Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Impact of water regimes on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and quality of olive oil (Olea europaea L.) under semi-arid conditions in Tunisia
Full text linkWater scarcity is the main challenge in irregular olive oil production in Tunisia. In olive orchards the use of deficit irrigation technique is the main method to optimize water saving and achieve sustainable olive production. The aim of this study was to assess four levels of drip irrigation (100% ETc, 60% ETc, 50% ETc and 40% ETc (evapotranspiration)) on ‘Chemlali’ and ‘Koroneiki’ olive oil varieties, in semi-arid conditions, for two consecutive crop years. The quality parameters, antioxidant compounds, and antioxidant properties against DPPH and ABTS cation radicals of oils, were evaluated. Moreover, the fatty acid composition of ‘Chemlali’ and ‘Koroneiki’ oils was determined through gas chromatographic analysis. The result showed that irrigation regimes had a moderate effect on the standard quality parameters (free fatty acids, peroxide value, K232 and K270) of virgin olive oil as well as on the composition of the fatty acids. The oil obtained from trees treated with 50% ETc irrigation strategy was characterized by a high content of oleic acid (approximately 61% for ‘Chemlali’ and 78% for ‘Koroneiki’), a low level of palmitic acid, a high content of phenolic compounds (217.44 and 198.99 mg of eq catechin kg-1 of oil for ‘Chemlali’ and ‘Koroneiki’, respectively), O-diphenols, chlorophyll and carotenoids and high antioxidant properties for both olive cultivars. Therefore, this method is considered the best irrigation strategy to optimize water management and improve the quality, the antioxidant content and properties of oil
Iodine biofortification impacts the nutraceutical compounds content and agronomic characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Full text linkCurrently, agronomic biofortification through foliar fertilization is an effective process for correcting micronutrient deficiencies in the population in a sustained manner. Some studies have shown that iodine has a positive effect on crop metabolism and development, as well as on the absorption of this element and its buildup in the edible organs of the vegetable, mitigating the problem of iodine deficiency in the population. In this work, the response of potassium iodide (KI) on lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L.) produced in a hydroponic system (NFT) was evaluated using a completely randomized design. Five treatments, one control, and five replicates per treatment (control, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 µmol L-1). The morphological variables, chlorophyll content, phytochemicals, and mineral concentration were quantified. The results show that the dose of 20 µmol L-1 of (KI) increases compared to the control treatment in the morphological variables, including plant height (41.83%), leaf length (41.30%), leaf width (45.45%), crown diameter (29.79%), number of leaves, root fresh weight (99.58%), and dry matter (77.7%). At concentrations of 20 µmolL-1 of (KI), chlorophyll showed better results (43.5%) than the control. At doses of 15 and 20 µmolL-1 of (KI), phytochemical variables showed increases in phenols (56.5%), flavonoids (31.8%), antioxidant capacity (5.5%), and vitamin C (3.33%) compared to the control. Iodine concentration increased with higher doses, showing the maximum concentration at 25 µmol L-1 of (KI) (48.04%) compared to the control. Doses of 20 µmolL-1 of (KI) increased the accumulation of certain minerals (N, P, Ca+2, Mg+2, Cu, Mn, Na) (7.7 to 35.7%) compared to the control. In contrast, higher doses of 15 µmolL-1 of (KI) caused antagonism, decreasing the concentration of Fe and Zn. The application of adequate doses of iodine is a good alternative for biofortification
Improvement of quality, physiological parameters and antioxidant status of chrysanthemum by priming of seedlings with UV-A radiation
Full text linkIn conventional chrysanthemum production systems, supplemental lighting is used to induce flowering. Plants perceive radiation in the range of 280 to 750 nm, and UV radiation has been shown to improve plant productivity. Modern technology allows efficient manipulation of these wavelengths, facilitating their direct application to seedlings. This study evaluated the effect of different UV-A exposure times (1, 2, 3 and 4 hours) on chrysanthemum seedlings of the varieties ‘Polaris’ and ‘Codorniz’ (Chrysanthemum × morifolium). In ‘Polaris’, priming the seedlings with UV-A increased growth by 8% and flower diameter by 6%, in addition to improving photosynthesis, with increases of up to 38%. The Fv/Fm index, an indicator of the photochemical efficiency of PSII, increased by 5%. In leaves, β-carotene increased by 45%, vitamin C by 8% and total chlorophylls by 56%. In petals, phenolics increased by 12% and 15%, while flavonoids increased by 12%. In contrast, ‘Codorniz’ showed less sensitivity to UV-A radiation, no change in growth and no change in biochemical compounds, although photosynthesis improved by 20%. UV-A radiation showed great potential for optimizing quality and productivity in chrysanthemums, especially in the ‘Polaris’ variety. These differences highlight the importance of taking into account the specific characteristics of each variety when implementing management strategies using UV-A light
Growth analysis of sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] in different plant strata
Full text linkThis study evaluated the growth patterns of sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] across its basal (BS), middle (MS), and apical (AS) strata. The experiment began from April to August 2022 at the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) greenhouse of the Antonio Narro Autonomous Agrarian University (UAAAN), Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Leaf area index (LAI), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area duration (LAD), biomass duration (BDM), absolute growth rate (AGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and crop growth rate (CGR), were measured at 14-day intervals over 120 days after sowing (DAS). Means were compared using ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test (p < 0.05). At 92 DAS, the basal stratum exhibited a maximum LAI of 2.83. The SLA was higher in apical stratum at 120 DAS, reaching 679.1 cm2 g-1. The highest LAD was recorded in middle stratum at 92 DAS, with a value of 7302.2 cm² day-1. The highest BMD was recorded in stratum BS at 120 DAS, with a value of 523 g day-1. The AGR was higher in stratum BS (p ≤ 0.005), with maximum values recorded at 92 DAS, reaching 0.694 g day-1. The RGR showed the highest growth in basal stratum (p ≤ 0.005), with a maximum growth recorded at 50 DAS of 0.192 g g-1 day-1. Regarding NAR, the highest value was observed in basal stratum at 50 DAS, with 0.0048 g cm2 day-1. The highest values were also present in stratum BS at 92 DDS, with a value of 0.00364 g cm² day-1. The basal stratum showed the greatest increase in all the variables measured, highlighting in RGR, AGR and NAR, indicating its greater productive potential and better-quality forage, useful to optimize management and productivity in pastures with sideoats grama
Contribution to the ethnobotanical study and uses in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Kinkéliba (Combretum micranthum G. Don) in Mauritania
Full text linkThis study, conducted nationwide in Mauritania, aims to identify the knowledge and uses of Combretum micranthum G. Don in traditional pharmacopoeia, particularly for treating human and animal diseases. The methodology employed consisted of surveys conducted through questionnaires between January 2023 and December 2024. These questionnaires contained targeted questions and gathered responses from 200 people, including 29% women and 71% men. The results show that C. micranthum is widely known (95% of participants), especially for its therapeutic uses (61.5%). The plant is used to treat human ailments such as hypertension (43%), diabetes (21.5%), facility digestive issues (18.5%), constipation and toothaches (5.5%), paludism (3.0%), and dysentery (1.0%) etc. It is also used to treat animals, addressing issues such as digestive disorders (26.5%), fever (15.0%), diarrhea (10.0%), and wounds (2.5%), although nearly half of the participants are unaware of these uses. The leaves of the plant (70%) are the most commonly used parts, followed by the fruits (16%), the whole plant (7%), flowers (4.5%), roots (3%), and bark (1.5%). The most common methods of administration are decoction (43.5%), infusion (37.5%), external application (8%), inhalation (7.5%), and maceration (3.5%). A concerning point is that 88% of participants are unaware of the potential toxicity of the plant, which could pose risks if misused. The informant consensus factor for human and animal diseases shows that hypertension and digestive disorders have the highest values, respectively at 0.88 and 0.94. In terms of fidelity, the use of human diseases reaches 78.18%, primarily for hypertension, while for animal diseases, the fidelity levels range from 50% to 100% for digestive disorders, fever, and diarrhea. This study highlights the importance of the plant in traditional medicine while emphasizing the need to raise awareness about the risks associated with its use
Introduction pages, NBHA-CN 53(1), 2025
No full textThe papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 1, Volume 53, 2025, represent new exciting research in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, crop science, and forestry. Among the interesting articles, we invite you to find news about: Resilience of forests in a changing climate: Responses, mechanisms, and adaptations; A panoramic review on phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, health benefits, and versatility of Solanum tuberosum L.; Role of molecular breeding in understanding salinity tolerance in cotton: limitations and perspectives; Evaluation of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and yield attributing traits of caffeine treated Trigonella corniculata L.; Induction and expression of systemic resistance to downy mildew disease in grapevine by chitosan; Molecular insights of pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus mixed infections and its variability in pigeonpea; Assessing the impact of different water stresses on physio-chemical properties and yield-related traits in tomato genotypes: Insights into stability and response; Biochemical and Raman spectroscopic insights into plant-mold interactions; Assessing genetic diversity and population structure in Tulipa species from Türkiye and Kazakhstan; Elicitation effect of hydrogen peroxide to enhance tolerance of Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. seedlings irrigated with saline water; Effects of different rootstocks on the growth physiology and enzyme activity of Artemisia selengensis; Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds identified in the fruits of three chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) cultivars in different cultivation systems; The impact of cultivar and production conditions on apple quality; Biochemical attributes Portulaca oleracea as affected by manganese oxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles; Identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in queñua (Polylepis rugulosa) in the forest of southern Peru
Amplicon sequencing reveals different microbial communities between growing and non-growing seasons in the soils of Pinus armandi forestland in Shennongjia, China
Full text linkSoil microbial communities are susceptible to climate change due to seasonal alternation. To explore the effects of seasonal variation on soil nutrients and microorganisms, we sequenced the 16S rDNA and 18S rDNA genes of the distinct regions (16S V3-V4, 18S V4) to precisely identify the soil microbial communities in the growing season (Par_S) and non-growing season (Par_W) in Pinus armandi forestland, in Shennongjia forest region, China. Eight chemical properties of the soil samples were also determined to elucidate the correlations between the microbial communities and soil characteristics. In Par_S, we identified 36 phyla 348 genera of bacteria, and 58 phyla 197 genera fungi. Par_W’s corresponding values were 39 phyla 471 genera and 59 phyla 259 genera, respectively. Par_S owned more abundant bacterial communities than Par_W. The relative abundance of most bacteria and fungi differed significantly between Par_S and Par_W. Most of the top 35 abundant bacterial genera and fungal genera were enriched in Par_S and Par_W, respectively. The soil properties differed significantly between Par_S and Par_W. They were significantly correlated with the variations in the relative abundance of the top 10 bacterial and fungal genera in both Par_S and Par_W. Rokubacteriales and RB41 were dominant among Par_S’s top 10 bacterial genera, and were related to the RR of the soil. Sphingomonas was dominant among Par_W’s top 10 bacterial genera. Magnoliophyta, Haplotaxida and Acari were dominant among Par_S’s top 10 fungal genera, and were related to RR, TK, HN, TP and AP. Archaeorhizomyces was dominant among Par_W’s top 10 bacterial genera. For the top 10 abundant bacterial genera in Par_S, the relative abundance of Nitrospira was negatively correlated with the contents of TN and AK, and MND1 was negatively correlated with SOM. Regarding the top 10 abundant bacterial genera in Par_W, SBR1031 was positively correlated with TP and AP, and MND1 was positively correlated with AP. Regarding the top 10 abundant fungal genera in Par_S, only Acari had a positive correlation with TK
Syringa josikaea (Oleaceae) biotopes in the Ukrainian Carpathians: Climatic conditions and current dynamics
Full text linkThis study aims to identify the key environmental conditions that support the protection and natural regeneration of Syringa josikaea J. Jacq. ex Rchb., a rare Carpathian endemic species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. A detailed analysis of the climatic characteristics of the species’ habitats within the Ukrainian Carpathians is provided. Understanding the climatic factors influencing this local species is crucial for identifying its most vulnerable habitats and developing effective conservation strategies. This approach aligns with international conservation priorities outlined in red lists and other environmental policy documents. The article synthesizes key physical and geographical data, ecological characteristics, and dominant phytocoenological features of 18 documented S. josikaea habitats in Zakarpattia and Lviv Oblasts (regions) (Ukraine). A climatic classification of the species’ habitats was conducted using data from the CarpatClim climate database. Additionally, a Köppen-Geiger climate type map for the Ukrainian part of the species’ distribution range was developed based on climate indicators derived from 338 selected nodes of the regular CarpatClim grid. The results indicate that the species is predominantly found in areas with a temperate continental climate (Dfb). The study presents and discusses the mean statistical values of 21 climate indicators for the period 1961-2010. A comparative analysis of different climatological periods reveals that among the 338 sites examined, only 159 (47% of the total area) have experienced a climatic shift from colder to warmer conditions over the past half-century
The effect of true cinnamon tree and peppermint hydrolates on germination and seed health of carrot seeds
Full text linkCarrot (Daucus carota) crop production can be reduced by some fungi that are associated with and spread by seeds. The effects of seed-borne fungi are low germination rate and weak seedling growth due to damage by causing fungal disease. As a by-product of essential oil distillation, hydrolates are increasingly being used as plant protection agents in sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and true cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) hydrolates on the germination, vigour and health of carrot seeds. Seeds of two samples varied in quality were soaked in hydrolate solutions at the concentrations of 5, 20, 50 and 100% for 30 minutes. Seed germination was evaluated according to ISTA Rules, and seed health was determined using the deep-freeze blotter method. The application of hydrolate solutions of true tree cinnamon tree reduced the occurrence of Alternaria alternata, A. radicina, Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp. and Melanospora simplex on seeds of sample II (the most effective 20%) and A. alternata and Cladosporium spp. in the case of sample I (the most effective were 20 and 50%). Both samples showed an improvement in the germination rate parameters (T25 and MGT) after treatment with 5% true cinnamon tree hydrolate solution. For the poorer quality seed sample soaking in the peppermint hydrolate solutions at concentrations of 20 and 100% significantly its germination capacity about 21%. Therefore, seed treatment using hydrolates can be used in organic farming
Begomovirus and DNA satellites diversity in Bemisia tabaci from cotton growing areas of Pakistan
Full text linkCotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), a major threat to cotton production in Pakistan and northwestern India, is caused by a complex of begomoviruses transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. These begomoviruses are typically associated with Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB) and often alphasatellites. Historically, the Burewala strain of Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus (CLCuKoV-Bur) with the Burewala strain of CLCuMuB (CLCuMuBBur) was the dominant CLCuD strain in Pakistan. This study investigates the diversity and distribution of begomoviruses and their associated satellites in B. tabaci populations across major cotton-growing district of Punjab (including Faisalabad, Burewala, Vehari, and Rahim Yar Khan) and Sindh (Tando Allah Yar, Dadu, Moro, and Sakarand) of Pakistan, providing critical insights into their role in CLCuD epidemiology. The full-length begomoviruses (n = 41), betasatellites (n = 20), and alphasatellites (n = 24) were amplified, cloned and sequenced from B. tabaci (n = 56) collected during 2012-2014. Phylogenetic analyses were performed for isolates classification, and recombination events were investigated using Recombination Detection Program (RDP) and SimPlot. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a complex landscape of viral diversity, with Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus - Burewala strain (CLCuKoV-Bur) (28/41 isolates, 68%) and its cognate betasatellite, Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite - Burewala strain (CLCuMuBBur) (18/20 isolates, 90%), as the dominant species. Cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite (14/24 isolates, 58%) was the most prevalent satellite. The predominant B. tabaci cryptic species, Asia II 1 (or Asia–Pacific Islands–Australia, (ASIA) putative cryptic species), harbored a greater diversity of viruses and satellites compared to the less prevalent MEAM 1 (or North Africa–Middle East (NAFME) putative cryptic species). Recombination events were observed in 34% of begomovirus isolates and 40% of satellite sequences, underscoring the rapid evolutionary adaptation of these pathogens. The predominant B. tabaci cryptic species, Asia II 1 (or Asia–Pacific Islands–Australia, (ASIA) putative cryptic species), harbored a greater diversity of viruses and satellites compared to the less prevalent MEAM 1 (or North Africa–Middle East NAFME putative species). Unlike prior studies, this work is the first to identify full-length genome sequencing of begomoviruses and their associated satellites, isolated directly from B. tabaci populations, with cryptic species identification, providing a comprehensive analysis of virus-vector associations. These findings enhance our understanding of CLCuD’s molecular epidemiology and inform targeted management strategies