Cotoneaster integerrimus represents a multiploid and facultative apomictic system of widely distributed mountain populations. We used flow cytometry to determine genome size, ploidy level, and reproduction mode variation of the Balkan populations, supplemented by analysis of nuclear microsatellites in order to address: (i) geographic distribution and variation of cytotypes among the populations; (ii) variation of reproduction mode and the frequency of sexuality; (iii) pathways of endosperm formation among the sampled polyploids and their endosperm balance requirements; (iv) genotypic diversity and geographic distribution of clonal lineages of polyploids. The prevalence of apomictic tetraploid cytotype followed by sexual diploids and extremely rare triploids was demonstrated. This prevalence of tetraploids affected the populations’ structure composed from clonal genotypes with varying proportions. The co-occurrence of diploids and tetraploids generated higher cytotype, reproductive mode, and genotypic diversity, but mixed-ploidy sites were extremely rare. The endosperm imbalance facilitates the development and the occurrence of intermediate triploids in mixed-ploidy populations, but also different tetraploid lineages elsewhere with unbalanced endosperm. All these results showed that the South European populations of C. integerrimus have higher levels of cytotype and reproductive diversity compared to the Central European ones. Therefore, the South European populations can be considered as a potential reservoir of regional and global diversity for this species.

Background: Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) belongs to the group of Western Balkan and Mediterranean countries. Its specific geographical position and numerous refugial habitats are responsible for today's remarkable plant biodiversity. The Biocultural diversity of this area originated in the Stone Age, additionally enriched by the influence of various conquerors: Slavic tribes, the appearance of the Franciscans, the Ottoman Empire, the arrival of Sephardic Jews, and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Methods: The diachronic changes in the use of medicinal plants in BIH from the Middle Ages until today were studied. In this research, 1211 randomly selected respondents of different ages, genders, and levels of education participated. Frequency (FC) and the relative frequency of citation (RFC), therapeutic use, number of use reports (UR) and the family importance value (FIV) were used to evaluate the relevance of detected species and families. Results: In daily life practices, respondents utilize about 145 plant species for medicinal purposes, mainly as an infusion, herbal juice, tincture, syrup, and oil. The ethnobotanical bibliography for the region of BIH includes 43 references published so far. According to them, current healers and the local population no longer use about 21% or 60 plant species from 55 genera and 40 families. Also, the ways of application changed, while the ritual uses entirely vanished. Conclusions: Diachronic changes in traditional medicine in BIH resulted in a decrease in indigenous knowledge about autochthonous medicinal plant species. Native plant resource funds stay neglected while current local connoisseurs and people frequently utilize commonly known innovative medicinal plants. Keywords: Traditional knowledge, Medicinal plants, BIH

In this study, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the hydrodistilled essential oil of Achillea lingulata, an endemic species of the Euro-Mediterranean region, originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina, was investigated for the first time. For comparison, an analysis of the essential oil of the widely distributed Achillea millefolium, which grows together in the same habitat, was made. Ninety-six components were identified in A. lingulata and A. millefolium oils comprising 97.8% and 85.8%, of the total oil, respectively. The oil of A. lingulata was characterized by a high content of oxygenated monoterpenes (76.8%). The main compounds were borneol (30.1%), trans-verbenol (15.5%), 2-tridecanone (12.2%), fragranol (8.3%), and myrtenol (7.9%). In contrast, essential oil of A. millefolium had oxygenated sesquiterpenes (60.8%) as the most abundant compounds, with elemol (32.9%) as the main constituent. In addition, γ-eudesmol (12.9%), caryophyllene oxide (7.7%), trans-caryophyllene (5.7%) and γ-muurolene (4.7%) were present in a significant percentage in A. millefolium oil. Antioxidant activity was tested by three methods, ABTS, DPPH and FRAP, and the obtained results showed low activity of both investigated oils.rnrn

Bedding begonias (Begonia cucullata Hort.) are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal. Boasting beautiful leaves and lively, colourful flowers, these plants can significantly enhance any garden space. They also have the capacity to produce a large biomass, suggesting their suitability...

The Balkan Peninsula is one of Europe?s major hotspots for plant biodiversity. Although the rich flora of the Balkans has been exten?sively studied from many points of view, genome size studies have received comparatively little attention. This paper contributes to the online available Genome Size Database of Balkan Flora (GeSDaBaF; http://www.pmf.unsa.ba/gesdabaf) and updates this database with new bibliographic data on the C-values for plants in the Balkan region. Additionally, 2C DNA values determined by flow cytometry are reported for 87 accessions, encompassing 82 taxa (70 species, 11 subspecies, and one hybrid taxon, 14 of which are endemic to the Balkans and two with amphi-adriatic distribution) across 63 genera and 31 families. The newly obtained genome size values include the first data for one genus, 25 species, eight subspecies, and one hybrid taxon. These new data represent 9.99% of the 821 taxa for which nuclear DNA content has been assessed in the Balkans to date, highlighting existing knowledge gaps for future research.

The photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant properties, and heavy metal content in Reseda lutea, Epilobium dodonaei, and Gentianella ciliata were examined in response to stress in the open pit of an abandoned iron mine. The soils were shallow, alkaline, and severely deficient in phosphorus, potassium, and humus. Heavy metal concentrations in the rhizospheres followed the order Fe > Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd for all three species, with Cu, Zn, and Pb exceeding the limits established by Bosnian legislation. The results indicated that the bioelements Cu, Zn, and Mn were within permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. Epilobium dodonaei acted as a Cd accumulator. The highest content of photosynthetic pigments was observed in this species. Positive correlations were detected between Cr and total phenolics, Cr and total flavonoids in E. dodonaei, Pb and total phenolic acids in G. ciliata. Negative correlations were noted between Zn and total phenolic acids in R. lutea, and Fe and total phenolics in E. dodonaei. Increased total proline and DPPH concentrations were associated with heightened Fe levels in E. dodonaei. These findings suggest that the species analyzed employ distinct defense mechanisms, enabling them to effectively adapt to stress.