Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Effect of excess zinc in soil on Moringa oleifera Lam. seedlings emergence
Full text linkZinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient in the plant life cycle, playing catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in various physiological processes. However, when present in excess, Zn becomes a potentially toxic element (PTE), causing adverse effects ranging from impaired seed germination to inhibited plant growth and development. Understanding plant responses to increasing Zn concentrations in the soil is fundamental for the recovery of degraded areas and for assessing phytoremediation potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different Zn concentrations on the emergence of Moringa oleifera Lam. seedlings, comparing the responses to two Zn sources in the soil: zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under a completely randomized factorial design with four replicates. Treatments consisted of six Zn concentrations: 0 (control), 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg Zn dm-3 of soil, for both sources. After a 30-day stabilization period (days after element application, DAE), M. oleifera seeds were sown and maintained for 15 days, after which emergence and biometric parameters were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and when significant differences were detected, the Scott-Knott test at a 5% significance level was applied to compare treatments and sources. High Zn concentrations (400 and 500 mg Zn dm-3 of soil) negatively affected seedling emergence, regardless of the Zn source. ZnSO₄ proved to be the more phytotoxic source, significantly reducing both the emergence percentage and speed, as well as biomass accumulation in the seedlings
Exogenous Spermidine (Spd) alleviates NaCl-induced injury effects by improving photosynthesis and oxidative stress tolerance in Brassica napus seedlings
Full text linkTo better understand the mechanism of exogenous application of Spermidine (Spd) to enhance the salt tolerance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). The seedlings of rapeseed cultivar ‘Zheyou-18’ were treated with different concentrations of spermidine under 200 mM NaCl. The portable photosynthetic system flame, photometer and portable fluorometer were used to determine the gas-exchange parameters, ion content and Chlorophyll fluorescence. A spectrophotometer was used to determine the activities of SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), POD (Peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), and APX (Ascorbate Peroxidase). Our study revealed that different concentrations of exogenous Spd can alleviate the harmful effect caused by NaCl stress in rapeseed, and inhibition in rapeseed seedling growth was significantly alleviated with the application of 160 mg·L-1 spermidine under 200 mM NaCl, which is reflected in dry and fresh weight. The Spd treatment further enhanced the photosynthetic efficiency of rapeseed leaves, which is reflected in the changes in gas exchange parameters Pn (Photosynthetic rate), Ci (Intercellular CO2 concentration), Tr (Transpiration rate), Gs (Stomatal conductance), Ls (stomatal limitation), WUE (Water Use Efficiency) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, qP, NPQ), and antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, POD, CAT, APX) which in turn reduced the level of active oxygen (H2O2, O2-). This study also indicated the Spd treatment reduced the absorption of Na+ and increased the absoraption of K+ and Ca2+. The physiological experiments demonstrate that exogenous Spd enhances salt tolerance in rapeseed under NaCl stress through multiple mechanisms, including improved photosynthetic efficiency, maintenance of cellular ion homeostasis, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels
Effects of rootstocks on fruit yield and quality, antioxidant capacity, and total phenol content of almond cultivars ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Ferraduel’
Full text linkAlmond is a temperate fruit tree whose yield and quality are strongly influenced by rootstocks. This study evaluated pomological traits, yield, antioxidant capacity, total phenol content, and fatty acid composition of the cultivars ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Ferraduel’ grafted onto Garnem, GF-677, and seedling rootstocks over two years. The assessed pomological traits included shelled fruit and kernel weight, fruit dimensions, and kernel ratio. Palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were identified as the major fatty acids. Antioxidant activity and total phenol content ranged from 4.80 to 9.50 μmol TE g⁻¹ fresh weight (FW) and from 56.21 to 133.14 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively, with seedling rootstocks showing higher values than Garnem and GF-677. Average shelled fruit and kernel weights were highest in the seedling/‘Ferraduel’ combination (7.43 g and 1.63 g, respectively) and lowest in Garnem/‘Ferragnes’ (4.71 g and 1.53 g, respectively). In this study, both seedling and GF-677 rootstocks led to higher shell and kernel weights than Garnem in both varieties. Compared to Garnem and GF-677 rootstocks, the Ferraduel and Ferragnes grafted onto seedling rootstock produced the lowest yield. Although Garnem rootstock produced the highest yield, GF-677 resulted in higher shelled and kernel weights and better fruit dimensions. Overall, GF-677 rootstock was identified as the most suitable option for the cultivation of both ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Ferraduel’, as it combined high yield with favourable pomological characteristics
Transcriptome analysis of wheat (Triticum aestivum) reveals regulatory mechanisms of adaptation to water deficit stress induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Full text linkRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a powerful tool for exploring transcriptional responses to environmental cues and elucidating gene regulatory networks. This study investigates how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) alleviate water deficit (WD) stress in Triticum aestivum seedlings through transcriptomic analysis. A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on wheat roots under two irrigation regimes, well-watered (WW) and WD, and/or AMF inoculation, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). AMF inoculation modulated the expression of genes involved in osmotic adjustment and protective metabolite biosynthesis. While genes such as P5CS, ARG, OAT, and TaPROT2 were downregulated in AMF-treated plants under WD, asparagine synthase (ASNS) was notably upregulated. Furthermore, AMF symbiosis enhanced the expression of genes related to polyamine and GABA metabolism under WD stress. A significant upregulation of antioxidant-related genes, particularly GSTU1, indicated an AMF-induced strengthening of the antioxidant defense system. Additionally, AMF treatment upregulated multiple nutrient transporter genes, including PHT, AMT, NPF, NRT, HAK/AKT, aquaporins, sugar transporters, and ABC transporters, thereby contributing to improved nutritional status. AMF also influenced carbohydrate metabolism to promote cell wall (CW) biosynthesis and remodelling, highlighting its role in structural adaptation to drought. These findings offer key molecular insights into the mechanisms by which AMF symbiosis modulates gene expression to improve wheat drought tolerance under varying irrigation conditions
Effect of nutrient solution electrical conductivity on cucumber growth and yield in controlled pot soil cultivation
Full text linkThis study investigated the influence of different electrical conductivity (EC) levels on cucumber growth and yield in pot soil under controlled conditions. Four EC treatments were tested: control, T1 (0.5 dS·m-¹), T2 (1.5 dS·m-¹), and T3 (2.5 dS·m-¹), over a 53-day period. Irrigation and drainage dynamics were monitored alongside plant growth, fruit production, and leaf gas exchange. Plants in T2 and T3 required higher irrigation volumes but showed lower drainage rates (16.4%-17.2%), whereas the control and T1 required less irrigation but had higher drainage (24.8%-29.0%). Nutrient leaching was most pronounced in T3 at 51 days after treatment (DAT). Growth and yield parameters were significantly influenced by EC treatments: the highest plant height, leaf area, and fruit fresh weight were observed in T2 and T3 at 53 DAT, while T3 reduced fruit number and quality. Photosynthetic rate peaked in T3 (12.7 µmol m-² s-¹) but was associated with lower drainage pH and higher electrolyte leakage. In contrast, T2 improved overall growth and yield performance. Water use efficiency (WUE) was highest in T2 (2.82 g L-¹) and lowest in T1 (2.22 g L-¹). The highest Fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) was observed in T1 and the lowest in T3. Principal component analysis revealed that traits such as fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight, leaf length, leaf width, leaf fresh weight, and leaf dry weight were strongly associated with T2. These findings demonstrate that a moderate EC level of 1.5 dS·m-¹ optimizes cucumber productivity in controlled pot soil cultivation
Climate change–related water and salinity stress in olive trees: Anatomical traits and mitigation approaches
Full text linkThe cultivar ‘Chemlali’ was subjected to both stresses, water salinity and water scarcity, applied at two levels: 6, 12 g l-1 and 50, 25% field capacity respectively. The anatomical changes under stresses in tree leaves, stems and roots and corrections were monitored. 4% of potassium nitrate was added to correct salt stress, and rehydration for water stress. Five treatments were supervised for each stress type, a control, two stress levels and two corresponding corrections. The olive tree seemed to have a developed natural adaptation system to overcome severe stress levels. Nevertheless, the correction used allowed an improvement of its adaptation, despondingly to the type and level of stress, the correction, the organ and the tissue in question. Significant changes in the proportion of olive tissues subjected to the two stresses were noted. This was accentuated by the correction, namely the development of the palisade parenchyma, the narrowing of the spongy tissue in the mesophyll, and the development of liber at the expense of wood in all organs. The development of the palisade parenchyma likely reinforces the photosynthetic system, while the development of the liber indicated increased consumption of the raw sap needed to overcome the stress
Expanding perennial grass bioenergy crops and influence on allergenic burden: A short review
Full text linkIn recent years, second-generation perennial energy grasses have gained attention for their potential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the possible health risks associated with their large-scale cultivation remain insufficiently addressed. This paper presents a narrative literature review of the potential allergenic effects of the main perennial grass energy crops (Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Miscanthus × giganteus, Arundo donax), with Zea mays used as a reference first-generation energy crop. A structured search was conducted in major electronic databases using predefined keywords related to bioenergy crops, pollen dispersal, and allergenicity. The search identified a wide body of literature on crop biology and bioenergy potential, but only a limited number of studies addressed allergenic outcomes directly. The evidence suggests that, except for P. arundinacea, most second-generation grasses are late-flowering species. If cultivated on a larger scale near urban centers, these crops could alter the seasonal pattern of allergenic pollen exposure by shifting the allergic burden toward the late growing season (August-October). While the expected overall impact on the annual pollen load appears modest-potentially reducing the June peak typical for Europe while slightly increasing exposure later in the season-these changes warrant consideration in land-use and public health planning
Improving strawberry fruit quality through breeding: cultivar performance and biochemical diversity
Full text linkStrawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) breeding has a long tradition worldwide, driven by the need to combine high yields with superior fruit quality and resilience to environmental challenges. At the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitești, Romania, breeding activities began in the 1980s and expanded significantly in the 21st century. The first registered cultivar, ‘Premial’, released in 1989, remains the dominant variety grown in Romania. The program is based on traditional cross-pollination and recurrent field selection, in which new seedlings are rapidly evaluated and the best individuals are advanced as parents for the next generation. Breeding objectives target disease resistance, early and consistent yields, and plant architecture that facilitates harvesting. Market preferences emphasize uniform fruit size, colour and shape, while consumers especially value flavour. To provide a reference for future breeding, this study analyzed seven cultivars released between 1980 and 2019. Pedigree data were examined to identify the most influential parental genotypes, and the genetic contribution of ancestral parents was estimated for each cultivar. Agronomic performance, yield and fruit quality were also evaluated. Among the tested cultivars, ‘Ireal’ and ‘Sarom’ showed the best overall performance for yield and fruit quality, while ‘Coral’ was outstanding for sweetness (11.50 °Brix). ‘Sarom’ also exhibited large fruit size (24.20 g/fruit) and high firmness (37.73 N), making it particularly suitable for storage and commercial distribution. These findings highlight the potential of newly developed cultivars, especially ‘Sarom’ and ‘Ireal’, for cultivation under local conditions and as valuable resources for future breeding programs
The influence of different types of mulch on the yield and content of bioactive compounds of immortelle
Full text linkImmortelle (Helichrysum italicum) is a perennial Mediterranean plant known for its medicinal and aromatic properties. Various biotic and abiotic factors influence the yield and quality of immortelle. Mulching is a sustainable agricultural practice that conserves soil moisture, prevents weed growth, and regulates soil temperature. The aim of this research was to examine the influence of different types of mulch on the yield and quality of immortelles. The study had three types of mulch (alfalfa, straw, and perennial mulch) and a control (no mulch). The research mulches significantly affected the yield, essential oil (EO) content and content of bioactive compounds. The highest yield of inflorescences was recorded with alfalfa mulch (67.5 g-¹), while the control had the lowest yield (37.3 g-¹). The EO content was highest in treatments with straw and control (0.33 mL 100 g-1), whereas the lowest content was observed with alfalfa mulch (0.28 mL/100 g). The total phenolic content reached its maximum in the control variant (75.1 mg GAE g¹), while perennial mulch resulted in the highest flavonoid content (20.4 mg CAE g-¹). A total of 63 constituents were identified in the EO. The largest share was: neryl acetate, α-curcumen, italidione, α-pinene and D-limonene, and others in smaller quantities
Enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities, and phenolic profiles of the methanol extract of Gelasia sericea an endemic species
Full text linkThis study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibitory properties of the methanolic extract of Gelasia sericea (Aucher ex DC.) Zaika, Sukhor. & N.Kilian. The extract demonstrated a moderate yield (6.55 g/100 g dry plant material) and was found to be rich in phenolic acids, particularly ferulic acid (17182.97 µg g-1), followed by caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Antioxidant analyses revealed high total phenolic (388.86 mg GA eq./100 g), total flavonoid (74.03 mg QE eq./100 g), and total antioxidant capacity (503.33 mg AA eq./100 g). The extract exhibited remarkable ABTS radical scavenging activity (95.99%, IC₅₀ = 37.59 mg ml-1) and considerable ferric-ion reducing power (974.78 mg FeSO₄ eq./100 g). Antimicrobial assays indicated moderate inhibitory effects, with stronger activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) and the yeast Candida albicans, whereas Gram-negative bacteria were less susceptible. The extract’s MIC values ranged between 0.20-3.25 mg ml-1, and MLC values between 0.41-6.50 mg ml-1, which were higher than those of standard antibiotics. Enzyme inhibition assays revealed moderate activity against carbonic anhydrase II (IC₅₀ = 0.0136 μg ml-1) and weak inhibition of cholinesterases and α-glucosidase, while α-amylase inhibition was relatively more pronounced (IC₅₀ = 13350.00 μg ml-1). Overall, these findings highlight G. sericea as a valuable natural source of phenolic acids and antioxidants, with promising potential for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and phytopharmaceuticals. However, the relatively limited antimicrobial and enzyme inhibitory activities suggest the need for further studies on bioavailability, in vivo efficacy, and compound isolation to optimize its practical applications