2026

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/6535

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Mid- and better-parent heterosis for yield and its components within anthocyanin pigmentation classes in the F2 generation of a cowpea cross
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-09-03) Olunloyo, Akinrinade Akanni; Ogunjinmi, Samson Oguntola; Olla, Noah Olugbemiga
This study evaluated generation mean performance, used single marker analysis (SMA) to determine associations between pigmentation and yield traits, and estimated mid- and better-parent heterosis in F₂ phenotypic classes from a cross between TVu1 and Ibadan BPC performed in an insect-proof screenhouse at the Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Nigeria, using a randomised complete block design with three replications. The parents, F₁, and 300 F₂ plants were grown in 10-L pots and spaced with 60 cm between rows and 45 cm within rows. Two seeds were sown per pot and thinned to one plant. Self-pollination was ensured using pollination bags. The following traits were measured: days to flowering, pod length, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, yield, and pigmentation scores. SMA was performed using one-way analysis of variance, and heterosis was estimated using ttests. Pigmentation classes were significantly associated with yield traits. Pigmented plants flowered earlier (47.56 days) and had longer pods (13.14 cm) and heavier seeds (11.05 g) than non-pigmented plants (53.10 days, 12.34 cm, and 10.71 g, respectively). Purple plants flowered earlier (44.10 days), produced more seeds per pod (11.41), and had a higher 100-seed weight (8.66 g) than white plants (46.29 days, 11.26 seeds, and 8.64 g, respectively). Immature pod pigmentation favoured earlier flowering (45.24 days), longer pods (13.33 cm), more seeds (12.00), and heavier seeds (10.15 g). Heterosis showed positive mid- and better-parent effects for 100-seed weight (35.05–45.68%). Pigmented classes showed superior performance for morphological marker selection in cowpea improvement.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of empirical reference evapotranspiration estimation methods in the Ziway Area, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-09-16) Bikila, Gebeyehu Ashemi
Reference evapotranspiration (ETO) is a fundamental component of irrigation scheduling, estimation of crop water requirements, and sustainable water-resource management, particularly in semi-arid regions where water resources are limited. This study evaluated the performance of four empirical ETO estimation methods (Blaney–Criddle, Hargreaves, Radiation, and Modified Penman) against the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method in the Ziway area of the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Long-term meteorological data (1990–2023), including air temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration, wind speed, and rainfall, were obtained from the Ziway Meteorological Station. The FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method implemented in CROPWAT 8.0 served as the benchmark, and model performance was evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean bias error (MBE), coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Willmott’s index of agreement (d), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and normalised root mean square error (NRMSE). Monthly ETO estimated by the benchmark method ranged from 2.87 to 5.00 mm day–1. Among the evaluated methods, the Modified Penman method produced the lowest prediction errors, whereas the Hargreaves method exhibited the strongest correlation with the benchmark. Comparison of rainfall and ETO showed that atmospheric evaporative demand exceeded precipitation during most months of the year, particularly during the dry and pre-rainy seasons, indicating the need for supplementary irrigation. Because independent evapotranspiration measurements, such as lysimeter or eddy-covariance observations, were unavailable, the results should be interpreted as agreement with the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith benchmark rather than as absolute model accuracy. These findings provide useful guidance for selecting appropriate ETO estimation methods under data-limited conditions in the semi-arid regions of Ethiopia.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in the management of peptic ulcer disease in Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-06-12) Ariyo, Oluyinka Christopher
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) results from an imbalance between gastric mucosal defence mechanisms and aggressive factors. Although modern anti-ulcer drugs are available, many rural communities in Nigeria continue to rely on traditional medicinal plants for ulcer management. This study documented the diversity and ethnomedicinal relevance of plants used for the treatment of PUD in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 110 respondents, comprising 36 traditional herbalists and 74 herb sellers selected through random sampling from 4 villages and major commercial centres within the LGA. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency of occurrence (FO), and fidelity level (FL) to determine the cultural significance of each species. A total of 22 plant species belonging to 17 families were recorded, with Fabaceae (subfamilies Mimosoideae and Papilionoideae) being the most represented family. Ocimum gratissimum (FO: 45; FL: 40.91%), Bryophyllum pinnatum (FO: 40; FL: 36.36%), and Carica papaya (FO: 39; FL: 35.45%) were the most frequently cited species. Leaves (40.91%) and seeds (22.73%) were the most commonly used plant parts, while grinding (33.33%) and decoction (20.83%) were the predominant preparation methods. Oral administration through drinking (54.55%) and eating (40.91%) was the most common route of administration. High FLs indicate strong traditional consensus regarding the therapeutic value of several species. These plants may serve as promising sources of novel gastroprotective compounds. Further pharmacological studies, including bioassay-guided fractionation, metabolite characterisation, and in vivo validation, are recommended to substantiate their anti-ulcer potential and support future drug development.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of the effect of a seaweed-based biostimulant on germination and biochemical quality of the species Momordica charantia
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-06-24) Ostaci, Ștefănica; Marta, Alina-Elena; Jităreanu, Carmenica-Doina
Momordica charantia L. (bitter cucumber) is a species of interest due to its nutritional value and remarkable nutraceutical properties. Natural biostimulants, such as those based on seaweed extracts, can help improve plant physiological processes by stimulating germination, metabolism, and stress tolerance. This study examined the effect of the seaweed-based biostimulant Algevit (0.5%) on five genotypes of M. charantia compared with an untreated control condition. First, seed germination was monitored, and then biochemical changes induced by the biostimulant, including the vitamin A (β-carotene), total phenolic, and soluble protein contents were determined. The biostimulant reduced the germination time and increased all three analysed biochemical parameters compared with the control, with the most pronounced effect observed for the vitamin A (β-carotene) content and the Line 1 genotype, with an increase from 3.95 to 8.19 μg/mL, confirming the effectiveness of Algevit.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
EUDR in Romania: transfer of good practices to agriculture from the forest sector
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-07-07) Saveliev, Gabriel-Iustinian; Relenschi, Mirela; Buliga, Bogdan; Chelaru Răduc, Maria
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR; Regulation (EU) 2023/1115) extends due-diligence and traceability obligations from timber to cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy and wood-derived products. This is a substantial regulatory shift for agriculture in EU Member States, while the forestry sector has more than a decade of operational experience with its predecessor timber regulation (EUTR; Regulation (EU) 995/2010) and with national instruments such as Romania’s Integrated Timber Tracking System (SUMAL). Aim. This article examines which best practices developed in the Romanian forestry sector are transferable to the implementation of EUDR in agriculture, under what conditions and with what limitations. Methods. A PRISMA-light systematic review of peer-reviewed literature (2015–2026) is combined with comparative policy analysis of Romania, Brazil and Argentina and document analysis of EU, Romanian, Brazilian and Argentine regulatory texts. Six explicit transferability criteria are applied: institutional capacity, technical feasibility, cost, digital infrastructure, smallholder inclusion and legal compatibility. Findings. Parcel-level geolocation, group-ofoperators arrangements, public traceability interfaces, and the combination of mandatory and voluntary controls are largely transferable from forestry to agriculture, but only after substantial institutional adaptation. SUMAL itself displays documented enforcement gaps and traceability fraud, so the transfer concerns governance logic rather than the literal system. Brazil (CAR, SISBOV, Soy Moratorium) and Argentina (RENSPA, SIGSA) offer complementary models for parcel registries and individual identification. Policy implications. Romania offers transferable lessons to other EU Member States, contingent on national forest governance, agricultural structure, administrative capacity and digital infrastructure. Operational priorities for Romania include designating a competent authority under Article 13 EUDR, integrating LPIS/IACS with a national EUDR-DDS gateway and supporting group due diligence through producer organisations.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and its relevance for digital agriculture in Romania
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-07-17) Butnaru, Constantin-Liviu
This study presents a descriptive and exploratory analysis of the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE) and proposes a reproducible proof-of-concept workflow for its use in digital agriculture in Romania. The novelty lies not in a new algorithm or empirical validation but in the systematic documentation of an open-access workflow that links data discovery, visualisation, and the filtering and download of Sentinel-2 products with two locally relevant applications: Normalised Difference Vegetation Index-based crop monitoring and Normalised Difference Water Index-based surface water observation over a small inland reservoir in Iași County. The methodological approach consisted of a qualitative functional analysis of the platform, the identification of data categories relevant to agricultural applications, and the documentation of a structured workflow integrated into didactic and applied activities in agricultural engineering. Analysis showed that the platform provides accessible support for using Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery and derived vegetation and water-monitoring products in crop condition assessment, spectral index interpretation, and local resource monitoring. The education dimension is reported on the basis of classroom observations accumulated over three academic years. No formal assessment instrument was applied; thus, observations concerning student performance and digital competencies should be regarded as exploratory. Within these limits, the findings indicate that CDSE functions as an operational gateway for satellite data use and as a candidate support environment for academic training in digital agriculture in Romania.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Entomological and epidemiological assessment of glossina species in relation to the prevalence of trypanosomiasis in selected area councils of Abuja
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-05-29) Umaru, Wintola Haulatu; Musa, Ahmad Rufai; Abdubala, Okpanachi Martin; Unekwu, Amana Gabriel; Umar, Sabdat Unoiza; Kehinde, Olubiyo Comfort; Taiye, Olubiyo Gloria; Unekwu, Ogbe Kingsley
African trypanosomiasis remains a major constraint to livestock productivity and public health in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the distribution, species composition, seasonal abundance, and trypanosome infection prevalence of Glossina species across six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional entomological survey was conducted from January to December 2022 using 48 acetone-baited biconical traps deployed in riverine and gallery forest habitats, for a total of 132 trapdays. A total of 4,991 captured flies were morphologically identified. Of these, 2,736 were classified as teneral flies, while the remaining 2,255 non-teneral flies were dissected and examined microscopically for trypanosome infection. Glossina palpalis was the dominant species, accounting for 91% of the individuals, while Glossina tachinoides made up the remaining 9%. The abundance of tsetse flies showed marked spatial and seasonal variation, peaking during the wet season, with the highest total catch recorded in Abaji. Female flies (n = 2,723) were significantly more abundant than male flies (n = 2,268) (t = 2.431, p = 0.029). Of the non-teneral flies examined for the presence of Trypanosoma spp., 744 were found to be infected, for an overall prevalence of 33%. Trypanosoma vivax was the predominant species (27%), followed by Trypanosoma congolense (5%) and Trypanosoma brucei (1%). The data indicated that the prevalence of infection was higher in female flies than in males. Notably, the highest infection prevalence was in Kwali, suggesting that high vector abundance does not always correspond directly to the intensity of infection. These findings demonstrate heterogeneous vector distribution and infection patterns across the FCT and highlight the need for targeted, seasonally informed vector control, routine surveillance, and community-based interventions to reduce tsetse fly populations and trypanosome transmission.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Varietal resistance of soybean to Callosobruchus maculatus and protection of the soybean seeds using Gnidia kraussiana root extracts
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-05-28) Kosini, Daniel; Nukenine, Elias N.; Tchindebe, Georges; Taimanga
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a key source of plant protein and oil in sub- Saharan Africa, but its storage is affected by the cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The present study investigated the C. maculatus resistance of 10 soybean varieties in 2 agroecological zones of northern Cameroon and evaluated the protective efficacy of Gnidia kraussiana root extracts compared to neem seed oil on a susceptible variety. Significant varietal differences in C. maculatus susceptibility were observed, with resistance varying across locations. Only a subset of varieties (e.g., TGx1844-18E, SJ235, VT/SG Houla1, and Emgopa314) exhibited consistent resistance across both sites, and others showed location-dependent responses. Kodek/Houla1 displayed variable susceptibility and was classified as moderately susceptible in Maroua and moderately resistant in Ngaoundéré. Resistance was associated with seed biochemical traits. The soluble sugar content was positively correlated with susceptibility, whereas saponins were negatively correlated with susceptibility. Bioassays conducted on Kodek/Houla1 revealed that the hexane and acetone fractions of G. kraussiana root extracts caused high adult mortality, strongly reduced progeny emergence and seed damage, and prolonged protection during storage. At 5 g·kg-1, both fractions almost completely inhibited beetle development and showed an efficacy comparable to neem seed oil. These findings suggest that integrating soybean varieties with stable resistance profiles and plant-based protectants, such as G. kraussiana extracts, could contribute to the environmentally sustainable management of C. maculatus. However, further studies including chemical characterisation of the active compounds are required.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Plant diversity and conservation concerns in the forest–savannah transition zone of central Cameroon
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-05-21) Tsopmejio Temfack, Ingrid; Chimi Djomo, Cédric; Ntomen Yonkeu, Amandine Flore; Kpoumie Mounmemi, Hubert; Nkouankam Tchayep, Aurélien Richy; Lekeufack,Armel; Ngoukwa, Guylène; Kamga Wanang, Victoire Divine; Zapfack, Louis
Although communal forests face threats, their managers continue to neglect conservation, especially in forest– savannah areas, where plant diversity knowledge has been rarely documented. To address these shortcomings, this study aimed to characterise plant diversity and assess the conservation status of the Minta Communal Forest (MCF) in Central Cameroon. To collect data on different land cover/land uses (LC/LUs) that constitute the MCF, floristic inventories were carried out on trees with a diameter ≥5 cm in 37 plots measuring 40 m × 50 m. A total of 1246 stems belonging to 173 species, 121 genera, and 43 families with a generic coefficient of 69.94% were surveyed. Mature forests had the highest species richness (130 ± 7), and savannas had the lowest (16 ± 4). The Shannon index (4.38) confirmed the plant diversity richness in the MCF. The density and basal area found were 169 stems/ha and 18.47 m²/ha, respectively. However, they varied significantly in LC/LU function (p < 0.05). There were 13 threatened species, including Entandrophragma candollei, Guarea cedrata, Milicia excelsa, and Irvingia gabonensis, which are classified as vulnerable species. In addition, Dialium zenkeri was as the only species identified as endemic to the South-West Cameroon zone. This study provides useful floristic data, enabling decision-making for the sustainable management of the MCF.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Long-term evaluation of biomass and tropane alkaloid biosynthesis in Datura hairy root cultures elicited with AgNO3
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-05-13) Moussous, Asma; Moussous, Walid; Khelifi, Lakhdar
This study evaluated the growth kinetics and hyoscyamine biosynthesis of transgenic hairy roots from Datura innoxia (DI), Datura stramonium var. stramonium (DS) and Datura stramonium var. tatula (DT) induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4 and cultured in vitro for five years after their induction using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for alkaloid analysis. The lines were elicited with AgNO3 for 24 and 48 h to determine its effects on the biomass, hyoscyamine and scopolamine yield of hairy roots. DT grew better, resulting in 0.295 g of dry mass after 21 d of culture on B5 medium in the first year, compared to 0.229 g for DI and 0.205 g for DS. Over five years, DT grew better than DS and DI. Furthermore, the hyoscyamine yield was higher in DT than in DI and DS with the best yield occurring in the first year of culture (8.575 mg g−1 DW). After chemical elicitation, the biomass, expressed as the dry weight of DS and DT, decreased under all AgNO3 treatments. However, the DI biomass increased after AgNO3 treatment for 24 and 48 h (74%) of the control. Only two treatments promoted hyoscyamine biosynthesis, and the best yield was obtained with 7.89 mg g−1 DW of hyoscyamine after 48 h of elicitation. However, the scopolamine yield was improved by AgNO3 elicitation for 24 h with the best result obtained for DT hairy roots (0.539 mg g−1 DW).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Influence of cleaning cut timing and nitrogen application on Andropogon gayanus seed yield in Benishangul-Gumuz, Western Ethiopia
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-05-11) Seid, Kedija Ahmed; Jibat, Diribi Mijena; Damtew, Habtamu Alebachew
A study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 at the Assosa Agricultural Research Center to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertiliser application and cleaning cut timing on the seed yield and quality of Andropogon gayanus. The experiment used a split-plot design in a randomised complete block arrangement with four replications. Four N levels [0(control), 23, 46, and 69 kg ha−1] were assigned to the main plots, and four cleaning cut timings (15, 30, 45, and 60 days after rainfall onset) were assigned to the subplots. Analysis of variance showed significant (p < 0.05) effects of N rate, cleaning cut interval, and their interaction on seed yield and most yieldrelated traits. The highest inflorescence density (147.38 m−²) was recorded at 69 kg ha−1 N, and the 15-day cut produced the most racemes per inflorescence (6.91). The maximum seed yield (675.05–722.03 kg ha−1) and optimal seed germination (>68%) were attained when N rates of 23–69 kg ha−1 were combined with a cleaning cut at 30–45 days. Based on the seed yield and quality, applying 23–69 kg ha−1 N with a 30–45-day cleaning cut is recommended to optimise seed production for A. gayanus in the study area and similar agroecologies. Future research should expand on these findings by evaluating economic cost–benefit analyses, alternative N sources, such as biofertilisers, and the long-term storage potential of seeds through germination tests seven months after harvest.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Comparative assessment of true potato seed-derived genotypes under controlled conditions
(”Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 2026-04-30) Cioloca, Mihaela; Bădărău, Carmen-Liliana; Tican, Andreea-Marinela; Bărăscu, Nina; Popa, Monica
Potato is the subject of extensive and diversified scientific studies related to human nutrition, seed production, and feed and raw material for industry. Given the current climatic context and the need to ensure food security for a continuously growing population, the possibility of using the generative method for potato multiplication was tested with the aim of producing an alternative material that would complete the potato requirement. The biological material used in this study was represented by six potato genotypes derived from true seed and the Brașovia potato variety (control). This study was carried out through the following stages: germination under ”in vitro” conditions for potato seeds, micropropagation of the obtained microplants, planting in an ”insect-proof” protected space for potato microplants obtained ”in vitro”, and minituber production. The genotypes grown in a protected space were analysed in terms of the number of minitubers/plant, the weight of minitubers/plant and the calibration by size fractions of the minitubers. Among the genotypes studied, genotype 101/3 stood out in terms of the number of minitubers (13.92) and minituber weight (154.38 g) compared to the control variety. The best results in terms of the percentage of minitubers in the size class larger than 28 mm were obtained for genotype 102/3 (67.92%).

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