Micromorphological, phytochemical and molecular investigations of plants - systematic, ecological and applicative aspects

The Mediterranean region, as one of centers of phytodiversity, is very significant source of different autochthonous plants for fundamental and applicative research. Although the plant species were intensively studied in this region, some areas are still not sufficiently analyzed. In the following project period the micromorphological, anatomical, phytochemical and molecular markers will be studied, with the aim of finding the new taxonomic characters significant for delimitation of certain taxa and their relationships. The intra- and inter-population variability of selected species, as well as phylogenetic relationships among taxa will be analyzed using appropriate molecular markers. The special attention will be given to the investigations of secondary metabolites from selected taxa and their biological activity. The isolation of new biologically active substances, with possible application in food industry, pharmacy, cosmetics and other applicative disciplines is expected. The aromatic, endemic, endangered, edible plants, or plants of potentially economic importance, belonging to the families Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, will be collected from Balkan Peninsula, as well as from North Africa (Libya). The expected results should complement the picture about significance of autochthonous flora of investigated region, not only from fundamental aspect (systematic, ecological, evolutionary aspects), but also to give the data about economic potential of the analyzed species.