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Ethanol solutions of essential oils obtained from Athmanta haynaldii and Myristica fragrans were tested for their toxicity and antifeedant activity against the second instar gypsy moth larvae in the laboratory bioassay. Both isolated oils were subjected to gas chromatography analysis in order to determine their chemical constitutions. Tested oils showed low to moderate larvicidal effect in both residual toxicity test and in chronic larval mortality bioassay. However, antifeedant index achieved by application of tested solutions in feeding choice assay was significantly higher in comparison to control, and almost same as one provided with botanical standard. Low toxic and high antifeedant properties (AF index 85–90%) make these essential oils suitable for integrated pest management programs. Special attention should be paid to further investigation of endemic and rare A. haynalidii in the terms its cultivation and usage of its unique set of biologically active compounds.

We study transport properties of clean FISIF double-barrier junctions consisting of metallic or semiconducting ferromagnets (F), a superconductor (S), and insulating interfaces (I). We solve the scattering problem based on the Bogoliubov–de Gennes equation and calculate differential conductance for arbitrary interface transparency, different effective band masses and Fermi wave vectors in the conductors. We analyze size and coherence effects that characterize ballistic transport: subgap transmission and geometrical oscillations of the conductance. We find that different band masses, as well as different Fermi wave vectors, affect the transport properties in a way similar to interfaces of a finite transparency. In all these cases, charge transport is reduced to resonant tunneling through the quasi-bound states in the superconducting film.

In this article, the dynamics of phenolics in the soil originated from dominant trees and the photosynthetic performance and growth of the forest floor species Arum maculatum is firstly reported. Assimilation of CO2, Chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll concentration in the leaf tissue of A. maculatum as well as natural concentrations of total bioavailable phenolics and phenolic acids in the rhizosphere of this herb were estimated simultaneously during the growing season. Additionally, growth dynamics of A. maculatum were assessed by determination of instantaneous growth rate and leaf area index. The dominant species Fagus moesiaca and Tilia tomentosa were the main sources Of the total phenolics and phenolic acids in plant fitter and soil. The amounts of bioavailable phenolics and phenolic acids in rhizosphere soil were several times lower than in the litter or in freshly fallen leaves of lime and beech. In the rhizosphere soil of A. maculatum, the amount of total phenolics decreased rapidly from March to May. All of five phenolic acids present in leaves of dominant trees were identified in the A. maculatum rhizosphere soil, with characteristic turnover dynamics shown by ferulic and vanillic acid. Dynamics of the photosynthetic performance of A. maculatum was assessed as net photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll fluorescence, which had opposite courses. P-N decreased continuously during the growing season (from 9.91 +/- 1.41 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) at the beginning of March to 4.36 +/- 0.86 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) at the end of May). Photosynthetic rate, growth rate and chlorophyll a:b ratio were positively correlated with total soil phenolics, and also with the available derivatives of cinnamic and benzoic acids (p < 0.05). Photosynthetic efficiency, total chlorophyll content and leaf area index were negatively correlated with total soil phenolics and derivatives of benzoic acid, and positively correlated with the derivatives of cinammic acid (p < 0.05). These results indicate that there was a high correlation between total bioavailable rhizosphere soil phenolics and phenolic acids originated from dominant trees on one side, and the photosynthetic performance and growth parameters of A. maculatum on the other side. (c) 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. Ministry or Science of Serbia [143025]

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of the ethanol extracts from five aromatic medicinal plants against the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The extracts were tested for potential to protect stored legume seeds in terms of their repellency, toxicity and reduction of F1 progeny. Significant insecticidal activity was exhibited only by the 100% concentrated extracts from Urtica dioica L. and Taraxacum officinale L., whereas both 100 and 30% extracts from these plants were effective in repellency and reduction of F1 progeny. Although the extract form Achillea millefolium L. (100%) was ineffective in insecticidal activity, it provided a good level of repellency and reduction of F1 progeny. Extracts from Sambucus nigra L. and Juglans regia L. were ineffective in all conducted bioassays. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. null

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out on the territory of the highest mountain in Central Serbia, Kopaonik, which is characterized by great plant diversity. In total, 83 wild species from 41 families and 96 preparations for use in human therapy were recorded. Among those wild plants which are most commonly used for medicinal purposes, Hypericum perforatum L., Urtica dioica L., Achillea millefolium L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Sambucus nigra L., and Thymus serpyllum L. were particularly highly recommended by the majority of informants as being 'beneficial for all ailments'. The most frequently reported medicinal uses were for treating gastrointestinal ailments (50%), skin injuries and problems (25.6%), followed by respiratory, urinary-genital and cardiovascular problems (20.5%, 20.5%, 19.2%, respectively). Plants with unusual phytotherapeutic uses are Galium verum L. (sedative properties) and Eupatorium cannabinum L. (influenza-like illnesses), while plants with interesting but lesser-known properties include Daphne laureola L. (rheumatism and skin ailments) and Ficaria verna Huds. (tubers for treating haemorrhoids). In addition, 10 wild species used in veterinary medicine, as well as 25 herbs used for human nourishment were noted. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. null