Localities In Serbia Research Articles

Molekularna karakterizacija Turnip yellows virus - novog patogena slačice u Srbiji

In 2018, a total of 58 mustard samples from two different localities in Serbia (Rimski Šančevi and Senta) were collected and tested for the presence of Turnip yellow virus (TuYV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) by DAS-ELTSA. TuYV was serologically detected in 42 tested samples while all collected samples were negative for CaMV and TuMV. By using aphid transmission tests, five test plants were inoculated with two ELTSApositive TuYV samples of naturally infected mustard plants. Virus species identification was performed by amplification of a 780 bp fragment in all tested samples using the specific primers TuYVorf0F/TuYVorf0R. The RTPCR products from two isolates 88Sal (MK144816) and 98Bni (MK144817) were sequenced and compared with the GenBank sequences of TuYV. Serbian isolates showed the highest identity with Poland TuYV isolate (EU022489). Phylogenetic analysis showed that TuYV isolates from Serbia were clustered with other TuYV sequences retrieved from the GenBank.

Golden jackals (Canis aureus) as hosts for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Serbia

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a medium-sized canid species native to Europe. This species is characterized by rapid large-scale expansion. A similar trend is also observed in Serbia, where the species is now distributed in more than a half of the territory. Although jackals prefer habitats in human-dominated landscapes, these animals have not been studied well enough from an eco-epidemiological point of view, and little is known about their potential for carrying zoonotic pathogens.In a study conducted during a three-year period (01/2010–02/2013), a total of 216 hunted or road-killed golden jackals were collected from 10 localities in Serbia. Ticks, when present, were removed, and after necropsy, spleen samples were collected from each animal. All tick and spleen samples were tested for the DNA of bacterial and protozoan tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia species, Bartonella species, Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella species and Babesia species) by multiplex real-time PCR, conventional PCR and sequencing analyses.The DNA of Babesia canis was detected in nine out of 216 (4.2%) spleen samples, and two samples (0.9%) tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In 118 ticks collected from jackals, the DNA of two Babesia species (Ba. canis and Ba. microti), three Borrelia species (Bo. garinii, Bo. valaisiana, and Bo. lusitaniae) and A. marginale was detected.From the aspect of public health surveillance, the potential role of the golden jackal in the maintenance of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Serbia must be considered, and further eco-epidemiological studies should be performed to determine the precise role of this animal species in zoonotic disease transmission cycles.

First interception of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (Q biotype) in Serbia

AbstractThe whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a cosmopolitan insect pest and causes great damage to many agricultural crops by direct feeding, and transmitting many plant viruses causing disastrous effects. The global distribution of B. tabaci was previously investigated, but so far, it has not been confirmed in Serbia. Sampling conducted on plants at three localities in Serbia revealed the presence of three whitefly species, one is B. tabaci Mediterranean (MED) species, a quarantine pest. Additionally, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood and an Aleurodes sp. that was not identified to the species level were also confirmed. The last two are common and widespread species in Serbia. Whitefly collections were made from cabbage, kale and oilseed rape plants (Brassica oleracea, B. oleracea var. sabauda, B. napus, respectively) grown in the field, on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) grown in the greenhouse and on potted hibiscus (Hibiscus sp.) and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants grown indoors. DNA sequence analysis from a portion of the Cytochrome Oxidase I gene (COI) revealed the presence of B. tabaci MED species, which is considered to be a very important pest worldwide and has been reported from neighbouring countries, however, not yet from Serbia. Bemisia tabaci MED is recorded here for the first time in Serbia. This first interception suggests its introduction with ornamentals grown indoors, with no outdoor reports and that it is not yet spread. This report is an important alert for local authorities to take the necessary steps in monitoring and preventing its possible expansion.

Diversity of Terrestrial Cyanobacteria Colonizing Selected Stone Monuments in Serbia

ABSTRACTThe presence of biofilms on stone monuments can lead to biodeterioration processes that significantly lower not only the aesthetic value of cultural heritage sites but also cause considerable physical and chemical damage to stone surfaces. In terrestrial environments, cyanobacteria have a significant role in biofilm formation on a variety of natural and artificial stone substrata, including granite, sandstone, limestone, lime mortar, etc. Studies on cyanobacterial diversity and estimation of biodeteriorative activity on stone cultural heritage objects can be very important for conservators and restorers, and cyanobacteria removal from stone monuments is currently a great challenge for conservation science. In that sense, the diversity of terrestrial cyanobacteria was investigated at six localities in Serbia. Samples for cyanobacterial analyses were taken from surface biofilms covering different substrata: granite and lime mortar (The Monument to the Unknown Hero), sandstone (Branko's Bridge, Eiffel’s Lock) and carbonate rock (Medieval tombstones from Mramorje and Rastište, Gradac Monastery). A total of 18 cyanobacterial taxa were identified. The highest diversity was found on carbonate rock, followed by sandstone. Cyanobacteria were also recorded on an artificial substratum – lime mortar, while cyanobacteria were not found on granite. All detected cyanobacteria seriously impaired the structural and aesthetic integrity of the studied monuments via mechanical and chemical actions, so their presence must not be overlooked.

Characterization and population diversity of Erwinia amylovora strains originating from pome fruits in Serbia

The diversity of 30 Erwinia amylovora strains, isolated from quince, pear and apple trees on 14 localities in Serbia, was studied using bacteriological and molecular methods. In pathogenicity tests, all strains caused necrosis and oozing of bacterial exudate on inoculated immature pear, cherry and plum fruits, and induced hypersensitive reaction in tobacco leaves. The studied strains were Gram and oxidase negative, non-fluorescent, levan and catalase positive and facultatively anaerobic. The strains did not reduce nitrates, but utilized citrate and produced acid from sorbitol, hydrolyzed gelatine, produced reducing substances from sucrose and grew in the presence of 5% NaCl, but not at 36oC. Identity of the strains was confirmed by conventional and nested PCR methods. Rep-PCR with REP, ERIC and BOX primers resulted in amplification of several DNA fragments respectively, but showed no variation within the strains. However, different genetic profiles were obtained with RAPD-PCR by using six primers which enabled differentiation of the strains into four groups. Genetic differences between the studied strains did not correlate with the host plants, geographical origin or year of isolation.

Prisustvo i rasprostranjenost virusa paprike u Srbiji

A two-year investigation (2009-2010) of the presence and distribution of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) viruses in Serbia revealed that viruses occur each year in open-field production. Disease incidence, as estimated by the number of symptomatic plants in the field, highly varied depending on the year and sampling locality. Disease incidence ranged from 20% to 60%. Four viruses: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), of which PVY was predominant, were detected by serological testing of pepper samples collected from many localities in Serbia. Molecular detection of PVY was performed based on amplification of a 975 bp fragment in all tested samples, using the specific primers PVYc/PVYd that amplify the gene for P1 protein. The RT-PCR products derived from the four isolates (PL-28-09, PL-15-09, PL-3-10, PL-108-10) of PVY were sequenced (KC288142, KC288143, KC288144, and KC288144, respectively) and compared with the PVY sequences available in GenBank. Sequence analysis, conducted with MEGA5 software, revealed 99.8-100% nt identity among the four Serbian PVY isolates from pepper. The sequences of PVY isolates from Serbia share the highest nucleotide and amino acid identity with isolates from Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, and tobbaco isolate from Serbia. All of the four Serbian isolates were clustered in sub-group N-1 with other European isolates of necrotic strains.

Sorbus aucuparia and Sorbus aria as a Source of Antioxidant Phenolics, Tocopherols, and Pigments.

Due to its nutritive and medicinal properties, berries of some Sorbus species are used for the preparation of jams and jelly as well as in traditional medicine. On the other hand, their chemical composition is not much studied especially of those grown in Balkan Peninsula. We have analyzed individual phenolics, tocopherols, carotenoids and chlorophylls using HPLC in berries from Sorbus aucuparia and Sorbus aria collected in different localities in Serbia and Montenegro together with the amounts of total phenolics and proanthocyanidins as well as their radical scavenging activity against DPPH radical. Berries of S.aucuparia were richer source of polyphenolics in comparision with S.aria and, regardless the species and locality, caffeoylquinic acids such as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant compounds. Among analyzed tocopherols the most abundant in all samples was α-tocopherol (0.48-19.85μg/gdw) as it was β-carotene among carotenoids (mean concentration of 0.98μg/gdw in S.aucuparia and 0.40μg/gdw in S.aria, respectively). Correlation between total phenolics and DPPH radical scavenging activity was noticed. Our study represents comprehensive report on chemical composition of S.aucuparia and S.aria which could contribute to a better understanding of their quality.

Reynoutria niche modelling and protected area prioritization for restoration and protection from invasion: A Southeastern Europe case study

An important step in managing invasive species is determining the factors responsible for their current and potential distribution, especially when species distribution is climatically determined like in Reynoutria taxa case. The main aim of this paper was to integrate all available distribution data of the Reynoutria taxa in SE Europe and to predict in which habitats and along which corridors its future spread can be expected. Distribution data of the Reynoutria taxa were obtained from extensive field studies in the period from 2006 to 2016, as well as from the literature and herbarium sources. A total of 4081 localities in Serbia and the Kosovo region, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Romania have been recorded, most frequently in riparian and human-made habitats. Ecologically suitable ranges for the Reynoutria taxa were predicted using the MaxEnt program and 19 bioclimatic variables which were derived from the WorldClim data set. Results of this study showed that the most frequent Reynoutria taxa in SE Europe are R. japonica var. japonica and hybrid R.×bohemica. The most suitable geographical areas for R. japonica and R. sachalinensis are mostly located in the north, while for R.×bohemica the central part of SE Europe is suitable. The precipitation of the warmest quarter had a high influence on the potential distribution modelling of these closely related species. Potential distribution modelling revealed R.×bohemica’s high temperature tolerance in different seasons with high durability of drought (up to 60mm per year less precipitation than parental species). Moreover, this research predicts which areas are most likely to be invaded, and makes suggestions where to focus management efforts for survey and removal of these invaders, especially in protected areas. According to the future climate analysis R. japonica and R.×bohemica could expand their range in riparian habitats up to 30–40%. Consequently, invasion in Slovenia’s and Croatia’s rivers requires urgent preventative measures. This study provides empirical evidence that these plants could become widespread throughout SE Europe within 25 years under the current trend and emphasizes that regionally specific management plans should be implemented to prevent further spread of these taxa.

A new record of Xiphinema dentatum Sturhan, 1978 and description of X. paradentatum sp. n. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from Serbia

A population of Xiphinema dentatum, found in a new locality in Serbia, is briefly described and illustrated. Xiphinema paradentatum sp. n. is described and illustrated. It is a parthenogenetic species characterised by its medium to moderately long body (3.71-5.02 mm), open C-shaped when heat-relaxed, lip region frontally almost flattened, laterally rounded and separated from the rest of the body by a weak depression; a moderately long odontostyle (147-166 μm), guide ring located at 137-153 μm from anterior end; two equally developed genital tracts having a pseudo-Z-organ in uterus in the form of several irregular angular sclerotised bodies – apophyses located in the vicinity of the pars dilatata uteri and devoid of spines; tail broadly and symmetrically rounded, and four juvenile developmental stages. Molecular characterisation using the ribosomal ITS and the D2-D3 expansion domains of the 28S rRNA gene was done and maximum likelihood analysis was used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of X. dentatum and X. paradentatum sp. n. from Serbia with other longidorids.

Upper Cretaceous geosites on Golija Mountain - objects of geoheritage

The Upper Cretaceous rudist limestones are well-known from several localities in Serbia. Three of these localities (Svilanovo, Bele Vode and Kulizino Selo) are located in SW Serbia, on Golija Mt. These localities are crucial for understanding the development of the Upper Cretaceous shallow-water environments, thus this is an area of great scientific and educational value, particularly considering palaeontology, stratigraphy, palaeoecology and palaeogeography. One of the aims of this paper is to evaluate these geosites and their geotouristic potential, using Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), which is important for their geoconservation as well as for the sustainable development of the area.

Bioactivity of herbal tea of Hungarian thyme based on the composition of volatiles and polyphenolics

Hungarian thyme (Thymus pannonicus All., Lamiaceae) is an aromatic herb used as traditional remedy, a refreshing beverage and a food aromatizer. Herbal teas, i.e., infusions, of Hungarian thyme from eight localities in Serbia were analyzed regarding their polyphenolic and volatile composition, and tested for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The total polyphenolics content, determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, ranged from 1122.25 to 1979.93mg gallic acid/L. HPLC analysis revealed rosmarinic acid (367.42–1199.47mg/L) and luteolin glucuronides as the main polyphenolics. The volatile fractions of the infusions, analyzed by static headspace extraction coupled with GC and GC–MS analyses, contained citral, 3-octanone, 1-octen-3-ol, linalool and 1,8-cineole as the dominant constituents. The antioxidant activity of the infusions was examined through the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (68.09–124.58mmol Fe2+/L) and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical tests (SC50 1.32–2.96μL/mL). The antimicrobial activity was tested by the broth microdilution method against standard strains of Gram(+) Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis and Gram(−) bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and one strain of yeast Candida albicans. The infusions inhibited microbial growth in the tested concentration range (31.25–500.00μL/mL) and the strongest activity was exhibited against the strain of C. albicans (MIC 31.25–62.50μL/mL). The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the infusions were, to some extent, in correlation with the composition and content of the polyphenolic compounds, whereas the volatiles noticeably influenced the exhibited antimicrobial activity.

New findings of the butterfly Phengaris teleius at the border between Hungary and Serbia (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae).

BackgroundDue to its interesting life cycle, vulnerability and conservation importance, the butterfly Phengaris teleius is one of the most studied insects in Europe. It was discovered in Serbia only in 2012 and there were no data on its distribution from the south of Hungary.New informationPhengaris teleius was recorded for the first time in four localities in Hungary and in additional locality in Serbia. This suggests that the local populations are more interconnected than previousely thought and that conservation efforts should be done in collaboration between the two countries. All localities are inside protected areas and management measures for preserving several target species already exist. This represents a solid base for the conservation of newly discovered populations of P. teleius.

Anthropogenetic variability in groups of children from regular and special schools from different localities in Serbia

This population-genetic study compares morpholophysiological and genetic variability in five control groups of individuals (children from five regular schools, N= 996) with children from that many special schools (N= 736) from Serbia, by using a test of determination of homozygously recessive characteristics in humans (HRC-test). Genetic homozygosity degree showed not only statistically significant difference between the mean values obtained for two groups of studied samples (control group 6.95? 0.07; children from special schools 8.63? 0.08 HRCs, out of 30 analyzed characteristics), but also differences in the type of distribution, as well as the presence of specific combinations of such traits. Results of comparisons done in different places (Kraljevo, Nis, Vranje, Leskovac, Pirot) showed the same tendency- the increase of genetic homozygosity and relative decrease of variability in samples of children from special schools. The number of HRCs among individuals from control groups varied from 2 to 15/30, and from 3 to 16/30 among children from special schools. It is possible that increased recessive homozygosity present in the group of children from special schools leads to increase of genetic loads, what may cause easier expression of some physiological and mental abilities that children from special schools have.A great individual variation in amount of genetic homozygosity that exists among human individuals may influence their potentials for different kinds of adaptation, including their mental abilities, physical capacities or resistance to different diseases.

Organobentonite: Characterization and adsorptive properties towards phenol and its derivatives

Bentonite from Mecji Do locality in Serbia was modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br), and the sample was denoted as HDTMA-MD. The characterization of the material included X-Ray diffraction, elemental analysis and point of zero charge determination. The adsorption of phenol and its nitro derivatives: 2-nitrophenol (2NP), 3-nitrophenol (3NP) and 4-nitrophenol (4NP) on HDTMA-MD was investigated. The adsorption capacity of HDTMA-MD toward phenol derivatives increased in the following order qe (phenol) < qe (3NP) < qe (2NP) < qe (4NP). The influence of adsorption time and initial concentration on the adsorption efficiency of HDTMA-MD was studied for 4NP. The data were best fitted with Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

Biometal and heavy metal content in the soil-nettle (Urtica dioica L.): System from different localities in Serbia

The content of some biometals (Fe, K, Mg, Zn, and Mn), and two heavy metals (Pb and Cd) in nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and in the respective soils were determined by ICP-oES. The samples were collected from two locations in the vicinity of Nis and one from w estern Serbia. The amount of vitamin C in the samples was determined by iodometric titration. The aim of the study was to determine the percentage of ful- filling the daily needs for tested biometals and vitamin C by consuming nettle as tea or as vegetable, as well as to determine the amount of biometals that plants absorb from the soil. The obtained amount of Fe, K, Mg, Zn, Mn and vitamin C suggested that nettle can be used as an additional remedy in the treatment of anemia, and to alleviate the effects due to the lack of biometals. Some biometals were absorbed to certain saturation and some for as long as they were present in the soil.

Fluorescence-based biosensor for monitoring of environmental pollutants: From concept to field application

An advanced optical biosensor was developed based on the enzymatic reaction with halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons that is accompanied by the fluorescence change of pH indicator. The device is applicable for the detection of halogenated contaminants in water samples with pH ranging from 4 to 10 and temperature ranging from 5 to 60°C. Main advantages of the developed biosensor are small size (60×30×190mm3) and portability, which together with short measurement time of 1min belong to crucial attributes of analytical technique useful for routine environmental monitoring. The biosensor was successfully applied for the detection of several important halogenated pollutants under laboratory conditions, e.g., 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2,3-trichloropropane and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, with the limits of detection of 2.7, 1.4 and 12.1mgL−1, respectively. The continuous monitoring was demonstrated by repetitive injection of halogenated compound into measurement solution. Consequently, field trials under environmental settings were performed. The presence of 1,2-dichloroethane (10mgL−1) was proved unambiguously on one of three potentially contaminated sites in Czech Republic, and the same contaminant was monitored on contaminated locality in Serbia. Equipped by Global Positioning System, the biosensor was used for creation of a precise map of contamination. Concentrations determined by biosensor and by gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer exhibited the correlation coefficient of 0.92, providing a good confidence for the routine use of the biosensor system in both field screening and monitoring.

Life under the mother’s hug: Harmonization of the developmental schedules of epimorphs based on early development of the scolopendromorph centipede Cryptops parisi Brolemann, 1920 (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Cryptopidae)

Development of the cryptopid centipede Cryptops parisi is analyzed for the first time. During the period between oviposition and abandonment of the brood, we identified sixteen brood-dependent stages under the three developmental phases (embryonic, embryoid, and adolescens) on a sample collected at the Babin Zub locality in Serbia. In summary, eight stages within three subphases (embryonic I to III) are described from the embryonic phase, in addition to one intermediate stage (hatch), six stages from the embryoid phase (proembryoid I to III, praefoetus, foetus I and II) and only one in the adolescent phase (adolescens I). Tracing external morphological changes on the postpedal segment, we found that males and females can be distinguished at the adolescens I stage. In addition, it is established that the precise identification of species is possible for the first time at the second foetus stage in C. parisi development. By means of comparison, an attempt is made to achieve harmonization of the developmental schedules of scolopendromorphic and geophilomorphic centipedes as a final objective.

Chemometric approach to evaluate heavy metals’ content in Daucus Carota from different localities in Serbia

The aim of this study was to evaluate heavy metal content in carrots (Daucus carota) from the different localities in Serbia and assess by the cluster analysis (CA) and principal components analysis (PCA) the heavy metal contamination of carrots from these areas. Carrot was collected at 13 locations in five districts. Chemometric methods (CA and PCA) were applied to classify localities according to heavy metal content in carrots. CA separated localities into two statistical significant clusters. PCA permitted the reduction of 12 variables to four principal components explaining 79.94% of the total variance. The first most important principal component was strongly associated with the value of Cu, Sb, Pb and Tl. This study revealed that CA and PCA appear useful tools for differentiation of localities in different districts using the profile of heavy metal in carrot samples.

Canine and Feline Thelaziosis Caused by Thelazia Callipaeda in Serbia

Abstract Thelazia callipaeda is a parasitic nematode causing ocular infections in different mammalian species and humans, clinically manifested as lacrimation, conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal opacity or corneal ulcer. In this paper, we reported six cases of autochthonous canine and feline thelaziosis on different localities in Serbia. Total of 285 parasites (85 males and 200 females) were collected from the eyes of infected animals (n=6) suffering from uni- or bilateral conjunctivitis, with the number of parasites ranging from 7 to 150 per animal. All parasites were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda, while molecular analyses of cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) gene revealed the presence of h1 haplotype, as the unique previously reported in other studies in Europe. Since T. callipaeda is a newly detected parasite in Serbia with the infective potential for humans, there is a necessity for animal owners education and cooperation among professional services in order to control this zoonosis.

Persicaria maculosa S. F. Gray 1821 – Comparative analysis of herb and root extracts: Chemical composition and antioxidant activity

Persicaria maculosa (Polygonaceae, lady's thumb) is an annual herb distributed around the northern temperate regions. Extracts of its aerial parts exhibit a number of pharmacological activities (hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, analgesic, and diuretic) [1], which is probably due to a number of phenolic compounds present in this species. There has been no report on chemical composition of underground parts of this plant. Our goal was to compare the chemical composition and biological activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity and protective effect on lipid peroxidation [2]) of ethanolic extracts prepared from the herb and roots of P. maculosa. Plant material was collected from two localities in Serbia. Chemical composition of the prepared extracts was determined by quantitative LC-MS-MS analysis [3]. Based on our results (shown in table), there is a great difference in chemical composition, particularly in flavonoid content, between the aerial and underground parts of this plant, although there is a significant amount of gallic and quinic acids in both aerial parts and root extracts. Aerial parts extracts (unlike the root ones) are rich in quercetin and its derivatives: quercetin-3-O-Glc, hyperoside, quercitrin, rutin, which is in accordance with the previous reports [4]. Also, apigenin aglycone and chlorogenic acid are present in high amounts in the aerial part of this plant, which has never been reported before. Root extracts contain only flavan-3-ols in similar amounts to those in herb extracts. There is no significant difference in DPPH scavenging activity between the herb and root extracts (results shown in table). Therefore, it can be assumed that the high content of gallic acid in both extracts has an important role in the antioxidant activity. On the other hand, herb extracts exhibit significantly higher LP inhibiting ability thus indicating that a high amount of flavonoids in herb extracts is responsible for protective effect against LP.