Recent studies investigating the evolution of genome size diversity in ferns have shown that they have a distinctive genome profile compared with other land plants. Ferns are typically characterized by possessing medium‐sized genomes, although a few lineages have evolved very large genomes. Ferns are different from other vascular plant lineages as they are the only group to show evidence for a correlation between genome size and chromosome number. In this study, we aim to explore whether the evolution of fern genome sizes is not only shaped by chromosome number changes arising from polyploidy but also by constraints on the average amount of DNA per chromosome. We selected the genus Asplenium L. as a model genus to study the question because of the unique combination of a highly conserved base chromosome number and a high frequency of polyploidy. New genome size data for Asplenium taxa were combined with existing data and analyzed within a phylogenetic framework. Genome size varied substantially between diploid species, resulting in overlapping genome sizes among diploid and tetraploid spleenworts. The observed additive pattern indicates the absence of genome downsizing following polyploidy. The genome size of diploids varied non‐randomly and we found evidence for clade‐specific trends towards larger or smaller genomes. The 578‐fold range of fern genome sizes have arisen not only from repeated cycles of polyploidy but also through clade‐specific constraints governing accumulation and/or elimination of DNA.

Pustahija, F., Bašić, N. & Siljak-Yakovlev, S.: Chromosome numbers and genome size data for some Balkan species. [In Kamari, G., Blanché, C. & Siljak-Yakovlev, S. (eds), Mediterranean plant karyological data 28]. – Fl. Medit. 28: 420-428. doi: 10.7320/FlMedit28.420 Chromosome numbers and metaphase plates are given for eight species, seven from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Alnus × pubescens, Erythronium dens-canis, Genista tinctoria, Leucanthemum vulgare, Melittis melissophyllum, Orchis mascula, Stachys recta), and one species from F.Y.R.O.M. (Scorzonera austriaca). Chromosome counts and genome sizes are discussed.

UDK 581.19:547.56]:582.736.3 The aim of this study was to determine the total concentrations of some phenolic compounds and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of different parts of Illyrian endemic Petteria ramentacea. Concentrations of phenolic compounds were determined with UV/VIS spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity of plant extracts was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Antimicrobial activity of extracts was evaluated by measuring the inhibition's zone against six selected test bacteria and two fungi. The highest average total phenols concentrations were in seeds (10.78 mg GAE g-1 DW), root (10.51 mg GAE g-1 DW) and bark (10.40 mg GAE g-1 DW), and the lowest in inflorescences (2.99 mg GAE g-1 DW) and leaves (3.12 mg GAE g g-1 DW). The total flavonoids concentrations were determined only in leaves (8.25 mg CE g-1 DW) and in stem (5.66 mg CE g-1 DW). Both flavanols and proanthocyanidins (0.75 mg CE g-1 DW and 3.49 mg CE g-1 DW, respectively) were found only in leaves. Analysis of variance indicated presence of significant differences between total phenols and flavanols concentrations (p<0.05), and Duncan's test confirmed the presence of intraspecies variability according to their concentrations. The highest antioxidant activity (IC50) was observed for the seed's extract (6.86%) and the lowest for the bark’s (51.31%). All methanol extracts showed the most pronounced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermididis, and the lowest against S. aureus subsp. aureus. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans was moderate. Since Peteria ramentacea methanol extracts are potential natural antioxidant and antimicrobial preparations against selected microorganisms, it is necessary to continue with more detailed analysis.

581.19:547.56]:582.971.1 Methanol extracts obtained from the berries of three Symphoricarpos taxa (Caprifoliaceae) were used to determine their total phenols concentrations, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. According to our knowledge, total concentrations of phenolic compounds and antimicrobial activities for of S. × chenaultii and S. orbiculatus, as well as antioxidant activity of all three analyzed taxa are for the first time analyzed in this study. Based on obtained results, it was noticed that the highest average values of the total phenols, flavonoids and flavanols had methanol extracts of S. orbiculatus berries (3.525 mg GAE g-1 DW, and 11.037 and 0.881 mg CE g-1 DW, respectively), while methanol extracts of S. albus berries had the lowest (1.430 mg GAE g-1 DW, and 4.154 and 0.211 mg CE g-1 DW respectively). Symphoricarpos orbiculatus extract (IC50 = 5.299 mg mL-1) possessed the highest antioxidant activity while the lowest had S. albus (IC50 = 20.017 mg mL-1). The methanol extracts of analyzed Symphoricarpos taxa showed no antifungal activity against C. albicans. Moderate antibacterial activity of S. albus methanol extract is determined against five tested bacterial strains (Bacillus vulgatus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella abony, and Staphylococcus aureus), and S. × chenaultii extract showed a low antibacterial activity only against P. aeruginosa, B. vulgatus and S. aureus. Although S. orbiculatus methanolic extract had the highest antioxidant activity it did not show any antibacterial activity at all. Analyzed Symphoricarpos extracts are potentially effective and can be used as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial preparations against test microorganisms.

Abstract Epigenetic variation in natural populations with contrasting habitats might be an important element, in addition to the genetic variation, in plant adaptation to environmental stress. Here, we assessed genetic, epigenetic, and cytogenetic structure of the three Lilium bosniacum populations growing on distinct habitats. One population was growing under habitual ecological conditions for this species and the other two were growing under stress associated with high altitude and serpentine soil. Amplified fragment length polymorphism and methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism analyses revealed that the three populations did not differentiate genetically, but were clearly separated in three distinct clusters according to DNA methylation profiles. Principal coordinate analysis showed that overall epigenetic variation was closely related to habitat conditions. A new methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism scoring approach allowed identification of mainly unmethylated (φST = 0.190) and fully CpG methylated (φST = 0.118) subepiloci playing a role in overall population differentiation, in comparison with hemimethylated sites (φST = 0.073). In addition, unusual rDNA repatterning and the presence of B chromosomes bearing 5S rDNA loci were recorded in the population growing on serpentine soil, suggesting dynamic chromosome rearrangements probably linked to global genome demethylation, which might have reactivated some mobile elements. We discuss our results considering our earlier data on morphology and leaf anatomy of several L. bosniacum populations, and suggest a possible role of epigenetics as a key element in population differentiation associated with environmental stress in these particular lily populations.

Seven Centaurea species from Croatia ( C. alba , C. calcitrapa , C. cristata , C. rhenana , C. rupestris , C. salonitana and C. solstitialis ) belonging to five sections were studied. Chromosome numbers and metaphase plates are presented. All species studied here were found to be either diploid or tetraploid with the exception of C. salonitana which presented both ploidy levels: one diploid and one tetraploid population were detected

UDK: 577.13:582  Plants produce a numerous and diverse secondary metabolites, organic compounds which are not essential and do not participate directly in the growth and development, but may have very important role in their adaptation and adjustment to particular environmental conditions. For humans, secondary metabolites are very important in medicine, pharmacology, food and cosmetics industries. The presence of eight types of secondary metabolites (anthocyanins, coumarins, emodins, fatty acids, phenols, saponins, steroids and tannins) in water extracts of leaves and barks of 25 broadleaf deciduous species from 15 families was qualitatively investigated by rapid phytochemical screening methods. According to literature data, in this study for the first time is determined the presence of six types of secondary metabolites in analyzed dendro species: anthocyanins in one species; both coumarins and phenols in five species; emodins in six species; saponins in eight species; and tannins in four species. Particular attention in further research should be given to Fagus sylvatica L., Populus tremula L., Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz. Since preliminary results of this study are promising it would be desirable both to identify active compounds and assess their potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

UDK: 581.19:547.56:582.477 Various phenolic compounds can be found in a gymnosperms and have been related to their bioactive properties, esspecially as a allelochemicals. Total phenol, flavonoid (flavone and flavonol) and protoanthocyanindin content was estimated quantitatively by using spectrophotometric method in the needle methanol extracts of mature Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressocyparis × leylandii „Castewellan Gold“ and Sequoiadendron giganteum individuals. Although there is a strong intraspecific variability on the basis of the studied group of compounds, Duncan's test showed that C. japonica is clearly distinguishable from the other two taxa analyzed, and in particular on the basis of total proanthocyanidins and phenolics content. On the other hand, S. giganteum and C. × leylandii only differ on the basis of the flavonoid content calculated in terms of quercetin equivalent. In all three taxa proanthocyanidins had the highest variability. The ratios and relatively high content of analyzed phenolic compounds for all three studied taxa indicate that they may be considerd as a potential both chemotaxonomic characters and valuable sources of antioxidants, which should be confirmed by further researchs.