Agrotechnical measures are the main factor defining the vineyard weed flora
structure and composition, while adequate weed control measures
simultaneously ensure that vineyards are being ...well-managed, thus securing
good grapevine health and high quality of wine. Given that the biological
spectrum of weeds affects the choice of weed control measures, the aim of
this study was to determine the biological properties of the weed flora in
Vrsac vineyards, by assessing dominant life forms and phenology of the
identified weeds. The floristic analysis was conducted during the 2016
vegetation season (March-November) at 60 plots (1 m2), at three field sites.
The presence of 97 plant taxa, belonging to 26 families, was determined. The
biological spectrum of the vineyards weed flora has shown a
thero?phyto-hemicryptophyte character (therophytes: 57.73% and
hemicryptophytes: 34.02%). The scapose herbaceous plants with
summer-flowering phenology were dominant within the therophytes and
hemicryptophytes. The obtained results have shown a higher weed diversity in
vineyards, when compared to previous research of the weed flora in the study
area, but similar to more recent studies conducted in the neighbouring
countries. Furthermore, the dominant presence of therophytes in the vineyard
weed flora was expected, bearing in mind the primarily mechanical weed
control measures traditionally applied in vineyards.
Science-based strategies to tackle biological invasions depend on recent, accurate, well-documented, standardized and openly accessible information on alien species. Currently and historically, ...biodiversity data are scattered in numerous disconnected data silos that lack interoperability. The situation is no different for alien species data, and this obstructs efficient retrieval, combination, and use of these kinds of information for research and policy-making. Standardization and interoperability are particularly important as many alien species related research and policy activities require pooling data. We describe seven ways that data on alien species can be made more accessible and useful, based on the results of a European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) workshop: (1) Create data management plans; (2) Increase interoperability of information sources; (3) Document data through metadata; (4) Format data using existing standards; (5) Adopt controlled vocabularies; (6) Increase data availability; and (7) Ensure long-term data preservation. We identify four properties specific and integral to alien species data (species status, introduction pathway, degree of establishment, and impact mechanism) that are either missing from existing data standards or lack a recommended controlled vocabulary. Improved access to accurate, real-time and historical data will repay the long-term investment in data management infrastructure, by providing more accurate, timely and realistic assessments and analyses. If we improve core biodiversity data standards by developing their relevance to alien species, it will allow the automation of common activities regarding data processing in support of environmental policy. Furthermore, we call for considerable effort to maintain, update, standardize, archive, and aggregate datasets, to ensure proper valorization of alien species data and information before they become obsolete or lost.
In this study, we report genetic characterization of Orobanche cumana, the causal agent of sunflower wilting in Serbia. The genetic diversity of this parasitic plant in Serbia was not studied before. ...Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and partial rbcL gene sequences analysis were used to characterize the O. cumana populations at the molecular level. While phylogenetic analyses of RAPD-PCR amplicons were performed using unweighted pair-group Method analyses, rbcL gene sequences were analyzed using neigbor joining method and minimum spanning tree. Molecular analyses of RAPD-PCR analysis revealed high genetic diversity of O. cumana populations which indicated high adaptive potential of this parasitic weed in Serbia. Further analyses of rbcL gene using minimum spanning tree revealed clear differences among diverse sections of Orobanche genus. Although this molecular marker lacked the resolution to display intrapopulation diversity it could be a useful tool for understanding the evolution of this parasitic plant. Our results suggested that O. cumana has great genetic potential which can lead to differentiation of more virulent races which is important for determining crop breeding strategies for their control.
The pathogenicity of phytopathogenic fungi is associated with phytotoxins, especially with their chemical nature and quantity. Sirodesmins are phytotoxins from the epipolythiodioxopiperazines group, ...produced by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, which are a cause of blackleg and stem canker in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The aim of this work was to obtain a detailed chemical profile of sirodesmins in five fungal isolates (four from Vojvodina, Serbia, and one from the Centre for Agricultural Research, Rothamsted, UK). Sirodesmins showing different phytotoxicity on treated cotyledons of cv. Quinta were separated and detected by thin layer chromatography in all analysed isolates (L.m, C-3, St-5 and S-11) except K-113, which neither contained sirodesmin congeners nor did it exhibit activity. By use of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometer, it was possible to identify total of 10 sirodesmins, together with their precursor-phomamide. It was found that the dominant epipolythiodioxopiperazines of the investigated L. maculans isolates were sirodesmin PL, sirodesmin C, and their de-acetylated derivatives.
Riparian areas experience strong invasion pressures worldwide and represent important points of spread for invasive alien plants (IAPs) in the European mainland. The Danube Basin is a well-known ...point of high plant invasion levels. Given that the middle part of the Danube Basin is critically understudied and the general lack of data for Serbia, the study aimed to provide an insight into the spatial patterns of plant invasions in the riparian areas of Serbia (Middle Danube Basin area). A total of 250 field sites, distributed along 39 rivers (nine catchment areas) and six canal sections, were studied during a four-year period (2013–2016) for the presence and abundance of IAPs. At the landscape scale, we studied distribution patterns of IAPs, differences in invasion levels in different catchment areas and between rivers and canals. At the local scale, we investigated how the proximity to roads/railway lines, housing areas, different land-use types (primarily agriculture), and dominant vegetation on site related to invasion patterns. Of the 26 studied IAPs, those with a well-known weedy behavior, long history of cultivation and strong affinity for riparian areas prevailed in the study area. Riparian zones of the Danube catchment exhibited the highest invasion levels in terms of IAPs richness and abundance, followed by the catchment areas of the Timok, Sava and Zapadna Morava rivers. Surprisingly, the Danube-Tisa-Danube canal network had the lowest invasion level. At the local scale, agriculture in proximity of the field site and dominant vegetation on site were observed as significant predictors of the invasion level. On the other hand, proximity to roads/railway lines and housing areas was not related to the invasion level. Finally, our study provides the first systematic overview of IAPs’ distribution data for riparian areas of the Middle Danube Basin in Serbia, which could provide a basis for long-term monitoring of IAPs and development of future management plans.
Portulaca oleracea L. is one of the most widely distributed plant species, invading a host of worldwide regions. Rivers and canals, as corridors connecting neighboring habitats, are known to exhibit ...high invasion levels. Consequently, the aim of this paper was to show which catchment areas, environmental factors and habitat types can be seen as predictors of the presence of this invasive species in the riparian areas of Serbia. Field research was carried out at 250 field sites, where the cover and abundance of P. oleracea, relevant environmental variables and habitat type were recorded. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and response curves fitted using a generalized linear model (GLM) were used to show the relation of the cover of P. oleracea and the following variables: catchment area, predominant bank material, elevation, and the total number of invasive species on site. A non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was used to group sites where P. oleracea was found, based on the values of its cover. In general, primarily the rivers in the northern, low-lying part of Serbia can be seen as important corridors of the spread of P. oleracea. Its dominance is especially associated with areas draining into the Danube and Sava rivers and field sites characterized by a high pressure of invasive plants. Of the total number of records, the highest number of invaded field sites was recorded along the Danube, Tisa and Zapadna Morava rivers. Regarding the environmental and habitat predictors, the results have shown that the abundance of P. oleracea is associated with gravelly and sandy banks and grassland habitat types, primarily anthropogenic herb stands.
In this study, we report genetic characterization of Orobanche cumana, the causal agent of sunflower wilting in Serbia. The genetic diversity of this parasitic plant in Serbia was not studied before. ...Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and partial rbcL gene sequences analysis were used to characterize the O. cumana populations at the molecular level. While phylogenetic analyses of RAPD-PCR amplicons were performed using unweighted pair-group Method analyses, rbcL gene sequences were analyzed using neigbor joining method and minimum spanning tree. Molecular analyses of RAPD-PCR analysis revealed high genetic diversity of O. cumana populations which indicated high adaptive potential of this parasitic weed in Serbia. Further analyses of rbcL gene using minimum spanning tree revealed clear differences among diverse sections of Orobanche genus. Although this molecular marker lacked the resolution to display intrapopulation diversity it could be a useful tool for understanding the evolution of this parasitic plant. Our results suggested that O. cumana has great genetic potential which can lead to differentiation of more virulent races which is important for determining crop breeding strategies for their control.
Ambrosia trifida L. (giant ragweed, Asteraceae) is native to the North American continent and was introduced into Europe and Asia at the end of the 19
th
century. In its native range, this tall ...annual species is common in riparian and ruderal habitats and is also a major weed in annual cropping systems. For nearly a century, A. trifida has also been of great concern in the U.S. for its highly allergenic pollen, necessitating targeted control measures to reduce its impact on human populations. Based on the distribution of A. trifida in North America and in its introduced range, riparian systems in the rest of the world may be particularly at risk to invasion, with potential negative consequences for their biodiversity. Currently, A. trifida has invaded Asia more widely than Europe, likely due to the more favourable local conditions in Asia. Throughout its introduced range, A. trifida is host to a limited number of invertebrates and pathogens and only a few biological agents are available for its control. The main impacts of A. trifida at a global level are on crop yield and human health, resulting in significant socio-economic impacts. The success of A. trifida invasion in areas in which it has been introduced is still unclear, but climate change may increase climate suitability, increasing the potential for A. trifida to spread. While effective management in cultivated fields seems potentially possible, the development and control of A. trifida in natural riparian habitats is of great concern due to the difficulty of management in these areas.
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