The progressive increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere contributes to the destabilization of global climatic equilibria, exerting complex influences on the physiological and adaptive processes of cultivated plant species. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) stands out as a model species for assessing the capacity for biological CO₂ sequestration, due to its significant ecological and economic role, as well as its sensitivity to thermal and hydric variations. To evaluate the capacity for atmospheric carbon dioxide uptake, the light saturation curve method for photosynthesis was employed, using the PTM-48A phytomonitor. The study included grapevine genotypes of intraspecific origin (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. and ssp. sylvestris Gmel.), Vitis labrusca L., as well as rhizogenic interspecific genotypes obtained through hybridization of Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. × Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx. The experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, and for each analyzed genotype, continuous monitoring of photosynthetic parameters was carried out for a minimum period of 72 hours. This duration was necessary to obtain reproducible and relevant data for determining the CO₂ uptake coefficient. Based on the results of the physiological parameters, it can be concluded that the grapevine genotype Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris Gmel. exhibits good efficiency under moderate temperatures but is sensitive to thermal stress. Cultivated genotypes belonging to the group Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C., such as Feteasca Albă and Feteasca Neagră, show a trade-off between productivity and thermal tolerance, being well adapted to field conditions. Interspecific genotypes Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. × Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx., such as Alexandrina, Ametist, and Augustina, demonstrate the best physiological performance, combining high photosynthetic rates, controlled transpiration, and favorable water use efficiency (WUE). Among these, the interspecific genotype Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. × Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx. ‘Ametist’ stands out as the most promising genotype for cultivation under conditions of elevated temperature and water stress.
The present work was carried out in the irrigated farm field of the city of Bongor in Chad. The main objective was to study the contribution of the organic fertilizers such as Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganisms (MSP), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (CMA), Dried Cow Dung (BV) and vivianite (V) rock powder on the growth, development and yield of a local rice (Oriza sativa L.) variety named SAHEL. The test was carried out from September to December 2020 on a plot of 104.94 m². The experimental design was a complete randomized blocks consisting of 3 blocks and eight treatments (5g of CMA, 1 ml of inoculum from each of the three types of MSP (CHK1, D, RSB7), 500g of cow dung compost, 20g of vivianite and the NPK fertilizer as the positive control). The uninoculated plants served as negative control (T-). Each treatment was repeated three times. The results indicate that the rice plants showed good development and better productivity for plants under the organic amendments as compared to the negative control plants. It emerges from this study that the treatment based on cow dung (BV) increases the recovery rate of rice plants by 16.91%, the plant height by 5%, the number of fertile tillers by 31% and the yields of about 76.12% relative to the negative control. As compared to the negative control, the positive control (T+) treatment improves the height of the rice plants approximately by 9.76%, the number of tillers by 88.79% and the number of flowering tillers by 51%. The vivianite treatment as compared to the negative control increases the number of fertile tillers by 44.65%, the number of filled kernels by 34.36% and the yields of the order of 91.44%. Improved yields about 68.46% was observed under the CMA treatment. Fertilizers based on mycorrhizal fungi, dried cow dung, vivianite would provide important benefits to the rice plants and can be recommended to farmers in Bongor for improving rice productivity.
The application of wild plants as rootstocks could help decrease biotic and abiotic stresses in cultivated crops, while stenting can reduce the cost and time needed for producing grafted seedlings. The aim of this study is to first examine stenting wild fig cutting rootstocks with cultivated fig scions, which were treated with benzyladenine or kinetin (100 and 200 mg L-1), coconut water (50% and 100%), or water as a control. Leaves of successfully grafted figs were analyzed for chemical and mineral contents in the second experiment after exposition to NPK fertilizer (20-20-20 + TE) at 1 g L-1 in a greenhouse at 15-day intervals three times. Cytokinins and coconut treatments did not significantly impact stenting success percentage and other studied parameters. Stenting success was only observed at 100% of coconut water (6.67%) and 100 mg L-1 of kinetin (3.33%). No influences of wild fig rootstocks on leaf chemicals were recorded. However, own-rooted cultivated figs exhibited a higher total phenol content (2.12 mg g-1) compared to wild fig rootstocks (1.31 mg g-1). Wild fig rootstocks elevated leaf N (2.46%), Ca (1.54%), and Mg (0.28%) but declined Cl (0.17%). Stenting was successful but not at a high rate, and wild fig rootstock improved some nutrient status in cultivated figs.
The Mal d 1 protein, a member of the PR-10 protein family encoded by the MdPR10 gene in Malus domestica Borkh., responds to biotic and abiotic stress stimuli. It may accumulate in plant tissues and is known to trigger allergic reactions in humans. Empirical observations show that the same individual may exhibit varying allergic responses depending on the apple cultivar consumed. The underlying cause is still not fully understood, although several hypotheses are being considered, and it is likely to be multifactorial. In this study, the expression of eight MdPR10 isoforms (1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.11, and 1.13) was measured across twelve M. domestica cultivars, all sharing Golden Delicious as a maternal pedigree. Isoforms 1.01 and 1.02 were consistently highly expressed with low variability, while isoforms 1.03, 1.06, 1.07, and 1.08 showed high expression variability among cultivars. Freyberg exhibited the closest expression profile to Golden Delicious, followed by Sirius and Shalimar; in contrast, Mutsu, Spencer, and Delbarestivale showed the greatest divergence.
Nowadays, soil salinity is a big challenge for agronomists and plant growers due to irrigation in arid lands where the respiration rate is very high and in coastal areas saline water floods the soil. Salinity is caused by the accumulation of soluble salts in the root zone. Excess salts reduce the productivity of plants like growing potential, vigor and seed germination, due to the altered water and mineral uptake. Among salts the amount of sodium and chloride ions is very critical because most of the plants are sensitive to them. Arundo donax L., commonly known as giant reed, has a wide habitat range thus it has wide tolerance to soil conditions. Hence, it may has high resistance to salinity and sodicity, too. It is a typical plant of freshwater ecosystems. Although A. donax is widespread all over the world, it has only slight genetic differences between ecotypes due to its vegetative propagation strategy. A. donax can be propagated by in vitro tissue culture technique. In vitro cell culture is suitable for large scale selection of cells where cells are exposed to stressors such as high salinity or sodium. This form of selection can reduce the time and space requirements, reducing the need for conventional selection in open filed experiments. In our experiment 12 ecotypes of A. donax were tested in in vitro callus cultures. Callus cultures were exposed to salt stress by adding five different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) to the culture medium. Growth parameters of callus cultures were measured by the fresh and dry matter production, under constant laboratory conditions. The fresh weight of calli decreased while their dry weight increased with increasing NaCl level in culture medium. According to our experiments, differences in NaCl tolerance were registered between the different ecotypes.
Late spring frosts, whose frequency and intensity have increased in the context of climate change, represent a major risk factor for fruit tree production. Such a climatic event (minimum temperature of −5.2°C) was recorded at the beginning of April 2025, causing significant damage in orchards located in the hilly area of Bistrița. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of apple cultivars to late spring frost and to identify genotypes with high frost tolerance potential. The research was carried out within a comparative apple orchard established in 2021 at the Fruit Research and Development Station (FRDS) Bistrița, comprising 33 cultivars and two hybrids, all grafted onto the MM106 rootstock. Frost injury was assessed by determining the percentage of affected flower buds and by monitoring fruit set and fruit production. For each cultivar, 100 flower buds were examined, and the degree of damage was expressed as a percentage. The recorded values ranged between 32.2% (hybrid Ifo 1/6) and 93.7% (cultivar Dacian), highlighting a high variability in cultivar response to frost stress. The observed differences among cultivars emphasize the variability in frost response and underline the importance of selecting plant material adapted to local climatic conditions. These results provide valuable information for cultivar micro-zoning and offer useful support for breeding programs aimed at developing apple cultivars with enhanced tolerance to late spring frosts.
Food allergies represent a growing public health concern, and current diagnostic tools often fail to detect sensitizations to minor or less-studied allergens. Although herbs have been used for millennia in traditional medicine and nutrition, their allergenic potential remains insufficiently investigated. Evidence indicates that individuals allergic to birch pollen may experience cross-reactive allergic responses to certain herbs and spices due to shared allergenic proteins. This phenomenon, classified as pollen–plant food allergy syndrome, involves IgE cross-reactivity to homologues of PR-10 proteins, profilins, and nonspecific lipid-transfer proteins. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of ypr-10 and profilin homologues in the genomes of 11 commonly used European herbs (Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Tilia cordata, Urtica dioica, Rosa canina, Thymus serpyllum, Plantago lanceolata, Sambucus nigra, Hypericum perforatum, Agrimonia eupatoria, Tanacetum vulgare) belonging to various plant families. Two DNA marker-based methodologies, BBAP and PBAP, were applied to identify allergen homologues and assess genetic relatedness among species. All studied herbs were found to contain homologues of the investigated allergen families. Dendrograms based on Jaccard genetic distance indices revealed distinct clustering patterns. Using the PBAP method, two principal clusters were identified, one comprising primarily members of the order Lamiales (Mentha piperita, Thymus serpyllum, Melissa officinalis, Plantago lanceolata), with the exception of Agrimonia eupatoria (Rosales). The Jaccard index for this cluster ranged from 0.818 to 0.947. In contrast, dendrograms generated with the BBAP method did not align with taxonomic relationships, however the lowest genetic distance (0.545) was observed between M. officinalis and M. piperita. These findings demonstrate that DNA marker systems such as BBAP and PBAP provide cost-effective, rapid tools for screening allergen homologues in medicinal and culinary herbs. This approach may facilitate the identification of potential cross-reactive allergens and improve understanding of herb-related allergic sensitization mechanisms.
The origin of grapevine has been the subject of numerous, often divergent, interpretations in the specialized literature. The absence of direct genealogical evidence, the considerable expansion of the natural range of wild genotypes, and the pronounced variability of morphobiological traits have kept this issue open to ongoing research and continuous reevaluation. Recent studies support the hypothesis that the origin of grapevine was not a single, uniform process, but rather a pluricentric one, involving a common ancestral gene pool and taking place in several regions of Eurasia, each contributing independently to the genetic background of present-day cultivars. In the present study , samples belonging to the species Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris Gmel. were analyzed, along with two cultivated genotypes of Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C., namely the cultivars ‘Chasselas doré’ and ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, used as reference materials. In addition, the study included interspecific genotypes obtained through the hybridization between Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. × Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx. Molecular analysis of genomic DNA was performed by isolating it according to a protocol based on the CTAB method , and the evaluation of DNA quality and quantity was performed using a NanoDrop ND-1000 spectrophotometer. Determination of the number and size of genomic alleles revealed a clear differentiation between wild genotypes of Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris Gmel. and cultivated genotypes of Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. The results confirm that , although the two subspecies share a common origin derived from an ancestral genetic pool, their current differentiation is the consequence of interspecific hybridization processes, anthropogenic selection, and long-term evolutionary adaptation mechanisms.
The increasing demand for food production and the obstacles associated with climate change are posing new challenges to modern agriculture. This is precisely why the development of new technologies and methods plays a prominent role in addressing these challenges in a sustainable manner. Previous studies have already supported the ability of plants to pass on newly acquired traits to their offspring, thereby increasing their resilience and fitness. However, these basic researches mostly focused on environmental impacts on plants and the heritability of the induced effects. Therefore, we tried to develop a method, using ultrasound - that could stimulate plant growth and development- in combination with an abiotic stress that occurs due to climate change. In this experimental study, one of the most significant stresses resulting from climate change, the drought stress, was selected, which we triggered by applying polyethylene glycol. Ultrasound as a stimulant on potato plants was applied under controlled conditions. The possible heritability of increased drought tolerance and the associated morphological and temporal changes were investigated. Based on the results, drought treatment had a positive after-effect on the second generation (progeny) under stress conditions. This positive after-effect was significantly amplified by the use of ultrasound in the parental generation. Furthermore, ultrasound itself had a preparatory effect on clonally propagated plants.
The aim of the article is show the response to biotic stress (in particular, fungal attack) using hydroxamic acid derivatives in the example of fruit plants. Two new compounds were synthesized at the Institute of Organic Chemistry of the NAS of Ukraine: compound No. 2 (C14H20N2O4S) and No. 3 (C14H20N2O4), compound No. 1 C12H16N2O4S was used as a control. Synthesized compounds No. 2 and No. 3 were tested in vivo on prototypes, representatives of the genus Malus Mill. are damaged by pathogenic fungi. An accumulation in the content of secondary metabolites after treatment with the compound C12H16N2O4S and a decrease after treatment with the compounds C14H20N2O4S and C14H20N2O4 was noted in the sites of hydroxamic acid application. Since substances of the flavonoid series are phytoalexins, the lesion of the plant by cytosporosis and powdery mildew leads to an increase in the content of flavonoids. Compounds No. 2 and No. 3 inhibit the development of pathogenic fungi, so there is no need for additional synthesis of flavonoids, compound № 1 does not have pronounced fungicidal properties. Considering the primary the primary results, we can judge further prospects for the study and use of synthesized hydroxamic acids (C14H20N2O4S) and (C14H20N2O4).
The Ferlo, a semi-arid Sahelian region of Senegal, experiences intense heat for five months (February to June), with temperatures exceeding 45°C, and a milder climate for seven months (July to January) thanks to rainfall. This area is being heavily impacted by climate change. Low rainfall, combined with human activities, is affecting the development of plant cover, particularly woody species, which are essential to the local population as a source of food for livestock during the dry season. The main objective of this study is to provide information on the dendrometric characteristics of a Sclerocarya birrea woody stand, in order to better conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Ferlo (Amaly, Widou Thiengoly, Tessékéré and Labgar). We counted 31 species in 23 genera and 15 families, with the Fabaceae (25.81%), Combretaceae (19.35%), Apocynaceae (12.90%) and Malvaceae (6.45%) being the most represented. The genus Acacia is the most common. Almost all the species observed are Phanerophytes and around 68% of the species recorded are African. The study shows that the shrub stratum dominates the environment, while the woody stratum is gradually evolving, with a strong presence of young individuals and good regeneration. However, the population of S. birrea is following an opposite dynamic, with mainly large-circumference individuals, indicating an ageing and vulnerable population. The analysis reveals instability in the S. birrea population and almost no regeneration. It is therefore essential to develop regeneration, reforestation and monitoring strategies to improve the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
A healthy human society can only develop if there is an unpolluted environment and consumes high-quality food products. According to studies, it was found that the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere until the industrial revolution did not exceed the limit of 300 ppm, and in recent years it has reached the level of 430 ppm. Thus, climate disruption is a phenomenon in full swing, which will be much too fast for certain genotypes of plants and animals to be able to develop and adapt to the new conditions of the habitat. Based on the volume of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, CO2 is the largest quantity, about 80%, and is usually produced because of anthropogenic activities. Based on greenhouse gas inventory calculations, it is found that land covered with vegetation (forests, agricultural land, etc.) has a decisive share in sequestering greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, about 70%. The agricultural sector is the main source of food security for humanity and is particularly sensitive to climate change. The share of the agricultural sector in total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions worldwide is approximately 13%, about 5-6 gigatons of CO2 per year. Considering the importance of the agricultural sector, it is necessary to take real actions to improve the situation, namely: - creating grapevine genotypes with an increased potential for capturing carbon from the atmosphere; - cultivating grapevine in a biological system; - reducing greenhouse gas emissions because of both direct and indirect grapevine cultivation. As a result of crossing the grapevine Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa D.C. with Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx. it was possible to obtain in the fourth-generation interspecific grapevine genotypes, such as: Ametist, Alexandrina etc. with resilience to climatic factors. Using the light saturation curve method for photosynthesis, it was found that the interspecific genotypes Ametist, Alexandrina etc. have a much greater potential for capturing carbon from the atmosphere compared to the intraspecific grapevine genotypes. At the same time, the interspecific genotypes Ametist, Alexandrina etc. allow cultivation in a biological system without the use of phytosanitary products for the prevention and control of diseases and pests.
Agaricus bisporus, the most widely consumed mushroom species globally, was the focus of this study. Mushrooms are widely recognized as important sources of dietary fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals. However, they also have the capacity to accumulate toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. Due to the presence of polysaccharides, peptides, essential amino acids, glycoproteins, nucleosides, triterpenoids, fatty acids and lectins, Agaricus bisporus has been reported to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-hyper-cholesterolemic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and hepatoprotective activities. We aimed to determine the mineral profile of Agaricus bisporus samples available on the Romanian market using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. The results regarding the mushrooms samples minerals content (mg/kg dry weight), obtained by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, are ranging between: K (31443-50579), Ca (1229-4838), Fe (337-580), Mn (105-130), Zn (113-312), Cu (25-86), Se (0-11). The analysis of obtained data was made using Excel, Statistica 11 and MVSP programs. These findings are consistent with previous studies indicating that potassium is the predominant mineral in mushrooms, followed by calcium. Therefore, regular mushroom consumption can contribute to meeting the daily requirements for these essential elements, alongside other nutritional benefits.
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruits are highly appreciated by consumers due to the taste but also for the benefits it has on human health. In recent years, in Romania, the areas cultivated with raspberries have increased due to market demand but also due to the profitability of the crop. Raspberry fruit is rich in vitamins and fiber, which attracts consumers looking for healthy living [5]. In this study, were monitored the effects of the nitrogen fertilizers, in different doses, on the quality of the fruits. The results in correlation with the high temperatures of the harvest period. The mineral fertilizer, ammonium nitrate, was chosen according to the soil analysis and had been used in three doses: 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha N active substance. A number of 5 samples were extracted from the harvested fruits, Heritage and Meeker variety, and subjected to laboratory analysis to determine: soluble dry matter, titratable acidity, total dry matter, average fruit weight. The application of high doses of fertilizer led to an increase in raspberry production, bigger fruits, but lower dry matter 11.6%. The highest dry matter content was obtained in the case of the unfertilized variant 14.97%. Titratable acidity was not influenced by the application of fertilizers, but there was a decrease due to the high temperatures during the harvest period. The application of nitrogen fertilizers led to higher yields. The high temperatures during harvest period have substantially changed the fruit quality indices.
Forests, land for afforestation, all those serving the needs of cultivation, protection and production, constituted in Production Unit VII Corbu, within Forest County Orsova, D.S. Mehedinti, are national forestry fund public property of the State. They are in the commune of Eselnisa in Mehedinsi County. Geographically speaking, the forests of the Production Unit VII Corbu are located upstream from the town of Orsova, on the left bank of the Danube River, on the ridge, in the region of the Almajului Mountains (Svinecei Ridge).
The present study aims to analyze the different plant associations within the Domogled-Valea Cernei and Semenic Cheile Carașului National Parks, where beech (Fagus sylvatica) is the dominant species. The beech forests in the study area are recognized as part of a network of habitats with a high degree of conservation importance or even part of a UNESCO site, as is the case with the virgin beech forest at Izvoarele Nerei. This paper analyzed the beech forests from a qualitative point of view, namely based on the field identification of several habitats present in the specialized literature that refers to the area of interest. It should be noted that quantitative studies were also carried out, such as several phytosociological surveys or the measurement of several abiotic parameters
Dead wood is an indicator of forest biodiversity, forming key habitats for many species. In this study they were compared the quantities of dead wood from 4 sample plots from managed forest and 4 from virgin forest from beech stands in Semenic Mountains. Analyzing the two types of forests revealed differences in the amount of dead wood. Therefore, in the sample plots from the virgin forest the mean quantity of fallen dead wood was 54.46 m3 ha-1, while in the managed forest the mean quantity was much lower: 11.32 m3 ha-1. Regarding the standing dead wood, the mean quantity in the virgin forest was 28.05 m3 ha-1, while in the managed forest the quantity was much lower: 11.38 m3 ha-1. As regards the distribution by decomposition classes, the absence of dead wood in a few classes was observed, in both types of forests. The largest proportion of standing dead wood in the sample plots from 1200 m altitude was in the second decomposition class in both forest types, while in the sample plots at 1350 m altitude it was in the third decomposition class both in the virgin and managed forest. In the case of the fallen dead wood, the largest proportion in the sample plots of 1350 m altitude was in the fourth decomposition class for both forest types, while at 1200 m altitude was in the second class for the managed forest and the third and fourth class for the virgin forest. The diversity of dead wood regarding the three categories of elements studied indicates, in general, higher values for the vrgin forest.
Climate variability is increasingly influencing grapevine growth, yield stability, and wine composition across European viticultural regions. This study aimed to assess the relationships among climatic indicators, phenological development, yield, and oenological traits in four white grape cultivars — `Chardonnay`, `Fetească Regală`, `Sauvignon Blanc`, and `Italian Riesling`— grown under the temperate-continental conditions of Western Romania over three consecutive vintages (2022–2024). Field trials were conducted on experimental plots representative of the Banat terroir. Climatic parameters (average temperature, rainfall, growing degree days, and Huglin Index) were recorded at the Timișoara Meteorological Station. Yield, sugar concentration (°Brix), titratable acidity (TA), and total phenolics (TPh.) were determined at harvest following standard OIV methods. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify key associations between environmental and oenological variables. Significant inter-annual variability was observed across cultivars. Warmer and drier conditions in 2023 and 2024 were associated with higher sugar accumulation and lower acidity, while the cooler, wetter 2022 season resulted in reduced yields and delayed ripening. PCA revealed that temperature-related indices (GDD, Huglin) clustered with °Brix and phenolic content, while rainfall was negatively correlated with ripeness indicators. Among cultivars, `Chardonnay` and `Fetească Regală` demonstrated strong adaptability to thermal variation, whereas `Sauvignon Blanc` was sensitive to rainfall excess and `Italian Riesling` performed best in cooler microclimates. The findings highlight the major role of climatic parameters in modulating grape and wine quality under continental transitional conditions. The integration of precise climatic monitoring with adaptive vineyard management—particularly harvest timing and canopy control—can sustain varietal typicity and ensure resilience to ongoing climate change.
Abstract This study explores the relationship between yield, berry size, and wine quality across five red wine grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Feteasca Neagra. Field trials were conducted to assess the impact of berry size, categorized as small (<1.2 g), medium (1.2–1.8 g), and large (>1.8 g), on grape morphology and wine chemical and sensory properties. The results showed significant variability in yield, berry size distribution, and morphological traits among the varieties. For example, Syrah had the highest mean yield (8.7 ± 1.2 kg/vine), with the majority of berries classified as large, while Pinot Noir had the lowest mean yield (5.3 ± 0.5 kg/vine) and a higher proportion of small berries. Morphological analysis revealed that berry shape varied by variety, with Cabernet Sauvignon showing an elongated, compact cluster, while Pinot Noir exhibited a short, cylindrical shape. Micro-vinification parameters were similar across all varieties, with fermentation durations ranging from 10 to 12 days, and no oak aging applied. Wine chemical analyses showed differences in pH, total acidity, and tannin content. Syrah wines exhibited the highest tannin levels (4.7 ± 0.2), while Pinot Noir had the lowest (3.0 ± 0.3). Wines from small berries generally displayed higher phenolic content and deeper colour intensity, with Cabernet Sauvignon showing a colour intensity of 1.28 ± 0.05, compared to Pinot Noir’s 0.92 ± 0.03. Sensory evaluations indicated that wines from smaller berries had more intense aromas and better tannin structure. These findings underscore the significant influence of berry size and yield on grape morphology and wine quality, providing valuable insights for vineyard management and wine production optimization.
The research was conducted between 2022 and 2024 in a vineyard located within the Recaș Viticultural Center, in the Petrovaselo viticultural area. The planting distances were 2.2 m between rows and 1 m between vines within a row, resulting in a planting density of 4,545 vines per hectare. Four grape cultivars were studied: two high-quality white wine cultivars, ‘Italian Riesling’ and ‘Chardonnay’, and two high-quality red wine cultivars, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Fetească Neagră’. The experimental treatments were based on key viticultural practices that significantly impact physiological and technological indicators, which are applied differently in conventional and organic viticulture, including soil management, fertilization, pest and disease control. In organic viticulture, soil management practices impose certain restrictions on the use of specific substances, such as fertilizers and pesticides, as well as limitations on fuel consumption. Therefore, these practices must be carefully defined and adapted to the soil type and environmental conditions of the viticultural area. In wet years, soil management operations, such as tillage and irrigation, become more challenging compared to drier years. Regarding organic fertilization, which restricts the use of chemical fertilizers, all organic fertilization methods studied—except for green manure—were found to be viable alternatives. Pest and disease control is the viticultural practice with the greatest differences in approach between conventional and organic viticulture. It is also the most constrained and difficult to manage due to restrictions on chemical treatments and the reliance on alternative pest management strategies in organic farming.
