Cotoneaster multiflorus is a large deciduous, ornamental shrub, suitable for landscape use. It has long arching branches and very abundant white flowers followed by scarlet-red fruit. It is low-demanding species which can grow on clay soils. As a drought tolerant species, it has potential to withstand the effect of climate change. Generative propagation of this species is difficult due to its combined embryo and seed coat dormancy. For that reason, the aim of this study was to establish quick and effective method for generative propagation of selected elite genotypes of C. multiflorus that are growing in the Belgrade area. The seeds were collected in a public green spaces in the park in Petlovo brdo, Belgrade, and after maceration, the effect of different treatments was examined. These treatments included soaking seeds in sulfuric acid at 96 % for 60 or 90 minutes, 5 months of cold stratification at 3-5oS in perlite or without substrate (naked stratification), and combinations of these treat?ments. The obtained results showed that C. multiflorus requires the combination of sulfuric acid pre?treatment and a cold stratification in perlite for germination. The seeds treated with sulfuric acid followed by 5 months of naked stratification didn?t germinate. The length of sulfuric acid treatment also influenced germination rate and better results were achieved with seeds that were soaked for 90 minutes in sulfuric acid compred to 60 minutes treatment. However, the maximum germination percentage obtained in this research did not exceed 40%, real ger?mination rate was 59%. It is necessary to perform additional research in order to improve germination.

Dianthus giganteiformis subsp. kladovanus is an endemic, endangered, horticulturally appealing perennial plant that can be used for the revegetation of sand dunes of the Danube region. The appropriate method for its effective production is micropropagation. For this reason, the experiments were conducted in order to establish an efficient protocol for the micropropagation of this subspecies. The sterile culture was initiated from seeds collected in situ and the germination percentage was high (88%). According to the results obtained in this study, the multiplication phase should be performed on an MS medium enriched with 0.1 mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L NAA. The concentration of MS salts significantly influenced rooting, and higher rooting percentages were obtained on reduced MS media (91.7 - 95%) than on MS media (73.4 - 76.7%). The addition of NAA slightly increased rooting percentage (up to 95%). Obtained microplants were successfully acclimatized (83.3%) in a substrate composed of peat and sand (1: 1; v/v). Using the protocol presented in this paper, the efficient propagation of D. giganteiformis spp. kladovanus can be achieved for rapid plant production aimed at revegetation, biodiversity protection and floricultural production of this species.

The review of recent researches regarding the in vitro culture of 30 endangered Dianthus taxa is presented in this paper. Various in vitro protocols developed for selected rare and threatened Dianthus taxa are analysed in order to provide a useful synthesis of the data obtained with the main principles, techniques and recommendations for futher research and practice. The recapitulated data presented in this review can be used as a tool for the micropropagation of other endangered Dianthus taxa, enabling their propagation and obtaining a sufficient amount of plants for reintroduction. In addition, the obtained results represent the basis for ex situ conservation of the investigated taxa, especially for medium-term and long-term conservation (cryopreservation).

The availability of phosphorus in the soil has a key role in plant physiological processes, particularly in the adaptive responses of invasive species. This study examined how contrasting soil phosphorus concentrations (low: 9 mg/kg and adequate: 27 mg/kg) influence biomass production, lignin and extractive content, P concentration in leaves, and root exudate composition in two invasive species, Ailanthus altissima and Fraxinus americana. Seedlings were grown in rhizoboxes filled with alkaline soils of two types. Adequate phosphorus concentration increased both aboveground and root biomass in the examined species, while low phosphorus significantly reduced biomass, especially in the aboveground parts, which were 3 to 4 times smaller compared to plants grown under adequate conditions. Low phosphorus concentration increased lignin and extractive content in the stem. Root exudate analysis revealed that low phosphorus availability enhanced the secretion of malate in both species. Ailanthus altissima exhibited higher malate concentrations in root exudates compared to Fraxinus americana under both phosphorus conditions. Ailanthus altissima is more competitive than Fraxinus americana on low-phosphorus alkaline soils. The results reveal how Ailanthus altissima and Fraxinus americana adapt to varying soil phosphorus levels, aiding the development of strategies to manage these invasive species and preserve ecosystem stability.

The possibility of developing roots and shoots on Dianthus deltoides nodal and apical cuttings on rooting media was investigated in vitro conditions. The explants developed roots and shoots successfully, and the best results were achieved on MS medium without plant hormones. Number of roots per shoot, length of roots and ramification of roots were not significantly dependent on the medium (NAA-naphthaleneacetic acid concentration), or on the type of explant used (nodal or apical cuttings). The acclimatization rate of microplants was influenced by root numbers and ramification. The transfer to soil was successful, maximum survival rates (96%) were achieved on peat - sand (4:1) mixture.