Publicatii USAMV Cluj-Napoca (University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine / Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară din Cluj-Napoca)
Not a member yet
2222 research outputs found
Sort by
Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)
Get PDFFaba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an economically important crop in Ethiopia. The productivity of Faba bean in Ethiopia has declined due to poor management practices of Bio fertilizer rates usage. This study evaluated the effect of Rhizobium inoculation rates on Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) during the 2018 main cropping season. Results indicated that Rhizobium inoculation significantly increased the number of nodules, effective nodules, plant height, and pods per plant. The highest grain yield (2811 kg ha⁻¹) and harvest index (40%) were achieved at 500 g ha⁻¹, while the maximum biomass yield (7089 kg ha⁻¹) occurred at 750 g ha⁻¹. Nodulation and growth improvements were attributed to enhanced nitrogen fixation and nutrient uptake. The study concludes that applying 500–750 g ha⁻¹ of Rhizobium bio-fertilizer can substantially improve Faba bean productivity in nutrient-deficient soils
Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) – a valuable plant in Phytotherapy
Get PDFCatnip (Nepeta cataria), one of the oldest medicinal plants used in phytotherapy, is a perennial species native to Europe, now widespread across multiple continents and present in the spontaneous local flora. The etymology of its name traces back to the ancient town of Nepete, while the epithet cataria derives from the Latin cattus, referring to the characteristic euphoric reaction displayed by felines when exposed to the plant—an effect attributed to nepetalactone, an aromatic compound found in its leaves and stems.
The fresh aerial parts contain 0.3–1% essential oil rich in nepetalactone terpenes, known for their repellent properties against flies and mosquitoes. Traditionally used in the treatment of colds and influenza, catnip exhibits a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, including anxiolytic, antispasmodic, antitussive, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, stomachic, and aperitive tonic actions. It is recommended for neurological disorders and pain alleviation and is also employed in pediatric care. Infusions help reduce symptoms such as diarrhea, convulsions, and parasitic infections in children, while in adults, catnip enemas relieve headaches and support urinary flow.
Catnip has extensive applications, serving as an adjuvant in various pathological conditions, including infectious diseases (chickenpox, tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia), respiratory disorders (asthma, coughs, colds), digestive and ocular disorders, and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Its bioactive compounds constitute natural sources for homeopathic treatments. Beyond its medicinal uses, catnip is also valued in the food, cosmetic, and agricultural industries, highlighting its therapeutic and economic versatility
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Honey: Phytochemical Profile, Isoflavone Content, and Therapeutic Potential
Get PDFRed clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a leguminous plant widely cultivated for forage, yet its potential as a source of bioactive honey remains underutilized. While the plant itself represents a source of isoflavones, primarily formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein, the transfer of these phytoestrogens into honey and their subsequent therapeutic implications require critical evaluation. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the phytochemical composition and medicinal properties of red clover honey. Analyzing its unique profile compared to polyfloral and Manuka honey, its specific antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are highlighted. The paper discusses also the potential of red clover honey in managing menopausal symptoms due to its isoflavone content and explores its viability as a functional food base for isoflavone fortification. The isoflavone content of honey is lower, and specific clinical trials on red clover honey are still lacking. These findings suggest that red clover honey represents a valuable natural therapeutic alternative, which requires further clinical research for its application in nutritive and pharmaceutical sectors
Research on the Evaluation of Quantitative Characteristics in Dry Beans in the Context of Climate Change in Central Moldavia, Romania
Get PDFPhaseolus vulgaris L. is a valuable source of nutrients, and as a nitrogen-fixing plant, it improves soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. The main objective of the study conducted at ARDS Secuieni was to diversify agricultural crops in the Moldova Center by expanding the acreage of dwarf field beans in farms. In the experimental field at ARDS Secuieni, the growth of bean crops was monitored under different climatic conditions. The biological material used in the experiment was the Delia variety and the study focused on assessing the quantitative characteristics of beans, including yield, as well as analyzing the economic efficiency of bean yield. Weather data were obtained from the unit's own meteorological station, located in the experimental field. The analyzed parameters varied significantly from year to year, being negatively affected by soil drought and atmospheric heat. Seed yields showed high variability from year to year, ranging from 1044 kg/ha to 1459 kg/ha. Even though bean yields were significantly reduced, the net profit achieved under the conditions at ARDS Secuieni was substantial, ranging from 5342 lei/ha to 8534 lei/ha. The study conducted at ARDS Secuieni highlighted that, in addition to its recognized nutritional benefits, field beans also offer high economic profitability. Expanding the area cultivated with this crop would improve economic returns and contribute to agricultural sustainability.  
Salinity-Induced Changes in Morphological and Physiological Traits of Lettuce During Early Development
Get PDFThe intensive use of lettuce requires both segmented and early growth studies to identify critical salinity thresholds that may pose risks. The aim of the study was to assess lettuce physiological parameters and early growth under salinity levels. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber, in germination pots and in soil simultaneously. Three treatments were tested in four replicates: a control and two salinity levels (50 mM (level I) and 100 mM NaCl (level II). The assessed parameters were germination rate (GR), and capacity (GC) in germination pots and soil together with phenological development on BBCH scale, leaf relative chlorophyll content, leaf area, stomatal number, aperture, width and length. Higher GR seeds values were registered with salinity level II around 55% in germination pods and 40% in soil. The first true leaf (BBCH 11) appeared in the highest percentages in the control from germination pots and in the level II treatment from soil. The relative chlorophyll content and stomata feature decrease with increasing salinity dosage. Leaf area was the highest in the control treatment, followed by the 100 mM NaCl treatment. Soil alleviates the level II of salinity stress; however, it also delays the germination seen in the lettuce emergence
Extraction and Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Apples (Malus x domestica Borkh.): A Review
Get PDFApples are widely consumed in many nations across the world, with about 40% of the world's population eating apples on a regular basis. Many health-promoting aspects have been linked to the consumption of fresh apples, and as a result, the scientific community has focused heavily on the identification and measurement of bioactive chemicals in this food. The progress made in the quali-quantitative determination of phenolic chemicals in apples during the previous five years is highlighted in this article. The most modern methodologies for extracting the target components from apples, as well as the analytical methodologies used for the separation, identification, and quantification of phenolic acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, have received special attention. The primary characteristics of “traditional” extraction procedures (i.e., maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction) as well as more novel protocols incorporating sophisticated extraction techniques, such as MAE, have been outlined (microwave-assisted extraction). The importance of HPLC in defining the phenolic profile has also been investigated, with the most recent results obtained employing mass spectrometry-based detection techniques being presented. Furthermore, the most frequent processes for quantifying the total amount of the cited classes of phenolic compounds, as well as spectrophotometric protocols for evaluating the antioxidant capabilities of rice phenolic extracts (i.e., FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC), have been described
Geospatial Surveying for Floating Waste Mitigation Systems: A Multisensor Case Study on the Someșul Mare River
Get PDFRiver pollution represents an environmental issue in Romania in recent years, particularly in the context of environmental protection and water quality monitoring. In the north-western region of Romania, upstream from the city of Beclean, the Someșul Mare River flows through numerous settlements. This has led to continuous changes in the river’s physical characteristics and an alarming increase in waste accumulation. The primary cause of this phenomenon is the local population’s improper waste disposal practices, where garbage is dumped directly into the riverbed. Even minor flood events mobilize and carry this waste downstream, further exacerbating the pollution problem. This research focuses on the collection of topographic and bathymetric data using photogrammetry, LiDAR, and sonar technologies, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the target area. These data support the mapping and planning of floating structures intended for biodiversity conservation and water management. Topographic surveys were conducted to provide accurate geospatial data from the field. To enhance topographical information, the UAS DJI Matrice M210 was used for collecting photogrammetric and LiDAR data, while underwater data was achieved using the Alpha Mi single beam echosounder system
Study on the Agricultural Labor Force in Romania
Get PDFThis study aims to analyze and assess the transformations in the structure of the agricultural workforce in Romania over the period 2018-2023. The focus is on the dynamics of the number of employees, the trends in the earnings of employees in the agricultural sector and the variations in the workforce. By examining these elements, the study aims to provide a detailed perspective on the changes and stability of the agricultural workforce, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities for growth and development of this sector essential for the Romanian economy. The results of the research showed that in Romania the number of both skilled and seasonal workers has decreased. We thus identify, at least in certain agricultural areas in Romania, two phenomena related to the agricultural workforce, namely the drastic reduction in the number of seasonal workers and the insufficient supply of specialized personnel, which creates important problems on farms
Multifunctional roles and emerging applications of medicinal Lamiaceae plants: a scoping review
Get PDFMedicinal and aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family are widely recognized for their therapeutic roles, yet their broader multifunctional potential across food preservation, biocontrol, cosmetics, and ecological services remains insufficiently synthesized. This scoping review systematically examined 155 peer-reviewed studies (2001–2025), encompassing 145 species from 38 genera, to identify how phytochemical diversity shapes cross-domain applications. Five taxa—Salvia rosmarinus, S. officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, and Lavandula angustifolia—accounted for over 60% of all investigations, indicating that multifunctionality is concentrated within chemically distinctive lineages. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities formed the most consistent intersection with food preservation and biocontrol, driven primarily by phenolic acids, phenolic monoterpenes, and oxygenated monoterpenes. Geographic analysis showed that approximately 60% of experimental studies originated from Mediterranean regions and Iran, while tropical and subtropical areas with high Lamiaceae diversity remain underrepresented. Temporal trends revealed increased publication output after 2015, reflecting growing interest in natural preservatives and sustainable pest management. The synthesis highlights recurrent chemotype–function associations that may support breeding-oriented research, inform circular bioeconomy strategies, and help prioritize underexplored genera such as Hyptis, Micromeria, and Tetradenia for targeted investigation. Despite these patterns, taxonomic gaps, methodological heterogeneity, and limited in vivo or translational studies constrain generalization and application. Future work should integrate genomic and metabolomic approaches, assess genotype–environment interactions, and evaluate economic and regulatory feasibility to advance multifunctional Lamiaceae species toward practical agricultural, environmental, and industrial uses
Utility Network Management in ArcGIS Pro for the Gruia Neighborhood, Cluj-Napoca
Get PDFGeographic Information Systems (GIS) represent a powerful tool for the monitoring and management of utility infrastructure, with growing applications in Romania and internationally. This study addresses the design and implementation of a water supply and sewerage network in the Gruia neighborhood of Cluj-Napoca, developed as a branching system to serve local consumers. Field data were collected using high-precision GPS equipment, while AutoCAD was employed for technical drafting and ArcMap for spatial analysis and cartographic representation. Additionally, ArcGIS Online was integrated to publish interactive maps, enabling real-time access, collaborative use, and on-site data updates. The resulting GIS-based maps provide a comprehensive visualization of network components, support the rapid identification of malfunctions, and facilitate efficient management of infrastructure. By combining advanced geospatial technologies with web-based platforms, this study highlights the potential of GIS to optimize decision-making processes, enhance service delivery, and strengthen urban infrastructure management