Even if there are certain EU development programs, agri-food resources are used today without an adequate strategy in terms of food safety and regional/state food security.Significant volumes of edible parts of agri-food products are lost - increasing food waste, in conditions where certain climate changes and possible economic crises may block the recovery of some production systems.Moreover, promoting a circular economy, recovering valuable bio-compounds from certain agri-food products and using them in the development of functional foods, could contribute to sustainable development and increased life expectancy.The paper presents a case study that highlights how a series of valuable bio-compounds (less used today) can be recovered from agri-food products and used within innovative eco-friendly technologies - in the development of functional foods beneficial to the consumer's health.Using non-polluting and efficient methods, innovative technologies were obtained that led to the production of food supplements with real effects in certain metabolic disorders (metabolic syndrome). Technologies that used electro-chemical, bio-chemical and spectral analysis methods (SFE, AAS, UV-VIS, analysis of the activity of some oxidoreductases, bio-membrane activation techniques) produced outstanding results reaching a validated TRL5 level.As a result of the application of these technologies, safe and innocuous food supplements and functional foods were obtained from previously unused by-products
Researches regarding the effect of some fungicides on the physiological processes were performed on Syringa vulgaris L. attacked by Erisiphe syringae Schwein., in Oltenia region. This causes powdery mildew, a common fungal disease on leaves, young branches, and occasionally on fruits, of various agricultural and ornamental plants. The physiological researches were carried out in the leaves of plants after treatments with fungicide and the leaves of plants attacked by the pathogen in which treatments with fungicide have not been performed. In the leaves of the plants attacked by the pathogen, in comparison with the leaves of plants after treatments with fungicide, it was observed that the physiological processes’ intensity during the day has lower values as a result of the formation of a fine mycelium felt on the surface of the leaves, under which the tissues turn brown, the leaves distortion, wilting and drying out. In the leaves of the Syringa vulgaris L. attacked by the pathogen there were recorded lower values of chlorophyll content, fact which correlates with the intensity of photosynthesis.
Soil preparation for wheat crop establishment has a complex influence on its physical, chemical and biological properties, having a direct impact on agricultural production. The present work aimed to analyze the effect of germination bed preparation methods on wheat sowing operations and, subsequently, on the degree of plant emergence. The studies were carried out in the southwest of Dolj County, in Brabova commune, on the lands of an agricultural holding. The experiment was carried out on a total area of 6 hectares, divided into three distinct plots, each of two hectares. The following germination bed preparation and sowing methods were applied on these plots:Plot 1 (TAV): Conventional works for autumn sowing, on a land covered with corn plant residues, followed by a chopping work.,Plot 2 (LDG): Light tillage with heavy disc harrows on a field covered with rapeseed residues.,Plot 3 (LGR): Tillage with a vertical rotor harrow after the sunflower precursor crop had flowered.Immediately after the preparation work, a series of essential soil characteristics were determined for each plot, including: soil moisture, degree of fragmentation, degree of compaction, optimum moisture depth (moisture line) and uniformity of seed embedment depth. The research will continue throughout the entire vegetation cycle by monitoring the evolution of the crop and will end with the evaluation of the final wheat production obtained.
This study was conducted in the experimental field cultivated with peanuts at Research and Development Station for Plant Culture on Sands Dabuleni during the period 2023-2024. The objective of this study was to determine some agronomic characteristics of some peanut genotypes used in the breeding process. In this study, five indigenous peanut genotypes and six foreign genotypes were used as plant material, arranged in randomized blocks with three replications. According to the average results over two years, the number of pods per plant of the peanut genotypes varied between 26.4-35.5 pods per plant, the weight of the pods per plant between 57.8-88.2 g per plant, the weight of 1000 grains between 657.5-951.5 g, the peeling percentage between 63-67.3 %, and the average pod production between 2539-5828 kg/ha.
In Bulgaria, the most widespread leguminous crop is common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Its cultivation is concentrated in Northern and Northeastern Bulgaria, which determines the regional focus of the breeding programmes. The modern approach to genetic improvement of common bean is based on the development and purposeful testing of new genetic plasma under the specific soil and climatic conditions of the respective regions. This strategy ensures high adaptability, stability and effective use of new varieties in practice. Climate change necessitates the adaptation of agronomy practices – sowing dates, mineral fertilization, use of herbicides and biostimulants, as well as evaluation of different growing systems. Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute (DAI) is Bulgaria’s national centre for common bean breeding. Since the 1950s, 24 varieties have been developed, four of them released after 2015. The main breeding directions are developing varieties with habit type suitable for mechanised harvesting, improved morphological and quality traits, resistance to economically important diseases and tolerance to abiotic stress factors. In the context of global warming and changing climatic conditions, new challenges are posed to breeding, agronomy and sustainable bean production in Bulgaria. This review presents the current status of scientific research and breeding achievements in Bulgaria related to the resistance of the leguminous crops to biotic stress under conditions of climate changes.
Our ancestors propagated vines by stem cuttings. This custom lasted until the introduction of phylloxera, an insect from the aphid family, to Europe, which decimated noble vines. The first measures were desperate, including placing a toad at the root of the vine, treating it with sulfur, growing it on beach sand, or flooding it. The hybridization of noble vines with American wild vines in bloom led to the emergence of direct-producing hybrids; these produced inferior wine. Grafting European noble vines onto phylloxera-tolerant rootstocks was the accepted method worldwide. After 100 years, phylloxera disappeared because it had nowhere to live. Can we return to propagation by cuttings? This article invites a debate.
As a result of the field study of the flora of the Stana Plateau conducted in 2024-2025, a significant taxonomic diversity of spontaneously distributed vascular plants was established: 663 species, which belong to 356 genera and 74 families. In the taxonomic structure of the flora, the predominant part of the families and genera on the territory of the plateau are represented by a small number of lower taxa - from 1 to 4. The large number of floristic elements (44 in number) is due to the transitional natural-geographical location of the plateau. All possible life forms have been identified, with the predominant ones being those that are characteristic of forest habitats and anthropogenically influenced territories in the region. All possible biological types have been established in the composition of the flora, with perennial herbaceous plants prevailing, which are characteristic of all plant communities on the plateau. The economically valuable plant species on the plateau have a variety of uses: obtaining herbs, obtaining fruits, honey plants, and wood production. A large number of anthropophytes (370 species) and invasive alien plant species (17 species) have been identified, of which 3 species pose the greatest threat to the natural flora and arable land on the plateau. The number of ornamental plants and species grown as forest crops is significant, due to the use of the plateau for recreation near the town of Novi Pazar.
Recently the soil erosion phenomenon, materialized by soil loss has been emphasized by climatic variations, namely the lack of precipitation over extended periods of time, the immediate effect being the diminution of the obtained yields. Bromus inermis Leyss. species is a very well adapted to conditions of prolonged drought, it resembles high densities (1000-1100 plants per square meter) and is a species with high perenniality (it can hold over 10 years in the crop), and it can be used as a cultivated species to protect the soil from erosion. The solid leaks from the 4 monitoring plots were determined, ranging between 3.16 t·ha-1 at plot 2, cultivated with Bromus inermis Leyss. (100%) and 3.16 t·ha-1 at plot 1, the uncultivated control plot (2025-05-30) and between 3.16 t·ha-1 at plot 2, cultivated with Bromus inermis Leyss. (100%) and 3.16 t·ha-1 at plot 1, the uncultivated control plot (2025-07-20). In the plots where the species Bromus inermis Leyss. was sown, solid leaks determined were by 33.5-56.7% (2025-05-30) and 56.7-65.4% (2025-07-20) lower than in the control plot. The largest losses of hunus and soil nutrients were determined in plot 1 - control and plot 4 - Onobrychis vicifolia Scop. (100%), where adequate plants protection was not provided.
The paper presents data on the initiation of grapevine breeding programs in the Republic of Moldova and the history of the formation of the grapevine assortment. As a result of the crossbreeding programs and research conducted over the years, grapevine varieties with table and wine grapes resistant to unfavorable environmental factors were created and approved (Tudor, Guzun, Muscat de Bugeac, Viorica, Floricica, Meleag). Another important direction was to lay the foundation for the creation of seedless varieties with resistance to abiotic and biotic unfavorable environmental factors, adapted for cultivation in the temperate zone (Apiren roz, Apiren negru de Grozești, Apiren roz timpuriu). During the period 1980–2025, over 30 new varieties (18 table varieties, 11 wine, 7 seedless) obtained within the institute were homologated and introduced into cultivation in the republic, which contributed to the diversification of the grapevine assortment. Currently, in the recommended grapevine assortment, newly created autochthonous varieties constitute 46%.
The importance of strawberries, determined by the food value of the fruits, the possibilities of industrialization and fresh consumption, in a period when many fruits are lacking, to which are added the precocity, productivity and ecological plasticity, led to the expansion of this species. Regarding the ripening of the varieties, the earliest proved to be the Joly variety, followed by the Giusy variety with a semi-late precocity and the Monterey variety ripens later. The elements that are taken into account in assessing the quality of the varieties for fresh consumption, led to a small differentiation between the varieties. Following the accumulated score, all the researched varieties Joly, Giusy and the Monterey variety, stood out for their special qualities. Through this experience, we aim to improve the existing assortment, with the most valuable varieties in terms of productivity, quality and resistance to diseases and pests.
The paper presents the results of the physico-chemical characteristics of the typical preluvosol soil (SRTS, 2012) in the pedo-climatic conditions of Brebeni, Olt County (Romania) cultivated using two soil management systems: conventional (classical) and conservative (minimum tillage). Agrophysical profiles were made, from which soil samples were taken (physico-chemical on predetermined depths of 5-10 cm; 25-30 cm and 45-50 cm). The analyses and determinations carried out are in accordance with the standardized methodology commonly used in the ICPA Laboratories and those of the County Offices for Pedological and Agrochemical Studies. Minimum tillage technology has a positive influence on the preservation of organic matter and mobile potassium content, thus contributing to the improvement of chemical characteristics, being more favorable for soil fertility, compared to the classical (conventional) technology in which a slight increase of humus and mobile phosphorus is observed, but has disadvantages in the preservation of organic matter in the long term. On medium clay loam texture (5-10; 25-30 cm) and clay loam (45-50 cm), conservative technology (minimum tillage), improves the physical characteristics of the soil, thus, maintains a looser and porous structure on the surface, reduces compaction and improves soil permeability for water, creates a healthy environment for the development and growth of plant roots, influences the rate of water infiltration and leads to better soil aeration, these aspects are essential for soil health compared to conventional technology.
The maintenance of healthy status of a didactic apple tree orchard is very important for teaching students as well as for research purposes. Fungal diseases represent a significant threat to apple tree orchards, affecting both yield and fruit quality. The scope of this study was to evaluate the phytosanitary status of two apple orchards in the Rusciori Didactic and Research Farm, Sibiu County, for 2024 season, focusing on fruit brown rot caused by Monilinia fructigena (Aderhold & Ruhland) Honey.Thus, an old apple orchard (i.e. planted in 1960) and a new one (i.e. planted in 2019) were investigated. The analysis of our results proved that the older orchard was more susceptible, with an infection rate of 43.58%, an intensity of 11.21%, and a damage degree of 4.39%, compared to the new orchard where accordingly were recorded 15.40%, 2.86%, and 0.28%.Our preliminary study results support the idea that the age of apple tree can be a determinant factor for susceptibility to these diseases, that can be enhanced by some relevant environmental factors. Thus, it can be considered that high humidity, optimal temperatures range (15–25°C), and wind, may favour pathogen development, especially during the fruit ripening period. Preventive treatments applied within the framework of integrated disease management effectively reduced infection rates and consequently economic losses, particularly for the young orchard. Our preliminary study results highlight that the old orchard may act as primary inoculum sources, emphasizing the importance of cultural hygiene and timely interventions.
The geotechnical study resulted from the need to know the foundation soil in order to build a concrete platform. The geotechnical study includes geotechnical exploration works carried out in the area of the site in Bailesti, Dolj, in order to provide data regarding: the stratification of the land on the site, the physical-mechanical characteristics of the identified soils, the admissible pressures at different foundation levels, the framing of the excavations according to the TS standard, the freezing depth, the seismic framing, the hydrogeological data. It is found that the site is flat, with slight unevenness that favors puddles and the surface soil layer (0-6 m) is medium-good for foundations, consisting of clayey to sandy clayey, blackish to yellowish brown (0-1.7 m) and sandy clayey to sandy dusts below 1.7 m depth.
The paper aims to present the evolution of soils located on slope over 24 years by comparing data obtained through successive mapping in 2000 and 2024.The research aimed to characterize the soils in the upper third of the Valea cu Drum hydrographic basin, located on the right slope of the Slănic stream in Buzău county. Two successive pedological mappings were carried out in this area in 2000 and 2024. The soils in the studied area fall into two classes according to the Romanian Soil Taxonomy System: Chernozems ( luvic Chernozems and haplic Phaeozems) and Anthrosols (calcareous Anthrosols). These three soil types have the highest share in the hilly area of Buzău County. In the upper third of the left slope of the studied watershed, wide terraces were built between 1993 and 1996, with the following dimensions: platform height of 12 m, height of embankment and cut-off of 2.3 m, platform slope ip=10%, excavation volume (Vfill) was equal to that of filling (Vfill) of 10 m3/ ml with the aim of reducing soil losses through erosion. Through the pedological mapping carried out in 2024, the three main profiles were opened, in which the pedogenetic horizons were delimited through morphological analysis carried out in the field and soil samples were collected from each pedogenetic horizon for laboratory analysis: granulometric analysis, reaction, carbonate and humus content.The June-September 2024 interval is characterized by higher temperatures and lower precipitation, which characterizes a dry year from a climatic point of view. The air temperature values during the vegetation period recorded in 2024 are higher by 1oC in June, by 2.4oC in July, by 3oC in August and by 5.4oC in September compared to those recorded in 2000. Lower air temperature values in 2024 compared to those in 2000 were recorded in April by 1.4oC and in May by 3.6oC. The total amount of precipitation that fell during the vegetation period in 2000 is 321.6 mm compared to 247.3 mm in 2004, a difference of 74.3 mm showing a deficit of precipitation in 2024.The calcareous Anthrosols profile was located in the upper third of the terraced left slope, on the platform of the T2 terrace in the clearing, and has the profile: Aho-Ck. The haplic Phaeozems profile was located on the right slope of the watershed with hay use, having the profile: Amtk-ACk-Ck1-Ck2. The soil is slightly eroded. The luvic Chernozems profile was located on the left slope of the watershed and has the profile: Aom-AB-Bt1-Bt2-C, the soil is moderately eroded.
The species studied was the Uzambar violet or African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl.). To determine which the phenophase of the plants from which cuttings were collected influences the growth and flowering of the species, measurements were made regarding the number of leaves and the number of flowers. The number of leaves accurately reflects vegetative growth, while the number of flowers, of course, reflects the flowering capacity of the plants. The measurements were carried out over three consecutive years, at three different stages. The morphological characters studied refer to leaves and flowers, aiming to observe the correlation between these and certain biological or decorative traits. Biometric determinations and measurements were conducted through quantitative and qualitative research, and the calculations were made using statistical methods, variance analysis based on DL, that is, limit differences, an analytical method developed by R. A. Fisher. Cuttings harvested from young individuals produced plants with more leaves and flowers, thus with better growth and a much more attractive appearance.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is generally considered moderately resistant to drought conditions. However, in years characterized by low rainfall and high air temperatures, significant reductions in seed yield can occur. At the Fundulea location in south eastern Romania, the year 2024 was marked by drought and extreme heat, resulting in low seed yields among the 15 tested sunflower hybrids. Yields ranged from 611 kg/ha for hybrid H5E in the ExpressSun system to 1,299 kg/ha for hybrid H10CLP in the Clearfield Plus system. In contrast, more favourable climatic conditions in 2025 led to substantially higher yields, ranging from 1,579 kg/ha for hybrid H2E (ExpressSun) to 3,046 kg/ha for hybrid H11CLP (Clearfield Plus). These results demonstrate the pronounced impact of extreme heat and drought, particularly during the flowering and seed-filling phenophases, which are the most sensitive stages of sunflower development. Stress occurring in these phases limits pollination efficiency, seed set, and oil accumulation, ultimately leading to significant yield reductions.
This study examines the long-term transformation of pesticide use in Romania between 1990 and 2024, integrating official statistical data with field evidence from Vâlcea County. The analysis reveals a structural paradox: although total pesticide quantities have decreased sharply since 2000, the ecological pressure remains significant, shifting from high-dose fungicidal applications to persistent herbicide use. Herbicides now account for approximately 88.6% of total PPP active substance mass nationally, and 44.3% in Vâlcea County. This “herbicidal risk paradox” illustrates that “less active substance” does not automatically mean “less ecological risk.” A complementary field survey (n = 76) identifies a knowledge–practice gap among farmers, with only 48% regularly using protective equipment. The study concludes that quantitative reduction targets under the EU Farm to Fork Strategy are insufficient without Integrated Pest Management (IPM) adoption and enhanced farmer training.
Wastewater from the food industry is characterized by major changes in quality indicators, and their discharge into the natural water cycle causes contamination of the receiving basin. The most important categories of wastewater from sugar beet processing technology (in terms of quantity and quality) are represented by: wastewater resulting from the transport and washing of raw materials; wastewater resulting from the diffusion and pressing process; condensation water. Wastewater from the diffusion and pressing process is characterized by a high nutrient content. The discharge of these wastewaters into a receiving river can cause its rapid siltation, followed by rapid oxygen consumption. Due to the high temperatures specific to this category of wastewater, the discharge area in particular is likely to be completely devoid of oxygen. This process can also be accompanied by anaerobic fermentations (generating a specific unpleasant smell), as well as the development of biocenoses specific to dirty water. A first step in the treatment of wastewater from sugar beet processing technology consists of its decantation (in order to remove suspended matter). with or without coagulation. The process is carried out using decanters which can be: horizontal, vertical, radial or multi-stage. As a rule, vertical or radial decanters are used, which require a smaller installation space.
Continued population growth puts increasing pressure on agriculture. Although increasing crop yields remains an important goal of breeding programs, increasing attention is being paid globally to the nutritional quality of crops, which is important for human health. Conventional breeding to achieve this goal is time-consuming, expensive and laborious, but recent advances in genome editing technology offer a valuable alternative to these problems. CRISPR/Cas9 is one of the most successful genome editing tools (awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020), which allows precise and effective manipulation of genes in a living organism. In this paper, we summarize the main advances achieved in agriculture through CRISPR/Cas9, to improve crop quality (elimination of toxic compounds and allergens, enrichment with anthocyanins, extension of shelf life, etc.). We also presented their benefits for human health, as well as their regulation at the global level. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9 has immense potential in advancing the nutritional quality of crops and therefore, in promoting human health and food security.
Determining precise elevations by geometric leveling is a fundamental component in geodesy, civil engineering and cadastre.In Romania, the gradual transition to the normal elevation system, compatible with the European Vertical Reference System (EVRS), requires the application of modern methods for compensating geodetic networks.Free leveling networks are characterized by the absence of a point with fixed elevation, which requires special methodologies for numerical stabilization and additional conditioning to obtain a unique solution.The article analyzes the principles of normal elevations, the necessary gravimetric corrections, the mathematical model of free networks, as well as compensation methods such as LSQ, the Hansen–Helmert–Wolf method and SVD.A simplified numerical example, the interpretation of the compensated results and the advantages of using the normal system in current geodetic practice are presented. The paper reveals the central role of normal gravity, adjusted weights and regularization in ensuring the stability of the solution.Finally, the implications for Romanian networks and the prospects for alignment with EVRS are discussed.The altitude system used is the orthometric-spheroidal system, used in the past in Romania, which uses the geoid as a reference surface.
