Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal widely distributed in the biosphere. Environmental pollution with Cd is widespread throughout the world. At higher concentrations, it is very toxic to living organisms. Plants absorb Cd from the soil solution rather easily, and it enters the food chain mostly through them. The availability of Cd for plants depends primarily on the chemical properties of the soil. During the uptake of Cd, interaction with ions of other elements may occur. Plant species differ in the intensity of absorption and thus accumulation of Cd, which is absorbed in the form of ions or chelates. Cadmium mostly accumulates in the roots and may then be transported by xylem and phloem. Toxic concentrations of Cd can cause a variety of unfavorable changes in the anatomical and morphological features of plants, affect physiological and biochemical processes, their mineral composition and reduce growth. Cadmium may inhibit germination by hindering water uptake and mobilization of seed reserves. The effect of Cd on photosynthesis was studied in the most detail. Higher concentrations of Cd adversely affect the synthesis of chloroplast pigments, photosynthetic electron transport and the Calvin cycle more than other processes. Some substances can be used to mitigate the phytotoxic effect of Cd, such as silicon, boron and biochar etc. Cadmium-hyperaccumulating plant species possess specific mechanisms by which they can mitigate the toxicity of higher Cd concentrations.
In recent decades, many new species of the genus Epipactis have been described across Europe. Many of these species were initially thought to be narrowly localized with small ranges. However, intensified research, particularly in well-preserved forests, has revealed these taxa in new and often distant locations from where they were initially described. Similarly, over the last 15 years, several new Epipactis taxa have been discovered in Serbia, primarily in the western regions of Central Serbia. Since 2018, our floristic research has recorded three Epipactis taxa, previously known only from Central Serbia, in the Vojvodina Province on Fruška Gora Mt. Epipactis helleborine subsp. distans was found at two, E. leptochila subsp. neglecta at one, and E. purpurata at two sites. These findings span three different UTM squares (10×10 km), with all three taxa occurring only in square 34TDR00. They were recorded in deciduous forests or their edges, primarily in beech-linden habitats. At these sites, negative habitat changes, primarily caused by the cutting of older trees, have been noted, resulting in shifts in community structure between 2018 and 2025. Considering the ongoing discovery of new Epipactis taxa in Serbia and its neighboring countries, it is likely that Fruška Gora Mt. still harbors overlooked species.
Due to its unique natural characteristics, Deliblato Sands (Deliblatska peščara) has always attracted numerous researchers who study its flora and vegetation. The first written data on the botanical study of this area date back to 1800 and contains valuable information about the flora. In a 225-year-long tradition, researchers and inspiration have not disappeared until today. 365 publications have been published on the topic of studying some aspects of the flora or vegetation of the Deliblato Sands. Most of the publications presented some specific taxa or group of taxa in the Deliblato Sands as a part of the wider research area (159). Most of the first finds of plant taxa were recorded in the research period 1951-2025. In the same period the highest number of publications analyzing the flora or vegetation of the Deliblato Sands were published 253 in total. Most productive author contributing with floristic data of the Deliblato Sands was Melanija Obradović (and collaborators) with 19 publications. The largest number of publications or researchers were from Serbia, more precisely the former republic of Yugoslavia (238). Researchers from Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic have contributed throughout history, also. This review indicates that the Special Nature Reserve “Deliblatska peščara” continues to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for science, given that the number of publications is growing by years, both by national and international researchers.
This review explores position-dependent mass (PDM) oscillators, naturally occurring in biological systems and relevant to engineered quantum devices. In nature, PDM oscillations appear in the bending of plant stems, fish swimming, bird flight, and the motion of limbs, as well as in the oscillatory behavior of organs like the heart and vocal cords. These phenomena inspired models of oscillators whose effective mass varies with position, simulating elastic structures attached to bodies of variable mass. Mathematically, such systems are captured by Liénard equations with quadratic velocity terms. This review examines key features - motion type, period, and amplitude - of PDM oscillators, highlighting their versatility for describing spatially varying inertia and dynamic adaptation. Extending these concepts to quantum systems, spatial variations in carrier mass arise in semiconductor nanostructures like quantum wells, wires, and dots, due to compositional inhomogeneities and structural gradients. Position-dependent mass models refine quantum mechanics, enabling more accurate energy-level and carrier-dynamics predictions. Such models are central to the design of advanced electronic and photonic devices, including quantum cascade lasers, high electron mobility transistors, and scanning tunneling microscopy. Bridging biology and quantum engineering, PDM oscillators offer a robust framework for innovation in adaptive materials and biologically inspired technologies. Future research should address nonlinear effects, anisotropic materials, and leverage data-driven optimization to fully realize the technological potential of PDM oscillators.
Wetlands are characterized by a unique combination of ecological factors and are currently facing significant threats, particularly to plant diversity. In 2023, the influence of sports and recreational tourism on plant diversity in the littoral zones of Lake Provala and the Nature Park Begečka Jama was investigated. The diversity of plant species and physical and chemical characteristics of water were analyzed. The results revealed that at sites under pressure, a smaller number of plant species was recorded compared to the control site. According to the PERMANOVA analysis, there is no statistically significant difference between pressured and non-pressured locations. Since sports and recreational tourism is permitted in the studied areas, the findings confirm that they do not have a significant impact on plant diversity.
Inventorying the diversity of entomofauna is the first stage in a consistent approach to its conservation. The diversity of Lepidoptera in Serbia, although impressive in terms of the number of inventoried species, is far from complete. This paper describes the first finding of the species Amephana dalmatica (Rebel, 1919) in the Republic of Serbia. Moreover, for the first time, a species from the genus Amephana Hampson, 1906 is recorded in the fauna of Lepidoptera of Serbia. A. dalmatica is a Ponto-Mediterranean species. It occurs in the Southern Europe (western and southern parts of the Balkans, north to Dalmatia), as well as in the western and southwestern parts of European Turkey. Here are presented the basic anatomical-morphological and taxonomic characteristics of the species A. dalmatica, its distribution and flight period. The three out of the eight research objectives on the Lepidoptera fauna in the Republic of Serbia were implemented in this research, presented in the “General Plan of Lepidopterological Research for the Achievement of Defined Goals in the Republic of Serbia with a Focus on Climate Change, Allochthonous and Migratory Species”: Golija is one of the highest mountains in the Republic of Serbia, it is a protected area and A. dalmatica is a rare Lepidoptera species in the Republic of Serbia, which speaks of the importance of this study and the research area.
Biomass is increasingly employed in diverse applications to achieve and enhance energy efficiency, owing to its carbon-neutral nature. This is attributed to the fact that the quantity of CO2 released during its combustion corresponds precisely to the amount absorbed by biomass during its growth. The objective of this study is to assess the energy efficiency of biomass derived from analysed clones of fast-growing willow species in co-combustion processes with lignite at varying percentage ratios. The primary goal is to enhance the calorific value of lignite, optimize combustion and mitigate the harmful effects of combustion. The obtained results indicate that the calorific value of willow is higher than the calorific value of coal. The calorific value of coal (lignite) depends on the location of the coal deposit (field), while the calorific value of willows depends on the type of willow. Notably, clones 347 and NS 73/6 of white willow (Salix alba), have the highest energy potential compared to clones B-44 of white willow and basket willow (Salix viminalis).
Rare earth elements (REEs) or terrae rarae (TR) are a group of 17 heavy metals which include 15 elements belonging to the lanthanide (Ln) group, as well as scandium and yttrium. REEs are very similar in chemical and physical properties. Lanthanides are considered as rare micro elements, which is not entirely true. Namely, the amount of cerium (Ce) in the Earth’s crust is slightly higher than the amount of Cu, Pb or Zn. Except for Eu (+2 and +3) and Ce (+3 and +4), REEs usually form trivalent cations. Studies of individual REEs elements are mostly focused on the effects of Ce and La. Cerium is nowadays used in agriculture, as a microfertilizer. However, it is not essential for higher plants. The effects of Ce on life processes of plants range from stimulation to inhibition, depending on its concentration (hormesis), plant species, the stage of development, method of application and ecological factors. Lower concentrations and amounts of Ce can be beneficial for nutrient uptake, seed germination, photosynthesis, growth, dry matter accumulation and for alleviating different kinds of stress in plants. Cerium decreases oxidative stress and increases antioxidative capacity of plants. Higher concentrations of Ce reduce plant growth. Excessive amounts of Ce have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. The available literature on the influence of lower concentrations of Ce on life processes in plants suggests positive outcomes. How- ever, further fundamental investigations shall lead to better understanding of the physiological mechanisms of the impact of Ce on plant metabolisms.
Thymus praecox is one of the most widespread species in the Euro-Siberian region. This study was conducted to determine the in vitro antimicrobial and anti-diabetic activity of its plant extracts prepared with 70% and 96% ethanol, with and without pretreatment with n-hexane, using the Soxhlet apparatus. The MICs and MBCs ranged from 0.035 to 0.150 mg/mL and from 0.075 to 0.300 mg/mL, respectively. Both 96% ethanol extracts showed the most promising antibacterial activity, especially against Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae and Salmonella Typhimurium. The pretreated 96% ethanol extract also showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria B. cereus, S. aureus and S. typhimurium were also sensitive to the pretreated 70% ethanol extract, while 70% ethanol was most effective against S. aureus and Escherichia coli. The MICs and MFCs varied from 0.017 to 0.30 mg/mL and from 0.035 to 0.70 mg/mL, respectively, with Aspergillus versicolor and Trichoderma viride being the most sensitive. The IC50 values ranged from 0.94 to 1.40 mg/mL for ?-amylase and from 76.10 to 610.2 ?g/mL for ?-glucosidase. The 70% ethanol extract, especially with the hexane pretreatment, showed the highest enzyme inhibitory activity in the ?-glucosidase assay (76.10 ?g/mL), even higher than the control, acarbose/ glucobay (20.46 ?g/mL). The highest ?-amylase inhibitory effect was obtained for the 96% ethanol extract. The results show that the extracts of T. praecox subsp. polytrichus have significant antimicrobial and antidiabetic potential and can be used for food preservation and phytopharmacy.
Although bacteria are normal inhabitants of the canine skin, they play an essential role in the pathogenesis of canine pyoderma. As this skin disease is commonly presented in the small animal practice, the use of antibiotics in its treatment is on high level, al- though it is often misused. Consequently, excessive and irrational use of antimicrobials leads to the growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and resistant bacterial strains. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the right therapy guidelines to provide appropriate treatment management which is crucial in any policy for prudent and rational antimicrobial use (AMU). Hence, this review aimed to summarize established evidence-based antimicrobial guidelines in treating pyoderma in order to help veterinarians in the fight against development of AMR and its further growth, as one of the highest threats to the public health and topics of the global concern.
As the most common abiotic stress, drought seriously affects crop production. Since the impact of drought stress varies among species, this study aims to evaluate drought tolerance of domestic cucumber cultivars in the initial stages of growth under PEG-induced drought conditions. The germination assay was performed using three different cucumber varieties (Tajfun, Suncani Potok and NS Kir) at four different drought levels (0, -0.15, -0.49, and -1.03 MPa). The results demonstrated that all the tested cucumber cultivars are sensitive to drought during germination and initial plant growth, while the osmotic potential of -0.49 MPa can be considered the tolerance threshold for cucumber.
The aim of this work was to investigate the differences in yield and grape quality among three grapevine cultivars Dionis, Morava and Panonia during the period 2015-2022. The results suggest that season highly affects grape quality of all tested cultivars. Among the all tested cultivars, Morava had the lowest variation in bunch weight, while the lowest variation in acidity was demonstrated by Panonia. On average, these cultivars had satisfying yield (0,91-1,41 kg/m2) and even the production was performed according to ecological principles, without the use of pesticides. Colored cultivar Dionis and its parent Panonia, showed high sugar content in the grape must. Panonia and Morava had significantly higher acidity of the must (8.4 and 7.8 g l-1), compared to Dionis (6.30 g l-1).
The objective of this research was to isolate bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus from the nettle rhizosphere, conduct biochemical and plant-growth-promoting (PGP) characterization of isolates, and examine their biostimulatory effects on the seeds of medicinal plants. Microorganisms were isolated using the agar plate method for bacterial isolation. Biochemical characterization involved evaluating the isolates’ ability to produce enzymes such as lipase, amylase, pectinase, protease, cellulose, urease and gelatinase. Plant-growth-promoting (PGP) characterization included evaluation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, as well as the ability to mineralize organic phosphorus compounds and solubilize phosphate. The impact of isolates on seed germination and plant growth was studied using summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) seeds. The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions. The number of germinated seeds, the shoot and root length of seedlings, vigor index and root and shoot length of the plant were measured. According to the morphological description of the colony and cells, five Bacillus bacteria (denoted as Bac4, Bac5, Bac6, Bac7, Bac8) were selected for further examination. All isolates showed good PGP potential. The isolates that stand out are isolates Bac5, Bac7 and Bac8. The best effect on the seed germination was exerted by B5 and Bac8 isolates. Isolates Bac7 and Bac8 had the greatest stimulatory effect on seedling and plant growth. Having great PGP traits, these isolates may represent a biological alternative for the application of harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers in the production of summer savory and parsley.
The autochthonous, i.e. local, red wine variety Prokupac is one of the most important varieties in Serbia. In the past, this variety was the leading one in the largest number of wine-growing areas of our country. The Prokupac variety is currently the most represented in the Tri Morave wine-growing region (Central Serbia), while the largest number of vineyards with this variety are located in the Zupa wine-growing subregion. Due to its importance as an old and traditional variety, certain researches of this variety have been initiated in recent years in wine-growing areas where Prokupac is traditionally grown. Certain scientific activities were initiated to isolate different genotypes with improved production and use value, all with the aim of clonal selection of this variety. In this paper, some characteristics and quality parameters of the more promising Prokupac genotypes that were isolated in the Zupa wine-growing subregion in the Aleksandrovac municipality are presented. More extensive research was carried out on grapes from the harvest of 2019, 2020 and 2021 with 16 selected genotypes, namely eight genotypes from the Latkovac locality and eight genotypes from the Drenca locality. In addition to laboratory analyses of sugar, acid and pH content in the grape must, the theoretical alcohol content was also calculated. Furthermore, spectrophotometric methods were used to determine colour intensity A-420, colour intensity A-520, colour intensity A-620 and total colour intensity, as well as colour tonality. The analyses showed that certain main quality parameters from the research are within the value limits as in earlier research, but that the acid content is generally more optimal for red wine varieties compared to the research of that parameter carried out in the earlier period in other wine-growing areas (Fruska Gora and Cegar wine-growing subregions). Moreover, in our research, the sugar content of the grape is higher than the established values of that parameter in the grape must from the Cegar wine-growing subregion.
In this paper we present results of the botanical research performed from October, 2022 to October, 2023 in SNR “Titelski breg”. The Reserve has been legally protected from 2009 and ever since, active conservation measures, including mowing, grazing and removal of invasive plant species, have been implemented. Titelski breg is an isolated ellipsoid loess hill situated in the northern Serbia, between the Tisa River and several settlements. Flora and vegetation of the hill have been thoroughly studied in the past since 1896, and most of the data were published in the period 1980-1990. Our botanical research was conducted at 11 localities, which were previously prioritized, based on the number of published data on vasular plants and answers given by managers of the Reserve in the questionnaire. The collected plant samples were preserved, identified and stored in the herbarium of the University of Novi Sad (BUNS). After that, data on vascular plants were compared with a database compiled with available and relevant floristic and phytocoenological literature published between 1972 and 2022. As a result, there were 18 new vascular plant species, five new subspecies and one new variety. These results contribute to the general knowledge on their distribution and floristic diversity of Serbia, and are crucial for the evaluation of the protection and management in the Reserve.
Peltate trichomes have been the focus of botanical research for decades as the main secretory structures responsible for the production of essential oil and other specialized metabolites. For this study, samples of the plant material were obtained from the collection of the Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ?Dr. Josif Pancic?. This study was conducted to perform morphological characterization, determination of the diameter and analysis of the distribution of peltate trichomes on leaves and calyces of selected commercial Lamiaceae species. In addition, the density of peltate trichomes on the leaves was determined. The analyses were carried out using a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. The leaves of all plant species bear peltate trichomes on the adaxial and abaxial leaf sides, with the highest density observed in Origanum heracleoticum (24.3 and 17.4 per mm2, re?spectively). Density was generally higher on the adaxial surface, with the exception of Mentha ? piperita (higher density on the abaxial side) and Satureja montana (equal density on both leaf sides). The largest diameter of peltate trichomes was observed in leaves and calyces of S. montana (88.79 ?m and 90.57 ?m, respectively), while the smallest diameter was noticed in Origanum vulgare (about 65.00 ?m). The plant species studied differ in appearance, diameter, distribution and density of the peltate trichomes. The results obtained indicate that micromorphological features could be valid parameters for the microscopic authentication of aromatic plants of which the representatives of the Lamiaceae are of par?ticular commercial importance.
Analysis of climate change in Serbia was done using the data available from the Digital Climate Atlas of Serbia. It includes observed climate change and future climate change projections according to scenarios of greenhouse gases emissions, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, until the end of 21st century, compared to the reference period 1961-1990. According to the main climate change indicator, change of average air temperature, climate change is accelerating. Results showed that climate conditions in the mid-century period are known with high reliability, while changes of climate conditions in the second half of the century depend on reductions of global net emissions of greenhouse gases, i.e. on the fulfillment of the Paris agreement. In this paper, the changes in climate hazards are presented. They are of highest significance for risk increase in health and safety and in agriculture. For the mid-century period, an expected increase of average air temperature for Serbia is about 3.1?C. Expected frequency of extreme precipitation is at least once per year. Each year is most likely expected to be a year with drought. Average frequency of days per year, with temperatures above 35?C, for the territory of Serbia, will be in the range of 9-13, compared to one day in the reference period. In the paper the summary of climate change characteristics in Serbia is also given, based on the presented results and results derived from the literature, categorized into groups of climate hazards, which cause: too warm conditions, too wet conditions, too dry conditions and storms.
Viticulture production, like the entire agriculture, is subject to climate changes related to a significant increase in air temperature. High air temperatures during the ripening period negatively affect the yield and quality of grapes. Apart from the increase in air temperature, grape production is also affected by rainfall and the frequency of extreme events. Climate projections for the future predict a further increase in air temperature and a change in the most important viticultural indices. The analysis shows that there has been a change in the climate category according to WI and HI values, and in some areas also CI. The Drought Index (DI) does not show significant changes in the first two periods (2021- 2040; 2041-2060), in contrast to the increased frequency of droughts and the extension of the duration of the dry period during the year. Since the most significant risks in viticulture come from high temperatures during the grape ripening period and from hail and stormy weather during the growing season, appropriate adaptation measures are needed.
One of the largest families of the order Diptera - hoverflies, are at the same time one of the most prominent insect groups, being recognized as the second most important pollinator group, bioindicator species, as well as potential biocontrol agents. Thus, raising interest in their distribution, biology and ecology is not surprising. As a contribution to the process of systematizing knowledge on these species, in this paper there are pre?sented details on the fauna of hoverflies of the eastern part of Serbia. It was done by incor?porating information on so far published findings, older, but unpublished records, as well as records collected in recent field trips across 109 localities in Eastern Serbia, all in one place. The most significant findings are Cheilosia subpictipennis Claussen, 1998 and Paragus kopdagensis Hayat & Claussen, 1997, published for the first time for Serbia, and 105 species registered for Eastern Serbia for the first time. Additionally, one potentially new hoverfly species for science is registered: Paragus aff. testaceus.
Compared to the previous period, the vineyard area in the Republic of Serbia has decreased significantly. Although the planting of new vineyards is subsidized over a long period of time, not enough vineyards are planted to ensure self-sufficiency in domestic grapes, wine (wine products) and spirit drinks originating from grapes. This is especially case for vineyards with local grapevine varieties, which can be of great importance for the rural development and promotion. In this paper, utilized time series analysis, spe?cifically Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling was used to predict the dynamics of newly planted vineyard areas with all grapevine varieties and local grapevine varieties based on data from the previous 20 years (period from 2003 to 2022). The aim is to forecast the trends of newly planted vineyard areas, both for all grapevine varieties and vineyards with local grapevine varieties, for the period from 2023 to 2027. A time series refers to a structured sequence of observations. The structuring is frequently done in terms of time intervals. Forecasting time series data, or determining future trends, is one of the most crucial goals of time series analysis. Based on such analysis, it is possible to forecast the expansion of vineyard areas for the upcoming period. ARIMA models helped to determine five-year trends in data on newly planted vineyard areas. The forecast made in this paper showed that vineyard area of all grapevine varieties would be planted at an an?nual range of about 230 and 300 hectares over the next five years. The forecast for future annual planting for the same period (2023-2027) of vineyards with local grapevine varieties is in the range of only about 10 to 60 hectares. The obtained ARIMA forecast results, espe?cially for the forecasts for planting vineyards with local grapevine varieties, show that it is necessary to pay special attention to this problem and to initiate numerous measures and activities in order to increase the area of vineyards with local grapevine varieties in the Republic of Serbia.
