bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAPD and ISSR Methods Used for Fingerprinting Selected, Closely Related Cultivars of Aronia melanocarpa
Authors: SMOLIK Milosz , OCHMIAN Ireneusz Dariusz , SMOLIK Beata
Published: March 2018

RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) markers were used to analyse the genetic diversity between six genotypes of Aronia melanocarpa (Hugin, Nero, N, Viking, Galicjanka 1 and Galicjanka 2), collected at the Department of Pomology at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland. Analysis of 24 RAPD and 25 ISSR primers showed very low genetic diversity between the compared cultivars. Analysis of 214 RAPD loci and 184 ISSR loci revealed that the following five genotypes: Nero, N, Viking, Galicjanka 1 and Galicjanka 2 are characterized by a very small range of diversity in comparison to the substantially different cultivar Hugin. For each genotype, specific products were generated, including 36 products generated in RAPD reactions for cultivar Hugin only, and 20 for the other five genotypes altogether. Specific products were amplified also with the use of the ISSR technique. Thirty-nine ISSR products were generated for the cultivar Hugin only, and 8 for the other five genotypes altogether. Results of the research indicate a very small range of diversity between the Aronia accessions. Analysis of mutual genotypic relationships between the compared accessions was carried out with the use of the Mantel test and found a significant correlation (r(AB)=0.531) between similarity matrices calculated on the basis of results obtained with the use of the RAPD and ISSR techniques.
Toxicity of Some Cinnamic Acid Derivatives to Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: JITĂREANU Alexandra , TĂTĂRÎNGĂ Gabriela , ZBANCIOC Ana-Maria , STĂNESCU Ursula
Published: March 2018

Cinnamic acid derivatives are an important class of biologically active compounds, playing an important role in the plantsâ€™ development, but may also present a wide range of actions: antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflamatory, antitumoral. The present study investigated the toxicity of ten cinnamic acid derivatives on Phaseolus vulgaris, this being the first step in evaluating their pharmacotoxicological potential (usually, plant toxicity tests are used for ecotoxicity assessment, but they can also provide some useful general information about the toxic potential of a pharmaceutical substance to living organisms). The bean seeds were exposed to three different concentrations of each substance (28.6 Î¼g/cm2, 57.3 Î¼g/cm2, 114.6 Î¼g/cm2). All the tests were conducted in Petri dishes, using an artificial substrate (Whatman filter paper) impregnated with the investigated compounds. The analyzed elements were seedling length, root length, percentage of seeds that developed into seedlings, fresh seedling weight and the total polyphenols content. The tested compounds showed phytotoxic effects, inhibiting the growth of the plants and the biosynthesis of polyphenols as compared to the control. The substances with high logP values showed greater phytotoxic potential, but to establish an exact correlation between hydrophobicity and toxicity of the molecules a QSAR analysis must be further done.
Sustainability of the Rubberwood Sector in Malaysia
Authors: RATNASINGAM Jegatheswaran , IORAS Florin , WENMING Lu
Published: March 2018

Hevea brasiliensis (popularly known as rubber tree) was introduced to Malaya almost a century ago. The wood from the tree has been traditionally regarded as a waste, but since the 1980sâ€™ it has found widespread utilization in the wood industry. The total export value of rubberwood products had grown by 39.44% in 2009 compared to 2000 [Malaysian Ringgit (RM) 5100.4 million]. However, the Malaysian export of rubberwood sawn timber declined since 1990, after the imposition of sawn timber export levy. On the other hand, the biggest export proportion of rubberwood products is represented by furniture. Rubberwood furniture accounted for 80% of the total export value of wooden furniture. Meanwhile, the contribution of panel products, such as MDF and particleboard is also substantial. Rubberwood is referred as an environmental friendly material with a low price, but issues related to its sustainable supply are becoming a major concern nowadays. The total area of rubber plantation has been steadily declining over the years as planters claimed less profit and shifted to oil palm cultivation. In this context, unless the profitability of rubber growers is ensured by increasing the net value of the wood resource, the future sustainability of rubberwood in Malaysia will remain debatable.
Influence of Substrate and Fertilization on Growth and Development of Iris adriatica
Authors: HAN DOVEDAN Ines , MORIC Sanja , SINDRAK Zoran , CEROVSKI Ivana , MUSTAC Ivan , COGA Lepomir , POJE Miroslav
Published: March 2018

Iris adriatica is indigenous to Mediterranean part of Croatia. It is an attractive plant and has opportunities for introduction into horticulture and the ornamental plant market. Research was conducted in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, to assess the possibility of growing this species as a pot plant. Research included 360 potted plants placed as randomized block design experiment. The goal of this research was to determine influence of chosen substrates and fertilizers, as well as to explore growth and development dynamic of the species cultivated outdoors from June till August 2010. The following characteristics were measured: plants height, number of leaves, and number of rosettes. Biometric analysis showed that the development of Iris adriatica was significantly influenced only by substrate, while fertilization and interaction of substrate and fertilization showed no significant impact on examined plants characteristics.
Propagation of Sedum spectabile Boreau in Leaf Culture in Vitro
Authors: YANG Cuiqin , QIN Yaoguo , SUN Xin , YUAN Shu , LIN Honghui
Published: March 2018

An efficient protocol was established for Sedum spectabile Boreau propagation. Various leaf parts were used as explants to regenerate plantlets, the stem segments of which were cultured for shoot proliferation and plantlet multiplication. The results showed that the leaf base was the optimal explant, as compared to both the middle and the top of leaves, for shoot formation. The highest shoot induction of 88.9% was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg/l TDZ and 0.1 mg/l NAA. Hyperhydric leaves obtained in primary culture developed first into abnormal somatic embryos 10 days after subculture, and then into hyperhydric plantlets after an additional 10 days. The hyperhydric plantlets reversed to normal plantlets when plant growth regulators were removed from culture medium. Further, stem segments from reversed plantlets were used for shoot regeneration and root induction. Optimal shoot regeneration was obtained in MS medium containing 0.6 mg/l TDZ with 0.1 mg/l NAA. Root induction and root mean number were all higher on auxin-free medium than on medium containing auxins.
Genetic Analysis of Agronomic Traits in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.)
Authors: GOLKAR Pooran , ARZANI Ahmad , REZAEI Abdolmajid
Published: March 2018

Genetics of agronomic traits in safflower was determined using 6×6 full diallel population. Data were recorded on days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, primary branches per plant, head diameter, number of heads per plant, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant. Variance components showed that days to maturity and heads per plant were largely controlled by dominance gene effects, whereas 1000-seed weight, plant height and seeds per head were governed by additive type of gene action. The results also revealed both additive and non-additive types of gene actions for remaining traits. The significant mean squares of reciprocal crosses for days to flowering, head diameter, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant suggested that maternal inheritance also played an important role in the inheritance of these traits. Significant general combining ability for yield revealed that genetic improvement through accumulation of desirable alleles from parents in the target genotype using appropriate selection methods would be desirable in safflower.
G x E Interaction on Yield Stability of Five Sweet Corn Hybrids Grown under Different Agricultural Systems
Authors: ARDELEAN Marin , CORDEA Mirela , HAS Voichita , BORS Agnes
Published: March 2018

Yield stability in sweet corn and its dependence on G x E interaction were investigated in a series of two way experiments. Five Romanian sweet corn hybrids were tested in three years (2008-2010) in three locations of Central Transylvania in different soils and climatic conditions. The experiments were organized in a split plot design in which, on a general level of organic fertilization (40 t/ha manure), four levels of mineral N fertilization were applied (kg/ha, active matter): N0, typical for organic technologies; N50, corresponding to the low-input (sustainable) system; N100 and N150 customary with conventional system of agriculture. Based on ear yield data registered for hybrids in locations x years x cropping system, a phenotypic index (Pi) was computed for each sweet corn hybrid illustrating the stability of their cob yields, with and without husks. The share of genotypic and G x E effects in the total value of Pi have been estimated. In different agricultural systems the tested hybrids were classified differently based on their Pi values. It is concluded that, at least for the time being, the initiation of an organic breeding program for sweet corn, in Romania, is not economically justified since all semiearly and semilate tested hybrids yielded satisfactorily under organic agricultural practices. Moreover, among the recently released sweet corn hybrids one can find certain genotypes highly suitable to organic (i.e. â€˜Deliciul veriiâ€™, â€˜Estivalâ€™) or low input (â€˜Dulcinâ€™, â€˜Estivalâ€™) agricultural practices. These three hybrids recorded the highes ear yields (with and without husks) over years, locations and agricultural systems.
Influence of Variability of Ryegrass Meadow Soil Conditions on their Natural and Utilization Values
Authors: KRYSZAK Anna , KLARZYNSKA Agnieszka , KRYSZAK Jan , STRYCHALSKA Agnieszka , MACKOWIAK Lukasz
Published: March 2018

The study presents the findings of research into the effect of the variability of site conditions on their floristic composition providinga basis for the identification of lower phytosociological units. Patches of Arrhenatheretum elatioris described with the assistance ofphytosociological surveys conducted using the Braun-Blanquet method were subjected to multi-criteria evaluation. On their basis, thefollowing parameters were determined: ecological and botanical structure, geographic-historical distribution, the structure of the lifegroupsof the floristic types identified, as well as natural values by the OÅ›wit method and sward fodder value according to Filipek. In orderto determine the causes of the floristic variability observed, the following soil conditions were assessed: moisture content, soil reactionand nitrogen content by Ellenbergâ€™s indicator method, as well as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus content by the appropriatelaboratory methods. Typical forms of Arrhenatheretum elatioris phytocenoses were found to develop on mucky soils in moderately moistsites. Patches of ryegrass occurring in sites with a periodically higher moisture content on organic soils refer to the Alopecuretum pratensisassociation. On the other hand, the sward of ryegrass meadows developed on dryer, mineral soils was characterised by increased numbersof species characteristic for xerothermic swards from the Festuco-Brometea class and sandy plant communities from the Koelerio glauca-Corynephoretea canescentis. More intensive utilization, primarily-fertilisation, was among the causes of the development of species-poorphytocenoses of low natural value but sward of a good fodder value.
Qualities of Native Apple Cultivar Juices Characteristic of Central Europe
Authors: ROP Otakar , POSOLDA Martin , MLCEK Jiri , REZNICEK Vojtech , SOCHOR Jiri , ADAM Vojtech , KIZEK Rene , SUMCZYNSKI Daniela
Published: March 2018

During the last century due to the changes in landscape management, in country peopleâ€™s lives and with intensive fruit-growing the native cultivars of apple fruit trees have been gradually disappearing. The aim of the study was to compare the juices made of native apple cider cultivars. The cultivars-â€˜Boikovoâ€™, â€˜Jadernicka moravskaâ€™, â€˜Kardinal zihanyâ€™, â€˜Panenske ceskeâ€™, â€˜Parmena zlata zimniâ€™, â€˜Strymkaâ€™ growing in the locality of the Litencicke Hills in the eastern part of the Czech Republic were selected. For comparison, the fruits of commercial â€˜Idaredâ€™ cultivar were also included. The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, phenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid content and the influence of juices on scavenging activity of nitric oxide and hydroxyl radical were measured. The mutual ratio of examined properties which were found, provide information about qualities and possibilities of use of native cultivars. High antioxidant properties characterize the juice of native apple cultivars. In particular, the â€˜Strymkaâ€™ cultivar contained 2,637.34 mg of AAE (ascorbic acid equivalent) per litre in case of antioxidant capacity. In the juice of this cultivar the value of 144.05 mg of ascorbic acid per litre was recorded. As regards the â€˜Panenske ceskeâ€™ cultivar, antioxidant capacity was 2,548.38 mg of AAE l-1 and in relation to ascorbic acid, the value was 145.35 mg l-1. Similarly, high values were observed in both cultivars concerning the scavenging effect of apple juices on hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide (the â€˜Strymkaâ€™ cultivar 16.38% and 19.26%, the â€˜Panenske ceskeâ€™ cultivar 16.31% and 18.60%).
Morphological and Molecular (SSR) Analysis of Old Apple Cultivars
Authors: KIRALY Ildiko , REDECZKI Robert , ERDELYI Eva , TOTH Magdolna
Published: March 2018

Investigations were made on the morphological traits of the flowers, shoots and fruits of five apple cultivars in the Batul group and four in the SÃ³vÃ¡ri Group, in order to prepare UPOV (Union Internationale pour la Protection des Obtentions VÃ©gÃ©tales) descriptions of these cultivars. Marker analysis involving 12 microsatellite primers was performed to identify 13 genotypes. All the analytical methods indicated that â€˜ZÃ¶ld batulâ€™ could be clearly distinguished from the other â€˜Batulâ€™ selections, suggesting that it is an independent cultivar distantly related to â€˜Batulâ€™. Within the SÃ³vÃ¡ri Group, the cultivars could be clearly distinguished from each other on the basis of morphological and molecular analysis. The variants of â€˜Beregi sÃ³vÃ¡riâ€™ collected in the United Kingdom and in Sub-Carpathia cannot be considered to be the same cultivar. The genotype preserved in the UK National Apple Collection at Brogdale should be considered to be an unknown cultivar. The present examinations demonstrated that a combination of morphological and genetic analyses provides a more reliable identification of apple genotypes than pomological descriptions or genetic analysis alone.
Distribution and Phytocoenotic Context of Kobresia simpliciuscula (Wahlenb.) Mack. in South-Eastern Carpathians
Authors: PUSCAS Mihai
Published: March 2018

This study proposes a critical analysis of the distribution and habitat requirements of the rare arctic-alpine plant species Kobresia simpliciuscula (Wahlenb.) Mack. in the South-Eastern Carpathians. The species was recorded in this part of Carpathians only from Romania, in Bucegi Mountains. The mention of K. simpliciuscula in Rodna Mountains (Eastern Carpathians) is considered to be erroneous. K. simpliciuscula was found in the Southern Carpathians in a different habitat type compared to the one characteristic for populations in the Arctic and the Alps. The species does not grow in the pioneer phytocoenoses of the Caricion bicoloris-atrofuscae alliance but, on the contrary, in dry calciphilous alpine vegetation included in Oxytropido-Elynion. The plant communities where K. simpliciuscula was found in Bucegi Mountains belong to Achilleo schurii-Dryadetum (Beldie 1967) Coldea 1984. These phytocoenoses are very similar to those described for the species in Belianske Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians, Slovakia).
Micropropagation of Anubias barteri var. Nana from Shoot Tip Culture and the Analysis of Ploidy Stability
Authors: KANCHANAPOOM Kantamaht , CHUNUI Panyaros , KANCHANAPOOM Kamnoon
Published: March 2018

Plant regeneration of Anubias barteri var. Nana was achieved through organogenesis in shoot tip cultures. Multiple shoots were induced from cultured shoot tips on a modified MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium supplemented with BA and kinetin. The maximum green shoot numbers were best obtained on MS medium containing 3 mg/L BA with 5 shoots. Rooting in all regenerated shoots was promoted on MS medium devoid of plant growth regulators or kinetin singly. Acclimatization and survival when transferred to field conditions were shown to be 100% in the regenerated plants. Cytological and flow cytometric analyses of the mother plants and in vitro grown plants derived from 5 years old cultures showed no differences in ploidy level, they were all diploid (2n = 2x = 48) with a 2C peak indicating that ploidy alteration did not occur.
Evaluation of Betulin and Betulinic Acid Content in Birch Bark from Different Forestry Areas of Western Carpathians
Authors: HOLONEC Liviu , RANGA Floricuta , CRAINIC Diana , TRUTA Alina , SOCACIU Carmen
Published: March 2018

In order to evaluate the content of betulin and betulinic acids in Birch barks originating from Western Carpathians, TransylvaniaÂ (Romania) forests, in relation with the location of birch trees, it was recorded the geographic and vegetation conditions at the specificÂ locations of each type of sample. Two groups of birch tree bark (totally 10 samples) were collected, from two regions, pasture surfacesÂ where birch trees appeared spontaneously (samples 1 to 5) and another group from forests of combined trees, including mainly pineÂ trees (samples 6 to 10). The identification and quantitation of betulin and betulinic acid were made by High Performance LiquidÂ Chromatography with UV detection. In the first region it has been found mean concentrations of 126.85 Â± 12.56 mg/g betulin barkÂ while acid betulinic had average values of 12.78 Â± 1.26 mg/g bark. In the second region we found mean concentrations of 89.84 Â± 8.43Â mg/g betulin of bark while acid betulinic had average values of 10.60 Â± 0.97 mg/g bark. Statistically, significant differences were noticedÂ between the two regions, the first region being richer in these molecules. Generally, the percentage of betulinic acid was around 11.23%Â against betulin, higher in the second region, even the absolute concentrations were lower for both molecules. These data are usefulÂ indicators of the potential offered by birch bark sources found in Transylvania region, to obtain extracts enriched in betulin and betulinicÂ acid.
Fruit Quality and Phytochemical Attributes of Some Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Cultivars as Affected by Genotypes and Seasons
Authors: CALISKAN Oguzhan , BAYAZIT Safder , SUMBUL Ahmet
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted over two growing seasons (2010 and 2011) to evaluate effects on fruit quality and phytochemical properties of new Turkish cultivars, hybrid between Irano-Caucasian- and European eco-geographic groups, and some important apricot cultivars in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. Fruit quality characteristics, sensory traits, and phytochemical parameters were investigated. The data showed that considerable variation existed in fruit quality and phytochemical properties of Turkish, and foreign apricot cultivars based on genotypes and growing seasons. The new hybrid cultivar â€˜Ã‡aÄŸataybeyâ€™ contained the highest total soluble solid content (14.6%), rich total phenolic (93.9 mg GAE 100g-1 fw), and total antioxidant capacity levels (9.8 mmol Fe2+ kg-1 fw), and >50% of blush color on the fruit peels among the cultivars. The fructose and sucrose values showed positively significant correlations with total phenolics (r = 0.55 and r = 0.69, at p< 0.05, respectively). The authors had estimated that the data will be useful for breeding studies to improve fruit quality and nutritional contents of apricot cultivars.
Qualitative Traits of Norway Spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] Depending on First-Order Branches: Evaluation in Comparative Trials
Authors: BUDEANU Marius , SOFLETEA Neculae , PARNUTA Gheorghe
Published: March 2018

To establish the most important Norway spruce Romanian populations in order to improve the genetic value of future forests,Â open-pollinated progeny of ten plus trees originating from 33 Norway spruce seed sources were evaluated at the age of 30 years in twoÂ field trials established in different site conditions: outside (Avrig trial) versus natural range (BreÅ£cu trial) of Norway spruce in Romania.Â Evaluations have been made concerning the most important branches characteristics, influencing wood quality: Number of branchesÂ per whorl, dominant branch insertion angle, dominant branch diameter and branch finesse. Highly significant differences (p<0.001)Â were found among seed sources in both sites for all of the analyzed traits. The strong populations Ã— localities interaction show the highÂ spruce ability to react to the changing environmental conditions. Near-sites populations were placed in the first half of ranking. SmallerÂ values were recorded in the Avrig trial than in the BreÅ£cu trial for the number of branches per whorl (4.5%) and branches finesse (5.1%).Â The populations from the Eastern Carpathians stand out by showing sustained growth and superior wood quality, while the populationsÂ from the Western Romanian Carpathians generally have smaller differences between the mean values of analysed traits in both field trials.Â Simultaneous improvement of the spruce following quantitative and qualitative traits pending on the number of branches per whorl andÂ branches diameter is contraindicated. The two-stage selection strategy seems to be applicable in this case.
DNA Fingerprinting and Genotyping of Cotton Varieties Using SSR Markers
Authors: ISLAM Mohammad Nazrul , MOLLA Md. Rezwan , ROHMAN Md. Motiar , HASANUZZAMAN Mirza , ISLAM Shah Mohammad Naimul , RAHMAN Lutfur
Published: March 2018

DNA fingerprinting and genetic diversity analysis helps direct selective breeding and conservation of plant species. Since simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers are co-dominant, they can predict level of genetic diversity and thereby protect plant genetic resources of a region. Keeping the aforesaid rationale in mind, we worked on molecular characterization of eight cotton varieties in Bangladesh using simple sequence repeat (SSR) or microsatellite DNA markers. All the three microsatellite DNA markers were found to be polymorphic, extracting a total of eight alleles with an average of 2.67 alleles per locus in the present study. Allele sizes were as 149-155 bp, 178-198 bp and 140-202 bp for the loci BNL1551, BNL1721 and BNL2960, respectively. Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values were ranged from 0.469 to 0.531. UPGMA dendrogram separated 8 varieties of cotton into two clusters. One cluster contained six varieties CB-1, CB-2, CB-3, CB-7, CB-9 and CB-10 while other two varieties CB-5 and HC 1 formed another cluster. The findings of this study would provide a useful guide for selecting specific germplasm with distinct genetic background for diversifying cotton breeding program in Bangladesh.
The Influence of Position and Site on the Height Growth of Young Populus tremula L. Ramets in Low Elevation Formations in Northeastern Greece
Authors: MILIOS Elias , PIPINIS Elias , PETROU Petros , AKRITIDOU Sofia , KITIKIDOU Kyriaki , SMIRIS Paulos
Published: March 2018

This study was carried out in the central part of Nestos Valley in northeastern Greece. The main objective was to examine the effect of different position (dominant, suppressed, side-shaded) and site productivities on the height growth of young Populus tremula L. clonal ramets in low elevation formations of the species. Fifty-four ramets growing in different positions and sites were cut and studied. Stem analysis was conducted and the height of each ramet at the age of 10 years was calculated. The main results of this research indicate that the dominant ramets on good productivity sites have greater height at the age of 10 years, when compared with the corresponding ramets on medium productivity sites. On the contrary, in suppressed and side-shaded ramets, there is no statistically significant difference in height at the age of 10 years between the two site types. This pattern indicates that competition is the procedure that characterizes the relationships between ramets in the investigated formations. The heights of dominant P. tremula ramets presented in this study are very satisfactory for the species, compared with the height of P. tremula trees from other regions of the species expansion reported in other studies.
Stress-tolerant Wild Plants: a Source of Knowledge and Biotechnological Tools for the Genetic Improvement of Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants
Authors: BOSCAIU Monica , DONAT Pilar M. , LLINARES Josep , VICENTE Oscar
Published: March 2018

Over the next few decades we must boost crop productivity if we are to feed a growing world population, which will reach more than 9Ã—109 people by 2050; and we should do it in the frame of a sustainable agriculture, with an increasing scarcity of new arable land and of water for irrigation. For all important crops, average yields are only a fraction-somewhere between 20% and 50%-of record yields; these losses are mostly due to drought and high soil salinity, environmental conditions which will worsen in many regions because of global climate change. Therefore, the simplest way to increase agricultural productivity would be to improve the abiotic stress tolerance of crops. Considering the limitations of traditional plant breeding, the most promising strategy to achieve this goal will rely on the generation of transgenic plants expressing genes conferring tolerance. However, advances using this approach have been slow, since it requires a deep understanding of the mechanisms of plant stress tolerance, which are still largely unknown. Paradoxically, most studies on the responses of plants to abiotic stress have been performed using stress-sensitive species-such as Arabidopsis thaliana-although there are plants (halophytes, gypsophytes, xerophytes) adapted to extremely harsh environmental conditions in their natural habitats. We propose these wild stress-tolerant species as more suitable models to investigate these mechanisms, as well as a possible source of biotechnological tools (â€˜stress toleranceâ€™ genes, stress-inducible promoters) for the genetic engineering of stress tolerance in crop plants.
The Checklist of the Sardinian Alien Flora: an Update
Authors: PODDA Lina , LAZZERI Valerio , MAYORAL Olga , BACCHETTA Gianluigi
Published: March 2018

Alien plants colonization, due to the fast spreading of highly invasive taxa, is more and more a serious source of concerns for habitat and species conservation. Apart direct in situ intervention, it is of major importance to acquire the best and up to date knowledge about alien taxa that currently threaten the integrity of wild and valuable environments. In this light, here is presented the update to the checklist of alien vascular flora of the island of Sardinia (Italy) on the basis of the new findings, nomenclatural adjustments, and revision of diffusion status of alien taxa. The checklist at present, consists of 541 taxa (84 doubtful) which represent 17% of the whole flora of the island; 22 taxa are new to the island and 7 of them for Italy. Neophytes represent the majority of the whole alien flora (301, 66% of the total) and, in confront to archaeophytes, gather nearly all invasive taxa (54 vs 4). The new findings are all neophytes. Phanerophytes (42%) are the most representative biological form and Americas represents the region that mostly contributes to the Sardinian alien flora (33%). Further analysis highlights that, in terms of number of taxa, highly anthropically impacted environments such as synanthropic (36%) and agricultural (23%) are the eligible habitats for most of the alien species in Sardinia while coastal areas and wetlands, beyond hosting a lower number of taxa, are characterized by the relative highest number of invasives.
The Influence of Weather Conditions During Vegetation Period on Yielding of Twelve Determinate Tomato Cultivars
Authors: JEDRSZCZYK Elzbieta , SKOWERA Barbara , KOPCINSKA Joanna , AMBROSZCZYK Anna M.
Published: March 2018

Tomato yield and biomass growth are closely linked to climatic conditions during vegetation period. Low temperatures and highÂ precipitation in summer constitute the main cause of the large variability of field tomato yielding contributing to worsen the qualityÂ of the yield. The aim of the investigation was determining the influence of meteorological basic components in the growing seasonÂ of the tomato to total and marketable yield of twelve determinate cultivars. Experiment took place in the open field in the VegetableÂ Experimental Station of Agricultural University of Mydlniki near Cracow in the years 2008 - 2010. A different sensitivity of examinedÂ tomato cultivars to the course of weather conditions was stated. â€˜Ondraszekâ€™ cultivar get the highest marketable yield in all years ofÂ investigation what indicate the most adaptation to variable weather conditions and cultivars â€˜Hetmanâ€™, â€˜Hubalâ€™ and â€˜Babiniczâ€™ were theÂ least adaptated and they gave the lowest yield. Analysis of the influence of weather condition on total and marketable yield of twelveÂ determine tomato cultivars showed, that the sum and distribution of precipitation were decisive. High precipitations decreased total andÂ marketable yield, whereas frequent and lower precipitations influenced favorable. Since from the third stage, i.e., the beginning of fruitsÂ setting to the beginning of ripening, a larger impact of meteorological factors on marketable than total yield had been observed. In theÂ fruits ripening stage a marketable yield depended only on sum of temperatures.
Forest Hydrology, Soil Conservation and Green Barriers in Canary Islands
Authors: SANTAMARTA-CEREZAL Juan Carlos , GUZMAN Juan , NERIS Jonay , ARRAIZA Maria P. , IORAS Florin
Published: March 2018

In volcanic islands, the rainfall regime and its torrential nature, together with the steep slopes and the soil types present are considered to be some of the main factors affecting forest hydrology and soil conservation. In such environments, rain regime is generally irregular and characterized by short and intense rainfalls, which could cause destructive flows at times, followed by long periods of rain absence. The volcanic nature of these islands have as a direct resultant steep slopes which influences the runoff volume and speed, as well as the amount of topsoil susceptible to be detached and transported downstream. The soil type also affects the susceptibility to erosion processes. Andisols are the most typical soil on volcanic islands. Their particularities derive their mineral constituents, called short-range-order products, which provide these soils with an increased structural stability, which in turn reduces their susceptibility to erosion. However, the land use changes and the environmental factors such as rain regime and steep slopes may be determinant factor in destabilizing these soils and ultimately a cause for soil erosion and runoffs, which become a threat to the population downstream. Green barriers have been traditionally used to prevent or reduce these processes, also to enhance the dew effect and the fog water collection, and as a firebreak which acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a wildfire. Wooded species present and subsequently their performance have a major influence on their effectiveness. The use of this natural erosion and fire control methods on volcanic islands is discussed in this paper.
Variation in Flower Bud Differentiation and Progression of Floral Organs with Respect to Crop Load in Olive
Authors: MERT Cevriye , BARUT Erdoğan , İPEK Ahmet
Published: March 2018

The differentiation of olive floral buds during winter is strictly correlated with flowering in the spring and ultimately with fruit production in autumn and the determination of the time of flower bud induction is important for determining the possible causes of alternate bearing and for improving management practices to correct alternate bearing. The aim of this research was to study the time of flower bud differentiation and developmental steps in the ‘Gemlik’ olive cultivar in 2008 (off year) and 2009 (on year). The sequence of initiation of the floral organs in each flower bud was sepals, stamens, petals, and gynoecium. There was no visible difference between the time of differentiation and the developmental stage of the floral organs with respect to the ‘on’ and ‘off’ years during the study.
Assessment of the Empirical Management Method of Coppice Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Forests Practiced by the Monks and its Effect on the Availability of Forest Soil Resources in Mount Athos, Greece
Authors: PAPAIOANNOU Athanasios
Published: March 2018

In Greece, chestnut forests (Castanea sativa Mill.) occupy more than 30,000 ha of forest land. The species is one of the most significant of the Balkans. It is mainly cultivated for its high quality wood. Concerning cultivation and harvesting, the monks in Mount Athos peninsula in northern Greece practice a special empirical management method for local coppice chestnut forests. Data collected from 9 sampling surfaces, comprising of coppice chestnut stands of three different ages (10, 20 and 40 years old), were analyzed to study the effect of this particular empirical management method on specific soil parameters. Results indicated that, there is a general trend for increased organic matter and nutrient concentrations in the soil of 10 and 40 years old chestnut stands in comparison to those of 20 years of age. Cultivation treatments cause intense alterations on soil properties, leading to severe degradation of nutrient resources.
Antifungal Activity of Plant Essential Oils Against Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum
Authors: VITORATOS Andrew , BILALIS Dimitrios , KARKANIS Anestis , EFTHIMIADOU Aspasia
Published: March 2018

Plant essential oils have the potential to replace the synthetic fungicides in the management of postharvest diseases of fruit and vegetables.The aim of this study was to access the in vitro and in vivo activity of essential oil obtained from oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and lemon (Citrus limon L.) plants, against some important postharvest pathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium italicum and P. digitatum). In vitro experiments indicated that P. italicum did not show any mycelium growth in presence of thyme essential oils at concentration of 0.13 Î¼l/ml. Moreover, B. cinerea did not show any mycelium growth in presence of lemon and oregano essential oils at concentration of 17 Î¼l/ml and 0.02 Î¼l/ml, respectively. Moreover, the essential oils from three species were effective in reducing the spore germination. The in vivo experiments confirmed the strong efficacy shown in vitro by essential oils. These oregano and lemon oils were very effective in controlling disease severity of infected fruit by B. cinera in tomatoes, strawberries and cucumbers. In tomatoes, grey mould due to B. cinerea was completed inhibited by oregano essential oils at 0.30 Î¼l/ml. Moreover, lemon essential oils induced a significant reduction of grey mould disease severity. In strawberries, grey mould was completed inhibited by lemon essential oils at 0.05 Î¼l/ml. In addition, lemon essential oils at 0.05 Î¼l/ml showed 39% reduction of infected cucumber fruits by B. cinerea. These results indicate that essential oils after suitable formulation could be used for the control of postharvest diseases caused by Botrytis and Penicillium pathogens.
Analysis of Chromosome Number in Some Allium and Silene Wild Species with Ornamental Use
Authors: DRAGHIA Lucia , CHELARIU Elena Liliana , SÎRBU Culiţă , BRÂNZÄ‚ Maria , SANDU MICULSCHI Cristina
Published: March 2018

The present study analyses the number of somatic chromosomes in plant species with ornamental value, in Romanian indigenous flora, Allium (A. flavum L., A. saxatile Bieb.) and Silene (S. compacta Fischer., S. supina M.Bieb.). The biological material was identified and harvested in the South-Eastern part of Dobrogea (Tulcea and Constanţa counties), area in the South-Eastern part of Romania, situated between the Danube and the Black Sea. Individuals from two populations of Allium flavum and Allium saxatile, respectively from Tulcea county (Turcoaia town) and Constanţa county (from Cheile Dobrogei) were analyzed. In the case of Silene compacta and Silene supina, plants of one population in Tulcea county, Turcoaia town, were used. The aim of the analysis was the quantification and comparison of the somatic chromosomes of plants from the same species but different populations, as is the case of the two Allium species, but also to relate them to results from specialty literature, reported by others. The chromosome number was determined in the roots of the small plants that were obtained from seeds collected in their natural habitat. Except the case of Silene supina species, where only diploid forms were identified (2n=24), when in specific literature tetraploid forms are mentioned (2n=48), found in other areas, all other analyzed taxa register similar data to that reported in other geographic regions. Respectively, 2n= 16 in the case of Allium flavum and Allium saxatile and 2n= 24 in the case of Silene compacta.
Characterization of Nuclear Microsatellite Markers for the Narrow Endemic Syringa josikaea Jacq. fil. ex Rchb.
Authors: LENDVAY Bertalan , PEDRYC Andrzej , Höhn Mária
Published: March 2018

The species of the genus Syringa L. are among the most popular ornamental plants worldwide. One particular species, Syringa josikaea, a rare endemic of the Carpathian Mountains, is of great conservation interest. Although microsatellite markers may be useful for studying the genetic variability of varieties and populations, no microsatellites have previously been characterized for any species of the Syringa genus. Our aim was therefore to test the applicability of microsatellite primers developed for neighboring genera (Olea and Ligustrum) and to complement these with markers isolated and characterized for S. josikaea. Twelve primer pairs of Olea and Ligustrum were tested by optimizing PCR conditions and checking the variability in 40 samples of two populations of S. josikaea. Two of them proved to be easy to PCR amplify and variable at the same time. To develop new primers we constructed a microsatellite enriched library and sequenced 48 clones. 18 sequences contained microsatellite motifs, and three of the designed primer pairs presented high allele variability. The five primer pairs characterized for S. josikaea proved to be highly informative and sufficient to distinguish between individuals. These microsatellite primers are valuable tools to study genetic variation of native populations, genetic lineages of hybrids and cultivars of S. josikaea.
Antioxidant Compounds, Mineral Content and Antioxidant Activity of Several Tomato Cultivars Grown in Southwestern Romania
Authors: NOUR Violeta , TRANDAFIR Ion , IONICA Mira E.
Published: March 2018

Ten indeterminate tomato cultivars differing in fruit shape and typology, grown simultaneously in a greenhouse from Oltenia (Southwestern Romania) and harvested at red ripe stage, were investigated for the contents in ascorbic acid, lycopene, Î²-carotene, total phenolics, minerals (K, Na, Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Zn and B). In addition, their antioxidant activities were determined. Significant differences were found among tomato cultivars in all studied antioxidant compounds, as well as in the antioxidant activity. Ascorbic acid ranged from 91.9 to 329.7 mg kg-1 fw, lycopene ranged from 19.7 to 49.0 mg kg-1 fw, while total phenolic compounds varied between 300.2 and 557.8 mg kg-1 fw. Antioxidant activity ranged from 0.81 mmol Trolox kg-1 fw to 1.74 mmol Trolox kg-1 fw and it was significantly correlated to total phenolics content (r = 0.91; p< 0.05). The cocktail type cultivar â€˜Tigerâ€™ and the cherry type cultivar â€˜Belleâ€™ proved to be the most powerful in antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds while the rectangular plum shaped cultivar â€˜Portoâ€™ recorded the highest average lycopene content. A valuable cultivar proved to be the brownish red â€˜Sacherâ€™ which registered among the highest contents of phenolics, lycopene and ascorbic acid. Mineral and trace elements contents were also significantly affected by cultivars. Values recorded for K, Ca and Mg ranged from 2139.6 to 3056.9 mg kg-1, 137.7 to 325.8 mg kg-1 and 27.3 to 168.7 mg kg-1 respectively.
Effects of Salinity on the Development of Hydroponically Grown Borage (Borago officinalis L.) Male Gametophyte
Authors: TORABI Firoozeh , MAJD Ahmad , ENTESHARI Shekoofeh , IRIAN Saeed , NABIUNI Mohammad
Published: March 2018

In this research, the effect of salinity on the development of anther in hydroponically-grown borage was studied. Plants grown on hydroponic media are rapidly and transiently stressed. The overall objective of this research was to elucidate the microscopic effects of salinity on the formation, development, and structure of anthers. Flowers, at different developmental stages, were removed, fixed in FAA, embedded in paraffin, and cut into 7-10 Î¼m slices using a microtome. Staining was carried out with Hematoxylin-Eosine, and the developmental stages of the control and NaCl-treated plants were compared. In control plants young anther consisted of 4 pollen sacs. Anther wall development followed the typical dicotyledonous pattern and was composed of an epidermal layer, an endothecium layer, and the tapetum. Microspore tetrads were tetrahedral. Salinity caused certain abnormalities during pollen developmental processes, such as the destruction of the anther wall and both the degeneration and production of abnormal pollen grains. A decrease in plant fecundity, which involves aborting pollen, followed by a change in resource from reproductive activities to metabolic reactions is possibly a general response to the deleterious effects of salinity.
Ex situ Conservation of Three Endemic and/or Endangered Dianthus Species
Authors: CRISTEA Victoria , JARDA Liliana , HOLOBIUC Irina
Published: March 2018

Within the current context of declining biodiversity, the botanical gardens play an essential role in its conservation. Dianthus callizonus, D. glacialis ssp. gelidus and D. spiculifolius are the species that we seek to preserve in "Alexandru Borza" Botanical Garden of Cluj-Napoca (Romania). Several replicates were collected for each taxon from different populations in order to avoid the genetic uniformity. The material collected from the natural sites, was planted on a rockery, specially designed for this collection in the Botanical Garden. At the time of planting, each individual was sampled for setting up an in vitro collection and further biochemical and molecular analyses. In case of ex situ outdoor conservation of the three Dianthus species, 80.6% of the individuals collected in the field survived during the first year but the percentage decreased drastically after four years. In the case of in situ collected individuals, as well as in the case of in vitro individuals, D. spiculifolius had the best ability to acclimatize in the Botanical Garden, and D. callizonus presented the lowest number of surviving individuals. The ex vitro acclimatization of the plantlets had 80% efficiency at 10ÂºC, using three different substrates: soil and pearl stone mix 1/1, soil and sand mix 1/1 and pearl stone. All the three species are preserved in vitro, whereas the plantlets are acclimatized outdoors. Ex situ conservation of these species will have a positive impact on the biodiversity conservation.
Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in the Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases as the Epidemic of the 21st century
Authors: TODEA Doina A. , ROSCA Loredana Elena , COMAN Andreea C. , SUATEAN Iuliu , HERESCU Andreea C.
Published: March 2018

Non-communicable diseases are known as the epidemic of the 21st century. In Romania, these are responsible for almost 91% of all the deaths. A balanced diet and regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes throughout the day) are the keys to a healthy and long living life. Mediterranean diet is shown to be the optimal diet for preventing non-communicable diseases and preserving good health. The concept of the Mediterranean diet is defined by the food pyramid, which is meant to provide an overall impression of healthy food choices, rather than to define recommended weights of certain foods or proportions of energy obtained from them. In Romania the concept of Mediterranean diet is unknown to most ordinary people. Even in medicine field there are few doctors who really know about this diet and its effects on patientsâ€™ health. Our purpose in writing this article was to draw a warning signal about the impact of Mediterranean diet on the health of people, in hope that through media, the importance of a healthy and active life in raising quality of life and decreasing morbidity and mortality can be fully understood.
Faculty of Horticulture Cluj-Napoca: Celebrating 35 Years of Horticulture Higher Education
Authors: JITEA Mugurel I. , MITRE Viorel , HOLONEC Liviu , SESTRAS Radu E.
Published: March 2018

Although the Faculty of Horticulture from Cluj-Napoca was founded in 1977, the higher education in horticulture has a long and important tradition and history in Transylvania, Romania. It started in 1869, when the Agricultural Institute Cluj, Manastur (today, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca), one of the oldest higher education life sciences centres from East-Central Europe, was created. This â€˜Agronomy Academiaâ€™ was established due to the efforts of the Transylvanian Agricultural Association and the Status Romano-Catholicus Transylvaniensis, which rented to the Ministry of Agriculture 400 ha of land and the buildings of an old Benedictine monastery near a city that can track its routes back into the Roman Empire. For more than 140 years, the efforts and the predecessors contribution have been creating an important higher education and research institution. In 2012, to celebrate 35 years of excellence, the Faculty Council organised a special event in â€˜Aula Magnaâ€™ of the University, in November the 29th, 2012. It brought together special guests from partner institutions, forebears of the faculty, academic staff, students, graduates and members of the horticultural business, sustaining the Facultyâ€™s new mission of being a catalyst for the horticulture education and research. On this occasion, the prestigious honorific title of Doctor Honoris Causa was granted for two academic personalities, related to the faculty: Jaime Prohens, from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain, and Ioan Vasile Abrudan, rector of the â€˜Transylvaniaâ€™ University from Brasov, Romania.