Host-associated differentiation in the plum rust mite Aculus fockeui (Acari: Eriophyoidea) revealed through molecular and morphometric analyses

Aculus fockeui (Nalepa and Trouessart) is among the most economically significant pest mite species within the superfamily Eriophyoidea. In traditional taxonomy, A. fockeui was considered a single, oligophagous species, initially described on European plum and later reported on around 17 plant species within the genus Prunus. Cryptic speciation is common on eriophyoid mites with a small, morphologically simplified body. Given the limitations of conventional taxonomic methods in resolving cryptic species, integrating morphometric and molecular data is essential for accurate differentiation. Fifteen populations of A. fockeui collected from five different host plant species were analyzed using morphometrics in combination with the nucleotide sequences from the mitochondrial COI gene and the nuclear D2 region of the 28S rDNA. The results of both morphometry and molecular analyses were consistent and supported the hypothesis that the A. fockeui complex comprises multiple cryptic lineages. The substantial divergence in mtCOI sequences, compared to the considerably lower variability in the nuclear 28S D2 region, indicates a relatively recent evolutionary divergence among these lineages. The results obtained in this study support the hypothesis that A. fockeui represents a complex of cryptic species

The effect of biopesticides on tomato yield and quality

Biopesticides are increasingly being used for plant protection as natural and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The aim of the research was to examine the impact of the Bacillus spp. and calendula extract on tomato yield (fresh weight of fruits) and fruit quality (content of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, lycopene and carotenoids). The experiment was carried out during the 2024 growing season in the field conditions using tomato cultivar for processing (SP-109). The experiment was laid out in a random block system, with four replications. Five treatments were applied three times during the vegetable season (T1 - Bacillus spp. isolate 1, T2 - Bacillus spp. isolate 2, T3 - Calendula extract, T4 - Fungicide, T5 - Control). Results showed that T1 treatment significantly increased yield per plant (593 g) compared to treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5 (466.5 g, 509.4 g, 420.3 g and 525.2 g). Also, the T1 treatment had a significant impact on fruit quality, since vitamin C content in the fruits was increased (from 33.5% to 213.6%) compared to others treatments. The content of phenolic compounds was significantly reduced in all treatments compared to control treatment, while the lycopene and carotenoids were similar in all treatments. Results of this investigation indicate that the application of biological agents, specifically selected Bacillus spp. isolate 1 (T1), can have effects comparable to fungicides (even better), as evidenced by the achieved tomato yield and fruit quality, while calendula extract had no effect on tomato yield and quality

Storage of buckwheat products as an factor affecting colour condition and implications on meat products

Buckwheat is one of the traditionally high-quality crops recognized for its high nutritional and functional value. Buckwheat products (grain and flour) stored for 0, 3, 6, and 9 months and emulsion-type chicken sausages modified by adding those buckwheat flours (FB0, FB3, FB6, and FB9) were analyzed for instrumental colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h, S, ΔE). One- (P < 0.05) and two-way (P < 0.001) ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data, followed by Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test (P < 0.05). In terms of storage, a slight decrease in hue angle was observed in grains, with the lowest value of 57.48 (6 months). In flour, trends of decreasing L* and increasing a*, b*, C*, and S values were observed to the end of storage. The values of hue angle and total colour difference decreased, with the lowest point at 73.92 for h and the largest significant change at 4.73 for ΔE in 6 months. In terms of product type, compared to grains, flour was lighter and yellowish on average 2.3 (L*) and 1.3 (h) times. Grains consistently demonstrated significantly higher a*, C*, and S values. In composite products, added flour slightly affects L*, and significantly a* and b*, where FB0 was lighter, redder and yellower than the other combined products. A significant decrease in C* and increase in h values caused lower chromatic purity and a more yellow nuance in FB9 (20.66, 45.38). A decrease in S resulted in the greatest attenuation in overall colour perception at FB6, and FB9. An increase trend of ΔE indicating the differentiation of sausages with respect to effect on total colour (ΔE ≤ 5.10). The results could indicate the potential utilization of long-term stored buckwheat grains (flour) as a functional ingredient and valuable plant-based raw material in the production of enriched, composite meat products

First report of Pseudomonas avellanae causing hazelnut decline in Serbia

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are a group of diseases caused by a large number of fungal phytopathogens that infect and colonize the woody tissue of grapevine, causing chronic or apoplectic decline of plants, and as such posing a serious threat to viticulture. Among the most virulent pathogens are Neofusicoccum parvum, the causal agent of Botryosphaeria dieback, and Fomitiporia mediterranea considered as the main causal agent of grapevine rot within the Esca disease complex. This study aimed to isolate and select potent indigenous bacteria collected from Montenegrin vineyards to serve in the control of GTDs. Isolations were performed from soil samples taken in a zone of grapevine root (Montenegro) on NA after soil was dissolved in water and heating at 80°C for 20 min. A total of 262 isolates were tested for antagonistic activity in a direct in vitro test on PDA. The appearance of a clear zone was checked after fungi development. Results showed that 32 Montenegrin isolates inhibited the growth of N. parvum by 34.0-65.0%, and F. mediterranea by 34.8-71.0%. Neighbourjoining phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA (primers P0/P6) sequences differentiated those isolates into six clusters but lacked the resolution to differentiate between several species. Six groups were as follows: I (21 isolates: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/B. velezensis/B. siamensis/B. subtilis), II (2: B. subtilis/B. velezensis/B. tequilensis), III (5: B. halotolerans/B. mojavensis/B. subtilis/B. velezensis/B. tequilensis/B. spizizenii), IV (1: B. licheniformis/B. paralicheniformis), V (2: B. cereus/B. thuringiensis/B. albus/B. anthracis), VI (1: Paenibacillus peoriae/P. polymyxa). Sequencing of housekeeping genes would provide more accurate identification

80 ГОДИНА РАДА ИНСТИТУТА ЗА ЗАШТИТУ БИЉА И ЖИВОТНУ СРЕДИНУ

Институт се од оснивања до данас стално развијао и унапређивао основну делатност, научноистраживачки рад из области пољопривреде - заштите биља. Основан је 29. септембра 1945. године, у време када није било ни средстава, ни кадрова за научни рад, па је рађено на постепеном опремању лабораторија, оспособљавању истраживача и истовременом решавању бројних актуелних проблема у заштити биља. Руководство и истраживачи су увек били фокусирани на изврсност и релевантност научноистраживачких резултата са јасно зацртаним циљевима: стварање квалитетног истраживачког кадра, конкурентности истраживања и иновативним решавањем важних питања у пољопривреди и заштити биља. Данас је рад истраживача у Институту усмерен на решавање присуства штетних организама у биљној производњи на мултидисциплинаран и интердисциплинаран начин, обједињавањем основних (природно-математичких наука - биолошких наука) и примењених истраживања (биотехничких наука - биотехнологије и пољопривреде). У складу са тим је и висок ниво постигнутих резултата из фитопатологије, хербологије, ентомологије, нематологије, примене средстава за заштиту биља, са проценом утицаја на животну средину. Институт се увек успешно носио са бројним тешкоћама које су се периодично јављале током његовог вишедеценијског рада, уз ентузијазам и жељу запослених да се постављени циљеви остваре и да Институт остане на путу водеће институције у области заштите биља у Републици Србији. У лабораторијама Института, поред стално запослених, велики број колега из других институција, пољопривредних станица и производних организација обавио је усавршавања из области заштите биља. Многи истакнути научни радници и професори универзитета започели су професионалну каријеру у Институту и стекли основна знања из области заштите биља.Urednici: Šikuljak Danijela i Savić Slađan

First report of Cucumber mosaic virus infecting Petroselinum crispum in Serbia

The Apiaceae family, a large and complex family with about 3820 species distributed throughout the world, includes important leaf and root vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery, and parsnip. A number of species are cultivated as aromatic herbs and spices, while certain species have long been used in medicine. It is well-known that this family has been threatened by numerous pathogens, of which more than 30 widespread viruses have been described. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV; Cucumovirus CMV, Cucumovirus, Bromoviridae) is one of the most widespread viruses, causing significant agronomic losses in many crops, including over 1,300 plant species from more than 500 genera and 100 families, with a high potential for rapid spread to new hosts. In autumn 2023, during a survey to determine the presence of Apiaceous viruses in Serbia, symptomatic parsley plants with chlorotic spots and line patterns on the leaf surface were observed in the Medvedja locality (district of Rasina). The collected samples were analyzed by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA and CMV was detected in 7 out of 9 tested samples. The presence of CMV in parsley was also confirmed by RT-PCR with specific primers. The amplified product of isolate 4/23 was sequenced using Sanger sequencing method and analyzed by MEGAX software. BLAST search result revealed a 99,52% identity with Polish CMV isolate from host Lonicera caprifolium (EU 191027). The constructed phylogenetic tree showed that the Serbian parsley isolate belongs to CMV subgroup II. In Yugoslavia's former geographical region, CMV's presence was suspected based on symptoms observed on celery plants in the fields. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV on parsley in Serbia

Biocontrol of Seedborne Fungi on Small-Grained Cereals Using Bacillus halotolerans Strain B33

The development of biological pesticides is rapidly becoming an integral aspect of pest management in sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 against three common seedborne fungal pathogens—Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria alternata, and Aspergillus flavus. B33 strain identity was determined using the 16S rRNA and tuf gene sequences. Commercial wheat, barley, oat, and rye seeds were artificially infected by fungal isolates and then treated with B33 overnight culture in Nutrient Broth. The obtained results indicate high efficacy against F. graminearum (83.55–94.38%) and A. alternata (85.05–96.70%), whereby the highest efficacy was noted on wheat seed and the lowest was detected on rye seed. On the other hand, B33 achieved 100% efficacy against A. flavus on barley, rye, and oat seeds, while being 96.24% effective against this pathogen on wheat. Principal component analysis indicated the highest treatment influence on A. flavus. The effect of all tested treatments on seed germination was statistically significant compared to the controls, whereby the number of germinated seeds declined as the seed infection rate increased. B. halotolerans strain B33 effectively managed seedborne fungal pathogens, thereby enhancing seed germination

Одређивање продуката сагоревања брикета биомаса

The combustion of biomass as a renewable energy source can significantly impact the environment, depending on the type of biomass, its physico-chemical properties, and combustion conditions. This study investigates the combustion products (CO, CO₂, SO₂, NO, and NOx) of briquettes made from various biomass types: tobacco and soybean stalks, wheat straw, sunflower head residues, maize cobs, and beech wood sawdust. The analysis was conducted in a 65 kW thermal power boiler according to instruction UP.53.540.01 and the SRPS M.E2.203:1980 standard. All biomass samples were combusted under identical conditions including furnace temperature, water temperature in the boiler, and water mass flow rate. Flue gases were analyzed using the MRU GmbH User Manual Vario Plus gas analyzer (MRU, Germany). The results showed that the lowest O₂ content was observed during the combustion of sunflower head residues (11.70%), while the highest was recorded in tobacco stalks (12.88%). The lowest CO₂ content was measured in maize cob briquettes (7.90%), and the highest in sunflower head residues (9.57%). CO concentrations ranged from 1590.34 mg/m³ (tobacco stalks) to 2952.3 mg/m³ (corn cobs). The highest NO concentration (273.67 mg/m³) was recorded in tobacco stalks and sunflower head residues, while the lowest was found in beech wood sawdust (142.34 mg/m³). For NOx, the highest value was also recorded in tobacco stalks (419.67 mg/m³), and the lowest in beech sawdust (213.34 mg/m³). The data obtained for combustion products in this study indicate that tobacco stalks, and other tested biomass samples, fall within the emission limits prescribed by environmental regulations, confirming their environmental suitability for use as biofuel

In vitro effectiveness of commercial biofungicides in controlling Botrytis cinerea on strawberrirs and raspberries

Gray mold on strawberries and raspberries is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. Infection occurs during the flowering period, and symptoms appear in the form of fruit brown rotting spots and velvety gray coating. It represents a major problem in all production regions in Montenegro, causing fruit deterioration during production and after harvest in the storage. Disease control is mainly carried out by applying synthetic fungicides, but one of the problems is the increasing occurrence of pathogen resistance. Also, great public concern has been expressed about the residual effect of synthetic fungicides, which is why more environmentally friendly solutions are necessary. One of the solutions is the potential application of biofungicides. During field activities in 2024, samples of strawberry and raspberry diseased fruits were collected from several locations in Montenegro. The pathogen Botrytis cinerea was isolated on PDA in the phytopathology laboratory of Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica. The obtained isolates were used in directly in vitro tests to examine the efficacy of three commercial biofungicides, Vintec® (Trichoderma atroviride SC 1), Taegro® (Bacillus amyloliquefacies strain FZB24) and Serenade ASO (Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713). The tested biofungicides reduced the growth of isolate Botrytis cinerea from strawberries by 54,55% for Vintec®, 53,59% for Taegro® and 66,67% for Serenade ASO, respectively, compared to the control. Similar results of reduction were achieved by the tested biofungicides against Botrytis cinerea isolate from raspberries; Vintec® (49,69%), Taegro® (53,23%) and Serenade ASO (65,30%). Statistical analysis of the data confirmed the effectiveness of the tested biofungicides against Botrytis cinerea isolates from strawberries and raspberries in regard to untreated control, but that there was no statistically significant difference in their effectiveness between them. The results obtained indicate the potential possibility of including the biofungicides Vintec®, Taegro® and Serenade ASO in strawberry and raspberry protection programs against Botrytis cinerea

Uticaj padavina i tipa zemljišta na efikasnost herbicida u usevu duvana

Korovi predstavljaju jedan od glavnih ograničavajućih faktora za visok prinos I kvalitet u proizvodnji duvana, jer je ova kultura izuzetno osetljiva na delovanje korova, kroz kompeticiju i činjenicu da korovi predstavljaju potencijalne domaćine I rezervoare bolesti i štetočina duvana. Terenska istraživanja obavljena su tokom dve vegetacijske sezone, kako bi se procenio uticaj padavina i tipa zemljišta na efikasnost herbicida u usevu duvana. Ogledi su vršeni na dva lokaliteta – Prilep (jugozapad S. Makedonije, fluvisol) i Titov Veles (centralni deo S. Makedonije, vertisol). Preparati su primenjeni dva dana pre (PRE-T) i pet dana nakon presađivanja duvana (POST-T). Ispitivano je delovanje herbicida na bazi sledećih aktivnih materija: pendimetalin 455 g/L, metobromuron 500 g/L, klomazon 320 g/L, aklonifen 600 g/L, S-metolahlor 960 g/L, dimetenamid 900 g/L. Efikasnost herbicida ocenjivana je 28 dana nakon primene, dok je vizuelna ocena oštećenja biljaka duvana rađena 7 i 21 dan nakon tretiranja. Efikasnost testiranih herbicida varirala je u zavisnosti od vrste korova, tretmana, lokaliteta i godine. Vremenski uslovi I karakteristike zemljišta značajno su uticali na rezultate kontrole korova. Izrazito vlažan maj 2020. godine u regionu Prilepa, sa padavinama od 29 mm u prvoj nedelji nakon primene PRE-T herbicida, doveo je do spiranja herbicida, što je rezultovalo u njihovoj smanjenoj efikasnosti, u poređenju sa POST-T tretmanima. Sa druge strane, na lokalitetu Titov Veles, iako su padavine bile iznad proseka, zbog konzistentnosti I zemljišta bogatog glinom i organskom materijom (vertisol) nije došlo do spiranja, pa je kod PRE-T tretmana zabeležena zadovoljavajuća efikasnost, a kod POST-T tretmana efikasnost preko 90%. U 2021. godini na lokalitetu Prilep padavine tokom POST-T tretmana (22% iznad proseka) dovele su do značajnog spiranja herbicida I smanjene efikasnosti. Sa druge strane, nedovoljna količina padavina nakon primene herbicida na lokalitetu Titov Veles takođe je rezultovala nezadovoljavajućom efikasnošću i PRE-T (&lt;78%) i POST-T (&lt;80%) herbicida, u poređenju sa 2020. godinom. Dodatno je zabeleženo da je mehanizam mašine za sadnju duvana uticao na učinak herbicida primenjenih PRE-T, tako što je tokom sadnje na tretiranu površinu izbacivao sloj zemlje bogat korovskim semenom, dovodeći time do nove pojave korova kod PRE-T, ali ne kod POST-T tretmana. Finalni prinos duvana direktno je zavisio od nivoa kontrole korova i stepena oštećenja useva, pri čemu je prisustvo korova u kontroli smanjilo prinos duvana za 56-64% na lokalitetu Prilep. Sprovedeno istraživanje potvrdilo je da višu efikasnost POST-T tretmana u poređenju sa PRE-T tretmanima