The study evaluated the quality of the flowers of the species Liatris spicata (L.) Wild., in relation to the date of planting and the fertilization applied. Planting was done at three different times, March 6 (PD1), March 13 (PD2) and March 20 (PD3). At planting, and at the formation of the floral stem, vermicompost type fertilizers were applied, in solid (VC-S) and liquid (VC-L) form, independently and in combination (VC-S/VC-L). Nine experimental variants resulted, including the control variant (T1 to T9). At the time of flowering, plant height (PH), flower stem length (FSL) and spike flower length (SL) were evaluated. The highest value for plant height was recorded under the conditions of planting date PD1 and fertilization VC-S/VC-L (T1), PH=52.05 +/- 1.11 cm. In the case of flower stem length (FSL), the highest value was in the PD1 variant with VC-S/VC-L fertilization (T1), FSL=42.70 +/- 1.44 cm. The highest value for the length of the spike-shaped inflorescence (SL) was recorded for variant PD2 with VC-S/VC-L fertilization (T4), respectively SL=9.95 +/- 037 cm. Polynomial equations of the 2nd degree described the variation of SL in relation to PH (R2=0.968, p<0.001) and FSL (R2=0.862, p=0.00264). According to PCA, PC1 explained 92.907% of variance, and PC2 explained 7.093% of variance. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the variation of SL in relation to PH and FSL, as a direct and interaction effect. 3D and isoquants models, plane format, were obtained to describe the variation of SL in relation to PH and FSL.

This study evaluated the quality of rose flowers, based on the length of the floral stem, according to the cutting system, as a plant maintenance work. The researches were organized during 2017 -2018 at the Teaching and Research Base of the University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara. Six rose varieties were studied: Acapella (Aca), Barkarole (Bar), Double Delight (D De), Golden Elegance (G El), Lady in Purple (L Pu), and Pascali (Pas). Three cutting systems were performed, at two buds, at five buds, and at seven buds. The varieties Acapella, Barkarole and Golden Elegance provided flowers with a longer stem, and the varieties Double Delight, Lady in Purple and Pascali provided flowers with a shorter stem, in all three cutting systems. The system of cutting at two buds facilitated obtaining the longest flower stems (eg 118.00 cm for the Barkarole variety). On the basis of PCA (correlation), a diagram was resulted that contained the distribution of the experimental variants (represented by rose varieties) in relation to the cutting system (2; 5; 7 buds -as biplot). According to PCA, PC1 explained 93.597% of variance and PC2 explained 5.635% of variance. Cluster analysis generated a dendrogram of the variants association, based on the Euclidean distances, according to each cutting system (Coph.corr.=0.828 for cutting to 2 buds; Coph.corr=0.884 for cutting to 5 buds; Coph.corr=0.732 for cutting to 7 buds).

The study evaluated the vegetative propagation of geraniums, Pelargonium peltatum, under the influence of some bioactive substances. 10 products with biostimulatory effect were tested, along with a control variant: V1 (control, water treatment), V2 (Radifarm, 0.2%), V3 (Radistim, powder -cuttings treatment at planting), V4 (Ecopan-1, 1.5%), V5 (Legume extract 1, 1.5%), V6 (Aromatic plant extract, 1.5%), V7 (Legume extract 2, 1.5%), V8 (Ecopan-2, 1.5%), V9 (Bionat Plus, 1.5%), V10 (Dill Essential oil, 1/50), V11 (GMO Essential oil, 1/100). The uniform geranium cuttings, 10 cm long, and with a pair of leaves at the top, were placed on a peat-based rooting substrate. The rooting process was evaluated in terms of the roots number (RN) and the roots length (RL). The planting took place on February 20, and the determinations were made on March 6 (T1), March 13 (T2), March 20 (T3) and April 2 (T4). The variants V2 and V3 were highlighted, as roots number (RNV2=18.5 +/- 1.21, respectively RNV3= 11.5 +/- 1.21), and variants V10 and V6 as root length (RLV10=17.20 +/- 0.20 cm, respectively RLV6=16.10 +/- 0.20 cm). Strong, positive correlations were identified between RN-T3 and RN-T2 (r=0.795**), between RL-T3 and RL-T2 (r=0.801**), and between RN-T4 and RN-T3 (r=0.756**), in statistical safety conditions (** p<0.01). Based on PCA, PC1 confirmed 42.128% of variance, and PC2 confirmed 33.487% of variance. The values of the parameters RN and RL at the T4 moment (considered the end of the rooting process) were evaluated in relation to intermediate values (T2, T3) by regression analysis and equations were obtained in statistical safety conditions (R2 = 0.992 for RN, respectively R2 = 0.981 for RL, p <0.001 in both cases).

The present study analyzed the influence of some bioactive substances on vegetative propagation based on stem cuttings of Crassula ovata (Miller) Druce (jade tree). Stem cuttings were taken from the source plants for vegetation propagation. The cuttings were 5 cm long, 0.6 cm in diameter and had two pairs of leaves, with a high degree of uniformity. Three biostimulant products were used, Raiza, Rhyzo and Sangral, along with a control variant (Ct). A peat substrate, Klasmann TS3, was used for rooting. The cuttings treated with the biostimulating products and those from the control variant were placed on the rooting substrate on June 16, 2022. The number of roots (RN) and the length of roots (RL) were evaluated at three times during the study period; June 30 (t1), July 7 (t2) and July 14 (t3). The variation of RN and RL in relation to time (days) during the study period was described by polynomial equations of the 2nd degree, under statistical safety conditions (p<0.01). According to PCA, PC1 explained 60.665% of variance, and PC2 explained 26.216% of variance. Associated with the Sangral product were RN-t2 and RN-t3 parameters, and associated with the Raiza and Rhyzo products were RN-t1 parameters and especially root length, RL-t1, RL-t2 and RL-t3. Under the aspect of the increase in the formation of the number of roots, based on the recorded values, it was found that the Sangral product generated a stronger rooting (RN-t2-I = 4.92; RN-t3-I = 3.25), and with regard to the length of the roots (RL), the Rhyzo product generated the largest increases (RL-t2-I = 1.03 cm, respectively RN-t3-I = 1.49 cm).

In this study, the nutritional potential of some hazelnut varieties from the spontaneous flora of Romania was analyzed as a means to increase the sustainability of the local production. The chemical composition from hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) from spontaneous flora was determined in terms of mineral substances, protein, as well as essential and non-essential amino acids. The eight amino acids investigated had the following average values: Arg—0.68 g/100 g, Phe—0.415 g/100 g, Ser—0.277 g/100 g, Glu—0.188 g/100 g, Asp—0.133 g/100 g, Pro—0.038 g/100 g, and Lys—0.031 g/100 g. The average values of metal content were in the ranges: 88.39–146.98 µg·g−1 (Fe); 96.93–123.23 µg·g−1(Zn); 46.68–100.38 µg·g−1 (Cu); 26.00–87.78 µg·g−1 (Mn); 4.87–32.19 µg·g−1 (Ni); 1.87–2.84 µg·g−1 (Cr); and 1.29–1.86 µg·g−1 (Cd). Crude protein content values were in the range 16.33–22.31%. In order to harness this nutritional potential, the variety with superior quality indices was included, in the form of flour, in biscuit-type baked goods that were characterized from nutritional and sensory points of view. The results showed that the content of polyphenols increased with the addition of hazelnut flour, as did the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The flowering period of the crocus was studied in relation to the planting period and the growing subsfrate. The "Queen of the Blues" variety was used as biological material. Sand (Gs1), a mixture of sand and compost (Gs2) and garden soil (Gs3) were used as growing subsfrate. Crocus bulbs were planted on three different dates in 2020: October 20 (PD1), November 3 (PD2), and November 17 (PD3), simultaneously on each of the three types of subsfrate used. Flowering time (FT) was assessed in the spring of the following year (2021). By planting the bulbs on the three substrates at three different times, the whole experiment recorded flowering in the spring between March 2 and April 1, 2021, but differentiated depending on the planting date and substrate. The earliest flowering (March 2) was recorded in the case of planting on PD1Gs2 conditions. The latest flowering (March 22) was recorded in the case of planting on PD2Gs3 condition. The longest flowering time was recorded in the case of planting on PD1Gs2 condition, with a period of 29 days, between March 2 and March 30. Regression analysis facilitated the obtaining of models that described the variation of FT in relation to the time from the date of planting (PD) to the beginning of flowering (B-Flo), considered as T1, and the time from the date of planting (PD) to at the end of flowering (E-Flo), considered as T2. According to PCA, PC1 explained 81.613% of variance, and PC2 explained 18.387% of variance.

The present study evaluated the size of crocus flowers as an element of ornamental quality, depending on the biometric parameters of the plants, against the background of different growing substrates. Two types of crocus were studied: "Queen of the Blues" crocus and "Yellow" crocus. The plants were evaluated in terms of height (Ph, cm) at the beginning of flowering (Ph B-Flo) and at the end of flowering (Ph E-Flo). The size of the flowers (Fs) was evaluated based on the diameter (Fs, cm). Three different substrates were used: sand (V1), mixture of sand and compost (V2) and soil (V3). The bulbs were planted at t1 - mid-October (a), t2 - early November (b), and t3 - midNovember (c). There were 9 experimental variants: Via - sand at t1; V2a - sand and compost at t1; V3a - soil at t1; V1b-sand at t2; V2b - sand and compost at t2; V3b - soil at t2; Vic - sand at t3; V2c - sand and compost at t3; V3c - soil at t3. The size of the flowers (Fs) varied between 3.97 cm (V1c) and 5.07 cm (V2a) in "Queen of the Blue", respectively between 3.83 cm (V1c) and 4.07 cm (V2b) in "Yellow" crocus. 3D models and in the form of isoquants graphically represented the variation of Fs depending on the physiological parameters (Ph B-Flo and Ph E-Flo). The fs estimation safety was quantified by evaluating the degree of fit between the true values (RFs) and the predicted values (PFs). PC1 explained 79.234% of variance, and PC2 explained 19.046% of variance in the case of the "Queen of the Blues" crocus, and in the case of Yellow crocus, PC1 explained 88.851% of variance, and PC2 explained 8.8951% of variance.

Papaya fruits (Carica papaya L.) are valuable both as food, including concentrates and mixed beverages and in traditional medicine. The goal of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various parts of unripe and ripe papaya fruit from the DPPH· kinetics point of view. Peel, pulp, seed, and seed-pulp of unripe and ripe papaya fruits (¼ and >¾ level of ripening) were extracted with ethanol and monitored at 517 nm in the presence of DPPH·. The radical scavenging capacity (RSC) at various time ranges and DPPH· reaction rates for specific time intervals were determined. The highest RSC values were obtained for papaya pulp extracts, consistently higher for the ripe samples in comparison with the unripe ones (86.4% and 41.3%). The DPPH· rates significantly differ for the unripe and ripe papaya extracts, especially for the first time range. They are more than double for the ripe papaya. These values were 2.70, 4.00, 3.25, 2.75 μM/s for the peel, pulp, seed, seed-pulp extracts from the ripe papaya and only 1.00, 1.65, 1.40, 1.80 μM/s for the unripe samples. DPPH· kinetic approach can be useful for a fast and simple evaluation of the overall antioxidant properties of fruit extracts.

Known since ancient times, the apple remains one of the most appreciated fruits of temperate climate, contributing to a good functionality of the human body through its complex chemical composition, being recommended in the prophylaxis or control of many diseases, such as: liver, cardiovascular, renal, insomnia, rheumatic diseases et al. In Banat,.iria area in Arad County, is among the areas with tradition in the cultivation of this fruit species. This paper, part of a larger research conducted in a doctoral thesis, aimed at a comparative study of the fruit quality on apple cultivars found in the private orchards of several families in.iria area and cultivars purchased from various supermarkets in Arad and Lipova. The paper presents results on the fruits quality in three cosmopolitan cultivars: Starkrimson, Florina and Golden delicious, which could be purchased both from private orchards and from various stores. For example, in terms of the size and appearance of the fruit studied in the Starkrimsom cultivar, it was found that the fruit from three locations had higher values than those from the store; the content in mineral substances (g/100 g product) varied between 0.144 for the fruits in the store and 0.662. respectively 0.900 for the fruits from the same two locations; the sugar content had quite close values between samples, however, one of the private locations was highlighted (15.3oBrix); the total polyphenol content exceeded the value in the supermarket in four of the five locations. The fruit weight of Florina cultivar apples was higher than those from the supermarket, with one exception. The content in minerals and sugars exceeded in two locations the fruits from the store; while the polyphenols exceeded in all five private orchards the value of the fruits purchased from the store (1491.7 ppm compared to 650.9 ppm). In the Golden delicious cultivar, the appearance and fruit weight were superior in the case of those in the supermarket, but the content in mineral substances and in the sugars was higher for the local fruits than for those in the store. The polyphenols accumulated in the fruit exceeded in three of the five locations the value of those from the fruits purchased in the store.

The study evaluated the vegetation and quality parameters associated with chrysanthemum flowers. Four cultivars of chrysanthemums were studied, cultivated in protected conditions: 'Yellow Snowdon', 'Tom Pearce', 'Palisade' si 'Avignon'. Shoots height (SH) and shoots number (SN) were evaluated as vegetative parameters that express the vegetation state of the plants; the determinations were made at the beginning of August - T1 and at the beginning of September - T2. Flowers diameter (FD) and flowering time (FT) were also evaluated as floral quality indices. The 'Yellow Snowdon' and 'Palisade' cultivars had high shoot height, with significant differences (LSD5%, LSD1%). Regarding the number of shoots, significant differences were registered for the cultivars 'Tom Pearce', 'Palisade', 'Avignon' (LSD5%, LSD1%). Flowers dimension (FD), as a quality parameter, showed significant differences for the cultivars 'Palisade' (LSD0.1%), 'Yellow Snowdon' and 'Tom Pearce' (LSD1%, LSD5%). Longer flowering time was recorded for the 'Avignon' cultivar (58 days) and shorter for the 'Yellow Snowdon' cultivar (52 days). The regression analysis facilitated the obtaining of some equations, as models that described the variation of FD and FT in relation to vegetative parameters (SH and SN), in statistical safety conditions (p <0.001). It was found that a number of 2.223 shoots (SN-T1), respectively 2.765 shoots (SN-T2), provided large flowers. The height of the shoots of 27.191 cm (SH-T1) and 91.816 cm (SH-T2) showed optimal values in relation to the flowering time (FT).

The present study aimed to analyze and characterize five gladiolus varieties, based on flower quality parameters in relation to some vegetation indices. The studied gladiolus varieties were: 'Plumtart' (Plu), as control variant (Mt), 'Flower Song' (Flo_S), 'Tequendame' (Teq), 'Princess Margaret Rose' (PMR), and 'Praha' (Pra). For the comparative analysis of the five gladiolus varieties, vegetation indices and flower quality parameters were used: vegetation period until flowering (VPuF), plant height (PH), floral stem number (FSN), inflorescences length (IL), flowers number (FN), flowering time (FT), and total vegetation period (TVP). Inflorescences length (IL) recorded values between 30.33 cm for the 'Praha' (Pra) variety and 64.00 cm for the 'Flower Song' (Flo_S) variety. The flowers number (FN) in the inflorescence registered values between 12.50 for the 'Praha' (Pra) variety, and 19.17 for the 'Flower Song' (Flo_S) variety. Flowering time (FT) varied between 24 days for 'Praha' and 'Flower Song' varieties, and 28 days for 'Princess Margaret Rose' and 'Plumtart' varieties. The regression analysis facilitated the obtaining of equations that described the variation of the flowers number (FN) in relation to the flower stem number (FSN), and inflorescence length (IL), respectively the variation of FT in relation to VPuF and FSN, under statistical safety conditions. According to PCA, PC1 explained 90.243% of variance, and PC2 7.3695% of variance. Cluster analysis facilitated the grouping of the studied gladiolus varieties based on similarities in relation to the vegetative indices and floral quality parameters, in conditions of statistical safety (Coph.corr = 0.955).

The present study evaluated the vegetative propagation of Saintpaulia (African violets). Five genotypes of Saintpaulia were used: Saintpaulia ionantha Shades of Autumn (G1), Saintpaulia ionantha Zoja (G2), Saintpaulia ionantha Delft (G3), Saintpaulia ionantha Milky Way Trail (G4) and Saintpaulia ionantha Tongwenis (G5). Three growth substrates consisting of sand (San, Gsl), sand and peat (San/Pea, 1:1 mixture, Gs2) and perlite and peat (Per/Pea, 1:1, Gs3 mixture) were used. From the combination of genotypes with growth substrates, 15 experimental variants were obtained. The experiment was organized in a protected space, with 15 leaf cuttings on each variant, in three repetitions. The number of rooted shoots (Sn) and the length of the roots (Rl) were evaluated. Compared to the experience average, there were positive differences in statistical safety conditions for variants V2, V7, V8 and V14 (for LSD0.1%). Negative differences in statistical safety conditions were recorded in variants V3, V4, V6 and V15 (for LSD0.1%), and in variants V10 and V12 (for LSD1%). According to the PCA, PC1 explained 85.684% of the variance, and PC2 explained 14.316% of the variance. Cluster analysis led to the grouping of variants based on Euclidean distances, in relation to the values generated for Sn and Rl, in statistical safety conditions (Coph. corr = 0.784). The result was two distinct clusters, with several subclusters each. The analysis of SDI values found the highest level of similarity between variants GI-Gs1 and G4-Gs1 (SDI = 0.3607), followed by variants G2-Gs2 and G4-Gs1 (SDI = 0.4000), respectively by variants GG4-Gs2 with G5-Gs2 (SDI = 0.5900).

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is one of the most used fruit for beverages in Romania. The goal of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and discrimination of various parts of organic and non-organic apple varieties cultivated in the western region of Romania using the DPPH kinetics–PCA (principal component analysis) approach. Organic and non-organic apples were subjected to solid–liquid ethanol extraction. Core and shell extracts were mixed with DPPH· and spectrophotometrically monitored at 517 nm. Antioxidant activity and mean DPPH· reaction rate at various time ranges reveal significant differences between organic and non-organic samples, as well as apple parts. Organic core and shell extracts had higher antioxidant activities than the corresponding non-organic samples (74.5–96.9% and 61.9–97.2%, respectively, 23.5–94.3% and 59.5–95.5%). Significant differences were observed for the DPPH· reaction rate for the first ½ min, especially in the presence of organic core extracts (3.7–4.8 μM/s). The organic samples were well discriminated by DPPH· kinetics–PCA, the most important variables being the DPPH· reaction rate for the first time range. This is the first DPPH· kinetics–PCA approach applied for discriminating between organic and non-organic fruits and can be useful for evaluating the quality of such type of fruits.

This research evaluated the different products as growth media influence on some Mammillaria species propagation, in order to ornamental plants obtained. Some Mammillaria species were tested: Mammillaria elongata - Hel; Mammillaria mazatlanensis - Alma; Mammillaria neomystax - M.ne; Mammillaria obconella - Hob; Mammillaria prolifera - M.pr; Mammillaria spinigemmatus - M.sp; Mammillaria blanckii - HU Different substances, as growth media,were used: sand - San; garden soil - GS; perlite - Per; peat - Pea; hydroculture HydC; agar-based medium - InVitro. Based on these, resulted the experimental variants: San+GS - V1; Per+GS V2; Pea - V3; San+Pea - V4; HydC - V5; InVifro - V6. In Vifro method (V6) provided the best spread rate for most Mammillaria species tested, but Mammillaria neomystax recorded the best result in the V5 variant. Some Mammillaria species had good propagation rate in more growth media (eg. Mammillaria neomystax in V1 - San+GS; V4 - San+Pea; V5 - HydC), and others only in a growth media (eg. Mammillaria spinigemmatus in V6 In Vifro). Based on Principal Component Analysis, 56.171% of variance was explained by PC], and 25.00% of variance was explained by PC2. Cluster analysis, based on Euclidean distances, facilitated the grouping of the studied Mammillaria species, in conditions of statistical safety (Coph.corr. = 0.857). Mammillaria mazatlanensis (M.ma) and Mammillaria prolifera (M.pr) species, showed the highest degree of similarity, SDI = 2.027.

The study aimed to evaluate the quality of flowers in daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.) in relation to physiological indices and parameters and floral indices. The biological material was represented by five varieties of daffodils: 'Carlton, 'Ice Follies, 'St. Pafrickr, 'Dick Wilden' and 'Salome'. A series of physiological indices and parameters, and floral indices were evaluated that described the status of plants (plant height - PH, number of leaves - LN, length of leaves - LL), vegetation period (VP), flowering period (FP), and flowers size (FS). The flowering period (FP) expressed in days, recorded the values: FP = 13 days for 'Carlton', FP = 18 days for 'Ice Follies' FP = 9 days for 'St. Patrick', FP = 10 days for 'Dick Wilden', and respectively FP = 11 days for 'Salome'. Correlation analysis revealed very high, positive, correlations between FS and LN (r = 0.968), and between plant height (PH) and leaf length (LL) (r = 0.915). The variation of FS according to LN was described by a polynomial equation of degree 2, under conditions of R-2 = 0.938, p << 0.01. A 3D model of FS variation with respect to LN and FP was obtained, and a graphical representation in the form of isoquant, expressed a possible combination of LN and FP for optimum of FS. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) led to the distribution of the studied varieties in relation to the main quality parameters considered (VP, FP and FS). PC1 explained 43.701% of variance, and PC2 explained 39.003% ofvariance. Cluster analysis led to the grouping of daffodils varieties based on affinity with respect to flower quality indices (FP and FS) under statistical safety conditions, Coph.corr. = 0.924.

The aim of this research was to determine the behavior of some peach varieties from other countries when grafted on rootstocks currently used in our country, in order to find variants that are suitable for cultivating this species in Banat region conditions and in the context of climate changes that have been influencing the fruiting of peach trees in recent years. The fruit weight and the fruit size index were determined. The study was conducted during the year 2017 and 2018. In 2017, the fruit weight had values between 57.31 gin the 'Gold Dust' variety and 147.0 g in the 'Elbertina' variety and the size index had values between 44.0 in 'Gold Dust' variety and 63.45 in 'Desert Gold' variety. In 2018, the fruit weight had values between 85.32 gin the DS 62-193 genotype and 149. 83g in the Pirof Magdalena variety and the size index had values between 47.33 in 'Early Red' variety and 65.99 in 'Desert Gold' variety.

The present study evaluated the behaviour of three ornamental species through flowers, in off-season cultivation conditions, in order to optimize production parameters. The total time of flowering (Ttf) was described, for each species, by mathematical models, in relation to the temperature and plants height. The biological material was represented by the species: Lathyrus odoratus L.; Antirrhinum majus L., and Matthiola incana (L.) W.T. Aiton., respectively. The variation of the plant height, in the studied ornamental species, in relation to the temperature (T), was described by polynomial equations of degree 3, in safety statistical conditions (R-2 =0.975 for Lathyrus; R-2 =0.987 for Antirrhinum, and R-2 =0.971 for Matthiola, respectively). In relation to the biological specificity and the behavior in the off-season, the three species had different values for the total time of flowering (Ttf); Ttf = 19 days for Lathyrus; Ttf=166 days for Antirrhinum, and Ttf=210 days for Matthiola. Multiple regression analysis led to the obtaining of Ttf estimation models, depending on the temperature (T, degrees C) and the height of the plants (H, cm), in statistical safety conditions. The Wolfram Alpha software facilitated the obtaining of 3D and isoquant graphic distribution models of Ttf according to T (degrees C) and H (cm), for each species studied. The optimal values for H and T were determined, in order to obtain the best total flowering time, in off-season conditions, values that can be ensured by the cultivation technology of the studied species.

The study evaluated the quality of flowers in nine cultivars of Hyacinthus orientalis L. according to planting time and forcing period. Biological material was represented by nine Hyacinth cultivars: 'Carnegie' (Car), 'Blue Jacket' (B J), 'Blue Star' (B S), 'China Pink' (C P), 'Fondante' (Fon), 'Gipsy Queen' (G Q), 'Pink Pearl' (P P), 'Rembrandt' (Rem), 'Miss Saigon' (M S). A mixture of leaf soil and sand represented the growth substrate. The planting was done on three different calendar dates: November 10 (P I), November 24 (P II), and December 12 (P III) 2018, respectively. Forcing period (FP: FP I, FP II, FP III), flower stem length (FS: FS I, FS II, FS III) and flowering duration (FD: FD I, FD II, FD III) were evaluated. 'Blue Jacket' (B J) cultivar showed the highest values for flower stem (FS), with statistically assured differences for LSD 0.01% (FS I and FS II) and for LSD 5% (FS III), respectively. Differences statistically ensured for LSD5% were also recorded in 'Carnegie' (Car), 'Fondante' (Fon) cultivars (FS I and FS II), and in 'Gipsy Queen' (G Q) cultivar (FS I, FS II and FS III), respectively. The variation of the FS parameter in relation to FP, was described by a polynomial equation of degree 3 under conditions of R-2=0.839, p=0.045 for FP I, and by a polynomial equation of degree 2 under conditions of R-2=0.923, p=0.0016 for FP II. The flowering duration (FD) according to the forcing period (FP) was described by a polynomial equations of degree 2, under conditions of R-2=0.873, p=0.0057 for FP I, and in conditions of R-2 = 0.621, p=0.085 for FP II, respectively. PCA explained 58.498% of variance for PC1 and 30.622% of variance for PC2, in relation to the forcing period (FP); explained 58.052% of variance for PCI, and 34.78% of variance for PC2 in relation to flowering duration (FD), and explained 93.882% of variance for PC1 and 4.1988% of variance for PC2, respectively, in relation to flower stem (FS). Cluster analysis (two way) facilitated the grouping of the cultivars based on affinity in relation to FP, FD and FS, under statistical safety conditions (Coph. corr = 0.849).

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of biostimulators and growth substrates on rooting of cuttings, in order to improve the vegetative propagation through cuttings in Hibiscus rosa sinensis L.. Three varieties of Hibiscus (red flowers - R, yellow flowers - Y, and orange flowers - O), two growth biostimulators (Radistim - R, and Atonic - A) and four rooting substrates were used (sand - S1, sand: perlite - S2, sand: peat - S3, sand: peat: perlite - S4). From the combination of the three variables (biological material, biostimulators, and rooting substrates) resulted in 24 experimental variants. Cluster analysis facilitated for each studied hibiscus genotype obtaining a dendrogram in statistical safety conditions, depending on the favorable response given in quality indices of vegetative propagation, as rooting and root length. In the case of the red hibiscus variety, there was a high affinity between R.S2.R (LSD0.5%) and R.S4.A (LSD5%), and between R.S3.R (LSD5%) and R.S3.A (LSD5%) variants, under conditions of Coph. corr = 0.899. In the case of the yellow hibiscus variety, a high affinity was found between Y.S4.R (LSD5%) and Y.S4.A (0.1%), and between Y.S2.R (LSD0.5%) and Y.S2.A (LSD5%) variants, in conditions of Coph.corr = 0.809. In the case of the orange hibiscus variety, there was a high affinity between 0.54.R (LSD0.5%) and 0.54.A (0.5%), respectively between 0.52.R ad 0.52.A (LSD0.5%) variants, under conditions of Coph.corr = 0.859. By PCA analisys, PC1 explained 76.122% of variance and PC2 explained 23.878% of variance, and was obtained a distribution chart and a breakdown of variants in relation to the quality indices of the rooting process.

Plums have the highest nutritional value of cultivated species, not only in terms of high sugar content (16-20%) but also in terms of content of biologically active substances, especially minerals and vitamins, which have an increasingly important role in human nutrition. Sugars are the substances with the highest share in fruits (about 90% of the dry matter). Fruit carbohydrate content varies depending on species, ranging from 3.4% in gooseberries and 16.72% in apples; plums contain 7-18% carbohydrates. Fruit sugars, especially simple ones, are rapidly absorbed into the body, rebuilding the glycogen reserve of the liver and refreshing the body. This research aimed at studying four plum varieties: 'Cacanska Lepotica' (Serbia), 'Stanley' (USA), 'Record' (Romania), "Vinete romanesti'' (Romania). All four varieties are cultivated in our country: 'Stanley', 'Record', "Vinete romanesti'' are widely cultivated in our country while 'Cacanska Lepotica' is less cultivated. In this paper, the features of the fruit of the plum varieties were monitored in the conditions of the Lugoj locality, in 2018, from a biometric and qualitative point of view.