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Lacto-fermentation enhances antioxidant and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity of Cotinus coggygria leaf extracts
No full textCotinus coggygria Scop., commonly referred to as the smoke tree or smoke bush
(Anacardiaceae), is a medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic benefits, such as
hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and
antigenotoxic effects [1]. Through modulating enzyme inhibition, boosting antioxidant
and antibacterial activity, and improving phytochemical bioavailability, lactofermentation further expands the therapeutic potential of plant extracts [2]. This study
aims to investigate the impact of lacto-fermentation on the antioxidant activity and
digestive enzyme inhibitory activity of Cotinus coggygria leaf extracts. Fermentationinduced changes in the antioxidant profile were clearly observed using the highperformance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-DPPH bioautographic approach. The
bioactivity of both fermented and non-fermented ethyl acetate extracts was further
assessed through spectrofotometric assays targeting the inhibition of key digestive
enzymes, specifically pancreatic lipase and α-amylase. Using a moderately polar mobile
phase, the HPTLC-DPPH assay showed stronger antioxidant activity in the fermented
ethyl acetate extract, with intense yellow zones indicating an increased presence of active
phenolic compounds due to fermentation. Fermented ethyl acetate extract of C.
coggygria exhibited potent lipase inhibitory activity, comparable to orlistat, suggesting
that lacto-fermentation enhances the formation or bioavailability of active constituents.
While α-amylase inhibition by C. coggygria has been scarcely reported, our results
indicate a significantly higher inhibitory potential in regional samples. Our results
demonstrate the plant’s therapeutic potential in managing obesity-related metabolic
disorders and warrant further bioactivity-guided molecular investigations, while also
revealing that fermentation enhances the bioactivity of smoke tree leaves
The effects of natural degradation on the chemical composition of pedunculate oak stump (Quercus Robur l.)
No full textAfter trees are cut down, the stumps usually remain in the forest. Recently, there has been a
growing interest in utilizing stump biomass as an energy resource or alternative raw material to
produce various chemicals. However, stumps left in the forest are exposed to various biotic
(microorganisms, insects) and abiotic factors (UV radiation, precipitation, low/high temperatures,
oxygen from the air, atmospheric pollutants), causing their degradation over time.
This paper investigates the changes in the chemical composition of the xylem of Pedunculate oak
stumps (Quercus robur L.) after two years of natural degradation. In that aspect, the samples of the
freshly cut stump were compared to the samples obtained from the stump that was exposed in the
forest environment for two years. During this period, the cellulose and ash content decreased by 3.7%
and 30%, respectively, while the lignin content increased by 5%. It was also found that after two
years, the content of wood extractives in the oak stump increased by 15%. To detect natural products
of stump wood extracts, the High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) technique and
post chromatographic derivatization with ASA (p-anisaldehyde/sulfuric acid) reagent were used. ASA
is a widely used reagent for the detection of terpenoids, steroids, and carbohydrates through color
differentiation. The developed colors are indicative of the chemical nature of the compounds.
Compounds visualized under white light after derivatization and heating show that extracts from the
stump wood, following two years of natural degradation, have more terpenoids, producing blue,
purple, or brown zones. A decrease in the intensity of the gray and green spots under white light can
also be observed, indicating that the chemical profile of the wood extract is less rich in steroids and
allylic alcohols. Terpenoids are not only important for the tree's defense mechanisms but also for their
role in the production of aromatic compounds that contribute to the wood's uses in industries like
winemaking
Soil Organic Carbon Stock (SOCS) in Eutrophic and Saline Ramsar Wetlands in Serbia
No full textWetlands store large amounts of soil organic carbon stock (SOCS), making them crucial for
global climate regulation. However, climate change, poor management, and weak protection policies threaten these stocks. To assess the contribution of different wetland types for
national and international climate targets and to monitor the effectiveness of protection
measures, additional research is required. Therefore, we assessed SOCS and disturbances
from climate change, land use/land cover (LULC), and soil chemical composition in saline
and eutrophic Ramsar sites in Serbia. Analyzing a total of 96 samples, we accounted
for soil depth, reference soil group (RSG), and habitat/vegetation type. Mean SOCS in
the saline site ranged from approximately 36 t·ha−1 at 0–30 cm to 26 t·ha−1 at 30–60 cm,
whereas values were much higher for the eutrophic sites, ranging from 81 to 82 t·ha−1
at 0–30 cm and 47–63 t·ha−1 at 30–60 cm. Differences between groups for the whole soil
columns (0–60 cm) were significant at the 0.1% level. While SOCS generally decreases
with depth, it showed notable local variability, including occasional instances at deeper
layers, indicating complex environmental and anthropogenic influences. Spatial mapping
of soil chemistry parameters (pH, humus, P2O5, and K2O) along with land use/land cover
(LULC) data revealed nutrient dynamics influenced by agricultural activities. An analysis
of regional climate data revealed temperature increases relative to the reference period
of 1971–2000 by 0.5 ◦C for the decade 2001–2010 and of 1.5 ◦C for 2011–2020. Climate
projections under the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios predict further warming trends, as well
as increased rainfall variability and drought risks. The results of our study contribute to
quantifying the important, though variable, contribution of wetland sites to global climate
regulation and show the influence of geogenic, pedogenic, and anthropogenic factors on
SOCS. National policies should be adapted to safeguard these stocks and to limit negative
effects from surrounding agricultural areas, as well as to develop strategies to cope with
expected regional climate change effects
SERBIAN-CHINESE FORESTRY FORUM FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND INTEGRATED APPROACHES; BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
No full textThe University of Belgrade – Faculty of Forestry, in cooperation with the College of Forestry and Biotechnology of Zhejiang A&F University, organised the scientific conference Serbian–Chinese Forestry Forum “Forests of the Future – Challenges, Opportunities and Integrated Approaches.” Thanks to the initiative of colleagues from our partner institution, the national conference gained an important international dimension.
Collaboration between our faculties has so far taken place primarily through the mobility of master’s students from China, who attend one semester of the master’s programme Forestry and Natural Resources Management, in English, at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Forestry. The visit of the delegation from Zhejiang raised new questions and opportunities for reciprocal student exchange, as well as for joint participation in international project
ASSESSMENT OF FOREST CHANGE AND MINING EXPANSION USING HIGH-RESOLUTION LAND COVER DATA: THE CASE OF SERBIA
No full textIdentifying changes in forest cover is essential for tackling major forestry challenges—enabling effective biodiversity conservation, enhancing ecosystem protection, and understanding land-use pressures driven by human activities such as mining.
This study evaluates long-term changes in forest cover in Serbia by using CORINE Land Cover (CLC) datasets with a spatial resolution of 100 m for the years 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018. Forest dynamics were quantified using the Annual Forest Area Change Rate (AFACR), while changes in mining areas were assessed through the Annual Mining Expansion Rate (AMER). In addition, the study examines the spatial overlap between forest loss and the expansion of mining sites to determine the contribution of mining to deforestation.
The results indicate a predominantly positive AFACR in the periods 2000–2006 (0.17 % yr⁻¹) and 2006–2012 (0.07 % yr⁻¹), followed by a slight decline in 2012–2018 (–0.02 % yr⁻¹). Overall, forest area increased modestly between 2000 and 2018, with an average AFACR of 0.07 % yr⁻¹. In contrast, mining areas expanded substantially, with AMER values of 2.06 % yr⁻¹ (2000-2006), 2.54 % yr⁻¹ (2006-2012), and 0.24 % yr⁻¹, 2012-2018), resulting in a long-term AMER of 1.61 % yr⁻¹ for 2000-2018.
A total of 92,512 ha of forest was lost between 2000 and 2018. However, only 574 ha of this loss overlapped with newly established or expanded mining sites, indicating that mining accounted for approximately 0.62% of the national forest loss during the study period. These mine-induced forest clearings were exclusively detected within the Kolubara open-pit mine. These findings highlight that, although mining areas expanded rapidly, their direct contribution to deforestation at the national scale remained limited
Forest Accessibility and Road Network Density: A Global Overview with a Special Focus on Europe
No full textPurpose of the Review Forest accessibility and road network density are important concerns not only for forest managers, but also for everyone who benefits from forests, whether for professional or personal use. A well-planned forest road
network, integrated with the forest ecosystem, is a fundamental element of rational and efficient forest management. This
review aims to describe the current state of forest road density and overall forest accessibility in Europe, as well as relevant
global examples.
Recent Findings When a forest road network is distributed adequately across an area, it can support many, if not all, tasks
outlined in forest management plans, with high efficiency and minimal costs during construction and maintenance. Collecting data on forest accessibility and primary forest road density at the national level in many countries is a complex task.
Diverse terrain conditions, economic factors, and forest management practices have led to variability in the data. A common
thread, however, is the optimistic outlook on the use of modern technologies for road network planning and data acquisition.
Summary Efficient forest management, especially harvesting operations, relies on a road network with appropriate density,
load-bearing capacity, and alignment. Primary forest transport infrastructure helps reduce timber extraction costs by minimising extraction distances and shortening the travel time from the forest stand to the market. As such, forest road density
and accessibility are crucial elements in planning forest operations. Despite differences in terrain conditions, harvesting systems, and economic contexts across Europe and globally, research consistently highlights the need to improve the efficiency
of road network planning. Future research on forest accessibility should focus on integrating valuable data collection with
scientific research and ensuring effective knowledge transfer to forest practitioners
Improving institutional framework and organizational solutions for climate change governance in forestry and related sectors at regional and local levels in Serbia
No full textThe implementation of climate change governance strategies at regional and local levels encounters significant challenges, including a complex institutional framework, insufficient competence and limited commitment from various stakeholders to adopt appropriate governance measures. In Serbia, the institutional framework for climate change governance in forestry and related sectors (nature conservation, environment, energy) fails to provide sufficient conditions for stakeholders’ involvement in decision-making processes at regional and local levels. This research aims to examine possibilities for improving the institutional framework and organizational solutions for climate change governance at regional and local level in forestry and related sectors in Serbia. Data were collected through interviews with decision-makers and experts from the public and civil sectors in forestry and related sectors, as well as with representatives of examples of good practices of stakeholder collaboration in climate change governance. Respondents emphasized the need to prioritize climate change as a main objective within the mandates of organizations at lower governance levels in forestry and related sectors. All respondents support the proposal to establish a regional bridging organization to facilitate stakeholders’ coordination. Such an organization would serve as a platform for continuous education, training and knowledge exchange through seminars and workshops and would assist stakeholders in defining and implementing climate change governance measures at regional and local level
Impact of Harvest Season and Solvent Selection on Bioactive Compound Profiles and Antioxidant Capacity of Prunus spinosa Fruits
No full textBackground. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) fruits are rich in bioactive compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, known for their antioxidant properties and potential applications in functional foods. Goals. This study investigated the effects of harvest timing in summer and winter and in solvents such as distilled water and 70% ethanol on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of blackthorn fruit extracts. Methodology. Following analytical protocols, the total phenols and tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were determined spectrophotometrically. The tannin content was determined by the difference between total phenols and non-tannic phenols. The efficiency of natural antioxidants in the tested samples was determined spectrophotometrically using the FRAP, ABTS+, and DPPH methods. Results. The results reveal significant seasonal and solvent-based differences in the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of blackthorn fruits. Winter-harvested fruits consistently show higher concentrations of bioactive compounds compared to summer fruits. Ethanol consistently proves to be a more efficient solvent, yielding higher values for all measured parameters across both seasons, although the seasonal differences are less pronounced in ethanol extracts. Fruits collected during winter, with their higher antioxidant capacity and bioactive content, are particularly promising for applications in functional foods or nutraceuticals, especially when processed using ethanol-based extraction methods. Ethanol consistently outperformed water as a solvent, yielding higher concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Winter-harvested fruits showed a significant increase in tannins (104% higher in water extracts and 50% in ethanol extracts), flavonoids (93% higher in water extracts), and anthocyanins (61% higher in water extracts), while summer ethanol extracts had 15% more anthocyanins. Antioxidant activity, assessed through FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays, was notably greater in autumn fruits, with water extracts showing 35–49% higher activity and ethanol extracts displaying 9.5–24% higher activity. Conclusions. These results highlight the critical role of harvest timing and solvent choice in maximizing the extraction of bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential. Winter fruits, especially when extracted with ethanol, are particularly valuable for developing health-promoting products, emphasizing the importance of optimizing these factors to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of blackthorn fruits
Potential of the climbing rose 'Casino' in urban environments: Towards to climate change
No full textThe aim of this study was to analyse the impact of air temperature on the
phenological flowering pattern of the 'Casino' cultivar at the age of 30, located in the
garden of St. George's temple in Banovo Brdo, Belgrade. Daily phenological
observations were conducted to evaluate damage caused by low temperatures and to
define the phenological flowering pattern during the globally warmest year on
record, 2024. Frost damage was not recorded, except for the interruption of
flowering in December, without the shedding of open flowers and buds. It was
observed that flowering began in January and, without interruption but with varying
abundance, lasted until mid-December. The shortening of the abundant flowering
interval correlated with high temperatures. The significance of the observed
genotype was confirmed by a 100% rooting success rate of semi-hardwood cuttings
taken in June and the complete opening of a single flower on all new plants in
December of the same year, in a greenhouse. Based on the results, the identified
genotype of the 'Casino' cultivar stands out for future breeding programmes, as no
climbing rose taxa with yellow flowers and periodic flowering have been
synthesised so far. The sustainability and the impact of high temperatures on the
duration and abundance of flowering are evident, suggesting broader application
possibilities, though without assurance of the stability of the flowering phenophase
in the coming years. The conducted research highlights the genotype of the 'Casino'
cultivar as a climbing rose with exceptional ornamental, ecological, and landscape
attributes
Assessment of physical workload in chainsaw operators using the OWAS method
No full textUprkos sve većem prisustvu savremene mehanizacije, seča stabala i izrada drvnih sortimenata motornim testerama i dalje dominira u šumarskoj praksi u Srbiji, kojima se poseče oko 90% ukupne drvne mase. To ukazuje na potrebu za dubljom analizom ergonomskih aspekata ovakvog načina rada. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se proceni telesno opterećenje rukovaoca motornim testerama angažovanih na poslovima seče stabala i izradi drvnih sortimenata u prebirnim šumama bukve i jele, primenom OWAS metode i Lundqvistovog indeksa, kao i da se daju preporuke za unapređenje ovakvog načina. Rezultati su pokazali da većina telesnih položaja ispitivanih radnika spada u prve dve OWAS kategorije od ukupno četri, ali da svi radnici koji su učestvovali u ovom istraživanju imaju graničan nivo fizičkog opterećenja prema Lundqvistovom indeksu. Na osnovu ovih rezultata, predložene su mere unapređenja koje uključuju bolju organizaciju rada i potencijalnu rotaciju radnika, gde god je ona moguća, u cilju smanjenja rizika od dugoročnog opterećenja i negativnog uticaja na zdravllje, a pre svega oštećenja mišićno-koštanog sistema