Avni Hajdari

• Dr.
• Professor at University of Prishtina

The recruitment life stage, including germination and early seedling establishment, is the most vulnerable life stage of plants and has cascading effects on plant performance at later life stages. However, surprisingly little is known on the eco-evolutionary processes that determine the success of biological invasions at this life stage. We perform...

Hops is an economically important species due to its diverse secondary metabolites and extensive use in the brewing and medicinal industries. Although hops is widely distributed in Kosovo, the chemical composition of its essential oils and genetic variability of wild populations remain understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the chemi...

The genus Achillea comprises approximately 130 species distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and other regions. Several species of this genus are also prevalent in Kosovo and Albania, which remain understudied regarding their phytochemical properties. A. coarctata Poir., in particular, stands out among those species. This study was carried out to...

Vajrat esenciale te llojeve te gjinise Pinus jane te njohura per vetite e tyre biologjike dhe aplikimet ne mjekesine tradicionale, industrine farmaceutike dhe kozmetike. Ky studim ka per qellim te vleresoje aktivitetin antimikrobial te vajrave esenciale ndaj mikroorganizmave rezistente ne antibiotike dhe bama tjera. Materiali bimor per kete hulumti...

The conference, "International Conference on New Achievements in Science, Technology and Arts" (ICNA-STA), held in Prishtina, Kosovo, on May 4-5, 2023, an interdisciplinary research event, sought to showcase ground-breaking scientific advancements across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including Natural and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Pro...

Kosovo has several endemic plant species which belong to the genus Centaurea, including C. melanocephala Pančić and C. albertii Rexhepi. C. melanocephala (syn. Centaurea candelabrum Hayek & Košanin) shares many similar morphological characteristics with C. albertii. Due to that, applying traditional methods based on morphological characteristics fo...

Hop (Humulus lupulus L., fam. Cannabaceae) is an economically important plant species used in traditional and modern medicine and in food industry. It has diverse secondary plant metabolites, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds, demonstrating different biological activities. To assess the natural variation of the total flavonoids, total phen...

Kosovo is an European biodiversity hotspot, characterized by a high diversity of vascular plants too. Moreover, it is also a hotspot of cultural, linguistic, and religious diversities, making the region a unique area for ethnobotanical research. Although Kosovo is rich in Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), only one research was conducted last...

Total Phenolic, Total Flavonoid and Anti-oxidant Activity of Methanolic Extracts of some Centaurea species from Kosovo Mimozë Buzhala1; Behxhet Mustafa1; Bledar Pulaj1; Avni Hajdari1 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Science, University of Prishtina. Mother Theresa St. 10000 Prishtinë. Kosovo. Introduction The genus C...

In this study, the phytochemical profile of commercial pollen samples was investigated using different analytical approaches. The samples pollen composition was monitored by optical microscopy. The infrared spectrum of the ethanol extractable material form different pollen samples indicated the specific presence of an aromatic portion in samples do...

The study evaluates the chemical composition of the volatile constituents of ten plant species traditionally used as herbal tea in the Sharri Mountain regions (Kosovo and North Macedonia). Volatile constituents responsible for the flavour and fragrance of selected species (Crataegus monogyna, Cydonia oblonga, Malus sylvestris, Matricaria chamomilla...

The genus Achillea (Asteraceae) has several native species in Kosovo, growing in different habitats. Their populations represent an important source of secondary metabolites, including antioxidants. Due to that, the interest in Achillea sp. is increasing rapidly, making them important species in terms of economic values. The A. millefolium, is an e...

The Balkans represents a hotspot of biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge in Europe. Medicinal plants are integral to household health, including many uses in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we provide a summary of ethnobotanical applications of local plants in the treatment of infectious and infla...

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202100016.].

In this study, one hundred and twenty-eight toys and children's care items available in the Kosovo market were analyzed to determine the presence of phthalates and evaluate if the analyzed samples meet the national and EU standards. Toys and children's care items were imported from twelve countries, most of them from China. Phthalates were extracte...

Edhe pse Kosova është vend i vogël, ajo përfaqëson një zonë unike të diversitetit biologjik, kulturor, gjuhësor dhe fetar, të cilat e bëjnë atë një zonë unike për realizimin e studimeve etnobiologjike. Në Kosovë, bimët kanë luajtur dhe ende luajnë një rol thelbësor në jetën e përditshme, veçanërisht në zonat rurale, pasi popullatës ndonjëherë i mun...

The principal aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from needles and twigs of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Bulgarian fir (Abies borisii-regis Mattf.) growing in Sharr Mountain, Kosovo. GC-MS and GC-FID were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile secondary metabolites in t...

E-ISBN: 978-605-71081-1-1

Achillea nobilis L. (Asteraceae) is a native species to Kosovo, growing in dry places, mainly along the roads, grasslands, waste palaces, yards, or hedges. According to Flora Europaea, two subspecies are recognised, subsp. nobilis and subsp. neilreichii, respectively. This species is morphologically similar to the A. millefolium, and it is not easy...

In Kosovo, the genus Tulipa is represented by eight taxa, most of which form a species complex surrounding Tulipa scardica. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship of these Tulipa species a Bayesian analysis was undertaken using the ITS nuclear marker and trnL‐trnF, rbcL and psbA‐trnH plastid markers. The resulting phylogenetic trees show that...

For centuries, traditional medicine incorporates the use of plant extracts for the treatment of various diseases. Hypericum perforatum L. is among the plants that are widely used in traditional medicine and it is one of the ethnomedical plant species used frequently in Kosovo too. Due to its beneficial effects, Hypericum perforatum L. remains popul...

Ethnobotanical studies in South-Eastern Europe have gained several scholars’ and stakeholders’ interest since they are considered crucial for evaluating and valorizing the local bio-cultural heritage. While the Kosovar flora is estimated to comprise more than 2500 species, Kosovo also represents a reservoir of cultural, linguistic, and religious di...

Essential oils from seven populations of Dalmatian sage from the North of Albania were extracted and analyzed according European Pharmacopeia 7.0. The yield differed from 1.95 to 2.75% v/w. The GC-FID-MS analysis of the sage oil revealed 42 constituents. Camphor (20.50-29.74%), followed by α-thujone (19.87-24.29%), 1,8-cineole (6.88-12.64%) and β-t...

The aim of this study was to assess variation of the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from inflorescences and leaves of Tilia platyphyllos Scop. collected from five different localities in Kosovo. GC-MS/GC-FID analysis revealed the presence of 96 compounds in essential oils obtained from inflorescences of large-leaved lime with the m...

In the present study, eight plant species belonging to Lamiaceae family were identified as ingredients for herbal teas in the region of Sharri Mountains: Thymus serpyllum , Rosmarinus officinalis , Melissa officinalis, Origanum vulgare , Mentha longifolia , Ocimum basilicum , Teucrium chamaedrys , and Sideritis scardica, respectively. Chemical comp...

Ethnobotanical research in the Balkans is important for providing concrete insights aimed at developing small-scale markets of local medicinal plants and food products to support rural development. An ethnobotanical field study was carried out in the spring of 2017 among Muslim Albanians and Christian Orthodox Serbs living in 20 villages located in...

Ethnobotanical research in the Balkans is important for providing concrete insights aimed at developing small-scale markets of local medicinal plants and food products to support rural development. An ethnobotanical field study was carried out in the spring of 2017 among Muslim Albanians and Christian Orthodox Serbs living in 20 villages located in...

In this study, the phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as antioxidant activity of one-hundred honey samples of different botanic origin were analyzed. Eighty-six of these samples are originated from different regions in Kosovo, while the rest fourteen are imported samples that can be found in the Kosovo market. To determine the content of pheno...

Chemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of total and fractionated essential oils (EOs) derived from Pinus heldreichii, P. peuce, P. mugo, Pinus nigra and P. sylvestris, along with the volatiles profile (VOCs) of needles of these species were investigated. The EOs and their fractions (direct solid phase extraction, SPE) were analyse...

In addition to cultural heritage values, Kosovo is characterised by natural heritage values; these values identify different areas in Kosovo as potential sites for protection under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program and the Convention Concerning the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage. These natural values (i.e. geomorphological, hydr...

Although Kosovo has a small territory, it is distinguished by high natural values. The first initiatives for nature conservation date in 1953, when the Gazimestan (12 hectares) was declared a protected area ‘Peony Nature Reserves - Paeonia decora’. Until 1999, the number of protected areas raised 51, which constituted 3.2% of the territory. After t...

The genus Pinus (Pinaceae) in Kosovo is represented by 5 pine species (Pinus heldreichii, P. mugo, P. peuce, P. sylvestris dhe P. nigra), of which P. heldreichii and P. peuce are Balkans endemics. Pinus species contain different secondary metabolites, whose essential oils are the most important. With the aim to analyze the variability of the chemic...

Phytoestrogens are a class of xenoestrogens which demonstrate a significant affinity to estrogen receptors. The principal classes of phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans are compounds present in many medicinal plants, dietary supplements and foods. These compounds are not only selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERM),...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential compositional differences among different populations of H. officinalis subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman. The plant specimens were collected in different locations in Western Balkans (Kosovo and Albania) and subjected to phytochemical profiling (GC–MS for their essential oils and HPLC-UV-DAD for fin...

The principal aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of volatile and phenolic compounds obtained from ripe fruits of European wild apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.) originating from Kosovo, as well as their antioxidant activity. Gas chromatograph equipped with Flame Ionisation Detector (GC/FID) and Gas chromatograph coupled...

Local natural resources play an important role in securing human health in the Balkans, particularly as a source of food and medicine. The aims of this study were to document the ethnomedical practices of Slavic speaking groups in South Kosovo and to compare these findings to other studies conducted in the Western Balkans. Field research was conduc...

Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), or St. John's Wort, is a well-known medicinal herb often associated with the treatment of anxiety and depression. Additionally, an oil macerate (Oleum Hyperici) of its flowering aerial parts is widely used in traditional medicine across the Balkans as a topical wound and ulcer salve. Other studies have shown...

Chemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of total and fractionated essential oils ( F1 – hexane, F2 – hexane/diethyl ether, F3 – diethyl ether) derived from five Pinus species (Pinus heldreichii, P. peuce, P. mugo, Pinus nigra, P. sylvestris), were investigated. The hydrodistilled EOs and their chromatographic fractions (direct soli...

Ethnolinguistic studies are important for understanding an ethnic group's ideas on the world, expressed in its language. Comparing corresponding aspects of such knowledge might help clarify problems of origin for certain concepts and words, e.g. whether they form common heritage, have an independent origin, are borrowings, or calques. The current s...

Context: Inflammation and cell differentiation lead to a number of severe diseases. In the recent years, various studies focused on the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity of essential oils (EOs) of numerous plants, including different Pinus species. Objective: The phytochemical composition, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of EOs fro...

Industry of quarry and its allied activities in Kosovo have significantly contributed infrastructural development (road construction, highway, bridges, etc.) and improving living standard during the last decade. On the other side, its negative impact in environment such as land degradation, air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, health rela...

The Prizren Castle, located in southern part of Kosovo is one of the most visited sites in Kosovo due to the combination of historic, cultural and natural values. In the area of Prizren Castle and surrounding zone, in the territory of about 15 ha, a detailed investigation of floristic composition is made during years 2013-2014, following by anthrop...

A food ethnobotanical field study was conducted among the Gorani of South Kosovo, a small ethnic minority group that speaks a South-Slavic language and lives in the south of the country. Via forty-one semi-structured interviews, conducted in ten villages of the Kosovar Gora mountainous area, we found that seventy-nine wild botanical and mycological...

The principal aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and qualitative and quantitative variability of essential oils obtained from seven naturally grown populations of the Pinus peuce Grisebach, Pinaceae in Kosovo. Plant materials were collected from three populations in the Sharri National Park and from four other populations in...

This study took place in the Gërmia massif (Republic of Kosovo) and presents an overview of the current status of this protected area. The Gërmia Regional Park is one of the 173 protected areas in Kosovo. It received this status in 1987 (GZK, no. 43/87) from the Prishtina municipal assembly and covers an area of 1064 hectares. Its natural values ha...

This study took place in the Gërmia massif (Republic of Kosovo) and presents an overview of the current status of this protected area. The Gërmia Regional Park is one of the 173 protected areas in Kosovo. It received this status in 1987 (GZK, no. 43/87) from the Prishtina municipal assembly and covers an area of 1064 hectares. Its natural values ha...

Background: Plant material from different organs of Pistacia terebinthus L., (Anacardiaceae) were collected in Kosovo with aim to analyze the chemical variability of the essential oils among native populations and to test themfor potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: Essential oils obtained from leaves, pedicels,...

Aerial parts of Satureja montana L. (Lamiaceae) were collected from seven growing wild populations (four populations in Kosovo, two in Albania and one in Montenegro) in 2013 with the aim of assessing the natural variation in the chemical composition of the essential oils, total flavonoids, total phenolics and the antioxidant activity of their metha...

Industry of quarry and its allied activities in Kosovo have significantly contributed infrastructural development (road construction, highway, bridges, etc.) and improving living standards during the last decade. In other side, its negative impact in environment such land degradation, air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, health related is...

Pinus mugo Turra, is a native pine species in central and southern Europe, growing in high mountains area (altitudes 1.800–2.300 m.a.s.l.). In Kosovo, it is one of the native pines too, distributed in high altitudes in the Sharri Mountains and Albanian Alps Mountains. Its populations represent an important wealth of essential oil resources availabl...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from different organs of Pistacia terebinthus L., Anacardiaceae (commonly known as terebinth or turpentine tree) originating from two natural populations in

Ripe cones of Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) were collected from five wild populations in Kosovo, with the aim of investigating the chemical composition and natural variation of essential oils between and within wild populations. Ripe cones were collected, air dried, crushed, and the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation. The essential...

Quarry industry and its allied activities in Kosovo during the last decade have contributed significantly in the infrastructure development through road and building construction, highway, bridges, etc. and improving living conditions of the post-war society (1999). In other hand, increasing number of quarries is also accompanied with significant n...

The Pashtrik Mountain is one of the biodiversity centres in Kosovo and in the Balkans too, but so far there has not been a proper study with the aim to designate this area as a protected area. The natural values of this area changed dramatically during the last decade, especially in terms of biodiversity. With the aim to evaluate the current situat...

The Pashtrik Mountain is one of the biodiversity centres in Kosovo and in the Balkans too, but so far there has not been a proper study with the aim to designate this area as a protected area. The natural values of this area changed dramatically during the last decade, especially in terms of biodiversity. With the aim to evaluate the current situat...

Background Kosovo represents a unique hotspot of biological and cultural diversity in Europe, which allows for interesting cross-cultural ethnobotanical studies. The aims of this study were twofold: 1) to document the state of traditional knowledge related to local (esp. wild) plant uses for food, medicine, and handicrafts in southwest Kosovo; and...

Background: Sarma - cooked leaves rolled around a filling made from rice and/or minced meat, possibly vegetables and seasoning plants - represents one of the most widespread feasting dishes of the Middle Eastern and South-Eastern European cuisines. Although cabbage and grape vine sarma is well-known worldwide, the use of alternative plant leaves re...

Background: Sarma - cooked leaves rolled around a filling made from rice and/or minced meat, possibly vegetables and seasoning plants – represents one of the most widespread feasting dishes of the Middle Eastern and South-Eastern European cuisines. Although cabbage and grape vine sarma is well-known worldwide, the use of alternative plant leaves re...

The cross-cultural comparison of local botanical knowledge in the Balkans can help us to understand cultural transmission among diverse ethnic and/or religious groups and also foster community-based, sustainable strategies of management of natural resources and culturally appropriate frameworks for the revitalization of local biocultural heritage....

Chapter of book

Chapter of the book

Like other countries of Southeastern Europe, Kosovo is a hot spot of biological and biocultural diversity. Although it is rich in this aspect, only a few ethnobotanical investigations have been done in Kosovo. Ethnobotanical investigations have thus far been limited to studies in the Gollak region, Albanian Alps, and a dictionary focused on a revie...

The cross-cultural comparison of local botanical knowledge in the Balkans can help us to understand cultural transmission among diverse ethnic and/or religious groups and also foster community-based, sustainable strategies of management of natural resources and culturally appropriate frameworks for the revitalization of local biocultural heritage....

Book chapter

Aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) were collected from five wild populations in Kosovo, with aim to investigate the chemical composition and natural variation of essential oils between wild populations. This species could be considered of economic potential as it is widespread in Kosovo, on the other hand H. perforatum is one of...

Aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) were collected from five wild populations in Kosovo, with aim to investigate the chemical composition and natural variation of essential oils between wild populations. This species could be considered of economic potential as it is widespread in Kosovo, on the other hand H. perforatum is one of...

Ethnobotany in South-Eastern Europe is gaining the interest of several scholars and stakeholders, since it is increasingly considered a key point for the re-evaluation of local bio-cultural heritage. The region of Gollobordo, located in Eastern Albania and bordering the Republic of Macedonia, is of particular interest for conducting ethnobiological...

Ethnobotanical studies in the Balkans are crucial for fostering sustainable rural development in the region and also for investigating the dynamics of change of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), which has broad-sweeping implications for future biodiversity conservation efforts. A survey of local botanical and medical knowledge and practices w...

Lichen and mosses are the most appropriate indicators for monitoring air pollution. To evaluate air quality in the Prishtina region, we determined lichen value diversity (LDV) and heavy metal concentrations in mosses at 20 sites around power plants 'Kosova A and B'. Twenty-three lichen species were recorded in the survey area. The lichen value dive...

This paper is a review of local plants used in water infusions as aromatic and refreshing hot beverages (recreational tea) consumed in food-related settings in Europe, and not for specific medicinal purposes. The reviewed 29 areas are located across Europe, covering the post-Soviet countries, eastern and Mediterranean Europe. Altogether, 142 taxa b...

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of applied programmes and treatment methods against downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola). Two vine cultivars (Frankovka and Game) were tested in an experimental field (in Rahovec, Kosovo) for a two-year period (2010–2011). The fungicides used were Quadris (azoxystrobin), Antracol EP-70 (propineb), Dithan...

Ethnomedicinal Uses and Essential Oil Composition of Juniperus communis in Kosovo Introduction: Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) is a spontaneous species widespread in Kosovo, where it is considered to have economic potential. In folk medicine it was used to treat abdominal pain, bronchitis, as an antiseptic, for arthritis, as a carminative, a...

Introduction: The Shala e Bajgores region is located in the north part of Kosovo. Today, over 150,000 inhabitants reside here, usually concentrated in Mitrovica and Vushtrri towns. Ethnobotanical studies conducted near this region in recent years have reported rich biocultural diversity and a remarkable vitality of traditional knowledge concerning...

An ethnobotanical field study focused on traditional uses of medicinal plants, wild food plants, and mushrooms was conducted in 37 villages in the Gollak region of eastern Kosovo. Interviews with 66 elderly informants were conducted using standard ethnobotanical methods. The uses of 92 vascular plants and 6 mushrooms species belonging to 47 differe...

Background Ethnobotanical surveys of the Western Balkans are important for the cross-cultural study of local plant knowledge and also for obtaining baseline data, which is crucial for fostering future rural development and eco-tourism initiatives in the region. The current ethnobotanical field study was conducted among the last remaining Albanians...

A medico-ethnobotanical study was conducted among Albanians, Macedonians, and Gorani in forty-one villages located in the Sharr Mountains in western Macedonia. The survey was conducted by interviewing local people of each community about the medicinal plants and their uses and properties. Seventy-six mainly wild taxa were found to represent the rem...

Behxhet et al.: Lichen diversity value and heavy metal concentrations in mosses around the lignite power plants 'Kosova'-43-APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 11(1): 43-52. Abstract. Lichen and mosses are the most appropriate indicators for monitoring air pollution. To evaluate air quality in the Prishtina region, we determined lichen value...

Lichen and mosses are the most appropriate indicators for monitoring air pollution. To evaluate air quality in the Prishtina region, we determined lichen value diversity (LDV) and heavy metal concentrations in mosses at 20 sites around power plants ‘Kosova A and B’. Twenty-three lichen species were recorded in the survey area. The lichen value dive...

This paper presents the most recent results on Kosovo biodiversity conservation efforts with focus on two main biodiversity centers of Kosovo: Sharri mountain (already declared as National Park) and Bjeshket e Nemuna mountains in process of designation as a National park. The study presents collection of up to date publications on biodiversity of K...

Ethnobotanical studies are crucial in South-Eastern Europe for fostering local development and also for investigating the dynamics of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to plants in one of the most crucial European hotspots for biocultural diversity. The current medico-ethnobotanical survey was conducted in rural alpine communities i...

Leaves and inflorescences of Stachys sylvatica L. (Lamiaceae) were collected from three different wild populations in Kosovo to study the natural variation of the chemical composition of essential oils, total flavonoids, total phenolics and the antioxidant activity. Essential oils were obtained by steam distillation and analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS...

The aerial parts and roots of Betonica officinalis were collected from three localities characterized by different ecological conditions to study the natural variability of the chemical composition of the essential oils in this plant. The leaves and inflorescences were collected during the flowering time, whereas the roots were collected at the end...

This paper presents the situation of protected areas network in Kosovo, main problems with their management and protection. Kosovo covers an area of 10,887 square kilometers in the central part of Balkan Peninsula. Territory of Kosovo is under different elevations and impacted by mixed Continental and Mediterranean climate states. 47, 842, 34 ha or...