Komparativna analiza medonosnosti ranilista (stachys officinalis l.) U različitim uslovima staništa

Nectar production in wood betony (Stachys officinalis L), grown under differ-microclimatic habitat conditions (forest and experimental field), was analyzed. Study of tar production included determining of the total daily nectar amount (in 24 hours) per flower, the diurnal dynamics of nectar secretion (nectar amount secreted per flower at two hour intervals during the day), and nectar sugar concentration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of microclimatic parameters humidity, air temperature and evaporation) on the secretion process and nectar sugar concentration. Comparative analyses of nectar secretion in Stachys officinalis, grown in two environmentally different habitats, confirmed that this process varied as a function of micro-climatic habitat conditions, and did not reveal a close relationship between these conditions and sugar concentration in nectar. A diurnal model of nectar secretion with two secretion peaks was found. A higher amount of nectar per flower, with an increasing tendency during the first half of the day, and a decreasing tendency during the afternoon was measured in forest conditions (lower temperature, higher relative air humidity and lower evaporation).Procena medonosnosti ranilista (Stachys officinalis L.) data je na osnovu analize stvaranja nektara ove medonosne vrste u različitim mikroklimatskim uslovima staništa (šuma i ogledna parcela). Proučavanje nektarske produkcije obuhvatilo je određivanje ukupne dnevne količine nektara po cvetu, dnevne dinamike sekrecije nektara (količina izlučenog nektara po cvetu u dvočasovnim intervalima tokom dana) i koncentracije šećera u nektaru. Cilj istraživanja je bio da se ispita da li i u kojoj meri mikroklimatski parametri (relativna vlažnost i temperatura vazduha i evaporacija) utiču na proces sekrecije i koncentraciju šećera u nektaru. Komparativnom analizom medenja vrste Stachys officinalis L. na dva ekološki različita lokaliteta utvrđena je uslovljenost nektarske produkcije, a u manjoj meri koncentracije šećera, mikroklimatskim promenama u spoljašnjoj sredini. Ustanovljen je dnevni model nektarskog stvaranja sa dva sekreciona maksimuma. Veća količina nektara po cvetu, uz trend povećanja u prvoj polovini dana, a opadanja u poslepodnevnim časovima, ustanovljena je u šumskim uslovima pri nižoj temperaturi, većoj vlažnosti vazduha i manjoj evaporaciji

Influence of microclimatic conditions on nectar exudation in Glechoma hirsuta W. K

The nectar production of Glechoma hirsuta W. K. grown under different microclimatic habitat conditions was evaluated by determining the total daily nectar quantity per flower, diurnal dynamics of nectar secretion, the nectar secretion rate, and sugar concentration. Comparative analyses of nectar production in Glechoma hirsuta grown in a forest and on a test plot confirmed that this process varied as a function of microclimatic parameters (atmospheric humidity and air temperature), but did not reveal a close relationship between these parameters and sugar concentration in nectar. More intensive nectar secretion, with a decreasing tendency during the day, and higher total daily nectar volume per plant (1.603 ml/flower) were measured in the forest habitat. Diurnal variation in nectar production with two secretion peaks was found at both localities, and the secretion patterns were rather similar. Regarding the nectar secretion rate, G. hirsuta is a slow producer secreting less than 0.07 ml/h

Palynomorphological study of dianthus petraeus waldst. Et kit. (caryophyllaceae)

The pollen morphology of Dianthus petraeus (Caryophyllaceae), which is endemic to the Balkans, has been examined by both light and scanning electron microscopy in order to provide taxonomically valuable characters that might be used in the classification of the Caryophyllaceae, as well as to contribute to the pollen atlas of Serbian apiflora. The pollen grains of D. petraeus are radially symmetrical, apolar, spheroidal and medium-sized. The mean of the pollen diameter is 45.5 +/- 1.4 mu m. The sculpturing pattern of exine is microechinate-microperforate, and the tectum is covered with minute echini averaging 0.8 +/- 0.1 mu m in length, more or less evenly distributed between the perforations. The microechini average number per sample area of 5 mu m x 5 mu m is 3.2 +/- 0.6. In view of the number, position and type of the apertures, the grains are polypantoporate, with about 13 operculate pores, averaging 6.4 +/- 0.7 mu m in diameter. Each operculum is covered with 4-6 conical spinules, which are longer than those on the exine surface. The obtained palynological results provide information that contribute towards a better understanding of the taxonomic status of D. petraeus

Influence of microclimatic conditions on nectar exudation in Glechoma hirsuta W. K

The nectar production of Glechoma hirsuta W. K. grown under different microclimatic habitat conditions was evaluated by determining the total daily nectar quantity per flower, diurnal dynamics of nectar secretion, the nectar secretion rate, and sugar concentration. Comparative analyses of nectar production in Glechoma hirsuta grown in a forest and on a test plot confirmed that this process varied as a function of microclimatic parameters (atmospheric humidity and air temperature), but did not reveal a close relationship between these parameters and sugar concentration in nectar. More intensive nectar secretion, with a decreasing tendency during the day, and higher total daily nectar volume per plant (1.603 ml/flower) were measured in the forest habitat. Diurnal variation in nectar production with two secretion peaks was found at both localities, and the secretion patterns were rather similar. Regarding the nectar secretion rate, G. hirsuta is a slow producer secreting less than 0.07 ml/h.ovom radu analizirana je nektarska produkcija kod Glechoma hirsuta, u različitim mikroklimatskim uslovima staništa. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo određivanje ukupne dnevne količine nektara po cvetu, dnevne dinamike sekrecije nektara, stope nektarske sekrecije i koncentracije šećera u nektaru. Komparativnom analizom nektarske produkcije kod Glechoma hirsuta koja je rasla u šumi i u eksperimentalnim uslovima ogledne parcele, potvrđena je zavisnost ovog fiziološkog procesa od mikroklimatskih parametara (vlažnost i temperatura vazduha). Nektarska produkcija je negativno korelisana sa temperaturom, a pozitivno sa vlažnošću vazduha. Nije ustanovljena značajna razlika u količini šećera u nektaru u cvetovima sa dva lokaliteta. Ukupna dnevna količina nektara po cvetu je viša na šumskom staništu (1,603 ml/cvet). Dnevna variranja u produkciji nektara sa dva sekreciona maksimuma tokom dana su ustanovljena na oba lokaliteta. Intenzivnije lučenje nektara uz tendenciju naglog opadanja tokom dana zabeleženo je u prirodnom staništu, na kome je stopa nektarske sekrecije relativno niska (0,0 7 ml/h).Projekat ministarstva br. 187

Pollen morphology of Crocus reticulatus Steven ex Adams (Iridaceae)

Pollen of wild saffron (Crocus reticulatus Steven ex Adams) was analyzed using scanning electron microscope in order to contribute to palynomorphological and taxonomic research of apiflora of Serbia. Crocus reticulatus is a herbaceous perennial plant, growing from 5 to 15 (18) cm in height, with usually solitary pale-lilac to whitish flowers with 3 wide stripes on the outer surface of the tepals. This species belongs to the Pontian-Mediterranean floral element, inhabiting dry grassy or rocky slopes, steppe meadows, sandstone, and bright forests. In Serbia, it is usually found growing in the vicinity of Belgrade, on Vršac Hill and Mt. Fruška Gora, near Kladovo and Kostolac and also in Deliblato Sands where material for this analysis was collected from. The following morphological characteristics of pollen were examined:polarity, shape, size (pollen diameter), apertures, ornamentation and symmetry. Observations and measurements were performed on a sample of 25 pollen grains for each of the analyzed morphological characters. Pollen grains of C. reticulatus are radially symmetrical, spheroidal in shape and large-sized. The average pollen diameter is 66.71±1.57 µm. The exine has extensive or spiral shallow furrows (spiraperturate). Exine ornamentation is microechinate-microperforate. The tectum is covered with minute ehini averaging 0.69±0.15 µm in height, irregularly distributed between the perforations. The microechini average number per sample area of 5 µm x 5 µm is 5.9 ± 0.87

Medical ethnobotany on the Javor Mountain (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Introduction: The study provides significant ethnobotanical information on plant resources traditionally used in the Javor Mountain region (eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina), aiming at identifying medicinal plants and collecting information concerning the specific methods of their therapeutic application. Methods: A qualitative anthropological method using a semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 70 people. The relative importance of wild plant species, as reported by the informants, was assessed by the quantitative methods: use-value (UV), cultural importance value (CIV) and Shannon-Wiener index. Also, the level of homogeneity among information provided by different informants was calculated by the Informants' Consensus Factor (FIC). Results: 73 plant species with medicinal properties were collected, identified and their methods of preparation and uses were recorded. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Rosaceae have the greatest species diversity. The most commonly used are Hypericum perforatum, Mentha x piperita, Sambucus nigra and Achillea millefolium, with UV over 0.9. The most frequently used plant parts are the aerial part (29%) and the leaf (26%), while infusion being the most common way of preparing herbal remedies (57%). The plant most appreciated by the people interviewed was Hypericum perforatum used to treat skin complaints, haemorrhoids, moderate depression, gastrointestinal ailments and respiratory infections. Also, phytotherapeutic use of Veronica officinalis rhizome in jaundice treatment, as well as utilization of Prunus domestica bark for cavity protection were noted. Conclusion: The results of the current study may be significant in rural development programs in the Javor Mountain region, in aiming to foster community-based strategies of management of natural resources

Palinomorfološko proučavanje jagorčevine (Primula vulgaris Huds.) sa područja nacionalnog rezervata Obedska bara (Srbija)

The pollen morphology of primrose (Primula vulgaris, fam. Primulaceae) has been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy to contribute to melissopalynological studies of honeys originating from the native apiflora. Palynomorphological investigation included the examination of pollen symmetry, polarity, ornamentation, aperturation, shape and size. The pollen grains are isopolar, radially symmetric and shed as monads. The exine ornamentation is reticulate. Analysis of pollen morphometric characteristics revealed that grains are small to medium size and prolate in shape. Given the aperturation, the number of colpi was mostly variable among individuals with a different type of flower ranging from 6 to 9.Palinomorfološka istraživanja jagorčevine (Primula vulgaris) koja su obuhvatila analizu osnovnih karakteristika polenovih zrna kao što su simetrija, polarnost, ornamentacija, aperturacija, oblik i veličina, obavljena su uz pomoć svetlosne i skenirajuće elektronske mikroskopije u cilju doprinosa melisopalinološkim istraživanjima meda poreklom iz apiflore različitih područja Srbije. Polenova zrna jagorčevine su izopolarna i radijalno simetrična, retikulatne ornamentacije. U pogledu aperturacije, evidentna je varijabilnost u broju brazdi na polenovim zrnima sakupljenim sa cvetova različitih individua, te su ona 6(-7) ili 8(-9)-zonokolpatna. Analiza morfometrijskih karakteristika polena pokazala je da polenova zrna po veličini spadaju u grupu malih do srednjih i da imaju prolatni oblik

Influence of microclimatic conditions on nectar exudation in Glechoma hirsuta W. K

The nectar production of Glechoma hirsuta W. K. grown under different microclimatic habitat conditions was evaluated by determining the total daily nectar quantity per flower, diurnal dynamics of nectar secretion, the nectar secretion rate, and sugar concentration. Comparative analyses of nectar production in Glechoma hirsuta grown in a forest and on a test plot confirmed that this process varied as a function of microclimatic parameters (atmospheric humidity and air temperature), but did not reveal a close relationship between these parameters and sugar concentration in nectar. More intensive nectar secretion, with a decreasing tendency during the day, and higher total daily nectar volume per plant (1.603 ml/flower) were measured in the forest habitat. Diurnal variation in nectar production with two secretion peaks was found at both localities, and the secretion patterns were rather similar. Regarding the nectar secretion rate, G. hirsuta is a slow producer secreting less than 0.07 ml/h.ovom radu analizirana je nektarska produkcija kod Glechoma hirsuta, u različitim mikroklimatskim uslovima staništa. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo određivanje ukupne dnevne količine nektara po cvetu, dnevne dinamike sekrecije nektara, stope nektarske sekrecije i koncentracije šećera u nektaru. Komparativnom analizom nektarske produkcije kod Glechoma hirsuta koja je rasla u šumi i u eksperimentalnim uslovima ogledne parcele, potvrđena je zavisnost ovog fiziološkog procesa od mikroklimatskih parametara (vlažnost i temperatura vazduha). Nektarska produkcija je negativno korelisana sa temperaturom, a pozitivno sa vlažnošću vazduha. Nije ustanovljena značajna razlika u količini šećera u nektaru u cvetovima sa dva lokaliteta. Ukupna dnevna količina nektara po cvetu je viša na šumskom staništu (1,603 ml/cvet). Dnevna variranja u produkciji nektara sa dva sekreciona maksimuma tokom dana su ustanovljena na oba lokaliteta. Intenzivnije lučenje nektara uz tendenciju naglog opadanja tokom dana zabeleženo je u prirodnom staništu, na kome je stopa nektarske sekrecije relativno niska (0,0 7 ml/h).Projekat ministarstva br. 187

Impact of pesticides on health and behavior of bees (Fam. Apidae)

In recent years, in the scientific and professional community there is great concern regarding decline of bee populations in the world, due to their key role in pollination of not only agricultural crops but also the entire natural vegetation and thus maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance. One part of the scientific community associate decline of bees’ populations with excessive use of chemicals in modern agricultural production, especially pesticides, although other factors are also examined as possible causes this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the latest research results on the impact of pesticides on health and behavior of bees, conducted in laboratory and field conditions, that is presenting the most important negative effects on members of this economically the most important family of insects. Most of the research referred to the impact of pesticides on bees’ health and behavior, with the focus on specific group of insecticides called neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids are today the most widely used class of insecticides for control of pests’ populations on agricultural crops and account for over 25% of the world market insecticides, where its production is constantly increasing. Many laboratory studies have shown that neonicotinoids have lethal and sub-lethal effects on bees, i.e. that they affect bees’ memory and learning, collecting of nectar, brood development, hygienic behavior, susceptibility to diseases and so on. Since pesticides cause great stress in the bee's organism causing changes in behavior, it is pointed to the necessity of finding new farming practices to fight pests, that is development and use of substances and technological solutions that will not negatively affect health of these pollinators

Micromorphology of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) pollen grains

In order to contribute to palynological studies of cultivated plants in Serbia, micromorphological features of pollen grains of Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) were examined by both, light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological parameters, such as grain size and shape, apertures and exine ornamentation were described. The morphometric data such as length of polar axis (P), length of equatorial axis (E), P/E ratio, lacunae diameter, echinae size, and thickness of exine excluding echinae were noted. Pollen grain were found to be isopolar, radially symmetrical, medium-sized, oblate-spheroidal in shape (P/E = 0.94), sub-circular in equatorial view, and hexagonal in polar view with straight sides in outline. The length of the polar axis (P) is 32.6 ± 3.7 μm and of the equatorial diameter (E) 34.8 ± 2.7 μm. The pollen grain is 3-zonocolporate. Each compound aperture consists of ectoaperture which is a meridionally elongated colpus with rounded ends, and pore-shaped endoaperture. Exine ornamentation is echinolophate. Lophate (fenestrate) pollen grains, typical for Asteraceae, are characterized by number of lacunae that appear as large window-like spaces, a depressed area lacking ectexine. Each lacuna is surrounded by a system of echinate ridges. Lettuce pollen grains have 15 lacunae, 3 poral, 6 abporal and 6 paraporal (polar regions are without lacunae, small, reduced to triradiate ridge). The poral lacuna communicating with adjacent abporal lacunae via interlacunar gaps is observed rounded in shape. Paraporal lacunae, lying in the mesocolpial region adjacent to one side of an equatorial ridge, are pentagonal. Abporal lacunae are rounded or angular, broad towards the pole. Average lacuna diameter is 10.8 ± 2.5 μm. Lophae (ridges) are with one row of echines that are 1.9 ± 0.3 μm long, pointed and some are curved. The еctexine thickness excluding echines, measured under LM, averaged 5.7 ± 0.7 µm