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Variability in the contents of representative secondary metabolites in Gentiana pneumonanthe individuals was investigated in relation to population origin, plant parts and developmental stage. Chem...

Shrubland is a Mediterranean biome characterized by densely growing evergreen shrubs adapted to fire events. To date, scientific research has focused on the impact of vegetation on soil erosion mainly through the control that plant biomass or plant cover exerts on sediment delivery and runoff discharge, being the individual plant species influence on hydrological and erosional processes not achieved in detail. The objective of this research is to determine: i) runoff and soil losses in a shrubland-covered rangeland at Sierra de Enguera, Spain; and ii) how four plant species affect soil and water losses. We measured soil cover, soil properties, runoff discharge and sediment yield under natural rainfall for five years (2010-2014) in a typical shrubland burnt in 1999. Four plant species were selected with 4 plots each: Ulex parviflorus Pourr., Pistacia lentiscus L., Quercus coccifera L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Despite that the soil properties and plant cover did not exhibit statistically significant differences among plant species, the runoff discharge was lower on Q. coccifera (4.87%, SE 0.24) and P. lentiscus (6.24%, SE 0.51) than on U. parviflorus (13.41%, SE 0.58) and R. officinalis (13.84%, SE 1.23). Sediment concentrations were, respectively, 3.91, 4.33, 4.31 and 4.88 g l-1, and the differences between R. officinalis and the other species were statistically significant. The runoff discharge determined differences in soil erosion rates among the plant species with lower rates on P. lentiscus (1.36 Mg ha-1 y-1) and Q. coccifera (1.53 Mg ha-1 y-1), than on U. parviflorus (3.17 Mg ha-1 y-1) and R. officinalis (3.85 Mg ha-1 y-1). This long term in situ study indicated that Q. coccifera and P. lentiscus are more efficient in controlling runoff discharge and soil losses than U. parviflorus and R. officinalis one decade after a fire. We discuss these results in light of the recent findings by the scientific community of the role of the canopy cover (rainfall interception), soil macropore and root system, and the water repellency that control the hydrological response of the soil (e.g. runoff generation, infiltration). The information supplied by 5 years of research is relevant for restoration and rehabilitation programs and advise that Q. coccifera and P. lentiscus are the most efficient plant species to control soil and water losses within the Mediterranean shrubland. This is an applied science approach for a better management of rangelands.

Natural populations of Gentiana asclepiadea L., located at two mountainous sites, were HPLC-analyzed regarding the contents of six representative secondary metabolites. The contents of swertiamarin (SWM), gentiopicrin (GP), sweroside (SWZ), mangiferin (MGF), isoorientin (ISOOR), and isovitexin (ISOV) were determined in six populations (three per study site), and separately for aboveground and belowground plant parts. PCA showed a clear separation of four groups according to the contents of the analyzed secondary metabolites. Out of six analyzed compounds, five were present in all samples and only one (SWZ) was found in Golija populations (belowground parts) but not in Vlasina populations, and its presence can be indicative of the geolocation of populations. Clear separation of groups was mostly affected by the different contents of chemical compounds in plant parts (aboveground versus belowground) and by the differences related to population origin (higher content of SWM and GP in belowground parts of individuals from Vlasina populations and higher content of MGF and ISOOR of individuals from Golija populations). The results of this study contribute to the spatiochemical profiling of G. asclepiadea populations and a better understanding of inter- and intrapopulation variability of pharmacologically important compounds.

Wild edible fruits are highly valued in human nutrition and traditional medicine due to their high content of dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. Physiologically active components that can potentially reduce risks for chronic diseases leads to these plants being classified as “functional food.” The different classes of phytochemicals can be synthetized based on plants’ genetic potential and environmental conditions. Although these phytochemicals have a lower bioactive potential than pharmaceuticals, their daily intake in small amounts can have noticeable long-term physiological effects. The area of the Balkan Peninsula is characterized by a unique biodiversity and represents one of the centers of plant diversity. Serbia is distinguished by its exceptional floral diversity of vascular plants, which is the result of specific climatic, orographic, edaphic, and historical conditions. Wild fruits mostly inhabit mesophilous deciduous forests in hilly–mountainous regions. In the territory of Serbia, over 90 species of wild fruits have been described, belonging to 15 families and 26 genera.

Many biological and related disciplines recognize population as a carrier of species-specific characteristics adapted to habitat requirements. Within a species’ area of distribution, a wide range of biotic and abiotic factors synergistically shape different habitats, and plant populations develop a set of specific features to respond to given environmental conditions. Distinct populations with phenotypic differences determine the ecotypes within the taxon. Similarly, the chemotype is defined as a chemically distinct plant population, according to the composition of secondary metabolites. Many secondary metabolites have pronounced biological activities and implications for human health. With respect to searching for new sources of secondary metabolites with potential health effects, natural populations of plant species attract the substantial attention of researchers because their habitats are highly diverse and unpolluted. Many studies on this subject have confirmed the biological and chemical diversity of natural populations and emphasized the need for the conservation of natural resources.

The reliability of diarylheptanoids as chemotaxonomic markers at inter- and intraspecific levels has been investigated. Six diarylheptanoids were quantified in bark ethanol extracts of four Alnus spp. populations by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The populations described here as locus classicus Alnus glutinosa (I) and locus classicus Alnus incana (III) are clearly differentiated. Compared to population I, individuals in population III have higher extract yields and hirsutanonol-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside content and lower contents of hirsutanonol, rubranoside A and oregonin. Individuals from neighboring populations of A. glutinosa (II) and A. incana (IV) share similar contents of hirsutanonol. All the studied populations exhibit a high intrapopulation variability of the selected diarylheptanoids; they have a heterogeneous chemotype and they partially overlap. The geographical proximity of populations II and IV increases their chemical similarity. Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly shows that the biggest dispersion of individuals lies within population IV. The reason for its heterogeneity might be its physical proximity to population II, i.e. the appearance of hybrids. Also, geometric morphometrics of leaves was performed as a screening criterion for spontaneous hybrids.

The contents of quercetin glycosides and neochlorogenic acid in fresh berries of Cornelian cherry and Common dogwood were assessed through LC-MS/MS analysis to determine chemical differentiation between two distant populations of each species. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical variability of Cornus mas and Cornus sanguinea on the basis of the content of six selected phenolic compounds in fruit extracts. Fruits were sampled at the time of full ripening, mid-September, from two localities that differed in terms of orographic and environmental conditions. Fresh fruit extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS to determine the presence and contents of neochlorogenic acid, quercitrin, isoquercetin, hyperoside, rutoside and querciturone. While all of the tested compounds were detected in both species, their content was several times higher in C. sanguinea. Locality-dependent differences were tested by appropriate statistical tests, which confirmed that the contents of all compounds significantly differed in C. mas, whereas the content of only one compound differed in C. sanguinea. Differences between populations were also revealed by PCA analyses. Both species showed clear separation of populations based on the analyzed phenolic compounds. The results showed that a specific environment can significantly affect the contents of certain secondary metabolites, as in the case of C. mas, and/or that the synthesis of these compounds can be to a lesser extent influenced by external factors, as in the case of C. sanguinea.

A faunistic study of the family Elateridae was carried out in Backa, the north-western district of Vojvodina Province in Serbia, focusing on their preferred habitats and soil types. The survey included four locations with a total of 1059 ha, in which 35 species, belonging to 15 genera of Elateridae, were observed. The frequency of larval and adult forms was 58.94% and 67.40%, respectively, proving that wireworms are regular residents of the area. Regarding habitat preferences, it was shown that a majority of Elateridae species prefer open biotopes and wheat crop, while marsh soil, chernozem and alluvium were the preferred soil types of wireworms.

Inter- and intrapopulation variability in six natural populations of the rare species Gentiana pneumonanthe was examined based on morphological and chemical data. Population size and linear morphometric parameters differed significantly among populations, but without a clear connection to habitat conditions, i. e. water supply and light availability. Leaf shape varied from ovate to lanceolate in all populations, and one population was distinctive in having the largest number of leaves of transitional shape. HPLC analyses of six secondary metabolites were performed separately for belowground parts, and aboveground vegetative and reproductive parts of individual plants (6 populations ×7 individuals ×3 plant parts, n=126) in order to examine differences at the population and individual levels. Three secoiridoids (swertiamarin (SWM), sweroside (SWZ), and gentiopicrin (GP)), one xanthone (mangiferin (MGF)), and two flavones (isoorientin (IO) and isovitexin (IV)) were detected and quantified in the analyzed samples: sweroside dominated in the aboveground reproductive part, mangiferin in the aboveground vegetative part, and gentiopicrin in the belowground part. At the population level, differences in contents of the analyzed chemicals among populations were significant only for a few metabolites. At the individual level, a pronounced organ-dependent distribution of secondary metabolites was revealed. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of natural variability within populations of the rare and threatened G. pneumonanthe, and provide data on the contents and within-plant distribution of secondary metabolites, which are important as pharmacologically active compounds and may be useful for further biotechnological procedures regarding this species.

The composition and variability of the terpenes and their derivatives isolated from the needles of a representative pool of 114 adult trees originating from four natural populations of dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugoTurra) from the Julian Alps were investigated by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. In total, 54 of the 57 detected essential-oil components were identified. Among the different compound classes present in the essential oils, the chief constituents belonged to the monoterpenes, comprising an average content of 79.67\% of the total oil composition (74.80\% of monoterpene hydrocarbons and 4.87\% of oxygenated monoterpenes). Sesquiterpenes were present in smaller amounts (average content of 19.02\%), out of which 16.39\% were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and 2.62\% oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The most abundant components in the needle essential oils were the monoterpenes -car-3-ene, -phellandrene, -pinene, -myrcene, and -pinene and the sesquiterpene -caryophyllene. From the total data set of 57 detected compounds, 40 were selected for principal-component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and cluster analysis (CA). The overlap tendency of the four populations suggested by PCA, was as well observed by DA. CA also demonstrated similarity among the populations, which was the highest between Populations I and II. Ministry of Education and Science of Republic of Serbia {[}173011, 173021]; Slovenian Research Agency {[}P4-0107, P4-0059]

Diarylheptanoids are a group of secondary metabolites widely distributed in the Betulaceae family and characteristic for Alnus species. In this study, the chemotaxonomic power of diarylheptanoids, such as hirsutanonol-5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, rubranoside A, oregonin, platyphylloside, alnuside A and hirsutanonol, has been investigated in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) for differentiation of Alnus species. Concentrations of six diarylheptanoids in the bark extracts of two natural populations of Alnus glutinosa (black alder) and Alnus incana (gray alder) were determined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). PCA clearly shows the separation of three groups. Populations I (A. glutinosa) and II (A. incana) both consisted of individuals of the corresponding species. Four individuals from both sampled populations formed a separate group (population III), which possibly represents a hybrid group. Accordingly, diarylheptanoids may serve in combination with PCA as chemotaxonomic markers at the species level, which may also reveal hybrid species.

Aim:L. is a widespread European shrubby species. It is a potential source of biologically active compounds, especially antioxidants, as indicated by the dogberries’ black color. The aim of the present study was to determine the content of several quercetin derivatives in the dogberries and to evaluate phytogeographical variability of these compounds.Materials and methods:The dogberries were collected in the middle of September at two natural habitats of this species: Mt. Avala and Lake Zlatar, Serbia. The extract obtained from fresh fruits was subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis to identify and quantify the content of five quercetin derivatives: quercetin-3-Results:All of examined quercetin derivatives were detected in extract of fresh dogberries and their contents were in the following order: Q-3-O-GlcA>Q-3-O-Gal>Q-3-O-Rut>Q-3-O-Glc>Q-3-O-Rha. The average amount of Q-3-O- Rut varied significantly and depended on the geographic origin of the fruit sample.Conclusions:These results indicate that dogberries could be a potential source of natural antioxidants, and encourage further investigation of this species considering that it has not yet been exploited in either nutrition or as a source of important pharmacological compounds.

The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), causes enormous damage to broadleaved forests in the northern hemisphere where it frequently defoliates large areas of forest. Since outbreaks begin in oak forests, its most suitable habitat, we determined the preference and performance of gypsy moth larvae when reared on three species of native oaks: sessile oak, Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.; Turkey oak, Q. cerris L.; and Hungarian oak, Q. frainetto (Ten.). Leaf expansion and selected physical and chemical characteristics of the oak leaves were also measured. The shortest development time and highest relative consumption (RCR), growth rate (RGR), assimilation efficiency (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and digested food into larval biomass (ECD) values were recorded when larvae were fed on Turkey oak. Two-choice tests revealed that Turkey oak is the preferred host plant. It had the highest total soluble protein and leaf nitrogen content, lowest C/N ratio and its phenology was well synchronized with the hatching of the larvae. The worst performance and lowest preference index were recorded when fed on Hungarian oak, the leaves of which had the lowest protein and nitrogen content, while in terms of the values for preference and performance the larvae fed on sessile oak were intermediate. Our results indicate that forests with Turkey oak are highly likely to be defoliated by gypsy moth larvae and therefore should be regularly monitored.

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.

PCR-RAPD markers revealed individual variation in F. ornus. A total of 122 fragments were amplified using 7 primers and of these 97 fragments were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci was between 53.3% and 74.6% with an average of 63.1%. The mean gene diversity for all populations was 0.30 and the mean Shannon’s index was 0.44. Of the total genetic variation 87% was intra-population whilst 13% was inter-population. The Mantel test revealed significant correlation between genetic and geographical distance matrice. Results herein represent the first use of molecular genetic (DNA) markers to characterize genetic variation in F. ornus populations. The partition of total genetic variance indicates a relatively restricted population differentiation as expected in outcrossing species. Present and future information on genetic structure and variability in F. ornus needs to be incorporated into strategies for the preservation of genetic resources of tree species. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173011]

The composition of the essential oil of the twigs and needles of Taxus baccata L. from three natural populations in Serbia has been determined by GC/MS analysis. Of the 91 detected compounds, 87 were identified. The most abundant compound classes were aliphatic alcohols, terpenes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aliphatic aldehydes, which together comprised ca. 86.92% of the total oil composition. The dominant constituents were oct-1-en-3-ol (23.48%), (3Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol (11.46%; aliphatic alcohols), and myrtenol (11.38%; oxygenated monoterpene). The PCA of 22 selected compounds revealed differentiations of populations based on geographic distribution. The CA showed that Populations I and II from the Dinaric Alps were similar, and that Population III from the Balkan mountain system was distinct. This was the first investigation of interpopulation variability of T. baccata populations based on essential oil composition. The results of this study were compared with those of previous studies concerning volatile compounds produced by Taxus species. The results indicate that the essential oil content of T. baccata populations from this study is unique, mostly resembling the population from southeast Serbia.

Out of a total number of tree species in Serbian flora, 28% are hermaphrodites, 43% are monoecious and 29% are dioecious. The dendroflora appears to have a larger proportion of unisexual than hermaphrodite species. The monoecious system is the dominant unisexual system within the tree species in Serbia. The possible sex differentiation by RAPD markers and Correspondence Analysis was examined in a population of Fraxinus ornus var. angustifolia. On the basis of 6 selected RAPD bands which contribute to the differentiation in frequency between male and hermaphrodite individuals, Correspondence Analysis visualized the following tendency: 20 trees of each variety were separated into two groups that mainly correspond to sexual types. Our results showed that RAPD markers assisted by Correspondence Analysis could be used in identifying male and hermaphrodite individuals in F. ornus varieties.

Photosynthetic performance of seedlings of Quercus robur exposed to short-term water stress in the laboratory conditions was assessed through the method of induced fluorometry. The substrate for seedlings was clayey loam, with the dominant texture fraction made of silt, followed by clay and fine sand, with total porosity 68.2%. Seedlings were separated in two groups: control (C) (soil water regime in pots was maintained at the level of field water capacity) and treated (water-stressed, WS) (soil water regime was maintained in the range of wilting point and lentocapillary capacity). The photosynthetic efficiency was 0.642?0.25 and 0.522?0.024 (WS and C, respectively), which was mostly due to transplantation disturbances and sporadic leaf chlorosis. During the experiment Fv/Fm decreased in both groups (0.551?0.0100 and 0.427?0.018 in C and WS, respectively). Our results showed significant differences between stressed and control group, in regard to both observed parameters (Fv/Fm and T?). Photosynthetic efficiency of pedunculate oak seedlings was significantly affected by short-term water stress, but to a lesser extent than by sufficient watering.

The ecophysiological model INTERCOM was evaluated for its suitability in predicting the growth of perennial forest herbs. A field experiment was conducted to obtain data on photosynthesis and growth parameters of two spring flowering understorey geophytes. Results were used to parameterize the model and its performance was evaluated using the average normalized difference (AE) between predicted and observed biomass and the leaf area index. The model was assumed to provide accurate simulations if the AE was smaller than 0.4. Adjusting the photosynthetic intensity parameters in the model to reflect observed changes in photosynthesis throughout the growing period resulted in the accurate prediction of Scilla bifolia and Arum maculatum biomass (AE=0.13 and AE=0.021, respectively) and LAI (AE=-0.16 and AE=-0.08, respectively). Ecophysiological models may be useful tools for predicting the biomass accumulation of forest understorey species in response to varying environmental conditions, which could be useful for monitoring forest ecosystem health.

A 5-year field survey examined western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) beetle density in Serbia from 2002 to 2006. First-, second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-year maize fields were sampled; they represented 64.61%, 21.66%, 9.45%, 3.53% and 0.75% of all sampled fields respectively. Results showed that the mean WCR beetle population density from 794 maize fields differed depending on cropping history. Minimum mean WCR/trap/day was 0.0 in the first-year maize fields in 2002 and 2006. Maximum mean WCR/trap/day was registered in the fourth-year and the fifth-year maize fields (27.8 and 21.2 respectively). Mean population density of WCR adults increased with the number of years of continuous maize from 1.17, 4.61, 6.41, 10.30 up to 13.53 WCR/trap/day for first-fifth-year maize fields respectively. Mean WCR/trap/day ± SE exceeded the economic population threshold of >6 WCR/trap/day in third-year continuous maize fields. Out of 794 maize fields, 697 (87.78%) registered a mean population density below the 6 beetles/trap/day, a finding that predicts a risk of economic damage to a subsequent maize planting. These data are representative of the Serbian situation from 2002 to 2006; they indicate that WCR are well dispersed across commercial maize fields in Serbia. These results provide new insight into the current low WCR population densities in maize fields managed by crop rotation, a finding that can help in creating long-term management strategy.

Population dynamics of the species Plantago major L. and Poa annua L., typical representatives of ruderal vegetation, was analyzed in a replacement series experiment. The analyzed species were sown in an area with meadow vegetation, where the vegetation present had been previously removed by a total herbicide and additionally by hoeing. The objective of the experiment was to monitor growth dynamics and the effect of intra- and inter-specific interaction of the species Plantago major and Poa annua in conditions of different sowing densities and proportions. The effects of intra- and inter-specific interference and the density-dependent responses were assessed on the basis of several parameters (natality, mortality, age structure, and measures of ontogenetic changes). Based on the study results, it can be concluded that the responses of the species in the experiment were different, which is explained by different adaptive mechanisms, i.e., strategies, in the specific environmental conditions. An effect of the density dependent response was present in both species in the replacement series experiment. The response was amplified by water deficit caused by intensive evapora?tion of the bare soil. No effect of inter-specific interference was observed at the given densities of the study species on the sample plots. An effect of intra-specific interference of the species Plantago major and Poa annua was observed in the guise of a density-negative response of the rate of ontogenetic changes and fecundity.

We investigated differences of salinity tolerance between 'salt-tolerant' (ST) and 'salt-sensitive' (SS) genotypes of yellow centaury [Centaurium maritimum (L.) Fritsch] selected during the germination phase. The ability of in vitro cultured C. maritimum to complete the whole ontogenetic cycle in less than 6 months enabled us to deterine salinity tolerance during different growth phases. Based on the physiological attributes measured in this study (growth, morphogenesis, photosynthesis, flowering, seed germination), it can be concluded that C. maritimum genotypes differing in salinity tolerance showed a variable response to elevated salt concentrations during both the vegetative and the generative growth phase.

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]

The results of 20-year monitoring of the population of Mergus merganser in the East Dinaric Mountains are presented in this article. Colonization of the Sjenicko, Zlatarsko, and Radojina Lakes in Serbia by this species and its dispersion on the Zvornicko, Perucac, and Visegradsko Lakes in the Republic of Srpska occurred in this period. The population of goosander is progressive and we sug gest that it will expand to other lakes in the region, ones in Montenegro and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Study Area The East Dinaric Mountains are situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, with the highest peaks up to 2500 m a.s.l. The whole Dinaric region belongs to the Black Sea basin, and the Drina River catchment area includes rapid highland rivers with a great amount of water. The climate is highland continental in the area of the upper lakes, whereas sub-Mediterranean climatic elements appear in the lower canyons. Coniferous and deciduous forests with refugial habitats in the canyons make up the vegetation cover of the mountain region. The energy potential of Drina River has been greatly exploited in the past 50 years by the building of nine hydro-electric power plants with artificial lakes. The first of them, Zlatarsko Lake, was formed

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

The Resava Gorge is situated in Eastern Serbia in the region of the Gornja Resava River, extending westward from Mt. Globski Krs to the town of Lisine. In floral research conducted during 1997 and 1998, 297 taxa of vascular flora belonging to 68 families were discovered. The families Poaceae (28), Asteraceae (21), Fabaceae (20) and Lamiaceae (19) were best represented. The presence of 49 floral elements was also noted. The greatest number of plants are sub-Central European (18,86 %), Eurasian (14,14 %), sub-Mediterranean (8,75 %), Central European (6,40 %) and sub- Eurasian (6,40 %). As for life forms, hemi-cryptophytes (49,50 %), phanerophytes (19,53 %) and geophytes (11,11 %) were noted as dominant.

The patterns of tree-related stress research depended on their cultivation status and were statistically highly significant in all analyses. Non-cultivated tree species were studied more, cited more often, by authors from differing countries, with emphasis on different tree processes, stress types and research areas, and published in different journals. From 2001---2014, 4128 articles in 586 different academic journals dealt with tree stress. A majority of journals published stress-related research either on cultivated or on non-cultivated tree species. The articles were averagely cited 17 times, the five dominant journals being Acta Horticulturae, Tree Physiology, Trees--Structure and Function, Forest Ecology and Management and PLoS ONE. Research was published by authors from 109 countries, authors from China, USA, Spain, Brazil and Italy being the most productive. International collaboration was present in 21 % of the articles. A total of 1141 tree species were studied from 366 genera. The dominant species studied were Olea europaea, Malus x domestica, Pinus sylvestris, Prunus persica, Picea abies. Around ¾ of the articles were single species studies. Water stress, followed by drought stress, salt stress, abiotic stress, and environmental stress were the most studied types with over 90 % articles dealing with a single stress type. Physiological and ecophysiological research of trees exposed to stress dominated, followed by molecular biology and biochemistry, genetics, ecology. Tree growth was the most studied process/activity, followed by photosynthesis, gene expression, stomatal conductance and water status. An increase in "-omics" type research was observed in recent years in cultivated tree research.

Biomass accumulation, leaf longevity and growth rate of two spring forest geophytes, Scilla bifolia L. and Arum maculatum L. were estimated separately for three size groups within each population of these species. Despite the differences in leaf longevity, both species showed a similar pattern of biomass accumulation in relation to their phenologies and reproductive demands. Eco-physiological acclimation to changing light environment was assumed through photosynthetic parameters and dynamics of leaf area index in the predominant size group of each species. A light response curve was measured under natural light for each species through the continuum of its phenology to quantify the photosynthetic photon flux density at light saturation, light-saturated photosynthetic rate, light compensation point, and dark respiration. Light-saturated assimilation per leaf area basis, dark respiration rate and light compensation points were significantly higher in S. bifolia relative to A. maculatum. However, the acclimation of photosynthesis that would respond to light changes in environment was not found in S. bifolia. In contrast, in A. maculatum a marked shift in the light dependence of photosynthesis through the season was noticed, which resulted in a strong photosynthetic acclimation to the low-light conditions. Accompanied by significant leaf area index, this efficient low-light photosynthesis enabled greater leaf longevity, and consequently longer accumulative period to A. maculatum. From the different parameters that we determined (both photosynthetic acclimation and growth strategy) it would appear that these species belong to two distinct subgroups: S. bifolia to the early and A. maculatum to the late vernals. (Managing editor: Ya-Qin)

The biological activities of essential oils from Ocimum basilicum L. and Salvia officinalis L. against Sitophilus oryzae were investigated in the laboratory experiments. Contact toxicity (applied essential oils on filter papers), grain treatment for mortality and repellency assays, and also effect of oils on insect fecundity were obtained during four weeks. Only the most concentrated solutions of essential oils (2 %) of both plants caused the significant mortality, repellency and anti-reproductive effect. All grain-protective properties of essential oils were concentration- and time-dependent. Insecticidal effectiveness of applied oil's solutions on the grain surface was similar as on filter paper; repellency of the most concentrated oils was significant, but their effect in reduction the F1 progeny was the most striking.

Ethanol solutions of five fractions obtained from essential oil of sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) (F1-F5) were tested for their antifeedant properties against 2(nd) instar gypsy moth larvae, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), in laboratory non-choice and feeding-choice experiments. Prior to bioassays, the chemical composition of each fraction was determined by gas chromatography analyses. Significant larval deterrence from feeding was achieved by application of tested solutions to fresh leaves of the host plant. The most effective were were F1 (0.5%), F4 (0.05, 0.1, and 0.5%), and F5 (0.1 and 0.5%), which provided an antifeedant index80% after five days. A low rate of larval mortality was observed in no-choice bioassay. In situ screening of chlorophyll fluorescence as an indicator of plant stress level (assessed by the induced fluorometry) confirmed that the tested compounds did not cause alternations in the photosynthetic efficiency of treated leaves.

Ethanol solutions of essential oil of Ocimum basilicum and its main component, linalool (both isomer forms), all in three concentrations, as well as botanical standard Bioneem (0.5%), were tested for their toxicity and antifeedant activity against the second instar gypsy moth larvae in the laboratory bioassay. The essential oil of O. basilicum was subjected to gas chromatography analysis, and totally 37 compounds were detected, of which linalool was predominantly present. All tested solutions showed low to moderate larvicidal effect in both residual toxicity test and in chronic larval mortality bioassay. Chronic mortality tests showed that obtained mortality was a consequence of starving rather than ingestion of treated leaves. However, antifeedant index achieved by application of tested solutions in feeding choice assay was remarkable. Foliar application of all tested compounds deterred feeding by L2 in the same percent as Bioneem. Antifeedant index was relatively high at all tested treatments (85-94%); moreover, the larval desensitization to repelling volatiles has not occurred after five days of observation. Low toxic and high antifeedant properties make these plant-derived compounds suitable for incorporation in integrated pest management programs, especially in urban environments.