A quality evaluation of chamomile and mint teas commonly consumed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The quality of mint and chamomile tea brands available in the retail market in Bosnia and Herzegovina were assessed based on their total phenolic and flavonoids contents, total antioxidant capacity and levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe and Cu). The results showed that both the mint and chamomile had high amounts of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity rates. However, the total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly higher in the mint than in the chamomile. The studied toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) were present at non-toxic levels in all the herbal tea samples, while the levels of Fe and Cu in some herbal teas slightly exceeded the World Health Organization’s permissible limits. Accordingly, the results of this study indicate that the potential health risk of Cd, Cr and Pb exposure through the consumption of studied herbal teas appears to be very low with no significant health implications to consumers. Contrary, based on the samples examined in this study, the consumption of herbal teas could expose the consumer to the potential health risks associated with Cu and Fe. Therefore, further studies are needed to test this possibility

Cherry tomato productivity as influenced by liquid organic fertilizer under different growth conditions

This study was carried out to examine the impact of liquid organic fertilizer Ergonfill (LFE) on the yield and quality of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Sakura F1) under different growth conditions. The experiment was set up in a randomized blocks design with four variants in three replications. Experiment variants were as follows: drought-stressed seedlings with and without LFE treatment, and non-stressed seedlings with and without LFE treatment. Exposure of cherry tomato seedlings to controlled water stress conditions significantly increased fruit quality parameters (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene, total phenolic and flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity), but decreased yield. LFE treatment significantly increased by the all examined parameters under normal growth conditions as compared to untreated plants, and for total phenolic and flavonoids content, total antioxidant capacity and total soluble solids this increase was statistically significant. Positive impact of the LFE application on cherry tomato quality is result of fertilizer composition, as well as ability of cherry tomato plants to use bioactive substances in fertilizer for its growth and development

Enhancement of Antioxidant Properties of Lavender (Lavandula officinalis L.), Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by Application of Natural Biostimulants

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of seaweed extract (Algaren), nettle extract and microbial biostimulant (Slavol) on total phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of leaves of lavender (Lavandula officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The study was carried out in a greenhouse located in Vitez, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The experimental trial was set up in a randomized block design with four biostimulant treatments in three replications. The first application of biostimulant was carried out immediately after the transplanting of seedlings, and the second and third treatments 15 and 30 days later, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and ferric-reducing/ antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of each leaf extract. The nettle extract was found to be the most effective in increasing total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity in leaves of studied plants. In this study, the antioxidant capacity of leaf extracts was in line with total phenolics/flavonoids, regardless of plant species and biostimulant treatments, suggesting that phenolic compounds greatly contribute to antioxidant capacity of studied plants

Učinki izvlečkov morskih alg na rast, pridelek in kakovost češnjevega paradižnika v različnih rastnih razmerah

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of foliar application of seaweed extract (0.2 %) on the growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato under stress and non-stress conditions. The greenhouse experiment was set up in a randomized block design with four treatments in three replications. Treatments were as follows: V1 - seedlings treated by seaweed extract and subjected to drought; V2 - seedlings treated by seaweed extract and regularly watered; V3 - non-treated seedlings subjected to drought; V4 - non-treated seedlings regularly watered. Cherry tomato seedlings treated by seaweed extract had a lower content of proline and higher leaf water potential compared to non-treated seedlings under stress conditions, indicating that application of this fertilizer contributes to better adaptation of cherry tomato seedlings to stress. Treatment with seaweed extract also positively influenced the yield and quality of cherry tomato (total soluble solids, vitamin C, lycopene) under both standard and drought stress conditions as compared to untreated plants in same conditions. Positive effects of seaweed extract on growth and quality of cherry tomato are result of its specific composition, as well as ability of cherry tomato plants to utilize bioactive substances in seaweed extracts for its growth and development.Izveden je bil poskus za določanje učinkov foliarnega gnojenja z izvlečkom morskih alg (0, 2 %) na rast, pridelek in kakovost češnjevega paradižnika v stresnih in nestresnih razmerah. V rastlinjaku je bil postavljen naključni bločni poskus s štirimi obravnavanji in tremi ponovitvami. Obravnavanja so bila: V1 – tretma sadik z izvlečkom morskih alg in izpostavitev suši; V2 - tretma sadik z izvlečkom morskih alg in redno zalivanje; V3 – netretirane sadike so bile izpostavljene suši; V4 – netretirane sadike so bile redno zalivane. Sadike češnjevca, ki so bile tretirane z izvlečkom morskih alg, so imele manjšo vsebnost prolina in večji vodni potencial listov v primerjavi z netretiranimi v stresnih razmerah, kar kaže, da je uporaba tega gnojila prispevala k boljši prilagoditvi sadik na stres. Foliarno gnojenje z izvlečekom morskih alg je tudi pozitivno vplivalo na pridelek in kakovost češnjevca (celokupno vsebnost topnih snovi, vitamina C, likopena) v kontroli in stresnih razmerah v primerjavi z netretiranimi rastlinami v enakih razmerah. Pozitivni učinki izvlečka morskih alg na rast in kakovost češnjevca so posledica njegove specifične sestave kot tudi sposobnosti tega paradižnika, da bioaktivne snovi iz izvlečkov morskih alg uporabi za rast in razvoj

Characterization of volatile compounds and flavor in spirits of old apple and pear cultivars from the Balkan region

This study was conducted with the aim of developing fruit spirits by utilizing old (autochthonous) apple and pear cultivars that can be attractive to both consumers and producers. Consumers of spirits could enjoy the unique flavor, and producers could gain an opportunity for brand development. In total, eight old apple cultivars (Sarija, Žuja, Samoniklica, Prijedorska zelenika, Bobovec, Masnjača, Lijepocvjetka, and Šarenika) and three pear cultivars (Budaljača, Krakača, and Kalićanka) from Bosnia and Herzegovina were used for the spirits production and for characterizing the flavor of distillates. Golden Delicious was used as a representative of commercial apple cultivar. The aroma profile was conducted through the identification of minor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the sensory perception of spirits. Analysis of the VOCs was performed by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) techniques after enrichment via solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Sensory evaluation was performed by 12 trained panelists. Overall, 35 minor volatile compounds were found in spirits: 13 esters, 7 alcohols, 6 acids, 5 terpenes, and 4 aldehydes. Significant differences were detected in the distribution and quantity of the VOCs, which were fruit cultivar-dependent. Spirits made from Šarenika apple cultivar showed the largest amount of all acids, especially short- and medium-chain fatty acids; however, this richness was not correlated with pleasant sensory attributes. Spirits obtained from Prijedorska zelenika and Masnjača apple cultivars had the best sensory attributes. Budeljača and Krakača pears are promising cultivars as flavoring in spirits production