Plants In Bulgaria Research Articles

Three prospective agents instead of one? Cryptic diversity of the biological control agent Psylliodes chalcomera

The flea beetle, Psylliodes chalcomera, was previously permitted as a biological control agent of Carduus nutans (musk thistle) in the USA. However, during subsequent exploration for prospective biological control agents of Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle), we observed individuals attacking this plant in southern Russia. We also observed this insect on Onopordum spp. (Scotch thistle), which raised the question whether this beetle is polyphagous, or whether it is comprised of biotypes, host races or cryptic species that are specialized on different host plants. We analyzed a fragment of the cox1 mitochondrial gene of adult and larval specimens collected from these three plants in Bulgaria, Italy, Russia and Turkey to study the population structure of this beetle. The results indicate at least three different groups: 1) associated with C. solstitialis in Bulgaria, Russia and Turkey, 2) associated with Onopordum spp. in Bulgaria, Russia and Turkey, and 3) associated with Carduus spp., Onopordum spp., and possibly C. solstitialis, in Bulgaria, Italy, Russia and Turkey. Adult specimens indicated a fourth group associated with Onopordum spp. and C. solstitialis in Turkey, but we did not have any larval specimens to confirm the host plant of this group. Our results suggest that three of these biotypes could be interesting to evaluate as prospective candidates for classical biological control of these three weed targets.

PFGE: a tool for examination of heterogeneity between the bacterial spot-causing xanthomonads of tomato plants in Bulgaria.

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is a highly discriminative molecular typing method that is used for epidemiological studies and investigation of outbreaks caused by different pathogens, including phytopathogenic Xanthomonas species. Bacterial spot (BS) is the most common and one of the most destructive diseases of tomato and pepper plants in Bulgaria. Several Xanthomonas species are known to cause BS, but the global distribution and genetic diversity of these species are not well understood. A collection of 100 BS-causing strains, isolated during the period of 1985-2012 from different tomato cultivars and weeds associated with tomato production areas from 11 geographic regions in Bulgaria, were screened for genetic diversity by genomic DNA restriction with rare-cutting endonucleases (XbaI and SpeI) subsequently resolved by PFGE. Two haplotypes for Xanthomonas vesicatoria and one haplotype for Xanthomonas gardneri strains were found.

Economic costs due to workers' sick leave at wastewater treatment plants in Bulgaria.

The compensatory mechanisms of social security include expenses for sick leave. The aim of the study is to determine the economic cost due to sick leave among workers in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), comparing with the same economic indicators of the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) in Bulgaria. The sick leave of 111 workers at 3 WWTPs was studied in the period 2012-2014 on the grounds of registered absences from work due to temporary incapacity for work. The economic indicators of the NSSI, the gross salary at WWTPs, payable social security contributions and compensatory payments for sick leave have been used for economic cost calculation for temporary incapacity of the workers. The frequency of cases and the frequency of lost days due to temporary incapacity were increased in the observed period at WWTPs and in Bulgaria, and it is significantly higher for the employed at WWTPs. The percentage share of workers equivalent to 1.66% at WWTPs have not worked for an entire year as a result of temporary incapacity in 2012, 2.76% - in 2013, and 4.61% - in 2014. The economic burden due to sick leave at WWTPs was raised from EUR 4913.02 in 2012 to EUR 16 895.80 for 2014 for employers and the NSSI. The frequency of cases and the frequency of lost days due to temporary incapacity were increased in the observed period at WWTPs and in Bulgaria, and it is significantly higher for the employed at WWTPs. The economic burden was equally distributed between employers and the NSSI. Med Pr 2018;69(2):129-141.

Non-indigenous scale insects on ornamental plants in Bulgaria and China: A survey

A preliminary list of non-indigenous scale insect species on ornamental plants in Bulgaria and China is presented. The sampling was done between April and November, 2009, in the framework of the project “Invasive scale insects on ornamental plants in Bulgaria and China”. The insects were collected in nurseries, parks, gardens, botanical collections and greenhouses. Representatives from four families have been identified in Bulgaria, the most numerous of which are the Diaspididae (eight species), Coccidae (four species), Pseudococcidae (two species) and Margarodidae (one species). Three species of non-indigenous scale insects associated with ornamental plants were collected in China, all belonging to the family Pseudococcidae. A list of alien scale insect species on ornamental plants is given, including the sampling sites, host plants on which they were found, origin and first report in both countries.

Opportunities for the applications of FMEA Model in logistics processes in Bulgarian enterprises

Abstract The article explores the use of FMEA method in the logistics processes in manufacturing plants in Bulgaria. The surveyed enterprises have a system ISO 9001 and apply different methods of analysis and assessment of logistics processes. The purpose of this study is to present a model for improving the reliability of logistics processes through the FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) method. An inquiry among 14 organizations in the implementation of FMEA was conducted. The results show that FMEA is not used for assessment in logistics processes and provides useful insights for decision-making to improve the reliability of supply. A framework based on the survey is presented for determining the reliability of logistics processes in manufacturing plants. The study demonstrates the applicability of the method in logistics processes and the role FMEA can play in assessing logistics processes.

Ethnobotanical records of not yet documented therapeutic effects of some popular Bulgarian medicinal plants

Despite the existence of many relevant publications, and of reliable records of the traditional empiric data about medicinal plants in Bulgaria, over the last few years we found quite a lot of hitherto undocumented data about the healing properties of plants. In order to test the contemporary status of the traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, we performed the study as a Rapid Ethnobotanical Appraisal in the way of structured interview based on fixed questions namely what plants are used against certain health disorders. We therefore interviewed 183 people during the summer of 2011: some whom we knew to be particularly interested in medicinal plants and traditional ways of healing, and also a random sample of people of different ages. These subjects were all over l8. The survey was called ?Granny had a cure for this.? (or ?Granny knew how to cure this.?) In this paper we present data for remedial properties of popular medicinal plants which have not been documented in the literature yet - Pulsatilla pratensis - fresh leaves used as compress against exostoses, Sambucus ebulus - immature fresh leaves used for compress in case of exostoses, Primula veris - leaves infusion used against vertigo and Nepeta nuda - application of decoction internally against cystitis and prostate gland inflammation as well as externally against wounds and on the stock udder against mastitis. Comparative analysis of relevant studies was also done.

Aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on ornamental plants in greenhouses in Bulgaria

Investigations on the species composition and host range of aphids on ornamental greenhouse plants in Bulgaria was conducted over a period of five years, from 2008 to 2012. Twenty greenhouses, growing ornamentals for landscaping, plant collections and other purposes were observed. They were located in the regions of Sofia, Plovdiv, Smolyan, Pavlikeni, Varna and Burgas. The total number of collected aphid samples was 279. Their composition included 33 aphid species and one subspecies from 13 genera and 5 subfamilies. Twenty-eight species were found to belong to subfamily Aphidinae. Almost 70 % of all recorded species were polyphagous. The most widespread aphid species was Myzus persicae, detected in 13 greenhouses all year round, followed by Aulacorthum solani (10 greenhouses) and Aphis gossypii (9 greenhouses). The widest host range was shown by Myzus persicae (43 hosts), Aulacorthum solani (32 hosts) and Aulacorthum circumflexum (23 hosts).The list of host plants includes 114 species from 95 genera and 58 families. The greatest variety of aphid species was detected on Hibiscus (9 species). Out of all aphid samples 12.9 % were collected on Hibiscus and 6.8 %, on Dendranthema. The greatest variety of aphid species was detected on Hibiscus (9 species).Periphyllus californiensis and Aphis (Aphis) fabae mordvilkoi are reported for the first time for Bulgaria. Furthermore, Aphis spiraecola has been found in new localities and has widened its host range in this country.

Traditional knowledge and modern trends for Asian medicinal plants in Bulgaria from an ethnobotanical view

Background: Asian medicinal plants are an integral part of the Bulgarian traditions and folk botanical knowledge and as from the past until now, have their place in the Bulgarian market. In the last decade the interest in new plant-based products has increased. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with the aim to bring out the facts about the diversity of Asian medicinal plants, present in medicinal plant-based products that are recently available on the Bulgarian market. The survey data was gathered during a period of 7 years (2003-2010) from the main national databases that contain information about herbal medicines and interviews, along with field-collected data. Results: More than 185 species of medicinal plants, belonging to 38 families and 137 genera were registered. Only twenty species were found to be used mostly in plant-based products for example Panax ginseng, Eleuterococcus senticosus, Ginkgo bilоba, Camellia sinensis, Zingiber officinale, Rhodiola rosea, Euphorbia pallasii, Scutelaria baicalensis, Garcinia cambogia, Hibiscus spp., Cinnamomum verum, Piper nigrum, Curcuma zedoaria, Syzigium aromaticum, etc. Most of them can be compounds of plant extract products, herbal remedies, spices, food and food additives, which are mainly proved to be beneficial as immune stimulants, memory enhancers, antitumor agents, sedatives, aphrodisiacs, antimycotics, wellness tea, body weight reducers, stimulants, blood pressure reducers, etc. Conclusions: Some of the species were used in the past for different purposes, while others are completely unknown and exotic. The occurrence of new combinations and mixtures containing both traditional Bulgarian and Asian folk medicine herbs was observed. This particular way of development, of traditional medicine in modern life, is of special interest to the ethnobotanists and is discussed further in the study.

High-mountain medicinal plants in Bulgaria – protection, phytotherapy, reproductive capacity and sustainable use

The object of this study are rare and endemic species of the Bulgarian flora: Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm; A.jumrukczalica Pawł. (Bulgarian endemic); A.achtarowii Pawł. (Bulgarian endemic); Sideritis scardica Griseb. (Balkan endemic); Gentiana lutea L. ssp. symphyandra (Murb.) Hayek and Arnica montana L. The species are spreaded in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Bulgarian mountains. They are included in the List of protected species of the Biological Diversity Act and Red Book of R Bulgaria Vol. 1– Plants, excepting A. montana, reported to grow in the Rila Mt. [1], but so far its distribution has not been confirmed. In this study were used seeds of A. montana, originating from Ukraine and Germany.

Diversity of Xanthomonas Spp. Causal Agents of Bacterial Spot on Pepper and Tomato Plants in Bulgaria

ABSTRACTSeventy-one Xanthomonas strains isolated from infected pepper and tomato plants with bacterial spot from Bulgaria and Macedonia were examined in this study. The pathotypes and races of the strains were determined. The pepper-tomato pathotype predominated among Bulgarian strains, whereas the Macedonian strains belonged to the pepper pathotype. On the basis of their phenotypic characteristics the causal agents of bacterial spot on tomato and pepper possessed properties of at least three species (X. euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria/X. perforans and X. gardneri). The identification of thirty strains to species Xanthomonas euvesicatoria was confirmed using species specific primers in PCR amplification.

Phytopathogenic Burkholderia Species in Bulb Plants in Bulgaria

ABSTRACTThe identification of 22 isolates as Burkholderia cepacia and B. gladioli was confirmed by PCR amplification with species- specific primers CMG 16–1, G 16–2, CMG 23–1, and CM 23–2. The strains were characterized phenotypically by BIOLOG metabolic profile, antibiotic susceptibility, and interactions with other microorganisms. A greater metabolic diversity among B. gladioli strains than among B. cepacia strains was revealed. The phytopathogenic and the clinic isolates of B. cepacia were clearly distinguished in the studied properties. The phytopathogenic isolates of B. cepacia differed from the clinic strains in their greater metabolic abilities, significantly lower susceptibility to the tested antibiotics, and ability to synthesize antimicrobial substances against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi.

The first Bulgarian allergen extract from Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

Abstract Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. is a leading cause of allergies in many countries. In the last decade it has appeared and spread in Bulgaria as well. The aims of this study was to collect pollen from ragweed plants in Bulgaria, prepare the first Bulgarian ragweed allergen, and characterize it. The new allergen was studied in parallel with two other ragweed pollen extracts from the USA and Russia. The protein profile was studied through isoelectric focusing, and the total allergen activity was studied by a skin prick test and a basophil activation test. The proteins of the studied extracts were concentrated in the pI region 3.5–5.5 with an identical band number and location. The allergens showed similar total allergen activity in vivo:14/81 tested patients (17.3 %) were SPT positive either to a single ragweed extract or to all three. The allergens had identical histogram profiles and caused basophil degranulation above the test cut-off. The analysis of the flow cytometry results by parallel line bioassay shows linear dose-response relation between the extracts. The observed immunological properties of the Bulgarian allergen from Ambrosia artemisiifolia provide a possibility to use this product for a reliable diagnosis and effective specific immunotherapy of ragweed allergy in our country.

Magnetic separation of coal fly ash from Bulgarian power plants

Fly ash from three coal-burning power plants in Bulgaria: 'Maritza 3', 'Republika' and 'Rousse East' were subjected to wet low-intensity magnetic separation. The tests were performed at different combinations of magnetic field intensity, flow velocity and diameter of matrix elements. It was found that all parameters investigated affected the separation efficiency, but their influence was interlinked and was determined by the properties of the material and the combination of other conditions. Among the fly ash characteristics, the most important parameters, determining the magnetic separation applicability, were mineralogical composition and distribution of minerals in particles. The main factors limiting the process were the presence of paramagnetic Fe-containing mineral and amorphous matter, and the existence of poly-mineral particles and aggregates of magnetic and non-magnetic particles. It was demonstrated that the negative effect of both factors could be considerably limited by the selection of a proper set of separation conditions. The dependences between concentration of ferromagnetic iron in the ash, their magnetic properties and magnetic fraction yields were studied. It was experimentally proved that, for a certain set of separation conditions, the yields of magnetic fractions were directly proportional to the saturation magnetization of the ferromagnetic components of the ash. The main properties of typical magnetic and non-magnetic fractions were studied.

Disjunct Occurrences of Plant Species in the Refugial Mires of Bulgaria

Many mire vascular plant and bryophyte species have disjunct occurrences in Bulgaria despite that most of south-eastern Europe is not suitable for the occurrence of permanently waterlogged and nutrient-limited wetlands due to the current and glacial dry climate conditions as well as prevailing limestone bedrock. Unfortunately, such important distributional data are scattered throughout numerous papers and reports, and are not adequately provided even by national checklists and floras. No attempt to summarize them has been done yet. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to review and enlarge such data, and to use the resulting data set to address the question whether the disjunctly occurring rare species are concentrated in certain mire complexes or even in particular vegetation plots and if they do characterize such localities. Our current research shows that the phenomenon of isolated occurrences of mire plants in Bulgaria is even more widespread than previously thought. Seventeen species were found as new for Bulgaria with their distribution range limits there, and distributional data of many other species, including some previously considered extinct, were enlarged. Fifty-four mire species were found at only three or fewer sites. Our analyses showed a conspicuous concentration of rare, disjunctly occurring species at a few sites, which are, however, largely unexplored in terms of palaeoecology or ecology, not legally protected and currently threatened by human activities. The distributions of target rare species within Bulgarian mires were significantly nested, which means that more species-poor assemblages were subsets of richer ones. Nestedness was significantly related to the estimated area of mire complex, but not all high-diversity mires were large. Disjunctly occurring rare species were more concentrated in particular vegetation plots at lower altitudes and in mineral-rich fens. Fragmentary data about the ecology and history of Bulgarian refugial mires suggest that these mires harbour specific ecotypes and genotypes, contain specifically distributed biogeographic groups of species, provide an opportunity to test biogeographical hypotheses and shelter crucial information about the history of European mires. Thus, these sites have a potential to become a source of very important information for biogeographical, palaeoecological, and phylogeographical analyses.

Establishment of Some Viruses—Polyphagues on Economically Important Essential Oil—Bearing and Medicinal Plants in Bulgaria

ABSTRACTViruses-polyphagues such as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), broad bean wilt virus I (BBWV I) and potato virus Y (PVY) were established on some of the following cultures: coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.), valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L. Moench), sage (Salvia sclarea L.), catmint or catnip (Nepeta cataria L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) and lovage (Levisticum officinalis L.). The studies were carried out by serological ELISA method (double antibody sandwich ELISA—DAS ELISA). The indicator method was used for identification of isolates belonging to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) for future investigations. A comparison between CMV isolates from essential oil-bearing and medicinal cultures and an isolate of CMV from cucumber was done on indicators plants.

Phenotypic Diversity of Erwinia amylovora in Bulgaria

Fifty-one strains of Erwinia amylovora isolated from nine host plants in Bulgaria were characterized phenotypically and identified by the API 20E and BIOLOG system. The identification was confirmed by PCR amplification of a specific region of the plasmid pEA29 and the genome ams region. The phenotypic diversity of the strains was studied on the basis of their API 20E and BIOLOG metabolic profiles, as well as of their SDS-PAGE protein profile. Metabolic diversity among the strains was established, but no connection with the origin of the strains was revealed. The Bulgarian strains showed API 20E metabolic profiles not found in previous studies of E. amylovora. The strains formed a homogenous group on the basis of their protein profiles. All the strains were sensitive to the antibiotics streptomycin, tetracycline and oxytetracycline. This study was an initial step towards an investigation of the diversity and evolution in the Bulgarian population of E. amylovora, and it was the first characterization of E. amylovora strains isolated from different host plants in the period 1995-2005 in Bulgaria.

Isolation and characterization ofLactobacillus delbrueckiissp.bulgaricusandStreptococcus thermophilusfrom plants in Bulgaria

One of the traditional ways of preparation of yogurt starter in Bulgaria is placing a branch of a particular plant species into boiled sheep's milk maintained at about 45 degrees C, which is further incubated until a dense coagulum is obtained. To investigate the possible origin of the yogurt starter bacteria, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) and Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus), the traditional way of yogurt-starter preparation was followed. Hundreds of plant samples were collected from four regions in Bulgaria and incubated in sterile skim milk. The two target bacteria at low frequencies from the plant samples collected were successfully isolated. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of these bacterial isolates revealed that they were identified as L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. Twenty isolates of L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus, respectively, were selected from the isolated strains and further characterized with regard to their performance in yogurt production. Organoleptic and physical properties of yogurt prepared using the isolated strains from plants were not significantly different from those prepared using commercial yogurt-starter strains. It was therefore suggested that L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus strains widely used for commercial yogurt production could have originated from plants in Bulgaria. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation and characterization of L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus strains from plants.

New Host Plants of Erwinia amylovora in Bulgaria

Nine strains of Erwinia amylovora were isolated from new host plants in Bulgaria--chokeberry and strawberry. The strains were characterized morphologically and biochemically using the API 20E and BIOLOG system. It was established that they showed three different API 20E metabolic profiles, not found by previous studies of E. amylovora. All strains were identified as E. amylovora due to their metabolic fingerprint patterns obtained by the BIOLOG system. The identification was confirmed by PCR amplification of a specific region of plasmid pEA29 and genome ams-region. This study is the first characterization and identification of E. amylovora strains isolated from chokeberry and strawberry by the API 20E and BIOLOG system and by polymerase chain reaction.

The Marketing Structure in Agribusiness During the Transition in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is moving toward a food processing and marketing system which resembles that of Western Europe and the U.S. Large grocery chains from Germany, Austrai and Turkey are building supermarkets and hypermarkets in Bulgaria's larger cities. However, income in Bulgaria remains much lower than in Western Europe and most Bulgarian consumers cannot afford to shop in the new stores yet. Neighborhood markets, which serve average Bulgarians, are expanding their product selections and remain the primary shopping venue. Food processing plants in Bulgaria are being upgraded to meet EU standards. Farmers are getting more efficient as land is consolidated. On the whole, the agriculture and agribusiness sectors in Bulgaria are improving.

First Report of Alternaria Leaf Spot on Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolux ex J. D. Hook) in Bulgaria

Abstract Alternaria leaf spots of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus ex J. D. Hook) were observed on plants from different greenhouses on commercial plants in Bulgaria. The symptoms of the disease on the leaves were characterized by the development of brown, small, scattered dots, which gradually enlarged and coalesced to form large, oval, circular or irregular, brown to black lesions with concentric rings. Affected plants showed lower vitality, suppressed development and fewer, smaller, distorted in shape flowers. Alternaria isolates, obtained from infected leaf tissues were grown in pure culture and the morphological characteristics of the colony and sporulation apparatus were determined. DNA, extracted from the fungal isolates was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers ITS1/ITS4, amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. The resulting products were sequenced and compared for homology with other species in the GeneBank. The isolates showed 94% homology of the ITS region with either Alternaria alternata, A. arborescens, A. tenuissima, A. longipes, A. lini or A. smyrnii. None of the studied isolates was amplified with the A. alternata specific primers AAF2/AAR3, indicating that they are pathogenic varieties of it or belong to another species. Pathogenicity tests on 10 gerbera cultivars revealed that all of them were susceptible to Alternaria leaf spot. Additional tests on nine other crops (Solanum lycopersicum, Calendula officinalis, Capsicum annuum, Celosia argantea, Pelargonium spp., Petunia hybrida, Nicotiana tabacum, Cucurbita moscata and Raphanus sativus var. radicina) and on tomato or pepper fruits, potato tubers and carrot roots also indicated that all tested plant species were potential hosts of the disease. This is the first report of highly virulent isolates of Alternaria spp. in Bulgaria that cause leaf spots on gerbera in greenhouses.