Ecologia Balkanica

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p-ISSN: 1314-0213 / e-ISSN: 1313-9940

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Analysis of medicinal plants from the regions of the Strandzha mountain and southern Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-07) Todorov, Krasimir; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenov, Rumen; Gyuzeleva, Donika; Radoukova, Tzenka; Selyami, Dzhansu; Zhelyazkova, SImona; Mladenova, Tsvetelina
This article presents summarized information about the medicinal plants distributed on the territory of Strandzha mountain and the southern Black Sea coast, Bulgaria. According to literature data, 252 medicinal taxa are found on the territory of the two floristic regions, 218 of which are included in the Medicinal Plants Act. All species included in the list are characterized by: biological type, life form, and floral element. 59 plants have conservation status, representing 23.4% of the established species composition. According to the Red List of Higher Plants in Bulgaria and the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria, the following species are critically endangered (CR): Arbutus unedo L. and Sideritis syriaca L. Four Balkan endemics have been identified - Achillea clypeolata Sm., Opopanax chironius (L.) W. D. J. Koch subsp. bulgaricum (Velen.) Andreev, Sempervivum leucanthum Pančič, and Thymus longedentatus (Deg. & Urum.) Ronn.
Analysis of Wild Edible Mushrooms in the Regions Strandzha and the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-05) Radoukova, Tzenka; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenova, Tsvetelina; Mladenov, Rumen; Todorov, Krasimir; Rusinova-Videva, Snezhana
This article attempts to summarize the available data on wild edible macromycetes in the regions Strandzha and the Black Sea coast in connection with the clarification of ethnomycology. The total number of registered species of edible mushrooms for both areas is 105. The species Boletus caucasicus Singer ex Alessio; Boletus luridiformis Rostk. var. luridiformis and Laccaria bicolor (Maire) P.D. were noted only for the region of the Black Sea coast. The species composition, ecological-trophic structure and seasonality of edible mushrooms are briefly discussed. A list of 14 macroscopic edible fungi with conservation significance for the mycota of the two territories, assessed with the latest IUCN criteria, is given. Critically Endangered (CR) according to the Red List of fungi in Bulgaria and the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria was Boletus caucasicus Singer ex Alessio.
Bibliographic and scientific overview of publications on intraspecific diversity of molluscs of Albania
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-01-10) Dhora, Lulzime
This article provides a bibliographic and scientific overview of subspecies and forms in Albanian molluscs. Intraspecific diversity has to do with the levels of variation within species and is studied in individuals within the populations of a species or between populations. This article presents a profound overview of all existing published studies that we could find on the diversity in molluscs of Albania. The reviewed publications are presented in two groups: for subspecies with six published studies, as well as for forms, both in terms of polymorphism of individuals in population and population variation - with seven articles identified. The published knowledge of these phenomena is presented in every case in the form of a summary, extracted directly from the subject of the respective article, together with our own bibliographical indicia which facilitates researchers to use the correct published material that can be used from the reviewed studies. In the molluscs of Albania a high intraspecific diversity is ascertained, in terms of the diversity of subspecies and forms. Therefore, the reviewed publications can be used in terms of solving some problems of genetics, evolution, ecology, and zoogeography.
Comparative leaf epidermis and molecular analyses of Micromeria dalmatica Bentham and Clinopodium vulgare L. from Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-08) Mladenova, Tsvetelina; Naimov, Samir; Apostolova, Elena; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenov, Rumen; Bivolarska, Anelia; Raycheva, Tsvetanka; Gyuzeleva, Donika; Pechanska, Adriana; Balabanova, Rada; Kuzdova, Demetra; Todorov, Krasimir
The volume and number of taxa within the genus Micromeria have changed over the past decades based on several molecular genetic studies. In the Bulgarian flora, no revision has been conducted, and the boundaries of the genus remain unclear. Molecular studies have shown that members of the section Pseudomelissa within the genus Micromeria are more closely related to the genus Clinopodium than to the typical section Micromeria. In the present study, anatomical investigations of the leaf epidermis were carried out, and the molecular genetic structure of Micromeria dalmatica was determined. Its phylogenetic relationship with Clinopodium vulgare was established based on sequences in the ITS1 and tRNA-Leu regions
Cyprus Lizards: Patterns of distribution, endemic species habitat suitability modelling and conservation implications
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-31) Svana, Kaliana; Zotos, Savvas; Kiamos, Nikolaos; Lymberakis, Petros; Mylonas, Moisis
Considering the limited information on the distribution of Cyprus’ lizards, especially on endemic and endangered species, herein we explore their spatial patterns, with the aim of addressing this knowledge gap and contributing to informed conservation of the species as they face increasing pressure and threats. We recorded the eleven species present on the island, belonging to five families, of which two are endemic species (i.e. Laudakia cypriaca, Phoenicolacerta troodica) and four are endemic sub-species (i.e. Ablepharus budaki budaki, Acanthodactylus schreiberi schreiberi, Mediodactylus orientalis fitzingeri, Ophisops elegans schlueteri), including one listed as endangered by IUCN. We present new species occurrences and maps for all species, resulting from our extensive systematic survey in 2009. As a novelty, for the lizards and the island, we conducted species distribution modelling (SDM) for five endemic taxa. We used the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt), with a combination of selected environmental predictors and user defined parameter settings. We provide potential habitat suitability maps and investigate the role of environmental predictors influencing the possible species’ distribution. We conclude that temperature, precipitation and vegetation have the most important influence in predicting habitat suitability. We propose five subregions, as a general pattern of differing habitat suitability for lizard species on the island. We discuss the added value and conservation implications of new knowledge and datasets we provide.
Density and composition of breeding bird communities in lowland forests
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-09) Hristova, Polina; Popgeorgiev, Georgi; Dobrev, Vladimir; Dobrev, Dobromir; Dimitrov, Hristo; Plachiyski, Dimitar
Bird communities were studied during three consecutive years (2020–2022) in forest fragments from the Western Upper Thracian lowland, Bulgaria. In total, 62 bird species with 4922 individuals were registered using point count methodology. Relative species abundance and frequency for all species was calculated. Density for the most abundant 19 species for the whole study area was estimated using DISTANCE software. Area-specific densities were estimated for nine species in nine of the studied forests. The results showed overall high species richness, which is consistent with other surveys in deciduous lowland forests. The most abundant species for the whole area made up to 61% of all registered species (Luscinia megarhynchos, Fringilla coelebs, Streptopelia turtur, Turdus merula, Oriolus oriolus, Sylvia atricapilla). The estimated densities were consistent with other studies in similar forest habitats. Species with the highest density was found to be Great tit D = 1.29 (1.14 – 1.46), followed by Hawfinch, European turtle dove, Common chaffinch, European robin and Blackbird, whereas specialist species (e.g. forest-interior) were less abundant. Eurasian hoopoe was found with lower densities for the whole territory D = 0.27 (0.23 – 0.31), while the Robin had the highest estimation for the forest of Begovo D = 2.28 (1.36 – 3.85).
Development of a system for continuous environmental noise monitoring (Smolyan, Bulgaria)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-15) Hadzhigenchev, Svetoslav; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Shotarova, Snezha; Nikolov, Bogdan; Petrova, Slaveya
Noise pollution is generally regarded as an exposure of people or wildlife to levels of sound that are annoying, stressful, or damaging to the organism. Humans are exposed to noise constantly, from barely audible levels to potentially painful and damaging levels. Cities and agglomerations are subjected to the environmental noise pollution in a greater extent, so the smaller towns and villages are usually neglected in such monitoring studies. The aim of the present study was to: 1) develop a system for continuous environmental noise monitoring; 2) test and validate the system in the urban area of Smolyan town, Bulgaria; 3) assess the level of noise pollution based on systematic measurements. A simple system for continuous environmental noise monitoring has been developed. The system uses budget noise meters, class 2 (verified to be effective enough), placed in special cells for protection from atmospheric influences. The analogue signal from the sound meters is digitized and processed by a microcontroller to obtain the equivalent noise levels. This data is transmitted through an Ethernet controller to ThingSpeak, an IoT application and API for storing and retrieving data using HTTP protocols. Data from the continuous monitoring proved the existence of a significant environmental noise pollution in Smolyan (both in the central part and residential areas), which was almost permanent during twenty-four hours and all year round.
Ecological effects of changes in Air-Fuel Ratio of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-16) Kanevski, Hristo; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Svetoslav; Parushev, Anatoliy; Petrova, Slaveya
The present study examines the effect of the air-fuel mixture ratio on harmful emissions from a gasoline engine, analyzed from an ecological perspective. The experiments were carried out with a BMW 318 gasoline engine equipped with a MegaSquirt 3 electronic control unit and TunerStudio MS software, as well as a Kane AUTOplus gas analyzer. The concentrations of three gaseous pollutants - carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), were measured at different engine speeds and different air-fuel ratios. The obtained data were used to compile regression equations that describe the relationship between the air-fuel mixture ratio and the harmful emissions levels. The results show significant changes in gaseous pollutants’ emissions depending on engine settings, which highlights the importance of optimizing these parameters to reduce both the environmental pollution and greenhouse gases levels into the atmosphere.
Ecological effects of changes in the ignition angle of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-28) Kanevski, Hristo; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Stanislav; Shehova, Daniela
The present study reports the results from a real experiments of the impact of the ignition angle on the harmful exhaust gases emitted by a gasoline engine. The experiments were carried out with a BMW 318 gasoline engine equipped with a MegaSquirt 3 electronic control unit and TunerStudio MS software, as well as a Kane AUTOplus gas analyzer. The main emissions considered in the study include some greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). The emissions of harmful gases were measured at 7 different engine speeds and 9 different ignition angles. The obtained data were used to compile regression equations that describe the relationship between the ignition angle, engine speed and the harmful emissions levels. The obtained results and derived equations offer specific recommendations for optimization of the ignition angle to minimize harmful emissions and improve the environmental performance of gasoline engines.
Evaluation soil erosion risk in mountain catchment by two empirical models
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-20) Pavlova-Traykova, Eli; Mitova, Milena
Productive capacity of soils is seriously affected by erosion, causing significant environmental damages. Soil erosion led to instability in ecosystems and decline in agriculture productivity as well as in forest territories. The negative anticipation about climate hesitation for acceleration soil erosion shows the need for monitoring the condition of the soils and taking adequate measures to reduce the risk. For that reason, different models for assessing soil erosion risk and determining potential levels of erosion are strongly advocated in researches. Two of the well-known and commonly used empirical models for the territory of Balkans are Erosion Potential Method (EPM) and Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The objective of the research is to apply EPM and USLE models at the Sedelska River watershed, tributary of Struma River (Southwest Bulgaria), to assess soil erosion risk and investigate its spatial distribution. The results of the two methods are compared, finding that the EPM method slightly underestimates the final results compared to the USLE methodology. In both models, the territories with the strongest erosion risk were determined, and some of them coincide. When applying the USLE, it was found that the largest area of the research site is occupied by the lands on which a low actual risk is observed (47.10%). From the results obtained when applying the EPM, the watershed falls into the third degree of the Gavrilovich scale - a watershed with moderate erosion. The average amount of soil eroded assess with EPM is 3 t/ha/y. According to USLE the average potential risk with amounts of eroded soil of 100-200 t/ha y.
First record of chestnut blight on Quercus petraea (Fagaceae) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-03-18) Filipova, Eva; Manova, Vasilissa; Bonchev, Georgi; Boycheva, Irina; Georgieva, Margarita
Chestnut blight is one of the most destructive diseases on species of Castanea genus (Fagaceae). The causal agent of the disease is the ascomycete fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Valsaceae). In the period 2018-2020, chestnut blight was found on both European (sweet) chestnut (Castanea sativa) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea) trees in mixed chestnut-oak stands planted in the region of State Forest Enterprise (SFE) Simitli (Pirin Mt.) and SFE Petrich (Belasitsa Mt.). The present study provides new data on the first detection of damage caused by Cryphonectria parasitica on Quercus petraea plantations in southwestern Bulgaria. The frequency and impact of the disease, the variety of vegetative compatibility types of the pathogen, as well as the molecular identification and mating type of the pathogen from oak samples were characterized.
Influence of Camelina crops on soil CO2 emissions
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-02-03) Petrova, Slaveya; Stanchev, Georgi; Marcheva, Marina; Popov, Vladislav
The Green Deal poses different challenges for EU agriculture, and this production will cost more and will be reflected on the global market once agriculture is included in the emissions trading system. Sustainable land management will be crucial to achieving the EU's climate neutrality target by 2050, as it will increase the amount of carbon captured and stored in plants and soils. Agriculture’s role in carbon sequestration is most closely linked to soil as a carbon sink. Soils have the potential to act as significant carbon sinks, storing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as CO2. Through practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and organic farming, farmers can improve soil carbon sequestration, contributing to climate mitigation efforts. The aim of the present study was to track the dynamics of soil CO2 emissions during the vegetation of Camelina in different intercropping systems and, on this basis, to evaluate the possibilities for sustainable management of carbon in the soil. After the three-year studies, we can recommend the use of Camelina as monocultures and especially in mixed crops with legumes as a step towards sustainable management of CO2 emissions and towards the so-called carbon agriculture. This approach has the additional advantage of biologically nourishing the soil with nitrogen, as well as creating more favorable conditions for the development of the soil microbiome.
Investigation of the radioactivity of soils collected from Shumen Plateau Nature Park, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-20) Arhangelova, Nina; Salim, Seniha
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of radioactivity, radiological doses and the increased lifetime risk of cancer of radionuclides contained in soils collected from the territory of Shumen Plateau Nature Park, (North-Eastern Bulgaria). A gamma spectrometric system was used to estimate the natural radionuclides. The average values for the specific activities for 238U, 232Th, 40K measured in soils were 28.65 ± 4.30 Bq/kg, 18.86 ± 2.83 Bq/kg and 609.09 ± 91.36 Bq/kg, respectively. Only the average value for 40K was higher than the documented worldwide values of, respectively 35 Bq/kg, 30 Bq/kg and 400 Bq/kg. We calculated the average values for assessing radiological hazards: radium equivalent activity 102.52 Bq/kg, external hazard index 0.28 Bq/kg, internal hazard index 0.35 Bq/kg, absorbed gamma dose rate in air 52.04 nGy/h, annual effective dose rate 0.32 mSv/y, total excess lifetime cancer risk 1.95 × 10-3 and radioactivity level index 0.79 mSv. The average values we obtained for radiological indices and specific activities are lower than the global average values quoted in UNSCEAR 2000.
Laccase-Based Biosensors: Advancements and Applications in Environmental, Biochemical and Biomedical Sensing
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-04-23) Peshkov, Angel; Iliev, Ilia; Dimcheva, Nina
Laccase-based biosensors represent a promising and innovative area of biotechnology that harnesses the natural enzymatic properties of laccase, a copper-containing oxidative enzyme, for detecting various aromatic compounds. These biosensors have garnered attention due to their high specificity, sensitivity, and eco-friendly nature, making them suitable for multiple applications, including environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and industrial process control. This overview provides insights into the fundamental principles, advantages, and key applications of laccase-based biosensors, along with emerging trends and challenges in this rapidly advancing field.
Mapping of Forest Habitats in Mountainous Areas – a Case Study from Svoge Municipality, Western Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-18) Grigorov, Borislav; Vassilev, Kiril
The study is focused on the study of forest habitats of Svoge Municipality, situated in the western part of the country. The total area of Svoge Municipality is 868 km2. 134 relevés were collected during the period of 2015-2019, following the Braun-Blanquet approach and 445 field points were verified, as well. As a result, nine forest habitat types, included in Directive 92/43/EEC, were identified, representing a habitat diverse municipality. They are covering 135.89 km2 or 15.7% of the total municipality’s area. The habitat type of the Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests (9130) covers the largest area (57.86 km2), followed by the habitat type of the Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion (9150) (31.03 km2). The dominance by beech forest is typical for the Western Balkan Range where these types of forests expanded due to climatic and anthropogenic factors, which led to the reduction of the belts, dominated by the common hornbeam, the spruce and the fir. Major threats include forest degradation and loss, because of logging activities, pests, presence of invasive species, quarries and illegal household disposing. Measures, including afforestation with local species and forest regeneration, are needed.
Morphometric variation of two endangered Bulgarian medicinal plant species Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla achtarowii Pawł. (Rosaceae)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-03-21) Gavrilova, Anna; Gavrilov, Genadi; Vitkova, Antonia
Morphometric variation of the protected in Bulgaria species Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and A. achtarowii Pawł. (Rosaceae) was investigated based on ten morphometric characters under in-situ and ex-situ environmental conditions. Plant materials originating from Bulgarian localities of A. mollis and A. achtarowii in Central Balkan Mountains (1100-2000 m a.s.l.) were compared to others, harvested from experimental live collection, grown in Sofia (570 m a.s.l.). Abiotic factors like water regime, and temperature had strong influence on the performance of both species in-situ and ex-situ. A distinctive difference in some morphometric characters of A. mollis in nature over the past 40 years was found. When exposed to prolonged temperature and drought stress A. achtarowii showed considerable variability regarding flower diameter and epicalyx indentation. The presented study should be used as a practical example of how some high mountain apomictic species react to changes in the environment and what are the resulting implications related to their traditional taxonomic treatment and conservation.
New data on the distribution of Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. (Orchidaceae, Asparagales) in Eastern Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-10-05) Dimitrov, Desislav; Boycheva, Petya
For the first time Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. family Orchidaceae has been proven for the floristic region of Northeastern Bulgaria. It is considered a rare species of the flora of Bulgaria and is included in Appendix III to the Law on Biological diversity as a protected species. Regarding the light regime, it is a typical heliophyte, preferring open habitats and welllit ecological niches. In October 2022, we discovered a new deposit of the species on the territory of the protected area Provadiysko - Rojaksko plateau, between the villages of Dobrina and Staroselets, municipality of Provadia, which is the first deposit for Northeastern Bulgaria. The population is represented by single specimens distributed in a meadow on the periphery of forest massifs and shrub communities, and the habitat is characterized by a rich floristic diversity. Undoubtedly, studying the population characteristics of this species is important for its protection.
New herpetological reports for the Aegean islands of Kitriani, Telendos and Pserimos (Greece)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-29) Grano, Mauro; Cattaneo, Cristina; Cattaneo, Augusto
During naturalistic research performed in August of 2022 and 2023 in several Aegean islands, three new herpetological records occurred: Hemorrhois nummifer on Telendos Island, Laudakia stellio on Pserimos Island and Dolichophis caspius on Kitriani Islet.
On the highly invasive slug Arion vulgaris (Moquin-Tandon, 1855) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-01-12) Georgiev, Dilian; Dedov, Ivaylo
New localities of the highly invasive slug Arion vulgaris were recorded in Bulgaria. Some notes on its habitats in the country observed were also reported. A short review on the taxonomy, biology, ecology and the slug general distribution was also made.
Optimizing allelopathy screening bioassays by using Tagetes sp. -water absorption capacity of the seeds
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-06) Marinov-Serafimov, Plamen; Golubinova, Irena; Zapryanova, Nadejda; Nikolov, Bogdan; Petrova, Slaveya
The aim of the present study is to: i) analyze the water absorption capacity of seeds of some Tagetes sp.; ii) compare the water absorption of Tagetes sp. and Lactuca sativa L. seeds in order to assess the potential of genus Tagetes as test object for laboratory screening studies for establishing allelopathic interference in plant communities. Tagetes erecta (local population from Germany), Tagetes patula (local population from Germany), and Tagetes patula variety “Usmivka” (Bulgarian variety) have been included in the study. Equivalence in the water absorption capacity (Ws%) of the seeds of studied Tagetes sp. and Lactuca sativa L. variety “Great Lakes” was found, with the maximum of water absorption occurring at the first hour and stopping by the fourth hour, regardless of the temperature range in which the imbibition takes place. The significant differences in the cumulative values of the average water absorption capacity of the Tagetes sp. seeds compared to Lactuca sativa L. variety “Great Lakes” (Ws% average ranged from +5.68 to +83.27%), indicate that the species of genus Tagetes can be successfully used in laboratory screening studies to establish allelopathic interference under in vitro conditions. Further research is needed to establish seed water absorption capacity (Ws%) of Tagetes sp. depending on the type of aqueous extracts used in allelopathic studies (cold or temperate), as well as of the concentrations applied.

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