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Variation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) core collection was assessed based on the main nutritive and bioactive components. Nutritional profile was described for each cultivar and landrace. Protein content was in the familiar range for common bean (19.6-31.6%). Detected variability for potassium, sulphur, iron and zinc was 7.78, 16.7, 14.99, and 40.17%, respectively. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.8 to 14.1 mg GAE /g DW, with high variation (CV = 41.3%). Likewise, antioxidant tests DPPH, ABTS and FRAP had high, genotype-based, CV in range 29-46%. With the application of PCA and cluster analysis, better insight in underlying germplasm structure was acknowledged, as well accession’s grouping based on the studied traits. Cultivars Vulkan and Panonski tetovac, breeding line HR45, landraces L24, L92, L119, L120, and L125 had larger amounts of iron, nitrogen, and proteins. Elevated phenolic content was observed in cultivars Balkan and Spinel, as well as landraces L19, L29, L41 and L60. In addition, cultivar Royal Dutch was recognized for higher levels of zinc, and higher antioxidant capacity revealed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Therefore, these tests could be used in the selection of the accessions for breeding for nutritive quality enhancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange mullein is a biennial plant belonging to the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family. The vivid yellow flowers are arranged in spikes located on the top of the stem. It is a drought and cold-tolerant plant requiring much sunlight that grows on pastures, roadsides, and in dry weed associations. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different solvents (water, 70% acetone, 70% methanol, and 70% ethanol) on the assessment of antioxidant capacity of leaves and flowers of orange mullein. Total phenolics are higher in the leaves and reach a value of up to 15.70 mg of gallic acid per one g of dry leaf weight, while flavonoids are more dominant in flowers and reach a value of 5.82 mg of quercetin per one g of dry flower. Correlation was performed between total phenolics, total tannins, total flavonoids, and antioxidant tests. It is the flavonoids that are mainly responsible a the high antioxidant activity establishing a correlation with all the tests performed, including FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, total antioxidant activity, total reduction capacity, and NBT reduction test.

Wild species are widely used as potential sources of resistance of tomato to late blight (LB) (causal agent Phytophthora infestans). The biochemical response of wild and cultivated tomato genotypes with different levels of resistance to P. infestans was assessed through the total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidative capacity. In total, six genotypes were included in the research – three cultivated tomato varieties and three wild species. The wild genotypes Solanum pimpinellifolium S 220 and Solanum habrochaites had a significantly lower infection rate compared to the other tested genotypes. After disease assessment on the leaves, biochemical analyses were performed. Grouping of the wild accessions according to principal component analysis (PCA) analysis indicated similar reaction to LB infection. Furthermore, late blight trait is closer to cultivated genotypes. Although the phenolics and flavonoids have high importance in the reaction of tomato plants to late blight infection, these traits are not closely related to wild species and the disease. According to this study, the antioxidative tests that indicate a response of wild species to late blight infection are total antioxidant activity (TAA), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and radical cation scavenging activity (ABTS). [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR 31030]

The critical role of energy in contemporary life and the environmental challenges associated with its production imply the need for research and exploration of its novel resources. The present review paper emphasizes the continuous exploitation of non-renewable energy sources, suggesting the transition toward renewable energy sources, termed 'green energy', as a crucial step for sustainable development. The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of articles, statistical data analysis, and examination of databases. The main focus is biomass, a valuable resource for bioenergy and biopesticide production, highlighting not only its traditional diverse sources, such as agricultural waste and industrial residues, but also non-edible invasive alien plant species. This study explores the utilization of invasive alien species in circular economy practices, considering their role in bioenergy and biopesticide production. The potential conflict between bioproduct acquisition and food sector competition is discussed, along with the need for a shift in approaching non-edible biomass sources. The paper emphasizes the untapped potential of under-explored biomass resources and the necessity for policy alignment and public awareness. Species with a significant potential for these sustainable strategies include Acer negundo L., Ailanthus altisima (Mill.) Swingle., Amorpha fruticosa L., Elaengus angustifolia L., Falopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr., Hibiscus syriacus L., Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Paulownia tomentosa Siebold and Zucc., Partenocissus quenquefolia (L.) Planch., Rhus typhina L., Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Thuja orientalis L. In conclusion, the paper highlights the intertwined relationship between energy, environmental sustainability, and circular economy principles, providing insights into Serbia's efforts and potential in adopting nature-based solutions for bioenergy and biopesticides acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) contain various phenolic compounds which contribute to total antioxidant activity. The present study was conducted to assess the antioxidant activity of 15 sweet cherry cultivars from Vojvodina province (north Serbia). The free radical scavenging properties of fruits were evaluated employing two different methodologies, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Strong correlations were found between total phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins and DPPH and FRAP assays. In particular, cultivar Peter showed the highest antioxidant capacity and possesses the highest amount of measured phenolic compounds. This investigation shows large variability among sweet cherry cultivars in measured chemical attributes.

Insect's bionomics and development are highly dependent on the environmental temperature. For centuries, this fact has been used for the control of storage pests. However, the temperature threshold depends on the species, life stage, acclimation and exposure period. This work assessed the effects of low temperatures (4,-4,-10,-15 and-18°C) and exposure period (10, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min) on the survival and development of Plodia interpunctella larvae, and adults of Sitophilus oryzae and S. zeamais, the prevalent maize pests in Serbia. Data were analysed using one-way and two-way ANOVA. Additionally, Probyt analysis was performed to determine the LT 50 and LT 99. The first significant effects were recorded at-4°C for S. oryzae when the mortality was 41% after 120 and 52% after 180 min of exposure. At-10°C, the mortality of S. zeamais was significant after 180 min (52.5%) and increased with the exposure period. The significant mortality of P. interpunctella larvae was at-15°C after 10 min (55.5%). At-18°C, P. interpunctella larvae were the most susceptible and 98% of mortality was recorded after 10 min, while 77.5% of S. oryzae and 68% of S. zeamais was recorded after 10 min. Two-way ANOVA showed that both factors (temperature and exposure) significantly affected the mortality of tested species, but the first factor was the most influential. These results indicate that temperature and exposure period should be adjusted to specific pest, while in combined infestations the temperature should be adjusted to the most tolerant one.

Due to an increase in the number of herbicide-resistant weeds and environmental concerns about the use of synthetic herbicides, a great effort is being made in designing alternative weed management strategies. The present study was carried out in order to examine the impact of winter savory (Satureja montana) aqueous extract in natural weed management. We evaluated the effect of two concentrations (0.1 and 0.2%) of S. montana aqueous extract on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the lipid peroxidation process in Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) seedlings. Our results showed that S. montana aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in roots of Jimson weed seedlings 72 hours after the treatment.

Losses of grain quality and quantity as a result of insect activity during storage impose the need for proper pest control. One of the major pests of stored wheat is the lesser grain borer (LGB), Rhyzopertha dominica. This pest is usually controlled with insecticides. However, there is recently a growing interest in the use of plant-based products in pest management. Plants are a rich source of active compounds and for centuries have been used for the control of harmful insects. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of Satureja montana aqueous extract on LGB adults in contact and contact-digestive tests. The mortality of LGB adults during contact exposure to S. montana extract was low, regardless of the concentration (16.7–33.3% after 24 h and 30.0–33.3% after 48 h). After 24 h of contact-digestive exposure, the highest mortality was caused by 2% S. montana extract (23.3%), while after 48 h the level of mortality increased in all treatments with S. montana extract (0.5, 1, and 2%) and was 28.4, 28.4, and 41.7%, respectively. After 72 h of contact-digestive exposure, it ranged from 57.5 to 63.5%, while in the control it remained the same (2.7%). After 7 days of such exposure, it was 91.6–98.4%, depending on the concentration. Based on the obtained results, we conclude that S. montana aqueous extract caused mortality of LGB adults, the level of this mortality depending on concentration of the applied extract and duration of the experiment

Plants which belong to Lamiaceae family are good potential sources of natural antioxidants useful for preventing oxidative stress-related diseases. The food industry is becoming increasingly interested in aromatic herbs, including plants from Lamiaceae family, because of their anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant activities, due to growing consumer demands for healthy foods of natural origin. In the present investigation, the comparative antioxidant potential of aqueous and acetone extracts of three Lamiaceae species are described: Clinopodium menthifolium (Host), Satureja montana L., and Salvia sclarea L., using three methods: 2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS) scavenging, 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and their correlations with total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Antioxidant capacity showed a positive relationship comparing three above mentioned tests. Antioxidant capacity detected by antioxidant ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays was positively correlated with total phenolics content. Aqueous extract of C. menthifolium showed greater antioxidant potential.

Monilinia laxa Aderh. and Ruhl. is the predominant causal agent of brown rot disease of stone fruit orchards, especially sweet cherries. The objective of this study was to identify reaction in response of nine genotypes cherry, with different pomological properties, against brown rot. These genotypes were harvested at commercial maturity from orchard in the Fruit Research Institute in Rimski Šančevi. The studied genotypes showed significant differences in terms of the occurrence of disease on fruits, both under artificial inoculation and infection in the field. Given the fact that sweet cherry fruits are prone to infection by a number of pathogens in the field, biochemical parameters were analysed on artificially inoculated fruits. Biochemical analysis of fruits determined significant differences in contents of total phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, as well as in antioxidant activity. It was genotype specificities and intensity of infection, as well as the interaction of the two that induced differences in the secondary biomolecules content and antioxidant activity. The majority of the genotypes examined showed high polyphenolics content, while under the infection, the content was significantly lower. Based on the results obtained, the secondary metabolites content can be used as one of the parameters for evaluating the resistance of sweet cherry genotypes to brown rot.

Management of storage pest insects relies heavily on chemical control, and there is a need to develop more sustainable management practices. Here, we evaluated the impact of 2% ethanol plant extracts of Ajuga reptans L., Ajuga pyramidalis L. (both Lamiaceae), Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), and Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) plants on mortality, population growth, and developmental stability [measuring fluctuating asymmetry (FA)] of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a worldwide stored product pest. FA refers to small, random deviations occurring between the left and right sides of bilaterally symmetrical organisms; these deviations increase in response to environmental stress, making FA a reliable method to measure the impact of stress. FA was measured by means of geometric morphometrics, a method that allows for analyzing the whole landmark configuration of the insect, rather than taking single measurements. Extracts of the mentioned plants were used to treat maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae) kernels on which experimental populations of the rice weevil were grown, and we assessed mortality after 24–72 h, population growth after 30–90 days, and developmental stability after 90 days. Screening bioassays showed that S. oryzae adults were most affected by Ajuga extracts; Ajuga spp., especially A. reptans, significantly reduced population growth. In concordance, Ajuga extracts increased FA. The effects of U. dioica and C. sativa extract were less pronounced. None of the extracts significantly affected insect mortality. Overall, it can be concluded that A. reptans and A. pyramidalis are potential sources of bioactive compounds that may be further used for S. oryzae control. The results obtained confirm that variation in body shape asymmetry can be used as an indicator of population disturbance when insects are exposed to different types of stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are a good source of natural antioxidants and could provide protection against harmful free radicals. Phenolic compounds were found to be an important part of human diet and are considered as active principles in many medicinal and agricultural plants. Detailed information about health-promoting components of different soybean cultivars could lead to a better understanding and an increased consumption of this crop, including its use in functional foods. The objective of this study was to determine total phenolics, total tannins, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity with different assays of five Serbian soybean cultivars (Merkur, Sava, Valjevka, Venera and Victoria) extracted with three different solvents (70% acetone, 70% ethanol and 70% methanol). Total phenolics varied among cultivars and among applied solvents. Antioxidant properties highly depended on a solvent used for extraction. Such results highlight an existing variability in soybean seeds and emphasise the need to evaluate diversity and to support conventional breeding programs to improve soybean nutritional value.

Secondary plant biomolecules are the main agents in biochemical inter­actions between plants and the environment. It is possible to distinguish the role of secondary biomolecules in allelopathic (plant-plant) activity, plant-insect, plant-microbe, plant-herbivore and others. These interactions can significantly affect the productivity of agricultural crops. Application of allelochemicals into agricultural practice may reduce the use of herbicides. Effect of Salvia sclarea L. and Clinopodium menthifolium (Host) aqueous extracts on lipid peroxidation process, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes in leaves and roots of Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings were examined 24 h, 72 h and 120 h after the treatment. The third aim was to evaluate effectiveness of aqueous extract as contact toxicant against Rhyzopertha dominica. Our results showed that S. sclarea aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in roots of Jimson weed seedlings 24 h after the treatment. Furthermore, both tested concentrations of C. menthifolium aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in Jimson weed roots 72 h and 120 h after the treatment. It was observed that S. sclarea aqueous extract showed toxic effect against R. dominica, with high mortality rate (above 95%).

Extensive use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides and other pesticides has negative effects on the environment and on human and animal health. Therefore scientists are turning towards natural pesticides such as active components of plant extracts. Effect of two concentrations (0.1% and 0.2%) of Satureja montana L. aqueous extract on lipid peroxidation process, as well as the activity of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, PPX and CAT) in leaves and roots of pepper and black nightshade seedlings were examined 24, 72 and 120h after the treatment. Our results showed that higher concentration of S. montana aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in black nightshade roots. Furthermore, significant increases of pyrogallol and guaiacol peroxidase were detected in black nightshade leaves treated with 0.2% S. montana aqueous extract. The second aim was to evaluate effectiveness of aqueous extract as contact toxicant against whitefly. It was observed that aqueous extract with concentration of 0.2% showed toxic effect with 68.33% mortality after 96h.

The study examined the effect of dietary supplements of lead acetate (PbA) and/or aluminosilicates (zeolite and montmorillonite) on growth traits, relative organ weights, activity of liver enzymes and activity of enzymes of antioxidant protection and lipid peroxidation in liver, erythrocytes, pancreas and spleen of chickens. Weight gain, feed conversion ratio, relative weights of liver, pancreas and spleen and activity of antioxidative enzymes in pancreas and spleen were not influenced with dietary treatment. Dietary intake of PbA induces oxidative stress and promotes lipid peroxidation in liver and erythrocytes. Activities of liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase and α-amylase) were influenced by PbA also. Aluminosilicates alone did not provoke any adverse effect and did not disturb normal biochemical and physiological homeostasis in broilers. The combined data showed that chickens fed aluminosilicates received significant protection against the effects of the PbA for most parameters measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the significant increase in population in cities, the necessity of growing safe and functional food is of great importance. Pomegranate fruit has many valuable antioxidant properties. The subject of study was the pomegranate from the continental region (Sremski Karlovci, Serbia) and the Mediterranean region (Bar, Montenegro). We compared biochemically active compounds in genotypes from both locations. The analysis performed included total phenolics, tannins, flavonoid contents, proanthocyanidins, pigments chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, as well as carotenoids. Analysis of vitamin C, titratable acidity, pH value, and total sugars were also performed. Two antioxidant tests were also conducted, including DPPH and ABTS tests. Based on the results obtained, we concluded that pomegranate grown in nonprimary conditions, such as in the continental area in Serbia, had a significantly higher amount of biochemically active compounds than the pomegranate grown in the Mediterranean urban region. It was found that the content of total phenols is significantly higher in all continental pomegranate genotypes, through all three phases, implying the adaptation of this species to continental conditions. The value of these active compounds through the second and third phases of fruit ripening is especially emphasized (ME047-1.18 mg gae/g fw; CO170-8.46 mg gae/g fw). Antioxidant tests also indicate the great potential of examined fruits, especially through the first and third stages of fruit ripening, where continental samples reached a value of 99.36 mg teac/g fw, while Mediterranean ones reached 51.84 mg teac/g fw for the ABTS assay. The proanthocyanidins content was also emphasized in continental varieties where it reached a value of CO170 (12.13 mg ce/g fw) in the third stage of ripening, while in the Mediterranean varieties the maximum was reached in the ME029 genotype (4.36 mg ce/g fw). Such results indicate the importance of growing fruit species that are adapted to urban conditions and that have been proven useful when it comes to the impact on human health in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asclepias syriaca L. is an invasive plant in Serbia which threatens the biodiversity and ecosystem functionality with its high production of wind-dispersed seeds and the rapid proliferation by the lateral rhizomes. The mechanism that allows its competitiveness is allelopathy - the release of the chemical compounds identified in the roots and leaves which have negative effects on the other plants. These allelochemicals not only affect the development of the neighboring plants, but also are a potential source of the antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, which increase the immunity of the plant itself, protecting it from the pests and the pathogens. The present study aimed to screen the antifungal activity of the A. syriaca water and methanol extracts. In vitro antimicrobial activity was analyzed by the radial growth assays against the three phytopathogenic fungi isolates: Alternaria alternata, Fusarium avenaceum and Discula platani. The results were processed by factorial ANOVA and the statistically significant differences were determined by Duncan's multiple range test using the software STATISTICA 13.5. The obtained results suggest that the A. syriaca water extract has a significant fungistatic and potential fungicidal effect towards the tested phytopathogenic fungi and thus can be considered as a potential tool for their biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight (LB) caused by the Phytophthora infestans is a devastating tomato disease, distributed worldwide. Tomato wild species could be a potential source of resistance, however, there are little data about their biochemical response to LB infection. Therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate total phenolic and total flavonoid content and antioxidative activity in the leaves of wild (Solanum pimpinellifolium) and cultivated genotype (Bizon) depending on disease severity. S. pimpinellifolium compared to Bizon was less susceptible and had five times lower disease severity index (11% and 55% respectively). Additionally, during the disease progression wild genotype showed a much slower decrease of total biochemical parameters compared to the cultivated one. Parameters such as total phenolic content (TP), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging test and ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging activity in the symptomless leaves and the leaves infection 10-25% remained the same in S. pimpinellifolium. The susceptible genotype Bizon had about 40% of leaves with the disease severity 25-50%, and a rapid decrease of all biochemical parameters. A strong negative correlation was observed between late blight infection and biochemical parameters in Bizon, while in S. pimpinellifolium late blight infection negatively correlated only with TP, TF (total flavonoid content) and total antioxidant activity (TAA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]