The milder winters and longer-than-normal warm periods of recent years in Romania have increased the popularity of the fig trees (Ficus carica L.) among fruit growers. Fig trees have proven to be quite resistant to diseases and pests in our continental temperate conditions. However, in recent years, several foliar diseases have been observed. Our research focused on detecting and identifying main fig diseases on the existing germplasm collection ofthe Faculty of Horticulture, USAMV of Bucharest. Our results highlight the presence of Fig Mosaic Disease (FMD) and brown spot (Passalora trichophila) on leaves. Black mold (Aspergillus niger) and fruit mold (Cladosporium sp.) have been identified on fig fruits. Also, the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum has been detected on fig cuttings with symptoms of wilting and basal rot. To our knowledge, this is the first report in Romania ofFMD, Passalora trichophila, and Fusarium oxysporum. Further studies are needed to identify the complex of different viruses responsible for FMD in Romania.
The researches were carried out in the Valea Calugareasca viticultural center in a vineyard with the Cabernet Sauvignon variety. The experimental device included as an experimental factor the soil maintenance system (black field, permanent grass with herbs from spontaneous flora, lawn, phacelia, white clover and vetch). The viticultural climate, characterized by a high heliothermic regime, against the background of reduced water resources and the technological variants experienced had a differentiated impact on the quantity and quality of grape production. The soil maintenance variants with Phacelia and vetch ensured significant differences in production, +1.052 kg/vine and +0.924 kg/vine, respectively. The deviation from the optimal content of the sugar of 12.0-12.8% was registered in the case of the soil maintenance variant with Phacelia, vetch and white clover. The leaf area required to produce one gram ofgrape in the conditions of maximum sugar accumulations was between 11.05 cm(2)/g grape (the soil maintenance system variant by phacelia) and 9.92 cm(2)/g grape (the soil maintenance system variant as black field).
Boxwood species, valued for their ecological adaptability, face growing threats from pests, notably the boxwood leafminer (Monarthropalpus buxi Laboulb & egrave;ne), which has severely impacted landscapes and nurseries in recent years. The aim of this study was to monitoring the evolution and ecology of Monarthropalpus buxi according to the local biotope and testing two insecticides in order to control the pest in North-Eastern part of Romania. The life cycle of boxwood leafminer was described in relation to GDD. The appearance of the first adults in 2022 was recorded at an accumulation of 196.2 GDD on 09th May, and the appearance of adults began at an accumulation of 191.7 GDD on 02nd May in 2023. The maximum flight curve was recorded at accumulations between 262.7 GDD (2022), respectively 246.3 GDD (2023). Last appearance of adults was observed on 28th May (2022) and 25 Mayth (2023). The larval stages in 2022 developed at accumulations between 675.7 - 1298.3 GDD and in the following year the larvae developed between 670.4 - 1317.1 GDD. Statistical methods were used to interpret the obtained results.
The study (2022-2023) at Moara Domneasc & abreve; Experimental Base, affiliated with the Research and Development Station for Pomology B & abreve;neasa, Ilfov County, evaluated the effects of land shaping, localized irrigation, and two rootstocks on the growth of the 'Anna Sp & auml;th' plum cultivar using a split-plot experimental design. Planting on ridged terrain did not significantly enhance growth parameters. In 2023, the trunk cross-sectional area was 1.23 cm(2) smaller per tree in ridged terrain than in flat terrain. Localized irrigation significantly improved growth. The trunk cross-sectional area increased by 0.86 cm(2) in the first year, 1.77 cm(2 )in the second year, and 1.31 cm(2) on average. The number of shoots per tree rose by 2.77 (2022), 3.07 (2023), and 2.92 on average. Total shoot length increased by 183.5 cm (2022), 358.6 cm (2023), and 271.0 cm on average. The mean shoot length grew by 12.62 cm (2023) and 10.05 cm on average. No significant differences were observed between the two rootstocks. These results emphasize the benefits of localized irrigation in improving plum tree growth, while land shaping and rootstock selection had no notable impact.
The Green Forest around Timisoara is home to numerous species of harmful insects. We would like to focus our attention on the species Metcalfa pruinosa known as Citrus FlatidPlanthopper through this work. Uncontrolled, it is clear that the species can become dangerous for both woody plants in forests and those that constitute ground vegetation. Our study included observations of the size ofnymph groups through the specific wax secretion left on the leaves of deciduous trees, 60-80 years old, but also older. The analysis was carried out in 7 sectors of the forest and had macroscopic techniques on site, by marking the target trees. All 8 plant species analyzed were affected in percentages ranging from 4.5% to 38%. The results showed that in sectors with predominant plants of Ulmus sp. and Acer sp. there were the most foliage with secretions, nymphs and adults. Also, the inner part of marginal trees and those near wide, airy paths were more affected by Metcalfa colonies. Regular monitoring could lead to reduction of damage.
Phosphorus and iron are essential elements that are necessary for various functions of plants, but also for humans. The apple, Malus x domestica Borkh., is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, also in Croatia. Since the mentioned elements influence the growth and development of the plant and also have certain health effects on humans, the presence of these elements in apples on the Zagreb market should be investigated. After collecting and sampling the apples, the phosphorus content was determined by spectrophotometry and the iron content by atomic absorption spectrometry. Apples from retail chains statistically have the highest average phosphorus content in dry matter (0.14 % P DW), while apples from organic products stores statistically have the highest phosphorus content in fresh weight (27.29 mg P/100 g fresh weight). As for iron, the statistically highest average content in both dry matter and fresh matter was found in apples from retail chains (15.99 mg Fe/kg DM and 0.261 mg Fe/100 g fresh weight). These results could be the consequences of conventional agriculture.
This study presents preliminary data on the adaptability of two Romanian almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) cultivars, 'Mirela' and 'Veronica', under the specific eco-pedo-climatic conditions of southeastern Romania, a region characterized by heavy clay soils and increasing climatic variability. The experiment was established in December 2022 at the Moara Domneasca Experimental Base, Ilfov County. The main objective was to evaluate the viability of trees during the establishment, as an indicator of adaptability to local abiotic stress factors. Soil analyses were performed before and after planting, while climatic data were collected through an automated weather station. Results showed a survival rate of approximately 75% for both cultivars, despite the recorded precipitation deficit in 2023 (281.94 mm). The analysis of the soil revealed high clay content, slightly acidic pH in the surface horizon (6.17), and a sharp decline in available phosphorus with depth, whereas mobile potassium increased in lower horizons. The study provides a scientific basis for extending almond cultivation into non-traditional regions of Romania and highlights the importance of continued monitoring in the context of climate change.
The paper analyzes the impact of climate change on the 20-year frequency of climatic accidents and the intensity of damage to apricot, peach, and sweet cherry flower buds in the continental climate of Romania. There was a rise from 2004 to 2023 in winter minimum temperature and mean temperature, especially in February, March, andApril. Between 2004 and 2023, climatic accidents were registered in Romania in 14 years during the dormancy or in the first growth stages, i.e. damages caused by late frosts in 9 years, in three years (2006, 2010, and 2012) frosts below the hardiness limit of some fruit species causing damages during dormancy, and also in three years (2004, 2015, and 2016) bud damages caused by thermal oscillation in the dormant season (35-40 degrees C in only 2-7 days). In 7 of the 20 analyzed years, the damages caused to the flower buds of some cultivars were major. Although until 2016, damages caused by frosts and thermal fluctuations in the dormancy season prevailed, since 2017, in six out of seven years, the damages were caused only by late frosts.
The in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis L. was evaluated against Fusarium graminearum, a pathogen isolated from infected maize (Zea mays) plants. Three essential oil samples were tested: one obtained by laboratory distillation and two commercial products. Antifungal activity was assessed using two methods: incorporation of the oils into the culture medium to quantify mycelial growth inhibition, and application of filter paper discs on PDA medium to observe localized fungal inhibition. All three essential oils exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of Fusarium graminearum, with the laboratory-extracted oil showing the highest efficacy. The incorporation method provided quantitative data on mycelial growth reduction, while the disc method served as a qualitative complementary approach. These results highlight the potential of R. officinalis essential oil, particularly when freshly extracted, as a natural antifungal agent against Fusarium graminearum affecting maize crops.
In Romania, interest in blueberry cultivation has increased significantly in recent years, due to the growing market demand for this nutrient-rich and antioxidant-packed fruit. Thus, cultivating blueberries can not only bring substantial economic benefits, but also contribute to environmental protection and to improving consumer health. This makes blueberries a particularly attractive choice for farmers and investors, as well as a smart and advantageous option from multiple perspectives: economic, ecological, and health-related. The objective of this study was to evaluate the main growth and fruiting characteristics of ]7 blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) grown in the Bucharest area, in two ridge cultivation systems: trellised and free (no wired). The correlation analysis highlights the fact that the trellised system provides a much more coherent relationship between vegetative parameters (no of stems, shoots, and buds) and fruiting potential, suggesting a superior and more efficient use of the plant's physiological resources. At the same time, we seized that the total yield is not strictly determined by the number of fruits, reflecting differences among cultivars in terms of fruit size and average fruit weight. This aspect and results could be explained by the fact that the analysed plants are still young and have not yet reached their maximum biological fruiting potential.
Grape polyphenols are essential components that determine the quality and benefits of derived products, contribute to organoleptic characteristics (color, aroma, taste) and have remarkable antioxidant properties. The research aimed to compare black grape varieties from Murfatlar wine center to assess if their winemaking pomace is a good polyphenols source for food fortification. The varieties Mamaia, Babeasca Neagra and Pinot Noir were especially selected, as they are not intensely coloured varieties and are usually not valorized for polyphenol extraction. During 2024 the grape ripening process was monitored and the must and the fresh, unfermented, pomace were analysed using the ITV method. The following parameters were determined: total polyphenol content, extractable anthocyanin concentration, total anthocyanin potential, total polyphenol index and antioxidant activity. The results indicated that Pinot Noir exhibited the highest values, with total polyphenols of 1022.3 mg GAE/L, 385.4 mg/L anthocyanins, and 36.2% antioxidant activity, followed by Babeasca Neagra and Mamaia. These findings highlight the remarkable potential ofPinot Noir for pomace utilization, while also demonstrating the usability of the other varieties in enhancing the valorization of winemaking by-products.
Plant Genetic Resources Bank Buz & abreve;u owns a rich collection of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) varieties, predominantly ornamental cultivars, which are part of the institution's activity. Among these genotypes, two varieties with distinct phenotypic expressivity have been obtained as a result of intensive breeding work: L1, a cultivar with multiple uses, appreciated for its ornamental characteristics, and L2, which stood out for its earliness and high fiber production capacity. Biometric determinations revealed specific characteristics: L1 with an average height of 57 cm and mass/ boll 6.61 g and L2 with an average height of 109 cm and mass/ boll of 8.53 g. L1 was obtained from the crossing of the Romanian variety known as Br & acirc;ncoveni and a local population from India and the L2 cultivar was based on the Adelin variety, one of the first cotton varieties in Romania. The present paper highlights the research carried out on the stabilization of two phenotypically distinct genotypes, to be approved and patented under the aegis of BRGV Buzau.
Alien plants from Romania have drawn the attention of researchers since the beginning of this millennium. A first attempt to create an inventory of alien species in the flora of Romania was made about 20 years ago. In less than 10 years, the number of such plants included on the list has increased by about 35%. Annually, contributions are made to the spread of these taxa or new taxa are mentioned for the adventitious flora of Romania. In this paper, the author discusses certain alien taxa that develop on areas located in southern Romania (especially in Oltenia). The following species are analyzed: specimens collected in the field are deposited in the Herbarium of the University of Craiova.
This study investigated plum cultivar 'Centenar' (Prunus domestica L.) from an orchard located in north-eastern Romania, using high-precision techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The research aimed to characterize the structural and chemical dynamics of the fruits during three phenological stages: early growth phase (BBCH 71), ripening phase (BBCH 74), and maturity (BBCH 89), in relation to the use of conventional methods and treatments. FTIR analysis allowed the identification of chemical composition variations, particularly in the content of polysaccharides, pectins, and phenolic compounds, illustrating the impact of treatments and growth stage on the biochemical profile. In addition, SEM allowed a detailed observation of fruit microstructure, revealing differences in cell integrity, a factor correlated with mechanical durability and postharvest keeping capacity. This study's results provide particularly valuable insights into the interactions between the applied treatments and fruit quality, contributing to the development of optimized agricultural strategies for plum cultivation under specific pedoclimatic conditions.
The cultivars from the Top series of the breeding program Dr. Jacob, Geisenheim, Deutschland are now widespread in almost all European countries. They are of interest for modern, sustainable plum production. The data we present are from the Troyan region, an experimental field of the RIMSA. The plantation was established in 2008, with the varieties of the fruits, as well as the color parameters of the fruit skin and fruit flesh in 2021 and 2024 were studied. It has been established that the mid-ripening varieties Topgigant Plus, Topfive, Tophit have larger fruits (40-50 g). Late-ripening varieties are characterized by a very high content of dry matter and total sugars and a low content of organic acids. This makes them extremely suitable for processing, given the small mass of the fruit (Topking, Topper). The color of the fruit skin in all varieties is dark blue, with shades of purple and dark purple. The fruit flesh is yellow, juicy, sweet.
This paper presents the results of the research concerning the influence of two vermicompost granulations, C1<2 mm and C2>2 mm, obtained by sieving, on bacterial and fungal diversity and community structure. Both bacteria and fungi have colonized the vermicompost granulation C2>2 mm with higher counts as compared with C1 fraction. Global microbial activity was expressed by higher values of soil respiration in C2 granulation (123.809 mg CO2 x 100 g(-1)soil) as compared to 116.833 mg CO2 x 100 g(-1)soil in C1 granulation. A rich bacteria population with high diversity (H'=2.104 bits) and homogeneity (s=0.662) was found in C2 granulation. C1 granulation contained a less diverse bacteriobiome, with H'=1.750 bits and s=0.594. Fungi presented lower biodiversity values than bacteria. Conditions from C1 were more favourable than those from C2 granulation (H'=0,921 bits, s=0.324 in C1 and H'=0.403 bits, s=0.089 in C2 fraction). Bacterial microflora from C1 granulation was dominated by Bacillaceae, accompanied by Pseudomonas and actinomycetes and a mix of species (Bacillus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter and actinomycetes) in C2 granulation. In both fractions identified strong cellulolytic species (Fusarium, Scopulariopsis, Penicillium, Cladosporium).
Cultivation of blueberries is of great importance nowadays due to the high antioxidant content of the fruits and for a healthy diet. Given the high demand for fruits on the domestic and foreign market, the use offruits in current consumption and in the processing industry, the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), has become a species ofinterest both globally and in Romania in recent years. Therefore, there are currently numerous breeding programs, carried out in most countries with advanced fruit growing, based on specific breeding objectives aimed at creating new valuable blueberry varieties. In this paper, 17 blueberry varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) from the Experimental Field of the Faculty of Horticulture in Bucharest were analysed, within the blueberry variety collection established in 2018. The results presented are important for farmers, providing them with the information they need to cultivate such varieties according to market preferences. The analysed varieties can be included as gene sources in the blueberry breeding program carried out at UASVMBucharest.
This research presents the crop evapotranspiration and investigates the effects of drip irrigation and fertigation on white strawberry fruits (diameter and number of fruits per plant). A two-factor experiment was conducted during 2023 and 2024 in an unheated greenhouse in the Chelopechene experimental field, Sofia, Bulgaria with drip irrigated and fertigated strawberry cultivar (Fragaria x ananassa 'Snow White'). The irrigation and the fertilization factors were applied in two rates: I1 - 75% (ETc) I2 - 50% (ETc), F1: optimal fertilization N8.09P12.76K15.62; F2 - suboptimal fertilization - 75% (F1). Total strawberry evapotranspiration was 380.99 mm for 2023 season and 416.34 mm for 2024 season. The results showed that the highest mean fruit diameter (d) was obtained from I1F2 treatment (22.23 mm) in 2023 and 21.55 mm in 2024 from I1F1. There was a significant reduction (12%) in fruit diameter (d) in the second growing year (2024) in the most unfavourable growing treatment (I2F2). The fruit weight reduction from I2F2 treatment was 31% in 2024. The highest mean number of fruits per plant was obtained from I1F1 treatment - 60.97 pcs in 2023 - 2024.As opposed to fruit sizes and fruit weight the fruits number per plant increased. The fruits number per plant increasing from I1F1 treatment was 84% in 2024.
The study was conducted at the Fruit Growing Institute in Plovdiv to establish the influence of different fertilizer rates on the growth, nutritional and physiological status of apple plants of the Florina cultivar, grafted on M9 rootstock, grown in containers (10 l). Variants of the experiment are Variant I-Control (not fertilized), Variant II-N1.3P0.3K0.7Mg0.1, Variant III-N2.7P0.7K1.3Mg0.3 and Variant IV-N(4.3)P(1.1)K(2.)1Mg(0.4). In fertilized variants, plants with a height of 144.11 to 152.14 cm and a stem diameter of 9.63 to 10.09 mm were obtained. The plants of the control variant reached average values for height of 92.38 cm and 6.95 mm for stem diameter. The plants of low fertilizer rate were distinguished by the largest volume of the root system (99.44 cm(3)). There is a pronounced tendency for a direct increase in nitrogen with increasing fertilizer rate. The experimental data obtained showed that the low fertilizer rate (N1.3P0.3K0.7Mg0.1) was optimal and led to the production of high-quality apple planting material suitable for establishing fruit orchards.
The rootstock exerts an important influence on the quality of the grapes, affecting the level of production through the vigor given to the vinifera variety. The research was carried out between 2020 and 2024, in a plantation with the Feteasc & abreve; neagr & abreve; variety grafted on rootstocks: 125AA, 2C, RG, 71C, SO4-4, 5BB, 140 Ru, 57D, 26C. Compared to the average (2020-2023), grape production in 2024 decreased by +1.117 kg/vine in the case of SO4-4 rootstock and by 0.464 kg/vine in the RG rootstock. The multiple comparison between rootstocks indicates that the 57D, 71C and 2C rootstocks achieved statistically assured positive production differences compared to the 125AA, 26C and RG rootstocks. Due to the accentuated hydric deficit and a high heliothermic regime characteristic of 2024, the concentration of the sugars varied between 262.9 g/l tartric acid at rootstock 57 D and 241.7 in the case of rootstocks 2C, RG, 26 C and SO4-4, to the detriment of the total acidity with variations between 3.9 g/l tartaric acid (57 D) and 5.7 g/l tartaric acid (125 AA and 2 C).
