Volume 33, No. 1 (2024)
Articles
PLANTS FROM THE SPONTANEOUS FLORA OF ROMANIA THAT HAVE DECORATIVE VALU
MILIAN GURĂU(*)
From the wild Flora of Romania, approximately 670 species of vascular plants have been cultivated and appreciated, of which there are 430 species that have other uses such us: fodder, wood industry, dyes, medicinal, with special ecological value, food, household uses etc. In order to be able to transplant or sow them in culture conditions, they must find ecological and similar conditions to those from they were harvested in order to grow and fructify normally. Over time, these plants have been easily found in nature, because 445 species are common, 160 are sporadic and 65 are rare. There are numerous examples for each area and vegetation level, for all types of habitats where it is desired to plant specimens appropriate to the local ecological conditions.
CURRENT ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE FISH FAUNA FROM THE FLUVIO-MARITIME AREA OF THE DANUBE DELTA (ROȘU-PUIU LAKE-COMPLEX, MUSURA AND SACALIN BAYS)
AUREL NĂSTASE(*), MARIAN ION IANI, ȘTEFAN HONȚ, MARIAN PARASCHIV, IRINA CERNIȘENCU
This paper is an outline of the current state (2020-2023) of the fish fauna of the fluvio-maritime environment still in formation of the Danube Delta, the youngest territory of Romania. The lakes of the Rosu-Puiu complex have become more fluvial in the course of time, due to the deltaic area and the breaking of the connection with the sea, while the sea areas of the Musura and Sacalin Bays have become fluvio-maritime freshwater areas, very slightly saline in the dynamics of sediment deposition. The collection of fish fauna was carried out with two complementary sampling methods: Nordic/commercial gillnets for open water and electrofishing for vegetated shorelines. The results are expressed in relative abundance and biomass as Catch Per Unit of Fishing Effort (CPUE standardisation is done by a calculation system so that catches can be compared over time or between lakes or complexes), but also ecological indicators such as ecological significance, biodiversity index Shannon-Wiener, evenness and ecological status using ECOFRAME methods and Biological Integrity Indicator (IBI) are used for comparative/complementary characterization of ecological status. The IBI index was adapted for metapotamal and hypopotamal region (bream and ruffe/carp fish region) where missing or weak-represented are Salmonidae family, replaced by Percidae family motivated. With few exceptions the ecological status of fluvio-maritime area was between moderate and good status (native fish gene pool affected to the limit by numerical and areal reduction, recovery capacity is not affected).
EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF THE NESTING DEVICES, ATTRACTANT AND NECTARIC PLANTS IN THE ACTIVATION, ATTRACTION AND ACCUMULATION OF CHRYSOPA (NEUROPTERA) SPECIES IN THE ORCHARD AGROECOSYSTEM
ALLA GLADCAIA(*), SERGEY ELISEEV
In order to effectively manipulate the behavior of predators and parasitoids in the field, luring them into crops earlier and with greater density, we used the following methods: overseeding aromatic plants (omnivorous lacewings are attracted to a number of plant species, which they use to enhance reproduction, nutrition or rest); attractants, which increase the effectiveness of biological management by raising the level of predation or parasitism; nesting devices providing monitoring and safe wintering of Chrysopa entomophages. In the orchard nesting devices 8,1 times more Chrysopa individuals remained for the wintering, than in the control plot of the Botanical Garden. Ch. carnea was dominant among the species that overwintered in nesting devices. The maximum number of Chrysopa individuals, overwintered in the nesting devices, placed at a distance of 5-20 meters from attractant baits (16,7%; 22,2%; 27,8%). A significant number of entomophages was accumulated in the nesting devices in the orchard plot with oversowing of nectariferous crops (11,1%).
MANAGEMENT OF GRAPEVINE VIRAL DISEASES
ELENA-COCUȚA BUCIUMEANU(*), IONELA-CĂTĂLINA GUTA, DIANA ELENA VIZITIU
Plant viruses represent the most damaging pathogens causing production losses and endangering the survival of infected plants. In grapevine, one of the most valuable horticultural crop in the world, one hundred and one viruses have been identified so far, being the plant where the most viral entities are known. Of these, grapevine is severely affected by viruses belonging to four major disease complexes: leafroll, rugose wood, infectious degeneration and decline, and fleck. The viruses associated with these diseases are transmitted by mealybugs, insects, or nematodes. In this review, several methods of grapevine viruses and virus diseases management have been presented, such as: virus identification, producing the virus-free propagating material, vector monitoring, rouging the diseased grapevines, using resistant and transgenic plants.
SEASONAL MONITORING OF THE COTTON BOLLWORM HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA Hbn. BY USING LIGHT TRAPS
OLESEA NEMERENCO(*), TUDOR NASTAS, VICTOR GORBAN
The present study presents the results obtained from the seasonal control of the Helicoverpa armigera Hbn pest using light traps. From the research conducted during the growing season of agricultural crops in the years 2021-2022, it was found that light traps can be successfully utilized in seasonally controlling the number of generations and reducing the population of the H. armigera Hbn pest under the agroclimatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova.
ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE TOMATO CROP PRODUCTION IN ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS THROUGH THE USE OF BIOCHAR AND WOOD VINEGAR
DAN IOAN AVASILOAIEI, MARIANA CALARA(*), CLAUDIA BĂLĂIȚĂ, ANDREEA ANTAL-TREMURICI
The escalating demands for sustainable agricultural practices have led to the exploration of eco-friendly approaches to improve crop yield and soil health in ecological systems. This study investigates the synergistic effects of biochar and wood vinegar applications on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth, yield, and ecological sustainability. A field experiment was conducted over 2023 growing season, during which `Bacuni` tomato variety was subjected to three treatments, including the application of biochar, wood vinegar, and Cropmax. Results indicated that the application of biochar and wood vinegar significantly enhanced tomato plant growth, as evidenced by greater plant height, number of leaves and fruits per plant, and overall biomass production. In addition to improved vegetative growth, tomato fruit production and quality was notably increased in the biochar and wood vinegar-amended plots. The enhanced fruit yield was attributed to the improved availability of essential nutrients, as well as the natural fungicidal properties of wood vinegar that reduced the incidence of soil-borne diseases. These findings highlight the potential use of biochar and wood vinegar as eco-friendly cultivation practices in order to promote ecological sustainability in tomato crop production.
THE EFFECT OF LEVOTHYROXINE ON SALVIA HISPANICA L. AND TRITICUM AESTIVUM L. SEEDS
LUISA CALUJAC(1*) , IRINA BOZ(1,2), ELENA RALUCA BULAI(1)
5% of the human population uses levothyroxine as a treatment for hypothyroidism. This research is targeted to observe the impact of a commonly used drug on the seeds of the most frequently consumed plants. The chia seeds and wheat seeds were treated with a concentrated solution of levothyroxine over the course of 4 weeks. After the seedlings grew, the plants were preserved in ethanol. Following a month of preservation, the plants were calcinated then their ashes were examined for their mineral composition. This study has shown a big influence of levothyroxine on the growth and sprouting of the Salvia hispanica and Triticum aestivum seeds.
THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN 2023 ON APHID INFESTATION IN VEGETABLE CROPS AT VRDS BACĂU
GABRIEL-ALIN IOSOB(1*), TINA OANA CRISTEA(1), CLAUDIA BĂLĂIȚĂ(1), FLORIN SOVA(1), SEBASTIAN MUSCALU(1), DUMITRA RĂDUCANU(2), IONUȚ STOICA(2), GABRIELA VÎRGĂ(3)
Climate change, through its influence on temperature, humidity and rainfall, favors the spread and activity of many aphid species, leading to increased infestation risks for vegetable crops worldwide. In 2023, aphid species were monitored at the Vegetable Research and Development Station of Bacău (VRDS Bacău). Six aphid species were identified in the vegetable crops in the conventional agriculture experimental field. However, only four species - Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae - exceeded the economic damage threshold. The degree of attack (DA%) of these species was influenced by climatic factors, in particular fluctuations in temperature, relative humidity and precipitation. In May and June, moderate temperatures and high humidity levels favored aphid activity, with maximum DA% observed for A. fabae and M. persicae. During summer, A. gossypii became more predominant, while B. brassicae showed maximum activity in the fall months. The data highlight the importance of climate monitoring in integrated pest management, allowing control strategies to be adapted to seasonal conditions and increasing the effectiveness of pest control measures. This study provides valuable information for optimizing pest management practices in vegetable crops under varying climatic conditions.
PROTEINOGRAM CHANGES IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA
DANIELA TIȚĂ(1), TATIANA CIUREA(2), IONUȚ STOICA(3*), DUMITRA RĂDUCANU(3*), DIANA IOANA TIȚĂ(4)
Multiple myeloma is the third most common type of blood cancer, after leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It represents a complex medical challenge, and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve the patient's prognosis and quality of life. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma is made with the help of serum protein electrophoresis, which shows the excess of a certain type of antibodies that is highlighted by a peak, called "monoclonal peak". The proteinogram changes in multiple myeloma are strongly expressed and characteristic, having diagnostic value, and, for greater certainty of the diagnosis, blood tests will be corroborated with bone radiography, computed tomography and marrow biopsy.
RICINUS COMMUNIS L – A MEDICINAL PLANT POTENTIALLY HARMFUL TO HUMAN HEALTH
DANIELA NICUȚĂ, DIANA-ELENA MAFTEI*
Since ancient times, humans learned that some herbs prevent or even heal various medical conditions, regarding the fact they are a valuable source of bioactive substances that contribute to a good health state. The use of medicinal plants takes causion because some species contain several toxic metabolites, as well. Among the phytotherapeutic herbs, a well-known plant is Ricinus communis L. The extracts from the various vegetative organs have many medicinal effects, whereas the castor beans (the seeds) are considered harmful to the human health. They contain a natural toxin, named ricin, that may cause severe or even lethal effects if it reaches inside a human or animal living organism. This scientific contribution is based on relevant published literature in this field. The paper aims to enhance both aspects in Ricinus communis L.: its importance as a medicinal species, and the danger it represents due to the high toxicity of its seeds’ ricin. People should be aware of the antagonistic effects of this plant, mainly in this specific context, in which herbs and their seeds are increasingly used for therapeutic purposes or as a dietary source of natural fats, proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and other biologically active substances.