2022

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/3183

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Nutritional and antinutritional compounds in leaves of quinoa
(Elsevier Ltd., 2021-11-29) Stoleru, Vasile; Jacobsen, Sven-Erik; Vitănescu, Maricel; Jităreanu, Gerard; Butnariu, Monica; Munteanu, Neculai; Stan, Teodor; Teliban, Gabriel-Ciprian; Cojocaru, Alexandru; Mihalache, Gabriela
In the context of climate change, especially for the temperate continental climate, new potential crop species are emerging, originating from the tropics. One of them is quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) with multiple benefits for seed and leaf production. Quinoa is native to South America, grown mainly for seeds, with a high ecological plasticity. Little is known about the potential of using quinoa plants as a leafy vegetable for food diversification. In this study, the nutritional and antinutritional content of quinoa leaves was evaluated in three cultivars (Titicaca, Puno, Vikinga), considering different densities and times of sowing. Puno cultivar had a higher total content of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and dietary fibers, and lower mineral contents in leaves. Low levels of antinutrient compounds were found in Vikinga leaves. Regarding the time of the crop establishment, the highest content of primary metabolic compounds (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, dietary fibers) was achieved by April 17, the sowing date. Crop densities of 7.7, 3.2, and 1.6 mil. plants/ha did not significantly influence the content of compounds with antinutritive role, such as oxalates, saponins or trypsin inhibitors. The content of mineral elements such as: Fe, Zn, Na and K were significantly influenced by the cultivar, compared to Mg and Ca whose values were insignificant regardless of the treatment.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Use of Sarkanda grass lignin as a possible adsorbent for as (III) from aqueous solutions – kinetic and equilibrium studies
(Editura Academiei Romane, 2022-05-06) Ungureanu, Elena; Jităreanu, Carmenica-Doina; Trofin, Alina-Elena; Fortună, Maria-Emiliana; Ungureanu, Ovidiu C.; Ariton, Adina-Mirela; Trincă, Lucia-Carmen; Brezuleanu, Stejărel; Popa, Valentin I.
Considering the negative effects of polluting species on the environment and human health, in particular heavy metals, and the need for efficient use of resources, the present study investigated the adsorption of As (III) from aqueous solutions under static conditions onto chemically unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin. In order to optimize the adsorption process, the retention of As (III) was tested under various experimental parameters (pH of the initial solution and adsorbent, concentration of aqueous solutions, adsorbent dose and contact time of the two phases). The experimental data obtained were interpreted based on the classical models of Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, which was useful in establishing the equilibrium conditions and in evaluating the adsorption capacity for a solute. The adsorption dynamics was studied using the Lagergren pseudo-first order and the Ho and McKay pseudo-second order models. The analysis of the obtained experimental data recommends chemically unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin as a future alternative adsorbent for water remediation, taking into account its practical applicability in the retention of As (III) from aqueous solutions, in terms of both adsorbent and adsorbed doses, as well as the time required for adsorption.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
Antioxidant molecule useful in the stabilization of nanoparticles in water suspension
(Taylor & Francis Online, 2022-01-22) Popescu Lipan, Larisa; Les, Anda; Grigoraș, Marian; Ababei, Gabriel; Motrescu, Iuliana; Bulai, Georgiana; Brînză, Florin; Creangă, Dorina; Bălășoiu, Maria
The preparation of antioxidant-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been studied to improve their biocompatibility, i.e. reducing negative side effects. The theoretical study was focused on the interaction of gallic acid (GA) with ionic iron at the surface of nanoparticles that increased reactivity and favors the uniform dispersion in water of magnetic nanoparticles and the interaction with other molecules of biomedical interest. Experimentally, we worked with an optimal method of coating the MNP with GA at 80°C which led to fine granulation highlighted by TEM, preservation of good crystallinity, proven by XRD as well as magnetic properties suitable for biomedical applications based on magnetically targeted guidance. The study of nanotoxicity was focused on the fate of MNPs eliminated in the biosphere, so the influence on photosynthesis in seedlings in early ontogenetic stages was sought. The small variation, with a positive trend, of the efficiency of photosynthesis was correlated with the balancing of the toxic effects, of ROS generation catalyzed by iron ions from the MNP surface by means of the antioxidant character of GA.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Parameters analysis of the Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. attack at maize crops in the conditions of central Moldova
(University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Agriculture, 2022) Pintilie, Paula-Lucelia; Tălmaciu, Mihai; Trotuș, Elena; Amarghioalei, Roxana-Georgiana; Leonte, Alexandra; Isticioaia, Simona-Florina
Maize is cultivated on 2,678.5 thousand ha in Romania, and its cultivation on large areas attracts a number of pests that attack various parts of the plant in different developmental phases. One of these dangerous pests is Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn., a species that occurs during the growing season of maize and causes production losses by the attack on the stem and cob. The larvae produce various attacks, influenced by climatic conditions, the frequency of attacked plants being between 15.7 and 67.9% in the south-west of the country, in the south-east of the country varies between 43.3-79.4%, in the Transylvanian Plain has values between 60.00% and 81.88%, in the west of the country the attack is around 41%, and in the east of the country by 30.20%. The importance of attacks by Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. at maize led to the initiation of studies in 2019 at the A.R.D.S. Secuieni to determine the influence of technological factors on the parameters of attack (frequency of attack, average number of holes, galleries and larvae and average length of gallery) produced by larvae. For the maize sown in epochs, the optimal epoch, the IIIrd, recorded the lowest values of the parameters: the frequency of the attack was 18.65%, were identified 0.60 holes/plant, 0.39 galleries/plant and 0.38 larvae/plant, and the average length of the galleries was 8.39 cm. The behavior of genotypes at the attack produced by larvae varied within very wide limits, the frequency of the attack was between 36.56% at the early genotype Vibrion and reached 48.50% at the late genotype Olt.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Research regarding the Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) attack at maize crops under the central of Moldova conditions, Romania
(NARDI FUNDULEA, ROMANIA, 2021-12) Pintilie, Paula-Lucelia; Tălmaciu, Mihai; Trotuș, Elena; Amarghioalei, Roxana-Georgiana; Isticioaia, Simona-Florina; Zaharia, Roxana; Herea, Monica; Buburuz, Alexandra-Andreea; Popa, Lorena-Diana
The Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. larvae causes attacks and production losses by feeding with different parts of the plant (stem, cobs, inflorescence). The insect is spread throughout Romania, the frequency of attack is, on average, between 30.3% and 70%. The importance of Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. attacks produced at maize led to the initiation of studies in 2017 at ARDS Secuieni with the purpose to establish the role of technological links in reducing the attack caused by insect larvae. The result obtained regarding the experimentation of five sowing epochs highlighted the high attack on larvae of maize sown in epochs IV and V in comparation with the optimal epoch. The attack produced by larvae at different genotype under the conditions of Central of Moldova, was between 28.59% (Turda 248) and 35.83% (Turda 165), compared with the average experience of 33.34%. Regarding the positioning of the attack on the plant, it is found that highest number of gallery were identified in the area under the cobs compared to the panicle area, where their number was much lower. The application of insecticides through treatments on vegetation reduced the attack of larvae ensuring the protection of maize plants, the variant treated with the active substance cyantraniliprol 200 g/l registered the lowest attack of 9.4%. In the variants treated with insecticides, the attack had values between 11.6% and 15.4% compared to the untreated variant, which registered an attack of 22.5%. In the period 2017-2020, under the conditions in Central Moldova, the sowing epoch and treatment with insecticides on vegetation significantly influenced the attack, and in terms of cultivated hybrid, the differences were insignificant.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The response of runner bean crop to irrigation and fertilization
(NARDI FUNDULEA, ROMANIA, 2022-01) Teliban, Gabriel-Ciprian; Stoleru, Vasile; Bireescu, Geanina; Mihalache, Gabriela; Burducea, Marian; Munteanu, Neculai; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Matei, Gheorghe; Rădeanu, Georgiana; Popa, Lorena-Diana; Vlăduț, Nicolae-Valentin
Currently there is a growing interest both in obtaining large agricultural yields in order to provide food for a growing population as well as in increasing the sustainability of production systems by improving the health of the soil. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic versus chemical fertilization versus irrigation on runner bean crop and soil health. A bi-factorial field experiment was organized in a split plot design with three replicates during two years (2019 and 2020). The first factor, irrigation, had two graduations: irrigated with 3000 m3/ha (Ir) and non-irrigated (Non-Ir). The second factor, fertilization, had four graduations: biosolids (1200 kg/ha) (B), chemical (360 kg/ha) (Ch), microorganism (80 kg/ha) (M) and unfertilized (Unfert). The results showed that, regarding the physiological state of the plants, both the photosynthesis and the chlorophyll content were higher at Ir x M (5.31 µmol CO2/m2s2 and 45.23 SPAD units, respectively). The yield of dried beans ranged between 1476-4811 kg/ha in 2019 and 1498-4727 kg/ha in 2020 and was highest for Ir x Ch. Soil health status estimated by determining the dehydrogenase activity in the soil, has been improved for irrigated (Ir) and fertilized (B, M, Ch) variants.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Recent progress in monoecious hemp variety for seed, obtained in Romania
(NARDI FUNDULEA, ROMANIA, 2022-01) Popa, Lorena-Diana; Buburuz, Alexandra-Andreea; Trotuș, Elena; Vlăduț, Nicolae-Valentin; Teliban, Gabriel-Ciprian; Agapie, Alina-Laura; Puiu, Ioan; Burducea, Marian; Melucă, Cristina; Pintilie, Paula-Lucelia; Matei, Gheorghe
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a multifunctional crop that can be processed to obtain many different products like food, feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, recyclable and compostable biomaterials, energy, while having a positive effect on the environment. As the world market for industrial hemp seeds and oil is on rise, research has been carried out in the climatic conditions of Central Moldova in order to obtain a new genotype of monoecious hemp in accordance with the requirements of the European market and beyond. Olivia is a new monoecious hemp variety for seed, created at Agricultural Research and Development Station Secuieni Neamț, being homologated in 2020. It was patented in 2021 and is registered in the Official European Catalog of Varieties. It was obtained by repeated hybridization (dioecious form Chi65 - female partner and monoecious form Z59 - male partner), isolation in space and repeated selection. This new variety is characterized by stems with a length of 2.6-3.2 m. The yield is of 9.5-11.0 tha-1 of stems and 1600-2000 kgha-1 of seed.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Mapping the impact of recent climate change on viticultural potential in Romania
(Springer Link, 2022-02-26) Patriche, Cristian-Valeriu; Irimia, Liviu-Mihai
Climate change affects the viticulture sector worldwide in different ways, some countries reporting negative impacts, other positive effects, depending on the type of climate in which they are located. Romania is an important wine-producing European country, with a long viticultural tradition. Our study aims to map the ecological potential for viticulture at country scale, using a GIS-based multi-criteria methodology, which quantifies and integrates the influences of climate, soil and relief factors. The soil and relief factors are considered stable in the analysed time period, while the climate factors are dynamic, their influence being assessed for two periods of time: the reference climate period (1961–1990) and the more recent period (1991–2013), affected by climate warming. The results show that the area suitable for viticulture has expanded during the last decades, new regions in the plateau, hilly and lower mountain areas shifting from restrictive to suitable for wine grape cultivation (25,245 km2, 10.6% of the country). On average, the upper limit vine growing has shifted from 612 m (1961–1990) to 860 m (1991–2013). As a consequence, the potential for white wines has migrated to higher elevations and latitudes, while the potential for red wine production has significantly increased at lower elevations. Overall, there is an increase in suitability for wine grape production for about one third of the country (76,833 km2, 32.2%). Such changes are likely to modify the typicity of traditional winemaking regions, compelling the producers to adapt through introducing of new grape varieties and technological changes.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Continuous systems bioremediation of wastewaters loaded with heavy metals using microorganisms
(MDPI, 2022-09-02) Filote, Cătălina; Roșca, Mihaela; Simion, Isabela-Maria; Hlihor, Raluca-Maria
Heavy metal pollution is a serious concern of the modern era due to its widespread negative effects on human health and to the environment. Conventional technologies applied for the uptake of this category of persistent pollutants are complex, often expensive, and inefficient at low metal concentrations. In the last few years, non-conventional alternatives have been studied in search of better solutions in terms of costs and sustainability. Microbial adsorbents are one of the biomass-based sorbents that have extensively demonstrated excellent heavy metals removal capacity even at low concentrations. However, most of the carried-out research regarding their application in wastewater treatment has been performed in discontinuous systems. The use of microorganisms for the uptake of metal ions in continuous systems could be an important step for the upscale of the remediation processes since it facilitates a faster remediation of higher quantities of wastewaters loaded with heavy metals, in comparison with batch systems removal. Thus, the current research aims to analyze the available studies focusing on the removal of metal ions from wastewaters using microorganisms, in continuous systems, with a focus on obtained performances, optimized experimental conditions, and the sustainability of the bioremoval process. The present work found that microbial-based remediation processes have demonstrated very good performances in continuous systems. Further sustainability analyses are required in order to apply the bioremediation technology in an optimized environmentally friendly way in large-scale facilities.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Medicinal plant growth in heavy metals contaminated soils: responses to metal stress and induced risks to human health
(MDPI, 2022-08-27) Hlihor, Raluca-Maria; Roșca, Mihaela; Hagiu Zaleschi, Laura; Simion, Isabela-Maria; Daraban, Gabriel-Mihăiță; Stoleru, Vasile
Accelerating heavy metal pollution is a hot issue due to a continuous growth in consumerism and increased activities in various global industries. Soil contamination with heavy metals has resulted in their incorporation into the human food web via plant components. Accumulation and amplification of heavy metals in human tissues through the consumption of medicinal plants can have hazardous health outcomes. Therefore, in this critical review we aim to bring together published information on this subject, with a special highlight on the knowledge gaps related to heavy metal stress in medicinal plants, their responses, and human health related risks. In this respect, this review outlines the key contamination sources of heavy metals in plants, as well as the absorption, mobilization and translocation of metal ions in plant compartments, while considering their respective mechanisms of detoxification. In addition, this literature review attempts to highlight how stress and defensive strategies operate in plants, pointing out the main stressors, either biotic or abiotic (e.g., heavy metals), and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in stress answers. Finally, in our research, we further aim to capture the risks caused by heavy metals in medicinal plants to human health through the assessment of both a hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Chemometric optimization of biologically active compounds extraction from grape marc: composition and antimicrobial activity
(MDPI, 2022-02-28) Ghendov Moșanu, Aliona; Cojocari, Daniela; Balan, Greta; Patraș, Antoanela; Lung, Ildiko; Soran, Maria-Loredana; Opriș, Ocsana; Cristea, Elena; Sturza, Rodica
The article focuses on the optimization of the extraction process of biologically active compounds (BAC) from grape marc—a by-product of the wine industry. The influence of temperature, specifically 30 °C, 45 °C and 65 °C, and ethanol concentration in solutions, specifically 0–96% (v/v) on the extraction yield of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins, were investigated. The composition of individual polyphenols, anthocyanins and organic acids, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) and CIELab chromatic characteristics of the grape marc extracts (GME), were characterized. The microbiostatic and microbicidal effects in direct contact of GME with pathogenic microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, were determined in vitro. The influence of extraction parameters on the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), tannin content (TC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and their interdependencies were studied using information analysis. A mathematical model was developed on cubic spline functions. The analysis of individual compounds showed the presence of a wide range of flavonoids (procyanidin B2, procyanidin B1, hyperoside and quercetin), flavones (catechin), hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic acids, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid), hydroxycinic acid derivatives and ferulic acid methyl ester. The malvidol-3-glucoside was the main anthocyanin identified in the extract. A high amount of tartaric acid was also found. GME showed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and lower activity against Gram-negative bacteria.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Saharan dust storm aerosol characterization of the event (9 to 13 May 2020) over European AERONET sites
(MDPI, 2022-03-18) Garofalide, Silvia; Postolachi, Cristina; Cocean, Alexandru; Cocean, Georgiana; Motrescu, Iuliana; Cocean, Iuliana; Munteanu, Bogdănel-Silvestru; Prelipceanu, Marius; Gurlui, Silviu; Leontie, Liviu
This researchwas aimed at investigating the Saharan dust cloud recorded on 11 and 12May 2020, by AERONET AOD stations in Italy, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, and Romania and determining whether it affected the area of the Republic of Moldova. During this period, the Chisinau AERONET monitoring site was not operational. The incentive for the investigation was the discovery of a high sediment load in rainwater collected on 12 May 2020 in Pelinia, a village in the Dochia district of the Republic of Moldova, in the southeastern part of Europe (47.8780 latitude, 27.8344 longitude), which could have originated from the Saharan dust storm. Backward trajectory analysis with NOAA’s HYSPLIT model confirmed that the Saharan dust storm impacted the village of Pelinia. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of Pelinia rainwater sediments confirmed the chemical composition and morphological structure of Saharan dust particles. The particle size of the sediments matched the measurements at the AOD stations at Timisoara and Magurele, supporting the suggestion that Saharan dust probably entered the Republic of Moldova from Romania. FTIR analysis identified chemical compounds such as carbon dioxide, carbonates, sulfates, ferrocyanides, and organics (amines, amides, polypeptides, imines, oximes, pyrroles, aldehydes, sulfoxides, sulfones, nitro-derivatives) that were adsorbed and/or absorbed from the atmosphere, consistent with Saharan dust aerosols. Bio-allergens such as pollen were detected in the SEM images, showing the role of Saharan dust in transporting and spreading this kind of biological material. This study highlights the risk of Saharan dust clouds to humans, animals, and plants, but also its potential benefits for agriculture when suitable conditions are met in this regard.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Pulsed laser ablation: a facile and low-temperature fabrication of highly oriented n-type zinc oxide thin films
(MDPI, 2022-01-17) Ciolan, Mihai-Alexandru; Motrescu, Iuliana
Eco-friendly and facile zinc oxide (ZnO) synthesis of zinc-oxide-based nanomaterials with specific properties is a great challenge due to its excellent industrial applications in the field of semiconductors and solar cells. In this paper, we report the production of zinc oxide thin films at relatively low deposition temperature employing a simple and non-toxic method at low substrate temperature: pulsed laser ablation, as a first step for developing a n-ZnO/p-Si heterojunction. Singlephase n-type zinc oxide thin films are confirmed by an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed by the maximum diffraction intensity from the (002) plane. Absorbance measurements indicate an increase in the band gap energy close to the bulk ZnO. A 350 degree C substrate temperature led to obtaining a highly porous film with high crystallinity and high bandgap, showing good premises for further applications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Potential of continuous electric current on biometrical, physiological and quality characteristics of organic tomato
(MDPI, 2022-03-21) Gheorghițoaie, Mădălin-Vasile; Bodale, Ilie; Achiței, Vlăduț; Teliban, Gabriel-Ciprian; Cojocaru, Alexandru; Caruso, Gianluca; Mihalache, Gabriela; Stoleru, Vasile
The tomato is one of the most important species in the food sector. For farmers, the increase in yield in greenhouse conditions by keeping a high quality of fruits represents a goal which is very difficult to achieve in these conditions. Therefore, the present study evaluates the influence that a continuous electric current might have on some biometrical, physiological and quality parameters of tomato fruits. The study was carried out in a greenhouse where tomato plants belonging to Qualitet F1 hybrid were treated with different continuous electric currents, under 5 DC sources, stabilized by the laboratory 0–30 V/0–5 A. During the research, the tomato plants were exposed to different electric current intensities or voltages on the plants or in the soil (T1-0.15 A; T2-0.30 A; T3-0.45 A; T4-1.5 V; T5-1.5 V-soil). The tomato plant samples were compared with an untreated control. In order to determine the influence of a continuous electric current, observations and determinations were made on tomato plants and fruits. The results highlighted significant differences between the treated and not treated plants, regarding the plant height, yield, firmness, acidity, total soluble solids, antioxidant activity, crude and dietary fibres, tannins, oxalates, saponins, -amylase inhibitors, K, Mg, Fe and Zn content. Depending on the intensity of the electric current and the manner of application, the biometrical, physiological and quality parameters of tomato fruits were differently influenced. Both positive and negative influences were registered. More experiments are needed in order to establish a relation between the electric current intensity and the manner of application which can lead to better and higher tomato yields and quality in greenhouse conditions.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Effect of yeast assimilable nitrogen content on fermentation kinetics, wine chemical composition and sensory character in the production of Assyrtiko wines
(MDPI, 2022-01-28) Christofi, Stefania; Papanikolaou, Seraphim; Dimopoulou, Maria; Terpou, Antonia; Cioroiu, Ionel-Bogdan; Cotea, Valeriu V.; Kallithraka, Stamatina
Two wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains (Sa and Sb) were tested for white wine production using Assyrtiko grape of Santorini. A third commercial Saccharomyces strain was also studied for comparison reasons. Two concentrations of yeast extract and diammonium phosphate (DAP) were added to the must (150 and 250 mg/L) in order to evaluate the effect of nitrogen content on the final wine quality. Analytical methods (HPLC, GC-MS) and sensory analysis were employed to assess the quality of the wines. Fermentation kinetics were monitored throughout the experiment. By the second day of fermentation, all strains showed an approximate consumption of 70% of amino acids. Differences among strains were observed regarding inorganic nitrogen requirements. Sb strain resulted in higher concentrations of higher alcohols (1.9-fold) and ketones (5.6-fold) and lower concentrations of esters (1.2-fold) compared to the control, while Sa strain resulted in higher content of fatty acids (2.1-fold). Both indigenous strains scored better results in aroma quality, body and acidity compared to control. The overall evaluation of the data highlights the great potential of the indigenous S. cerevisiae strains as fermentation starters providing promising results in the sector of terroir wines.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
Effects of exogenous growth regulators on agrobiological, technological and physiological characteristics of an interspecific grapevine cultivar
(Taylor & Francis Online, 2022-09-27) Filimon, Roxana-Mihaela; Rotaru, Liliana; Filimon, Vasile-Răzvan
The use of interspecific grapevine cultivars offers new perspectives for sustainable viticulture. Although the application of exogenous plant hormones has become widespread in recent years, data regarding the response of interspecific grapevine cultivars to treatments with biostimulants are scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of gibberellic acid (GA3) (25, 50 and 100 mg L−1), applied by spraying the inflorescences in the late flowering phenophase, and of the complex product Cropmax® (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mL L−1) applied by spraying the leaves in three different phenophases, on the phenology, fertility, physiological characteristics, grape yield and quality of the interspecific table grape cultivar Moldova (Guzal kara × Seyve-Villard 12-375), growing in temperate climate conditions (N-E Romania). The application of GA3 at 50 mg L−1 increased the plant productivity (36%), promoted fruit growth and rachis elongation, improved the percentage of the marketable yield (by 5.5%), balanced the sugar/acidity ratio, but affected the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Foliar application of Cropmax® at 2.5 mL L−1 significantly improved the berry diameter, and sugar and anthocyanin accumulation, but grape acidity remained high. All treatments allowed the normal development of plant phenophases and grape maturation, but GA3 application slightly extended the number of days of the annual biological cycle of the Moldova hybrid cultivar (up to 5.5 days), probably due to a temporary variation in the physiological parameters (except for stomatal conductance), as determined in mature leaves after the application of the exogenous growth regulator.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Study on behavior of some perennial flowering species used in vertical systems for green facades in Eastern European climate
(MDPI, 2022-01-04) Cojocariu, Mirela; Chelariu, Elena-Liliana; Chiruță, Ciprian
The negative effects of urbanization such as urban overheating, pollution, high population density and so on are being experienced by city inhabitants more than ever, thus motivating a high number of researchers to find viable solutions to mitigate these effects. The present paper aims to identify an assortment of ornamental plants appropriate to be successfully used in various facade covering systems for buildings located in Eastern European countries. For this purpose, throughout a vegetation season, the project’s team thoroughly monitored the percentage of survival, the coverage degree, and the behavior (biometric aspects and visual quality) of ten flowering species planted vertically and being oriented towards all four cardinal points. At the same time, the team conducted a thorough monitoring of some parameters of the soil (pH, humidity, and temperature) and of the outside environment (light intensity and temperature). Two experimental structures were built, insulated on the inside and covered at the top with thermal insulating panels, to simulate the same conditions of an insulated and unheated construction. The monitoring results showed that Heuchera x hybrida ‘Fire Alarm’, Heuchera x hybrida ‘Marmalade’ and Festuca galuca had a healthy appearance throughout the year, regardless of the cardinal orientation while providing a good coverage of the vertical surface.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Pesticides identification and sustainable viticulture practices to reduce their use: an overviewc
(MDPI, 2022-10-24) Tucker, Samuel; Dumitriu Gabur, Georgiana-Diana; Teodosiu, Carmen
The use of pesticides is a necessary practice in the modern era. Therefore, it is impossible to ignore the pesticide market, which has developed into one of the most lucrative in the world. Nowadays, humans are subjected to many potential risks, and significant amounts of toxic compounds enter their bodies through food, drink, and the air itself. Identification and quantification of these hazardous compounds is crucial for the sustainable development of an increasing world population which poses high climatic and political constraints on agricultural production systems. The maximum residue limits for pesticides have been regulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and European Union to protect human health. In this review, we have summarized and explained the analytical methods for pesticide extraction and determination. Also, sustainable viticulture practices like organic vineyards, tillage, biopesticides, nanobiopesticides, and precision viticulture are briefly discussed. These new techniques allow wine growers to be more profitable and efficient, while contributing to the reduction of pests and increasing the quality of wines.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Exploring the antioxidant and bioinsecticidal activity of spontaneous flora vegetal extracts for plant protection and prevention of soil contamination
(MDPI, 2022-09-13) Daraban, Gabriel-Mihăiță; Rusu, Lăcrămioara; Dinica, Rodica-Mihaela; Roșca, Mihaela; Bădeanu, Marinela; Ionică Mihăilă, Maria-Daniela; Șuteu, Daniela
The purpose of this article was to evaluate the application of different plant extracts with bioinsecticidal action and antioxidant activity for plants and soil protection, by substitution of the application of synthetically formulated pesticides with eco-friendly compounds. In this framework, this research focused on the utilization of plant extracts from the spontaneous flora of Moldova (Romania) as bioinsecticides for the control of field pests of the species Leptinotarsa decemlineata and their antioxidant activity. Plant extracts of oregano (Origanum vulgare), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), and cowslip (Primula veris) were assessed for their antioxidant activity by the microplate spectrophotometric-based method (for polyphenols and flavonoids content and for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenger activity) and were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy spectra. To evaluate the bioinsecticidal properties of the plant extracts, the mortality (%) and neuroleptic manifestations appearing in the middle of the monitoring period for larvae and adults of the Leptinotarsa decemlineata species were identified. Mortality (%) was statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the resulting experimental results were compared with the LSD-Fisher’s test (p < 0.05). The highest mortality (%) was observed after 24 h of treatment with extracts of Origanum vulgare at 100% concentration, while the maximum effect was recorded after 48 h for Origanum vulgare at 60% and 100% concentrations.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Innovative recovery of winemaking waste for effective lead removal fromwastewater
(MDPI, 2022-02-28) Ungureanu, Gabriela; Patraș, Antoanela; Coroi Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Sturza, Rodica; Ghendov Moșanu, Aliona
Every year, important quantities of winemaking waste create problems for wine producers. These problems arise from the difficulty of disposing of grape marc, which can pollute the environment and affect nearby agricultural crops. The present research proposes a new direction for the valorization of this agri-food waste in residual water depollution. Four biomaterials obtained from winemaking waste were tested for Pb removal: raw Merlot grape marc (MR), raw Sauvignon Blanc grape marc (SbR), Merlot grape marc biorefined (ME) and Sauvignon Blanc grape marc biorefined (SbE). The effects of biosorbent mass and initial Pb concentration, adsorption kinetic, equilibrium isotherms and the matrix influence from a mine effluent were assessed. Very good perspectives for the practical application in lead uptake from wastewaters arise, with better results for biorefined grape marc compared to raw material. The lead removal percentage from an initial solution containing 20 mg Pb/L, at optimum pH (5.5 0.5) was 71%—MR, 78%—SbR, 80%—ME, and 97%—SbE. A Langmuir model revealed a very good removal capacity for ME (40 mg/g) and SbE (64 mg/g). Thus, the grape marc, a polluting waste, can turn into a low-cost and easy-to-prepare sorbent for the bioremediation of contaminated water.

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