella putrefaciens, Vibrio spp. and Staphylococcus spp., were observed. Isolates from the samples and their biofilms were subjected to an antibiogram assay using antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, streptomycin, tetracycline and trimethoprim. Obtained results showed that some of the isolates were sensitive to antibiotics and some were resistant. Results of LC-MS/MS analysis showed that antibiotics residues were present in fish samples in the range between 4.9 and 199.4 µg/kg, with a total sum of 417.1 µg/kg. Estimated daily intake (EDI) was established to be 0.274 μg/kg of body weight/day for men and 0.332 μg/kg of body weight/day for women, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 8.5 and 7.0 µg/kg of body weight/day for men and women, respectively. The results of the present study, therefore, highlight the safe consumption of fresh fish.

The Alternaria mycotoxins such as alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), and tentoxin (TEN) are mycotoxins, which can contaminate cereal-based raw materials. Today, wheat is one of the most important crops in temperate zones, and it is in increasing demand in the Western Balkans countries that are urbanizing and industrializing. This research aimed to investigate the occurrence and determine the concentration of Alternaria mycotoxins AOH, AME, and TEN in wheat samples from the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Albania, harvested in the year 2020 in the period between 15 June and 15 July. A total of 80 wheat grain samples, 40 from each country, were analyzed by an QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method. From the obtained results, it can be seen that the mean concentration of AOH was 3.3 µg/kg and AME was 2.2 µg/kg in wheat samples from Serbia, while TEN from both Serbia and Albania was under the limit of quantification (Alternaria mycotoxins have concentrations above the LOQ, which could be potentially considered a health hazard to both humans and animals.

Sunflower seed treatments are inevitable measure that ensures protection from soildwelling insects and pathogens at the first stages of plant development. Due to the ban of neonicotinoid based insecticides for the sunflower seed treatments, new registered preparations are put to test. The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy of currently registered insecticides against the wireworms (observed in field emergence and percent of damaged plants) and their effect on yield traits (yield, oil content and 1, 000-seed weight) of the sunflower hybrids (Sumo 2 OR, Oliva and Novak) in comparison to previously used neonicotinoids. Seeds were treated with different pesticidal combinations: metalaxyl-m, metalaxyl-m + bifenthrine, metalaxylm + thiacloprid, metalaxyl-m + thiametoxam, and metalaxyl-m + imidacloprid. Twoway ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range tests were performed. Field emergence was not influenced by the treatment. Sumo 2 OR and Oliva emergence did not differ significantly among the treatments (78.3-88.3%; 83.0-91.3%, respectively), but for Novak it was significantly lower (79.3%) when treated with metalaxyl-m. The lowest percent of damaged plants was in the treatment with metalaxyl-m + thiametoxam (1.1-2.4%). However, it did not differ significantly among other treatments (2.4-3.9%), regardless on the hybrid. Novak had the highest average yield (3,938.1 kg*ha-1), followed by Sumo 2 OR (3,566.1 kg*ha-1), and Oliva (3,199.8 kg*ha-1), regardless on the applied seed treatments. The highest 1,000-seed weight was measured for Oliva. Given indicates that currently registered insecticides for the seed treatment of sunflower, such as Sonido and Semafor, can be adequate substitute to the banned neonicotinoids like Cruiser and Gaucho.

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.

Phytotoxic substances released by invasive plants have been reported to have anti-pathogen, anti-herbivore, and allelopathic activity. The aim of this study was to determine the allelopathic influence of the Ambrosia trifida L. on oxidative stress parameters (the lipid peroxidation process; reduced glutathione (GSH) content; and activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (PX)) and phenolic compounds (total phenolic and tannin content) in maize (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crops to explore the effect of released allelochemicals through A. trifida root on crops. An analysis by HPLC confirmed the presence of protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid as major components in the A. trifida. Based on the obtained results for oxidative stress parameters, it can be concluded that the sunflower was the most sensitive species to A. trifida allelochemicals among the tested crops. The other two crops tested showed a different sensitivity to A. trifida. The soybean did not show sensitivity, while the maize showed sensitivity only 10 days after the sowing.

The worldwide problem of infectious diseases has appeared in recent years, and antimicrobial agents are crucial in reducing disease emergence. Nevertheless, the development and distribution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains in pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhi and Citrobacter koseri, has become a major society health hazard. Essential oils could serve as a promising tool as a natural drug in fighting the problem with these bacteria. The current study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effectiveness of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus obliqua L’Hér.), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill) essential oils. The antimicrobial properties of essential oils were screened against four pathogenic bacteria, E. coli, S. aureus, S. Tyhpi, and C. koseri, and two reference bacterial strains, while for the testing, the agar well diffusion method was used. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (GC–MSD) analyses were performed on essential oils. The obtained results showed that M. alternifolia essential oil is the richest in terpinen-4-ol, R. officinalis and E. oblique essential oils in 1,8-cineole, and L. angustifolia essential oil in α-terpinyl acetate. In addition, the main bioactive compounds present in the essential oil of tea tree are rich in α-pinene (18.38%), limonene (7.55%) and γ-terpinene (14.01%). The essential oil of rosemary is rich in α-pinene (8.38%) and limonene (11.86%); eucalyptus essential oil has significant concentrations of α-pinene (12.60%), p-cymene (3.24%), limonene (3.87%), and γ-terpinene (7.37%), while the essential oil of lavender is rich in linalool (10.71%), linalool acetate (9.60%), α-terpinyl acetate (10.93%), and carbitol (13.05%) bioactive compounds, respectively. The obtained results from the in vitro study revealed that most of the essential oils exhibited antimicrobial properties. Among the tested essential oils, tea tree was discovered to demonstrate the strongest antimicrobial activity. The recorded MIC of S. Typhi was 6.2 mg/mL, 3.4 mg/mL of C. koseri, 3.1 mg/mL of E. coli, and 2.7 mg/mL of E. coli ATCC 25922, compared to M. alternifolia. Similarly, only S. aureus ATCC 25923 showed antimicrobial activity towards R. officinalis (1.4 mg/mL), E. oblique (2.9 mg/mL), and L. angustifolia (2.1 mg/mL). Based on the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that tea tree essential oil might be used as an ecological antimicrobial in treating infectious diseases caused by the tested pathogens.

The protection, preservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and their functions are of global importance. For European states it became legally binding mainly through the EU-Water Framework Directive (WFD). In order to assess the ecological status of a given water body, aquatic biodiversity data are obtained and compared to a reference water body. The quantified mismatch obtained determines the extent of potential management actions. The current approach to biodiversity assessment is based on morpho-taxonomy. This approach has many drawbacks such as being time consuming, limited in temporal and spatial resolution, and error-prone due to the varying individual taxonomic expertise of the analysts. Novel genomic tools can overcome many of the aforementioned problems and could complement or even replace traditional bioassessment. Yet, a plethora of approaches are independently developed in different institutions, thereby hampering any concerted routine application. The goal of this Action is to nucleate a group of researchers across disciplines with the task to identify gold-standard genomic tools and novel eco-genomic indices for routine application in biodiversity assessments of European fresh- and marine water bodies. Furthermore, DNAqua-Net will provide a platform for training of the next generation of European researchers preparing them for the new technologies. Jointly with water managers, politicians, and other stakeholders, the group will develop a conceptual framework for the standard application of eco-genomic tools as part of legally binding assessments.

The food of animal origin that is the most consumed is the table egg, but laying hens treated with antibiotics can produce eggs contaminated with antibiotic residues. Residues of antibiotics may present a risk for consumer health. Keeping in mind that laying hens almost always suffer from Mycoplasma (Mycoplasma synoviae), for which they are treated with antibiotics, high-quality egg production is even harder. Our research aimed to investigate the influence of three different antibiotics compared to the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil administered to naturally infected laying hens with M. synoviae, on antibiotic residues in eggs as well as the egg nutritive and sensory qualities. A total of 20,000 laying hens, housed in one facility and divided into four lines each consisting of 5000 hens naturally infected with M. synoviae, was used. For the antimicrobial therapy, tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and chlortetracycline (CTC) were used, respectively. As a control, tea tree essential oil (TT) was used. Based on the gained results all tetracyclines treatment residue values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to the control treatment (TT), but without any significant differences (p > 0.05) between themselves. The results showed no differences in the nutritive and the sensory qualities of eggs between the control and the experimental treatments (p > 0.05). Keeping in mind the obtained results from this study, it can be concluded that tea tree essential oil could be successfully used as a natural antibiotic in the treatment of M. synoviae, without any adverse effects on table egg quality.

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.

A global trend of intensive rapeseed production as a sustainable source of energy has also been accepted in our region, but intensified production results have increased pest populations in that crop. Central European countries with a long tradition of rapeseed production have ample data on pest biology, control and effects of insecticide applications, but such data are almost nonexistant under our regional conditions. In the light of this fact,the objective of our study was to determine the optimal time for insecticide applications for controlling pest species of the genus Ceuthorrynchus.Trials were set up using standard OEPP methods with certain adaptations concerning the pest species. The insecticides based on chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin, applied at the rates of 0.5 l/ha and 0.75 l/ha, and deltamethrin at 0.3 l/ha, were applied a) once – at maximumabundance of adults, and b) twice – first at maximum abundance, and then eight days later. The trials were set up at two localities – Kać and Kovilj. Insecticide effects were evaluated based on the number of adults per 20 plants, the number of damaged plants and thenumber of larvae per plant. After single application of the insecticides chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin (0.5 and 0.75 l/ha) and deltamethrin (0.3 l/ha) in the locality of Kać, the percentage of infested plants was 1.25%, 36% and 75% (respectively), and 95% in untreated plots; while 75% and 22.5% of the plants were infested in the locality of Kovilj after chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin application, 95% after deltamethrin application, and 97.5% in untreated plots. Insecticide effect estimated by the number of larvae/plant was 0 and 0.4 for chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin, 1.4 for deltamethrin and 3.3 for untreated surface in the locality of Kać; while in the locality of Kovilj the effect of chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin was 1.4 and 0.1, deltamethrin 3.9, and 5.2 larvae/plant in untreated plots. After two insecticide applications in Kać, the percentage of infested plantswas 13.7% and 16.2% after chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin treatment, 62.5% after deltamethrin and 95% in untreated plots. In Kovilj, the percentage of infested plants was 22% and 17% after the application of chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin, 79% after deltamethrin, and 97.5% on untreated surface. The insecticide effect shown by the number of larvae/plant was 0.12 and 0.13 for chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin, 1.7 for deltamethrin and 3.3 on untreated surface in the local-quadriityof Kać. In Kovilj, the corresponding data were 0.16 and 0.08 for chlorpyrifos + bifenthrin, 1.4 for deltamethrin and 5.2 larvae/plant for the untreated surface.

Simultaneous occurrence of different harmful species in agricultural practice necessitates that different plant protection chemicals be applied at the same time (tank mix). Mix components differ in purpose, mode of action and/or formulation, while addition of nonpesticide components (complex fertilizers, adjuvants and wetting agents) is widely practiced today. However, data concerning the effects of water quality used for preparation of working liquids on the biological effects of pesticides is still scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine insecticidal effects as depending on components used in mixes and water hardness. The effects of mixtures of thiametoxam (Actara 25-WG 0,07kg/ha) with azoxystrobin (Quadris 0.75 l/ha), mancozeb (Dithane M-70 2.5 kg/ha), a complex fertilizer (Mortonijc plus 3 kg/ha) and a wetting agent (Silwet L-77), depending on the components and water hardness(slightly hard (15.4 d°) - tap water from Novi Sad, and very hard (34.7 d°) - well water from Adica, a Novi Sad suburb), were determined in a bioassay based on adult mortality rate of the first generation of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say). The mixtures were applied by a flooding method. The trial was set up to include four replications. Insecticidal effects were determined 24 h and 48 h after exposure. Thiametoxam effectiveness 24 h and 48 h after application in slightly hard water was 100% when the insecticide was applied alone and in double and triple mixes with the fungicides, complex fertilizer and wetting agent, showing no dependency on mix components.The tested adult population of Colorado potato beetle demonstrated high susmceptibility to thiametoxam, while the other components had no impact in slightly hard water. In very hard water, 24 h after application, the insecticidal effect had the same level of significance to thiametoxam in double and triple mixes, with an exception of thiametoxam+mancozeb+Mortonijc plus and thiametoxam+mancozeb+wetting agent combinations, which showed significantly lower efficacy. After 48 h, substantially lowereffectiveness, in comparison with the sole insecticide and other combinations, was only observed in thiametoksam+mancozeb+Mortonjic plus combination. Significantly lower efficacy of that combination is probably due to an incompatibility of the macozeb preparation and the complex fertilizer containing boron (B), which was evidenced only in very hard water.

The aim of this work was to optimize the determination methods of imazethapyr residues in soil using HPLC with DAD and C 18 (Hypersil ODS, 5 μm, 2.0 x 250 mm) columns and to find the most appropiate solvent for imazethapyr extraction as well as the most suitable SPE cartridges for extract purification. For soil extract purification we decided to use SPE Amino/Carbon, C 18 and SDB-1 cartridges. On the basis of the perfomed chromatography method for optimising imazethapyrdetermination in soil it was found that the most appropiate method for determining imazethapyr residues in soil is the extraction method with Na2CO3 solution, followed by cleaning up on SPE SDB-1 catridge and elution with ACN and water.