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First report of maize ear rot caused by Fusarium boothii in Serbia
No full textFusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) includes at least fifteen species which are some
of the most significant fungi that infect maize in temperate areas (Sarver et al. 2011).
Agroecological conditions in Serbia are suitable for the development of infection by members of
FGSC and therefore during the period of 1993-2010, maize samples collected from northern Serbia
(46°5'55" N, 19°39'47" E) showed typical symptoms of gibberella ear rot. Twenty isolates were
selected for study for FGSC identification. Appearance of colonies and macroconidia on potato
dextrose agar (PDA) of all isolates (average 37.75-45.35×4.35-5.35 μm, No 50) were consistent
with descriptions of F. graminearum (O’Donnell et al. 2004). Monosporal isolates were grown on
PDA and used for molecular analyses. DNA isolation was performed using DNeasy Plant Mini
Kit. Identification of FGSC was performed on the basis of the TEF−1α gene amplified with
primers ef1/ef2 (Geiser et al. 2004) and sequenced in both directions. In four selected isolates two
additional genomic regions (histone H3 and β−tubulin) were further analyzed using primers H3-
1a/H3-1b and T1/T22, respectively (O’Donnell et al. 2000, Glass and Donaldson 1995).
Nucleotide sequences of TEF−1α, β-tubulin, histone H3 have been deposited in GenBank under
accession numbers: isolate 914 (MF974400, MG063784, MF999140), 1495 (MF974405,
MG063789, MF999145), 2812 (MF974408, MG063792, MF999148), 2822 (MF974409,
MG063793, MF999149), respectively. Isolates were molecularly identified using BLAST tool
from NCBI and with phylogenetic analyses (Maximum Parsimony method with 1000 bootstrap
replications on concatenated sequences of all three genes-TEF−1α, β−tubulin and histone H3)
using MEGA 11 software package (Tamura et al. 2011). In BLAST analyses isolate 2822 shared
100% nucleotide identity with reference isolate Fusarium boothii NRRL26916 (GQ915470)
originating from Central America based on histone H3 gene. Isolates 914, 1495 and 2812 shared
99% to 100% nucleotide identity with F. graminearum isolates. Phylogenetic analyses showed
that all equally parsimonious trees made of 32 selected sequences of species within FGSC
available in GenBank database and our four isolates, rooted with external outgroup species F.
pseudograminearum, grouped three isolates (914, 1495, 2812) with F. graminearum isolates
(NRRL28336, 29169, 28439) and one isolate (2822) grouped with F. boothii isolates (NRRL
29020, 26916). Pathogenicity of isolates was confirmed using the method of Reid et al. (1996).
Artificial inoculation of maize ears was performed on the third day after silking by injecting 2 ml
of a conidial suspension with a concentration of 1x105 conidia/ml into the silk channel. The same
procedure was applied to control plants, using sterile water instead of inoculum. After three weeks, symptoms of Gibberella ear rot appeared and the pathogen was again successfully isolated. The
fungus was identical to original isolates, thus completing Koch's postulates. Control plants did not
show any symptoms. Based on available literature, this is the first report of species F. boothii in
Serbia. Future research should be focused on determining distribution, aggressiveness, synthesis
of mycotoxins, as well as damage caused by F. boothii on grain yield and quality compared to F.
graminearum. This will contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity of FGSC, which may
lead to a successful strategy for controlling these harmful pathogens
Field trial evaluation to RTD susceptibility/tolerance to RTD in Serbia: Is there a tolerance to RTD in current varieties?
No full textSugar beet is the second most important source for the sugar industry,
particularly important in temperate climate zones of Central, West, and East
Europe. However, its production has declined recently due to various factors of
which the most important are subsidy cuts and the spread of various plant
diseases. In the Pannonian Plain (Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia), a
disease called rubbery taproot disease (RTD) has been observed for along time.
The variability in RTD symptoms and the extent of damage it causes have made
its detection quite challenging, often leading to misdiagnoses as other
diseases. However, the identification of Candidatus Phytoplasma solani as the
cause of RTD has resolved the issue of its diagnosis. The latest outbreak in
Serbia has had a significant economic impact on sugar beet production,
prompting an urgent response to aid the industry and growers. In our study,
conducted during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, we assessed the susceptibility/
tolerance of thirty registered sugar beet hybrids in Serbia, evaluating their
impact on root yield and quality in naturally infected experimental fields.
Building on the results from the 2022 season, we included an additional trial in
the 2023 season involving two hybrids placed in a cage with inserted vectors
(Reptalus spp.). One of the added hybrids exhibited high sensitivity to RTD, while
the other demonstrated a high level of tolerance during the first season of 2022.
In both seasons, we observed a high RTD infection rate, with variations among
hybrids, ranging from 18.5% for variety no. 22 to 80% for variety no. 30 in 2022,
and similar variations in 2023. Notably, in the cage containing two hybrids with
differing RTD susceptibility in 2022, both hybrids deteriorated in 2023. These
findings suggest that there is likely no RTD resistance among registered hybrids
in Serbia, and specific insect vectors’ attractiveness may play a role in this
phenomenon
Microbiota in the edible mushroom industry: Disease management, yield, and quality improvement
No full textA significant problem in the mushroom industry worldwide is a lack of
effective chemicals in disease control. Pathogen resistance to fungicides
and the harmful impact of the chemicals imply disease management
based on biopesticides. Nevertheless, declining substrate quality due to
the intensive production of its components, plants, and poultry manure
indicate disturbed genuine microbiome. Microbiota from mushroom
substrate has already exhibited significant effects both in disease control
and yield improvement: bacteria (Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp.), fungi
(Scytalidium spp.), and actinobacteria (Streptomyces spp., etc.). Many of
them are registered as biopesticides or biostimulators as they suppress the
pathogen and improve the yield by colonizing the host environment. The
introduction of well-timed and appropriate microbial combinations would
create new possibilities for biorational edible mushroom protection with
improved yield and quality
Management of harmful rodents: Can we do more?
No full textProcedures intended to protect goods from various pests involve a variety of
challenges, the most prominent of which are the inevitable commensal rodents. In terms of
harmfulness and epidemiological significance, the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), black rat
(Rattus rattus) and house mouse (Mus musculus) are the most significant representatives of
commensal rodent species across the European continent (Battersby et al., 2008; Buckle and
Smith, 1994). Their daily activities cause huge damage through consumption of stored products
and their contamination, as well as gnawing of installation and building structures (Mallis,
1982; Gwinner et al., 1996). Their role as hosts and agents transferring various zoonoses is
notorious (Gratz, 1988).
The need to maintain health and protect products is a never-ending challenge for mankind.
A variety of protection programmes have been developed to encumber the survival or feeding
of rodents (agricultural practices, technological/manipulative or sanitary/hygienic measures),
all designed to prevent or hinder rodent presence in facilities, including specific construction
building solutions or use of high-frequency sonic emissions (Buckle and Smith, 1994).
If preventive protection measures do not give adequate results, mechanical or chemical control
measures are applied. Mechanical measures have numerous ecological advantages compared to
the application of chemical control measures (Walther et al., 2024). The basic shortcomings of
mechanical protection measures, which were primarily related to the checking traps and their
maintenance, were significantly overcome by the application of the most modern technological
achievements. To a significant extent, the application of traps has been facilitated and improved,
while at the same time significant savings have been made in terms of manpower engagement.
In addition to numerous effective measures, rodent pest control was and still is mainly carried
out using toxic substances (Bentley, 1972; McGee et al., 2020). Ever since their introduction in
the early 1950s, anticoagulant rodenticides have had the dominant role in controlling noxious
rodent species indoors, due to their specific traits (mechanism and speed of activity, toxicity,
persistence under realistic conditions of application) (Hadler and Buckle, 1992). Their
deficiencies, most prominently the evolution of resistance of rodents to some active substances,
have been resolved in time, primarily by choosing an alternative anticoagulant with a similar
mechanism of activity (Pelz et al., 2005; Blažić et al., 2018). Other protection products have
also been developed to diminish the risks of stored-product pollution through contamination
with toxic baits, including active substances of natural origin (vitamin D3, cellulose, sodium
selenite), as well as various repellents based on plant metabolites (Jokić et al., 2014; 2017;
2018). Alphachloralose is another prominent alternative to anticoagulants, which has been
successfully used for controlling house mice under specific conditions. Also, the principle of
preventive application of rodenticides is replaced by the principle of application of rodenticides
only when the presence of rodents in protected facilities is definitely established. Fertility
control is the latest direction in rodent pest control and it is based on the idea of reducing
rodenticide release into the environment while ensuring effective control of rodent abundance
(Shuster et al., 2023; Massei et al., 2024). The authors expect that this latest trend in rodent
control will achieve satisfactory effectiveness regarding rodent control and significant reduction
in their numbers, while preserving the environment and biodiversity of nontarget species. Finally, when choosing the most adequate rodent control measures, it is necessary to take
into account the humanity of the chosen method, to consider alternative methods in order to
reduce the suffering of the targeted rodents (Baker et al., 2022; Beausoleil et al., 2022)
Persistence of maize-based rodenticide carrier under conditions of high temperature and humidity
No full textCereals аге used as the most widespread base ог rodenticide baits, i.e. carriers ог
rodenticide active ingredients, due to their nutritive properties and widespread availability.
Depending on their intended purpose, they are either used as grains or processed (mostly by griding) to make them fit for the purposes of specific bait formulations. Bait persistence varies
depending on the specific conditions that exist in particular habitats.
Habitats with high temperature and humidity, such as sewers, sewage effluent collectors
ог wet basements, are environments in which bait degradation accelerates. Reduced
attractiveness and efficacy of the applied baits have negative impact on the control of rodent
pests. Bait persistence under unfavourable environmental conditions can be significantly
modified by improving their structure апа composition.
Four fractions ог ground maize grain were made by seiving (<0.8 mm, 0.8–1.25 mm, 1.25–
2 mm and >2 mm). Sorbic acid [E 200] was added as a preservative at 1% concentration.
Following a standard ECHA (2018) procedure, these fractions were exposed to unfavourable
environmental conditions (temperature 33°C and humidity >90 %) in an incubator over a period
of 33 days. Simultaneously, control baits (containing no preservative) for each fraction were kept
under the same conditions. Development ог mold was inspected at three-day intervals.
No mold development was detected on baits consisting of particles sized < 1.25 mm over
the 33-day test period. Maize particles ranging in size from 1.25 to 2 mm were found to develop
mold after 21 days. Fifty percent of all cups containing bait with particle size > 2 mm were found
to develop mold after 9 test days. Three days after the beginning of testing, mold developed in
as many as 83.3 % of all cups containing control baits, and all cups were found to be infested
with mold after nine days, regardless of maize particle size. Statistical analysis of the acquired
data showed that particle size had no significant effect on the speed of mold development in
cups on a daily basis. However, a statistically significant difference was confirmed against the
control.
Тће results show that bait particle size has no impact оп bait persistence under the
unfavourable environmental conditions of high temperature and humidity. However, sorbic acid
as the preservative, used at 1% concentration, was found to extend significantly the persistence
of baits under such environmental conditions, which may significantly improve the efficacy of
rodent control measures in sewers and other wet environments
Ispitivanje herbicidnog potencijala biljnog ekstrakta i etarskog ulja vrste Artemisia absianthium L. u in vitro uslovima
No full textZnačaj biljaka koje sintetišu velike količine sekunarnih metabolita
(alelohemikalija) ogleda se u mogućnosti njihovog iskorišćavanja u suzbijanju korova, jer
se smatraju kandidatima za zamenu sintetičkih herbicida. Artemisia absintium L. je
višegodišnja aromatična korovsko-ruderalna vrsta čija hemijska jedinjenja se odlikuju
širokim spektrom bioloških aktivnosti.
Cilj ovih istraživanja bio je da se ispitaju razlike u alelopatskom potencijau i
hemijskom sastavu između biljnog ekstrakta i etarskog ulja vrste A. absinthium. Biljni
materijal je sakupljen na teriroriji Republike Srbije (44°22'57"N; 22°20'31"E). Nakon
sušenja, biljni materijal je ekstrahovan sukcesivnom ultrazvučnom ekstrakcijom pomoću
rastvarača različite polarnosti kako bi se dobio što veći prinos fenolnih jedinjenja u
ekstraktu, dok je etarsko ulje dobijeno procesom destilacije vodenom parom. U biljnom
ekstraktu sadržaj fenolnih jedinjenja je određen LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass
Spectrometry), a identifikacija komponenti etarskog ulja GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–
Mass Spectrometry) metodom. In vitro ogled je obuhvatao biotestove sa semenima gde
je ispitivan uticaj različitih koncentracija biljnog ekstrakta (0,1; 0,25; 0,5; 0,75; 1; 2,5; 5%) i
etarskog ulja (0,01; 0,025; 0,05; 0,1; 0,25; 0,5%) A. absinthium na klijavost semena i
dužinu klijanaca Amaranthus retroflexus, Setaria viridis i Zea mays. Petri kutije sa
semenima su inkubirane sedam dana na temperature 28±1°C nakon čega su beležene
vrednosti merenih parametara.
Hemijskom analizom biljnog ekstrakta utvrđeno je prisustvo 12 različitih fenolnih
jedinjenja, od kojih se po svom sadržaju izdvajaju: hlorogena kiselina (16,94 mg/g),
astragalin (1,97 mg/g), rutin (1,35 mg/g), narcisin (0,90 mg/g) i hiperozid (0,66 mg/g). GC-
MS metodom identifikovano je 91 jedinjenje, a najdominantnije komponente su bile: -
tujon (18,90%), cis-epoksi ocimen (7,88%), biciklogermakren (7,04%), -kariofilen
(6,00%) i germakren D-4-ol (5,35%). U biotestu sa biljnim ekstraktima inhibicija klijavosti
semena se kretala od 8,39-100% za koncentracije od 0,25-2,5% (A. retroflexus), 0,75-
100% (S. viridis) i 1,11-57,78% (Z. mays) za koncentracije od 0,25-5%. U biotestu sa
etarskim uljima inhibicija klijavosti iznosila je 1,39-86,80% (A. retroflexus), 1,43-100% (S.
viridis) i 3,33-65% (Z. mays) za primenjene tretmane. Procenat inhibicije rasta klijanaca
A. retroflexus pri koncentraciji 0,75% iznosio je 68,31%, dok je pri primeni etarskog ulja
već pri koncentraciji 0,10% postignut sličan efekat (71,47%). Dužina klijanaca S. viridis pri
primeni biljnog ekstrakta koncentracije 0,50% inhibirana je za 55,63%, a pri primeni
etarskog ulja koncentracije 0,05% za 72,65%. Pri primeni najviše koncentracija biljnog
ekstrakta (5%) i etarskog ulja (0,5%) dužina klijanaca Z. mays je iznosila 91,73% i
87,40%.
Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na veći fitotoksični potencijal etarskog ulja u odnosu na
biljni ekstrakt A. absinthium, što se može objasniti razlikama u hemijskom sastavu koje su
posledica različitih ekstrakcionih procesa. Radi potvrde alelopatskog potencijala vrste A.
absinthium naredni ogledi biće izvedeni u in vivo i poljskim uslovima
Plant growth promotion of wheat seedlings using Bacillus inoculants
No full textWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most widely grown crops used in human diet due to its high protein and energy content. With a growing world population and food demands, enhancing the production potential of wheat is of great importance for agriculture. Microbial inoculants based on plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative for sustainable production of cereals. One of the most significant traits of PGPB is the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as it triggers the seed germination, controls plant cell division and tissue differentiation during early development stages. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of IAA-producing Bacillus spp. isolates on seed germination and seedlings growth. Bacillus spp. BHC 9.1 and BHC 5.4 were isolated from mildly alkaline soil and alkaline soil, respectively. The ability of isolates to produce IAA was quantified spectrophotometrically using Salkowski reagent method. The ability of bacterial isolates to induce seed germination and seedlings growth of wheat was evaluated in vitro on Petri dishes by filter paper method and results were expressed as relative germination index (RSGI%) and length of shoots and roots. Isolates BHC 9.1 and BHC 5.4 were characterized as IAA producers (1.81 and 6.55 μg mg-1, respectively). Application of both bacterial treatments increased germination of wheat seeds in vitro. Relative seed germination index of wheat seeds treated by isolate BHC 9.1 and BHC 5.4 was 110.5% and 101.3%, respectively. The highest increment of shoots was recorded for BHC 9.1 inoculation (19.5%), while BHC 5.4 increased roots length for up to 12.3%, in comparison to the control. These results indicate the potential of selected Bacillus spp. isolates to enhance germination of wheat seeds. Future studies should aim to enhance the efficiency of Bacillus-based bio-inoculants under semi-controlled and field conditions, providing sustainable agricultural practices
Biological control of green mould disease and mushroom fly using biofungicide Bcillus subtilis Ch-13 and botanical insecticide azadirachtin (technical solution)
No full textThe result of this study was accepted technical solution of disease/pest control of cultivated
mushroom (
Agaricus bisporus
L.) based on biological pesticides (Biogenesis d.o.o., Serbia): microbial
biofungicide
Bacillus subtilis
Ch-13 (Ekstrasol 1×10
8
CFU/cm
3
) and botanical bioinsecticide azadirachtin
(Ozoneem trishul 1 %). The efficiency of bio/pesticides in disease/pest control and impact on
mushroom yield were evaluated in a large and small-scale experiments. The efficacy of biofungicide
Bacillus subtilis
Ch-13 to control of
Trichoderma aggressivum
Samuels & W. Gams (green mould disease)
was evaluated in comparison with chemical fungicide prochloraz (2×1.5 mL/m
2
). Biofungicide was
applied in different procedures, in two (2×30 mL/m
2
), three (30 + 2×15 mL/m
2
), and six split doses
(6×10 ml/m
2
). The highest statistically significant effectiveness in pathogen control was shown when
three (53.57-58.43%) or six doses (63.05%), were used. Biofungicide significantly improved yield in all
different procedures, compared with untreated control in small-scale experiments 6.11-12.12% and
in large-scale 5.07-8.41%. The impact of the bioinsecticide azadirachtin (4×0.5 ml/m
2
) on the density
of the mushroom fly
Lycoriella ingenua
Dufour (Diptera: Sciaridae) was compared to the effects of the
chemical insecticide malathion (2×0.3 ml/m
2
). The average number of the mushroom fly adults on
yellow sticky traps per each mushroom row was significantly lower in the test chamber in comparison
with two controlled chambers in commercial mushroom facility. The results of our study suggest that
biofungicide
Bacillus subtilis
Ch-13 (30 + 2×15 mL/m
2
or 6×10 ml/m
2
) and bioinsectide azadirachtin
(4×0.5 ml/m
2
) may provide a good alternative to conventional chemicals
Efficacy of aerial adulticide application for mosquito vector control in the agro-developed Palilula Municipality, Belgrade
No full textMosquitoes are medically significant insects that act as vectors for various pathogens and parasites affecting human population, including viruses, bacteria, protozoans and filarial worms responsible for diseases like West Nile fever, malaria, Zika fever, Chikungunya and Dengue. In suburban agroecosystems, such as those around large cities like Belgrade (Serbia), specific agricultural practices create ideal conditions for rapid mosquito population growth. Natural and artificial water bodies formed by irrigation and livestock watering, as well as dense crop foliage, provide breeding grounds and microhabitats conducive to mosquito development. Additionally, agricultural activities increase organic matter, enhancing conditions favourable for mosquito breeding. Rainfall creates temporary pools and waterlogged areas, ideal for mosquito egg hatching, and stimulates vegetation growth, offering shaded and humid environments for mosquitoes. Palilula is the largest municipality in Belgrade, characterized by extensive arable land and a landscape that fosters mosquito development, particularly in areas along the left bank of the Danube River. Flooded areas along the Danube, numerous canals and the presence of septic tanks represent suitable breeding sites for different mosquito species. Continuous monitoring of adult and larval mosquito populations over the past several years, including
assessments of species diversity and population abundance, has revealed that Palilula
municipality exhibits the highest mosquito diversity and population density in Belgrade.
In June 2024, area of the city of Belgrade experienced two significant weather events with
heavy rains and storms, leading to the formation of water bodies in inaccessible rural and
agricultural areas not covered by standard ground-level mosquito control measures. Consistent
monitoring of both larvae and adult mosquitoes throughout 2024 identified a significant
increase of mosquito populations in the beginning of July, primarily of the Aedes genus, linked
to their distinctive egg-laying behaviour in the ground depressions of floodwater habitats along
the Danube, which may also be triggered by the heavy rainfalls. Notable increases were also
observed in populations of Culexand Anopheles genera, which lay eggs on the water surface. To
manage rapidly increasing mosquito populations, aerial application of lambda-cyhalothrin-
based pyrethroid adulticide was conducted on 25.07.2024. on the area of 8.000 ha over Palilula
municipality, exploiting this method's effectiveness in rapidly reducing mosquito numbers
across large areas. To assess the efficacy of the aerial adulticide treatment, mosquito populations
were monitored at 11 control sites in Palilula using CO2-baited traps which were deployed for 24
hours before and after the aerial treatment. Subsequent abundance assessments and species
identification using identification key provided by Becker et al. (2003) were conducted at the
PUC City Sanitation Belgrade entomological laboratory.
Post-treatment analysis revealed a substantial decline in mosquito abundance, ranging
from 55% to 93%. The most pronounced impact was observed at the Brace Mari¢ settlement
control point, where mosquito populations were reduced by 93%. Mosquito populations within
the Anopheles and Aedes genera across the treated area of Palilula showed declines at nearly all
control sites, ranging from 56% to 100%, and 75% to 100%, respectively. The number of Aedes
mosquitoes was reduced at 9/11 control sites, whereas Anopheles mosquitoes exhibited decline
across all 11 control sites. The decline in Culex mosquito populations was less pronounced than
in the Anopheles and Aedes and was observed at a smaller number of control sites 6/11, with
reductions ranging from 29% to 93%.
Aerial spraying implemented in July 2024 within the city of Belgrade demonstrated
effectiveness in reducing mosquito populations belonging to genera Aedes and Anopheles.
Despite its effectiveness, a reassessment of the economic feasibility of aerial controls methods is
warranted, particularly given that sustainable mosquito population suppression often
necessitates concurrent larvicide treatments, especially for Culex species. While aerial spraying
offers rapid results over large areas, concerns about the environmental impact of pesticides
persist. The potential harm to non-target organisms, including pollinators and natural mosquito
predators, necessitates cautious application. While aerial spraying is generally discouraged in
European populated areas due to potential environmental and health risks, it may be considered
as a supplementary control measure in instances of extreme mosquito outbreaks
Paraquat and other dessicants and bleaching herbicides – their influence on weeds, crops and human and animal health
No full textThe paper provides an overview of various aspects of desiccants and bleaching herbicides,
from different chemical groups, which have in common the drying and bleaching of leaf mass.
In weed plants, they can act as total or selective herbicides, and be applied in the mature stages
of the crop, where by drying the leaf mass they promote the maturation of some important crops
such as sunflower, soybeans, and potatoes. More or less, all these various herbicides are highly or
significantly toxic, which greatly complicates their application. In the EU, there was an initiative
to ban some of them (e.g. paraquat). However, despite their significant toxicity, we believe they
should be considered as an alternative to some other herbicides