3828 research outputs found
Sort by
Energy harvesting and electrical properties of x(0.75NaBiT-0.25SrT)- (1-x)PVDF flexible composites
No full textHarvesting energy and storage from piezoelectric materials has been gaining a lot of attention in scientific and engineering field lately. In this work, PVDF-based composite flexible films with ferroelectric relaxor 0.75 Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-0.25SrTiO3 as active phase were prepared. The piezoelectric filler was prepared by solid-state reaction followed by sintering. Flexible films were prepared by the incorporation of piezoelectric materials' powder in the polymer PVDF matrix using a hot-pressing technique.
X-ray analysis confirmed the crystalline perovskite structure of piezoelectric sintered ceramic. FTIR analysis showed that hot pressing caused the transformation of electro-inactive PVDF α-phase into electro-active β and γ phases in flexible composite films. Calculated storage energy density showed that, with an increase in the proportion of filler, there is an increase in the energy storage density and the highest value of 0.17 J/cm3 was obtained for 50 vol% filler. The same increasing trend was noticed during the energy harvesting testing, where this sample produced 12 V of output voltage under the impulse hammer load. These results indicated the potential of this kind of materials to be used for energy storage and energy harvesting devices
YUGOSLAV SOCIETY FOR PLANT PHYSIOLOGY: HISTORY AND ACTIVITY (1969–2003)
No full textTo preserve its history, the authors have compiled material on the JDFB/DFBS, its founding, and its development from 1969 to 2024. Tracing the development of Plant Physiology as a scientific discipline, we can observe that it began to emerge independently from Botany and Plant Nutrition in this region around the 1960s. The first teaching material, Physiology of Plants, was written by Franja Pletel for students of the Higher Pedagogical School (Biology Department) in Novi Sad during the 1956/57 academic year. Since then, numerous textbooks on Plant Physiology have been published by various authors. The first meeting of plant physiologists was held on May 17–18, 1966, in Novi Sad. It focused on research and pedagogical issues in the field of Plant Physiology. This meeting, hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture, was the first gathering of colleagues and the first exchange of experiences related to Plant Physiology within Yugoslavia at that time. At this meeting, a consensus was reached to establish the Yugoslav Society for Plant Physiology within the Union of Biological Societies of Yugoslavia, which was officially founded at the 3rd Congress of Yugoslav Biologists held in Ljubljana from June 25 to 28, 1969. The founding members of the Society included: the Society for Plant Physiology of the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Croatian Society for Plant Physiology, the Section of Plant Physiologists of the Biological Society of Macedonia, the Society for Plant Physiology of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia at the University “Edvard Kardelj,” the Society for Plant Physiology of the Socialist Republic of Serbia, and the Society for Plant Physiology of the Socialist Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Montenegro never had its own society or official members in the organization. From its founding until 1990, the Society’s leadership rotated between republics, as the headquarters shifted accordingly. After the dissolution of the Yugoslav Society for Plant Physiology, the organization continued its work under the name The Serbian Plant Physiology Society (Društvo za fiziologiju biljaka Srbije) from 2003 onward
Maximising biodiversity potential in Europe’s mines and quarries: A key role for EU Nature Restoration Regulation targets
No full textAmid the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), which aims to restore degraded areas in the coming decades, post-mining sites must be integrated into biodiversity and ecosystem recovery strategies as key contributors. While mining, quarrying, and other extractive activities have considerable environmental impacts, they also present massive opportunities to create valuable habitats, support biodiversity, guide restoration efforts, and contribute to conservation. A strong foundation of scientific and practical knowledge is already in place, yet implementation gaps persist, and regulatory frameworks remain under-utilised for restoring these degraded areas. Under-exploited pathways exist to reconcile development needs with NRR restoration goals. To maximise the biodiversity potential of post-mining sites, we emphasise the need for: (1) Site-specific scientific assessments and long-term monitoring; (2) Practical restoration guidelines for European habitats; (3) The strategic use of restored site networks as demonstration areas; (4) Active stakeholder engagement; and (5) Supportive policies
Stolbur phytoplasma infection and foliar silicon application differentially affect the grapevine leaf ionome
No full textThe beneficial role of silicon (Si) in enhancing plant tolerance to various fungal and bacterial diseases is well documented. However, its impact on infections caused by phytoplasmas remains unexplored. Bois noir, caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (stolbur phytoplasma), is among the most severe and widespread grapevine diseases in southeastern Europe. This study investigated the influence of
plant health status and foliar Si application on the leaf ionome of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay under
field conditions. Silicon-treated (+Si) vines were sprayed three times with 1 mM Si(OH)₄, while control
(−Si) vines received no Si. Stolbur phytoplasma (16SrXII-A subgroup) was detected by stolbur-specific
nested PCR. Leaf concentrations of Si, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B were measured using ICPMS, while N and S were analysed by a CNS elemental analyzer. Plants were categorized into three
groups: healthy (asymptomatic, phytoplasma-negative in both current and previous seasons), recovered
(asymptomatic, phytoplasma-negative in the current but positive in the previous season), and infected
(symptomatic and phytoplasma-positive). Leaf mineral composition varied significantly depending on
both Si treatment and plant health status. The disease exposure (recovered plants, no Si addition)
significantly stimulated leaf accumulation of P, K, S, Mg, Fe, Zn, B, and Mo, but also increased leaf Si
levels by about 25% compared with healthy asymptomatic –Si plants. Interestingly, Si application to
healthy vines tended to bring the element concentrations closer to the levels of the recovered plants
receiving no Si supplementation. Specifically, this signal was statistically significant for the
concentrations of P, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Mo, which are all known to be directly or indirectly involved in
plant tolerance to pathogen infections. This implies that Si application can mimic the effects of postinfection priming for disease resistance. The addition of Si to the recovered plants had no statistically
significant effect on leaf nutrient levels apart from an increase in Zn concentration by about 35%. On
the other hand, infected symptomatic vines had markedly lower leaf concentrations of Mn, Zn and Mo
relative to both healthy and recovered plants. Their leaf nutriome was not altered by Si supplementation,
likely due to phytoplasma-induced impairment of phloem-mediated nutrient transport. In conclusion,
the Si-mediated increases in micronutrients associated with pathogen defense in healthy vines indicates
a potential of Si to prime plant resistance against biotic stress
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP)-producing Bacillus spp. for the management of Fusarium infection and alfalfa growth promotion
No full textBACKGROUND: Alfalfa is the most extensively cultivated forage legume worldwide. Its yield and quality may be affected by various
pests and pathogens. Among them, fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of Fusarium wilt, is considered
as the main threat. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of the Bacillus spp. isolated from alfalfa rhizosphere
to be used as biocontrol agents against F. oxysporum, as well as plant-growth promoting agents.
RESULTS: A total of six isolates were identified as B. halotolerans LA1K3 and LA1NK3, B. toyonensis LA1K2, B. thuringiensis
LA1K4, B. megaterium LA2K1, and B. safensis LA1NK1. Suppression of F. oxysporum was recorded in a range from 2.86%
(LA2K1) to 31.43% (LA1NK3), except for LA1K2. The presence of antimicrobial peptide biosynthetic genes was detected: bacyllomicin
and fengycin (LA1NK1); subtilin and fengycin (LA1K2); subtilin (LA1K4 and LA2K1), and bacyllomicin (LA1NK3 and
LA1K3) by PCR method. Bacillus halotolerans LA1NK3 showed six PGP traits (production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores,
HCN, protease, cellulase and amylase). Bacterial inoculation increased the germination percentage of infected seeds from
42.85% (LA2K1) to 85.71% (LA1NK1, LA1NK3), as well as the yield of infected alfalfa plants of 186.07% (LANK1), compared
to the infected control.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight the potential of rhizosphere soil to harbor beneficial bacterial strains that
could be exploited for disease control and plant growth promoting. Bacillus safensis LANK1 stood out as the most effective
strain in promoting the growth of alfalfa infected by F. oxysporum under controlled conditions.
© 2025 Society of Chemical Industry
First report of Pseudomonas avellanae causing hazelnut decline in Serbia
No full textDuring July 2024, a decline was observed on hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivar Tonda di
Giffoni, 5-years old. Developed symptoms coming out when trees started to yield in form of
rapid wilting of leaves on branches. Diseased stems exposed a brown discoloration of vascular
tissue. Isolations from wood tissue resulted in the forming of large, convex, levan-type,
mucoid, cream-whitish Pseudomonas-like bacterial colonies on Nutrient agar supplemented
with 5% sucrose. Results of LOPAT tests (Levan positive, Oxidase negative, Potato soft rot
negative, Arginine dehydrolase negative, Tobacco hypersensitivity positive) ranged isolates
into Pseudomonas syringae group Ia. Pathogenicity test was performed on shoots of potted
1-year-old hazelnut (Tonda di Giffoni) plants inoculated by bacterial suspension through leaf
scars in the early autumn. First necrosis at the points of inoculation was observed after ten
days, and continued to spread longitudinally through the stem, reaching a length of 15-20 cm
after two months. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by reisolation of the same pathogen from
the inoculated stems. Genetic identification was performed by sequencing of gyrB (DNA
gyrase subunit B) gene. Nucleotide BLAST analysis of the partial gyrB gene sequence of the
two Serbian isolates showed 100% identity with Pseudomonas avellanae strains from the
NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis indicated genetic homogeneity among the tested and
five reference P. avellanae strains (BPIC631, CFBP4960, CIP 105176T, NCPPB 3491, and NCPPB
4222) and confirmed identification by placing them within the same tree cluster. This finding
indicates on possibility of wider spread of this bacterium in the territory of EU.ISBN број није доступан
Orange-carbon dots increased pod yield after foliar application on green beans grown in the field
No full textA sustained increase in leaf photosynthesis increases crop yield. Orange-carbon dots (o-CDs) demonstrated increased photosynthetic parameters without toxic effects on green beans grown in hydroponics, especially after spraying on leaves. In the present study, we focused on the o-CDs’ application on green beans grown in the field during one complete vegetation cycle. The aim was to explore if o-CDs’ spraying on leaves would enhance pod yield through photosynthesis stimulation. We performed the three cycles of foliar treatments with 1 and 5 mg/L of o-CDs until attaining the stage of fruits. The mass and length of pods, as well as the dry/fresh mass of leaves (biomass), were measured. To confirm that o-CDs were not present in the pods, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used. The results of the atomic percentage in green beans fruits and leaves prove that o-CDs were not detected in these plant parts, so the o-CDs treatment was efficient and safe for application in agriculture. Also, the results showed that o-CDs were very efficient in increasing the green beans’ yield in the field, especially if applied at a lower concentration (1 mg/L). The results of this study pave the way for o-CDs’ agricultural applications, more specifically, to an increase in crop yield
Comprehensive Comparison Between STEM-HAADF and TEM Bright-field Mode for Imaging Resin Embedded Biological Samples
No full textMost investigations of resin embedded biological samples by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been performed in TEM bright-field mode where the electron beam transmits through the sample. Modern TEMs can also be used in scanning TEM mode (STEM) where the beam scans across the sample. The preferred detector for STEM mode is the high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) detector. The aim of this study was to compare image quality of resin embedded biological samples such as yeast (Saccharomyces), algae (Chlorella, Haematococcus), plant leaves (Nicotiana), human cells (MCF7), and animal tissue (mouse liver and brain) between TEM bright-field and STEM-HAADF mode. Generally, images taken in STEM-HAADF mode showed better image quality in terms of contrast, brightness, and signal-to-noise ratio. Samples of sections that did not receive postcontrasting with uranyl acetate or lead citrate appeared significantly less grainy. Specifically, STEM-HAADF mode resulted in significantly better image quality of algae cells, MCF7, and liver cells that did not receive postcontrasting. Artifacts visible in TEM mode were absent in STEM-HAADF mode. Thus, we can conclude that STEM-HAADF mode has significant advantages when investigating resin embedded biological samples that have little contrast or sections that did not receive postcontrasting rendering postcontrasting of sections unnecessary
UV/Fe³⁺ PHOTOLYSIS AS AN ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESS FOR TENOXICAM ELIMINATION FROM WATER
No full textTenoxicam (TNX) is an pharmaceutical contaminant that enters water sources through human
and agricultural waste, as well as its improper disposal. Although it is classified as a nonpersistent
drug pollutant due to its tendency to break down over time, it can still be detected in
the environment for several weeks or even months, depending on various conditions. In this
research the effects Fe(III) chelation and UV-induced photolysis Fe(III) hydroxo complexes
on the photodegradation of TNX were investigated in acidic aqueous solutions using UV-Vis
spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. We found that in the absence of Fe3+ ions UV-A
irradiation induce a slight degradation of TNX, while its exposure to UV-B irradiation leads to
significant degradation. In the presence of Fe3+ ions a coordination reaction occurs between the
Fe3+ ions and TNX resulting in the formation of the Fe3+ - TNX complex together with Fe(III)
hydroxo complex species. The UV induced photodegradation of TNX in this TNX-Fe³⁺ system
is more pronounced than in the absence of Fe3+.. Although, cyclic voltammetry showed that the
coordination of Fe3+ with TNX results in its higher stability to oxidation, HO• radicals
generated through UV-induced photolysis of Fe³⁺–OH⁻ complexes are strong oxidants that
react with Fe3+ - TNX complex leading to TNX oxidative degradation. Understanding of this
effects is particularly important for developing iron based UV irradiation induced advanced
oxidation processes (AOPs) for removal of TNX and its structural analogs
Flower strips – a new element of agricultural landscapes
No full textModern agricultural landscapes are highly complex multifunctional systems. They are not only used for food and energy production, but are also expected to provide various ecosystem services within the agroecosystems. Industrial agriculture, which is practised on large areas, has led to increased productivity, but due to its high intensity, it is also responsible for numerous environmental problems. The loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, along with the widespread use of
pesticides and synthetic fertilisers have led to a loss of biodiversity. In recent years, there has been a dramatic decline in the abundance and diversity of all groups of wild insect pollinators, including wild bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths, with many pollinator species being threatened with extinction (COM 2018, 395). In addition, agricultural intensification has led to soil degradation, which can be regarded as a loss of a non-renewable resource, particularly through the depletion of soil organic carbon (FAO and ITPS, 2015).
The introduction of flower strips into agricultural landscapes on small areas (1%), can contribute to the creation of new habitats that support existing wild pollinators and promote increases in their abundance and diversity at both local and landscape scales. The results of the EcoStack project recommend six species for flower mixtures in Serbia: Centaurea cyanus, Coriandrum sativum, Cynara scolymus, Daucus carota, Phacelia tanacetifolia and Sinapis alba.
This practice has also been shown to benefit other beneficial organisms, such as predatory insects, pest parasitoids, birds, and plants – leading to greater species richness and abundance. Such an approach can enhance biodiversity and overall ecosystem functioning, including crop pollination, suppression of pests and invasive weed populations, improved soil fertility through erosion control, and climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration in soils by conserving both below- and above-ground biomass. In this context, flower strips should be regarded as a key element
of agricultural landscapes within sustainable farming systems such as conservative, organic, regenerative, and biodynamic agriculture