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Interpopulation and intrapopulation variability of three morphological needle traits (length, width and thickness) was investigated in 16 natural silver fir populations in the Balkan Peninsula. The populations represent refugial areas of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the influence of climatic factors (mean annual temperature, number of days with temperatures < 0, > 5, < 18, > 18oC, Hargreaves climatic moisture deficit and De Martonne aridity index, on the pattern of morphological needle traits within each population. Populations showed variation in the analyzed morphological needle traits, which could not be clearly defined by any of the analyzed climatic factors. The De Martonne aridity index and Hargreaves climatic moisture deficit had the greatest impact on the trait values, whereas the mean annual precipitation had the lowest. Evolutionary ecology research of the silver fir needle morphology is a valuable contribution to the comprehention of the present genetic variability as a prerequisite for adaptation to the rapid climate change and conservation of the species area in the Balkan Peninsula region.

Salt-inducible kinases 1-3 (SIK1-3) are key regulators of the LKB1-AMPK pathway and play an important role in cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of any of the three isoforms has been associated with tumorigenesis in liver, breast, and ovarian cancers. We have recently developed the dual pan-SIK/group I p21-activated kinase (PAK) chemical probe MRIA9. However, inhibition of p21-activated kinases has been associated with cardiotoxicityin vivo, which complicates the use of MRIA9 as a tool compound. Here, we present a structure-based approach involving the back-pocket and gatekeeper residues, for narrowing the selectivity of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one-based inhibitors towards SIK kinases, eliminating PAK activity. Optimization was guided by high-resolution crystal structure analysis and computational methods, resulting in a pan-SIK inhibitor, MR22, which no longer exhibited activity on STE group kinases and displayed excellent selectivity in a representative kinase panel. MR22-dependent SIK inhibition led to centrosome dissociation and subsequent cell-cycle arrest in ovarian cancer cells, as observed with MRIA9, conclusively linking these phenotypic effects to SIK inhibition. Taken together, MR22 represents a valuable tool compound for studying SIK kinase function in cells.

Organic matter is considered one of the main sources of water pollution caused by the discharge of wastewater of different categories directly into rivers. The increased content of organic matter serves as a source of food for water microorganisms and significantly lowers dissolved oxygen of the recipient. Floating treatment wetlands (FTW) are an innovative green technology that removes excess organic matter from water. This paper shows the effectiveness of floating treatment wetlands in removing organic matter from the water of a polluted urban river. Cells with floating islands had BOD reduced by 84-91%, COD in the range of 57-65% and TOC by 16-20%. The highest efficiency in COD and TOC reduction was achieved in Cell I where P. australis was planted, and BOD in Cell II where C. indica was planted. The results of these studies showed that after 6 days of treatment of polluted water, a high reduction of BOD and COD was achieved, as well as a satisfactory reduction of TOC concentration.

In order to reduce negative effects of application of chemical agents, biological control is becoming increasingly important. This paper therefore focused on research of effects of certain types of seed beetles on control of invasive plant species in Serbia. Numerous sources suggest that for legumes and seed beetles Bruhinae: Chrysomelidae the rule of coexistence in pairs applies in all ecozones. The species rely on one another, primarily in terms of geographical origin or association, thus one plant species is frequently attacked by only one type of seed beetle. Being confirmed to be expressly monophagous, bruchins have proven to be excellent potential agents of control of invasive and harmful host plants (to date, false indigo-bush in Serbia), as is the case of the seed beetle of Persian silk tree, which has been registered as monophagous in Serbia for the first time, making it the number one potential agent in control of the host plant – Persian silk tree in Greece. Standard entomological methods were used, from sample collections, to experiments in photo-eclectors, during dissection counting and placing the seed for development inside by the method 1 flacon – 1 seed, to maintain precise records of the origin of the emerged insects and their numbers, within standard laboratory conditions. The conditions favoring the expansion of the plant have already developed due to climatic circumstances (changes in terms of heat extremes – global warming and precipitation), and it is now gradually becoming invasive. Parasitoid accumulation of roughly one-third (30%) of the total number of false indigo-bush pods makes the false indigo-tree seed beetle a viable candidate for the status of a bioagent. The species has the extreme potential for the application of biological measures which is now quickly gaining importance, all for the purposes of developing the integral control of the plants. Species Acanthoscelides pallidipennis and Bruchidius terrenus have been recorded in this research for the first time in Serbia, while calendars of development have been made for the researched bruchin species, which represents a significant scientific contribution.

The aim of this research was to quantify the content of hazardous elements in the needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) in the natural habitats that were accumulated from thermal power plants, mines, and metal processing industry. Fifteen natural populations of the Norway spruce were sampled from the mountain ranges in Southeastern Europe (Dinaric Alps and Balkan Mountains). Two-year-old spruce needles were evaluated the content of the following hazardous elements: heavy metals cadmium, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc, and metalloid arsenic. The effect of the distance between air pollution emitters and the Norway spruce natural habitats on the hazardous elements content in needles was also evaluated. The results of the analysis of variance confirmed interpopulation differences in the content of all analyzed hazardous elements. The effect of the air pollution source (thermal power plants, mines, and industry) on the content of hazardous elements in the spruce needles was also assessed. Significant correlation was found between the distance of air pollution emitters and the amount of zinc. This study could serve as the startup point of future monitoring programs and provide new prospect of using Norway spruce needles as the bioindicator of air pollution with hazardous elements on Balkan Peninsula since the fact that the Norway spruce natural populations inhabit wide geographic range of the continental Europe, from the Balkan Peninsula, over European Alps to Scandinavia and a large-scale of altitude from 980 to 1860 m above sea level.

Pathogenic microorganisms in water pose a great risk to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to find an efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically acceptable solution for their removal from polluted and wastewater. This paper presents the efficiency of a biological system with floating islands in the removal of pathogenic microorganisms from the water of a polluted urban river. The modified floating treatment wetland consisted of a collection tank, 4 calls with floating islands and 1 cell with algae, which enabled additional water polishing. The results of the research showed that the biological system constructed on the bank of this river had a high efficiency in reducing the number of various groups of pathogenic microorganisms. Within the cells with the floating islands, 100% efficiency in the removal of coliform bacteria of faecal origin was achieved, and the reduction of pathogens was continued within the cell with algae. The realised efficiency of removal of total coliform bacteria was 100% in all cells, except in the cell 4 with decorative aquatic macrophytes, in which the efficiency was 97%. The number of intestinal enterococci was reduced in the range of 92 to 97% in cells with plants, and up to 98% in the cells with algae. The floating islands and algae also enabled a high reduction in the number of aerobic heterotrophs and facultative oligotrophs. In addition, the ratio of these microorganisms had a value above 1 during the entire period of water treatment, which indicated that natural processes of self-purification of polluted water ran smoothly in the floating treatment wetland. Due to the reduction of pathogenic microorganisms, water that belonged to class V, i.e., III, after the discharge from the biological system, had the characteristics of water with excellent ecological status (class I).

Prirodne populacije divlje trešnje u Srbiji nalaze se blizu južne granice areala ove značajne šumske vrste. Opstanak rubnih provenijencija, u Srbiji i široj regiji jugoistoka Europe, ugrožen je uslijed promjene klime, male veličine populacija, niske kompetitivnosti vrste i dr. Zbog toga se preporučuje umjetno potpomaganje obnove populacija uz proširivanje njihove genske raznolikosti. Iako je poznavanje razine i strukture genetske raznolikosti preduvjet njene učinkovite konzervacije i korištenja, istraživanja ove tematike na divljoj trešnji u regiji su rijetka. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi razinu i obrazac fenotipske varijabilnosti za morfološka svojstva plodova, a raspravljena je i mogućnost povezanosti obrasca fenotipske varijabilnosti s genetskom diferencijacijom provenijencija.Plodovi su prikupljeni u devet prirodnih populacija. Analizirano je deset morfoloških svojstava plodova i utrđena je prosječna klijavost provenijencija. Najmanje varijabilnim pokazalo se svojstvo širina ploda (CV = 6.2%), dok je najvarijabilnije svojstvo bila debljina peteljke (CV = 29.4%). Analizom varijance utvrđeno je da su se provenijencije međusobno statistički značajno razlikovale po svim istraživanim morfološkim svojstvima plodova (p, Natural wild cherry populations in Serbia are a part of the southern border of this valuable forest tree species distribution range. The survival of these marginal provenances in Serbia as well as in the wider region is threatened by climate change, small population sizes, low competitiveness, etc. Therefore, it is recommended to artificially assist population regeneration while increasing their genetic diversity. Although knowledge of the amount and pattern of the specie’s genetic diversity is a prerequisite for its effective conservation and use, related research in the region is scarce. The main goal of this study was to determine the amount and pattern of phenotypic variability of natural wild cherry populations in Serbia. Possible link between revealed pattern of phenotypic variability and genetic differentiation of the provenances was discussed.Fruits were collected in nine natural populations. Ten morphological traits of the fruits were measured, and average germination rate of the provenances was assessed. The least variable trait was the fruit width (CV = 6.2%), while the most variable trait was the petiole thickness (CV = 29.4%). Analysis of variance revealed significant among-provenance variation for investigated fruit characteristics (p

Second year after the fire broke out on Vidlič Mountain during the summer of 2007, the changes of burnt down beech wood vegtation were recorded. Fitocenological research of the beeech wood habitat at the location of Visoka Stena two years after the fire, was carried out in accordance with Braun-Blanquet method. The results of the terrain research were given in the form of fitocenological table. It was noticed that the most present species were Rubus idaeus, Epilobium angustifolium, Galium mollugo, Doronicum columnae, Lactuca muralis and Securigera varia. Turf grass such as Brachypodium sylvaticum, Poa nemoralis, Poa badensis, Festuca varia, Festuca valesiaca and Agrostis capillaris was also present which is a significant factor in the succession process as grass is a powerful colonist. The conclusion was that revitalization of the beech wood depends on how much the beech trees had been destroyed by the fire.

In this paper, the influence of wildfire on beech forests the third year after the fire at locality Visoka Stena on the Vidlič Mountain is followed. The results of field studies are presented in the form of phytocoenological table. The quantitative increase in the number of species diversity index in comparison to the previous two seasons was registered. Increasing number of woody and shrubby representatives of plants influences more favorable conditions for survival, germination, and further development of beech saplings in their shadows, which, with a greater wealth of nutrients in the soil than before the fire, are the good prerequisites for gradual natural regeneration of beech forests.

The results of morphometric analysis of Hungarian oak seeds originating from Lipovica Forest Management Unit are presented in this paper. The seeds have been collected from 50 trees evenly distributed on the forest management unit area. The length, width and mass of acorns are measured on the sample consisting of 50 acorns per tree. The volume and shape index of acorns are calculated based on the measured values of their length and width. The mean values of morphometric characteristics obtained in research indicate there is a high variability among the studied genotypes. The latter has also been confirmed by means of an analysis of variance which determined statistically significant differences between the sampled mother trees for all the observed morphometric characteristics. The results obtained represent a good starting point for future research on breeding of the species and can be utilised for improvement of the mass production of high quality Hungarian oak planting material in Serbia.

Austrian pine is one of the species most often used for afforestation in our conditions. In the area of Avala, afforestation with Austrian and Scots pine began in 1899. The stands of Austrian pine located on the northern and northwestern foothills of the Avala Landscape of Outstanding Features are 115 years old, while the stands on the southern and southeastern side are about 65 years old. Two-year research in the area of Avala recorded the presence of 18 species of fungi on Austrian pine. Out of that number, 6 fungi were found on needles, 5 on needles and seeds, 2 on roots and stem bases, 1 on cones, 3 on trunks and branches and 1 species in vascular bundles. Of all the species, the greatest damage is caused by Sphaeropsis sapinea and species of the Armillaria genus.

Long-term courses of water protection and management are based on the fact that Serbia belongs to the region of UNECE countries (UN Economic Commission for Europe) while most of its territory belongs to the Danube River Basin where countries have established multilateral coordination and cooperation in water management. Since the Republic of Serbia is currently in the process of joining the EU, it is obliged to gradually align its strategic decisions in the field of water to the documents that apply to EU member states. The degree of the state's readiness to join the EU will be assessed based on the adequate introduction of internationally accepted principles of water management into the strategic documents and their establishment and implementation at the state level and within international cooperation in this area. Serbia will not be granted EU membership unless it invests significant funds in wastewater and polluted water treatment, as this is one of the priorities in meeting the criteria to open Chapter 27. The introduction of biological systems into the standard water treatment infrastructure provides higher levels of environmental protection and contributes to the integration of environmental requirements, opinions and principles into the plans and programs that encourage and promote sustainable development. The paper will present the current level of alignment between EU and Serbian water-related legislation and propose specific guidelines for the introduction of biological systems for the treatment of polluted water in strategic documents in Serbia.

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika /Panc./ Purkyne) is rare and endangered tertiary relict and endemic species in the Balkan Peninsula. Its natural distribution is fragmented and restricted to western Serbia and eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, mainly in the canyon of middle course of the Drina river. Since the mid-19th century, the number and size of populations have been steadily decreasing accompanied by a decline in the number of mature individuals, endangering natural regeneration is endangered. The objective of this study is to determine variability within Serbian spruce (Picea omorika /Panc./ Purkyne) natural population in the canyon of the Milesevka river on the basis of morphological and anatomical characteristics of needles and, thus, to broaden knowledge on this rare and endangered species. Twigs with needles collected from all mature individuals that represent the population were used as material for the study. The following morphological and anatomical characteristics were measured: NL- needle length; NH - needle height; NW - needle width; CT+EH - cuticle + epidermis height; HH - hypodermis height; VB - vascular bundle diameter; No of SC - number of resin channels; SC diameter - resin channel diameter. The average values of the measured characteristics are: needle length 13.23 mm; needle width 1239.93 ?m; needle height 608.63 ?m; cuticle + epidermis height 11.49; hypodermis height 17.59 ?m; vascular bundle diameter 220.64 ?m; number of resin channels 0.74; resin channel diameter 52.36 ?m. The characteristics with the highest variability are as follows: number of resin channels (161.64%); resin channel diameter (25.35%); hypodermis height (20.79%), while the needle width is a characteristic with the lowest variability (6.39%). The results of the analysis of variance showed very high statistical differences within population for all studied characteristics (p

The results of interpopulation variability of morphometric parameters of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings originating from eight populations from the part of natural distribution area in Serbia are presented in this paper. The studied populations of Dubašnica, Jastrebac, Boranja, Fruška Gora, Mali Pek, Goč, Beljanica, and Javor have various ecological and vegetational characteristics. The results of this paper refer to root collar diameter and height of seedlings at the age of 1+0 and 2+0. Analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference between the populations in terms of the studied morphological traits of seedlings (p

We strive to live in a healthy environment and to keep the entire food chain unpolluted and free of all unwanted contaminants. The care for humans cannot be considered partially if at the same time we do not succeed in a fight for unpolluted environment for flora and fauna. Likewise, we need to be well aware of environmental conditions and benefits they provide us with for better quality and healthier living in a particular area. Certainly, each territory has its own characteristics caused by environmental conditions. In geological terms, the territory of Novi Pazar is special in its characteristics since in this area Vardar zone faces Dinaric zone, where both have an impact on the quality of the environment. Knowing the property of parent material that by its dissolution it gives elements which reach lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere and through the food chain they circulate from plants, animals to humans, it is necessary to intensify the study of the properties of geological substrate as an indicator of preserved and healthy environment.

The process of plant breeding and conservation of gene pool among other things depends on the knowledge of the level of genetic differentiation. The aim of research in this paper was to determine the genetic differentiation of silver fir (Abies albaMill.) populations of regular type and atypical genotypes with pyramidal crown that can be found on Javor mountain, at the site Ogorijevac. The genetic differentiation of silver fir was determined using SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. Nine SSR pairs of primers gave 29 alleles, while the average number of alleles was 3.2. The primer NFH15 gave the smallest number of alleles (two), while the primer SF78 gave the greatest number of alleles (five). Dice coefficient of the genetic similarity was used to obtain a dendrogram by UPMGA analysis using NTSYSpc statistical program. The genetic similarity recorded among the individuals P1 and P2 was the largest (0.89), while the populations VI and individual P2 showed the lowest similarity (0.61).Based on the cluster analysis it canbe concluded that the studied populations and genotypes of silver fir with different types of crown are clearly differentiated. The basic insight into the level of the genetic diversity of the natural populations of silver fir with the various types of crown has been provided using selected SSR markers. The obtained results can be used for creating further strategy for the conservation of the available gene pool and the regeneration of silver fir forests in Serbia. Proces oplemenjivanja biljaka i konzervacije genofonda između ostalog, zavisi i od poznavanja stepena genetičke diferencijacije. Cilj istraživanja u ovom radu bio je da se utvrdi genetička diferencijacija populacija jele (Abies alba Mill.)normalanog tipa i atipičnih genotipova piramidalanog tipa krošnje, koje se javljaju na planini Javor, na lokalitetu Ogorijevac. Genetička sličnost odnosno različitost jele određena je upotrebom SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markera. Devet SSR pari prajmera dalo je ukupno 29 alela, dok je prosečan broj alela bio 3,2. Prajmer NFH15 dao je najmanji broj alela (dva), dok je prajmer SF78 bio sa najvećim brojem alela (pet). Najviša vrednost koeficijenta genetičke sličnosti utvrđena je između genotipova P1 i P2 (0,89), dok je najniža vrednost koeficijenta genetičke sličnosti utvrđena između populacije VI i genotipa P2 (0,61).Koeficijenti genetičke sličnosti po Dice, upotrebljeni su za dobijanje dendrograma pomoću UPMGA analize, koristeći NTSYSpc statistički program. Na osnovu klaster analize može se zaključiti da su istraživane populacije i genotipovi jele sa različitim tipom krošnje jasno izdiferencirani. Upotrebom izabranih SSR markera dat je osnovni uvid u nivo genetičke raznovrsnosti prirodnih populacija jele različitog tipa krošnje. Dobijeni rezultati mogu poslužiti u budućoj strategiji na konzervaciji raspoloživog genofonda i obnavljanju jelovih šuma u Srbiji.

Rhizobacteria are a heterogeneous group of bacteria inhabiting the rhizosphere of plants, whose dynamics and diversity of metabolism and activity are conditioned primarily by root exudates. Functionally, these bacteria contribute to the improvement of plant performances, and are often members of the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas. The rhizobacteria of forest species in Serbia have not been sufficiently studied. Sessile oak is one of the most important oak species in Serbia and one of the most produced species in forest nurseries. In this study, the rhizobacteria of sessile oak from natural populations of Eastern Serbia are isolated and the representatives of genus Bacillus, i.e., Pseudomonas are identified preliminarily. Out of a total of 94 isolates, 35 were preliminarily identified as Bacillus spp., and out of 29 Gram-negatives, some of the isolates belong to genus Pseudomonas. Further research is necessary in order to identify the isolates more precisely and examine their impact on sessile oak.

Serbia is one of the countries of Southeastern Europe with significant potentials for using biomass from forests and wood processing industry in the form of wood residues for the production of modern fuels. This type of biomass has not been used efficiently. One of the reasons is the traditional use of firewood for domestic heating needs despite its lower energy efficiency compared to pellets and briquettes. According to FAO methodology, the estimated energy potential of the available biomass derived from forests and wood processing industry in Serbia amounts to 1.53 Mtoe/year. According to the Energy Sector Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia for the period by 2025 with projections by 2030 together with relevant Decisions on the energy balance determination, the degree of the use of potentially available biomass from forests and wood processing industry is around 1.02 Mtoe/year (66.7%). The remaining unused potential of this biomass is estimated at around 0.51Mtoe / year. Besides the study of the state of biomass from forests and wood processing industry, the paper provides recommendations on how to increase the utilization rate of this biomass in Serbia.

In the summer of 2007. the wildfire occurred on the Vidlič Mountain, in which burned vegetation of beech forests. Phytocenological study of vegetation of beech forest at locality Visoka stena the first year after fire was carried out in accordance with the method of Braun-Blanquet. The results of field research are presented in the form of phytocoenological table. It was noticed that the species with the highest degree of presence are: Rubus idaeus, Sorbus aria, Acer campestre, Spiraea chamaedryfolia, Doronicum columnae, Poa compressa, Galium mollugo, Epilobium angustifolium, Lamium maculatum. The first post-fire year was characterized by annual species domination (Geranium dissectum, Geranium robertianum). It was noticed a significant presence of busy grass (Poa nemoralis, Poa angustifolia, Agrostis capillaris, Brachypodium pinnatum). Recovering of vegetation of beech forest on the locality Visoka stena depends on the degree to which the number of beech trees has been destroyed, or whether it was burnd partially or completely.

Water regulation, integral water management and water conservation are one of the main tasks, set by an ecologically conscious society. A series of complex treatments are set in order to achieve the main goal in wastewater treatment, i.e. eliminating or reducing pollutants to a level that will not cause adverse effects to humans and the environment. The paper presents the construction of an efficient, environmentally friendly and economically justified biological system for the treatment of polluted urban waters. Research has shown that the proposed system with floating islands and algae was effective in removing various categories of pollutants from polluted river (organic and inorganic matter, heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms), which indicated that the selected type of construction was appropriate. It was concluded that minor modifications in terms of cell coverage by floating islands could provide even greater removal of certain pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus and heavy metals.

According to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Republic of Serbia is one of the six European and 153 world centers of biological diversity. It is one of the most important regions of biological diversity in Europe because it is characterized by great genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. The great species diversity of this area is shaped by the geographical position and the diversity of ecologically different habitats. The main characteristic of the Serbian flora is the emphasized endemism and the highland areas dwelling. Negative activities in the past have contributed to the reduction in the number of certain plant species as well as their disappearance, which have led to disorder of the whole ecosystem. In situ and ex situ conservation methods are used to preserve the most valuable parts of nature, populations and individual species, and genes. The in situ (on-site) conservation implies the continuous maintenance of populations in an environment where they have naturally developed. The positive effect of the in situ conservation reflects through3 the preservation of the ecosystem as a whole and not only the individual species or genes that are the subject of protection. By establishing the in situ conservation the preservation of other plant and animal species inhabiting the preserved area can be achieved. The in situ is a desirable form of the conservation of the forest genetic resources because it allows the evolutionary processes to take place in the involved populations. The selection and the registration of seed stands is the most commonly used method for the in situ conservation of the forest genetic resources in Serbia. According to the data from the current Register of Seed Facilities published by the Forest Administration, the department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, on the total area of 1,842.89 ha in Serbia were separated 126 seed stands, of which 44 stands of coniferous species, 81 stands of herbaceous species and one mixed seed stand. Protected natural assets represent a significant form of in situ conservation of the forest genetic resources because they contain large areas of forest complexes. Currently, the protected areas cover 575,310 ha, or 6.51% of the territory of Serbia. Under protection are 461 areas (November 2015): 5 national parks, 17 nature parks, 20 landscapes of extraordinary characteristics, 68 special nature reserves, 3 protected habitats, 310 monuments of nature, and 38 areas of cultural and historical significance. The ex situ (off-site) conservation of the forest genetic resources implies the maintenance of populations and individuals of different species of trees outside their natural habitat. The most common ways of the ex situ conservation in Serbia are seed plantations, provenance tests, clonal archives, living archives and genetic collections.

Space, as a non-renewable category, is the most valuable resource of Istria including not only landscapes, sea, seabed and the accompanying wildlife but also very sensitive resources such as ground water, seashore and woodlands. The aim of the study was to determine whether it is possible to reduce the negative impact of development activities on space using Geography Information System digital tools (GIS). Digital GIS tools were used in the study of the pressures made by urban infrastructure and services on the environment of the given area to assess the impact of sectoral and other pressures on the selected natural and cultural systems of the coastal region of Istria County. The key concept of the research methodology includes analytical and objective identification of conflicts in the space and provides spatial models for their reduction or complete elimination. The Overlay Method is essentially a type of a spatial model which produces an overlap of different thematic contents, in this case one of the models of the environment content overlaps with a model of pressure of development activities on the selected space element. As a final result, the critical areas are designated and further guidelines and proposals for the redefinition or revision of solutions are offered. A combined digital model and an analytical approach to the study of the impact of development activities on the natural sea system proved to be suitable tools for the assessment of negative effects on the ecological systems of the study area. Ports and aquaculture areas exert the biggest negative impact on the coastal sea which is constantly under direct pressures brought about by activities occurring in the sea itself. In addition to the direct pressure in the sea, the coastline is potentially threatened by human-induced pressures from the mainland.

Norway spruce is one of the most important economic species is Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the species at the edge of its natural range; nevertheless it attains significant growth and yield results. The species is often used for afforestation purposes. In the previous period, 4 progeny tests of Norway spruce were established in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The offspring from 6 natural populations: Han Pijesak 1, Han Pijesak 2, Foca, Potoci, Olovo and Knezevo were build-in the progeny tests. In 2016, the samples of Norway spruce from 2 progeny tests: Srebrenica and Drinic were collected. In total, 360 samples were collected. DNA isolation was done according to Dumoline et al. (1990). For assessment of genetic differences among populations, co-dominant nSSR microsatellite system had been used. The number of effective alleles ranged from 7.78 in the population Potoci up to 15 in the population Knezevo, the average number of alleles was 13. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.61 for the population Han Pijesak 2 up to 0.68 for population Knezevo. The average observed heterozygosity was 0.65. Fixation index was in the range from -0.073 in the population Potoci, to 0.030 for the population Han Pijesak 2. The average value of Wright fixation index is -0.007. The average fixation index indicates the existence of a very small number of homozygotes. Concerning the variability among populations it has been concluded that the total level of genetic differentiation among populations was very low (FST= 0.026). The result of Nei?s genetic distance shows that the populations Olovo and Potoci are separated from other populations. The results obtained by genetic markers, in addition with other, morphological and physiological markers will be the basis for the further investigation of Norway spruce adaptability and possibility for the transfer of genetic material in light of climate changes.

The paper analyzes the morphological quality parameters of one-year-old sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl) seedlings and their interrelations. Based on the performed analyzes, it was determined which of the measured morphological parameters, with minimal time and resources spent, gives the most accurate estimate of the quality of one-year old seedlings. For the conducted research, seedlings were produced in the nursery of the Institute of Forestry in Belgrade, in uniform environmental conditions from seed collected in seed stand RS-2-2-qpe-22-169. The seedlings were produced in the same nursery seedbed, and the sample for analysis was taken by dividing the seedbed into four sections and taking 30 seedlings from each section by random sampling. The following morphological parameters were measured: root collar diameter, height of seedlings, weight of above and underground part of seedling in absolutely dry condition and root volume. Based on the measured values, height ratios were calculated as follows: height:root collar diameter, weight of aboveground part of seedling: weight of underground part of seedling, and quality index. The height of the seedlings and root collar diameter are good indicators of quality, which is confirmed by the positive correlative relationships with other measured morphological parameters. A stronger dependence has been found in the root collar diameter, especially with the quality index, so it can be recommended as a good indicator of the quality of the one-year old sessile oak seedlings. The quality index has been confirmed as the most comprehensive morphological indicator of the seedling quality.

In this paper, the influence of wildfire on dry pastures and rocky grounds the second year after the fire is followed. The results of field studies are presented in the form of phytocoenological table, by applying clustering techniques (WPGMA) and correspondence analysis (CA). Regrouping of the relevés, in comparison with the first year after fire, indicates that specific and more individual directions in vegetation succession have occurred. The situation remained unchanged, only for the rocky sites affected by the fire, at higher altitudes, in the zone of beech forests where the relevés were still standing separately on the graph, as in the previous season, indicating stability in floristic composition, probably caused by faster moving of the fire over the rocky substrate. The quantitative increase in the number of species and diversity index in comparison to the previous season was registered.

The in situ (on-site) conservation implies the continuous maintenance of populations in the environment where they have naturally developed. The positive effect of the in situ conservation implies the preservation of the ecosystem as a whole and not only the individual species or genes that are the subject of the protection. The preservation of other plant and animal species inhabiting the preserved area can also be achieved by establishing the in situ conservation. Establishing in situ conservation in an area does not imply strict nature protection systems. The law permits the implementation of activities that will ensure durability and sustainability of genetic resources. The in situ is a desirable form of the conservation of the forest genetic resources because it allows the evolutionary processes to take place in the involved populations. The selection and registration of seed stands is the most commonly used form of the in situ conservation of the forest genetic resources in Serbia. This form of the conservation of the forest genetic resources is the most common and the only sustainable, because the funds allocated for conservation are modest. According to the data from the current Register of Seed Facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia – Forest Administration, 126 seed stands have been selected in Serbia on the total area of 1.842,89 ha, with 44 seed stands of coniferous, 81 stands of herbaceous species and 1 mixed seed stand. A total of 198 seed facilities for the production of the selected reproductive material and 312 seed facilities for the production of the reproductive material of known origin have been registered. The existing number of the seed facilities and the areas they cover are insufficient and do not reflect the richness of the gene pool of our country’s forest tree species to which a special attention should be given in the following period. Protected natural resources represent a significant form of the in situ conservation of forest genetic resources, because they contain large areas of forest complexes. The protected natural areas currently cover 575.310 ha, or 6.51% of the territory of Serbia. There are 461 protected natural areas (November 2015) which include: 5 national parks, 17 nature parks, 20 landscapes of extraordinary characteristics, 68 nature reserves, 3 protected habitats, 310 nature monuments, 38 areas of cultural and historical importance.

On the Vidlič Mountain in southeastern Serbia in the summer of 2007. the wildfire occured, in which burned beech and oak forests, scrubs of hornbeam, dry pastures and rocky ground vegetation. In this paper the influence of wildfire on oak forests and scrubs of hornbeam the second year after fire was followed. Depending of the speed with which the fire crossed the soil cover, there was a partial or total destruction of vegetation, plant species and their habitats. The results of studies conducted on the areas affected by fire are presented in the form of phytocenological table. The floristic diversity was increased with altitude. Recovering of vegetation of oak forests and shrubs hornbeam the second year after fire depends on the degree to which the number of species has been destroyed, or whether it is burned partially or completely.

This paper presents three different methods for beech seed quality testing. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the electrical conductivity test, tetrazolium test and hydrogen peroxide treatment. The seed was collected in 12 different seed stands in Serbia that are commonly used for nursery production. The seed sample used for testing was randomly taken from the total amount of the collected seed. The analysis of the obtained results included the calculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient in the statistical software package "Statistica 7". The correlation was determined between the recorded results of the seed weight and the electrical conductivity; the seed weight and the tetrazolium test; the seed weight and the hydrogen peroxide treatment; the electrical conductivity and the tetrazolium test; the electrical conductivity and the hydrogen peroxide treatment; the tetrazolium test and the hydrogen peroxide treatment. Based on the conducted researches it can be concluded that the standardization of the electrical conductivity test using the tetrazolium test and hydrogen peroxide treatment could contribute to a more quality and more comprehensive determination of the beech seed quality for commercial purposes.

The aim of this research was to examine the influence of acorn size on morphological characteristics of one-year-old Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings. The quality of seedlings correlates with the quality of the seed they are derived from. In species with large seeds, as in the case of Northern red oak, the seedling growth in the first growing season is closely related to seed size or the amount of reserve nutrients that are stored in the seed. The height and root collar diameter of one-year-old Northern red oak seedlings increases with increase in acorn size. The results obtained in this research can be used as a guideline for acorn grading, because they show that improved Northern red oak seedlings quality can be achieved using seeds of appropriate size. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31070: The development of technological procedures in forestry with a view to an optimum forest cover realization]

The analysis of Bald cypress genetic variability at the level of test trees was performed using RAPD (Random Amlified Polymorphic DNA) markers. RAPD analysis was performed on 20 test trees with 13 primers. A total of ten primers gave a clear picture while three primers amplified weakly. 60 is a total number of detected bands obtained by RAPD analysis with 10 selected primers, and the average number of bands is 6. Based on presence/absence of RAPD fragments among all 20 Bald cypress test trees were calculated similarity coefficients by Dice and they range from 0.73 to 1. Based on similarity coefficients was performed the cluster analysis and results were presented as a dendrogram. All 20 test trees were grouped into two sub-clusters. Test trees 1, 4 and 11 were grouped in the first sub-cluster while other test trees were grouped in the second sub-cluster. By analysis of relations within every sub-cluster and sub-sub-cluster the existence of genetic distances between observed test trees can be noticed. The greatest similarity is between test trees 2, 12, 15 and 18. The results of genetic similarity and distance between observed test trees indicate the overwhelming presence of genetic diversity. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31070: The developments of technological procedures in forestry in order to attain an optimal forest cover percentage]

The paper presents the results of the analysis of genetic variability of eight populations of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) in Serbia obtained using SSR markers. The genomic DNA was isolated from tissue of needles of all eight populations. Due to the costly and lengthy process a small number of the SSR markers for Abies alba have been developed, so in this study were used the microsatellite markers of related species. The obtained results indicate a low level of the genetic variability between natural populations of silver fir. The total number of alleles detected with nine SSR markers in eight studied populations of silver fir is 28. The range of alleles varies from two for NFF15 to six for SF78 with an average of 3.1 alleles per locus. The mean value of genetic similarity between populations is 0.92. The smallest genetic similarity between pairs of populations is 0.82 (Dubočica Bare and Stara Planina; Dubočica Bare and Tara) and the greatest genetic similarity is 1 (Zlatar and Stara Planina, Zlatar and Tara, Stara Planina and Tara). A basic insight into the level of genetic diversity of natural populations of silver fir in Serbia, which are located in a relatively small area, has been given using a set of SSR markers. The obtained results can be used in the future strategy for the management and regeneration of silver fir forests. [[Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR 31070: The developments of technological procedures in forestry in order to attain an optimal forest cover percentage]

The paper presents the results of the study performed with aims to determine the presence and diversity of Phytophthora species on maple trees in Serbia. Due to high aggressiveness and their multicyclic nature, presence of these pathogens is posing significant threat to forestry and biodiversity. In total, 29 samples of water, soil and tissues were taken from 10 different localities, and six different maple hosts were tested. After the isolation tests, 17 samples from five different maple hosts were positive for the presence of Phytophthora spp., and 31 isolates were obtained. After the detailed morphological and physiological classification, four distinct groups of isolates were separated. DNA was extracted from selected representative isolates and molecular identification with sequencing of ITS region was performed. Used ITS4 and ITS6 primers successfully amplified the genomic DNA of chosen isolates and morphological identification of obtained isolates was confirmed after the sequencing. Four different Phytophthora species were detected, including P. cactorum, P. gonapodyides, P. plurivora and P. lacustris. The most common isolated species was homothallic, and with very variable and semipapillate sporangia, P. plurivora with 22 obtained isolates. This is the first report of P. plurivora and P. gonapodyides on A. campestre, P. plurivora and P. lacustris on Acer heldreichii and first report of P. lacustris on A. pseudoplatanus and A. tataricum in Serbia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 37008]

This paper presents the results of analysis of the genetic variability of seven Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations in Serbia using SSR markers. Genomic DNA was isolated from seed tissue of all seven populations. The concentration of DNA samples was within the range of 1-4 mg/ml. Different PCR protocols were used depending on the type of SSR markers. The total number of fragments obtained by SSR analysis with 4 selected primers was 17 (only bands of strong and medium intensity were considered), of which 6 fragments were polymorphic (35.29%). In order to analyze the genetic similarity of the analyzed populations, graphs of correspondence analysis and UPGMA clusters were produced. By comparative analysis of the obtained dendrograms, the dependence of population genetic differentiation and spatial distance was observed, i.e. their isolation by natural barriers. The results indicate that in further research of interpopulation variability it is necessary, when graphically interpreting genetic distances, to use both methods of statistical analysis (UPGMA analysis and correspondence analysis). [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31070: The development of technological procedures in forestry with a view to an optimum forest cover realization]

During the last several years, a significant decline of different forests in Serbia was recorded. The decline is more widespread in conifer stands, but occurence of decline was recorded in broadleaved forest stands as well. These declines are the result of abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors. According to the studies performed so far in Serbia, the predisposing factor were droughts during the 2012 and 2013 vegetation periods that caused physiological weakness of the trees. Among the biotic factors, the most important are fungi (mainly root rot, but rot fungi, and needle diseases) and insects (bark beetles in conifer species) and defoliators in broadleaved species). [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 37008 i br. TR 31070]

This research focus on the occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms on beech trees relative to the presence of tree injuries, with the aim to ensure protection and preservation of this species in Serbia. The research was conducted in eastern Serbia, in a hillside beech forest Fagetum moesiacae submontanum of generative origin. The testing was carried out on two sites over 51 testing plots, with a total of 829 trees and 21 species of identified fungi. On the first site it was found that the appearance of fungi primarily depends on the presence of mechanical damage on trees (as much as 73.46%), while the presence of abiotic damage has almost no bearing (only 3.21%). On the second site there was a strong correlation link between the occurrence of fungi and presence of mechanical damage - 51.88%, as well as between the fungi and abiotic damage – 47.96%. The health condition of high beech stands was found to be heavily dependent on careful and proper manipulation during harvesting, while each injury inflicted on a beech live tree during logging opens the door to infection with pathogenic microorganisms. Key words: Injuries, environmental factors, fungi, beech forests.

The paper presents environmental conditions and morphological characteristics of pyramidal fir (Abies alba var. pyramidalis) in the locality of Ogorijevac in southwestern Serbia. Pyramidal fir trees grow in three localities in Europe, but only as individual trees. A site of pyramidal fir (Abies alba var. pyramidalis) in the locality of Ogorijevac near the town of Sjenica in Serbia was first studied by Tošić in 1963, who described some characteristics of the locality in which the pyramidal fir occurs and some morphological characteristics of the trees. This paper provides a detailed description of the parent rock, soil, climate characteristics of the locality and morphological characteristics of the trees. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 43007: Studying climate change and its influence on the environment: Impacts, adaptation and mitigation]

The aims of this paper were the analysis of climate elements and Thornthwaite’s climate index, the study of the development of diameter and current diameter increment of the Austrian pine trees from several artificial stands in the Belgrade area, as well as an analysis of the influences of the pluviometric regime and climate index on the current diameter increment of the Austrian pine over the period 1985-2010. By comparative analysis and statistical data procession, the correlation between the diameter increment and climate characteristics was determined. In spite of the wide-held view that the Austrian pine is a species that cannot make use of the capacity of the best sites where it grows, is to a great extent able to react to increased humidity, one of the most important site factors upon which the growth of basic quantitative tree parameters directly depends. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31070: The development of technological procedures in forestry with a view to an optimum forest cover realization]

In this paper are presented the results of an analysis of intrapopulation variability using morphometric markers of 20 Bald cypress test trees originating from seed stand S 01.10.01.01 near Bačka Palanka. The morphometric characters of cones (length, width and number of grains) and seedlings (root collar diameter and height of seedling) that were produced by this seed were analyzed. A mutual biological similarity or distance of mother trees depending on the analyzed characters was tested. The determined values of the dimensions of cones and seedlings indicate the good genetic and adaptive potential of this species, which can be a starting point for the mass production of Bald cypress seed and planting materials in Serbia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31070: The development of technological procedures in forestry with a view to an optimum forest cover realization]

Multidisciplinary studies (genetic and phytocoenological) of 4 populations of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) were carried out in western and central Serbia. The obtained results gave the same inter-population arrangement in both methods. Dendograms (NTSYS) differentiate at the greatest genetic distance the population of Austrian pine in Šargan compared to other populations: Crni Vrh, Goč and Studenica. Using phytocoenological analysis it was determined that population of Austrian pine in Šargan forms a community Erico-Pinetum gocensis, while the other populations form a community Seslerio rigidae-Pinetum gocensis. Multidisciplinary approach that was demonstrated within this paper presents the first studies of Austrian pine that directly link genotype dependence and environmental conditions manifested through the phytocoenological affiliation. Multidisciplinarni pristup demostriran u okviru ovog rada predstavlja prva istraživanja na crnom boru koje u direktnu vezu dovodi zavisnost genotipa i uslove sredine ispoljene kroz fitocenološku pripadnost. U radu su izvršena multidisciplinarna istraživanja (genetička i fitocenološka) 4 populacije crnog bora (Pinus nigra Arnold) u zapadnoj i centralnoj Srbiji. Izvršena je analiza PCR amplifikacija genomske DNA sa 14 RAPD primera, od čega je 10 polimorfno. Korišćene su tri vrste koeficienata genetičke sličnosti, Jaccard, Dice and Socal and Michener. Dobijeni dendogrami (NTSYS) diferenciraju na najvećoj genetičkoj distanci populaciju crnog bora na Šarganu u odnosu na ostale populacije Crni Vrh, Goč i Studenica. Fitocenološke analize su vršene po metodi Braun-Blanquet i tom prilikom je utvrđeno da populacija crnog bora na Šarganu gradi zajednicu crnog bora sa crnjušom (Erico-Pinetum gocensis), a ostale populacije formiraju zajednice crnog bora sa uskolisnom šašikom (Seslerio rigidae-Pinetum gocensis). Dobijenih rezultata korišćenjem genetičke analize (PCR) i analize fitocenološke pripadnosti dali su isti međupopulacioni raspored.

This is a short review of the final official version of the International Code of Phytocenological Nomenclature. Some essential problems in the phytocenological nomenclature of the forest vegetation in Serbia are presented and discussed. The conclusions emphasize the necessity to adapt the names of all the defined syntaxa to the code rules and regulations.