Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Role of vermicompost and biostimulants in enhancing garlic growth, bulb yield, and quality parameters
Full text linkOrganic fertilizers and biostimulants have been widely studied in vegetable crops, but evidence on their individual and combined effects on growth and quality remains limited. Therefore, this study assessed the effectiveness and synergistic potential of selected organic amendments and biostimulants in improving garlic growth, nutrient composition, allicin content, and total yield. Across two growing seasons, garlic plants received the followed treatment: 1) seaweed extract (SW), 2) garlic extract (GE), 3) yeast extract (YE), 4) vermicompost (VC), biochar, and their combinations. Growth traits, nutrient concentrations, allicin content, bulb characteristics, and yield components were measured and compared with an untreated control. All treatments significantly enhanced plant height, leaf number, and leaf area. The co-application of GE + SW along with vermicompost and biochare produced the highest growth performance and nutrient accumulation. Furthermore, this treatment also markedly increased allicin content, improving bulb quality, and resulted in the greatest bulb weight and total yield. Overall, combining organic fertilizers with biostimulants provides a sustainable strategy to enhance garlic productivity and quality while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs. The study recommends the integrated use of GE + SW with vermicompost and biochar as an effective nutrient management approach
The bioactive compounds from Argemone mexicana L. extracts control Colletotrichum acutatum in apples and improve postharvest quality
Full text linkApple production is affected by Colletotrichum acutatum, the causal agent of bitter rot and commonly controlled with synthetic fungicides that pose environmental and health risks. This study evaluated a methanolic extract of Argemone mexicana L. leaves as a sustainable alternative for this disease control. The extract was characterized by GC-MS and evaluated against C. acutatum in in vitro assays at 10, 15, and 20 mg L−1, followed by an in situ evaluation using ‘Golden Delicious’ apples from an orchard with agronomic management that included nutrition, irrigation and pruning. In harvested apples, the impact of C. acutatum on disease incidence and severity, and postharvest quality parameters were evaluated for 21 days using five treatments: no- inoculated fruits treated with extract (Exam), inoculated fruits treated with the extract (C. acu+ Exam), inoculated fruits treated with Captan, inoculated untreated fruits, and untreated control. GC-MS analysis identified 12 compounds, most of which exhibited antifungal activity. The results of the in vitro assay indicate that the 20 mg L−1 concentration was the most effective, growth inhibition remained above 50%; in the in situ assay, the treatment (C. acu+ Exam) achieved a 50% reduction in disease incidence and an average of 83% in disease severity. Additionally, extract-treated fruits (Exam and C. acu+Exam) maintained firmness, color attributes, soluble solids content, and weight compared to untreated fruits (Control). These results suggest that A. mexicana extract could be a viable solution for controlling C. acutatum disease in apple fruits
Emergence and N metabolism of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. seedlings in soil contaminated by nickel
Full text linkHeavy metals such as nickel (Ni) can lead to bioaccumulation, affecting entire ecosystems and posing significant risks to various life forms, including plants. Although Ni is a micronutrient, it can be toxic by impacting enzyme activities and inhibiting seed germination and plant growth. In Brazil, official guidelines stipulate preventive and intervention values for Ni concentrations in soil to mitigate pollution and protect soil and groundwater quality. Soil samples classified as Typic Haplustox were artificially contaminated with NiCl₂ at concentrations of 120 (T120), 240 (T240), and 360 (T360) mg dm-3, alongside a control treatment (T0). Seeds were cultivated under greenhouse conditions, and germination and growth parameters were analyzed after 15 days. Measurements included emergence speed index, germination percentage, root and shoot length, fresh and dry mass, and biochemical analyses of nitrogenous compounds and sugars. This study addresses the effects of toxic concentrations of NiCl2 on plants, focusing on the germination and early growth stages. Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC., a tropical legume with significant roles in green manure and phytoremediation, was chosen for its adaptability to various soils. The hypothesis is that C. ensiformis can withstand high soil Ni concentrations, maintaining growth despite environmental toxicity limits. The results indicated differential impacts of Ni, the emergence percentage decreases at 360 mg dm-3 soil with greater dry mass accumulation at 120 and 240 mg dm-3, highlighting the importance of understanding plant responses to stress from potentially toxic elements for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management
Induction and expression of systemic resistance to downy mildew disease in grapevine by chitosan
Full text linkGrapes represent a significant agricultural product globally. Despite their significance and value, grapes face numerous challenges, including disease. Grapevines are susceptible to various pathogens, with downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola, being the most damaging. In the twentieth century, contact and systemic fungicides were developed to combat plant pathogens, such as downy mildew. Recently, there has been a growing demand to minimize fungicide use and shift towards sustainability through implementing eco-friendly practices. Utilizing plant defense elicitors to stimulate disease resistance in grapevines is a crucial strategy. We conducted experiments in the field over two seasons, 2021 and 2022, at two different locations using two grape cultivars (‘Flame’ and ‘Crimson’). Four concentrations of chitosan (1, 2, 4, and 8 mM) were applied. The results indicated that chitosan could induce systemic resistance against downy mildew caused by P. viticola by activating the salicylic acid (SA) pathway, increasing the plant’s concentrations of SA and phenols, and augmenting the efficacy and activity of defense enzymes. The treatment also significantly enhanced the yield production of 1.3-glucanase, chitinase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase. The present study assessed the efficacy of chitosan as a resistance inducer in managing grapevine downy mildew and examined its mechanism of action
Effects of drought stress on seed germination, growth and physiological traits of dwarf wheats at seedling and maturity stage
Full text linkWater deficiency is a major constraint in wheat productivity in arid and semi-arid areas. Height-reducing genes, such as Rht decrease plant height while enhancing yield. However, their benefits in arid environments are poorly understood. We evaluate the effects of drought induced by 10% and 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000, and water shortage on seed germination, growth, physiological traits, and agronomic traits of 12 wheat varieties (11 dwarf and 1 tall) at seedling and maturity stages. Several indicators (germination energy, germination index, root number, and maximum root, coleoptile, and shoot lengths) in some varieties were promoted by 10% PEG-6000, however, all indicators were inhibited at 20% PEG-6000. A positive and significant correlation occurred between shoot fresh weight and both shoot dry weight and relative water content. Shoot fresh weight explained most (positive) variation in principal component analysis (PC1), and peroxidase activity was the least (negative) variation. Plant height and yield components decreased in all wheat varieties with moderate and severe drought stress. A drought resistance coefficient revealed rht (Langdon) was most drought resistant at 10% PEG-6000, Rht2 (Xinong 223) at 20% PEG-6000, and Rht8 (Jinmai 47) at both moderate and severe drought stress. These findings can be used to identify appropriate wheat varieties to cultivate in water-deficient areas
Diversity and effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species in alleviating drought stress in tomato
Full text linkWater scarcity poses significant challenges to sustainable agriculture, and the anticipated increase in the frequency and severity of droughts due to climate change intensifies these constraints. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify eco-friendly approaches to enhance drought tolerance, especially in arid regions, to ensure global food security, considering the growing world population. This study investigated the morphological diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) species associated with the rhizosphere of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants across diverse agroecosystems in twenty locations in Egypt. The results reveal the presence of five AMF species from the genus Glomus: G. invarmaium, G. xanthium, G. intraradices, G. mosseae, and G. macrocarpum. The study further explored the impact of mixed inoculation with the identified G. species on the physiological and morphological performance of tomato plants exposed to drought stress. The results showed that AMF inoculation significantly improved root colonization under drought stress. Inoculated plants showed significantly higher shoot and root fresh and dry weights than non-inoculated controls. AMF-inoculated plants also exhibited higher leaf chlorophyll concentrations and increased accumulation of stress-related metabolites such as proline, total soluble sugars, and glycine betaine compared to non-inoculated plants under drought stress. Leaf phosphorus concentration was enhanced in inoculated plants, whereas lipid peroxidation, indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was reduced. Thermal imaging revealed that AMF inoculation led to lower canopy temperatures, indicating better stress tolerance. Therefore, AMF inoculation, particularly Glomus species, mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress on tomato plants, which indicates its potential for improving crop performance under water-limited conditions. These findings documented the importance of AMF in enhancing drought tolerance in tomato plants, suggesting that their application could be a viable strategy for sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions
Sharing or sparing? An analysis of the forest owners’ opportunity costs in cultural ecosystem services accounting for the Via Transilvanica outdoor recreational trail
Full text linkOutdoor recreation is one of the most relevant cultural ecosystem services provided by the Romanian forests. The Via Transilvanica (VT) is Romania’s longest marked hiking trail, stretching over 1,400 km from the Danube coast to the Carpathian peaks. Similar to famous routes like the El Camino, it offers diverse landscapes and can be completed in 14 stages, each lasting 3-4 days, on foot, by bicycle, or horseback. The trail has important natural and social impacts, emphasizing the need for environmental preservation. A pilot study was conducted along a trail in 137 km across Bucovina region that accounted for 3699 hectares of forests. The analysis explores three policy scenarios based on land sparing and land sharing frameworks: the first scenario involves complete segregation of forests with high social value (set-aside); the second integrates forest regeneration through active harvesting while protecting forests for social purposes (soft land sparing); and the third focuses on creating buffer zones around the VT trail (strong land sharing approach). Each scenario presents a distinct approach to balancing conservation and social needs. The opportunity cost is calculated from the forest owners’ perspective, considering the planned works and timber extraction volumes obtained from the FMPs for each parcel. The opportunity cost calculation showed that the set-aside scenario incurs the highest opportunity cost of an annual value of €1.2 million for the entire assessed area while soft land sparing translates to €0.8 million per year. The cost of establishing buffer zones ranges from €14,000 to €59,000 per year, depending on the zone’s width. The study identifies the advantages and shortcomings of each scenario, highlighting the need for a flexible and adaptable management strategy. The study emphasizes the main criteria for a sound, data-driven decision-support system to manage forests with high socio-cultural values taking into account both environmental and economic aspects, as well as the needs of forest owners, local communities, and tourists. Further research is needed as to identify the overall opportunity costs of the three scenarios considering the potential economic benefits of the VT trail at the community level
Site-specific factors influencing Hymenoscyphus fraxineus spore dispersal: the role of understorey vegetation and slope steepness in ash dieback spread
Full text linkAsh dieback (ADB), caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, is a severe threat to Fraxinus excelsior populations across Europe, with spore dispersal playing a critical role in disease progression. While broad-scale environmental drivers of spore dispersal are well studied, site-specific factors remain underexplored. This review uniquely explores how understorey and slope steepness influence the dispersal, deposition, and development of H. fraxineus spores, along with stand management strategies reported to impact ADB disease progression. The dense understorey vegetation creates microclimatic conditions favouring spore development and retention through increased humidity, reduced airflow, and light accessibility, while also potentially modifying transmission dynamics. Slope steepness may affect spore dynamics through gravity-driven movements of infected ash rachises, and microclimatic variation associated with slope aspect. Understanding these site-specific effects can enhance disease management strategies aimed at conserving tolerant individuals and preserving the genetic basis of tolerance for future Fraxineus excelsior generations. The review also identifies knowledge gaps and highlights the need for empirical research on context-specific management strategies across diverse forest landscapes
Genetic characterization of Greek chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) germplasm collections in Parnon mountain
Full text linkThe European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a unique species located in Europe and the Mediterranean countries. In Greece, chestnuts are widely spread among 28 districts of the country due to their diverse usages by humans (wood production, chestnuts, mushrooms, honey), while they can be geographically placed, based on the nuts’ morphological diversity in 6 main populations located in Kozani, Pilio, Karpenisi, Parnon, Lesvos and Crete. In this study, 56 trees from 3 different areas (Vamvakou, Varvitsa, Karyes) located in the west Parnon mountain region, were collected and subjected to genetic characterization with seven specific SSR molecular markers, in order to assess their genetic structure. The studied chestnuts exhibited a generally low level of genetic differentiation, with most of the genetic diversity residing within individual trees rather than being partitioned among different collection sites. Also, Karyes was not strongly genetically distinguished from Vamvakou and Varvitsa but the regions of Vamvakou and Varvitsa appeared to be genetically closely related compared to Karyes. The identified polymorphic microsatellite loci (especially CsCAT16 and CsCAT3) could be valuable tools for further, more detailed genetic studies of these chestnut populations
Physiological and anatomical adaptations of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown under drought stress
Full text linkDrought stress can affect significant productivity and quality attributes in rice. This research assessed the impact of drought stress on the physiological and anatomical adaptations of ‘Tubtim Chumphae’ rice. Seedlings were cultivated for 45 days in soil before being subjected to drought stress. The seedlings were divided into two groups as full water capacity treatment and drought stress treatment for 21 days before rewatering for 10 days. Dehydration from drought stress reduced rice seedling plant height, tiller number, leaf size, and fresh and dry weight while leaf rolling score increased. The recovery process from drought stress impacted the physiological characteristics. Relative water content and chlorophyll fluorescence decreased while green intensity (SPAD value), chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage percentage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased. Anatomical studies using free-hand section and peeling techniques revealed that water deficit reduced vascular bundle size, bulliform cell size, stomatal size, and epidermal cell (short cell) size while leaf thickness, cuticle and cell wall thickness and bulliform cell number increased. Our results provide useful information on rice seedling adaptation and response to drought for use in further studies of ‘Tubtim Chumphae’ rice and other cultivars