Biomarkers allow an integrated risk assessment of heavy metal pollution effects in living organisms. In this study, the biochemical effects of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn pollution in agricultural soil and ...their accumulation in Alium cepa L. (onion) were evaluated with ALA-D enzyme response as a biomarker, along with δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and total chlorophyll contents in leaves of this plant. Soil samples were randomly selected from agricultural areas in two regions, Mitrovica and Obiliqi, which are considered the most industrially polluted regions in Kosovo. Results show that Pb and Zn concentrations in soil samples from Mitrovica (1953-2576 mg kg
−1
) and Obiliqi regions (138-179 mg kg
−1
) and their bioaccumulation levels in onion were significantly higher in comparison with the control group. There was an adverse negative correlation between Pb or Zn concentration and ALA-D activity and total chlorophyll content, and a positive correlation with ALA content. This study indicates that ALA-D activity can be used as a very sensitive biomarker for evaluation of heavy metal pollution. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals from soil polluted areas poses a threat for food contamination and public health.
The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) on the biomass production and the contents of photosynthetically active pigments. The pot experiment included two maize ...genotypes: hybrid 408BC originating from Croatia and a local maize population from Kosovo. The doses of Se applied were 0, 1.30, 6.57, 13, and 26 mg kg
. The lowest Se dose (1.30 mg Se kg
) had a positive effect on shoot and root biomass production as well as on the contents of chlorophyll
(
), total chlorophyll, and carotenoids (just for the hybrid). Chlorophyll
(
) was reduced with increasing Se doses, whereas chlorophyll
(
) and total chlorophyll further increased with medium Se doses. The highest Se dose strongly reduced biomass and the contents of photosynthetically active pigments.
and carotenoids positively correlated with shoot (for both genotypes) and root (for the hybrid) biomass, whereas no correlation was observed between
and biomass. Low amounts of Se application are favorable for biomass production and chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, whereas high amounts of Se application negatively affect both.
The objective of this work was to investigate the levels of photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase SOD, catalase CAT, peroxidase POX, ascorbate peroxidase APX, ...glutathione reductase GR, and MDA), total glutathione (GSH), total ascorbate (AsA), and lipid peroxidation of two spinach cultivars (Clipper and Matador) sampled in different locations in Kosovo (Prizren, Ferizaj, and Obiliq). The photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll
and
as well as carotenoids, were extracted by 80% acetone, and concentrations were calculated based on the absorbance values at 663, 645, and 480 nm. There was a significant difference in SOD, APX, and GR activities between varieties at each location. The MDA and AsA contents in Obiliq were the highest, compared to other locations. From the increase in lipid peroxidation level, it can be assumed that the degradation in pigment content was caused by the decrease in total AsA content and APX and GR enzyme activities, which are the main enzymes of the AsA–GSH cycle in chloroplasts.
Three perennial legumes (alfalfa, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil) and four cool-season perennial grasses (orchardgrass, tall fescue, Italian ryegrass and red fescue) were grown in legume-grass ...combinations and in pure stands of individual species, at three locations in the West Balkan region (Novi Sad, Banja Luka and Pristina) in the period from 2012 to 2015. The study evaluated dry matter yield, legume-grass-weed proportion and forage quality. High annual forage yield of legume-grass mixtures can be obtained with proper selection of species and an appropriate legume-grass ratio. However, high and stable yield, particularly in the case of grasses, depends on the amount and schedule of precipitation as well as the cutting time. The mixtures and legume pure stands achieved better forage production both per cutting and on the annual basis and had better forage quality than grass pure stands.
Twelve local maize populations were evaluated at the experimental farm, University of Prishtina, Kosovo. The study was conducted to assess the magnitude of genetic variation in local maize ...populations for different morphological-physiological and chemical composition under field and laboratory conditions. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used for laying out the experiment. The results showed that there were significant differences for most morphological and physiological traits under study. The mean grain yield of all populations was 102.96 g plant-1. The protein and oil contents ranged between 11.53 to 9.43% and 4.23 to 4.87% respectively. The cellulose content varied from 6.03 to 6.37%. There were also big differences regarding phenotypic correlations. The present study revealed considerable amount of diversity among the local maize populations which could be manipulated for further improvement in maize breeding.
PDF
