Ivan Bogut

Resolving taxonomic uncertainties using molecular systematics: Salmo dentex and the Balkan trout community

The genetic structure of Salmo dentex and its phylogenetic relations to sympatric salmonids in the Neretva and Skadar River basins were evaluated using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region, eight microsatellites, and somatolactin (SL) gene. In the Neretva River basin of Bosnia–Herzegovina, the results based on mtDNA analysis showed extensive haplotype sharing between S. marmoratus, S. dentex, and S. trutta, and were therefore not conclusive; however, F-statistics and assignment testing based on nuclear DNA markers indicated that S. dentex of the Neretva basin were grouped in a genetically unified cluster with S. marmoratus in the Neretva basin. Using the same analytical approach, S. dentex from the Skadar basin in Montenegro appeared to be genetically distinct from S. marmoratus in the same basin and indistinct from local S. trutta. Molecular data also indicated that S. dentex of the Neretva basin in Bosnia–Herzegovina are not closely related to S. dentex of the Skadar basin in Montenegro. Based on these results, we hypothesize S. dentex to be a particular life history form of S. marmoratus in the Neretva basin and of S. trutta in the Skadar basin. These results clearly demonstrate that S. dentex does not represent a monophyletic lineage and should not be considered a distinct species.

Changes in N and P limitation induced by water level fluctuations in Nature Park Kopački Rit (Croatia): nutrient enrichment bioassay

The importance of nutrients as limiting factors might vary in environments with different limnological characteristics. In this article we evaluate the effect of frequency and duration of flooding on nutrient limitation in a riparian floodplain. Variations in N and P limitations were studied in the period of low (2003) and high (2004) water level in two different floodplain habitat types in the Nature Park Kopački Rit (Croatia), a floodplain area of the Danube River. In 2003 and 2004, the limnological characteristics of floodplain lake (Lake Sakadaš) and the channel (Stara Drava) differed due to their hydrological regimes. Potential for nutrient limitation was determined by DIN:TP and TN:TP ratios, while the actual nutrient limitation was assessed by nutrient enrichment bioassay. A change from non-limited to N-limited conditions in the channel, and consistent actual N limitation in the lake was determined by the nutrient enrichment experiment. Of the two ratios, DIN:TP matched better with the bioassay data. Phosphorus limitation was only occasionally evident. Changes in trophic conditions from hypereutrophy to eutrophy (between low and high water levels) reflected the importance of the hydrologic regime as a factor which can modify the trophic state of Lake Sakadaš. Compared with 2003, the increase of total nitrogen concentrations in 2004 calls attention to the importance of nitrogen inputs from the Danube to the system with excessive phosphorus concentrations.

Distribution and age-related bioaccumulation of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and European catfish (Sylurus glanis) from the Buško Blato reservoir (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The purpose of this study was to quantify the bioaccumulation of Pb, Hg, Cd, and As in tissues of carp (Cyprinus carpio) and catfish (Silurus glanis) from Buško Blato in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arsenic concentrations were below the Maximal Admissible Concentration (MAC) for Croatia and other countries. Mercury concentrations were below 1 mg kg(-1), but in most muscle samples of both species and all catfish liver samples, the values were higher than 0.5 mg kg(-1) (higher than the MAC for many countries including Croatia). Lead concentrations were higher than 1 mg kg(-1) (the MAC for Croatia) in most muscle samples; all kidney and most catfish liver samples also exceeded 1 mg kg(-1). Cadmium concentrations in all tissues, other than the gonads, were higher than 0.1 mg kg(-1) (MAC for Croatia), with the highest concentrations found in the kidneys. The only gender difference was found in carp, where a 68.4% higher concentration of As was found in the fry compared to the milt (P<0.05). Concentrations of all of the elements were higher in catfish compared to carp for most tissues. Significant correlations were found between all of the elements in the muscles and the liver of carp. In catfish, the muscles were the only tissue in which multiple correlations were found. Linear positive correlations with age and body mass were demonstrated for the concentrations of all heavy metals for all tissues except the gonads in both fish species. We concluded that significant heavy metal accumulation in carp and a catfish tissues correlates with age and body mass; bioaccumulation is species- and tissue-specific and is different for each element.

Symbiotic efficiency of fodder galega ( Galega orientalis Lam.) and Rhizobium galegae in ecological cultivation

One of the new strategies is rational production and use of leguminous plants. Recently, precisely for stated reasons, less known plant species that have ability of symbiotic relationship with rhizobium bacteria have been included in numerous and extensive research around the world (Italy, France, Germany, Norway, USA, Japan, Latvia). One of them is Galega orientalis Lam., new perennial (7-10 years) fodder leguminous plant that lives in effective symbiosis with Rhizobium galegae, recently described strain of nodule bacteria.

Influence of zeolite application in pig breeding on biogas production

Adding zeolite in fodder improves digestion and animal development, and as a supplement for litter it reduces ammonia (NH3)emission. The aim of the research is to determine the effect of using zeolite in pig feeding and as a supplement for litter on biogas production on pig breeding farms. Determined differences in biogas amount and content were not statistically significant, which means that zeolite application does not jeopardize biogas production.