In July 2022, the Scientific Research Association – NIZ organized the field project “Medicinal Flora of Mount Kozhuf, 2022.”
The project involved 25 members of the association, students from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Skopje and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food in Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM). The project was conducted on Mount Kozhuf, with the participants accommodated in the settlement of Smrdliva Voda. The project was carried out under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Gjoshe Stefkov.
The field research was divided into two stages:
1. Assessment of the status of blueberry populations (Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium uliginosum) and their resource and economic potential on Mount Kozhuf
2. Identification, collection, and drying of medicinal and aromatic plants from Mount Kozhuf
Assessment of Blueberry Populations on Mount Kozhuf
Within the framework of the field project “Medicinal Flora of Mount Kozhuf, 2022,” the project entitled “Assessment of the Status of Blueberry Populations (Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium uliginosum) and Their Resource and Economic Potential on Mount Kozhuf” was implemented. This project of the Scientific Research Association – NIZ was supported by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) through a small grant from the “Dr. Ljupcho Melovski” Young Ecologists Support Program for 2022.
The aim of this project was to assess the resource and economic potential of blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium uliginosum) on Mount Kozhuf through field evaluation of the annual production of fruits and leaves, as well as analysis of the importance of blueberries for the local population.
A total of 33 transects were established. Leaves were collected from 15 transects. The transects were set at altitudes ranging from 1,650 to 2,100 meters. Measurements were conducted prior to the harvesting period. After harvesting, the leaves were left to dry. The fruits were counted separately for each transect, and the data were appropriately recorded.
Acknowledgements
As an association, we would first and foremost like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, whose invaluable support made the realization of this project possible:
Roche, Faculty of Pharmacy–Skopje, Macedonian Pharmaceutical Association, Pharmaceutical Chamber of North Macedonia, Vardarec Dairy, Farmahem, Ramus Lab, Makedonijalek, Hemofarm, Ginekaliks, Interevrogenex, Alkaloid, Rosa Vita Pharmacies–Bitola, Dez-Pro DOOEL, Makprogres, Aqua Dejon Plus.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the residents of the settlement of Smrdliva Voda for their hospitality and assistance throughout the duration of the project.
The project gallery can be viewed here.
