LIFE SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

ASH CONTENT IN SEEDS OF SOME INDUSTRIAL HEMP GENOTYPES

Ciprian BUZNA — 2024-12-29

The study analyzed the ash content in the seeds of several hemp genotypes for fiber. The experiment took place within ARDS Lovrin. The biological material was represented by six genotypes of hemp for fiber (FHG), noted in the study FHG1 to FHG6. The seeds were harvested at physiological maturity. From the seed samples of each genotype, laboratory samples were taken to determine the ash content (Ash, %). Ash was determined by calcination (Nabertherm B180 calcination furnace) at 550 °C for 5 hours. The ash content, average values, varied between 3.30±0.33% (FHG1) and 7.05±0.33% (FHG4). The data series for the ash content, average values, presented a normal distribution, according to r = 0.966. Differences between genotypes were registered, under statistical safety conditions at the level of p<0.05 (*) in the case of the FHG4 genotype compared to the FHG6 genotype, and at the level of p<0.001 (***) in the case of the other genotypes. An exception was registered in the case of FHG3 and FHG5 genotypes, where the differences did not show statistical certainty (p = 1.000). In relation to the average at the level of the experiment (Ash_m = 5.07%), positive differences were presented by the genotype FHG4 DAsh = 1.98%, and the genotype FHG6 DAsh = 1.53%. The cluster analysis facilitated obtaining the dendrogram in which the hemp genotypes were associated based on similarity, in relation to the ash content values (Coph.corr. = 0.868). A cluster included genotypes FHG4 and FHG6, which recorded ash content values above the average of the experiment, with the SDI level = 0.450.

Prunus dulcis – A MINI REVIEW OF THE SPECIES IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Paul – Manuel Istrate — 2024-12-29

The present study focuses on identifying irrigation and frost protection methods on the Prunus dulcis species, maintaining the profitability of the crop but also the integration of sustainability. The Prunus dulcis species is susceptible to frosts present in spring, which can seriously affect productions. Methods such as smoking, the use of sprinkler systems or the latest ones based on photovoltaic systems are recognized for minimizing the negative effect and protecting the crop from frost. Methods based on the administration of biostimulants or cryoprotectants by spraying can increase the resistance of plants to frost. Irrigation is important in preventing water stress that strongly reduces the yield and quality of almonds. Techniques such as controlled deficit irrigation, drip irrigation (aerated, underground and surface) are discussed along with modern methods of programmed irrigation and the use of ground-level sensors. These methods combined with microclimate monitoring help to identify critical moments in real time and intervene through automated systems in these moments. The study highlighted the need for continuous research and innovative approaches to reduce environmental impact, manage resources and preserve productivity in the Prunus dulcis species.

POTATO INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN CURRENT CLIMATIC CHANGES TO PROMOTE A SUSTENABLE AGRICULTURE

Manuela Hermeziu — 2024-12-29

Potato is one of the most important crop worldwide and unfortunately a lot of pests and pathogens impact it causing quantitative and qualitative losses every year. An experiment was conducted to the National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov in 2024 to provide an integrated control strategy, based on efficient and suitable methods for technological use in poato field in actual climatic change context. The field experiment was carried out for analysing factors like climate conditions, agricultural practices, and the presence and impact of diseases and pests on the potato crop. Incidence of potato foliar diseases, late and early blight, was quantified during the vegetation, Colorado beetle was controlled by treatments and the wireworms presence and impact on tubers was observed at the harvest time. Dealing with the strategy of the European Union to reduce the use of pesticides enhancing food security and environmental quality, this study looks applying a technology with a minimum volume of pesticides, whose dose should be as low as possible. The aim of an integrated pest management strategy is to reduce the number of treatments used to control pests and diseases in potato crops, promoting the principles of sustainable agriculture

INFLUENCE OF TILLAGE SYSTEMS ON SELECTED SOIL CHARACTERISTICS AND YIELD OF SPRING CEREALS

Emanuela FILIP — 2024-12-29

Climate change necessitates a revised approach to crop cultivation technologies, prioritizing enhanced agricultural practices for soil conservation, water retention, and high-quality yields. To evaluate the influence of different soil tillage systems on yield and yield quality in spring cereals, a field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Turda. The experiment followed a split-plot design with two replications, within a 3-year rotation (soybean–spring cereals–maize). Three spring cereal species (wheat, two oat varieties, and barley) were tested under four tillage systems (plowing, chiseling, disking, and direct sowing) on Phaeozem soil with a clay-clay texture. The hectoliter weight (TW), thousand kernel weight (TKW), and grain protein content are influenced to some degree by the tillage system. The highest soil compaction levels were observed in the NT system, while the lowest were recorded in the CS system. High temperatures and drought led to notable soil moisture decreases in June and July, especially in the minimum tillage with disking (MTD) and NT systems. Tillage with plow and chisel resulted in lower bulk density values. Yields in the unconventional systems (minimum tillage with chisel (MTC) and MTD) were comparable to those in the conventional system (CS), indicating their viability as alternatives to traditional plowing. A yield reduction was noted in the no-tillage system.

RESEARCH ON THE INCREASE OF TRITICALE PRODUCTION THROUGH THE MODIFICATION OF THE SOWING RATE AND SUPPLEMENTARY FERTILIZATION, IN THE CLIMATE CONDITIONS OF 2023-2024 IN NORTH-WESTERN ROMANIA

Beniamin-Emanuel ANDRAS — 2024-12-29

Triticale are known around the world for their properties, borrowed from the genera Triticum aestivum and Secale cereale. They have a high production capacity and a high content of protein and lysine, show a very good resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, and have a high capacity to capitalize on low fertility and acid lands, lands where wheat cannot be cultivated. Along with the advancement of technology and science, the use of triticale grains and plants has seen new fields of use. In addition to feeding animals in different forms, triticale production is also used in the bioethanol, cellulose industry, in the bakery industry and in the manufacture of biscuits, beer, in the food packaging industry, in human medicine and in diets, aquaculture, etc. Due to the expansion of the use of this culture, the need to obtain higher productions is absolutely necessary. In the current study, which took place at the Livada Agricultural Research and Development Station, in Satu-Mare county, northwest Romania, in the period 2023-2024. It was based on the testing of 4 varieties of triticale that were sown in different sowing rates and that received different fertilization schemes, the control version was based on chemical fertilization at the soil level, with complex fertilizer in the fall, and with Nitrolime in the spring vegetation. The experiment was placed under the method of subdivided plots, having three experimental factors; the variety, with 4 graduations, the fertilization, with 3 graduations, the seed size, with 3 graduations. In the pedoclimatic conditions of the reference area, it was found that the Utrifun variety was the most productive, it reacted favorably to the additional fertilization with foliar fertilizer and signed at a plot of 550 seeds/m², obtaining productions of over 11.000 kg/ha, in in the case of additional fertilization and with biostimulator, the production started to decrease, however, Utrifun fertilized only in the soil managed to produce over 10.000 kg/ha. This was followed by the Zvelt variety, the latter being Tulnic. These results were obtained under conditions specific to the 2023-2024 period, and in the following years it will be established whether additional fertilization with foliar fertilizers ensures increases in production and whether the additional application of a biostimulator leads to increased production.

ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN A GROUP OF SPRING BARLEY GENOTYPES OF DIVERSE ORIGINS UNDER TRANSYLVANIAN PLATEAU CONDITIONS

Ioana CRISAN — 2024-12-29

The success of a breeding program is closely linked to the variability of morpho-productive traits of interest and their stability in interaction with biotic and abiotic factors. This study evaluated 15 genotypes of spring barley originating from eight countries, including two varieties developed at ARDS Turda (Romania), focusing on key production elements. Given the ongoing changes in environmental conditions, breeders are increasingly interested in varieties with stable yields. Notable genotypes in this regard include RGT Planet, Isaria, Romanița, Turdeana, Avalon, Nimrooz, Quilmes Carisma, Quilmes Alfa, and Tanai. For enhancing resistance to lodging through reduced plant height, the cultivars Rocaforte, RGT Planet, Maja, Avalon, Quilmes Alfa, and Quilmes Carisma are recommended for inclusion in future hybridization programs. We recommend the use of these cultivars in a complex hybridization system to optimize their potential as parent lines.

EVALUATION OF SOME MAIZE GENOTYPES BASED ON THE TKW PARAMETER

Busuioc Vacariu — 2024-12-29

The study made a comparative analysis between twenty maize hybrids based on a seed quality index. The corn hybrids were created within ARDS Suceava. The comparative crop of the twenty hybrids was done within ARDS Lovrin. Maize crop was organized in randomized repetitions, in a non-irrigated system. The experimental name of the hybrids was SV1 to SV20. Adequate crop technology ensured uniform vegetation conditions for the maize hybrids studied. The weight of thousand seeds (TKW) was considered as an index of seed quality. The Anova test (PHC) was applied for the comparative analysis of the twenty hybrids. 190 combinations were made in the comparative analysis. According to the recorded results, in the case of 71 comparative analyses, differences were recorded in terms of statistical safety; 31 positive differences and 40 negative differences. Compared to the mean value calculated at the experiment level (TKW = 195.95 g), 12 hybrids presented values above the mean, and eight hybrids presented values below the mean. Positive growth of the TKW parameter associated with the genotype potential (compared to the mean value), was between DTKW = 0.23 g (SV2) and DTKW = 33.17 g (SV13). Negative growth of the TKW parameter, associated with the potential of the hybrid, was included between DTKW = -0.90 g (SV11) and DTKW = -60.04 g (SV5). The cluster analysis facilitated the grouping of hybrids based on Euclidean distances in the cluster dendrogram (Coph.corr. = 0.837). The hybrids were grouped based on similarity, in relation to the recorded TKW values. Independent positioning was recorded in the case of the SV5 hybrid with the lowest TKW value. Subcluster C2-A contained four hybrids, with high values of the TKW parameter (((SV8,SV12),SV6),SV13). Based on similarity, the other hybrids were grouped into two other subclusters (C2-B, and C2-C). The highest level of similarity was recorded between SV7 and SV15 hybrids (SDI = 0.11).

KERNELS YIELD IN MAIZE EARS - COMPARATIVE STUDY

Busuioc Vacariu — 2024-12-29

The kernels yield on corn ears was analyzed in the study. Maize hybrids created within ARDS Suceava were cultivated within ARDS Lovrin, under conditions specific to the Western Plain of Romania. 20 maize hybrids (SV1 to SV20) were tested. The comparative crops was placed on a land with chernozem soil, medium fertility, non-irrigated crop conditions. Ear samples were taken when the plants were physiological maturity. The kernel yield per ear (YE, %) was determined. Values between YE = 70.60±0.85% (SV19) and YE = 86.00±0.85% (SV2) were recorded. Normal distribution of the data series was recorded, with r = 0.959. Anova Test (Alpha = 0.05) confirmed the presence of variance and data safety (p = 0.000662). The calculated mean value of the yield at the experiment level was YE_m = 80.27±0.85%. Compared to the calculated mean value, nine hybrids presented values below the mean of the experiment, and eleven hybrids presented values above the mean. Positive differences, compared to the mean of the experiment, were recorded in the case of hybrids SV2, SV3, SV5 at the level of p<0.001 (***), in the case of hybrids SV13 and SV20 at the level of p<0.05 (**), and respectively in the case of SV8 and SV10 hybrids at the level of p<0.05% (*). Negative differences, compared to the mean of the experiment, were recorded in the case of the SV4, SV7 and SV19 hybrids at the level of p<0.001 (ooo), and in the case of the SV12 and SV16 hybrids at the level of p<0.01 (oo). In the case of the other hybrids, the recorded differences did not show statistical certainty.

VARIABILITY AND INTERDEPENDENCIES BETWEEN FRACTAL GEOMETRY PARAMETERS IN GRAPEVINE LEAVES

Alin Dobrei — 2024-12-29

The grapevine leaves was analyzed based on fractal geometry, and the study evaluated interdependencies between parameters specific to fractal geometry. The grape varieties considered in the study were represented by Chasselas (Ch), Cabernet Sauvignon (CS), Muscat Hamburg (MH), Muscat Iantarnîi (MI), Muscat Ottonel (MO), Perlă de Csaba (PC), and Victoria (Vi). Fresh leaves were taken from each variety. The leaves were herborized to preserve the integrity of the leaves, and were scanned. Imaging analysis and fractal analysis were used to generate fractal geometry parameters: foreground pixels (FP), fractal dimensions D1 (MEE = 0.5), D2 (MEE = 0.2), BW parameter (black and white pixels), B+BW parameter (black + black and white pixels), W+BW parameter (white + black and white pixels). The descriptive statistical analysis generated the analysis report based on a number of 15 samples for each grapevine variety. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the interdependence between fractal geometry parameters, for each grape variety. Correlations with different levels of intensity were recorded between the parameters of the fractal geometry, in relation to the vine variety. The values of the correlation coefficient showed some matches and differences of the parameters of the fractal geometry in the seven grape varieties studied. In all cases, a very strong positive correlation was recorded between D1 and D2. Also, a negative correlation was recorded between W+BW and B+BW parameters, but of variable intensity.

THE INFLUENCE OF MINERAL FERTILIZATION AND ROTATION IN WINTER WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM) CROP

Ovidiu Adrian Ceclan — 2024-12-29

Wheat is a crop that efficiently uses chemical fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrogen being the chemical element that causes higher yield increases. The superiority of wheat yield achieved by using nitrogen is natural, considering that nitrogen represents the "pivot of fertilization", the decisive factor in increasing wheat yields, and phosphorus has a smaller effect. Following the conditions during September - August 2022-2023, the yield data obtained for autumn wheat at ARDS Turda are presented according to the fertilization level and the preceding plant. The results presented the effect of interactions and complementarity determined by NxP fertilization of wheat on vertical chernozem (pararendzinic cambic chernozem) from SCDA Turda. The Andrada wheat variety created by SCDA Turda was used. The factors taken in the analysis are: factor A: phosphorus doses applied entirely in autumn under the base plow with 5 gradations P0, P40, P80, P120, P160; factor B: nitrogen doses N0, N40, N80, N120, N160 for wheat grown after maize and N0, N30, N60, N90, N120 for wheat grown after soybean, applied fractionally 50% in the fall after the rising of the crop and 50% in the spring at the resumption in vegetation.

EVALUATION OF SOME CORN HYBRIDS BASED ON THE GRAINS OIL CONTENT

Alina Laura Agapie — 2024-12-29

The study analyzed the oil content of a collection of 20 corn hybrids. The corn hybrids were cultivated within ARDS Lovrin, under non-irrigated cultivation conditions. The biological material was represented by 20 hybrids created within ARDS Suceava. Maize hybrids, considered in the experiment SV1 to SV20, were grown in the comparative culture, in repetitions. Grain production was harvested according to variants and repetitions at the harvest maturity of the plants. Samples were taken from the grain production to determine the oil content (Oil, %). The oil content in the corn grains varied between Oil = 5.15±0.06% in the SV6 hybrid, and Oil = 6.05±0.06% in the SV9 and SV17 hybrids. Based on 190 comparative analyses, 98 comparative analyzes presented statistical certainty. 43 cases with negative differences and 55 cases with positive differences were registered. In the case of positive differences, 37 cases were registered at the safety level p<0.001 (***), six cases at the safety level p<0.01 (**) and respectively 12 cases at the safety level p<0.05 (*) ). In the case of negative differences, 26 cases were registered at the safety level p<0.001 (ooo), nine cases at the safety level p<0.01 (oo), and respectively eight cases at the safety level p<0.05 (o). The mean value of the oil content, at the experiment level, was Oil_m = 5.65±0.06%. Compared to the mean value, 11 hybrids showed higher values, and 8 hybrids showed lower values. Positive growth of the quality index (Oil) was between DOil = 0.050% (SV1, SV15, SV18), and DOil = 0.400% (SV9, SVSV17). The negative growth in quality indice was between DOil = -0.500% (SV6) and DOil = -0.050 (SV4). Cluster analysis facilitated the grouping of corn hybrids based on similarity (Coph.corr = 0.802).

CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME MAIZE HYBRIDS BASED ON HECTOLITER WEIGHT

Ovidiu Eremi — 2024-12-29

The study analyzed a collection of 20 corn hybrids based on the hectoliter weight of the grains. The hybrids were tested in culture within ARDS Lovrin, in the 2023-2024 agricultural year. The biological material came from ARDS Suceava. In the case of the experiment, the hybrids were marked SV1 to SV20. The experimental variants, given by corn hybrids, were cultivated in repetitions. Adequate crop technology was provided to ensure uniform conditions for corn hybrids. Seed samples were taken from each hybrid, on repetitions for analysis. The values of the HW parameter varied between HW = 71.55±0.68 kg hl^-1 (SV2) and HW = 83.70±0.68 kg hl^-1 (SV7, SV18). The series of experimental data showed normal distribution, with r = 0.976. Anova Test confirmed the safety of the data and the presence of variance in the data set (p = 0.000662; F > Fcrit). The mean value calculated at the level of the experiment was HW_m = 77.448 kg hl^-1. Compared to the mean value, 11 hybrids showed values above the average, and nine hybrids showed values below the mean. Values above the mean were presented by hybrids SV7, SV15 and SV18 (p<0.001), and hybrid SV13 (p<0.05). Values below the mean were presented by SV2, SV12, and SV19 hybrids (p<0.001), SV6 hybrid (p<0.01), and SV1 and SV10 hybrids (p<0.05). The cluster analysis led to the grouping of hybrids based on similarity (Coph.corr. = 0.833). In relation to the thresholds of the quartiles, the hybrids SV2, SV19, SV12, SV6, SV10 were included in quartile 1. The SV1, SV5, SV16, SV14, SV11, SV8, SV20, SV9, SV17, SV3 hybrids were included in the 2nd and 3rd quartiles. In the 4th quartile were the hybrids SV4, SV13, SV15, SV7, SV18.

ESTIMATION OF HETEROSIS AND COMBINING ABILITY TOWARD MORPHOLOGICAL, YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS IN TEN SWEET SORGHUM PARENTAL GENOTYPES BY LINE × TESTER ANALYSIS

Haitham ELSAYED — 2024-12-29

This study was done to estimate general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and heterosis regarding better for ten sweet sorghum parental genotypes. Seven lines and three testers were crossed in line ×tester mating fashion on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at Giza Agriculture Research Station during 2020, 2021 and, 2022 summer seasons. The results showed, significant differences among mean square of parental genotypes and their crosses for all studied traits, suggested present of additive and non-additive genetic variance. In addition, significant mean squares of parents vs. crosses, indicated significant average of heterosis. Besides, the highest values of mean performance were parental genotypes, Brands, Sugar drib, MN1054, MN4080, MN5509 and MN4423, and crosses Brands X MN1054, Ramada X MN4080, Ramada X MN5509, Ramada X MN4423, Sugar drib X MN1054, Sugar drib X MN4080 and Sugar drib X MN1383. Additionally, the best parental genotype that had good GCA effects was MN4423 for most studied traits which may be used in breeding programs for developing high yield varieties. While, the excellent crosses based on SCA effects values were Brands X MN5509, Ramada X MN2756, Ramada X MN1054 and Sugar drib X MN1383. Finally, Heterosis values varied from cross to cross and from trait to trait, which considered promising crosses in breeding programs.

IDENTIFICATION WILTS RESISTANT WITH HIGH YIELD POTENTIAL OF 86 PROMISING LINES OF SESAME DURING SEASONS 2021/2022

Haitham ELSAYED — 2024-12-29

Analysis of variance confirmed genetic variability in both seasons. Besides, Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. sesami Pearson correlation for seasons 2021/2022 demonstrates significant positive correlation between seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant, flowering date 50%, plant height and height of first capsule. Similarly, there were significant positive correlation between seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsules length, plant height, flowering date 50%, 1000-seeds weight and height of first capsule. However, plant height exhibited significant negative correlation between capsules length and 1000-seeds weight. Also, significant negative correlation found between wilt %, seed yield per plant and number of capsules per plant. On the other hand, with Macrophomina phaseolina season 2022, wilt % showed significant negative correlation with 1000-seeds weight. Although, in season 2021/2022, wilt % revealed significant negative correlation with flowering date 50% for Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. sesame. Regardless, number of capsules per plant, capsules length and 1000-seeds weight % showed significant negative correlation with capsules length and plant height, respectively. With the exception of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. sesame, capsules length presented significant negative correlation with plant height and height of first capsule in seasons 2021/2022. In addition, three groups of traits in both seasons presented in heatmap analysis. Furthermore, the ordinate of lines on PC1 and PC2 revealed significantly intercorrelation between each other except lines 85 and 86 in both seasons. Overall, high broad sense heritability suggests presence of large number of fixable additive genes that controls certain traits, which is highly recommended for selection efficiency.

CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME WHEAT GENOTYPES BASED ON FLAG LEAF AREA

Gabriela Gorinoiu — 2024-12-29

The study evaluated the leaf area at the flag leaf in a collection of 25 wheat genotypes. The wheat genotypes were cultivated within the ARDS Lovrin, agricultural year 2023 – 2024. Flag leaf samples were randomly taken from each genotype. The determination of the leaf area was done by scanning. The experimental data showed statistical reliability and normal distribution, r = 0.991. High variability was recorded in genotype 5036 (CV = 34.7514), and moderate variability in genotypes 5027, 5030, 5031, 5037, 5042 and 5044 (CV = 23.0228 in genotype 5042 to CV = 25.0292 in genotype 5030). The other genotypes showed low variability, with values CV = 9.6988 (genotype 5035), to CV = 19.5588 (genotype 5043). The calculated mean value (LA_m) at the level of the studied wheat genotypes was LA_m = 27.72 cm². From the analysis of the results, 11 genotypes presented LA values higher than the experiment mean (LA_m), and 14 genotypes presented values lower than the mean. In the case of 18 comparative analyses, the differences showed statistical certainty, eight positive differences, and 10 negative differences. In the case of seven comparative analyses, the differences did not show statistical certainty (p>0.05). Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes in relation to the recorded LA values (Coph.corr. = 0.737). A ranking of the genotypes was made based on leaf area, coefficient of variation and differences in relation to the mean value.

STRAIN PRODUCTION IN INDUSTRIAL HEMP GENOTYPES – COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Anca Panda — 2024-12-29

The study evaluated the stem production of ten fiber hemp genotypes. The research was conducted within the ARDS Lovrin. The field experiments were located on a chernozem soil, of medium fertility. The fiber hemp genotypes were designated with numerical codes, 721 to 730. Each genotype was cultivated in replicates. The comparative crop was under non-irrigated conditions. The plants samples were harvested within each variant, and according to the experimental protocol they were left to dry on the ground for a few days, placed "in scissors". After drying and shaking off the leaves, the stems were weighed. The stem yield (Y) varied between Y = 8800±260.58 kg ha^-1 (genotype 724) and Y = 11236±260.58 kg ha^-1 (genotype 728). The analysis of the results was done in relation to genotype 721 (control), as well as in relation to the mean value of the experiment (Y_m). Compared to the control variant (genotype 721, Y = 9840.00±260.58 kg ha^-1), genotype 728 (***), genotype 730 (**) and genotype 722 (*) showed positive differences, according to LSD. Compared to the mean of the experiment (Y_m = 9861.40 kg ha^-1) genotype 728 showed positive differences at the p<0.001 level (***), and genotypes 722 and 730 at the p<0.01 level (**). The yield increase for stem production, compared to the mean value of the experiment, was at the level of DY = 960.60 kg ha^-1 (genotype 722), DY = 983.60 kg ha^-1 (genotype 730), and DY = 1374.6 kg ha^-1 (genotype 728), respectively. Cluster analysis facilitated the grouping of genotypes based on Euclidean distances (Coph.corr. = 0.910). The recorded results highlighted genotypes with advantages in stem production, important for the hemp fiber breeding program.

MODELS FOR DESCRIBING THE VARIATION IN GRAIN WEIGHT IN WHEAT EARS – ANALYSIS OF THE VENEZIO VARIETY

Cosmin Gherban — 2024-12-29

The study analyzed the productivity elements of the wheat ear, the Venezio variety, and used regression analysis to model the variation of grain weight in the ear in relation to the morphological productivity elements of the ear. The experiment was carried out within the ULS “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, during 2021 - 2022. The ear productivity elements determined were: ear length (EL), spikelet number per ear (SpkN), grain number per ear (GNE), and grain weight per ear (GWE). The experimental data showed statistical reliability (F>Fcrit, Alpha = 0.001). A strong, positive correlation was recorded between GNE and GWE (r = 0.89). Moderate correlation was recorded between SpkN and GNE (r = 0.70). Low correlation was recorded between SpkN and GWE (r = 0.63), between EL and SpkN (r = 0.57) and between EL and GWE (r = 0.52), respectively. Regression analysis facilitated the estimation of the GWE parameter under different conditions of statistical certainty; R² = 0.604, p = 0.089 when using the EL and SpkN parameters, R² = 0.892, p<0.001 when using the EL and GNE parameters, respectively R² = 0.817, p = 0.0038 when using the SpkN and GNE parameters. The RMSEP parameter confirmed the results of estimating the GWE, respectively RMSEP = 0.1601 in the case of estimating GWE based on EL and GNE. The results recorded, under the study conditions, are important to quantify the grain yield of the wheat ear, the Venezio variety, and to analyze the technology elements and environmental factors that contributed to the variation of productivity elements and the formation of GWE, at the level of wheat ears.

INFLUENCE OF HERBICIDES IN WINTER WHEAT CROP AT AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STATION TURDA

Marius BARDAS — 2024-12-29

The paper presents the results obtained in the winter wheat crop during 2023-2024, on the Andrada variety, created at Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda, with a high yield potential and good qualitative traits. Herbicide treatments with either a single product or two were applied depending on the infestation level, spectrum, and dominance of weeds, using Broadway Star (70.8 g/kg pyroxulam, 14.2 g/kg florasulam, 70.8 g/kg cloquintocet-mexyl), Provalia (fluroxypyr 135 g/l + thifensulfuron methyl 30 g/l + metsulfuron methyl 5 g/l), Dicopur D (600 g/l 2,4-D acid from dimethylamine salt), and Sekator Progress OD (amidosulfuron 100 g/l + iodosulfuron-methyl-Na 25 g/l + mefenpyr diethyl 250 g/l), applied post-emergence in the early stem elongation phase (BBCH 30-32). The treatments with the best results in controlling monocot and dicot annual and perennial weeds, with the highest efficacy of over 95%, were at variant V₅, where a single herbicide, Provalia, was used, and at variant V₄, with two herbicides, Provalia + Broadway Star, to which foliar fertilizer AGRO-K and adjuvant Vital were added, resulting in the highest yield increases, over 1400 kg • ha^-1, with results presenting very significant positive statistical differences compared to the control. The use of herbicide treatments, correlated with the level of infestation, spectrum, and dominance of weeds, timing of application, technical efficacy potential, and local climatic conditions, represents an important method for eliminating competition between weeds and the crop.

ESTIMATION OF SURFACE SOIL EROSION IN GRASSLANDS OF THE POIANA RUSCĂ MOUNTAINS. A CASE STUDY

Luminita COJOCARIU — 2024-12-29

Soil erosion, a natural phenomenon intensified by human activities, represents a significant threat to the environment, agriculture and economic sustainability, affecting the fertility and stability of land, including grasslands, in different regions of the globe and in Romania. To analyze this phenomenon, the study applies the USLE model integrated into GIS environments, using geospatial and remote sensing data to estimate the average erosion rate in the Poiana Rusca Mountains area, with a focus on grassland areas. Factors analysed include rainfall erosion, soil erodibility, topography, land use and the impact of erosion control measures. The results show that most grassland areas have a low average erosion rate (0-3 t/ha/year), due to the protection offered by the vegetation cover, but areas with steep slopes and sparse vegetation record moderate or severe losses (over 21 t/ha/year). The conclusions of the research emphasize the importance of implementing conservation measures, such as the restoration of the vegetation carpet in degraded grasslands and the sustainable management of grasslands, along with the use of geomatic technologies to monitor erosion phenomena, to reduce risks, contributing to the protection of these valuable ecosystems from an economic and biodiversity point of view.

THE MORPHO-PRODUCTIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS GERMPLASM IN THE WESTERN PART OF ROMANIA

Ionel SAMFIRA — 2024-12-29

Perennial ryegrass-dominated grassland ecosystems are typically stable in terms of resilience, as persistence is an important evaluation criterion in perennial breeding programs. The aim of the study was to analyze the morpho-productive characterization of the germplasm collection of the perennial ryegrass collection to identify local provenances that exceed in phenotypic expression under current cultivation conditions in the western part of Romania. For that, numerous observations were made regarding the dynamics of the following traits: plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf width (cm), leaf length (cm) and the number of shoots. The biological material was made up of local provenances of Lolium perenne collected from three geographical areas: the Almaju Mountains, the Mehedinți Plateau and the Blahniței Plain. From the analysis of the correlation relationships highlighted between the five morpho-productive traits investigated, it can be observed the determining role of the height of the perennial ryegrass plant in the dimensioning and phenotypic expression of the traits. Thus, the height of the plant is in a direct interdependence relationship with traits such as the number of leaves per plant and the length and width of the leaf. These interdependencies are subject to the bio-morphological composition of the grass species in which the stem comprises nodes and internodes, and a leaf leaves from each node. In other words, the taller the plant is and the more nodes it has, the more leaves it has. The distinctly significant correlation relationship between the number of leaves per plant and the number of shoots where the growth in the form of a bush in perennial ryegrass explains this high correlation is also highlighted. The study provides a detailed analysis of linear regressions for different morpho-productive traits plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf width (cm), leaf length (cm) and number of shoots, with the aim of understanding how the collected genotypes influence these traits.

THE CHARACTERIZATION OF HIGH-ALTITUDE GRASSLANDS IN THE ALMAJ MOUNTAINS

Marinel HORABLAGA — 2024-12-29

Grasslands are essential for providing animal feed and ecosystem services, having important roles in regulating the climate and maintaining biodiversity and natural cycles. This study analyzed the distribution and characteristics of the grasslands in the Almăj Mountains, highlighting the influence of topographic and climatic factors on them. The research was carried out in the Almăj Mountains, a mountainous area in southwestern Romania, using geospatial techniques in ArcGIS 10.4. The grasslands were delimited and analyzed based on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), slopes, slope exposure, temperature and precipitation. Climate data were obtained from local weather stations and spatial interpolation provided a detailed analysis of environmental variables. The grasslands of the Almăj Mountains are concentrated between altitudes of 500 - 800 m (76% of the surface). Lands with slight and moderate slopes (5.1 - 15°) host 77% of them, and the dominant exposure is south and southeast, an orientation that favours grassland vegetation. Multiannual average temperatures are high, as an effect of global warming, which also affects mountainous areas with low altitudes. The distribution of grasslands in the Almăj Mountains is significantly influenced by altitude, slope, exposure and climatic conditions. Grasslands are used agro-pastorally, having a crucial importance for local communities. The geospatial methodology facilitated a detailed analysis, contributing to the development of sustainable management practices for these ecosystems.

DETERMINATION OF MOLECULAR MARKERS BY RAPD TECHNIQUE ASSOCIATED WITH FOUR MELON GENOTYPES UNDER 50% IRRIGATION CONDITIONS

Haitham Elsayed — 2025-01-03

Genetic diversity is a practical and attractive method for finding drought tolerant genotypes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to find single RAPD markers linked to studied traits as indicator of drought stress tolerant. Seven random primers were selected as molecular marker for drought stress tolerance among four melon genotypes. According to results, 69 polymorphic bands were obtained out of 72 bands. Jaccard coefficient was calculated to study genetic diversity and relationship among genotypes using unweighted pairwise group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The range of genetic similarity ranged from 0.167 to 0.324. In addition, two separated groups with two genotypes in each were identified by phylogenetic tree in form of topology. In the context of the analysis of single marker, 14 RAPD markers were associated with the studied morphological traits, which make them valuable source for genetic expression in plant breeding programs.