This study was aimed to compare weeds occurring in basil crops grown under conventional and organ... more This study was aimed to compare weeds occurring in basil crops grown under conventional and organic production systems. Weed flora recorded in the conventional production consisted of 16 taxa, with Setaria glauca and Portulaca oleracea dominating. Concerning the organic plots, only seven taxa were noted and dominant species were Sorghum halepense and Amaranthus retroflexus. Unexpectedly lower floristic diversity in the organic agricultural system was caused by omitted application of fertilizers during three consecutive years, still unbalanced agro ecological conditions, partial isolation of the organic plots and the presence of even four invasive weed species.
A pasture on the solonchakic solonetz soil in the vicinity of the village of Idjos (Banat, Serbia... more A pasture on the solonchakic solonetz soil in the vicinity of the village of Idjos (Banat, Serbia) was found to harbor 137 plant taxa (129 species, 7 subspecies and 1 variety). The plant cover they formed was specific from the ecological, phytogeographical and phytocoenological points of view. The specific ecological feature of the surveyed plant cover was that 47 or 34.31% of the recorded taxa were rated with the ecological index S+ due to their ability to grow in saline soil. The specific phytogeographical feature of the surveyed plant cover was the presence of two Pannonian endemics, Plantago schwarzenbergiana Schur and Statice gmelini subsp. hungaricum (Klokov) So?, and two subendemics, Puccinellia limosa Holmb. and Roripa kerneri Menyh. The specific phytocoenological feature of the surveyed plant cover was the presence of two phytocoenoses from the class Phragmitetea Tx. et Prsg. 1942 (ass. Scirpo-Phragmitetum medioeuropaeum and ass. Bolboschoenetum maritimi continentale), one ...
This study aimed to compare weed flora in conventionally and organically grown medicinal and arom... more This study aimed to compare weed flora in conventionally and organically grown medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs): basil, pot marigold, dill, and peppermint; in terms of weed composition and weed abundance. A total of 28 weed species (25 and 15 species in conventional and organic crops, respectively) were identified.The presence and abundance of certain weed species were affected by MAP species and farming system. Higher weed diversity and weediness, and lower floristic similarity were found in conventionally grown crops. Also, the analysed MAPs differed in weediness by individual weed species. Correspondence analysis pointed to conventional and organic MAPs with the most frequent and most abundant weed species. Setaria pumila and Portulaca oleracea were the most frequent species in conventional; and Amaranthus retroflexus, Datura stramonium, and Sorghum halepense in organic crops. In both conventional and organic farming systems, therophytes were the most dominant life forms indi...
Agriculture in nature and environment protection, 11th International Scientific/Professional Conference, Vukovar, Croatia, 28-30 May 2018. Proceedings & Abstracts, 2018
Abstract Considering the increasing incidence of allergy symptoms in Europe in the past decades, ... more Abstract Considering the increasing incidence of allergy symptoms in Europe in the past decades, it is useful to obtain precise ecological and biological data regarding the allergenic plants. This study was conducted in order to assess habitat conditions allowing the development of allergenic plants along the Danube-Tisza-Danube canal network (Banat region, Serbia). In this regard, the distribution of these plants and the relationships among their eco-biological characteristics were studied. The results represent the one step further in the assessment of the habitat conditions allowing the development of allergenic plants in the study area. Twenty four allergenic plants were found, with a predominance of wetland plants (37.50%) and geophytes (41.67%). Correlation and PCA analyses determined that the flowering time of allergenic plants is correlated with the ecological group, life form and habitat conditions (aeration, pH, humus content, moisture, and continentality). The unfavorable periods for allergy sufferers are early spring and summer. Pollen-allergenic forest phanerophytes flowered early, had the shortest flowering period, and inhabited neutral to alkaline soil with less humus content, compared to the wetland and weed-ruderal allergenic plants. Habitat moisture reduced soil aeration and modified the effects of the continental climate, favoring the development of numerous allergenic species along the canals. Most of the identified allergenic species are invasive in Europe. Moreover, these species are frequently grown in urban green areas. Therefore, the avoidance of excessive use of these allergenic species in urban ecosystems may provide healthier environments for allergy sufferers and contribute to the preservation of the native flora biodiversity.
Urban environment usually consists of wide range of heterogeneous ecosystems with diverse and com... more Urban environment usually consists of wide range of heterogeneous ecosystems with diverse and complex interactions. All green areas, especially parks and lawns, represent suitable habitats for ticks, as they provide all necessary features to complete a ticks’ life cycle. Vegetation cover and the presence of suitable hosts are crucial for tick population persistence. Therefore, vegetation management as a preventive method should have the fundamental role in tick control. The aim of this research was to determine whether regular and frequent mowing and vegetation management have influence on the efficacy of tick control program. The tick presence and abundance were observed at seven localities, from February till October during 2014. The total number of collected ticks was 1.241 and two tick species were identified: Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus. Ticks were present at all prospected localities except Dunavski Park. The highest number of collected ticks was obtained at Park...
Aquatic vegetation of Hydrochari-Lemnetea and Potametea classes in the Danube-Tisza-Danube hydros... more Aquatic vegetation of Hydrochari-Lemnetea and Potametea classes in the Danube-Tisza-Danube hydrosystem (Hs DTD) was studied in 2009–2012, by applying the standard Braun-Blanquet method. The canal network vegetation comprises 14 associations, with Trapetum natantis and Ceratophylletum demersi being the most widely distributed. Hs DTD is also a habitat for several important endangered species, which serve as edificators of the following phytocenoses: Nymphaeetum albae, Nymphaeetum albo-luteae, Nymphoidetum peltatae, Trapetum natantis, Lemno-Spirodeletum, Salvinio-Spirodeletum polyrrhizae, Lemno-Utricularietum vulgaris, Potametum nodosi, Myriophyllo-Potametum and Najadetum marinae. In the studied vegetation, we also found an invasive phytocenosis Elodeetum canadensis that did not have an expanding tendency, and Ceratophyllo demersi-Vallisnerietum spiralis that had this tendency, which made monitoring its stands necessary. Physico-chemical analyses of water, conducted at localities in which the studied phytocenoses thrive, revealed that the development and distribution of most phytocenoses is closely linked with specific habitat conditions. Among the studied parameters, the most significant for the phytocenoses differentiation were: pH, alkalinity, COD-MnO4, BOD5, NO3−, NO2−, PO43− and the concentration of total phosphorus.
The biological spectrum of weed phytocoenoses of row crops and small grains in north-western Serb... more The biological spectrum of weed phytocoenoses of row crops and small grains in north-western Serbia are analysed. Weed associations in row crops are represented by ass. Cyndono-Sorghetum halepensae (Laban, 1974) Kojić 1979, ass. Consolido- Polygonetum aviculare Kojić et al. 1973 (Consolida regalis- Polygonum aviculare) and ass. Galeoposi-Calystegietum sepii (Stepić, 1984). In all examined associations therophytes have a dominant role. T4 therophytes predominate (63.33%) among the therophytes of the weed association Cyndono-Sorghetum halepensae (Laban, 1974) Kojić 1979, while geophyte presence is 27% and hemicryptophyte 15%. In the association Panico-Ambrosietum artemisifoliae ass. nova T4 therophytes are also dominant (35%), and geophytes account for 30% and hemiocryptophytes for 17%. T4 therophytes (25%) and T2 therophytes (20%) predominate among the therophytes of the ass. Consolido-Polygonetum aviculare, while geophyte presence is 29% and hemiocryptophyte 15%. In the ass. Galeops...
The flora of the grassland surrounding Okanj oxbow lake, located in the vicinity of the village o... more The flora of the grassland surrounding Okanj oxbow lake, located in the vicinity of the village of Elemir (the Vojvodina Province, Serbia), was found to comprise 182 plant taxa. Of these 182 taxa (166 species, 7 subspecies and 2 varieties, 6 forms and 1 lusus naturae), 174 were used for ecological analysis, i.e., 166 species, 7 subspecies and, because of its plant geographic and ecological importance, one variety (the Pontic-Pannonian element Aster tripolium var. pannonicus). Based on mean values of the ecological indices developed according to Landolt's criteria, it was concluded that the grassland flora in the riparian zone around Okanj oxbow lake was composed of taxa adapted to a habitat having the following average values: medium humid to moderately dry (F-2.65), moderately basic (R-3.28), moderately poor in the biogenic mineral N (N-3.20) and organo-mineral substances (H-2.99), with a moderately adequate aeration (D-3.97), and considerably saline (S+ - 26.44 %). The flora i...
The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical componen... more The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus, which includes more than 230 species of evergreen, semievergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Although frequently used as an ornament, the Viburnum species show biological properties with health-promoting effects. Fruits, flowers, and barks of certain species are used for pharmaceutical purposes or as cooking ingredients, hence containing biochemical compounds with health-promoting activity such are carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. However, its taxonomical determination is difficult, due to its wide distribution and frequent hybridizations; therefore, an objective classification would allow us to understand its biological activity based on its phytochemical components. More than sixty phytochemical compounds have been reported, where vibsanin-type diterpenes and their derivatives are the most preval...
Summary In the organic bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in open cultivation during the veget... more Summary In the organic bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in open cultivation during the vegetation period of 2012, 14 weed species were found in the villages Ljutovo and Orom. The percentage of invasive species was 28.57%. Ambrosia artemisiifolia was characterized as highly invasive, Sorghum halepense as sporadically invasive, and Amaranthus retroflexus and Datura stramonium as potentially invasive species. Low diversity and low density of weed flora in organic bean crops are the factors causing a high percentage of invasive species in the floristic composition, so monitoring of these species is necessary. The weed flora dominated by therophytes (71.43%), the dominance of weed-ruderal plants (64.29%), and the presence of widespread taxa in the bean crops indicate strong anthropogenic influence and instability of the weed flora. The largest number of the weed species bloom from June to August (71.43%). According to the ecological analysis of the weed flora, the studied agroecosys...
The issue of species classified as endangered in one region, yet invasive in another, is becoming... more The issue of species classified as endangered in one region, yet invasive in another, is becoming increasingly complex and important. This is also the case with the hydrophyte Trapa natans, which is one of a very few plants that generate so many contrasting views: it is highly endangered in Europe, invasive in North America and Australia, yet highly valued in India and China due to its nutritional and medical properties [1]. The native area of T. natans is from Western Europe and Africa to northeast Asia including eastern Russia, China, and Southeast Asia, through to Indonesia [2,3]. It is a rare plant in Europe and the subject of conservation efforts to preserve and restore populations. According to the IUCN [4] T. natans is on the regional red list in: Black Sea Region (vulnerable), Bulgaria (endangered), Carpathian Mountains (endangered), Czech Republic (critically endangered), Germany (endangered – level 2), Russia (near threatened), Slovakia (vulnerable), Spain (extinct), Swede...
Sub-lethal doses of herbicides can promote plant growth and have a positive effect on an organism... more Sub-lethal doses of herbicides can promote plant growth and have a positive effect on an organism this is called hormesis. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) (1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 36, 180, and 720 g ha−1) and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (7.2, 36, 180, 720, 1440, and 2880 g ha−1). Different biological parameters, such as phytotoxicity, fresh weight, root length, content of photosynthetic pigments, and shikimate concentration, were measured. Glyphosate in doses of 1440 and 2880 g ha−1 destroyed A. retroflexus plants. A fresh weight of A. retroflexus at a dose of 36 g ha−1 was reduced by 76.31%, while for the soybean it was reduced by 19.26%. At the highest dose, the shikimate concentration was 145% in the soybean, while in A. retroflexus, the concentration increased by 58.80% compared to the control plants. All doses of glyphosate were statistically significantly different in terms of chlorophyll a content, w...
This study was aimed to compare weeds occurring in basil crops grown under conventional and organ... more This study was aimed to compare weeds occurring in basil crops grown under conventional and organic production systems. Weed flora recorded in the conventional production consisted of 16 taxa, with Setaria glauca and Portulaca oleracea dominating. Concerning the organic plots, only seven taxa were noted and dominant species were Sorghum halepense and Amaranthus retroflexus. Unexpectedly lower floristic diversity in the organic agricultural system was caused by omitted application of fertilizers during three consecutive years, still unbalanced agro ecological conditions, partial isolation of the organic plots and the presence of even four invasive weed species.
A pasture on the solonchakic solonetz soil in the vicinity of the village of Idjos (Banat, Serbia... more A pasture on the solonchakic solonetz soil in the vicinity of the village of Idjos (Banat, Serbia) was found to harbor 137 plant taxa (129 species, 7 subspecies and 1 variety). The plant cover they formed was specific from the ecological, phytogeographical and phytocoenological points of view. The specific ecological feature of the surveyed plant cover was that 47 or 34.31% of the recorded taxa were rated with the ecological index S+ due to their ability to grow in saline soil. The specific phytogeographical feature of the surveyed plant cover was the presence of two Pannonian endemics, Plantago schwarzenbergiana Schur and Statice gmelini subsp. hungaricum (Klokov) So?, and two subendemics, Puccinellia limosa Holmb. and Roripa kerneri Menyh. The specific phytocoenological feature of the surveyed plant cover was the presence of two phytocoenoses from the class Phragmitetea Tx. et Prsg. 1942 (ass. Scirpo-Phragmitetum medioeuropaeum and ass. Bolboschoenetum maritimi continentale), one ...
This study aimed to compare weed flora in conventionally and organically grown medicinal and arom... more This study aimed to compare weed flora in conventionally and organically grown medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs): basil, pot marigold, dill, and peppermint; in terms of weed composition and weed abundance. A total of 28 weed species (25 and 15 species in conventional and organic crops, respectively) were identified.The presence and abundance of certain weed species were affected by MAP species and farming system. Higher weed diversity and weediness, and lower floristic similarity were found in conventionally grown crops. Also, the analysed MAPs differed in weediness by individual weed species. Correspondence analysis pointed to conventional and organic MAPs with the most frequent and most abundant weed species. Setaria pumila and Portulaca oleracea were the most frequent species in conventional; and Amaranthus retroflexus, Datura stramonium, and Sorghum halepense in organic crops. In both conventional and organic farming systems, therophytes were the most dominant life forms indi...
Agriculture in nature and environment protection, 11th International Scientific/Professional Conference, Vukovar, Croatia, 28-30 May 2018. Proceedings & Abstracts, 2018
Abstract Considering the increasing incidence of allergy symptoms in Europe in the past decades, ... more Abstract Considering the increasing incidence of allergy symptoms in Europe in the past decades, it is useful to obtain precise ecological and biological data regarding the allergenic plants. This study was conducted in order to assess habitat conditions allowing the development of allergenic plants along the Danube-Tisza-Danube canal network (Banat region, Serbia). In this regard, the distribution of these plants and the relationships among their eco-biological characteristics were studied. The results represent the one step further in the assessment of the habitat conditions allowing the development of allergenic plants in the study area. Twenty four allergenic plants were found, with a predominance of wetland plants (37.50%) and geophytes (41.67%). Correlation and PCA analyses determined that the flowering time of allergenic plants is correlated with the ecological group, life form and habitat conditions (aeration, pH, humus content, moisture, and continentality). The unfavorable periods for allergy sufferers are early spring and summer. Pollen-allergenic forest phanerophytes flowered early, had the shortest flowering period, and inhabited neutral to alkaline soil with less humus content, compared to the wetland and weed-ruderal allergenic plants. Habitat moisture reduced soil aeration and modified the effects of the continental climate, favoring the development of numerous allergenic species along the canals. Most of the identified allergenic species are invasive in Europe. Moreover, these species are frequently grown in urban green areas. Therefore, the avoidance of excessive use of these allergenic species in urban ecosystems may provide healthier environments for allergy sufferers and contribute to the preservation of the native flora biodiversity.
Urban environment usually consists of wide range of heterogeneous ecosystems with diverse and com... more Urban environment usually consists of wide range of heterogeneous ecosystems with diverse and complex interactions. All green areas, especially parks and lawns, represent suitable habitats for ticks, as they provide all necessary features to complete a ticks’ life cycle. Vegetation cover and the presence of suitable hosts are crucial for tick population persistence. Therefore, vegetation management as a preventive method should have the fundamental role in tick control. The aim of this research was to determine whether regular and frequent mowing and vegetation management have influence on the efficacy of tick control program. The tick presence and abundance were observed at seven localities, from February till October during 2014. The total number of collected ticks was 1.241 and two tick species were identified: Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus. Ticks were present at all prospected localities except Dunavski Park. The highest number of collected ticks was obtained at Park...
Aquatic vegetation of Hydrochari-Lemnetea and Potametea classes in the Danube-Tisza-Danube hydros... more Aquatic vegetation of Hydrochari-Lemnetea and Potametea classes in the Danube-Tisza-Danube hydrosystem (Hs DTD) was studied in 2009–2012, by applying the standard Braun-Blanquet method. The canal network vegetation comprises 14 associations, with Trapetum natantis and Ceratophylletum demersi being the most widely distributed. Hs DTD is also a habitat for several important endangered species, which serve as edificators of the following phytocenoses: Nymphaeetum albae, Nymphaeetum albo-luteae, Nymphoidetum peltatae, Trapetum natantis, Lemno-Spirodeletum, Salvinio-Spirodeletum polyrrhizae, Lemno-Utricularietum vulgaris, Potametum nodosi, Myriophyllo-Potametum and Najadetum marinae. In the studied vegetation, we also found an invasive phytocenosis Elodeetum canadensis that did not have an expanding tendency, and Ceratophyllo demersi-Vallisnerietum spiralis that had this tendency, which made monitoring its stands necessary. Physico-chemical analyses of water, conducted at localities in which the studied phytocenoses thrive, revealed that the development and distribution of most phytocenoses is closely linked with specific habitat conditions. Among the studied parameters, the most significant for the phytocenoses differentiation were: pH, alkalinity, COD-MnO4, BOD5, NO3−, NO2−, PO43− and the concentration of total phosphorus.
The biological spectrum of weed phytocoenoses of row crops and small grains in north-western Serb... more The biological spectrum of weed phytocoenoses of row crops and small grains in north-western Serbia are analysed. Weed associations in row crops are represented by ass. Cyndono-Sorghetum halepensae (Laban, 1974) Kojić 1979, ass. Consolido- Polygonetum aviculare Kojić et al. 1973 (Consolida regalis- Polygonum aviculare) and ass. Galeoposi-Calystegietum sepii (Stepić, 1984). In all examined associations therophytes have a dominant role. T4 therophytes predominate (63.33%) among the therophytes of the weed association Cyndono-Sorghetum halepensae (Laban, 1974) Kojić 1979, while geophyte presence is 27% and hemicryptophyte 15%. In the association Panico-Ambrosietum artemisifoliae ass. nova T4 therophytes are also dominant (35%), and geophytes account for 30% and hemiocryptophytes for 17%. T4 therophytes (25%) and T2 therophytes (20%) predominate among the therophytes of the ass. Consolido-Polygonetum aviculare, while geophyte presence is 29% and hemiocryptophyte 15%. In the ass. Galeops...
The flora of the grassland surrounding Okanj oxbow lake, located in the vicinity of the village o... more The flora of the grassland surrounding Okanj oxbow lake, located in the vicinity of the village of Elemir (the Vojvodina Province, Serbia), was found to comprise 182 plant taxa. Of these 182 taxa (166 species, 7 subspecies and 2 varieties, 6 forms and 1 lusus naturae), 174 were used for ecological analysis, i.e., 166 species, 7 subspecies and, because of its plant geographic and ecological importance, one variety (the Pontic-Pannonian element Aster tripolium var. pannonicus). Based on mean values of the ecological indices developed according to Landolt's criteria, it was concluded that the grassland flora in the riparian zone around Okanj oxbow lake was composed of taxa adapted to a habitat having the following average values: medium humid to moderately dry (F-2.65), moderately basic (R-3.28), moderately poor in the biogenic mineral N (N-3.20) and organo-mineral substances (H-2.99), with a moderately adequate aeration (D-3.97), and considerably saline (S+ - 26.44 %). The flora i...
The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical componen... more The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus, which includes more than 230 species of evergreen, semievergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Although frequently used as an ornament, the Viburnum species show biological properties with health-promoting effects. Fruits, flowers, and barks of certain species are used for pharmaceutical purposes or as cooking ingredients, hence containing biochemical compounds with health-promoting activity such are carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. However, its taxonomical determination is difficult, due to its wide distribution and frequent hybridizations; therefore, an objective classification would allow us to understand its biological activity based on its phytochemical components. More than sixty phytochemical compounds have been reported, where vibsanin-type diterpenes and their derivatives are the most preval...
Summary In the organic bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in open cultivation during the veget... more Summary In the organic bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in open cultivation during the vegetation period of 2012, 14 weed species were found in the villages Ljutovo and Orom. The percentage of invasive species was 28.57%. Ambrosia artemisiifolia was characterized as highly invasive, Sorghum halepense as sporadically invasive, and Amaranthus retroflexus and Datura stramonium as potentially invasive species. Low diversity and low density of weed flora in organic bean crops are the factors causing a high percentage of invasive species in the floristic composition, so monitoring of these species is necessary. The weed flora dominated by therophytes (71.43%), the dominance of weed-ruderal plants (64.29%), and the presence of widespread taxa in the bean crops indicate strong anthropogenic influence and instability of the weed flora. The largest number of the weed species bloom from June to August (71.43%). According to the ecological analysis of the weed flora, the studied agroecosys...
The issue of species classified as endangered in one region, yet invasive in another, is becoming... more The issue of species classified as endangered in one region, yet invasive in another, is becoming increasingly complex and important. This is also the case with the hydrophyte Trapa natans, which is one of a very few plants that generate so many contrasting views: it is highly endangered in Europe, invasive in North America and Australia, yet highly valued in India and China due to its nutritional and medical properties [1]. The native area of T. natans is from Western Europe and Africa to northeast Asia including eastern Russia, China, and Southeast Asia, through to Indonesia [2,3]. It is a rare plant in Europe and the subject of conservation efforts to preserve and restore populations. According to the IUCN [4] T. natans is on the regional red list in: Black Sea Region (vulnerable), Bulgaria (endangered), Carpathian Mountains (endangered), Czech Republic (critically endangered), Germany (endangered – level 2), Russia (near threatened), Slovakia (vulnerable), Spain (extinct), Swede...
Sub-lethal doses of herbicides can promote plant growth and have a positive effect on an organism... more Sub-lethal doses of herbicides can promote plant growth and have a positive effect on an organism this is called hormesis. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) (1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 36, 180, and 720 g ha−1) and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (7.2, 36, 180, 720, 1440, and 2880 g ha−1). Different biological parameters, such as phytotoxicity, fresh weight, root length, content of photosynthetic pigments, and shikimate concentration, were measured. Glyphosate in doses of 1440 and 2880 g ha−1 destroyed A. retroflexus plants. A fresh weight of A. retroflexus at a dose of 36 g ha−1 was reduced by 76.31%, while for the soybean it was reduced by 19.26%. At the highest dose, the shikimate concentration was 145% in the soybean, while in A. retroflexus, the concentration increased by 58.80% compared to the control plants. All doses of glyphosate were statistically significantly different in terms of chlorophyll a content, w...
Uploads
Papers by Branka Ljevnaic