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
Study Regarding Methods and Techniques Used for Analysis of Spray Drift and Droplet Size Distribution by Agricultural Spraying Machines
Get PDFThe main purpose of this paper is to analyze the methods and techniques used for analysis of spray drift and droplet size distribution by agricultural spraying machines. According to related standards and accepted definitions spray drift is the volume of plant protection product (PPP) that is transported by air currents from the target surface to another unintended area, during the application of PPP by agricultural spraying machines or by unmanned aerial spraying systems (UASS). Spray drift of PPP leads to pollution of watercourses, sensitive areas or direct damage (phytotoxicity) to neighboring crops. This paper analyses in force international standards and available literature, reports and scientific papers, that relate with issues regarding spray drift measurements. Spray drift mitigation and management strategies are grouped in several key issues, that are related to the environment (e.g. meteorological variables), equipment design and PPP physical and chemical properties. For drift studies a variety of methods and techniques are used, each one with strengths and weaknesses, such as image analysis, image processing, real time measurements (Lidar and laser-based techniques)
Mapping Oak Seedling Health: NDVI Characterization of Powdery Mildew in Valea Iușului Nursery
Get PDFDetecting powdery mildew disease in oak seedlings using drone technology is an emerging approach that allows efficient and precise monitoring of seedling health in nurseries and afforested areas. This is increasingly important given the growing biotic stresses, including powdery mildew caused by pathogens such as Erysiphe spp. This study aimed to identify NDVI values characterizing infected seedlings of second-year sessile oak (Quercus petraea) seedlings affected by powdery mildew in the Valea Iușului nursery. The research was conducted in 2024 at the Valea Iușului nursery, part of the Lechința Experimental Base, on a second-year sessile oak crop. Drone flights were performed using a DJI Phantom 4 drone with a multispectral camera at 10 meters altitude, in hover mode. Photographs were captured with 80% front overlap and 75% side overlap. Analysis of orthophotos and NDVI images showed that the spectral response of infected seedlings ranged from 0.400 to 0.650 NDVI, depending on infection severity. NDVI values decreased as the severity of powdery mildew increased. Indices between 0.400 and 0.500 indicated moderate to severe infection, while values between 0.500 and 0.650 reflected mild to moderate infection.  
Assessing Potato Crop Response to Current Climatic Conditions from Central Part of Transylvania Using Vegetation Indices
Get PDFDuring 2023-2024 to the NIRDPSB Brasov were evaluated twelve Romanian potato varieties regarding the use of non-invasive measurements to follow crop grown and development. Two NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) readings were carried out on the middle leaves of three potato plants. For interpretation of chlorophyll results was used the formula of nitrogen index. The values recorded on 22.06.2023 were between 89.98 N index for the Castrum variety and 84.3 N index for the Cosiana and Sevastia varieties and on 18.07.2023 between 89.9 N index for the Castrum variety and 86,8 N index for the Foresta variety. Values recorded on 18.06.2024 were between 91.81 for the Marvis variety and 88.56 N index for the Azaria variety, and on 8.07.2024 between 91.78 for the Castrum variety and 89.61 N index for the Sevastia variety. As the vegetation progresses, a decrease of the chlorophyll content value is observed, depending on the leaf mass of the variety and its exposure. Cosiana variety with later accumulation recorded an increase in chlorophyll values, compared to its more pronounced decrease in the Marvis, Asinaria, Darilena varieties. The NDVI index depends significantly on the climatic conditions and on the adaptability to drought and water stress of potato
Study on the Use of Echinacea spp. in Equine Nutrition
Get PDFMedicinal plants have historically represented a major therapeutic resource in traditional medicine due to their high content of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. They constitute an essential component of plant biodiversity and are distributed across all continents, particularly in temperate and subtropical regions, where numerous species with high therapeutic potential occur. Among these, members of the Asteraceae family are notable for their alkamides and other phytochemicals associated with various biological effects. Species of the Echinacea genus, native to North America, have been extensively studied for their immunostimulatory and anti-infective properties and are widely used in both human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, concerns regarding the adverse effects of antibiotics and synthetic additives in animals have increased interest in medicinal plant extracts as natural alternatives in animal nutrition. However, physiological and metabolic differences among species can markedly influence the efficacy and safety of these compounds and certain extracts may be ineffective or contraindicated in equines. This paper aims to synthesize existing data on the use of Echinacea spp. in equine nutrition, highlighting its effects on nutritional and physiological status and contributing to the foundation for future research in equine husbandry
Opportunity, Challenges and Approaches of Multivariate Diversity Analysis for Quantitative Traits of Pulse Crops: A Review
Get PDFPlant breeding faces the significant challenge of feeding a growing global population on increasingly limited arable land. While advancements have been made in modern breeding practices, the narrow genetic base of many cultivated crops has created vulnerability in their genetic makeup. This underscores the necessity for a shift in plant breeding approaches, focusing on expanding the genetic resources utilized. Genetic diversity is widely recognized as a key factor in ensuring food and nutritional security. A deeper understanding of genetic variation will guide the conservation of essential resources. Multivariate techniques are particularly valuable in analyzing the relationships between variables, enabling researchers to explore these connections in a more expansive manner. By incorporating additional variables, methods like cross-tabulation, partial correlation, and multiple regression can clarify the nature of associations. D2 statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) are commonly used to interpret morphological data due to their ease of interpretation. R software is a valuable tool in statistical analysis and data visualization, thanks to its adaptability. The findings from these analyses can inform various breeding strategies, including transgressive breeding, heterosis breeding, and the introduction of foreign genes to enhance specific traits
Plant-derived polyphenols and colorectal cancer chemoprevention mechanisms and clinical perspectives
Get PDFColorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with dietary factors playing a significant role in disease risk modulation. Plant-derived polyphenols, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans, have attracted considerable attention for their chemopreventive properties. This review summarizes current evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical investigations on the role of dietary polyphenols in CRC prevention. Experimental studies demonstrate that polyphenols exert multiple anticancer effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB, COX-2), and modulation of oxidative stress. These effects are mediated through key molecular targets such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways. Animal studies confirm significant reductions in tumor incidence following polyphenol administration. Furthermore, the bidirectional interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota represents an emerging mechanism with important implications for colorectal health. Clinical and epidemiological evidence suggests an inverse association between polyphenol-rich diets and CRC risk, although variability in bioavailability and study design remains challenging. This review highlights the multitarget mechanisms of dietary polyphenols from medicinal and edible plants and supports their potential as natural chemopreventive agents, while identifying research gaps warranting further clinical investigatio
Highlighting the Economic and Financial Losses in Ecosystems, with Special Reference to the Forest Ecosystems of the Bârgău Mountains
Get PDFCurrently, disruptions-particularly negative ones-within social and economic systems lack effective short-term solutions, while medium- and long-term strategies often neglect sustainable development across micro, meso, and macro levels. These instabilities generate significant economic and financial losses, which frequently contribute to climate change, especially at regional and local scales. Such impacts are observable in forest ecosystems, where disturbances can cause diverse and sometimes irreversible ecological consequences. his study examines quantifiable losses in Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests affected by biotic and abiotic stressors in the Bârgău Mountains, Romania. Research was conducted in three forest ecosystems located in Management Unit Il Iliuta of the Tihuța-Colibița Forest District, in compartments 75C and 662B (60-year-old stands), and 363D (120-year-old stand). The methodology included field observation, controlled experiments, and statistical analysis. Results indicate that these ecosystems are significantly affected by destabilizing factors such as windthrow and snow damage, as well as quality degradation caused by large game (e.g., bears, deer), which reduces timber value. In conclusion, the economic and ecological impacts of these disruptions can be quantified. The observed "snowball effect" suggests that damages extend beyond the immediate area, affecting adjacent and downstream ecosystems-an outcome with broader implications for regional forest management and climate resilience
DNA Barcoding Analysis and Phylogenetic Position of Endemic Lysimachia savranii Species
Get PDFIn this study, DNA barcode analysis and phylogenetic position of endemic species Lysimachia savranii were determined using nrDNA ITS and cpDNA rbcL sequences. Green leaves of endemic L. savranii were brought to the laboratory and genomic DNA was isolated. ITS (ITS5A and ITS4) and rbcL (rbcLaF and rbcLaR) primers were used to perform the PCR amplifications. Using BioEdit 7.2.3 and FinchTV 1.4.0, forward and reverse sequences were checked and corrected and then blasted at NCBI. For phylogenetic analyses, different species were taken from NCBI and phylogenetic trees as well as genetic distance values were revealed. The ITS sequence length was determined to be 661 nt while the rbcL sequence length was 548 nt. In both the ITS and rbcL results, L. savranii was found to be genetically closest to the L. serpyllifolia species. In the phylogenetic analysis results, L. savranii appeared in a group with L. serpyllifolia, L. nemorum and Anagilis arvensis species. Additionally, previously studies conducted revealed that Lysimachia is a paraphyletic group and this is supported by our results
Growing Degrees Days Requirements on Phenological Principal Growth Stages of Rubus Idaeus Cultivar Polka and Tulameen in Urban Garden
Get PDFIn the current context of climate change, research must focus on testing cultivars capable of tolerating wide ecophysiological variations throughout the growing season. This study assessed the growing degree day (GDD) requirements for key BBCH phenological stages and the productivity of two red raspberry cultivars, Rubus idaeus ‘Polka’ and ‘Tulameen’, grown in an urban garden. Field experiments included three nutrition areas: maximum (100 cm, MaxNA), medium (75 cm, MedNA), and minimum (50 cm, MinNA). Phenology and productivity were recorded every three days across the growing season, while GDD and precipitation were derived from climatic data. ‘Polka’ showed about 40% higher productivity in MedNA during the second decade of August, whereas ‘Tulameen’ followed a similar trend one month earlier. During the first acclimatization year, all ‘Tulameen’ plants survived across treatments, while ‘Polka’ failed to survive in MaxNA. Average GDD values during the vegetation season reached 5800°C in MedNA for ‘Tulameen’ and in MinNA for ‘Polka’. Overall, ‘Tulameen’ demonstrated higher survival but lower yield, while ‘Polka’ exhibited greater productivity—over tenfold higher—despite reduced survival. Results indicate that in urban gardens, variations in GDD and precipitation influenced the phenological development and yield performance of raspberry cultivars tested
The role, importance and use of insect pheromones in plant protection
Get PDFThe protection of agricultural ecosystems aims to achieve a balance between biocenosis and biotope, between the plant and animal world within the perimeter of agricultural lands. In order to reduce the populations of harmful species, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive control strategy, a strategy that aims to include alternative methods in order to reduce pesticide residues in fruits intended for consumption. From the category of pheromones, sexual attractants are of particular practical interest. They represent an alternative for controlling harmful insects to avoid contamination of plants with insecticides. Within these alternative methods, a special place is occupied by the use of sexual pheromones, pheromones synthesized at the ICC "Raluca Ripan", Cluj-Napoca, used mainly for monitoring