Volume 27, No. 1 (2018)
Articles
THE IN VITRO EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC AND AQUEOUS LEAVES’ EXTRACTS OF QUERCUS ROBUR L., FROM THE ALGERIAN HIGH PLATEAUS AGAINST SOME UROPATHOGENIC MICROBIAL STRAINS
ELHASSAN BENYAGOUB(1), NOURIA NABBOU(2), SOMIA BOUKHALKHEL(1), IKRAM DEHINI(1)
The medicinal value of the plants is due to their chemical components that bring a definite physiological action on the human body to prevent the diseases. In this work, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of leaves’ extracts of Quercus robur L., collected from the Algerian upper highlands, on ten bacterial strains and one fungal strain known to be pathogenic. Firstly, we performed a qualitative phytochemical analysis, and secondly, antimicrobial activity tests performed by agar diffusion method (disc and well) with the determination of MIC by broth macro-dilution method. Given the results, it appears that obtained macerates of Q. robur L. were rich in bioactive phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, tannins and other components. The yield of aqueous and methanolic macerates of leaves was 8.5±1.41 and 22.4±4.36 % respectively. The bacterial resistance was relatively important to several antibiotics namely ampicillin, amoxicillin+clavulanic acid for strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. However, Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to fusidic acid, to penicillin and to oxacillin; while Enterococcus faecalis was resistant to fusidic acid, penicillin, oxacillin and ticarcillin. The antibacterial activity of the macerates towards tested microbial strains showed that the aqueous and methanolic macerates of the leaves were proportional to the tested concentration and active not only against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but also on the fungal species Candida albicans. The estimated MIC for Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus was in the order of 10 mg/mL, which seems more effective than towards Salmonella sp, Klebseilla pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and C. albicans which were in the order of 30 mg/mL. These preliminary results confirm that the part of the studied plant had a very good antimicrobial activity that was proportional to the serial concentrations of the tested extracts.
DESCRIPTION OF SOME PATENTED AND CERTIFIED SEA BUCKTHORN CULTIVAR IN BACAU COUNTY
IOAN VIOREL RAŢI(1), DUMITRA RĂDUCANU(1)
Within Fructex Bacau Company, following a rigorous selection process through a continuous improving process for more than 20 years, a number of 7 sea buckthorn cultivars have been certified and patented. This fact allows, in accordance with the fruit and vegetables legislation, the establishment of sea buckthorn agricultural/fruit holdings. The existence of patented varieties allows multiplying them in nursery, thus obtaining "CERTIFICATE", a valuable biological material. The cultivars obtained by the author are in fact the suggested collection for the process of reproduction and establishment of ecological plantations. The obtained cultivars allow to the spread over two months the process of harvesting of the fruit that reach the physiological maturity during the period July 15 - September 30. The biochemical composition is different, specific for each cultivar so that the raw material provided by the fruit ensures use in different fields.
ARNICA MONTANA L. IN THE NATURA 2000 ROSCI0047 SITE NEMIRA PEAK
DIANA ELENA MAFTEI(1), DANIEL IOAN MAFTEI(2)
Arnica montana is an endemic species in Europe, widely spread in hundreds of sites. The populations of arnica are stable in some countries and endangered in others. The reasons of this decline are represented by its harvesting for medicinal purposes and, to some extent, by the habitat diminishing. The species is keen to the alpine and subalpine meadows, and to the acidic soils rich in nutrients. The arnica’s preservation status is a favourable one in Romania due to its abundance. Nevertheless, in the near future its status should be thoroughly monitored as the specific habitats will begin their decline. The purpose of this scientific paper is to analyze the distribution area of this species within the investigated site, the types of habitats in which the species were identified, the relation between arnica and the environment, the identification of the possible menaces, and the new management regulations for a sustainable preservation.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF THE TARO ETHANOL EXTRACT AGAINST PATHOGENIC BACTERIA
AHMAD SHAFWAN S. PULUNGAN, WASIS WUYUNG WISNU BRATA, RAHMAD GULTOM
Taro is a plant with widely consumed tubers by the Indonesian people. In addition to tubers, used as food, taro leaves can be used as an alternative drug for their antibacterial properties. The content of secondary metabolites within the taro leaves is able to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. The method used in this research is by using taro leaf extract which is divided into various concentration variations. Taro leaf extract using ethanol solvent 96%. The results showed that each concentration showed an antibacterial ability in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The best concentration in inhibiting bacterial growth is 50mg / ml. The higher concentration of taro leaf extract is used, the greater the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
BIOACTIVITY AND ANTI-OXIDANTS ACTIVITIES OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF FRUITS AND LEAVES OF M. NIGRA AND M. ALBA FROM OUED SOUF AREA (ALGERIA)
GHEMAM AMARA DJILANI(1), DJIHADE TOUATI(1), WARDA MILOUDI(1), KHALED KHERRAZ(2), MOHAMMAD MOURAD SENOUSSI(2)
The study was about the estimation of proteins, carbohydrates, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, Anthocyanins pigment and carotene, also measuring the acidity (pH) and electrical conductivity, as well as we carried out the counter effectiveness test of oxidation and the biologic effectiveness test. The results obtained showed that the fruits and leaves of both of the two types of the berries ,Have nearly the same amount of proteins and carbohydrates, also the leaves of M.nigra and the fruits of the M.alba have bigger amount of phenols and flavonoid . and as for the pigments , the fruits M. alba and the leaves M. nigra, the amount of anthocyanins and there was a high amount of carotene in both types. Regarding the acidity (pH), it was mostly moderate where it tends to alkalinity in the leaves of M. alba, and tends to acidity in the fruits of M. nigra. while the electrical conductivity was nearly the same amoung the two types of fruits and leaves of M. nigra. A low salinity was observed in the leaves of M. alba. M. nigra have higher bacterial inhibition activity and anti-oxidant activity compared to M. alba
MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF SEA BUCKTHORN "STAR" MALE PLANT - FEMALE PLANTS POLLINATION ELEMENT (POLLINATORS)
IOAN VIOREL RATI, DUMITRA RADUCANU, OANA ELENA CERNAT
STAR cultivar is a male plant of the species Hippophae rhamnoides which provides a very good pollination for female plants in the sea buckthorn culture. The ratio of male and female recommended plants is one male plant to seven female plants. The STAR cultivar has a very good germination capacity. This confirms the productivity tests that recommend it as the best pollinator for the studied female cultivars: Auras, Serpenta, Victoria, Ovidiu, Silvia, Diana and Tiberiu. The STAR cultivar has a high erect growth ensuring a good pollination by spreading the pollen for all the studied cultivars.
MACROPHYTES, ALGAE AND BIODIVERSITY IN AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS (A CASE STUDY)
IOAN CĂRĂUŞ
In this paper the author presents the results of the research carried out over several years on the composition of main primary producers of a dam reservoir on Bistriţa River. As a consequence of the developing of a rich and various aquatic macrophyte community, a lot of periphytic algae populated this microbiotope. This resulted in a significant increase of biodiversity in this man-made lake.
PRELIMINARY HISTO-ANATOMICAL RESEARCH ON RHODIOLA ROSEA L. IN CONVENTIONAL AND IN VITRO CULTURES
DANIEL-IOAN MAFTEI(1), DIANA-ELENA MAFTEI(2)
Rhodiola species are well-known and used by the traditional Tibetan medicine for over 1000 years [9]. LINNÉ stated (in his works from 1748 and 1749) that R. rosea is used as an astringent and also to cure hernia, leuchorrea, hysteria and head aches [12]. Rhodiola rosea L. was thoroughly studied from the pharmaceutical viewpoint, though the histo-anatomical research is scarce. This is the reason for the species was not included in the histo-anatomical treaties or specialty papers. In view of evincing the histo-anatomical structure of Rhodiola rosea L., cross sections were effected through roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves. The comparative research was effected on plants in their native habitat (Ceahlău mountains), and on plantlets provided in vitro. The Rhodiola rosea L. plants regenerated in vitro displayed, after acclimatization and cultivation in their native environment, an anatomical structure similar to the plants from spontaneous flora, their physiological activity being normal [2, 3, 4, 18].
STUDIES ON THE MORPHOGENETIC REACTION OF ORIGANUM VULGARE L. EXPLANTS IN VITRO CULTIVATION
DANIELA NICUŢĂ, IRINA LAZAR
The species Origanum vulgare has been known since Antiquity as a plant with a high content of bioactive compounds, especially in plant leaves and flowers. The biochemical analysis of the vegetative parts of oregano plants revealed the presence of essential oregano oil. It contains mainly two phenols, carvacrol and thymol, of great economic importance. Due to the chemical composition of essential oil, oregano plants are used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Our research was aimed at in vitro cultivation of Origanum vulgare explants. Apexes and nodes were grown on several nutritional variants supplemented with BAP, IAA and NAA, at different concentrations. The main morphogenetic reaction was caulogenetic reaction. At the base of the shells formed from the explants, roots were formed. The shoots obtained on all tested variants generally showed good and very good growth, depending on the phytohormonal combination present in the nutritive medium. The best shoots yield was found on the media supplemented with BAP – 1ml/l and IAA – 0,5 ml/l.
STUDY OF GERMINATION RATES OF LYCOPERSICUM AESCULENTUM L. VARIETIES OF SEEDS IN THE CASE OF FERTILIZERS TREATMENT
NICOLETA BADALUTA(1), DUMITRA RADUCANU(1), OLGA CRAVET(1), ANA MARIA GEORGESCU(2), IOAN VIOREL RATI(1)
The aim of this study was to highlight the action effects of a fertilizer containing microelements – REACOM (Ukraine) and a biostimulator – ATONIK (Romania). It was followed: the effect of different concentrations of REACOM on seeds germination and growth of Lycopersicum aesculentum L. seedlings, in the ase of Ace 55 VF, Sf. Pierre and Russian black varieties; the influence of REACOM treatment time on tomatoes seeds on some physiological processes (germination, growth); the influence of various concentrations of ATONIK and of treatment time on germination and growth of Lycopersicum aesculentum L., in the case of Ace 55VF, Sf. Pierre and Russian black varieties (germination, growth); comparing the action of the two growth stimulating products on the physiological yield of Lycopersicum aesculentum L. The obtained results recommend for the tomato culture the ATONIK product as a growth stimulator in the mentioned concentration on the label; the use of higher or lower concentrations leads to unsatisfactory results. In the case of REACOM, the strict failure of prospectus has led to the slowing or even to the destruction of tomato seeds. The growth of tomato seedling is stimulated by the presence of ATONIK AIII - 6 days for the Sf. Pierre variety, and in the case of Russian black variety, AII-6, 9 or 12 days.
DETERMINATION OF TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON AND TOTAL NITROGEN FROM SOIL SEDIMENTS FROM HORIA LAKE, TULCEA
ADINA POPESCU, MIRELA CRETU, ANGELICA DOCAN
Carbon and Nitrogen have an important role in maintaining trophic levels in lake ecosystems and can be used us pollution indices, soil quality and productivity indicators. In this context, the aim of this research was to determine the total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and the carbon - nitrogen ratio (C/N) from the sediment samples collected from lake Horia, Tulcea county, Romania. The lake is located in the area of Horia, being limited to the north, west and south by the agricultural field, and the eastern limit is represented by the intercounty road 222 A. The surface of the lake is 230 ha, and the depth varies between 0.5 - 1 m in summer time in the foot rope zone; the maximum depth is 3.962 m in the dam area. The incline of the ground permits the accumulation of the waters from the versants adjacent to the lake, with suspension contributions, fertilizers and herbicides used for the adjacent corn crop. The samples were collected in the autumn season, from six stations of the lake and the sediment TOC and TN contents were measured using PrimacsSLC and PrimacsSNC Analyzer, from the laboratory of Romanian Center for Modelling Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, University Dunărea de Jos, Galaţi. The higher values of TOC and TN were registered at station 3 (TOC = 2.53 ± 0.18%; TN= 0.67 ± 0.02%). The C/N ratio registered values between (3 - 9) indicating a source of protein rich, lignin poor organic matter sourced from phytoplankton (lake sourced algae).
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE APPLE VARIETY “AMALIA” ACCORDING TO THE UPOV SHEET
IOAN VIOREL RATI, DUMITRA RADUCANU
"AMALIA" is an apple variety obtained by clonal selection at SC FRUCTEX BACAU SRL, homologated in 2018 by Prof. Engineer Rati Ioan Viorel, PhD. "AMALIA" has been assigned by the reporting authority (ISTIS) the reference number 05076. This variety is present in the Fructex Bacau orchard and collection, being one of the varieties demanded by farmers due to its qualities. The tree is medium in size, cone-like shaped, with short, medium and long fruit branches. It is a self-fertilizing variety. The fruit is large, weighing between 190-200g, dark red in colour; the pulp displays great firmness and medium juice content, and pleasant taste. It has significant harvesting yield, achieving constantly 25-30 t/ha. Qualities: It presents resistance to Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) and good resistance to powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha); the capacity of yield self-regulation enables constant crops every year. Shortcomings: have not been observed as yet.
STUDY OF GERMOPLASM RESOURCES USEFUL FOR BREEDING AND NEW GENOTYPES CREATION OF SWEET CORN
PETRE MARIAN BREZEANU, CREOLA BREZEANU, SILVICA AMBARUS, TINA OANA CRISTEA, MARIA CĂLIN
The corn is characterized by a high biological plasticity, climatic factors, temperature and humidity, exerting a great influence on its growth and development. Being a plant of origin in southern and warm regions, the stages of development are generally short, except for late varieties whose light stage is longer. In order to break the correlation between productivity and tardiness, we have applied a very rigorous selection of the genitors, but also a special selection for the very fast traverse of the flowering vegetation phases. Hybrids must present a larger number of leaves in the late forms, increasing their character from 8-10 leaves, as in early forms at nearly 20-24 leaves, as in late forms. Varieties and hybrids intended for cultivation in irrigated areas must have specific features. Thus, it has to support high densities at the surface unit. For this, they must be resistant to falling, less demand of light, very resistant to disease attack, and able to valorise high doses of fertilizer. Sugar corn is also important through its production, especially through the productivity of hybrids created by breeding. It is a plant of great biological capacity. The importance of the sweet corn breeding in our country results both from the pedoclimatic conditions that are favourable for its culture and from the necessity to create hybrids with an ever-increasing production capacity and better quality. The use in production of hybrid seeds and the application of the most suitable agro technical methods provide year-to-year higher yields.
STUDY OF CAFFEINE AND NICOTINE EFFECT ON MITOTIC DIVISION IN WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)
GABRIEL ALIN IOSOB(1), MARIA PRISECARU(2), IONUŢ STOICA(2), TINA OANA CRISTEA(3)
The paper presents the study of the effect of caffeine (coffeinum natrium benzoicum) and nicotine (α-pyridine-β-N-methylpyrrolidine) on mitotic division and chromosomal aberrations in anaphase and telophase in wheat roots (Triticum aestivum L.) of the above mentioned substances. The study was supplemented with observations on seeds germination and plant growth. The study was supplemented with observations on seeds germination and plant growth. Both nicotine and caffeine had an inhibitory effect on cell division, which is also reflected in the growth of wheat plants.
THE YIELD OF ARNICA MONTANA L. PLANTLETS BY MEANS OF BIOTECHNOLOGIES IN VIEW OF REPOPULATING THE SPECIES’ NATIVE HABITAT
DIANA-ELENA MAFTEI, LOREDANA - IULIANA PETREA
Arnica montana L. is one of the most rare and valuable medicinal species, one of the best-known homeopathic remedies. It is an alpine plant, grow¬ing in nutrient-poor soil. It can poten¬tially reach a height of 60 cm, but this is unusual given the harsh conditions at high altitudes. It grows in meadows up to 3,000 metres above sea level, where it is exposed to strong sunlight. The higher the altitude, the more aro¬matic the plant will become. It is found throughout Europe. Arnica (mountain arnica) is included in the Compositae family, about 30cm tall, with yellow flowers that bloom in June-July. The inflorescences are used (Arnicae flos) for treatment and they comprise volatile oil (0.05 - 0.15%). Used externally as an anti-inflammatory, and in external bruises, sprains, arthritis, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, venotonic, varicose veins, etc. Used internally, it causes gastrointestinal disorders and hypertension. The study aims to provide seedlings and plantlets of mountain arnica by conventional culture and by means of plant biotechnologies, in view of repopulating some native habitats of this species in Eastern Romania. Further phytochemical and biometrical comparative studies will be accomplished on several genotypes of Arnica montana L.
CARITOTIPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA D.C. PLANTS MAINTAINED IN THE GENEBANK FROM S.C.D.L. BACAU
TINA OANA CRISTEA(1), MARIA PRISECARU(2), SILVIA AMBARUS(1), MARIA CALIN(1), CREOLA BREZEANU(1), MARIAN BREZEANU(1), GEORGE FLORIN ŞOVA(1)
The research presented in this paper focused on the cariotypic characterization of Echinacea angustifolia D.C. existing in the collection from S.C.D.L. Bacau. Genetic characterization is important for species identification and hybrid population analysis. Genetic determinations include chromosomal counting and karyotype determination, mitotic indexing, and mitotic anomaly analysis. The biological material used in the present cytogenetic study is represented by the radicular meristems of the plantlets resulting from the germination of the seeds of Echinacea angustifolia D.C. The preparation of biological material for cytogenetic studies was carried out according to the data presented by the literature. Thus, two working methods were used to determine the best coloring method, namely the Schiff Reagent staining method and Carr's Reagent staining method. Measurement of chromosomes was made by correlating the measurements made using the microscope micrometer and the measurements made in Adobe Fotoshop 5. The results obtained showed that the chromosome sizes varied between 4.12 and 5.83 μm. Four pairs of chromosomes with centromers in the median area and two pairs with centromers in the sub-median area were identified. Of the remaining five pairs of chromosomes, four have centromers in the sub-terminal area, and the tenth pair has the centromer in the terminal region.
RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF THE DICOPUR ERBICIDE ON GERMINATION, GROWTH AND CELLULAR DIVISION IN ROOT MERISTEMS AT WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM)
DANIELA NICUŢĂ(1), CLAUDIA TOMA(2)
In our research, the effect of the DICOPUR D pesticide on the germination of wheat seeds, plant growth, as well as on cell division in root meristems was studied. The results have shown that the pesticide used inhibits germination even at low concentrations of the test solution; plant growth and development is also negatively influenced, and in terms of cell division, the mitotic index is much lower compared to the control variant. The percentage of cells with chromosomal aberrations was higher for samples tested with DICOPUR solutions. The 1.5 concentration of the DICOPUR solution resulted in total inhibition of the germination process of the wheat seeds.
THE STUDY OF COMPOSITION IN SOLUBLE SUGARS AT HAPLOID GAMETOCLONES WITH GYNOGENETIC ORIGIN
MARIA PRISECARU(1), IONUŢ STOICA(1), GABRIEL ALIN IOSOB(2), MARIA CĂLIN(3)
The soluble sugars that are present in the haploid plants of 10-12 cm length obtained by gynogenesis „in vitro” via the culture of nonfertilized ovaries and ovules have been identified and quantitatively measured in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) by using the chromatographic method upon thin larger and UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Diploid plants of the same length where used for control. They were obtained by germination of the donor plants seeds from where ovaries and ovules for cultivation in vitro were sampled. Thus, it is found that in the haploids obtained in vitro, for all studied species, the values of sugars are in general clearly low, as compared to the control diploid plants. The haploid plants chromatograms show also the lack of some sugars identified in the control diploid plants. It is interesting to note that in some haploids new sugars appear, but they are not identified in the 2n plants, or in almost equal quantitative values, or higher that the 2n donor plant value (case of sugar beet).
STUDY OF PHASEOLUS COCCINEUS BIODIVERSITY IN ORDER TO SELECT VALUABLE GERMOPLASM
CREOLA BREZEANU, SILVICA AMBĂRUŞ, PETRE MARIAN BREZEANU, CRINA ANDREEA ANTAL
The lack of systematic (scientific) knowledge about the biology and ecology of the species in the specific conditions in our country has been an element that contributed to the lower "progress" of this species. The climbing large bean (Ph. coccineus), although well-known in culture, little information is known about its biology and genetics. There is a high degree of rusticity and ecological plasticity, which is higher than at common beans due to resistance or tolerance to pathogens. Highly important is the fact that this rusticity provides a high degree of suitability for sustainable farming systems, including organic. The aim of our work was (1) to acquire knowledge, experience and data that will enable better and more efficient use of PGR. (2) to provide useful contributions to further Phaseolus coccineus research and production (3) to ensure the valuable use of Phaseouls resources for diffrent purposes. The obtained data provides a strong base for establishing a working plan for breeding activities.