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The study was focused on improvement of the integrated management strategy against green mould disease agent Trichoderma aggressivum Samuels & Gams and mushroom fly Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) as pests of the white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. The impact of neem cake amendment in casing soil on regulation of the abundance of mushroom sciarid fly adults, efficacy in controlling the green mould disease agent, and mushroom yield was evaluated. Casing soil was supplemented with different concentrations of neem cake: 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15%. Neem cake added as a supplement to casing soil at a rate of 2.5% reduced the number of mushroom fly adults by 83.93% and green mould disease incidence by 59.6% in comparison to the control. No adverse effect on mushroom formation, yield and quality of fruiting bodies was observed at that concentration. Amendment of 2.5% neem cake in the casing soil could be recommended for application in mushroom production to control L. ingenua and symptoms of green mould disease without negative impact on mushroom yield.

A previous study had confirmed good selective features of a biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis Ch-13 regarding green mould disease control and increase in white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production. The recommended application rate of the biofungicide in three split doses (30 + 15 + 15 ml m-2) enhanced mushroom yield by 8.41% and control of green mould disease (Trichoderma aggressivum) by 53.57%. A different application procedure of the biofungicide B. subtilis Ch-13 was then further investigated, involving six split doses (6 × 10 ml m-2) of the same total dose of 60 ml which was previously tested in three split doses. The impact of the biofungicide on fruiting body yield and its effectiveness in disease control were evaluated on white button mushroom artificially infected with Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum in the experimental mushroom growing room (in vivo). No statistically significant differences in disease control efficacy were found between the fungicide prochloraz (71.08%) and the biofungicide applied either in six split doses (63.05%) or three (58.43%). As for the fungicide/biofungicide positive impact on mushroom production, no statistically significant differences were detected among treatments. The B. subtilis Ch-13-based biofungicide may be applied in three split doses, as well as in six split applications, depending on the watering or picking schedule during mushroom cultivation, as both schemes showed satisfactory efficacy in disease control and positive effects on mushroom yield.

An anatomical study of adventitious roots of three Salix clones, ‘B-44’, ‘SV068’ and ‘SM4041’, treated with 3 and 6 mg Cd kg-1 dry weight in soil was performed in a greenhouse experiment. The aim was to analyze the anatomical characteristics of roots in response to pollution by cadmium and to assess the potential application of anatomical and hydraulic characteristics in the selection of the most suitable Salix clones for phytostabilization of pollutants in soils. Anatomical parameters measured in this study included root cross-sectional area, root diameter, the proportion of periderm, secondary phloem (cortex) and wood (secondary and primary xylem), and parameters of the vessels (lumen area, diameter and frequency). Based on the measurements of individual vessel lumens and the number of vessels, the theoretical hydraulic conductivity (kh) of roots was calculated. The effects of applied Cd concentrations on root traits were studied in clones and control plants. Following treatments with both Cd concentrations, plants of clone ‘B-44’ had the highest values of most parameters and significantly higher kh in comparison with control samples due to the significantly larger root cross-sectional area and lumen area of vessels. It was concluded that these characteristics can serve for effective evaluation and selection of studied clones for remediation of sites contaminated with cadmium.

Background/Aim. The main cause for development of endometrial hyperplasia is unopposed effect of estrogen on endometrial cells. The aim of our study was to investigate and compare cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of mifepristone on human endometrial stromal cell line for the first time. Both percentage of cytotoxic and apoptotic cells were determined after 24 h treatment with different doses of mifepristone. Methods. The percentage of cytotoxic cell was evaluated by viability assay while the percentage of apoptotic cells was determined using flow cytometry. Determination of apoptotic effects was confirmed using immunofluorescence method determining expression and localization of active Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. Results. Our results indicated that mifepristone induced cytotoxic and apoptotic effect on human endometrial stromal cell line (ThESC) through changes in expression level of Bcl-2 and active Bax proteins. Conclusion. Cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of mifepristone on human endometrial stromal cell line in vitro was investigated in this study for the first time. It is crucial to point out that mifepristone expressed both cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effect on ThESC cell line. Our results may contribute to determination of localization and expression level of the crucial proteins involved in apoptosis in ThESC cell line after the treatment with the lowest cytotoxic doses of mifepristone.

The aim of this study was to test a biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis Ch-13 and its effectiveness in the control of green mould disease of cultivated mushroom in comparison with the fungicide prochloraz. Biofungicide effectiveness in disease control and impact on yield were evaluated on Agaricus bisporus after its natural infection with Trichoderma aggressivum in a commercial mushroom growing facility. An assay for testing the microbial efficacy of the biofungicide was conducted in two different procedures involving either three or two split doses. The highest statistically significant effectiveness in green mould control was shown by the fungicide prochloraz (71.43%), followed by the biofungicide applied in tree split doses (53.57%), and finally its two doses (45.46%). The biofungicide significantly improved yield in comparison with an untreated control and the fungicide prochloraz. Three split applications of B. subtilis strain Ch-13 enhanced mushroom yield to a larger extent than its two split doses, although the same final amount was used in both procedures. Biofungicide application in three split doses increased the total mass of harvested mushrooms 8.41% compared to the untreated control, and 10.53% compared to the fungicide prochloraz. These results implied that the biofungicide should be applied in three split applications: 30 ml (second day after casing) + 15 ml (two weeks after casing) + 15 ml (after first flush, 20-25 days after casing). The biofungicide B. subtilis Ch-13 should be further investigated regarding its joint usage with chemical fungicides in different application procedures, as it showed remarkable characteristics both in terms of promoting mushroom yield and inhibiting the spread of mycopathogenic T. aggressivum.

This study shows excellent NO2-sensing properties of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, prepared using a facile procedure which includes dissolution of metallic tungsten in hydrogen peroxide with subsequent low-temperature (400 °C) heating. We also conducted a thorough literature survey on sensor properties of tungsten oxide prepared by various means and found that the sensor response towards NO2 registered in this work achieved the highest level. The most intriguing feature of the material obtained was a highly reproducible sensor signal at room temperature which was more than 100 times higher than any reported previously for WO3. The probable reason for such high sensor response was the presence of two WO3 polymorphs (-WO3 and h-WO3) in the material synthesized using a peroxide-assisted route. In order to further investigate synthesizedWO3 materials, sophisticated experimental (XRD, SEM, TEM, BET) and theoretical (B3LYP, HSE) methods have been used, as well as resistance and sensor response measurements at various temperatures.

The assessment of the potential use of renewable energy resources requires reliable and precise data inputs for sustainable energy planning on a regional, national and local scale. In this study, we examine high spatial resolution grids of potential insolation and solar duration in order to determine the location of potential solar power plants in Montenegro. Grids with a 25-m spatial resolution of potential solar radiation and duration were produced based on observational records and publicly available high-resolution digital elevation model provided by the European Environment Agency. These results could be further used for the estimation and selection of a specific location for solar panels. With an average annual potential insolation of 1800 kWh/m² and solar duration of over 2000 h per year for most of its territory, Montenegro is one of the European countries with the highest potential for the development, production, and consumption of solar energy.

Five essential oils isolated from plants originating from Serbia and ten combinations of the selected essential oils were assayed to test their inhibitory and fungicidal activity against Trchoderma aggressivum f. europaeum Samuels & W. Gams using two distinctive methods: microdilution and fumigant macrodilution methods. The strongest activity was demonstrated by spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) oils at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 µl ml-1 using microdilution, and 0.16 µl ml-1 of air using fumigant macrodilution method. The antifungal activity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) was medium, while the oil extracted from St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) exhibited the lowest activity. None of the selected essential oils exhibited fungicidal effect at minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFC) of over 25 µl ml-1 or 0.32 µl ml-1of air, using microand macrodilution, respectively. When microdilution was used, the strongest antifungal activity was demonstrated by two oil combinations: spearmint-thyme and spearmint-peppermint, having MIC and MFC values of 3.75 µl ml-1. The lowest activity was demonstrated by the basil-St. John's wort essential oil combination, at 30 µl ml-1 MIC, and MFC exceeding 30 µl ml-1. The obtained results indicate possible synergistic effects of essential oils and their components.

In this manuscript we analyze daily rainfall observational records from 22 weather stations located in different regions over Serbia in the period 1949-2007. We examine the characteristics of dryness by using the Dry Days Since Last Rain - DDSLR approach. In order to quantify the DDSLR we use three metrics for each weather station: severity, consistency and uncertainty. Results show that these three metrics vary independently of each other as well as that there is a weak relationship between them. Weather stations in the northern parts of Serbia, with moderate annual amount of rainfall less than 650 mm, present higher dryness conditions whereas the lowest values were obtained for central parts in Serbia. Limited number of studies examined drying tendencies in Serbia and neighboring countries so far. We consider Serbia as an area of particular interest because of its position in a frontier between Mediterranean conditions on the southwest and the continental inland. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III 43007]

The purpose of this study was to analyze antioxidant systems among three invasive ragweed species, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., A. trifida L. and Iva xanthifolia Nutt. Antioxidant capacity could be a possible marker of adaptation to variable environmen­tal conditions, since change in amount of antioxidants represents one of the first responses to various environmental stimuli. Among investigated ragweeds, I. xanthifolia leaves had more pronounced guaiacol peroxidase activity (87.5 and 62.5%) and reduced glutathione content (2.3 and 28.8%) than A. artemisiifolia and A. trifida, respectively. However, super­oxide dismutase activity was invariable in all investigated plants (234.1-247.5 U g-1 fresh weight). The highest content of total phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins were detected in A. trifida leaves (up to 3.7 - fold the amount of the others). According to antioxidant activity tests, investigated ragweed species could be presented in a scale: A. trifida > I. xanthifolia > A. artemisiifolia. Accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants and lower content of reduced glutathione point to different oxidative stress avoidance strategies of A. trifida when compared to A. artemisiifolia and I. xanthifolia within the same environ­mental conditions.

Biofungicides based on plant oils have some advantages compared to chemical fungicides, especially considering their harmful effect on the environment. Twenty-two essential oils from Germany and Albania were assayed for inhibitory and fungicidal activity against Verticillium dahliae Klebahn, the causal agent of Verticillium wilt of pepper, using the macrodilution fumigant method. The concentrations of oils obtained in the vapour phase were: 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16 and 0.32 μl ml-1 with determined minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations. The strongest activity was shown by two samples of mint oil (Mentha piperita L.) at 0.02 μl ml-1 of air, both from Germany and Albania, followed by plant essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labilardie), black pine (Pinus nigra L.) and cade (Juniperus oxycedrus L.), and all of them were lethal to the pathogen. Nine oils: two samples of mint, cade, eucalyptus, black pine, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) inhibited the growth of Verticillium dahliae, while five oils (two samples of mint, eucalyptus, black pine and cade) showed fungicidal effects on the pathogen. These results showed that mint, eucalyptus, black pine and cade essential oils have a potential for further in vivo experiments against Verticillium dahliae.

Twenty-two essential oil samples from Germany and Albania were assayed to test their inhibitory and fungicidal activity against Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr., the major causal agent of chestnut blight on chestnut trees, using the fumigant macrodilution method. Test concentrations of the oils in air phase were: 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16 and 0.32 μl ml-1, and minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations were determined. The strongest activity was shown by two samples of mint oil from Germany and Albania, and black pine at the concentration of 0.02 μl ml-1 of air for both test isolates (M1 and 4S). The tested plant essential oils also included: eucalyptus, sage, silver fir and cade. Only three samples of EOs (mint (2) and black pine) were lethal to both isolates. Sage and silver fir oils were more toxic to the M1 isolate, while cade and eucalyptus oils were more toxic to the 4S isolate. Fifteen oils: mint (2), black pine, cade, eucalyptus, silver fir, sage, pine (4), oregano, lavender, and rosemary (2), inhibited the growth of Cryphonectria parasitica, and seven oils (two samples of mint, eucaliptus, black pine, sage, silver fir and cade) showed fungicidal effects on the pathogen.

The impact of a biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis Ch-13 on mushroom yield and efficacy in suppression of Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum T77 from Serbia was estimated in comparision with a similar microbial fungicide, Bacillus velezensis QST713, and the chemical fungicide prochloraz manganese. The biofungicide B. velezensis QST713 is registered for treatments of mushrooms and other crops in many countries but it is not currently available on the Serbian market. The tested B. subtilis Ch-13 fungicide enhanced mushroom yield 12%, compared with an uninoculated control, and notably more than B. velezensis QST713 applied at its higher test concentrations. Regarding the efficacy of the biofungicides in control of the compost pathogen T. aggressivum f. europaeum, B. subtilis Ch-13 applied in concentration of 3 × 108 CFU per m2 showed higher efficacy than the higher concentrations (5 × 109 and 1 × 1010 CFU per m2) of B. velezensis QST713. The biofungicide based on B. subtilis Ch-13 should be further investigated regarding its different modes of application to ensure better efficacy in disease control as it showed beneficial features in both promoting A. bisporus production and suppressing the growth of the aggressive compost pathogen T. aggressivum, the causal agent of devastating green mould disease.