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Characterizing the Flowering Phenology of Rosa rugosa Thunb. as an Ecosystem Service in the Context of Climate Change in Kupinovo (Vojvodina), Serbia
No full textGiven the growing impact of climate change, this study examines the flowering phenology of Rosa rugosa Thunb. in Kupinovo (Vojvodina, Serbia). Data collected over 18 years (2007–2024) were analyzed to assess changes in primary flowering, while secondary flowering was monitored from 2022 to 2025. Phenological stages were recorded every other day, and dates were converted into day-of-year (DOY) values. Heat accumulation (GDD) was calculated using daily max/min temperatures and thresholds. In 2024, R. rugosa exhibited a 37-day earlier onset and a 50.4-day later completion of primary flowering compared to previous years. The variability of key phenological events of primary flowering was observed in the interaction with climatic parameters, with regular fruiting. The species proved tolerant to heat and drought, suggesting potential range expansion. Optimal temperatures for secondary flowering were identified: abundant flowering occurred at 13.6 °C max and 4.9 °C min, while moderate flowering occurred at 9.0 °C max and 4.2 °C min. Regression analysis confirmed the positive effect of rising temperatures on flowering intensity. While freezing halted secondary flowering and damaged open buds, unopened buds remained unaffected. These findings highlight R. rugosa as a resilient, ornamental species, relevant to climate adaptation strategies, nature-based solutions, and the preservation of ecosystem services under global warming scenarios
The impact of climatic parameters in Belgrade on the Indigo Himalayan species from the subtropical biome
No full textUnderstanding the impact of climatic parameters on vegetation is significant
for understanding the potential of urban green spaces, which play a crucial
role in the ecological protection of cities and adaptation to climate change,
particularly in regulating ecosystem services. In future climatic conditions,
exotic species must be taken into account for ecosystem preservation.
Therefore, for the first time, this study documents the differential attributes
and phenology of Indigofera heterantha Wall. ex Brandis in Belgrade, thus
increasing the floral diversity of Serbia. Through an integrative approach
combining phenological and climatic data with biometric characteristics,
indicators for the management and sustainability of Indigo Himalayan were
identified, based on research conducted in 2024. The findings contribute to
understanding urban biodiversity and strategies for adapting new exotics in
Belgrade. However, further research is necessary to predict the impact of
climate change on Indigo Himalayan.Efekti klimatskih promena u Beogradu na vrstu Indigo Himalayan iz
suptropskog bioma
Poznavanje uticaja klimatskih parametara na vegetaciju je značajno za
razumevanje potencijala urbanih zelenih površina koje imaju ključnu ulogu u
ekološkoj zaštiti gradova i prilagođavanju klimatskim promenama, posebno
u regulisanju usluga ekosistema. U budućim klimatskim uslovima u cilju
očuvanja ekosistema moraju se uzeti u obzir egzotične vrste. Stoga su u
radu prvi put dokumentovani diferencijalni atributi i fenologija Indigofera
heterantha Wall. ex Brandis u Beogradu, čime je povećan diverzitet flore
Srbije. Integrativnim pristupom fenološkim i klimatskim podacima i
biometrijskim osobinama, na osnovu istraživanja sprovedenih tokom 2024.
godine, utvrdjeni su pokazatelji za upravljanje i održivost Indigo Himalayan.
Nalazi doprinose razumevanju urbanog biodiverziteta i strategija adaptacije
nove egzote u Beogradu. Ipak, neophodna su dalja istraživanja za predikciju
uticaja klimatskih promena na Indigo Himalayan
The forest restitution process in Serbia: The role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in shaping an adapted forest governance framework
No full textForest restitution involves returning forest land to its rightful owners or their heirs, often following nationalisation or expropriation. While previous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of policies and governance
mechanisms related to forest restitution in Southeastern Europe, there is limited research on how changes in
ownership affect the governance and management of such returned properties. This study explores forest
restitution to the Serbian Orthodox Church at both the national and local level in Serbia, with a specific focus on
the Eparchy of Braniˇcevo. In-depth expert interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, representatives
from the Eparchy of Braniˇcevo and the private company responsible for managing these church-owned forests.
The results indicate that the restitution process was largely driven by the Church’s significant interest in getting
its forest back and its formal and informal influence, as well as the requirements associated with Serbia’s EU
accession process, which necessitated the initiation of this process. The restitution of forests in Serbia has
prompted a shift from a centralised to an adaptive governance system and re-established the Church as the
largest private forest owner in the country. This shift has impacted the forestry sector by fostering entrepreneurial growth through the emergence of private companies specialising in forest management. This was a key
driver in undertaking this study as understanding these dynamics is essential for the development of forest and
land-use policies that integrate the socio-economic, legal and environmental aspects of forest restitutio
Chaenomeles japonica (thunb.) Lindl. - fruit crop in the context of climate change: cultural and ecosystem services
No full textChaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. has gained attention over the past decade as a new fruit
crop.The research was based on the hypothesis that there are genotypes adapted to climate change, producing
high-quality fruits that provide both cultural and ecosystem services, while also being significant for commercial
production. Therefore, in this study, the biochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of fresh fruit juicy
parts were analysed at the genotype level using an official protocol with two analytical-grade reagents: ethanol
and distilled water. The results highlight ethanol as a more efficient solvent for extracting bioactive compounds,
enhancing their potential for neutralizing free radicals. Additionally, the findings confirm significant
concentrations of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and vitamin C, as well as antioxidant
activity. These results could have important implications for the practical use value of the selected genotype,
demonstrating its sustainability under climate change conditions
Historical changes in the area under forest - estimation approach based on cartographic resources
No full textThis paper analyzes changes in forested areas, as depicted in topographic maps, within the historical context of their publication in Serbia. The research focuses on the experimental field “GočGvozdac” of the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Forestry, with additional reference to changes in Central Serbia. Changes were assessed across historical periods using four reference topographic maps: from 1893, 1929, 1971, and 1985. Data on shifts in forested areas (categorized as forest and other land) were obtained by vectorizing scanned analog maps using manual GIS editing tools. Additionally, currently available spatial data sets of land cover/use for 2021 were utilized for the analysis. The forest distribution across different geological formations was also evaluated. The results indicate a continuous increase in forested areas within the experimental field, rising from 77.6% in 1893 to 89.3% in 1985, and reaching 95.1% by 2021. The most significant increase occurred during the first reference period (19831929), while the smallest growth was observed in the last one. Data for Central Serbia also reveal a general upward trend in forested areas throughout the 20th century, consistent with findings from the experimental field. However, analyses in the 21st century indicate only minor changes in the forested area. The historical data on forest area changes provide valuable insights, enhancing our understanding of forest development and informing better forest management planning, organization, and activity implementation. This is significant for enhancing knowledge from educational and scientific research perspectives, as well as providing the foundation for forest management in preservation and qualitative improvemen
Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.: varieties globosa and tears in the urban dendroflora under climate changes
No full textMahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. (MA), from the Berberidaceae family, is an indigenous
species of North America that was introduced to Europe for ornamental purposes. With the expansion of
the food industry, it has been classified as a non-traditional crop for industrial use. Chemical analyses of its
fruit mesocarp confirmed significant quantities of bioactive compounds, suggesting broader potential
applications. This study analyzed the genetic structure and variability of secondary populations, as well as
the species’ role in providing ecosystem services and contributing to the stability of urban parks, supporting
the diversity of shrub-dominated tree flora. An integrative approach, focusing on fruiting patterns and
climatic variables, was used. From 30,816 phenological observations, the sustainability of the new varieties
was confirmed, with earlier fruit ripening occurring within the appropriate accumulated heat sums under
climate change conditions. Biochemical studies confirmed the significant role of both varieties in
preserving urban health, revealing substantial levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity.
Ethanol proved to be a more effective solvent for extracting phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins,
with antioxidant properties strongly linked to phenolic compounds. The vitamin C content was higher in
the globosa variety, highlighting the importance of genotypic and morphological traits. Both varieties serve
as multifunctional fruits for consumption and medicinal use. The presence of anthocyanins makes the
berries suitable for extracting natural food colors. Regarding ecosystem services, both MA genotypes, as
adaptive taxa, provide shelter, nesting, and resting sites for birds. Their fruits play a vital role in the food
chain, particularly in Important Bird Areas
Anti-wrinkle potential of selected Serbian plant flowers
No full textPlants represent an inexhaustible natural source of bioactive compounds. While the majority of
scientific research focuses on roots, leaves, aerial parts, or seeds, floral organs—particularly
petals—remain relatively underexplored. However, petal extracts (PEs) have often demonstrated
higher bioactive content compared to other plant parts [1]. Given the long-standing tradition of
cultivating ornamental plants in Serbia, locally grown floral petals offer a promising and
underutilized resource for the discovery of natural anti-aging agents. One of the key targets in skin
aging is the enzyme collagenase, which progressively accumulates and degrades collagen—an
essential protein for skin elasticity, hydration, and structural integrity—ultimately contributing to
wrinkle formation [2]. Therefore, the identification of potent natural collagenase inhibitors
represents a logical and effective strategy in the search for anti-wrinkle compounds
Enhancement of Bioactivity of Common Ash and Manna Ash Leaf Extracts Against Spongy Moth Larvae Using a Chitosan–Gelatin Biopolymer Matrix
No full textThis study investigated the bioactivity of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and
manna ash (Fraxinus ornus L.) leaf extracts, both in the crude form and incorporated into a
biopolymer matrix, against spongy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) larvae. Chemical analysis
revealed that both species were abundant in polyphenolic compounds, with common ash
containing significant quantities of p-hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and verbascoside,
while manna ash was rich in coumarins, particularly aesculetin and aesculin. This study
evaluated the feeding deterrent activity, contact and digestive toxicity, effects on larval
nutritional indices, and larval development. Chitosan–gelatin-based biopolymer matrices containing the leaf extracts exhibited strong feeding deterrent activity at all tested
concentrations, while crude leaf extracts showed moderate deterrence. The biopolymer
matrices influenced spongy moth behavior only after digestion, resulting in reduced consumption and growth, as well as a prolonged duration of the third larval instar. No contact
toxicity was observed for the biopolymer matrices. Incorporating leaf extracts into the
chitosan–gelatin biopolymer matrix significantly enhanced their bioactivity against spongy
moth larvae compared with crude leaf extracts. The results suggest that biopolymer matrices containing common ash and manna ash leaf extracts are promising environmentally
friendly bioproducts for forest insect control, offering an innovative approach to managing
spongy moth populations and protecting forest ecosystem
Assessment of soil erosion intensity using the erosion potential method: a case study of the Grdelica gorge, Serbia
No full textThe South Morava River Basin was considered one of the most erosionprone and flash flood-affected areas in the Republic of Serbia. This paper aims to apply the Erosion Potential Method (EPM) within a GIS environment to determine the spatial and temporal changes in the soil erosion coefficient, sediment production and transport, and to identify the factors contributing most significantly to erosion risk in the Grdelica Gorge for two reference years: 1970 and 2025. The intensity of soil erosion was analysed using the Erosion Potential Method according to Gavrilović. The results indicate that most of the area (62.03%) fell into slope category IV (27–70%), with all erosion categories represented. Processes of very slight erosion were predominant, covering 71.31% of the surface area (306.94 km²). The total annual sediment production (Wyear) amounted to 110,233.97 m3year1 , while the specific sediment production (Wsp) was 256.1 m3km-2year-1. The mean annual sediment transport was 81,573.14 m³/year, and the specific annual sediment transport was 189.51 m³/km²/year. A decline in population and the abandonment of arable land at higher elevations and steeper slopes, along with the implementation of extensive technical, biological, and biotechnical erosion control measures, contributed to erosion mitigation and enhanced vegetation recovery. Compared to the erosion intensity in 1970, the extent of severe erosion had notably decreased by 2025, while the proportions of slight and moderate erosion significantly increased. The mean erosion coefficient (Zmean) had decreased from 0.50 to 0.2
Governance of urban green spaces: Insights from three top-down urban gardening programs
No full textUrban gardens have attracted the attention of scholars, local organisations, and policymakers as they provide a valuable ground for meeting the interests of different urban actors. As a component of green infrastructure, these gardens present a challenge for managing open green spaces. This study examines urban gardening governance through case studies of three top-down programs in Malmo ¨ and Zagreb, focusing on how governance structures impact citizen participation. Using qualitative methods, including document analysis and semi-structured key informant interviews, the study provides insights into the participatory governance of these spaces, particularly from the perspective of city officers. The findings demonstrate that while cities aim to foster engagement,governance mechanisms often remain hierarchical, limiting long-term gardener participation. Local governments do assume different roles, ranging from "leading" to "enabling," with the latter fostering more participatory governance, as seen in Malmo¨’s community gardens. The study also suggests that top-down programs like Zagreb’s, with dominantly leading municipal role, can evolve towards more participatory approaches over time. Additionally, it identifies challenges such as balancing enforcement of regulations with granting gardeners more autonomy and managing resource-intensive communication between local authorities and gardeners. The study suggests that urban green space governance should offer diverse models to accommodate varying citizen needs and engagement levels, from individual plot maintenance to active participation in community management. It also offers considerations on how local authorities could support citizen self-organization and involvement in top-down programs, particularly by adapting the role of green space managers to include a focus on communication and collaboration