Contributions, Section of Natural, Mathematical and Biotechnical Sciences
The journal Contributions, Section of Natural, Mathematical and Biotechnical Sciences (Contributions, Sec. Nat. Math. Biotech. Sci., MASA) is an official publication of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts. It is published twice a year. It is a diamond open access journal that is free for both readers and authors, prohibiting any commercial or for-profit re-use. The key principles of open access we support include: peer-reviewed literature being freely accessible without subscription or financial barriers, immediate release of content in open access format (with no embargo period), and the ability to reuse published material without permission, provided that proper citation of the original work is given. All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. The journal publishes original scientific papers, short communications, reviews, professional papers and educational papers from all fields of: natural sciences - physics, chemistry, biology, geography, geology; mathematical sciences - mathematics, informatics; biotechnical sciences - agriculture and food, forestry. This journal also publishes, continuously or occasionally, the bibliographies of the members of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, book reviews, reports on meetings, information on future meetings, important events and dates, and various headings which contribute to the development of the corresponding scientific field. Editor-in-Chief: Valentin Mirceski
Dear readers, With this Festschrift issue of Contributions, Section of Natural, Mathematical and Biotechnical Sciences, the journal of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, we are delighted to celebrate the 70th birthday of Academician Vlado Matevski. With his 197 original scientific articles, 155 contributions at scientising meetings, 16 books, 26 new plant taxa for the science, 11 new taxonomic combinations, and numerous new syntaxa and syntaxonomic and nomenclature combinations, Academician Matevski is a leading botanist and one of the most distinguished figures in the field of biology in Macedonia. The scientific work of Academician Matevski has been devoted to the study of flora, taxonomy, phytogeography, and phytocoenology. Continuing the legacy of the late Academician Kiril Micevski, he serves as the principal leader of the long-term project Flora of the Republic of Macedonia (Flora of North Macedonia), a cornerstone scientific undertaking of the Academy, of both national and scientific significance. This Festschrift issue comprises 26 original articles, authored by prominent botanists and biologists from Southeastern Europe and Macedonia, who are all friends and colleagues of Academician Matevski. Upon invitation, they have generously dedicated their time and effort to contribute high-quality papers, thereby expressing their deep appreciation for his scientific achievements and his remarkable personality. Academician Vlado Matevski is a person of exceptional character, calm, wise, and confident, whose presence radiates both intellectual depth and human warmth. It has been my great privilege to have him as a colleague at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Skopje and at the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and to learn from his thoughtful and visionary approach to the advancement of these vital academic institutions. As detailed biographical notes and a list of scientific achievements follow on the next pages of this Festschrift issue, let me conclude these introductory remarks with my heartfelt congratulations to Academician Vlado Matevski on his 70th birthday, wishing him many more years of prosperity, personal happiness, and continued scientific success. Editor, Valentin Mirceski
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CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE ON ALLIANCE TRIFOLION RESUPINATI MICEVSKI 1957 OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
This paper presents a syntaxonomic analysis of wet meadows within the Trifolion resupinati Micevski 1954 alliance (Class Molinio-Arrenatheretea) in the subarid continental regions of the Southern Balkans. The analysis includes eight original relevés from the Glajsho locality on Galichica Mountain (North Macedonia) and 422 literature and unpublished relevés from North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Greece, totaling 430 relevés. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that these meadows belong to the newly described subassociation Cynosuro-Caricetum hirtae galietosum macedoniceae subass. nova. This subassociation, elaborated in detail in the paper, represents a gradual transition from meadows to pastures.
meadow vegetation; Molinio-Arrenatheretea; Trifolion resupinati; Cynosuro-Caricetum hirtae; Galichica National Park
DIAMOND ORCHID, OPHRYS REINHOLDII SPRUNER EX FLEISCHM. (ORCHIDACEAE) IN THE FLORA OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Ophrys reinholdii subsp. reinholdii Spruner ex Fleischm. (commonly known as the Diamond Orchid or Reinhold’s Bee-orchid) from the family Orchidaceae was observed on Galičica Mountain, near the town of Ohrid. This marks the first confirmed record of the species in the flora of North Macedonia. The article presents data on its distribution and habitat preferences.
FLORA, VEGETATION AND IMPORTANT HABITAT TYPES OF ARID KARST FIELD IN PIPERI (MONTENEGRO)
The Kopilje, Radovče, and Gostilje Martinićko are arid karst fields located in the Piperi region of central Montenegro, at altitudes ranging from 600 to 950 meters above sea level. These fields are found within zones of thermophilous hornbeam and oak forests, as well as mesophilous beech forests. Despite covering a relatively small area of approximately 7.4 km², these three fields are home to a rich diversity of plant life, with 480 species and subspecies of vascular plants recorded, belonging to 284 genera and 63 families. The most species-rich families are Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae, while the genera Trifolium, Medicago, Veronica, and Geranium are among the most diverse. Hemicryptophytes dominate the life forms, with significant participation from therophytes and geophytes. In terms of chorology, Eurimediterranean species predominate. Eighteen species found in the area are of conservation importance, with three species — Galatella linosyris, Crocus weldenii f. lutescens, and Succisella petteri — being particularly notable as they occur only in one or a few localities in Montenegro. The semi-natural grassland vegetation of these karst fields is unique, represented by nine plant communities. Three of these communities are exclusive to the karst fields in Piperi: Armerio canescenti-Festucetum illyricae chrysopogonetosum grylli, Ornithogalo comosi-Koelerietum pyramidatae artemisietosum albae, and Stipo eriocauli-Caricetum humilis. With the exception of the ruderalized annual grasslands, the other grassland communities are vegetation equivalents of two NATURA 2000 habitat types: 62A0 and 6510, both of which are of significant ecological value.
dry grasslands; Festuco-Brometea; Scorzoneretalia villosae; Saturejion subspicatae; Scorzonerion villosae; Arrhenatheretum
CONTENT OF HUMUS OF SOILS FORMED ON GYPSUM ROCKS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
This paper examines the humus content of soils formed on gypsum rocks in the Republic of Macedonia. The average content of humic acids is lower than that of fulvic acids in these soils (Gypsic pararendzina, Gypsic rendzic Leptosol). The ratio of humic acids to fulvic acids is less than 1 for both soil types. Due to the presence of CaCO3 and CaSO4 in the solum of the studied soils, the fractions of humic and fulvic acids bound to calcium are the most dominant. In these soils, humic acids bound to calcium, sesquioxides, and clay (the stable fraction of humus) are much more prevalent than the mobile fractions, making the humus highly stable.
content of humus; gypsum rocks; soil; gypsic pararendzina; gypsic rendzic leptosol
FIRST NATIONAL IUCN ASSESSMENT OF SOME RARE AND ENDEMIC SPECIES FROM GALICHICA NP IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
This paper presents the initial results of assessing the threatened status at the national level for several rare and endemic plants from Galichica National Park in North Macedonia: Dianthus galicicae Micevski, Centaurea galicicae Micevski, Centaurea soskae Košanin, Rindera graeca (DC.) Boiss. & Heldr. and Helichrysum zivojinii Černjavski & Soška. The threatened status and criteria were proposed according to the latest IUCN methodology guidelines. By applying the parameters set by this methodology, it was determined that Dianthus galicicae is Critically Endangered (CR), while Centaurea galicicae, Centaurea soskae, Rindera graeca, and Helichrysum zivojinii are Endangered (EN), according to various criteria that will be detailed in this paper.
endemics; flora; Critically Endangered; Endangered; IUCN; Galichica National Park
THERMOPHILOUS PINUS NIGRA DOMINATED FOREST ON LIMESTONE ON VLAINA MT IN NORTH MACEDONIA
This paper describes a newly identified forest community, Cytiso jankae - Pinetum nigrae ass. nova, dominated by black pine (Pinus nigra), which develops on limestone and under thermophilous conditions on Vlaina Mountain (Mt) (at 790–1060 m a.s.l.) in North Macedonia. For the analysis, a numerical database of phytocenological relevés from the central and southern parts of the Balkan Peninsula and own data, where black pine predominates, was compiled. Numerical classification and ordination were performed using the PC-ORD and JUICE software packages. Synoptic and analytical tables have been compiled based on the analyses and diagnostic species were identified through the calculation of the Phi-coefficient. The obtained results provide a significant contribution to the understanding of the distribution and syntaxonomy of this pine forest community that develops on Vlaina Mt. This research also highlights the ecological importance of this forest community and its role in preserving natural habitats. This plant community belongs to the class Quercetea pubescentis, order Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae, and alliance Fraxino orni-Ostryion.
A NEW TROGLOBITIC SPECIES OF THE GENUS PORRHOMMA FROM MACEDONIA (ARANEAE: LINYPHIIDAE)
The new troglobitic species Porrhomma matevskii n. sp. is described from the Srt pit in Matka Gorge, Macedonia, based on specimens of both sexes. To date, no troglobitic species have been recorded from Macedonia. Porrhomma matevskii n. sp. is the first eyeless species to be described in the genus across the entire Balkan Peninsula. The primary troglomorphic traits include the complete absence of eyes, pronounced leg elongation, and near-total depigmentation, which position it as one of the most troglomorphic species within the genus and a clear ancient relict. The phylogenetic relationship between this new species and other members of the genus Porrhomma is discussed. The need for its conservation and protection is also highlighted.
XEROPHILOUS GRASSLAND COMMUNITIES ON ROCKY OUTCROPS ON THE GORJANCI MOUNTAIN RANGE
Grasslands are important due to their high biodiversity endemism and because they provide important ecological services. This study focuses on grasslands on rocky outcrops above carbonate bedrock in the Gorjanci mountain range. The aims of the study were to record the vegetation and to clarify some nomenclatural issues. Two plant communities were identified: one dominated by Sesleria juncifolia subsp. kalnikensis and the other by Carex humilis, and they were assigned to Seslerietum kalnikensis Horvat 1974 mut. Čarni nom. mut. novum and Scabioso hladnikianae-Caricetum humilis (Horvat 1931) Tomažič 1941. Both are classified within the alliance Bromion (Mesobromion), order Brachypodietalia pinnati and class Festuco-Brometea. A review of the historical literature and nomenclature led to a proposed mutation of the association name Seslerietum juncifoliae Ht. et al. 1974 and to tracing the development of the concept proposed by Horvat as Xerobrometum erecti Ht. 1931. Today, the latter concept results in three associations: Scabioso hladnikianae-Caricetum humilis (Horvat 1931) Tomažič 1941, Bromo erecti-Plantaginetum mediae (Horvat 1931) Brzac 1960 and Bromo erecti-Danthonietum alpinae Petkovšek 1978 nom. corr. We proposed also alternative names for the last two syntaxa. This study is dedicated to an appreciation of the contributions of Academician Vlado Matevski to the study of the flora and vegetation of the southern Balkans.
NEW ACIDOPHILOUS NARDO-AGROSTION TENUIS PLANT COMMUNITIES IN SLOVENIA
Acidophilic vegetation on silicate rock is less common in Slovenia, as carbonate predominates and some plant communities have not yet been documented. We studied the herbaceous acidophilous vegetation on Smrekovec mountain in northern Slovenia. We made 13 relevés and described a new association Avenello flexuosae-Caricetum brizoidis ass. nova and a new plant community with Calamagrostis villosa in Slovenia based on the numerical classification and ordination of the available relevé material. We compared our data with other vegetation types in the study area and with similar syntaxa from Central and Southeastern Europe. Both new syntaxa were classified in the Nardio-Agrostion tenuis alliance and the Nardetea strictae class.
acidophilous Nardo-Agrostion, plant communities, Slovenia
PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PLANT COMMUNITIES AND RESURVEY OF HISTORICAL VEGETATION PLOTS ON THE ISLET OF PROIZD (SOUTHEASTERN ADRIATIC)
This paper presents the results of a phytosociological study conducted on the southeastern Adriatic islet of Proizd (0.632 km²). Based on 48 phytosociological relevés collected in 2024, following the Braun-Blanquet method, six plant associations, one subassociation, and one community, representing six alliances and classes, were identified. The benthic cormophyte community at depths of 1.5 to 15 meters is characterized by Posidonietum oceanicae. The halophytic vegetation of coastal low rocks is dominated by Plantagino holostei-Limonietum subanfracti, with a new subassociation, helichrysetosum italici, proposed. Forest vegetation is represented by the Pistacio lentisci-Pinetum halepensis association, while the maquis is dominated by Pistacio lentisci-Juniperetum turbinatae. The garrigue is represented by the Erico-Rosmarinetum association and the Cistus monspeliensis community. The thermophilous late-summer weed vegetation on sandy soils is represented by the Portulacetum oleraceae association. Although historical vegetation plots for Erico-Rosmarinetum are limited, recent data do not indicate significant changes in biodiversity at the local community or individual species level.
coastal plant communities; distribution; eastern Adriatic; NE Mediterranean; southern Croatia; vegetation diversity
NEW CHOROLOGICAL DATA FOR SOME RARE SPECIES IN THE FLORA OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
New chorological data for Aconitum burnatii subsp. pentheri, Aquilegia aurea (Ranunculaceae), Cerastium dubium, Silene skorpilii, Silene fabarioides (Caryophyllaceae), Hypericum linarioides (Hypericaceae), Euphorbia apios (Euphorbiaceae), Astragalus austriacus (Fabaceae), and Phlomis tuberosa (Lamiaceae) in the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia are presented in this paper. Four of the listed taxa – A. aurea, S. skorpilii, S. fabarioides, and A. burnatii subsp. Pentheri – are Balkan endemics, while the remaining taxa have a wider distribution.
chorology; flora; North Macedonia; Balkan endemics
STUDY ON HIERACIUM S. STR. (ASTERACEAE) IN NORTH MACEDONIA, II.
The author’s continued study of Hieracium s. str. in North Macedonia has provided new insights into the diversity, chorology, and taxonomic status of certain representatives. A new combination and status are proposed: Hieracium korabense (O. Behr & al.) Teofilovski comb. & stat. nov. Two species are reported for the first time in the country: Hieracium argillaceum (Radika River basin) and H. onosmoides (Probištip). The latter is also newly recorded for the entire Balkan Peninsula. The Macedonian endemic H. korabense, previously known only from its type locality, Korab Mt., has been rediscovered there nearly nine decades after its description and newly recorded in the Šar Mountains. Corrections and additions to its original description as a subspecies of H. sparsum are presented. The Balkan endemic H. macedonicum, previously reliably recorded only from its type locality, Pelister (Baba Mt.), is now reported from Osogovo Mt., Vlaina Mt., Nidže Mt., and several new locations in Baba Mt. H. pellense, considered endemic to the Greek and Macedonian parts of Nidže Mt., is newly recorded in Baba Mt. and Galičica Mt. Photographs of herbarium specimens and distribution maps for North Macedonia or general regions are provided for each treated species.
Hieracium s. str., species, distribution, morphology, North Macedonia
TAXONOMY AND HOROLOGY OF SECT. ESKIA WILLK. FROM THE GENUS FESTUCA (POACEAE) IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
The genus Festuca is one of the largest genera in the family Poaceae. This article covers the basal group of narrow-leaved species of the genus, F. sect. Eskia, which is represented in Macedonia by several micro-species: F. adamovicii (St-Yves) Markgr.-Dannenb., F. bosniaca Kumm. & Sendtn., F. galicicae Horvat ex Markgr.-Dannenb., F. kozanensis Foggi & J. Müller, F. valida (Uechtr.) Penzes, and F. jakupicensis Kostadinovski. For each species, descriptions, as well as data on distribution and ecology, are provided.
Festuca; F. sect. Eskia; North Macedonia; taxonomy; distribution
IN VITRO PATHOGENICITY TESTS OF SEVEN PHYTOPHTHORA SPECIES ON EUROPEAN CHESTNUT
In this study, pathogenicity tests were conducted on seven Phytophthora species previously recorded on various tree species in North Macedonia. Single representative isolates of P. cactorum, P. colocasiae, P. taxon walnut, P. cinnamomi, P. gonapodyides, P. inundata, and P. cambivora were inoculated onto European chestnut twigs, with 40 replicates per isolate, categorized by two twig thicknesses. The results revealed a range of necrotic lesion lengths, from 1.6 to 5.9 cm, highlighting the varying impacts of the pathogen species on chestnut twigs. A two-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in lesion lengths between the two twig thickness categories across all Phytophthora species. Overall, P. inundata caused the shortest total lesion lengths, while P. cactorum caused the longest. Notably, lesion length variability for P. colocasiae was consistent across both twig thicknesses, whereas P. inundata showed the greatest variability between the two thickness categories.
NIPHARGUS HVARENSIS S. KARAMAN, 1952, Complex (FAMILY NIPHARGIDAE)AT THE EASTERN COAST OF THE ADRIATIC SEA(CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE AMPHIPODA 338)
The subterranean species Niphargus hvarensis S. Karaman 1952a, from localities on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea is studied and variability of morphological characters of specimens from various localities is mentioned. The peculiar population of this species from spring Zavrelje, Hum, Župa Dubrovačka (Croatia) is described and figured. The male from type-locality of similar species Niphargus miljeticus Straškraba 1959 (Mljet Island, Croatia) is redescribed and figured, and position of this species regarding N. hvarensis is discussed, based on morphological, ecological and zoogeographical position and characters.
New records of the cup-fungus Zeus olympius Minter & Diam. (Rhytismataceae, Ascomycota) are reported from the territory of Kosovo, and a new taxonomic combination for the species is proposed. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using nrITS (Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) sequences from dry material collected in Kosovo and Greece. Based on the new phylogenetic placement, where species morphologically identified as Zeus olympius are placed within a clade of the genus Cenangium, Cenangium olympium (Minter & Diam.) M. Karadelev, K. Rusevska, G. Wu & Zhu L. Yang is introduced as a comb. nov. for Zeus olympius.
BIOCONTROL ACTIVITY OF AROMATIC AND MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST SOIL-BORNE PATHOGENS
Globally, soil-borne phytopathogens can significantly impair horticultural and grain crops, causing substantial losses. Synthetic pesticides remain the primary choice in plant disease management due to their high efficiency and ease of application. However, strict regulations and growing environmental concerns have made the search for sustainable alternatives more urgent than ever. In addition to integrating botanicals into farming practices, incorporating aromatic and medicinal plants into crop systems can be an effective strategy for managing plant diseases by supplying nutrients and modifying soil microbial populations. However, these techniques are not universally accepted and may negatively impact soil fertility if not carefully controlled. The present study aims to evaluate the biocontrol activity of tinctures prepared from aromatic and medicinal plants native to North Macedonia against certain soil-borne phytopathogens. The antimicrobial potential of the tinctures was evaluated using the well diffusion method and micro-broth dilution method with 96-well microtiter plates, which allowed for the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC). The tinctures were subjected to serial dilutions in descending concentrations, starting from 50 % and ending with a concentration of 0.39 %. Fifteen aromatic and medicinal plants and six commonly known phytopathogens were used in this experiment. Generally, the tinctures were found to be active, with the MIC ranging from 0.39 % to 25 %, and the MFC ranging from 0.78 % to 50 %. However, of all the tested fungi, Fusarium oxysporum FNS-FCC 103 and Aspergillus niger FNS-FCC 33 were the most resistant microorganisms, while Botrytis cinerea FNS-FCC 23 was the most sensitive. According to the findings of this study, the tested aromatic and medicinal plants exhibited relatively high antimicrobial activity against all the tested phytopathogenic fungi. The study suggests that tinctures from these plants could serve as a potential source of natural antifungal agents. Following this screening experiment, further research should be conducted to explore the antimicrobial activities in more detail.
antimicrobial; tincture; 96-well microtiter plates; aromatic plant; soil-borne pathogen
EUTROPHICATION – A NEED FOR UNDERSTANDING THE DANGERS FROM AN OLD NEMESIS
Nutrient enrichment of aquatic environments, or eutrophication in modern terms, is a fundamental primordial planetary process that enables the proliferation of life in otherwise "sterile" ecosystems. It strongly supports the rapid expansion of primary producers, most of all – the algae, which initiates the formation of sequenced food chains, leading to life boosts in specific areas. This so-called ‘natural’ eutrophication has been a driving force for living forms throughout the history of our planet, and may even have been depicted in the Bible. However, the development of human society, including agriculture, industrial and technological expansion, and waste generation, has been the starting point of so-called ‘cultural’ or accelerated eutrophication that poses numerous problems for both the environment and humans. Based on selected natural and manmade ecosystems in North Macedonia, this paper points out the necessity of understanding and combating the deleterious effect of accelerated eutrophication in all water bodies.
ADDITIONS TO THE PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF EPILOBION ANGUSTIFOLII OBERD. 1957 IN MT. LUBOTEN, SHARRI MTS.
This study provides a detailed phytosociological analysis of the Telekietum speciosae Tregubov 1941 association, a pioneer plant community found on Mt. Luboten in the Sharri Mountains, Kosovo. Using 18 original relevés and comparisons with existing data from Austria, this research examines the composition, syntaxonomy, and chorology of the community. The analysis reveals significant differences in the floristic composition and ecological conditions between the Mt. Luboten relevés and those from the Austrian Alps, highlighting the impact of geographical isolation and local environmental factors. The Telekietum speciosae community on Mt. Luboten is predominantly composed of hemicryptophytes, indicating its adaptation to cold-temperate climates with marked seasonal changes. The chorological spectrum is dominated by Euro-Asiatic and Circumboreal species, reflecting the biogeographical history and environmental conditions of the region. This study emphasizes the ecological significance of Telekietum speciosae in forest succession and underlines the need for a comprehensive database of relevés to support comparative studies across Europe. Such research is crucial for understanding the evolutionary processes shaping pioneer plant communities and for guiding conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity in mountain ecosystems.
synanthropic vegetation, nitrophilous fringe vegetation, Kosovo
OVERVIEW OF BRYOPHYTE FLORA OF THE ULCINJ SALINE (MONTENEGRO)
Bryological investigations conducted in 2023 at the Ulcinj Saline and its surroundings revealed significant bryophyte biodiversity, with six liverwort species and 33 moss species recorded. Notably, the discovery of the genus Riella and three new species for the flora of Montenegro (Riella macrocarpa, Riccia canaliculata, and Tortula pallida) is particularly significant. As this was the first time these studies were conducted, the recorded number of species cannot be considered final. Further research is needed for a more accurate assessment of biodiversity and the identification of potential threats. The data obtained will be crucial for planning conservation measures for this ecosystem.
Ulcinj Saline, bryophyte biodiversity, conservation measures, Montenegro
NEW AND INTERESTING MAYAMAEA SPECIES (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) FROM OSOGOVO
Observations of a sample from a small spring on Mountain Osogovo revealed the presence of several interesting and previously unknown small-celled diatom species. Among them, the genus Mayamaea shows relatively high diversity, with at least eight species. Four species are presented in this study, two of which are described as new: Mayamaea matevskiana sp. nov. and Mayamaea stafilovii Levkov & Zaova sp. nov. Mayamaea matevskiana is characterized by elliptical to elliptic-lanceolate valves, relatively coarse and strongly radiate striae, an indistinct central area bordered by more distantly positioned central striae, slightly expanded proximal raphe ends, and simple distal raphe ends. Mayamaea stafilovii has a similar valve morphology and shape of the central area to M. matevskiana but differences can be observed in the valve size (which is considerably smaller than M. matevskiana) and the shape of the external distal raphe ends (which are long, slightly deflected, and extend onto the valve mantle). The new species are described based on detailed light and scanning electron microscopic observations.
diatoms; diversity; morphology; springs; taxonomy
STUDIES ON THE BULGARIAN VASCULARFLORA DURING THE PERIOD 2017-2023
This overview of taxonomic and floristic studies on the Bulgarian vascular plants summarizes the information on the new species established on it territory during the period 2017-2023, published by Bulgarian and foreign authors. As a result, during this period, a total of 168 new taxa, belonging to 40 families were identified for the Bulgarian flora. The distribution of two new alien genera (Lagarosiphon and Rotala) was also established. Fifty nine taxa new to science have been described, of which 48 are from the genus Taraxacum. Forty seven species (ca. 29%) of the established new species are alien, entered and distributed in the country. Thirty seven species are erroneously reported instead of others, not confirmed, or distributed outside the country's borders.
Bulgaria; flora; new taxa; alien species
INSIGHT INTO THE CHEMOTAXONOMY OF THYMUS SPECIES IN SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE
Thymus L. is one of the most important and polymorphic genera of the Lamiaceae family, comprising app. 350 species distributed across Europe, Asia, North and East Africa and southern Greenland, with the greatest majority in the Mediterranean region. Thymus plants and their essential oils are well-regarded in traditional medicine and culinary practices in Southeastern Europe. Thymus essential oils have a high chemical variability due to different intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including genetic variations and environmental aspects. Despite the broad scientific interest in the taxonomy, chemotypes and the biological activity of its secondary metabolites, there is a lack of information regarding this genus in Southeastern Europe. The aim of the present review is to present the essential oils composition of versatile Thymus species from Southeastern Europe and compile the knowledge of the occurrence, essential oils chemical composition and the biological activities of Thymus species from Southeastern Europe (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Hungary, Moldavia, Turkey and Greece) that is of crucial importance for better understanding of their chemotaxonomy. In this context, this review effort to provide a thorough insight into the chemotype varieties present among 263 different Thymus spp. samples from Southeastern Europe, along with their essential oils’ major chemical constituents, and allows further investigation of the biological properties of Thymus L. and their essential oils.
Wild Thyme; Easter Europe; essential oil composition; chemotypes; multivariate statistical analysis
THE FIRST RECORD OF NON-NATIVE AMBROSIA TRIFIDA L. (ASTERACEAE) IN MONTENEGRO
Ambrosia trifida L., a plant species native to North America, has been recorded for the first time in the flora of Montenegro. The species was identified in four locations: near the major Montenegrin rivers Morača and Zeta, as well as at Lake Skadar. The aim of this paper is to report A. trifida as a new addition to the Montenegrin flora and to provide data on its main morphological characteristics, distribution, habitat types, and invasive status in Montenegro. Based on field observations, it can be concluded that all four established populations of A. trifida in Montenegro are self-sustaining and, from today's perspective, can be classified as naturalized. However, one population in the Skadar Lake area is particularly well-established and is transitioning to the status of an invasive species.
Ambrosia trifida; first record; habitat; Montenegro; non-native species
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND CHEMOTAXONOMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF LAMIACEAE FROM NORTH MACEDONIA
The flora of North Macedonia and the entire Balkan Peninsula is very rich, hosting numerous species of Lamiaceae. To date, many Lamiaceae species have been studied from various perspectives, including phytochemistry, che­motaxonomy, biological activity, molecular phylogeny, pharmacology, ethnobotany, and more. This review summarizes the results of studies on the phytochemistry, chemotaxonomy, and biological activity of Lamiaceae, with a particular focus on those species that grow wild in North Macedonia. The findings suggest that this region is a rich source of plants that could be of interest for further research, both from fundamental and applied perspectives. Academician Vlado Matevski made significant contributions to the study of plants from North Macedonia and the broader Balkan Peninsula. His passion as a botanist and collaborative work with regional scientists led to the publication of numerous papers in national and international journals.
Lamiaceae; North Macedonia; phytochemistry; chemotaxonomy, biological activity
ILIA MITRUSHI (1904-1986), A PIONEER ALBANIAN BOTANIST
A biography of Ilia Mitrushi and his contributions to the flora and vegetation of Albania before and after World War II is presented. These contributions include more than thirty-four scientific publications, including five books. Among the articles, the most significant are those on the ecology, distribution, and commercial use of the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), European Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Balkan Pine (Pinus peuce), Bosnian Pine (Pinus heldreichii), European White Birch (Betula pendula), and Valonia Oak (Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis). Of particular interest are his publications on the vegetation of Albanian pastures, the production of the first vegetation map of Albania, keys for distinguishing various genera and families, as well as a work on Albanian vernacular names of trees and shrubs. Unfortunately, these contributions were largely unavailable to foreign botanists due to Albania's political and geographical isolation during the Communist period. His first book, Trees and Shrubs of Albania, is still considered the most comprehensive and valuable publication in this field for Albania.
Albania, botany; flora and vegetation; Jokl; Mitrushi
ADVANCED PROCESSING OF ELECTROCHEMICAL DATA IN SQUARE-WAVE VOLTAMMETRY
The processing of data in voltammetry is crucial for extracting mechanistic and kinetic information about the electrode reaction under study. One of the most advanced pulse-voltammetric techniques, square-wave voltammetry (SWV), allows for the investigation of electrode mechanisms, measurement of fast electron transfer reaction rates, and quantitative detection of redox species at sub-micromolar concentration levels. To ensure reliable comparison and fitting of experimental and theoretical data, several ideas for appropriate data processing have been proposed, considering the differences between experimentally accessible current and the dimensionless current function used in the theory and mathematical modeling of electrode processes in SWV. Significantly, in the context of advanced and recently introduced double-sampled square-wave voltammetry, a novel methodology for data analysis has been introduced. This methodology transforms the conventional current-potential function (i.e., voltammogram) into a current-current function, analogous to complex numbers. By employing this methodology, the accessible kinetic interval is extended, allowing for the measurement of very fast, virtually reversible electrode reactions characterized by a standard rate constant as high as 0.1 cm s–1.
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APPLICATION AND IMPORTANCE OF SCANNING AND TRANSMISSIONELECTRON MICROSCOPES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Recent developments in nanoscience and technology have increased the importance of electron microscopes, specifically the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), in almost all fields of science and technology. Electron microscopes provide information such as morphology, composition, crystal struc-ture, and crystal phase. They have the capability to confirm the formation of required products and also provide infor-mation on any defects that may occur in the product. SEM and TEM have been used in various disciplines including chemistry, physics, biology, pharmacy, archaeology, materials science, agriculture, soil science, environmental science, forensic sciences, civil engineering, and electronic engineering. All these features and advantages of electron micro-scopes contribute to their importance in academic as well as industrial research, thereby enriching the development and growth of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
NANOMATERIALS IN VOLTAMMETRIC BIOSENSORS-RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
While we inhabit a macro-world, it is evident that our future will depend greatly on the tiniest of things. This is due to the fact that a majority of 21st-century sciences will be centered around materials with nanometer dimensions. Currently, we observe the significance of nanomaterials in facilitating the targeted delivery of active substances within the body. In the past two years, this has played a crucial role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, with the assistance of vaccines containing graphene oxide nanoparticles that serve as carriers and enhancers for vaccine compounds. Fur-thermore, challenges related to drug delivery, such as poor water solubility and limited bioavailability, have already been overcome through the utilization of metal-based and carbon-based nanomaterials. Nanomedicine is poised to revo-lutionize the landscape of therapeutics and diagnostics. This brief review focuses on notable achievements in designing specific voltammetric biosensors using metallic nanoparticles and graphene-based nanomaterials. Metallic nanoparti-cles, particularly those based on silver and gold, along with graphene derivatives such as nanotubes, quantum dots, nanodiamonds, and fullerenes, exhibit remarkable physical and chemical properties. These include improved thermal stability, enhanced conductivity, and the ability to modify their surface area with various organic substrates. Notably, voltammetric sensors based on graphene nanostructures demonstrate high biocompatibility and superior selectivity in detecting important biological systems through voltammetry. The aim of this concise review is to highlight recent elec-trochemical advancements in nanosystems and present significant achievements of metallic nanoparticles and graphene-based nanomaterials as voltammetric biosensors.