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Infections with phytoplasma present one of the most significant biotic stresses influencing plant health, growth, and production. The phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ infects a variety of plant species. This pathogen impacts the physiological and morphological characteristics of plants causing stunting, yellowing, leaf curling, and other symptoms that can lead to significant economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine biochemical changes in peony (Paeonia tenuifolia L.), mint (Mentha × piperita L.), and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) induced by ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ in Serbia as well as to predict the impact of the biotic stress using artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The phylogenetic position of the Serbian ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ strains originated from the tested hosts using 16S rRNA (peony and carrot strains) and plsC (mint and dill strains) sequences indicated by their genetic homogeneity despite the host of origin. Biochemical parameters significantly differed in asymptomatic and symptomatic plants, except for total anthocyanidins contents in dill and the capacity of peony and mint extracts to neutralize superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed a correlation between different chemical parameters and revealed a clear separation among the samples. Based on the ANN performance, the optimal number of hidden neurons for the calculation of TS, RG, PAL, LP, NBT, •OH, TP, TT, Tflav, Tpro, Tant, DPPH, and Car was nine (using MLP 8-9-13), as it produced high r2 values (1.000 during the training period) and low SOS values. Developing an effective early warning system for the detection of plant diseases in different plant species is critical for improving crop yield and quality.

Infections with phytoplasma present one of the most significant biotic stresses influencing plant health, growth, and production. The phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ infects a variety of plant species. This pathogen impacts the physiological and morphological characteristics of plants causing stunting, yellowing, leaf curling, and other symptoms that can lead to significant economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine biochemical changes in peony (Paeonia tenuifolia L.), mint (Mentha × piperita L.), and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) induced by ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ in Serbia as well as to predict the impact of the biotic stress using artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The phylogenetic position of the Serbian ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ strains originated from the tested hosts using 16S rRNA (peony and carrot strains) and plsC (mint and dill strains) sequences indicated by their genetic homogeneity despite the host of origin. Biochemical parameters significantly differed in asymptomatic and symptomatic plants, except for total anthocyanidins contents in dill and the capacity of peony and mint extracts to neutralize superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed a correlation between different chemical parameters and revealed a clear separation among the samples. Based on the ANN performance, the optimal number of hidden neurons for the calculation of TS, RG, PAL, LP, NBT, •OH, TP, TT, Tflav, Tpro, Tant, DPPH, and Car was nine (using MLP 8-9-13), as it produced high r2 values (1.000 during the training period) and low SOS values. Developing an effective early warning system for the detection of plant diseases in different plant species is critical for improving crop yield and quality.

Elevated concentrations of heavy metals result in soil degradation, a reduction in plant yields, and a lower quality of agricultural products, which directly endangers people, animals, and the ecosystem. The potential of three clones of Salix alba (347, NS 73/6, and B-44) and one genotype of S. viminalis for the phytoextraction of heavy metals was investigated, with the aim of identifying the most physiologically suitable willow genotypes for use in soil phytoremediation. The experiment was placed on the contaminated soil substrate collected in Kolubara Mining Basin (Serbia), enriched by high loads of heavy metal salts, and a control medium. Significant differences in the concentrations of heavy metals were recorded between the contaminated and control plant material, especially when it comes to nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), confirming that S. alba and S. viminalis are hyperaccumulator species of heavy metals. Clone 347 shows the greatest uptake of Cd and chromium (Cr), and clone B-44 takes up these metals only to a lesser extent, while clone NS 73/6 shows a less pronounced uptake of Cr. The roots have the greatest ability to accumulate Ni and Pb, Cu is absorbed by all plant organs, while Cd is absorbed by the leaves. The organ that showed the greatest ability to accumulate heavy metals was the root, which means that willows have a limited power to translocate heavy metals to above-ground organs. The studied genotypes of S. alba have a higher potential for the phytostabilization of Cu and Cd, as well as the phytoextraction of Cd, compared with S. viminalis. The results confirm the assumption of differences between different willow genotypes in terms of the ability to phytoextract certain heavy metals from soil, which is important information when selecting genotypes for soil phytoremediation.

Three clones of Salix alba and one clone of Salix viminalis were used for research purposes. The research aims to study the influence of heavy metals Ni, Cu, Cr Cd, Pb and As, on morphological ( primary and secondary growth) and physiological (rate of photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency) processes and determine the most favourable clone that would have its applicationin phytoremediation of contaminated soil and productivity of different fast-growing clones, with the aimof energy production. Prospective clones of willow werw evaluated based on morphological (plant height, stem diameter, biomass, leaf area) and physiological (photosynthesis intensity and transpiration, stomatal conductance, efficient use of water, intercellular concentration od CO2) parameters. Contamination od soil with heavy metals negatively affected the morphological and physiological characteristics od willow clones. Clones with physiological characteristics less dependent on soil contamination with heavy metals were selected on the results of evaluation. Physiological parameters of clones positively correlated with morphological parameters. Heat of willow biomass combustion planted on contaminated and uncontaminated soil didn’t differ significantly. Among the studided genotypes, two Salix alba clones, namely clones 3and 4, stand out. The contaminated habitat substantially reduces willow biomass and physiological parameters of willow. Nonetheless, the thermal energy derived from biomass showed no signification variance between contaminated and uncontaminated plants

Many countries are increasing the share of renewable and sustainable energy with the basic goal to reduce the volume of fossil fuels whose harmful impact on the environment is significant. The production and use of biomass that would be used for co-burning with fossil fuel are one of how the countries of the European Union and the United States are fighting against climate change. The most commonly used plant species is willow (Salix sp.) due to its multiple effects on environmental protection and improvement. The advantages they have are great, and only some of them are: efficient use of land combined with the growing demand for renewable energy sources. As fast-growing soft deciduous trees, willows show extremely good adaptability to the grounds where they grow and climatic conditions, which results in a high survival rate after planting and a high yield of wooden mass. This paper presents the results of the coburning of biomass of the indigenous species (Salix alba, clone B-44) with three samples of lignite in different ratios. Two samples of lignite were taken from the eastern part of MB Kolubara, while the third sample was taken from the western part of the Kolubara basin. The calorific values of biomass and lignite mixtures were determined using an IKA C 5003 calorimeter. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that even the minimum amount of the tested clone (5%), significantly increases the calorific value of lignite by an average value of 454 kJ/kg for a mixture of 5% added biomass and lignite. It was also found that the content of heavy metals in "contaminated" willows only slightly (by about 75 kJ/kg) reduces the thermal value of the mixture compared to a mixture of uncontaminated clone and lignite. The obtained results unequivocally indicate the possibility of using biomass obtained from willow in the electrical sector to increase the calorific value of lignite while reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and recultivation of degraded

U ovom radu sprovedena je analiza farmakodinamskih svojstava lekovitih biljaka u okviru osam odeljenja SP „Šuma Košutnjak“. Inventarisanjem lekovite flore na ovom području utrvđeno je prisustvo 101 lekovite vrste. Na osnovu opšteprihvaćene metodologije za analizu farmakodinamskih svojstava, svi lekoviti taksoni su svrstani u ukupno 14 grupa. Dobijeni rezultati farmakodinamske analize pokazuju dominaciju droga koje leče kardiovaskularni, digestivni i respiratorni sistem. Imajući u vidu značaj ovih istraživanja kako bi se, ne samo utvrdila brojnost i farmakodinamska svojstva prisutnih lekovitih vrsta, već i stvorila realna osnova za njihovo racionalno korišćenje u budućnosti, neophodno je nastaviti sa monitoringom na celokupnom području SP „Šuma Košutnjak“., In the paper was conducted analysis of pharmacodynamic properties of medicinal plants within eight departments of NM „Šuma Košutnjak“. Inventory of medicinal flora at this area established presence of total 101 medicinal plants. Baesd on generally accepted methodology for pharmacodynamic properties analysis, all medicinal taxa were classified in 14 groups. Obtained results show domination of the plants that treat cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory system. Bearing in mind the importance of this research, not only for establishing number and pharmacodynamic properties of medicinal plants, but also for creating a realistic basis for their reasonable utilization in the future, it is needed to continue with monitoring at the whole area of NM „Šuma Košutnjak“.

Бујичне поплаве као једна од резултујућих форми деловања ерозионих процеса, представљају најчешће природне катастрофе у Србији, у погледу људских жртава и материјалних штета..., Flash foods as one of the forms of action resulting from erosion processes, are among the most common natural disasters in Serbia in terms of human loss and material damage...

Bujične poplave kao jedna od rezultujućih formi delovanja erozionih procesa, predstavljaju najčešće prirodne katastrofe u Srbiji, u pogledu ljudskih žrtava i materijalnih šteta..., Flash foods as one of the forms of action resulting from erosion processes, are among the most common natural disasters in Serbia in terms of human loss and material damage...

Highly urbanized areas constantly need new surfaces for building of commercial, residential or infrastructure objects. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a large regional centre with a population of 2 000 000 dwellers, covering a territory of 3500 km2. The territory of Belgrade is intersected by 187 streams, with watersheds mostly rural in higher parts, urbanized and highly urbanized in lower parts. Torrential floods that once occurred rarely during pre-development period have now become more frequent and destructive due to the transformation of the watershed from rural to urban land uses. Authorities of Belgrade defined a strategy for erosion control and protection from torrential floods, based on the restoration of “blue-green” corridors (residuals of open streams and fragments of forest vegetation). The restoration of “blue-green” corridors helps the establishment of new recreational areas, the preservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of effects of climate change.

Belgrade is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. The protected natural area, "Avala" (i.e. a separate part of unit that is declared as a landscape of outstanding features) is located on the territory of Belgrade and attracts the attention of all profiles of researchers. It should be noted also that the area of Avala was bombed in 1999 and the Avala Tower was destroyed. Researches aiming to determine the pollutant loading of the area are of particular importance. The aim of this research is to determine the content of 16 types of PAHs in three different locations on Avala sites 1, 2 and 3, with sampling of soil at two different depths (0-10 cm and 10-20 cm). One of the most frequent streets in downtown Belgrade (locality 4) was chosen as control site. On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that the soil of Avala is well preserved, which is in line with the declaration that Avala is a protected area.

Torrential floods are the most frequent natural catastrophic events in Serbia, causing the loss of human lives and huge material damage, both in urban and rural areas. The analysis of the intra-annual distribution of maximal discharges aided in noticing that torrential floods have a seasonal character. The erosion and torrent control works (ETCWs) in Serbia began at the end of the 19th century. Effective protection from torrential floods encompasses biotechnical works on the slopes in the watershed and technical works on the torrent beds, within a precisely defined administrative and spatial framework in order to achieve maximal safety for people and their property. Cooperation to overcome the conflicts between the sectors of the water resources management, forestry, agriculture, energetics, environmental protection and local economic development groups is indispensable at the following levels: policy, spatial planning, practice, investments and education. The lowest and most effective level is through the Plans for Announcement of Erosive Regions (PAERs) and the Plans for Protection from Torrential Floods (PPTFs), with Hazard Zones (HZs) and Threatened Areas (TAs) mapping on the basis of the hydrologic, hydraulic and spatial analysis of the factors that are important for the formation of torrential floods. Solutions defined through PAERs and PPTFs have to be integrated into Spatial Plans at local and regional levels.

Torrential floods represent the most frequent phenomenon within the category of 'natural risks' in Serbia. The representative examples are the torrential floods on the experimental watersheds of the rivers Manastirica (June 1996) and Kamišna (May 2007). Hystorical maximal discharges (Qmaxh) were reconstructed by use of 'hydraulics flood traces' method. Computations of maximal discharges (Qmaxc), under hydrological conditions after the restoration of the watersheds, were performed by use of a synthetic unit hydrograph theory and Soil Conservation Service methodology. Area sediment yields and intensity of erosion processes were estimated on the basis of the 'Erosion Potential Method'. The actual state of erosion processes is represented by the coefficients of erosion Z=0.475 (Manastirica) and Z=0.470 (Kamišna). Restoration works have been planned with a view to decreasing yields of erosive material, increasing water infiltration capacity and reducing flood runoff. The planned state of erosion processes is represented by the coefficients of erosion Z=0.343 (Manastirica) and Z=0.385 (Kamišna). The effects of hydrological changes were estimated by the comparison of historical maximal discharges and computed maximal discharges (under the conditions after the planned restoration). The realisation of restoration works will help decrease annual yields of erosive material from Wa=24357 m3 to Wa=16198.0 m3 (Manastirica) and from Wa=19974 m3 to Wa=14434 m3 (Kamišna). The values of historical maximal discharges (QmaxhMan=154.9 m3·s-1; QmaxhKam=76.3 m3·s-1) were significantly decreased after the restoration (QmaxcMan=84.5 m3 ·s-1; QmaxcKam=43.7 m3·s-1), indicating the improvement of hydrological conditions, as a direct consequence of erosion and torrent control works. Integrated management involves biotechnical works on the watershed, technical works on the hydrographic network within a precisely defined administrative and spatial framework in order to achieve maximum security fo

Fruska gora is a mountain situated in the northern part of the Republic of Serbia in the province of Vojvodina. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which soil and plants are burdened with certain heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, and others usually present in polluted atmosphere), then the accumulation of heavy metals in the National Park "Fruska gora" was detected and the interdependence of pollution among all three media of the environment determined. This paper analyzes the heavy metal contents within a 2-years period in air, soil and plants at the beginning of the vegetation period. The presence of Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe and Mn in the samples was analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Measurements of heavy metal contents were performed at 7 locations in soil and vegetative parts of 17 plant types (woody plants, herbs and lianas), and analysis of the air was performed at 2 locations (through placement of sedimentators) within a 3-months period during winter. One of the major findings is that the dominant emission of pollutants at the analyzed locations is anthropogenic and originates from traffic.

Being the inhabitants of all parts of the environment (water, air, soil) plants can very precisely point to the ecological conditions of the environment. Vascular plants are often used for biomonitoring of heavy metals. The analyses are most often performed on plant leaves. The results of this research clearly indicate that pollution with lead on the locations of Avala (locations 1, 2 and 3), although being of an anthropogenic origin, do not result only from traffic, while on location 4 due to the frequency of traffic, the greatest agent of lead pollution is traffic. The accumulation of heavy metals in plants in higher concentrations indicates the relative increase and pollution spread all over the habitat.