Scorpaena porcus is one of the most important members of rock and reef community in the Black Sea. The present study aimed to investigate the bio-ecological properties of S. porcus in the Eastern Black Sea. The growth, age, and sex compositions, feeding and reproduction biology of 1061 individuals were examined. The total length of the individuals ranged between 6.7 and 25.5 cm. The observed age ranged up to 8 years in both the sexes; the oldest individual both in males and females was 8 years of age. The von Bertalanffy growth function parameters in the samples were L∞=22.15 cm, k=0.287, t0=-1.577 (year) and W∞=238.14 g. The sex ratio (male/female) was 1/1.13. S. porcus fed most frequently on fish and decapods in all seasons. The reproduction period was identified to be between June and October, as evident by GSI values and macroscopic and histological analysis of gonads. Hydrated oocytes first appeared in June on the histological examinations; however, the atresia was highest in October. In conclusion, the study identified S. porcus as a new target species and the studied bio-ecological characteristics are expected to be important in developing an optimal strategy for fishery stock management.

In the present study, the variation of key leaf characteristics, such as SLA and LMA in plant samples collected from four locations were determined using a Li-Cor portable leaf area measuring device. The effect of seasonal, altitudinal and climatic variations on SLA and LMA was evaluated. There were significant differences (P<0.01) in SLA and LMA values in terms of localities, months, temperature and precipitation. There were both elevation and seasonal variables in SLA and LMA values. The highest SLA and LMA values were in May and December, respectively. SLA and LMA values increased and decreased with increasing elevation, respectively. SLA and LMA of Diospyros kaki were related with temperature and precipitation. Results indicated that there were variations on SLA and LMA parameters due to ecological factors.

In the present study, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), carbon (C) levels and nutrient contents, N and P resorption were investigated in Diospyros kaki L., whose leaves has a strong antioxidant property and is cultivated in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The research was carried out at four different locations where Diospyros kaki was grown within the provincial borders of Trabzon. Leaf samples were taken from these selected locations monthly from May to December. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-20 cm from each locality. Soil N, P and C analysis were also determined. There were important differences in N (%) concentration and N (g dm-2) content values in terms of localities. N, P and C (%) concentration values significantly varied among months. Similarly, there were notable differences in N and P (g dm-2) values depending on months. Nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiency (RE) values were below stated boundaries at only 796 m. Nitrogen and phosphorus resorption proficiency (RP) values significantly varied between localities.