The present experiment was intended to test the hypoglycemiant effect of an alcoholic extract of roots or of the fruit seeds from “in vitro” regenerated Momordica charantia Linn. plants grown at USAMVB Timisoara. Diabetes was induced to domestic rabbits by administrating alloxan in dose of 80 mg/ kg body weight. In diabetic rabbits the glycemia decreased by 15.93% ten hours after the administration of the alcoholic extract in dose of 2 ml/kg body weight; the seeds of Momordica charantia Linn. reduced glycemia by 27.42% when administered in dose of 1.5 g/kg body weight. In alloxan recuperated rabbits, 5 hours after administration of the seeds, glycemia dropped 19.26%. The “in vitro” regenerated plants of Momordica charantia Linn. keep their hypoglycemiant effects.

Different species of nanoparticles are of special interest through the perspective of nanobiotechnologies in agriculture as they can be used for controlling plant growth, effective use of nutrients and plant resistance to various stresses factors. The present studies explored the effect of a biocompatible aqueous magnetic nanofluid (MNF) with Fe3O4 nanoparticles on wheat seedling, Triticum aestivum L. ssp. vulgare, Alex cultivar. The magnetic nanofluid was added in different concentrations (0.0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) for obtaining water solutions which were used for treating wheat grains by imbibition. Wheat seedlings, aged 10 days, were analyzed in terms of biomass accumulation, soluble carbohydrate content and rate of weight loss by drying under controlled conditions. The parameters analyzed describe the total drying time (T-t), the drying time needed for reaching the maximum weight loss rate (t(m)), medium rate (RWLavg) and maximum rate (RWLmax) of weight loss. Total drying time was higher (p<0.01) in the variants treated with MNF (1515.00 +/- 45** - 1725.00 +/- 25*** seconds) than in the control variant (1380.00 +/- 60 seconds). RWLmax was lower under the influence of MNF (0.336 - 0.432 g/min) compared to the control variant (0.462 g/min), p<0.01.

Momordica Charantia also known as bitter melon, is used in traditional medicine for its antidiabetic, anticancer and antiviral properties. It is known that a large number of pathological damage is caused by reactive oxygen species. Plant polyphenols with antioxidant capacity can neutralize these reactive chemical species preventing the damage of cellular functions. The aim of our study was to determine the antitumor effects, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and protein concentrations of ethanol and aqueous extracts of M charantia sprouts. The ethanol and aqueous extracts antiproliferative potential was observed in dose dependent manner. We observed an increase of antioxidant activity in the case of ethanol extract showed by decrease of absorbance. In aqueous extract we did not found significant differences regarding antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content of both extracts increased proportionally with concentration. Analysis by Lowry method showed an increased content of proteins in both aqueous and ethanol extract compared to results obtained by Bradford assay. The study suggests that both extracts may be considered a source with bioactive properties which could be of interest for pharmaceutical use.

Fusarium graminearum is the main causal agent of fusarium head blight (FHB) in Europe. The ability of this fungi to produce various types of trichothecene mycotoxins, principally including nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-AcDON) and 15-aceyldeoxynivalenol (15-AcDON) has become of increasing international importance in recent years because of the great impact on the world food production. In order to investigate the chemotypes based on molecular analysis, 40 isolates were analyzed. The identity of Fusarium species were determined using morphological criteria and then were confirmed using species-specific primers and 1-alpha (TEF) gene sequencing; the chemotypes wereevaluated based on specific Tri13, Tri7 and Tri 3sequences of the trichothecene gene cluster. Thirty-four from the forty Fusarium graminearum isolates were placed in DON and 15-AcDON chemotype. As expected, the chemotype 3-AcDON was not identified. For the first time the NIV chemotype was identified in Romania for Fusarium graminearum one isolate had NIV-DON and one NIV chemotype. In the same time it was demonstrated on that any polymorphisms appeared in the specific sequences for fungal or chemotype identification could fail the molecular evaluation, therefore the biochemical analysis are still necessary if the aim is to control the cereal market.

The study aims to: (1) determine fatty acids in Linum usitatissimum oil, in order to be, at least, protective and nutritive for human skin, in topical application, (2) evidencing the sebum-reducing capacity of linum oil, compared to a olive oil as control (without expected activity on seborrhea), (3) assessment of the linseed oil tolerance of the skin and (4) observation of a possible improvement of skin texture (a result of skin hydration), for the cases of seborrhea sicca (dry). Linseed oil was obtained from the seeds of the Alexin cultivar grown in the Didactic Station Timisoara of Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara in 2013. The cutaneous study benefited from the enrollment for testing of 24 healthy female volunteers, aged between 18 and 46, with oily, seborrheic complexion, and the sebaceous glands were assessed in terms of numbers and dimensions, by using the apparatus Proderm Analyser (NU SKIN, Provo, UT, USA). We concluded that linseed oil is substantially a sebaceous secretion-reducing agent, for carefully selected cases.

Paulownia is a multipurpose tree species with a rapid growth which is cultivated in several temperate zones worldwide for its economic importance. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of different alkanolamine salts of 4-nitrobenzoic acid on in vitro callus induction and plant regenerating in Paulownia shan tong.The alkanolamine salts, namely methylethanolamine 4-nitrobenzoate (4-NO2BA MMEA), diethanolamine 4-nitrobenzoate (4-NO2BA DEA) and triethanolamine 4-nitrobenzoate (4-NO2BA TEA) are new synthesized compounds with biological activity and low toxicity. The influence of title compounds on sprout length, number of internodes, number of leaves and number of ramifications has been studied at two different concentrations: 1 mg/L respectively 0.5 mg/L. The experimental data show that new tested compounds have a better growth effect on plant vegetable parties in report to control, the most eloquent results being obtained for 4-NO2BA MMEA. For callus induction 2,4-D hormonal balances were attempted and the development of callus was examined at two different concentrations. An induced callus development was observed regarding callus dimensions for all explants inoculated on culture medium supplemented with 2,4-D.

Because of the high content of active principles and better bioavailability of nutritional compounds, sprouted grain flours are used in functional and dietary foods composition. Using white wheat flour, germinated wheat flour in different percent and Momordica charantia extract (with hypoglycemic effect), we obtained a dietary product, the MOMGERMBISC biscuits, which was characterized in terms of nutritive and energetic contribution. Proximate composition (humidity, protein content, fat content, ash, alkalinity) was determined according SR ISO methods. Also, it was determined the carbohydrate content and energy value of biscuits. The product is distinguished by a protein and lipid content, comparable with simple biscuits, but with an increased intake of minerals. The energy value of the biscuits with the addition of germinated wheat flour falls within the range between 449.1 and 453.44 kcal. The carbohydrate content of the biscuits with the addition of M.charantia and sprouted wheat is between 67.1 and 70.61%. The content of carbohydrates and energetic value is reduced, the product being recommended in hypoglycemic diet.

The main objective of the present study is establishing the chemical composition and minimum concentration of essential oil (EO) extracted from Thymus vulgaris L., T. serpyllum L., and Satureja montana L., which induce the mycelial growth inhibition of Verticillium dahliae and Penicillium aurantiogriseum fungi. In vitro testing on CYGA (chloramphenicol-yeast-glucose-agar) medium, with additional oil at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 15 mg/L concentrations and inoculated with harvested plugs from a young mycelium, pointed out a different reaction of the fungus depending on the oil types and concetrations used. The minimum concentration that ensure inhibiting of mycelial growth for V dahliae with significant differences compared to control is 0.25 mg/L for all types of EO. P aurantiogriseum proved sensitivity at 0.25 mg/L for T vulgaris, and S. montana EOs and 0.5 mg/L for T. serpyllum EO.

Despite substantial progress in understanding the genetic basis for differences in morphology, physiology, and behavior, many phenotypes of interest are difficult to study with traditional genetic approaches because their origin traces to deep nodes in the tree of life. Moreover, many species are not amenable to either large-scale sampling or laboratory crosses. We argue that phylogenetic methods and theory provide tremendous power to identify the functional genetic variation underlying trait evolution. We anticipate that existing statistical comparative approaches will be more commonly applied to studying the genetic basis for phenotypic evolution as whole genomes continue to populate the tree of life. Nevertheless, new methods and approaches will be needed to fully capitalize on the power of clade-scale genomic datasets.

The reuse of agricultural waste is essential to mitigate environmental pollution problems. Consequently, this work focused on the valorization of the most extensive olive processing residue, alperujo, in terms of its ability to interfere with the virulence processes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus contaminating food and reference strains. The activity of alperujo extracts of different polarities on virulence factors producing bacteria, and its relationship with antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic content was comparatively evaluated. The results indicated that the polar extracts significantly reduced the biofilm formed by both bacteria. They were also able to act against a previously formed biofilm by reducing its biomass and the cells’ metabolism. Ethanolic extracts, rich in polyphenolic compounds, exhibited antioxidant capacity and Quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum. Additionally, they limited the spread of P. aeruginosa by restricting swarming and swimming movements. They also interfere in other QS controlled phenotypes like elastase and pyocyanin. The antipathogenic ability of the polar extracts could be mainly due to the synergistic effect of several phenolic compounds identified by LC–MS/MS analysis, such as luteolin, vanillic acid hexoside, oleuropein and derivates, quinic acid, apigenin, among others. As a result, this study contributes to the developing of sustainable strategies to revalorize a polluting waste into a value-added byproduct that could be used in the food and sanitary industries.

The nutritional value of sprouted grain flour (sprouted grains) is given by many active principles: oligosaccharides, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, microelements etc., making it a very valuable raw material for food, pharmaceuticals and diets. The aim of our study was the biochemical characterization of flour obtained from germinated cereals (wheat, barley and oats) carried out for the proteins content, the lipids content and the B1 B2 and B3 vitamins content. There were performed graphical representations for these biochemical characteristics from germinated and non-germinated cereals flours. The flour obtained from germinated Capo wheat genotype had the highest content of proteins (20,98 g/100 g flour) and lipids (11,12 g/100 g flour). Flours derived from non-germinated grains had significantly lower values of proteins and lipids content than those obtained from germinated cereals. Flour from IPZ 807 germinated barley variety had the highest content of B1 and B2 vitamins (0,040 mg/100 g and 0,254 mg/100 g) and flour made from germinated Capo wheat genotype had the highest B3 vitamin content (1,875 mg/100 g) to all other studied genotypes. These flours may be used in food and in pharmaceutical preparations.

The deciphering of the metabolic pathway which induce the multileaflet trait in alfalfa it is of great importance due to the economic importance of the high biomass and the increased protein content. For this purpose the knox genes involved in meristem development and leaf morphogenesis were investigated. Thus, the knox genes expression were comparative analyzed for trileaflets plant and multileaflet ones in order to determine their specific involvement in leaf development using the semi quantitative one-step RT-PCR method. Four types of tissues were investigated: shoot tips, young leaves, old leaves and roots to determine the knox genes function in different stages of tissues development. It turned out that the average of the knox genes expression for all of the experimental variants was significantly higher for the mulileaflet plants, compared with the trileaflet ones.

The selection of plant tissues with a good capacity of cells multiplication is necessary to obtain the important secondary metabolists by in vitro cellular biosynthesis. The aim of our researches is to select some tissue lines with a good proliferation capacity, to obtain an important cell biomass at bitter melon. We use two in vitro culture systems, liquid and solid culture medium, with various hormonal balances and explants. Cotyledonary callus manifest the better capacity of growth on 1,5 mg/l ANA + 1 mg/l BAP hormonal balance in MS solid medium.

The tissue lines derived from the Arieeni, Retezat and Valea Sebeului bilberry genotypes grown on a WPM medium supplemented with 40, 60 and 80 mg/l AS, were subject to molecular analysis through amplification of DNA samples with ISSR and RAPD primers. The results of agarose gel electrophoresis of the amplification products show the existence of significant differences in the model of polymorphic bands obtained from tissue lines, compared to the mother plant. Based on the obtained results, the presence of somatic variability, induced in the tissue lines under the influence of AS, is emphasized. It consists in the absence of binding sites of the HB-12 ISSR marker compared to the mother plant. Considering the statements in the specialty literature, concerning the mutagenic effect of growth, we can state that AS caused changes within the DNA level in the bilberry calluses selected by us under the experimental conditions.

Different Fusarium species are associated with fusarium head blight (FHB), a disease complex of wheat, maize, barley and another cereal. There are major differences among Fusarium species in their ability to cause disease, to produce mycotoxins and to spread in different environmental conditions. Most of the species can be found in much of the geographical area affected by FHB, but individual species usually dominate a specific region and F. graminearum dominates in most regions. The current study has been performed to find a relation between climatic condition from Timis County and the prevalence of specific Fusarium species, all collected data having useful implications in the development of climatic models. Fusarium graminearum is the dominant species (75%) in Timis County.

Sprouted grain flour (sprouted grains) is rich in many active principles (oligosaccharides, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, microelements), making it a very valuable raw material for food, pharmaceuticals, diets, etc. The aim of our study was the biochemical characterization of flour obtained from germinated cereals (wheat, barley and oats) carried out for the glucose content, the content of total polyphenols and total antioxidant activity. There were performed two-dimensional diagram for biochemical characteristics from germinated cereals flours. The flour obtained from IPZ 807 barley genotype had the highest content of glucose (5.33 mg/g flour). A significantly lower content of glucose was found in the flour obtained from the varieties of oats (Jeremy and Lovrin 1) and the doubled haploid DH 295-3 barley line. These flours can be used in hypoglucidic diets. Flour from IPZ 807 germinated barley variety had the highest content of polyphenols (3.305 μM/ml gallic acid) and flour made from Hyproly barley genotype had highest total antioxidant capacity (20.52 μMTrolox/g) to all other studied genotypes. These flours may be used in food and in pharmaceutical preparations. Keyw ords: germinated cereals, flour, glucose, polyphenols, content, antioxidant, capacity

In vitro cells culture is a good method to induce somatic variability in plants. The selection of plant tissues with a good capacity of cellular biosynthesis is necessary to obtain the important secondary metabolites by in vitro culture system. In our experiments we used biochemical methods to evaluate the variability induced by in vitro callus culture at three blueberry populations native in Romania. Callus obtained from Arieseni, Retezat and Valea Sebesului populations, on WPM medium was sub-cultured in presence of ANA, BAP and AS. Antioxidant capacity using the FRAP method, glutathion (GSH), total anthocyanin, macroelements, microelements and heavy metals contents from callus lines selected were investigated. The AS concentration positively affects the activity of glutathione, with a significantly positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.54, p <0.05). The use of this hormone facilitates the obtaining of blueberry callus biomass with an increased antioxidant activity. There was also found a strong positive correlation between the total content of anthocyanin and FRAP values (r = 0.60, p <0.05) and a positive correlation with the level of GSH, respectively (r = 0.47, p <0.05).