One of the key challenges in pepper production in the Vojvodina Province is the presence of pathogens that cause serious diseases and epidemics, leading to reduced and compromised yields. This study aimed to identify fungal and bacterial pathogens under intensive production conditions. During a two-year period, 2023–2024, a total of 35 pepper samples showing symptoms of diseases, were collected from several locations and examined using classical and molecular methods. The results showed that Alternara solani was the most common fungal pathogen, followed by Colletotrichum spp., Botrytis cinerea, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Fusarium spp. (subglutinans and oxysporum). Among the bacterial pathogens, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria was found in all seven examined pepper fields. Additionally, Pectobacterium spp. and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ were also detected. These findings provide practical insights that can support the development of effective control measures for pathogens affecting pepper production.
Euphorbia davidii Subils (toothed spurge) is an annual herbaceous plant species native to North America (USA and Mexico) that has become widely introduced across the EPPO region, Australia, and Argentina. In recent years, its phytosanitary importance within the EPPO region has increased significantly, reflected in its inclusion in the A2 List of pests recommended for regulation in 2025. In Serbia, E. davidii was first recorded in northern Serbia (Vojvodina Province) in 2007, occupying approximately 3 ha of arable land. By 2013, its distribution had expanded to around 7 ha, indicating an early phase of local spread. Our aim is to provide further insight into the invasion dynamics and habitat preferences of E. davidii in Serbia. Over the period of two consecutive years (2024-2025) area where E. davidii was initially recorded were observed. For each observed population of E. davidii phytosociological relevés were collected and habitat type was determined following the EUNIS classification. Field studies have shown that by 2024 the species had successfully established in semi-natural habitats adjacent to the original record site, particularly along field margins and country roads. Our findings show that the spread of E. davidii had intensified in recent years, with new populations detected at four additional field sites in 2025. The species demonstrated further expansion into semi-natural habitats, such as acacia-dominated thickets, nearby arable crops (corn and rapeseed), as well as grassland strips. Although populations in actively managed fields may be temporarily reduced by agricultural practices (e.g., plowing), its persistence and expansion in less disturbed habitats contribute to an overall increase in invaded area, currently reaching approximately 20 ha. Phytosociological relevés revealed variable population densities (2–50 individuals per 25 m² plot), with dense stands (>80% cover) occurring in open, dry, and sun-exposed environments. These findings confirm a clear shift from cultivated fields into surrounding habitats, including forest remnants and herbaceous vegetation strips. Three main vegetation types were identified: narrow strips of acacia forests and coppices (EUNIS T1J), arable crop fields (EUNIS V11), and remnants of dry grassland vegetation on field edges (EUNIS R1). narrow strips of acacia forests and coppices (EUNIS T1J), arable crop fields (EUNIS V11), and remnants of dry grassland vegetation on field edges (EUNIS R1). Across these habitats, E. davidii frequently co-occurred with other invasive species, particularly Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Overall, the results highlight the species’ ecological plasticity and its capacity to exploit both anthropogenic and semi-natural habitats, facilitating its continued spread in agricultural landscapes.
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, the causal agent of black rot, is one of the most important bacterial pathogens affecting Brassicaceae crops worldwide. Its seed-borne nature, multiple routes of dissemination, and limited availability of resistant cultivars make black rot difficult to manage and underscore the importance of early and reliable pathogen detection. This review summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology of X. campestris pv. campestris, with emphasis on advances in conventional and molecular approaches used for its detection and characterization, as well as on the currently used disease management strategies. Particular attention is given to biological control as a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional approaches. Recent studies on the use of Bacillus spp. for black rot control are discussed, with emphasis on their secondary metabolites and antimicrobial potential. Despite promising results including disease suppression, comparable to that achieved with chemical control, the translation of laboratory findings into reliable field applications remains challenging, particularly with regard to formulation and consistent efficacy under variable environmental conditions. Future research should focus on integrating current knowledge of pathogen epidemiology, diagnostics, and biological control to facilitate the development of sustainable and practically applicable strategies for black rot management in Brassica crops.
The aim of this study was to predict the calorific value of plant biomass based on its chemical composition. Lignin and ash contents, as well as elemental composition (C, H, N, O), were analyzed in biomass derived from tobacco, maize, and sunflower stalks. Using the obtained parameters, empirical equations were applied to estimate the calorific (heating) value of the biomass. The use of chemical indicators enables a rapid and reliable assessment of biomass energy potential without the need for direct calorimetric measurements. The results indicate that lignin and ash contents have a significant influence on calorific value, while elemental composition allows for more precise quantification. The obtained data provides a basis for optimizing the utilization of plant biomass in biofuel production and thermal energy generation, thereby contributing to the sustainable use of renewable energy sources.
Fire blight, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is one of the most destructive diseases of pome-fruit crops worldwide. Despite decades of research, its management remains challenging because efficient and sustainable control options are limited, and many commercially important apple and pear cultivars remain highly susceptible. Conventional treatments for bacterial disease suppression are often hindered by inconsistent efficacy, phytotoxic effect, environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions, necessitating new sustainable alternative options. Virulent bacteriophages have emerged as promising biocontrol agents for controlling E. amylovora due to their unique biological properties, including a distinct mode of action, capacity to replicate within bacterial cells and high host specificity. These features enable effective suppression of pathogen populations, while potentially minimizing impact on non-target microbiota, depending on their host range and ecological interactions. However, further research is needed to better understand phage-host interactions, safety issues, and the environmental factors that influence phage efficacy in field application. Furthermore, combining phages with other compatible management approaches may improve disease control and help mitigate the emergence of resistant pathogen populations. This narrative review summarizes the key characteristics of E. amylovora phages, and recent advances in phage-based fire blight control, highlighting their potential role in integrated and sustainable disease management strategies.
