Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Colored benches improved quality of ornamental pepper
Full text linkOrnamental pepper species belonging to the Solanaceae family and the Capsicum genus have gained commercial visibility and high demand due to their morphological diversity. Growing ornamental plants in protected environments offers considerable advantages, allowing for more precise management of micrometeorological elements. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of colored benches in the biometric aspects, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange of the ornamental pyramid pepper. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, covered with low-density polyethylene film and aluminized mesh with 42-50% shading under the film and side screens with 30% shading. The wavelengths were promoted by reflective colored laminates on the growing benches. Five treatments were assessed in a completely randomized design with four replications and five plants per plot, as follows: bright white laminate material, bright yellow laminate material, bright red laminate material, bright dark blue laminate material, and control – with no material on the surface of the growing bench. The colors (white, yellow, and red) increased the supply of photosynthetically active radiation except for blue. The colors increased pepper fruit production, with the white, yellow, red, and blue colors promoting increases of 37.5%, 27.6%, 26.5%, and 42.2%, respectively. The colors influenced and promoted ornamental pepper plants with higher biometric quality than the control, showing the influence of the wavelength in promoting plant quality, both visually and in terms of fruit quantity, essential aspects in the marketing of ornamental plants
Introduction pages, NBHA-CN 53(2), 2025
No full textThe papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 2, 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: Amplicon sequencing reveals different microbial communities between growing and non-growing seasons in the soils of Pinus armandi forestland in Shennongjia, China; Enhancing phytochemical content and bioactive aspects in somatic embryogenesis developed from callus of Phoenix dactylifera L.; Assessment of genetic architecture of cotton germplasm for drought tolerance: A focus on morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes; Diversity and effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species in alleviating drought stress in tomato; Site-specific factors influencing Hymenoscyphus fraxineus spore dispersal: the role of understorey vegetation and slope steepness in ash dieback spread; Genetic characterization of Greek chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) germplasm collections in Parnon mountain; Syringa josikaea (Oleaceae) biotopes in the Ukrainian Carpathians: Climatic conditions and current dynamics; Propagation and community perspective of the climber species Smilax nageliana A.DC. endemic to Java Island; Improvement of quality, physiological parameters and antioxidant status of chrysanthemum by priming of seedlings with UV-A radiation; Silicon dioxide nanoparticles a strategy to improve the growth, physiology, yield, and nutraceutical quality of tomatoes
Valorization of wild species Cardaria draba (L.) Desv.: primary metabolites, mineral content, and fatty acid profile
Full text linkThe aim of this research was to assess the proximate (ash, organic matter, fiber, protein, sugars, starch, and carbohydrates) and minerals (K, Ca, Mg, P, Na, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, and Ni) compositions of Tunisian wild Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. organs (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits) using standard methods. The profile of fatty acids was assessed through gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) with lipid quality evaluation. Results show that leaves have the highest ash (19.20 g/100 g dw) and protein (38.90 g/100 g dw) contents, while roots are richest in fiber (32.80 g/100 g dw) and soluble sugars (9.68 g/100 g dw). Flowers and fruits contain the most starch contents (56.96 and 51.22 g/100 g dw, respectively). Leaves also have the highest concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Na, and P, while fruits and flowers have the highest sulfur content (478.98 and 432.50 mg/100 g dw, respectively). Fe is primarily found in leaves and stems (37.50 and 36.98 mg/100 g dw), Mn in stems (5.35 mg/100 g dw), and Zn in leaves (4.21 mg/100 g dw). Roots accumulate the most trace elements, remaining below toxicity limits. Fruits have the highest oil content (12.50%). Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) dominate, with oleic acid (29.38%) as the main in roots, α-linolenic acid (12.98%) in aerial parts, and linoleic acid (7.94%) in fruits oils. Erucic acid is highest in fruits (7.70%) but undetectable in aerial parts. Palmitic and stearic acids, are highest in roots (22.05% and 23.18%, respectively). The oils demonstrate high nutritional quality, with favorable hypocholesterolemic properties (h/H ratio of 1.67 to 2.30) and low atherogenic (0.50-0.62) and thrombogenic (0.22-1.00) indices. These results indicate that C. draba organs are a valuable source of essential nutrients and fats, with potential applications in diet, health, cosmetics, and biodiesel
Biomass, carbon sequestration, and physiological behaviours of Paulownia ‘Shan Tong’ plantation under a semi-arid bioclimate
Full text linkPaulownia is a forest species native to China and Korea, recently introduced to Tunisia for its valuable wood and forage potential. Few studies have been conducted on the response of this tree to water stress. In this context, a field experiment was carried out in the El Fahs delegation (Zaghouan governorate, Tunisia) to study the behaviour of Paulownia trees (‘Shan Tong’) subjected to three irrigation treatments (1/2, 1/7, and 1/21 days). The biomass allocation, carbon sequestration capacity, and physiological responses to water deficit were investigated. The results revealed that the majority of biomass (65%) was allocated to the stems, while the leaves and roots each accounted for approximately 36%, with roots contributing more than 34% of the total biomass, differing from previous reports. In terms of carbon sequestration, the species demonstrated a notable capacity, storing 42% in leaves, 38.57% in stems, and 38.86% in roots, highlighting its potential for reforestation and urban greening initiatives. Physiological analyses indicated significant decreases in water potential and relative water content under prolonged drought stress, with the most severe water deficit treatment (T1/21) showing water potential (Ψw) values as low as -9.2 MPa. The leaf morphology also adapted to water scarcity, with increased specific leaf area in drought treatments, up by 40% from T1/2 to T1/21. Despite a decline in gas exchange efficiency and stomatal conductance under water stress, water use efficiency improved, suggesting an adaptive response. Chlorophyll content and stomatal density were optimized under drought conditions, reinforcing the species’ ability to withstand prolonged water deficits. These findings suggest that ‘Shan Tong’ exhibits physiological plasticity, making it a promising species for cultivation in semi-arid regions, though further studies on its long-term growth and biomass production under extreme drought conditions are warranted
Determination of yield by plant leaf temperature and thermal imaging in banana (Musa spp. AAA) under different cover materials
Full text linkGlobal warming, particularly drought and climate change, negatively affects plant production. In crops like bananas, which have high water consumption, it is important to identify drought-resistant varieties. The objective of the study to investigate the effects of two different types of plastic cover material (CM), namely the traditional plastic cover (CM1) and produced with CO-EX technology cover material (CM2), on the yield, and certain quality parameters of two different banana cultivars (‘Grand Nain’ (BC1), ‘Williams’ (BC2)). In addition to the leaf temperature values were obtained by acquiring the thermal images for banana grown under different greenhouse cover materials. Beside the climatic data and thermal imaging, some physical characteristics and yield such as the number of hand, number of finger, finger weight, finger length and yield per ha were examined. The properties of plastic cover materials have significant effects on the average inside temperature and humidity values, and thus on related parameters in banana including number of fingers, finger weight, yield and leaf temperature. The produced with CO-EX technology cover material (CM2) exhibited higher temperature and relative humidity compared to the traditional plastic cover (CM1). The FLIR Tools analysis results of thermal images obtained for banana crops under different greenhouse cover materials, it is evident that warm colors dominate more in the CM2 greenhouse for both banana cultivars. The yield per ha was the highest in CM2BC2 (41.9 ton ha-1) and the lowest in CM1BC2 (37.8 ton ha-1). These findings indicate that optimizing greenhouse cover materials can enhance yield and resilience to abiotic stresses, thereby supporting sustainable banana production under changing climatic condition
Remote sensing and field analysis of Erwinia amylovora on quince
Full text linkFire blight is responsible for significant losses and affects production quality in all growing countries worldwide, including Romania. Despite the availability of various prevention and control strategies, their practical effectiveness has been notably limited, and no viable technologies have yet emerged. This research aims to investigate the impact of climatic conditions, genetic material and cultivation methods on the intensity of Erwinia amylovora attack on quince by using field determination techniques and satellite sensor systems. Over three years in a quince orchard naturally infected with E. amylovora, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Red Edge (NDRE) indices were tested along with analyses of attack intensity (I), degree of attack (DA) and frequency (F). The results obtained showed that the genetic sensitivity and/or tolerance of the varieties is essential, together with the specific local climatic conditions. The two analyzed varieties (‘Bereczky’ and ‘Aurii’) cultivated under organic technology, showed different levels of tolerance to fire blight. While a significant correlation exists between the two vegetation indices, NDRE demonstrates higher accuracy due to its ability to conduct spectral analyses within the plant canopy. Furthermore, NDRE values closely align with those observed through assessments of attack intensity and frequency in the orchard
Potential of Artemisia annua hydroalcoholic extracts in skin care and dermatocosmetic products
Full text linkThe objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of plant extracts derived from the native flora of Iasi region, Romania as valuable natural sources of polyphenols and flavonoids for the development of dermatocosmetic formulations aimed at protecting the skin against oxidative stress. Dried Artemisia annua L. samples were used for extracted using three techniques: classical cold maceration (M), heat reflux extraction (R), and Soxhlet heat reflux extraction (Sx). Spectrophotometric analyses were performed to determine the total polyphenol and flavonoid content and to assess the antioxidant capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays. Among the tested methods, heat reflux and Soxhlet extraction proved to be the most efficient, yielding extracts rich in bioactive compounds when using 50% ethanol as solvent and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:5. Soxhlet extraction provided the highest total polyphenol content (11.26 mg GAE/mL), while heat reflux extraction resulted in the highest flavonoid concentration (7.97 mg QE/mL). Subsequently, an emulsion containing the most active extract in polyphenols was formulated and subjected to a preliminary evaluation of physicochemical stability. The results demonstrated encouraging stability profiles and antioxidant potential, supporting the use of A. annua extracts as promising ingredients in dermatocosmetic applications. Further investigations, including comprehensive cytotoxicity and dermatological testing, are warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety in topical formulations
Genotypic variation and yield stability of bread wheat under induced field heat stress during grain-filling for climate resilience in arid regions
Full text linkClimate change causes frequent periods of heat stress that threaten global wheat production and food security. High temperatures, particularly during grain-filling stage, shorten filling duration and reduce grain yield. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance, heat stress tolerance, and yield stability of 35 bread wheat genotypes under normal and heat stress conditions during two consecutive growing seasons. Field experiments were conducted under six environments created by varying heat stress duration using plastic tunnel covers (two and four weeks) compared to control plots. Yield components, including number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain weight per spike, and grain yield, were measured. Heat stress significantly reduced all yield traits, with the greatest relative losses occurring for grain yield and grain weight per spike. Substantial genotypic variability was observed, and genotype-by-environment interaction effects were highly significant. Advanced statistical models, including AMMI1, AMMI2, GGE dendrogram, and hierarchical clustering, were employed to dissect genotype performance and stability across heat treatments and seasons, revealing significant variations in tolerance and adaptation. Dendrogram, heatmaps, and stability analyses identified genotypes with broad adaptability and yield stability under thermal stress. The advanced lines G11, G13, G15, G16, G29, and G25, and G32 exhibited superior heat tolerance and stable high yields. Significant positive correlations among grain yield traits were observed under normal and short-term heat stress. However, prolonged heat stress disrupted these relationships, weakening the association among yield components, which indicates detrimental impact of extended thermal stress on wheat yield formation. The results of this study provide valuable insights into wheat genotypic responses to heat stress and identify promising genotypes for breeding, aiming to improve wheat productivity and sustainability under increasing temperature pressures in arid agroecological zones
UAV-based intelligent weed detection using YOLO11 and PSPNet for precision agriculture
Full text linkWeeds significantly threaten rice yield and quality, necessitating precise herbicide spraying to control their growth and enhance agricultural productivity. However, conventional methods address object detection and segmentation separately, limiting their efficiency in identifying areas infested with weeds. This study introduces YOLO11-PSPNet, a combination of YOLO11-s and the Pyramid Scene Parsing Network (PSPNet), for weed detection and semantic segmentation using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images. A dataset was developed that comprised real-time images of rice paddy fields captured via UAV, which included weed varieties such as Echinochloa (barnyard grass), Cyperus difformis (small flower umbrella sedge), and Echinochloa colona (jungle rice). YOLO11-s detects weed-infested regions by generating bounding boxes, whereas PSPNet performs pixel-wise segmentation to ensure accurate weed localisation. Then, the proposed RAdam optimiser with a Sharpness-Aware Minimization (SAM) function was introduced to train the model YOLO11-PSPNet, which improved the training stability of the proposed model. The proposed YOLO11-PSPNet model was trained and tested on a UAV-based dataset, achieving a mAP50 of 99.56% with an inference time of 6.2ms. These results validate the efficiency of the model in precise weed detection, leading to improved crop health and higher yields. This study highlights the potential of YOLO11-PSPNet in precision agriculture for optimizing weed management using advanced deep-learning techniques
Expression of Oryza sativa OsSte12 transcription factor influencing antioxidant enzymes, sugar-related operons, and sugar metabolism in Escherichia coli
Full text linkSte12 is a C2H2 zinc finger protein transcription factor involved with mating pheromones and regulating protein pathways in microorganisms. Previously, we isolated Ste12 cDNA from rice (Oryza sativa) involved with sugar starvation of α-Amylase in seeds. In this study, we investigated how OsSte12regulated antioxidant enzymes, sugar-related operons, and sugar metabolism by over-expressing OsSte12 in Escherichia coli via transformation. When transformed OsSte12 E. coli was grown in glucose and lactose media, it used these substrates and expressed more activity in ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and sucrose synthase compared to a non-transformant (NT) E. coli strain. Moreover, transformants could be grown in lactose for higher ꞵ-galactosidase activity than NTs or in mannitol. In lactose medium, highly-expressed RNA levels of LacI and LacY were found in transformants, while LacZ gene expression in transformants was significantly reduced compared to NTs. In sucrose and fructose media, FruB and FruK transcripts were both significantly higher in transformants than in NTs, whereas FruA transcripts did not show significant differences between transformants and NTs. Compared to NTs, OsSte12transcriptions of all transformants were significantly up-regulated in response to all sugar sources, but transformants were over-expressed more highly when was grown in lactose than in other sugars. Our results are important for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of sugars and provide new insights into physiological relevance in OsSte12 transformed E. coli